What Lies Within (Prt 2)

What lies within(Part 2)

“Hey Kayla!”

“Hey Giselle where’s crystal and mom?”

“Sleeping “

“No I’m not,” Crystal said coming around the corner. Kayla hugged crystal like her life depended on it. A few minutes passed and Loretta finally woke up seeing all three of her girls sitting in silence on the couch. Kayla stares at her then at Giselle, she let out a sigh then grabbed Crystal and they went upstairs.

“I’m gonna go home and change then I’ll be back, ok mama?”

“Ok, so Crystal called Kayla huh?”

“Yeah, guess so.” Giselle said

“Well, I guess I can go start cooking something for y’all.”

“Alright, I’ll be back “ Giselle said grabbing her purse and heading out the door.

Giselle walked into the house and went to her room where she saw Shawn sleeping on her bed. She didn’t want to wake him but he was a light sleeper.

“Hey,” he said in a groggy voice . Did you find crystal?

“Yeah, she came home

last night “

“Y’all talk?”

“No, it was too late. We just fell asleep on the couch.” Shawn sat up giving Giselle his full attention.

“She called Kayla, and I know she’s pissed too.”

“You know I noticed something about your family.” Shawn said

“Y’all don’t talk, you sweep everything under the rug. It was like pulling teeth to get you to communicate with me.”

“I know Shawn, I’ve worked on it for us, I just haven’t done so for my family.”

“Y’all just need to be open and let it all out.” Giselle nodded knowing how difficult that was going to be.

*****

“So daddy and uncle Jason were fighting?” Kayla asked

“Yup, and that’s when uncle Jason started yelling out “Those are not your parents “ “That’s not your Daddy, I am” Crystal told her.

“What did mama and daddy say?”

“What could they say?” They didn’t have to say anything. The way they just looked at me was all I needed. They had so much guilt, they lied to me and that sucks.”

Kayla just sat there.

“You know mama is still your mama no matter what.”

“I know that, I’m just mad they lied. And all those years Giselle,Kelly and Morgan knew and didnd’t say anything.”

“Honestly if you would have stayed with aunt Vivian you would have practically been living here anyway. Just like Kelly and Morgan .”

“Still not the point.” Crystal said

“All they had to say was that was my real mother but I was gonna live with y’all .”

“And you don’t think that would’ve been confusing for a little kid?”

Crystal sighed.

“Look, I’m not too happy over this situation but you’re still my little nosey, annoying sister and I don’t give a damn what anyone says.” Kayla said

Crystal smiled.

“And by ne being your sister, I think you have a right to know...”

She grabbed Crystals hand and placed it in her stomach

Crystal was confused for a moment and then it clicked

“Oh my God “ Crystal said

“Sshhh, I haven’t told anyone yet. But I think Giselle noticed when I was at the door.”

“Wow, so who’s the father?”

Kayla pulled out her phone going to a picture

“Ayyyee, he’s fine as fuck” Crystal said laughing

“Shut up,” Kayla said taking her phone back.

“How long?”

“About three months “

“Damn, you gotta tell mama and daddy.”

Chapter 2

“Today couldn’t get any better.” Crystal said laughing.”They can’t get any more vulnerable.”

“I suppose,” said Kayla

“Don’t worry Kayla , I got your back.”

*****

Morgan and Kelly sat and ate breakfast with their mother. They were still a bit freaked out.

“So.” Morgan said... “Are you for real or?”

“I feel for real” Vivian said. “I know I can’t make up for any pain that I’ve caused you and I’m sorry. I know me being a mother wasn’t that great but I’m sorry. I would just like to move forward with a clear mind.”

Kelly nodded as she was feeding her son. Morgan was a bit apprehensive when it came to believing her mother. Vivian could tell her daughters were having a bit of doubt.

“Look I know my trust with y’all is slim but all I’m asking is for you to trust me and believe in me.” Vivian said

“So no more alcohol or cigarettes?” Morgan asked

“I’m done”

Morgan looked at Kelly and Kelly nodded.

“Ok, we’ll rock with you as long as you keep your promise.”

