Once Riley and Royalty got their time to meet the baby, the two left to give the new parents privacy so they could talk to the midwife.

"So Jazmine, you said you wish to breast feed correct?"

Jazmine nodded, looking up for the first time since her son was placed back in her hands. Huey stood supportively next to her bed, listening even though this part didn't necessary involve him.

"Alright, I'm going to help you with that." As if on cue, Malcom began to fidget before letting out a cry. "And it seems as if the timing was right. Ok, so let me show you."

It took a couple minutes but soon, Malcom was happily feeding away. It was a bit uncomfortable first but Jazmine soon fell into a rhythm with it.

"How often does he need to be fed?" Huey asked the midwife.

"Every 2 to 3 hours."

Jazmine's eyes slightly widened. "So when they say babies just eat, sleep, cry and repeat, it is true?"

The midwife lightly laughed. "Pretty much, mostly in the first few weeks. It's important that you establish a pattern with him from the beginning but it will slightly change as they get older which is why it's important to keep up with the baby's progress and development."

Huey and Jazmine nodded in understanding before looking down at Malcom again. They really were going to have their full attention on this little human that they had to take care of 24 hours of the day. They had no idea how they were going to do it but if they worked together, they knew they would be able to do it.

"I think he's finished." Jazmine announced as she felt him begin to slow down.

"Ok so you would need to burp him but tapping his back or doing circular motions on his back. You can switch between the two, just make sure that his head is supported because he hasn't gained control over his head or neck yet." The midwife informed them. Jazmine nodded and lifted the baby to her shoulder and began to burp him, it didn't take long until he burped and instantly went back to sleep. "You're a natural already."

Jazmine snorted. "In the hospital with your help yes, at home is going to be a completely different story."

"Don't worry too much. You can call me for advice or ask your mother for some advice. Never be afraid to ask for help."

"Ok, thank you. I will keep that in mind. It's just going to be hard with 3 males who are just as clueless as me."

"No problem and you'll do fine. I will leave you two to it and you have the next hour and a half for visitors but only 3 at a time max." The midwife smiled at them before walking out the room.

Jazmine sighed and looked over at Huey. "Can you put him in the cot please?"

He nodded and gentle retrieved his son from her arms and placed him into the cot next to the bed. He watched the new born snug into his new position without opening his eyes, going into a peaceful sleep. His son was beautiful. It was crazy to see him right in front of him.

"You up for visitors?" Huey asked Jazmine as he could see the tiredness in her eyes. Labour had understandably drained her and he could see it and breast feeding for the first time seemed to add to it.

"Yeah sure." She nodded but her voice wasn't very convincing. She just wanted to get the visits over with so she could sleep before her son woke up. Her son being Malcom. She really had to get used to say it out loud. She would mostly say it in her head before when referring to her bump. It was hard to not say his name out loud while she was still pregnant because they, well more Jazmine, wanted to keep it a secret but she was just so excited to finally have a name for her baby. Now she could say his name freely.

"I'm sure if you're not up for it, they will understand-" Huey started to say but was cut off.

"Huey, if I don't do it now, it will be tomorrow but I don't think I'll be up for visitors tomorrow." She told him truthfully. She wanted the next hour and a half to go quickly. As much as she wanted to see and hug her family, she lacked energy to be as excited as she wanted to be. "And before you ask, yes I am feeling ok, I'm just tired... can you get my parents and grandad first?" She wanted to start with the grandparents because they deserved to see their grandchild before anyone else.

As much as he would like to be left alone with his new little family and rest, he knew that wasn't going to happen until everyone saw the new edition. He nodded and sent a quick text to his brother, tell him who Jazmine requested.

A few minutes passed and the grandparents and great grandfather walked through the door.

"Oh Jazmine." Sarah sighed in happiness as she walked over to her only daughter. She pushed some of the hair that fell onto her forehead and pressed her lips lightly on it. Jazmine closed her eyes in comfort. Nothing could beat a mother's touch, no matter how old you are. She hoped she could provide the same comfort for her son. "I'm so proud of you."

"Thank you mommy." Jazmine faintly smiled.

Tom sniffed as he looked down at the sleeping baby. His grandchild. "He's so... beautiful!"

