Page 42 of When It’s All Said And Done

“In the back by the pool with Yas. Come in. Wassup?”

“You know how it’s my job to make sure that my family is protected, right?”

“Yeah. What’s goin’ on, Nas? Are me and Nyla in trouble?”

“Nawl, y’all good. I just want to make sure it stays that way.”

“Um, you’re scarin’ me and I’m confused on what the hell is goin’ on.”

“There is no need to be scared. I just want to keep everybody safe so pack you and Nyla some clothes. I got some business to handle and y’all comin’ with me.”

“Nas, you can’t be serious,” she scoffed. “You expect me to uproot my child, risk my job security all because you want us to come with you. That ain’t happenin’.”

“That’s the thing Nessa I wasn’t askin’ you. I’m tellin’ you to pack you and Nyla a suitcase, bring what you need because anything else could be brought and be ready to board a plane in four days.”

“Nas, what about my job? What about Nyla goin’ to daycare?”

“I’ll keep payin’ the daycare as if she’s there to secure her spot and I been told you to quit it but that’s something you gonna have to figure out. Don’t mention anything to Yas and Chanel yet because Chance will be doin’ that.”

“They’re comin’ too?”

“Yep.”

“How long do I need to take off?”

“I really don’t know. Since you’re so hardheaded about quittin’ maybe tell them it’s a summer sabbatical."

“I can’t believe this shit.”

“Believe it and be ready in four days. I’ma head out so you can finish enjoyin’ your day.”

From the conversation with Chance, he had some difficulty getting Yas onboard too. This wasn’t to cause trouble for either of them but to keep the women in our lives safe. Unfortunately for us, the women in our lives didn’t see it as that and were giving us the silent treatment for the time being. Our daughters on the other hand were ready to have the summer vacation of their lives. I decided to focus more on that then trying to ease the tension between me and Nessa. Knowing that she put Nyla before herself meant she’d come around once she noticed the joy it was gonna bring to her.

When we arrived at the airport, me and Chance got out to speak with Nina while everybody waited in the car. We decided to take commercial flights, so that we blended in like normal people. With this being her first time meeting Nyla and Nessa, I wanted to make sure she knew how to put that gangsta mentality away. The girls hadn’t been exposed to anything like that, and I planned to keep it that way.

“My child is with me, and I need you to keep all that gangsta shit at bay, understood?” I laid out as I approached Nina.

“I do know how to sensor myself,” Nina rolled her eyes. “I can’t bring a fuckin’ gun with me travelin’ this way. You act like I’m flyin’ commercial with y’all by force. I chose to do this so I could spend time with my grandbaby, and the people that mean the world to her. So, get the hell outta my face Nasir and go get my grandbaby out the car so I can finally meet her.”

“I really hope you two smart mouth muthafuckas don’t keep this shit up the whole time,” Chance chimed in.

“I’m cool long as she keeps that shit away from my child,” I assured before walking away. When I made it to my car, Nessa still had a unit on her face. I helped Nyla out before grabbing their bags. Making my way towards the passenger side, I opened Nessa’s door for her. It took her a minute but eventually she got out. When we walked back over to Nina, she was standing alone due to Chance getting his daughter and Yas out. Squatting next to Nyla, I introduced her to her grandma. “Baby girl, this is yo’ grandma, Nina.”

“You can call me Nana, gorgeous,” Nina smiled down at Nyla before leaning down to give her a high five. When their hands slapped together, the biggest smile spread across Nyla’s face. “You gotta pretty smile just like yo’ Nana.”

“Thank you, Nana,” Nyla beamed as she stood next to Nessa holding her hand. “This is my Mommy.”

“Nas, I can’t believe you dropped the ball with this beauty here,” Nina taunted me as she gave Nessa a once over. She extended her hand before introducing herself. “Hey sug, I’m Nina.”

“Hey, Ms. Nina, I’m Vanessa but everyone calls me Nessa,” Nessa informed as she shook her hand before looking over at me. “And yes, yes, he did drop the ball when he lost a real one like me.”

“Oh, son I love her.”

“A nigga ain’t gonna get no peace dealin’ with all of y’all asses,” I shook my head as I looked between all three of the women about to stress me out. “There go Chance and them let’s get ready to board this plane.”

“I mean I haven’t gotten peace since you came home, so it’s only right you get a taste of yo’ own medicine,” Nessa sassed as she walked past me. “And get ready to spend that cash too, my boy.”

“My paper long so I’m ready whenever you are, Baby Mama.”