“I promise “ Vivian said smiling.

“Mama how did you even clean up the house so fast?”

“I never went to sleep “

“What are you gonna say to Crystal?” Kelly asked

“I don’t know, I don’t even think she’s talking to me.”

“Hmm oh, she probably not talking to us either.” Morgan said

“We’re sorry we made y’all keep that secret and harbor it for so long.”

Morgan and Kelly nodded

Kelly’s phone vibrated and she looked at it

“Giselle said grandma wants us at her house now”

“Oh great, I don’t know how this is gonna go.” Morgan said

*****

Crystal sat by her grandma while everyone else sat around them. It was really weird cause everyone was looking at her. The only person she has spoken to so far is Kayla.

“Grandma, did you know?” Crystal asked

Dianne sighed. Crystal smacked her teeth standing up to leave.

“Sit your ass down Crystal, always wanna run somewhere.” Dianne said

Crystal clenched her jaw and sat down.

“Now we’re gonna sit here and talk. Ok, yes Loretta did not give birth to you. Vivian did. Your sisters and cousins knew well except for Kayla but she was too young to remember.”

Crystal just looked at her fingers.

“Now personally I think they did the right thing.” Dianne said

“You don’t know how many times I’ve had to go get my grandchildren from their father. Vivian was either at work or drunk off of whatever so my grandchildren had to call me.”

Crystal looked at her.

“Tell me something Crystal, did your father ever beat you for no reason?”

“No ma’am “

“Well theirs did.Did you ever have to call me because your father hurt Giselle,your mother or Kayla ?”

“No ma’am “

“Alright then “

Crystal sighed

“I know it was for my well-being, but did y’all have to lie?”

“You would’ve wanted to go and live with Vivian if we told you.” Loretta said

“And I wasn’t having that.” James said. I did all I could for Kelly and Morgan , I wasn’t about to let you go too.”

Crystal sniffed and wiped her eyes

“Don’t be mad at your sisters or cousins. Vivian said

“We made them keep that secret, if anyone’s to blame it’s me.”

Crystal looked at Vivian.

“I’m sorry, I should’ve left Jason a long time ago but I never did. I’m sorry for the way you’re feeling baby, I never meant for you to feel that way.And don’t be mad at Loretta and James , those are your parents and nothing will ever change that.”

Crystal nodded and wiped her tears. She then looked at Kayla and nodded towards everyone else.

“Uhmmm, I have something to say.” Kayla said

“It doesn’t have anything to do with Crystal though.... uhm I’m pregnant.”

“I knew it.” Giselle said

Everyone else just sat there shocked while Crystal rubbed Kayla’s back.

After a while Loretta finally spoke up... “who’s the father?”

“My boyfriend Daniel “

Chapter 3:

“He’s fine. Your baby is gonna be cute.” Crystal said smiling

Everyone looked at Crystal.

“What? He is”

“How are you going to raise this baby?” James asked

“Well on Daniels side his parents told him if he stayed in school that they would help him, so we decided to transfer to a school closer to here and I already have a job. They just have to transfer me to a store here.” Kayla said

“He’s from around here?” Tina asked

Kayla nodded

“Uhmmm does Daniel have an adopted brother named David?” Morgan asked

“Yeah “

Giselle,Kelly and Crystal had shocked expressions on their faces.

“Wow” Crystal said

“Small world “ Kelly said

“What small world?” Kayla asked

“I think my boyfriend is your boyfriends brother.” Morgan said

“What boyfriend?” Vivian asked

Morgan sighed

“I have a boyfriend, I just never brought him around.”

“Well you need to fix that.” Dianne said

“So, you’re committed to having a job, going to school and having a baby?” James asked

“I gotta get my degree and I want my baby, so yeah “

“Lord knows I wanted you to wait but what’s done is done already. Loretta said. “If you help yourself by going to school and keeping a part time job, then I have no problem helping you.”

Crystal smiled at Kayla

“So, how many months are you?” Giselle asked

“A little over three”

Crystal took a deep breath and exhaled

“Wow, I feel a little better.” Crystal said. “We need to do this talking thing more often.”

