Federie

18

We readied ourselves for the bride to come down the aisle. Amari looked nervous and Omir was all smiles. We had just discovered that we were pregnant again. Esjaye was only 6 months old, but we were happy.

We heard the music start for the bride's arrival and all turned to see her entrance. Nina was beautiful in her princess themed gown. She even wore a tiara. Cali had somehow convinced Amari to let her come to the wedding. She was sitting in the front row giving me a death stare. Nina came down the aisle with her mother. She never knew her father and her mom was always both parents for her coming up. She place her hands into Amari, kissed him on the cheek and made her way to her seat.

Amari looked so happy. He told her how beautiful she was, never taking his gaze away from hers. She took a calming breath and they both focused on the minister.

They exchanged vows and the ceremony moved to the reception. I noticed that the newly weds hadn't made their entrance after an hour, so I went to check on them. When I found them in the suite where they got ready, Nina was screaming in pain. She was in labor. I quickly ran to assist. Amari looked panicked as they did wait until the end of pregnancy to wed. It allowed all the family to come in and be present.

I asked Nina how far apart the contractions were. She told me 3-5 minutes. The babies were close to delivery. I sent Chris to retrieve my medic bag from the vehicle. I asked everyone but Amari to step out. Nina was still wearing her wedding dress but luckily the bottom half detached. Amari helped me stand her up and remove it. He got pillows from the couch to prop her head up. Chris sat my bag inside the room with one hand, never showing his face. I quickly got it and found gloves.

I made a sterile field with a clean towel and placed Nina in the lithotomy position. She screamed in pain. The first baby was already crowning and I knew it wasn't long before he would make his entrance. She screamed she couldn't hold it any longer and pushed before I was ready. I turned to face her just in time as baby one made his debut. His arrival was short lived as I handed him to Amari. I instructed him to wrap him in a towel until we were done with baby two.

She started pushing again, while I was clipping the umbilical cord for baby one. Baby two made his entrance only 5 minutes apart from big brother. I laid him on her chest and she relaxed. All of a sudden she cried out in pain again. When I asked her what was wrong, she said "There's another baby!" I didn't have time to question her as she pushed and a third baby was born. Baby three was a baby girl, much smaller than her brothers. EMS finally arrived 10 minutes after baby girls' birth. They immediately phone air control for a rescue copter. They worked on their daughter while I stabilized mom. She delivered the placenta and my concerns were confirmed.

There was a fourth baby attached to the placenta that never grew. It was attached to the same cord as their daughter, causing her growth to slow. How she didn't go into labor before now, was mind blowing. After they were sent to the hospital, Omir found me and told me how much of a super woman I was. I thanked him. Reception guests were informed of the events that had transpired and everyone began to leave. Cali looked in my direction, but that is all she did. Nina's mom thanked me for delivering her grand babies. Omir volunteered to drive her to the hospital. I told him I'd be fine with Chris.

Chris was driving me home when Omir phoned to tell me that their daughter didn't make it. I instantly felt sick to my stomach. I asked Chris to take me to the hospital to visit Nina and Amari. When I got there Amari was outside with Omir trying to hold back tears. I embraced him and told him how sorry I was. He informed me that doctors said all of his kids were suppose to be dead. The boys were doing fine, but Nina was a wreck at the loss of their daughter.

I went up to visit with her. Her mom was trying to soothe her, but was unsuccessful. She saw me coming through the door and called for me.

Nina: You saved my sons, AM

Me: Yes, I'm sorry about the girl. There wasn't much I could do with no medical equipment.

Nina: It's my fault for waiting to have a wedding so late in pregnancy. Doctors say she stopped developing and her lungs never expanded after birth. They were surprised she was alive out the womb.

Me: Have they brought the boys in for you to see them?

Nina: Yes, they left not too long ago for other tests. Also, for the circumcisions. They are healthy. I was told there was a fourth baby connected to Iyana's placenta, he died in the womb.

Me: That's a pretty name for her. Nina you look pale, are you feeling okay?

Nina: Yes I am. I had a little pain in my chest earlier, but the nurse told me it was because I was crying so hard when they pronounced my daughter dead.

Me: I'm going to call for help because I don't think that was because of you crying.

I pushed the nurse button and the nurse came in immediately. Nina's mom was panicking in the corner of the room. She began praying when she heard what I told the nurse. "Get the doctor on the phone, now. I believe she has a clot. She's complained of pain in her chest and she has lost color in her skin." The nurse rushed out the room. As she was leaving Amari and Omir were coming in.