"Damn Tom, you couldn't hold your ass together for a second?" Grandad scolded the crying man while Huey slightly shook his head next to him.

"I can't help it Robert. He's just the perfect little bundle of joy. It reminds me of when Jazmine was born... only she was so small but so strong. Her cheeks were very red like his is now."

Sarah smiled at the fond memory. "The 5 hours of labour was worth it."

"Ugh, 5 hours?" Jazmine groaned. "And I was in labour for over 12 hours."

"Remember, all pregnancies are different baby." Sarah slightly laughed to herself. "Baby. I can't even call you that anymore."

"I won't stop calling her that! She's still my baby." Tom interjected.

"I know you won't daddy. It's ok." Jazmine smiled at him.

"So, you going to tell us his name or what? I need to know what to call this boy." Robert questioned. Although he didn't sound excited, he really was deep down. He lived to see the birth of his great grandchild, something a lot of people his age doesn't get to see. He just wished his children got to see their first grandchild being born. It wasn't fair.

Huey cleared his throat, grabbing everyone attention. "Everyone, meet your grandson, Malcom Josiah Freeman."

"Of course you choose that name."

"Aww that's a beautiful name."

"I mean I like the name but Thomas would've worked too."

"Dad..." Jazmine said in a warning tone, making him hold up his hands in defence.

"Ok, ok sorry."

Grandad took that chair Huey once sat in and just looked at the crib. "I really wish Christian and Mackenzie was here to see this... they would be so happy to see their grandchild. Wishing nothing but love and growth. Christian would mention you and Riley giving them grandchildren but Mackenzie was quick to shut it down, saying you were too young for him to be thinking about grandchildren which is correct." The room filled with light laughter before going back to listen to what Robert had to say, he was obviously in a slight trance as he thought back his late children. "I remember the first time I met Huey and Riley. In a hospital just like this. Mackenzie lying in the bed either drained or glowing. If you didn't guess correctly, Riley was the one that drained her. How little man is just sleeping peaceful was how Huey was when I first met him while Riley just wanted to look at everything and everyone, already trying to give himself bags under his eyes. I can say I'm proud of you but the real work happens now. Feeding, burping, changing, bathing, watching, entertaining, everything. No pressure, I know you can do it but I just want you to know. Plus, I need my beauty sleep."

Huey rolled his eyes at the last sentence. "You're a heavy sleeper grandad."

"No I'm not."

"Ye- never mind." Huey had no energy to argue because grandad could go all day but Huey didn't have the time to. Robert was a heavy sleeper and that was that. Riley has snuck out many times and Huey has heard because he was like an elephant in a tiny room most times. He just knew to be quick because Huey was never bothered to chase him. If Huey managed to catch him within a few feet, he was not going anywhere. He was lucky they no longer shared a room otherwise it would be all the time.

Jazmine decided to jump back into the conversation. "You wanna guess the crazy part?" She asked. They all nodded, wanting to know what happened. "Huey, his hat."

Huey knew what she was talking about and removed Malcom's hat, revealing his ginger hair.

"That's a white baby."

"That's exactly what Riley said." Jazmine giggled at the older man.

"Well Jazmine's mother is white Robert." Tom pointed out.

"So? Huey is a full nigga. That's should count for something."

Jazmine tried to hold back her laughter as she goes on to tell them what else was surprising. "He also has blue eyes."

Sarah gasped softly, her own blue eyes lighting up. "Really?" Jazmine nodded. "Well let's see if it lasts or turns a different colour like you."

"What do you mean?" Jazmine asked confused.

"Well honey, when you were first born you had blue eyes too but within a couple of days it was already gone which was shocking since I was told it would take a couple of weeks if your eyes did change colour. You wasted no time to show off them green eyes of yours." She explained to her only child who listened closely.

"Wow, do you think his eyes are going to change?"

Sarah shrugged. "From the looks of it he seems to be taking a lot from you so he might."

Suddenly, grandad started to sniff the air. "Do you- is that? Oh hell nah, your baby done shat himself. Goodbye." And just like that, he was out the room with just about a glance at anyone else.

