Federie

19

All I remember hearing was screams as everyone reacted. Omir and Amari both grabbed me and ran. The cops were able to subdue Calvin pretty quick. Chris and Devin helped. I was thanking the man above I'd chosen to wear my comms to this BBQ. I wanted to talk to Chris just in case Omir was busy with his family.

We all rushed back to the patio and Omir asked me was I okay. I told him yeah, but then I felt a pain in my stomach.

Me: Ow

Omir: Baby what's wrong?

Amari: She's been shot

These were the last words I heard before collapsing.

Omir

Amari and I rushed Amryl back around to the patio area when Calvin fired the gun. We'd given him the money with no hesitation. All of my brothers had made a barricade around the women, protecting them. Nana had all the kids in the house.

When we made it to the patio I asked Amryl was she okay. I had held her close to me the entire time. She told me yes, but then I heard her say "Ow." Amari said she'd been shot and I started looking her over quickly with my eyes. I noticed she had a quarter sized blood drop on her shirt in her stomach. She collapsed, but I caught her. I yelled for Chris.

He came over almost instantly. Amryl had been working with him on medical training after Nina. He helped me lower her to the ground and raised her top to reveal her injury. She'd been hit in the abdomen where the baby would be if she was further along. All of my brothers rushed over ready to do whatever needed done. Chris simply picked her up and ran. I followed him. He yelled for Devin to start the car. He was in the car waiting when we made it out front.

Chris told me to get in the front with Devin but I got in the back with him and my wife. He held pressure to her wound. I could see her lips turning blue. I grabbed her wrist and found her pulse. I kept my hand there as I used my other hand to pull my phone from my pocket. I phoned her dad and told him what happened. He told me he would meet us at Mercy Medical. I had dreaded going back to this hospital. It was the closest one to us.

Devin drove like a pro to the hospital. It was almost like they prepared for this type of emergency. Chris had phoned ahead to inform the staff we were coming in. When we arrived they were waiting out front for us. My wife had made a lot of friends in her career. In this moment I was very appreciative.

I met with a Dr Glargin, who informed me he would be taking my wife to the OR to have the bullet removed. Her nurse Hannah would keep me updated throughout the procedure. I informed him as he rushed inside with her and the staff that she was pregnant. He gave me an uncertain look. Her dad arrived ten minutes later. He immediately began praying for her and the baby. Amari joined us shortly after. He didn't say anything, he just hugged me. My other siblings were right behind him. I was shocked, but appreciative of their concern for a sister they had just met for the first time. Umi came up to me and said that she was happy she'd gotten all of their kids to safety without saying a word.

It seemed like time was moving extremely slow. Hannah kept me updated while she was in the OR. She told me that they were trying to save her and the baby. The bullet was close to the amniotic sac, but had missed the baby altogether. The bullet was lodged deep in her intestines and she was bleeding internally. I knew she was trying to remain hopeful for me. I also knew this wasn't good.

Her dad and Amari tried to reassure me Amryl would pull through and I tried to believe them. My mind was every where. As I paced the floors. Chris and mom came in.

Me: Why were you with Calvin? Why did you have his phone?

Cali: Shouldn't you be focused on your wife and baby?

Amari: Mom, why were you with Calvin and why did you have his phone?

Cali: H-he cornered me. H-he told me if I didn't help him get the money from you two, he'd kill me first.

Me: So you let him target my wife instead

Amari: Mom why didn't you tell us before things got out of hand?

Cali: I wasn't thinking. I was trying to figure out how to get us all out alive.

Me: Sure you were. My wife is bleeding internally and they're working to save our baby too. You better hope they both make it.

Hannah came back out to update me again. This time it was good news. She informed me that they had got the bleeding to stop and were removing the bullet as we spoke. I sighed in relief. I didn't even know I was crying until I looked up into Nana's brown eyes. She wiped my face and smiled at me.

Nana: It's going to take more than a bullet to kill your wife. She loves you very much. She's coming back to you. As well as your daughter.

Me: We don't know the s*x yet Nans

Nana: I just told you!

We laughed and walked back over to everyone else. David was now praying with Chris and Amari. I looked at how the family had come together for us and I was happy. I did take notice that Apryl wasn't here. I just assumed she was with Nimari.

After another hour had passed Dr Glargin came to speak with me. She could only have one visitor and everyone let that be me. Not that I was going to give them much of a choice, I was her husband. She was just starting to wake up when I walked in.

Am: W-what happened?

Me: You were shot by Calvin when he fired his gun

Am: B-but you p-paid the money

Me: Don't worry about that. Money is nothing if I don't have you.