Amari: What's going on?

Me: I believe Nina has a clot

Nina: AM I really do feel fine, honey

Just as Nina said these words, she slumped over to her left side. I immediately let her bed down and pulled the code cord in her room. The staff joined me within seconds and we started working on Nina. I started compressions as I informed the staff she needed blood thinners stat. One nurse pulled the blood thinner from the crash cart, but another stopped her. The other nurse told her I wasn't a member of the staff and instructed me to let them take over. She told all of us to exit the room. I moved and another staff member continued compressions.

Amari: Why didn't they let you help her

Me: They are doing their jobs Amari, I'm sorry you had to watch that exchange, but I promise it is protocol.

Omir: Baby you going to be okay? You should sit down and catch your breath.

Me: I can't Omir! I want to help!

He let me walk down the hall by myself, while he went to comfort Amari. They worked on Nina for 15 minutes. Nina died and was sent to have an autopsy completed. Amari threatened all the staff at his wife's death. Things didn't end there for him. During the circumcision one of the boys bled out and passed away as well.

Omir and I was sure, Amari was going to lose his mind. He lost his wife, daughter and a son all on his wedding day. Cali showed up and and made things worst by accusing me of murdering her daughter in law she actually liked. Amari came to long enough to take his anger out on her for her remarks.

I tried to wrap my mind around all that happened. I just couldn't.

__

Amari buried Nina and their kids, he was extremely sad on that day. No one really knew how to comfort him. Omir stayed with him most days. He named the surviving son, Nimari'. It was a combination of his name and Nina's. Even though he was sad, Nimari kept him grounded.

The autopsy revealed that Nina had indeed suffered a blood clot that traveled to her lungs. Amari sued the hospital and its staff for negligence. My firm assisted him with his case. I was called as a witness and provided the only evidence he needed to win the case. I had instructed staff to give her a blood thinning agent. I was asked to leave the room for not being a staff member. The hospital opted to settle out of court for 38 million dollars, Amari declined. He continued with trial and the judge awarded him almost 600 million in damages, citing his son's circumcision's death shouldn't have occurred either.

Amari took their deaths hard, but tried to focus as he now had a newborn son who needed him to be strong. The next set of events were unforeseen and shocking....

A year later, Amari and Apryl were married and expecting. I tried my best not to pass judgement on the situation, but I know Apryl capitalized on his vulnerability. Nimari called Apryl mom and they were expecting another son together. I tried to be cordial with Apryl, but she always looked at me to be judging her for ending up with Amari.

Amari hoped I wouldn't let how they came to be ruin our friendship. I didn't let it bother me at first. It was when we had sat down for dinner at their home that I couldn't take it any longer.

Amari planned a dinner at their home he bought, 30 minutes from his mom and Nana. It was 40 minutes away from our place. Omir and I drove out and brought a gift. They had secretly gotten married and bought this home together. I knew Amari just wanted to find love and live a life of happiness.

Amari: So happy to see you guys

Omir: Glad to see you smiling bro. Hello new sister

Apryl: Hello new brother. Hi Am.

Me: Hello

Amari: We made alfredo, hope you both like it

Omir: You know we love to eat. Had we brought Esjaye he'd tear it up for sure. He's with mom and Nana today.

Apryl: Oh you started letting him go back over there unattended Am?

Me: Yes, I put my differences aside as my son loves his Nana and Ge Ge.

Amari: Babe come on that was a low blow. I want to have a good time tonight. My brother and baby sister really helped me through a lot. I know you have some stuff to work on with Am, but not tonight okay, please?

Me: I'm sorry Amari. I do not want to ruin your dinner. I'm happy that you're happy. This house looks amazing from the outside, but even better on the inside.

I said changing the subject. They gave us a tour. The guys left Apryl and I when we got to the baby nursery. Nimari's room was covered in all blue things. It was beautiful. The nursery was yellow, similar to Esjaye's when he was a newborn. Apryl stopped me from asking any questions about it and I held my tongue for Amari's sake.

The final straw was after we had eaten she commented on Omir and I not being able to afford moving. Apparently per Cali, Omir and I was filing for bankruptcy. Amari offered to help us out with his hospital money that was finally coming through.

Omir: Bro, mom is wrong. Like baby told her last time we had this convo, we had millions when we got married and have since made more millions. When I was venting to you I didn't know about the status of our accounts because I failed to go to an important meeting babe set for me to go to.