The ones left in the room began to sniff the air and could smell the older man was right.

Tom awkwardly cleared his throat. "Well, um, I'll leave you two to it..."

"We will see you when you come home tomorrow, hopefully." Jazmine's parents kissed her before hurriedly running out the room. Their child was already grown and one thing they didn't miss was the dirty diapers.

The new parents shared a look.

"So who's up first?"


After an agonising diaper change, Malcom was once again sleeping and the next set of visitors walked through.

"Aunt Cindy and uncle Caesar are hereeeee." Cindy whispered excitedly as she walked into the room. Before they entered, they were told that the baby was sleeping so to not make too much noise which Huey was happy they complied with. They were the loudest of the last two couples that needed to see the new-born so it was good to get them out the way first.

"Ok Jazzy sitting up there looking like a model." Caesar commented, earning an eye roll.

"I look far from a model right now. Don't lie to me."

"I'm not, you look beautiful Jazmine." He smiled at her.

As much as she wanted to argue against it, she didn't. "Thank you."

Caesar and Cindy went and hovered over the sleeping baby.

"So-"

"Malcom Josiah Freeman. Yes he does have blue eyes and ginger hair." Huey cut Cindy off, knowing what they were going to ask.

"Damn McHater, I couldn't even get a word in."

"It's a repetitive question so I just saved you having to ask. Be grateful."

"Geezer with the way you're acting, you would've thought you was the one that gave birth." Caesar teased.

Jazmine rolled her eyes. "With the way I'm feeling, it would be understandable as to why he would."

Cindy slightly frowned. "How you feeling Jazzy?"

"Tired. Sore. Sore and tired." She told them truthfully but almost playfully.

"Wow is childbirth as bad as they say it would be?"

"You know how they say that losing your virginity hurts and then it 10 times worse when it actually happens?" Cindy nodded. "Picture that and times it by 100. Plus, gas and air were the most pain relief I had as a whole human baby forced his way out of me."

Everyone looked at Jazmine shocked. That was the bluntest they have every heard her speak and it was weird to hear. Her straight face to match was weird too.

"Um, look on the bright side, Malcom is here." Caesar tried to brighten up the mood.

All they got in response was a light nod.

Huey, Cindy and Caesar exchanged a look, all wondering the same thing but didn't say anything.

"Well, are you going to say hello to your nephew or not?" Jazmine sarcastically asked after a few seconds of silence passed.

"Right, right, of course." Caesar and Cindy walked over to the crib and instantly had their full attention on Malcom, giving Huey time to talk to Jazmine.

"You-"

Jazmine cut him off. "Please don't ask me that. I have been hearing that all day and I'm tired of the question because the answer is going to be the same. Just, don't Huey. For me."

He didn't expect that answer but he respected it. What she did wasn't easy and the questions wouldn't have helped her. He took a seat and watched the 2nd round of visitor stare in awe at his son.

After a few more minutes the last round of people came through: Ming and Hiro.

"He's beautiful Jazmine." Ming whispered at the sleeping baby.

"He is going to have everyone tripping over him." Hiro teased.

Huey shook his head. "He's fresh out the womb and this is how you're talking? Ok then."

"Ugh, Huey, we can be excited. It's not everyday your best friends pop out a baby the day you all graduated from high school."

Ming lightly slapped his arm. "Be nice."

"Hey, I am being nice."

"Be nicer."

"Fine... sorry."

Jazmine shook her head. "It's ok, understandable."

The conversation was cut short by Huey's phone going off.

"Who is that?"

Huey picked up his phone and saw it was his cousins group chat.

"My cousins." He mumbled before unlocking his phone.

Riley: *Attachments: 4 images* Ay yo! My nephew is here!

Cairo: What?! Serious?!

Riley: Deadass

Tyrone: Damn Huey, you never told us.

Huey: ...Riley never gave me the chance to. I didn't ask him to.

Riley: You were taking too long. I already posted it on my stories too.

Huey: I am going to kill you.

Joel: Lighten up cuz! You just had a baby and you want to be going to jail for life.

Huey: I don't plan on getting caught.

Cairo: And we all know he's capable.

Riley: Yo a nigga still here.

Huey: Not for long.