Am: I need some water my throat is very dry

I gave her a small cup of water with a straw. I wasn't able to raise the bed up much. She still drank all the water I put in the cup

Am: How's the baby?

She asked me nervously. She had begun to cry.

Me: She's fine, doctor said.

Am: She?

Me: Nana told me, that our baby is a girl. That you and her were coming back to me because a bullet couldn't kill you.

She tried to laugh, but was met with pain. I told her I'd sit there with her as long as she'd like. I called her dad on FaceTime and he allowed everyone to see she was fine. She was in alot of pain. They had to cut out a piece of her intestine, but cauterized her wound to stop the bleeding. I kissed her and told her how much I needed her.

She stayed in the ICU for a week after the shooting. She was moved to a regular room for only two days before she convinced Dr Glargin to discharge her. She worked with Dave and the IT agents at the firm to retrieve the money Amari and I sent. Chris waited outside her door when I was away from her. As we prepared to go home, she thanked all the staff involved in her care.

We headed home to start the healing process.

__

6 months had passed and she was feeling the end of pregnancy pains. She had healed completely physically, but was still recovering mentally. She would have nightmares every now and again. I would hold her until she calmed down. I asked her if she wanted to see a therapist, she declined.

Nana had been right about our baby being a girl. Amryl was over the moon excited about having a daughter. I don't know how I deserved to have two beautiful women, but I was grateful.

Am: It seems like 9 months came as I blinked.

Me: Yeah, but I'm glad we got to experience this again. You ready to go?

Am: Yes, did you get our bags?

Me: Yes beautiful, I did.

We were heading to take Esjaye to her parents. Her water had broken over 2 hours ago, but she insisted on seeing him off. We dropped him off and headed to the hospital. Her contractions were picking up. I could feel her uneasiness kicking in. We pulled up to the hospital and the staff were waiting on us. They wheeled her in and led me to our room. As the nurses helped her get ready, I decorated the recovery room. Chris was bringing in the flowers when the nurse came to get me.

Nurse: Okay dad, it's time

I went to the labor unit to be with my wife. She was better prepared this time. She smiled when she saw me. The nurses were setting her legs up when I walked in. She had a wash cloth on her forehead. I bent down to kiss her and tell her I loved her. I heard the door open and turned to see her mom walking in.

Chris: I've been present for all my grand babies. I was not missing my grand daughter's arrival. Sel has Esjaye, her and her husband. Your father is in the recovery room.

Chris went on the other side of Amryl. The doctor walked in and things moved fairly quickly. Not even 15 minutes later, our daughter was born. Joy filled the room, as I cut the umbilical cord.

Once in the recovery room, all our family joined us shortly after. Everyone waited the announcement of her name. Amryl had kept it to herself and I until now.

Am: Her name is Chrleli after both of our moms. Chr for Christie and Leli for Leslie.

Amryl

I watched our moms tear up. They weren't expecting me to name our daughter after them both. Omir and I decided after the baby shower that the name was fitting. He agreed almost right away. He decided to give her Nina for the middle name. I opposed at first, but changed my mind as time wound down.

Apryl and Amari welcomed Amari jr 1 week ago, so they wouldn't be joining us today for this celebration. Omir had phoned him on video to brag about our daughter and share her name. Amari repeated it, Chrleli Nina Browner. It sounded so beautiful coming from him. He was overjoyed that his son and our daughter would grow up together around the same age.

Amari had asked Apryl weeks after the shooting about Calvin's allegations. She denied all of them. As soon as AJ was born, Amari convinced Apryl to give him a DNA test. Apryl seemed to be okay with the request. I read her silent commentary, but I didn't engage. All I could think was why would she do this to Amari, knowing all he'd been through. It was none of my business and I didn't worry about it.

We came home three days later. I was now a full time mom of two kids under 2. Omir was a big help. He would get Esjaye settled while I fed Chrissy. Things just naturally flowed as we adapted to two kids being in the home. My family was complete. I did convince Omir to let me get birth control after this baby. He was all smiles when I told him that two babies in our home was enough right now. I also told him that I didn't want anymore kids now that we got our daughter. He says that's negotiable.

After being home and adjusting for two weeks, my girls came over to gush over their new niece.

Sel: Am she's your twin

Rena: Well Es looks like Aryan so...

Lena: I think they both look like both their parents

Ray: No Lena, this girl is her mother's twin

Omir: I'll try not to be offended. Baby I'm going to be on the patio with Mari and Jaye. They're going to be here in a minute.

Okay I said as he kissed me and walked off.

Me: Thank you ladies for coming over. So as usual so much has happened and changed. So while the babies sleep, start spilling.