Me: Apryl, I've tried to be cordial for Amari's sake, but I feel like you've being throwing shots at me all night. I've had all I'm going to take. You want to be me so bad that you married his brother thinking you could have what I do. But you won't, wanna know why? Because I didn't trick him into loving me after his wife, whom he actually loved, died. I waited on him, just like he waited on me. Our love is genuine. You'll never have that no matter how many kids you give him.

I gathered my things and went out the door. I waited in the car while Omir and Amari said their goodbyes. Amari came to my door and told me he was sorry I felt the way that I did. "No Apryl isn't Nina, but I love her too. If Nina had turned me down, I was going to try my luck with Apryl. I know it sounds bad, but I thought they both were beautiful women. If anyone is to blame it's me. Please forgive her for her behavior. I hope to see you again soon." I nodded at him and thanked him again for inviting us. We left and Omir drove us home in silence.

Omir

I knew she was mad about how Apryl kept throwing shade at her. I, honestly, expected her to handle it better. I guess she was still grieving Nina and seeing Apryl with Mari did something to her. I knew Apryl and Nina had exchanged several words leading up to the wedding. Nina even banned Apryl from attending their wedding. Somehow, my brother found love again in Apryl. Looking at all I had to go on, I guess I could see Amryl point of view. I didn't know what to say to my wife in this awkwardness. I did want her to give Amari and Apryl a chance. I don't know how I was going to convince her.

Before leaving, I did manage to tell Amari that she was pregnant with baby number two. Apryl overheard and she had a weird look on her face. I brushed it off. Mari congratulated us. He had plans to have a BBQ at Mom's next weekend and hoped we could attend. I asked him to give me the week to allow Amryl to cool off.

Instead of going straight home, I decided that Amryl needed a distraction. I texted her dad and we went to see him. He always knew how to get a smile back on her face. We pulled up not even 15 minutes after leaving Mari's.

David: Hey Princess, hi son.

Me: Hey Mr Federie. How are you guys doing? Where's Chris?

Am: Hey daddy!! Yeah where's mom?

Chris: Here I am, I was finishing a cobbler in the kitchen. David don't be rude, come on in. Where's my grandson?

Me: He's with my mom and Nana.

Chris: That's good you let him go over there too, but I miss him.

David: Chris....

Am: Apryl and I just had words about it. Guess everyone thinks I'm in the wrong for keeping my son out of harm's way. Cali did fight me with him present in the room.

Chris: I didn't mean to upset you I'm sorry.

David: Princess, you're better than this. I've never seen you let anything get to you. Why is this bothering you so much? I know you aren't happy Apryl married Amari, but baby girl that was his choice too.

Am: Daddy, it's not that they're married. It's her constant comparison to me. She thinks she can be me because she's married to my brother in law. And also, I'm pregnant.

Chris: Oh my goodness! We're getting another grand baby Dav! You hear that!! Congrats. Aryan, you just made your bonus mom happy!

Me: Am's doing all the work. This is a lot sooner than we hoped. We are still excited nonetheless.

David: Congrats Princess, son. So you have extra hormones. I remember when Chris was pregnant with you, I was always unsure of her emotions.

Chris: Let's not go back there. So what are we having

Me: We aren't but a couple months. Our next appt is in 3 weeks.

Am: Yeah mom, we will let you guys know when we do.

Daddy hugged me and like always, it was just what I needed. I looked around daddy to see Omir looking at us. I smiled at him and somehow I knew he knew this is what I needed. I loved that man!! He was beginning to figure me out like my dad. I don't know if I should be worried or elated.

We left after spending hours at my parents. I phoned to apologize to Amari again. He claims Apryl was sleeping, I knew she was avoiding me. I thanked Omir for stopping by my parents. We arrived home and I went straight to the shower. Omir fixed himself a mixed drink and came up to bed. After my shower, I read a little and turned in for the night. The last thing I remember was him telling me about a BBQ at his mom's. I was definitely unsure if I wanted to attend that.

The week seem to have flown by and I was still undecided on the BBQ. I didn't have much of a choice when Amari came by to pick Omir and I up. He had dropped Apryl off at their mom's. I tried to get out of it, but he did not accept my "NO." Chris drove our SUV to their mom's. He waited out front with Devin during the BBQ. I had asked if they could come in, but they were running security scans on a new system Chris had implemented. He said they would be busy looking over its criteria and to not worry about them. He did ask me to save him some of Nana's banana pudding, I agreed I would.