Tyrone: ANYWAY... congrats man, fr. A little boy. That shit is crazy.

Joel: Damn right it is.

Cairo: What's little man name anyway?

Huey: Malcolm Josiah Freeman.

Cairo: Good ass name.

Tyrone: J, you owe me a 20.

Huey: ?

Joel: We made a bet about what you will name your son. He said it that you would name your son after a historical black figure. He got Malcom, I got Huey JR.

Huey: Juniors are lazy names.

Cairo: That's what I say! Unless its Cairo then proceed.

Tyrone: Pay no attention to him, again, congrats... even if he does look like a white baby.

Joel: You sure she not cheating?

Huey: Joel.

Riley: Look, I've known Mariah for years, cheating is definitely not her. The thought of cheating can put her in tears.

Huey: Riley.

Riley: What? I'm defending you! Niggas just be ungrateful...

With that, Huey decided it was time to put down his phone.

"Everything alright?" Jazmine questioned him after seeing him shake his head.

"Cousins. And Riley. Riley told them."

"Lemme guess, he said something stupid too?"

He nodded. "And my cousins made a bet, on the babies name. It was Malcom or Huey jr. One is now down a 20."

"You did say juniors were lazy names..."

"Because it is."

"Well I don't think juniors are that bad. They're cute." Ming shrugged before turning to Hiro. "But don't get any ideas."

"Aww I didn't even say anything."

"But you were thinking it."

Just then, Malcom decided he had enough of sleeping and began to stir. The teens all watched his face slowly starting to turn red and they immediately knew what was about to come.

"Well, visiting hours are finished. Great timing. Jazmine, Huey, congrats again. We'll come visit you soon." Ming hugged and kissed Jazmine as Hiro said his goodbyes. "Rest up girl."

"I'll try." Jazmine mumbled under her breath.

As the door closed behind the last set of Godparents, Malcom began to cry.

Jazmine slightly winced at the volume, not expecting it to be so loud.

Huey was the closest so reached out to hold him first. "You want him?"

Jazmine nodded. "Maybe he's hungry again."

"You can try."

Huey handed the cry baby over to Jazmine who then tried to feed him. "He's not latching on... am I doing it wrong? Maybe I'm doing it wrong. I knew I couldn't do it. Can you-"

"Woah, Jazmine relax." Huey stopped her ranting. "He might not be hungry that's all and even if he was, you would've done gotten it eventually. Don't sell yourself so short. This is just the beginning."

She sighed as she did her best to comfort Malcom. "That's the problem now. It's just the beginning. We haven't even started anything and I'm already failing-"

"Jazmin-"

"At being a mother." She started to tear up as she continued her sentence, even if Huey tried to stop her from finishing it. "It's the reality Huey."

Huey stepped closer to the bed, making sure he held her watery gaze on his. "Jazmine. It hasn't been a full 24 hours yet. It's ok for you to freak out, it is perfectly understandable. You just had a baby and you're feeling a bit overwhelmed right now. The best option for you to do is have a rest."

"Bu-but he's due for a feed soon. If I sleep now, he will just wake me up crying and hungry."

"Then you can stay up until then but as soon as he's finish, I'll burp him and watch him while you sleep." He told her.

Jazmine took a deep breath. Sleep did sound nice. She was becoming even more drained by the hour and after the next feed, she knew she wouldn't have any more energy to attempt to stay up.

"Fine..."

Jazmine looked down at her baby boy and he looked back up at her. Neither of them tearing away from the other. Their eyes were locked together.

'I hope I can be the mother you deserve. Everyone deserves a mother that can take care of them, that loves them unconditionally. You deserve to see me and your daddy happy and love each other, not arguing like your grandparents did. I pray you never see the pain that may come in the future. As much as I want to avoid it, there always is with me... you're so innocent. Those crazy blue eyes of yours just look so innocent. I want those eyes to be like that for as long as you can. Well with who your daddy is, you won't believe in Santa by the time you can properly comprehend anything... oh Malcom. What a surprise you have been. Please bare with me. Please...'