Sel: You know I got married to Nemo

Rena : I got married to Robert and had a boy almost a year and a half ago

Lena: I'm getting married next year if I'm still living

Ray: I married Leo and inherited two sons. We plan to have a baby within the next year, so hopefully our babies can grow up together.

Sel: How are things with you and Apryl? She told us about the DNA test.

Me: Yes, I couldn't believe she would do anything that would break his heart. I try to mind my own business and not dwell on it. Our friendship is severed I do believe. That should not stop you ladies from remaining her friend. We all were friends, she and I no longer are. I tolerate her for Amari's sake, but that's it.

Sel: I'm sorry to hear that

Rena: Me too, I liked us all as friends

Lena: Me too

Ray: Ugh...I'm sorry Am. I respect your mature attitude towards all of this and not making us choose between you guys.

Sel: I have to admit though, Apryl definitely wants us to choose her. We told her we are friends with you both. She wasn't happy when we texted the group message we were coming to see you today.

Me: That's okay, I hope she grows out of it and we can move on accordingly. Again, don't stop being her friend because I did. She needs you guys just like me.

Rena: So whenever we start going back out as friends again, how's that going to work?

Me: We'll cross that bridge as we approach it.

Lena: I heard that.

Ray: You and "OMIR" done having babies you say?

Me: For now at least. I think he wants more, but I'm satisfied with my son and daughter. I don't want to deny my husband more kids if that's what he wants however.

Sel: Are you planning on going back to work?

Me: No not at this time. Omir didn't want me to return with Es, but I still managed to work from home. I'm actually going to listen this time and be a stay at home mom.

Jaye and Amari stuck their heads in to greet us, before going back onto the patio with Omir. Jaye bought his niece a bracelet that said uncle's favorite. He put it on her tiny wrist and we all laughed. She still had time before she could wear the bracelet.

The girls and I continued catching up. I ended up fixing us a small dinner. The laughter was needed. I felt way different from first baby until now. I was also glad Omir was having his guy time with Amari and Jaye.

__

Apryl

The girls all texted to tell me they were visiting Am today. She had come home two weeks ago. She'd named the little girl Chrleli Nina. The thought was beautiful, but I didn't like how Amari gushed over the Nina part, if I was honest. I tried not to be angry about Am getting all their attention, but Amari was there also. Some part of me was still jealous because I knew he had feelings for her in the past. She had everything! The husband, the son, the daughter, the career, the house and everyone's attention.

I know I shouldn't compare myself to her, but I do! She was all for Nina and Amari. Soon as I resurface with Amari, after Nina's death, she's looking funny at me. What made her think I didn't deserve his love? I tried to clear the thoughts from my mind.

Aj was crying and I needed to focus on him. I picked him up from his crib in the nursery. I remember us showing Aryan and Am around the house. She noticed how similar the nursery was to Es's. It was not intentional, but I did love the way she set the nursery up for him. I could only imagine what Chrleli's nursery looks like.

A couple months ago they celebrated Es's 1st birthday. Am invited us, but I didn't go. Amari still took Nimari. I was pissed about it. All I could think was she's trying to steal my family from me. I know she has her own, but my husband and son were attending her son's party without me. It was my choosing not to go, she had extended the invitation. I wished he'd choose me over her, just once! I could probably let it go.

As Aj finished, I burped him and put him in the baby swing. I had taken a liking to reading, since Amari didn't want me working. He wanted me to stay home with our boys while he worked. He was gearing up for another tour and he promised we could come with him this time. He let me plan some of the things our bus would have on it.

I really did love Amari. I really hated Calvin shot Am. She'd been through so much in her lifetime. I was, now, starting to feel bad for not liking her and acting the way I have been towards her. She's really been dealt a raw deal, yet she still continues to smile and knowing I added to it was taking its tole on me.

Amari texted me that he was on his way back home. He asked if I wanted him to pick me up anything. I declined, as I already had in mind what I wanted to fix him for dinner tonight. Seafood broil was my favorite. He likes snow crabs and shrimp. I prepared it and readied it for his return. I pumped milk while I read and stored it for later use. Nimari was content with fries and nuggets, so I didn't have to wonder what he would eat.

I decided to send a text to the group that included Am.

I know I'm the last person you expected to send you a congratulatory message. However, congrats on the birth of your daughter, Chrleli Nina. Her name is beautiful. I hear she is as beautiful as her mom and I hope one day I'll get to meet her. I miss us all hanging out. I love you all. Recover speedily.

-Apryl

It wasn't long before I got a reply from Am. She thanked me and assured me as soon as the doctor gave her the okay, she and Aryan would be to see Amari, Nimari, Aj and I. I smiled to myself, thinking how she was so forgiving. This would back fire one day, I just know it.