We walked around to the back patio area. His other siblings were here, which was a surprise. They seemed to like me, I guess. They all hugged and spoke highly of me. Omir was all smiles. Apryl came out of the house with Nimari and one of the other sibling's son. She wore jean shorts and a bikini top. Nimari ran over to me and hugged me. He gave me a kiss and thanked me for coming. Apryl tried to paint on an accepting face, I knew it bothered her. I let him down to go to the pool.

It wasn't long before Cali found me. Nana tried to cut her off by asking me to help her in the kitchen. I noticed the older kids were inside playing video games or on their cellphones. I chuckled to myself.

Nana: So, I feel there's new life in you. You're glowing like you were when you told us about Esjaye.

Me: Yes Nana, I'm pregnant.

Cali: Seems like that all my sons can do now a days, is make babies.

Nana: Cali get out of here with that none sense.

Me: Well Omir and I are happy about the second baby. It is definitely a lot sooner than we expected, but I'm excited. I do hope we have a daughter this time. I think I might be done if baby is a girl.

Nana: I'll be praying with you that little missy is baking.

Cali: You should hope for a boy, you know how to care for a male child. Could you really handle a child like yourself?

Me: I know I could. Omir is a really great father! He loves his family.

Cali: Didn't say he didn't.

Me: I know you're trying to scare me, but I'm still excited about this baby.

She received a phone call and didn't want us to hear it, so she left the room to take the call. Nana and I made her banana pudding and I helped her finished the sides. Amari was working the grill and informed us the meat would be ready shortly. Omir came in to check on me every now and then. I knew he asked Nana to keep eyes on me at all times. She kept looking at me, when she thought I didn't notice. Some of his sisters joined us and engaged in small talk. I could tell they were trying to see if I was the woman Cali painted me to them. They kept telling me I was so different from what they expected. I smiled and tried to ignore the fact I knew what they meant.

I heard raised laughter outside and told Nana I was going to step outside for some fresh air, leaving her with her granddaughters. Omir motioned me over to introduce me to a cousin who stopped by. His name was Calvin. I smiled at him but I got an uneasy feeling from him. Omir saw the look on my face as I stepped away from them. He excused himself and came to me. He wrapped his arms around me from behind and whispered "what's wrong baby?" in my ear. I told him I felt uneasy around his cousin. He said he wouldn't leave me again.

We mingled with all his siblings. I learned about new nieces and nephews we had. I was excited. They all seemed so mannerable. They greeted us with smiling faces. One brother let it slip Cali painted me as a wife from hell. They all agreed, she must've been talking about someone else. I smiled through the awkward moments, but I was starting to get irritated. Amari stole Omir from me to look at something on his phone. I promised to stay seated and he went to look.

I looked up seeing one of my nieces looking worried. I got up and walked over to her, asking what's wrong. She said they were playing hide and seek and she couldn't find her siblings. I told her I would help her look. We made our way around to the opposite side of the house, from the way we entered. There was a shed that we walked up to. I heard Cali's voice, but I couldn't see her. Just then I saw Calvin appear with a gun in his hand.

I pulled Lilly, the niece, behind me and began backing up. "Hello cousin, you don't have to be afraid. This is nothing. I was just putting it away," He said as I continued walking backwards. He started off towards us, and I could hear Omir and Amari heading our way unaware. Just as they ran into us, Calvin pointed the gun our way. They looked up with shock. Cali was behind Calvin begging him to put the gun down.

Lilly had started to cry. I could see her sibling making their way out of the shed. They looked up at me and I motioned them to go in the house with my eyes.

Omir: Calvin what are you doing?

Amari: Let the women and child go man, we can talk about whatever it is.

Calvin: You two owe me money and I know you love this fine looking woman, Omir. So give me 1 million dollars or I'm going to put a bullet in her head.

Amari: No one walks around with a million dollars in their pockets. It would take time to get that money.

Calvin: I have apple pay send me ten 100K payments and I'll have it.

Omir: You don't think that would look funny?

Calvin: Not if you send five and he sends five. I already had my way with your wife. She gives good head. You might want to run the DNA on the baby though Mari, ion think you the dad.

All I could think when he said this to Amari, was no not again. I had managed to get Lilly to run back towards the patio, hopefully to her mom.

His focus turned back to me. I could feel everyone's eyes on me.

Calvin: You're way too pretty for Omir. I'm surprised a woman like you would even choose someone like him.

Chris had alerted me that they were making entry. They had phoned 911. I just had to keep him talking. Omir and Amari pulled out their phones to send the payments. Calvin's phone dinged and he instructed Cali to check it. Something that didn't sit right with me was how she had his phone and they both were in the shed area.

Just then a cop said freeze and Calvin fired.