Jazmine silently spoke to him. It was as if Malcom understood because his eyes stayed glued on her the whole time. She knew he heard her, it was weird to say but he did. He understood but it didn't mean he was going to be any easier. She just had to suck it up and learn how to be a mother. As much as she wished she could jump and shout saying she could, doubt plagued her mind with every motherly thought she was having. She didn't want to feel like this. If she felt like this now, she dreaded when he got older.

She felt tears threatening to spill and had to suck it up quick.

"Um, Huey." She called for his attention. "Can you get me some snacks please? I'm feeling a little hungry."

Huey looked between the two. It will be the first time leaving them alone and he had to admit he was nervous but then he had to remembered that she could handle it. Also, she was going to be with him alone a lot once he starts college, as much as he hated to think about it.

"Anything in particular?"

"Surprise me."

He nodded. He leaned forward and kissed the two on the forehead before leaving the room.

As soon as the door closed, the tears came flooding out of Jazmine's eyes. She couldn't help it. She just needed to cry and she didn't want to do it in front of Huey. It would make her feel weak. She didn't want to look weak. She wasn't even entirely sure as to why she was crying but she just needed to cry. She cried and she cried and she cried. Malcom just looked confused but she couldn't do nothing to stop his confusion. She was confused too.

After two minutes of straight tears, she stopped and furiously whipped her face. She didn't need any evidence of her crying because then Huey would ask questions. As much as she loved how caring and supportive he was being, she didn't want to have him be concerned over her emotions when he should be focusing on his son. She was just being a cry baby as always, nothing new.

Speaking of cry-babies... Malcom began to get fussy. Jazmine could feel he was dragging himself closer to his food supply, indicating he was hungry so while she waited for her food, she gave him his which he happily accepted. She was glad he latched on this time, if he didn't, then there would've been a whole screaming episode and that was the last thing she needed. It would've sent her to more tears, now they would both be sitting there crying, only one had actual tears.

As soon as he finished up, he started crying again and Jazmine was lost as to why. She fed and burped him, his diaper was empty. What could possibly be upsetting him now?

Just as she felt like she was going to overheat with the crying, Huey walked back in the room with a bag full of snacks and drinks.

"Huey can you take him please? I fed him but he won't stop crying." She immediately asked him.

He nodded, placed the bag down and used hand sanitizer before taking over from Jazmine. She dived for the bag for snacks as Huey did his best to calm him down.

Huey looked down at the crying baby, his face turning red. "Shh it's fine. You're fine." He mumbled, not entirely sure what to say. His continued crying proved it didn't work. He changed his position so Malcom was lying on his chest and he sat down. After rubbing his back for a minute, he calmed down, resting comfortably in his father's arms.

"I see he's already picking favourites."

He looked at Jazmine with a smirk as she stuffed her face with the strawberries he got her. "I wouldn't say that... even if he was, it's understandable as to why it would be me."

"When you produce breast milk, then we can discuss, other than that, I will always be the favourite."

He couldn't help but smirk. "Whatever you say... but he's eaten now, you should rest. You did good today." He stood briefly to give Jazmine a kiss which she happily accepted.

"Thank you. Goodnight Huey."

"Goodnight Jazmine."

Within seconds, Jazmine was knocked out, leaving just him and Malcom awake. He ran a hand over his face. 'Shit is about to get real.'


The next day rolled around and it was time for the little family to go home. Jazmine had all her check-ups to ensure she was good to be discharged and that there were no complications. Malcom was checked over too and he was healthy to go home for the first time. Huey was glad they could both leave the next day, it meant he didn't have to stay in the hospital any longer.

"It's time to go home Malcom. Yes it is. Aren't you excited?" Jazmine spoke to him as she got him ready to leave. She hoped he didn't get too hot since summer was starting, she just wanted to make sure he was wrapped up until they got home. She turned to Huey who was packing up their bags. "You have everything? His papers, diapers, bottles?"

"Yes. This is the 3rd time I am packing the bag. I checked every part of the room to make sure we have everything."

"Ok, just checking."

He walked over to her and kissed her forehead. "Don't worry Jazmine."

"I'm not."

"I know you're lying."

She rolled her eyes. "I'm too tired to argue so I am going to let you have this one."

"More like you know I am right." He smirked at her.