“Communication is key.” Dianne said

Chapter 4:

“You ready?” David asked Morgan as they sat in the car

“Yeah,” she said and he opened the door

“No wait”

David closed the door again

“I’m sorry, I’m just nervous.” She said

“Babe, what’s to be nervous about? You said you were ready.”

“I know, I just kinda, sorta, maybe didn’t tell them that you weren’t black.”

“What? David said pulling down the visor... I’m not black?”

Morgan laughed at his dramatics. He put the visor back up and smiled.

“My parents are black, you know this.” He said

“I’m an adopted kid, and my brother is dating your cousin. I’m gonna meet your family regardless.”

“Okay.” Morgan said

David leaned in and kissed her.

“Alright, let’s go.” He said as they got out of the car.

They walked up to the house and the door was already open. They walked in and Morgan saw Kelly and Giselle on the couch with their kids and James sitting in the chair. They all paused for a minute looking at them.

“Hey” Morgan said

They snapped out of it.

“Hey” Kelly and Giselle said standing and walking over.

“This is my boyfriend David.”

“Nice to meet you.” Giselle said shaking his hand.

“Gissssseeelllee!” They heard Crystal yell

“We’ve heard a lot about you.” Kelly said shaking his hand as well

“G-is-elle!!!” Crystal yelled again Giselle rolled her eyes and David laughed a bit.

“Let me guess” he said “That’s Crystal?”

“You got it.” Kelly said

“Giselle , I know you heard me—-“ Crystal stopped short when she saw Morgan and David

“Crystal, this is my boyfriend David.” Morgan said

“Wow!” Crystal said shaking his hand. “Hey, I’m white Uhmmm I mean I’m Uhmmm.”

“Ughh move.” Giselle said moving Crystal to the side

“My bad, I’m Crystal, nice to meet you.”

David laughed

“It’s no problem. Morgan told me she never mentioned me not being black.”

“Yeah, she left that out.” Kelly said

“It’s cool though, half of us are light anyway.” Crystal said

Giselle looked at her.

“Go away, she said

“Why? What I do?”

James came over laughing

“Nice to meet you David “

“You too sir”

Soon Loretta and Vivian came from the kitchen. They stopped short for a bit but no one noticed.

“Mama, auntie. This is David “

“Nice to meet you baby.” Tina said

“You too ma’am”

“Nice to finally meet you David.” Vivian said

“You too”

Soon everyone got ready for dinner and Dianne met David

After everyone sat down to eat.

Morgan was happy that dinner was going great even though they had some interrogating questions but nothing too crazy. She could finally sigh in relief and didn’t have to hide her relationship anymore.

Chapter 5:

Kelly sat on the front porch waiting for Terrance. He had just called her while she was putting Brayden to sleep. She saw his car pull up and he got out. She watched him walk up to talk to her.

“What’s up?” She said

Terrance sat down beside her

He sighed

“I’m straight.” He said “but a few weeks ago your dad tried to cop from me.”

“Please don’t tell me you sold to him.” Kelly said rubbing her temples

“No, that’s my sons grandfather . I’m not gonna do that. But I’m pretty sure he’s getting it from somewhere else.” He said

Kelly sighed and looked down

“I’m sorry Kelly “

“It’s fine, I figured he was using.”

“You gonna tell your mama?”

“Hell no,I don’t know if everything that happened that night was a slap in the face but since then she’s been a completely different person.”

Terrance looked impressed

“She got a job and everything.” Kelly said. “She doesn’t need to know anything my daddy is doing.”

“I feel you. How’s Crystal and everything?”

“She got therapy with mama and auntie to get through this. Then we all have family therapy.”

“That’s good. But I was wondering if I could get Brayden this weekend?”

“Of course.”

Terrance looked at Kelly and smiled. Standing up he started to walk away. “Alright I’ll check you later.”

“Alright.” Kelly said as she made her way back into the house. She was happy with the man that he was becoming. He was finally stepping up as a father.

Chapter 6:

John looked in the envelope counting the money.

