Page 31 of Beyond The Stars

10

“You go to this school, SiSi?” Noodle asked, her big eyes wide with amazement as she took in the campus.

How Siasia had been convinced to bring Noodle to Qamar’s practice was beyond her. The closer they got to the soccer field, the more her skin grew clammy. It was an eighty-degree day in March, but it felt like she was walking through the gates of hell.

“I start back this summer, Noodle,” she replied, her voice dry and distant.

With each step, Siasia’s regret deepened. Confronting Qamar about being cozy with his baby mama had ended with him inviting her to his practice instead of arguing. She had flatly refused, but Qamar knew exactly who to turn to. Earlier that day, Noodle had darted off the bus, pleading with her big sister to take her to Qamar’s practice. Now, here she was, her stomach in knots and her heart uneasy.

As they neared the soccer field, the rhythmic thud of the ball being kicked and the shouts of teammates filled the air. The setting sun cast a warm glow over the field, creating long shadows that danced with each movement. The players, faces a mix of determination and joy, moved with fluid grace as their cleats dug into the turf. The scent of freshly cut grass mingled with the faint smell of sweat and effort.

“Qamar!” Noodle called out, waving her hands enthusiastically and drawing too much attention to them.

Siasia cringed but forced a smile onto her face. Using his hand as a visor, Qamar grinned and pointed towards Malaysia and Esmeray, who were sitting close to the railing right in the front. Was he out of his damn mind? Siasia took a deep breath, leading Noodle over to where Malaysia and Esmeray were sitting. The two of them greeted her warmly, their eyes twinkling with curiosity and a hint of mischief.

“Hey.” Malaysia’s smile reached her eyes. “You must be Siasia?”

The recognition caught her off guard. “Um, yea. This my little sister, Noodle.”

“This our daughter, Esmeray.”

Siasia might’ve been tripping but her ears heard our daughter with strong emphasis.

“Oh, she so pretty.” Noodle reached out for Esmeray and to Malaysia’s surprise, she allowed her to pick her up. “I know I’m gonna love you.”

“How?” Malysia asked just to make conversation.

“Because I love her daddy… I gotta love her,” Noodle spoke with so much sense. She looked Esmeray in the face, examining every inch of the dark brown little girl. “She’s pretty like a doll.”

“Thank you. Your hair is pretty.” Esmeray smoothed her hands down Noodle’s hair. She’d put it in a bun and left two dangly pieces in the front. Esmeray was fascinated with the swirls of hair across her forehead that twisted and twirled with precision.

“Qamar! Look!” Noodle tried to lift Esmeray into the air like a prized trophy.

“I see you, Noodle. You keep an eye on her, okay?” Qamar cupped his hands around his mouth to push his voice further.

“Wow.” Malaysia wiped at a single tear that fell from her eyes. “My baby don’t like too many people but the way she’s in your sister’s arms like they were meant to be together is beautiful.”

“Yea,” Siasia agreed.

Looking up at her since she’d yet to sit, Malaysia patted the spot beside her. “Girl sit down so you can get all the tea.”

“Huh?” Siasia was confused.

“Don’t act like you ain’t trying to figure out what freaky shit me and my baby daddy got going on. Let me put that pretty little head of your to ease. I don’t want that nigga and he don’t want me. The way he told me about you last night, I don’t stand a chance anyway.”

Siasia chocked. “What?”

“Oh, you thought me and him were a thing? Girl, hell no.”

“So y’all just coparent?”

“Mhm.” Malaysia bobbed her head. “He likes you a lot, and I think you might be a good look for him. That boy is carrying so much in his heart and on his shoulders, he could use an around the way girl like you.”

Listening to everything Malaysia said, Siasia’s shoulders un-slouched. “He likes me,” she commented just above a whisper.

“Now sit here and learn the damn game. Chile, I still get confused.”

They both laughed, falling into natural conversation while Noodle and Esmeray paid so much attention to everything Qamar did on the field. As the practice continued, Siasia found herself relaxing a bit. Watching Qamar on the field, she couldn’t help but admire his skill and dedication. Despite her reservations, she felt a small spark of hope. Maybe, just maybe, things could work out.

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