She lifted Malcom to her chest just as her midwife walked in. "No." She turned away from Huey and looked at the newcomer. "Good morning."

"Good morning Jazmine." She smiled. "You look about ready to leave now."

"Yes! Especially since Huey doesn't like hospitals. No offence."

"None taken. People say it all the time. Well, I have checked over both you and Malcom and you both are healthy, no complications. If you have any problems or questions, feel free to call and ask. I will still be you midwife within the first few weeks of baby being born."

"So what do I do after you're not my midwife anymore? If I need help that is." Jazmine inquired.

"You can call your doctor to help you."

Jazmine nodded at the information. "Alright, thank you."

"Great. Now, before you are allowed to go, we need to the car seat test to make sure that he is ok to leave."

"Oh no, how long is that going to take?"

"Less than 2 hours."

Jazmine sighed and leaned back on her pillow. "I guess I have to get comfortable again."

"No need to worry too much, it's just a standard test we have to do with newborns. You'll be able to take him home in no time." The midwife tried to reassure Jazmine.

Jazmine sighed but with the help of Huey, placed Malcom inside the car seat and clipped him in. Luckily, he didn't wake up when they put him in and he seemed to be comfortable already. "Now what do I do for the next few hours?"

"If I was you, I would have some rest."

"Don't have to tell me twice." Jazmine half joked. "Huey, wake me up when the time is up."

"He might wake up before then." He told her.

"Well I hope not. I need as much rest as I can get." She sunk in the bed once again and closed her eyes, instantly drifting off to sleep for the last time before she leaves the hospital.

A few hours later, Jazmine happily waved the hospital goodbye with Huey right behind her holding Malcom who was in the car seat and the baby bag. It was a moment she was happy about but also scared. She now had a new born baby to take care of at only 18 years old. Her friends are preparing for college and enjoying their last summer before they go and Huey would be preparing for college too and working. She was going to be alone with just Malcom most of the time after summer. He is only going to be about 2 months when Huey starts college so hopefully it won't be as hard then.

"Welcome home Malcom."

Jazmine smiled down at the baby in the car seat as they walked up to the Freeman household. What she didn't expect was the group of people to be waiting for her behind the door.

"Surprise!"

Her friends and family all stood there with large grins on their faces as the new family walked.

Huey didn't look too pleased but he let it slide when he saw the smile of Jazmine's face but then he saw tears.

"Jazmine, are you crying?"

She nodded as the tears started to flow. "I don't even know why I'm crying so hard! I can't stop, it's just so much tears." Her mother, Cindy, Ming and Royalty stepped up to comfort her but Jazmine held her hand up to stop them. "No, I just... need a moment." She placed the bag on the floor before running towards the bathroom and locking herself in.

Everyone just stood and watched, not sure what to say about what they just witnessed so they decided to turn to Huey.

"Is everything ok with Jazmine?" Tom was the first to ask.

Huey didn't have an answer for them so Sarah decided to step in. "I think she just needs a moment, everything might be a little overwhelming for her right now."

"Ok, well we won't stay long if she needs some space." Everyone nodded in agreement with Caesar as they walked into the living room.

Huey sat down with the car seat in front of him. They all sat around him, waiting for him to take the baby out.

"Nigga why are you taking so long?" Riley earned a light slap on the arm from Royalty for his rudeness.

Huey glared at his brother. "I didn't want to wake him but by the looks of it, he's going to wake up anyway."

He reached into the car seat and pulled out his son who instantly woke up.

"Awwww." Could be heard around the room.

Malcom moved around in Huey's arms. Huey made sure he was supporting the baby's head and neck as he removed his outdoor clothes, leaving him in just a vest since the baby was feeling warm.

"So what did the midwife say?" Sarah questioned Huey once the baby got comfortable in his arms.

Everyone still thought it was unbelievable that Huey and Jazmine just had a baby. They never thought they would see a mini them so early into their relationship and life. Also, seeing Huey being gentle with a baby in his arms was a rare sight to see.

"They're both healthy. He's a good weight, feeding is going fine. 8 pounds, 13 ounces and 17.8 inches, ginger hair, blue eyed baby. Jazmine just needs as much rest as she can."