“It’s all there.” James said

“I know.” John said looking at James . “You’re a man of your word.”

John stood up and shook hands with James.

“You in for another game this week?”

“Nah, I quit. I gotta get some shit straight.”

John nodded

“Alright “

James walked out past the other poker players. Once he got in his car he sighed in relief.

He drove near the community center in the next town. He walked while people were sitting or getting coffee. James knew he had to do this for himself and his family.

He sat down waiting for the meeting to start.

“Welcome to gamblers anonymous...”

*** “So how does that make you feel?” The therapist asked Crystal

Crystal sat between her mother and Vivian. They had started attending therapy sessions.

“I mean when I first found out, I was mad, hurt and confused. But now I don’t really know how to feel.” Crystal said

“Do you want to have a relationship with your biological mother?”

Crystal looked at Vivian and then Loretta and back at the therapist.

“Honestly I like things the way they are. I mean my aunt can be included in things in my life more but I don’t want things to change.”

The therapist nodded and noted some things down.

“Loretta , Vivian, anything you want to say?”

“I’m ok with her decision.” Vivian said

“I am as well “ Loretta said

Crystal looked at Loretta and Vivian nodded and sat back listening to the therapist talk and suggest a few things. Day after day it was getting better for Crystal. She was seeing her aunt in a different light. No hate was towards anybody more so of an understanding that everything was done for her good and not to hurt her.

Chapter 7:

“Ok ok stop!!” Giselle said laughing

“Let it go.” Shawn said

“Aight, aight” she said laughing. “Stop tickling me”

“Give it back then.”

“Ok”

Shawn let her up and she tossed the Xbox controller to him

“Why you so aggressive?” She asked

“Hold on.” Shawn said putting the Bluetooth piece back in his ear

“TyTy, Bleek, I’ll get at y’all later.” “Yeah okay “

Shawn turned off the game and looked at Giselle .

“Babe, you can’t mess with the game while I’m online. I was on a mission.”

Giselle just looked him

“Y’all act like you’re really at war or something.” Giselle said

“You just mad you can’t play.” Shawn said

“That’s not true.”

“Haha, you died in 30 seconds “

“Oh shut up.” She said walking out of the room.

Giselle went downstairs and put her shoes on then Shawn came up and swooped her up slamming her on the couch.

“Nigga, I could have shit myself.You too damn big to be that quiet.”

He laughed

“Where you going?”

“To get your daughter and then I have a dinner with the family. You’re welcome to join, I think Morgan is bringing her boyfriend again.”

He nodded

“Ok”

“I’ll see you later.” She said walking out of the house

*****

Kayla took a deep breath as she grabbed Daniel’s hand

“You good?” He asked

“Yeah, just nervous “

“Don’t worry the worst is already over, you already told them about the baby.”

Kayla nodded as they started walking towards her granny’s front porch. They walked in and heard nothing but music playing. Nothing but old school music in her granny’s house. She saw her family sitting and talking in the living room.

Crystal saw Kayla and got up to hug her.

“You must be Daniel?” Crystal said

“Yeah,” he smiling

“Crystal right?”

“Yep”

Kayla then went to introduce him to everyone else.

“Oh my god, you’re Daniel right?” David said sitting next to Morgan. “I’ve heard so much about you it’s like we grew up together.”

“Shut up!!” Daniel said dapping his brother up.

Kayla then went to introduce him to her parents. Giselle , Kelly,and Crystal were peeping watching Kayla introduce him.

“Look at daddy grip his hand.” Giselle said

“The deed is already done, no need to instill fear.” Crystal said

“You just make sure you follow Morgan’s footsteps. We don’t want you to become a young mother too.” Kelly said

“I got you.” Crystal said “I’m good with the niece and nephew and the future one.”

Soon Dianne called everyone to eat. Shawn got there just in time to eat so he sat down with his daughter in his lap.

Dianne just looked at the table and smiled. She lost her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. They smiling and laughing. No one was arguing. This is what she was waiting for. No more lies, no more secrets... this is what her family was meant to be.