"Well I may no longer live across the street from you but I will always be a phone call away. If you need someone to take him for a night, I will be here." Sarah offered.

"Me too." Tom added.

Grandad laughed. "You damn well know I ain't finna offer my service. I am done with kids."

All they could do was laugh at grandads antics because it was something they expected him to say.

"I'm going to go check on Jazmine." Huey stood with Malcom in his arms. He could see that everyone in the room, minus Riley and granddad, wanted to hold him but he decided against it. There were too many people there at once and he didn't want his son to be spoiled so soon.

"Ite, who wanna look at the video I got again?" Riley asked and all the attention went back on him.

All Huey could do was shake his head and leave the room. "I'm sorry you're born into this family." He whispered to Malcom.

He walked to the bathroom where he heard sniffles from inside. "Jazmine. Jazmine." He called.

"Yes Huey?"

"I have someone here for you."

A few seconds after he said that, she unlocked the door and allowed him to walk inside. He leaned on the counter top while he looked down at her. Her eyes were red and her hair was already messy again.

"I look a mess I know." She whipped away her tears as she looked at Huey. He didn't reply and just handed Malcom over to her. "Hey baby. Sorry mommy looks a mess." She gave her son light kisses as she held him in front of her.

"You don't have to stay down there with them. I can tell them you need to go upstairs and rest, they'll understand."

She shook her head. "No, no. This is going to be the first time in a very long time we're all going to be here at once so I want to soak it all up. Our summer is going to be chaotic... I'm going to miss my besties." Her lip started to quiver just thinking about her friends leaving off for college while she stayed home with her baby. She didn't blame him, it's not his fault that his parents were being young and dumb but it still was going to be hard to watch.

"You'll still have me." He lightly shrugged.

Jazmine began to smile once she heard him say that and couldn't help but laugh a little. "I can't believe Malcom has made you so soft already."

He was about to argue with her but seeing her smile a genuine smile since yesterday night was good to see. He knew her hormones were all over the place and he didn't want to mention it to her, making her feel self-conscious. He just had to be supportive in a Huey Freeman way.

"Your daddy is turning soft on us already, can you believe that?" She gasped dramatically to Malcom before kissing him again. She stood and gave Huey a kiss too. "I'm jealous at how good you are at this. You seem to have everything together."

He pulled her into his arms and held them both close, never wanting to let them go. "That's all you see on the outside. You don't even want to know what's on the inside."

She smiled at him. "I love you Huey. I really do."

"I love you too."

They hugged as tightly as they could with a new born between their arms for a minute. Just having their own little family moment before they joined their larger family in the living room.

"Hmm." Malcom began to fuss in her arms before he let out a cry, causing them to break apart.

"And that is 'feed me' cry." Jazmine sighed. Her breast was full of milk and tender so this was going to hurt.

Huey smirked at her. "See, you already have this down."

She rolled her eyes and stepped out the bathroom. "Don't jinx it. I'll cry again."

"Fine fine."

The two walked hand in hand to go fed their son. Once that was done, they joined their family and engaged in normal conversation as they usually had before the birth. The familiarity of family put Jazmine at ease for the few hours they were there. She was really going to miss these moments but she had to learn how to enjoy her own company. Until Malcom got old enough to hold a conversation with her, she just had to talk to herself for a while and she had to prepare herself for that.

As she sat in Huey's arms, she took in his smell, a comforting smell. She knew this change was really going to push their relationship, they had a son to raise together but she knew, she hoped, that her and Huey can raise Malcom together. It was going to be a long road but they could do it.

She believed in them.

Hopefully that would be enough.


Somewhere on the wealthy side of the outskirts of Chicago, Aiden Johnson took a sip of his coffee as he enjoyed his morning newspaper, something he did every day without fail.

"Good morning." Simone Johnson greeted her husband.

"Morning. Have any plans for today?"

She poured herself a cup of coffee and took a sip as she turned to look at Aiden but he was still nose deep in his newspaper. "Just a little shopping."

"Don't get too crazy."

"I'll try not to."

Their conversation was cut short when the door rang but none of them had to move as their maid opened it for them. A few seconds later, their three children walked in.

"Morning." The children greeted.

"Morning... what brings you three over these hours of the day?" Their father asked.

Simone nodded. "Yes, it is unlike you three to be here so early."

Aiden Junior, the eldest grinned as he picked up a grape from the fruit bowl in the middle of the kitchen. "We cannot visit our parents?"

"No." They answered.

"Not at these hours anyway." Aiden senior finished.

The middle child, Anastasia, laughed. "Daddy you love us really."

He peered up from his newspaper at the one people would call 'Daddy's girl'. "Not when you're asking for money."

"I make my own money now and you know that." She grinned.

"That never stopped you before." The youngest, Matthew, poked fun at her.

She rolled her eyes. "I am a grown woman with a child, I don't need you-"

"Children, children." Aiden interrupted the two before the argument could grow. "Yes I understand you all are full adults and make your own money which I am happy about since I don't need you draining my pockets but you still haven't answered your mother and I's question as to why you are here so early in the morning."

The siblings all looked at each other, trying to see who was going to speak up first.

"Well? We don't have all day."

The eldest decided to speak up. "Well, we found out an insane piece of information last night."

"Will it affect my business?" Aiden asked.

"No-"

"Then it is not that important for such an early visit."

"Oh but it is daddy." Anatasia told him.

Aiden and Simone shared a look, both now curious.

Matthew nodded. "Yeah, it's that important."

"Well, spit it out already." Simone instructed her children so Aiden Junior continued.

"One word: Freemans." The elder's ears perked up at the name. The look they gave their son told him to not stop talking. "It's been a few years since we have communicated with them and it seems as if they have spired more than we thought."

"Huey got a girl pregnant! She just gave birth yesterday to a boy." Anastasia blurted out.

Aiden and Simone's eyes grew wide. "What?! A baby?!"

The siblings nodded.

"I knew that family was no good! Still after all these years, the Freeman men have no house training. They now have trapped another poor girl in their sick family! When will they learn that they are just a curse of a family?"

"Well they managed to hide this for 9 months. Apparently, the girl is his girlfriend and Riley even has a girlfriend too. I can't believe not a soul told us but then again... we all knew they wouldn't have." Anastasia shrugged.

Simone placed a hand on her husband's shoulder. "Wait, how old is Huey now? 17?"

"18." Matthew answered.

Simone gasped and grabbed her chest as Aiden's eyes widened. "No. No, no, no, no..."

"This isn't good." Aiden rubbed his forehead.

The three siblings looked at each other. "Why not?"

"Because... because... their inheritance."

Matthew was confused along with his older siblings. "What are you talking about?"

Simone took a deep breath, trying to control her breathing. Her worse nightmare was coming true. Every time a Freeman was involved, nothing was good. "Your dead sister put a whole lot of money in those boys name. We're not even sure how she managed to do it but she did. Huey is 18 now, he can take all of it. His share and Riley's. We need to hold onto that money until Riley reaches the age of 21 because then, since none of them have claimed it, we get the money and we refuse to have any Freeman name touch that money we worked so hard to provide her with."

"Wait, when you say a lot, what do you mean a lot?" Anastasia asked.

"A lot more than any of us thought."

Aiden shook his head. "One thing about that Mackenzie, she knew about money."

"Well we learned that from you." Matthew said.

"A blessing and a curse." He sighed. "Now those filthy Freeman's are going to be sniffing around us, we don't need that. We need to make out that the money they got when Mackenzie was killed was it. Nothing more."

"So what do we do?" Aiden junior asked. The hatred for the name Freeman ran deep in this family, even if the name continued to grow with their blood attached to it.

Simone and Aiden senior looked at each other, both coming up with a plan.

"I think it's time we play happy families."


FIN

That is the end of Trials & Tribulations, well, here. I will be continuing the book called 'Life isn't easy'.

This is the first story I have written on here, I can't believe I have finished the first book basically. Idek what to call it. Thank you for all the reviews and follows, I hope you have enjoyed this journey and looking forward to the next one. Don't forget to read my other Boondocks story 'Gangster Love'. This is crazy to think I am ending the first story I started. I can't wait for you to see what I have for this story next.

-TBG