Page 34 of Beyond The Stars

“Next time, take what you deserve,” he spoke through small pecks before he finally let her breathe. Just as he pulled away, his phone rung. Looking down at the name flashing across the screen, he looked at Siasia with sad eyes before he answered. “Yea?”

“I’m in labor, Qamar. She is coming,” Janay cried, sounding in pain.

He swiped his tongue across his lips. “O—okay. I can be there within two hours,” he stuttered. “Hang tight, Janay.”

Siasia grabbed her chest, ready for their perfect day to not be so perfect.

With regret he looked at her before down casting his eyes. “Janay’s in labor. I gotta go to Jade City.”

“What does that even mean?” Siasia wasn’t dumb but there was no way God could be playing a cruel trick on her just when happiness seemed to be right in her grasp, He snatched it away.

“I gotta be there for her, mama.”

“No! My name is Siasia… call me Siasia.” Her voice broke, mimicking the actions of her heart. Even while afraid to admit it, she knew she was in love with Qamar.

“Siasia.” He huffed. “I gotta…” He slammed his eyes shut, hating the hurt he knew she was going to collect. “I’ll call you later. Tell Noodle, she can stay later.” Qamar went to walk away, unable to see the disappointment in her eyes. “Aye, Janay’s about to have the baby, we gotta get on the jet.”

Malaysia’s eyes darted to Siasia with sorrow. She wanted to comfort her knowing how this must look… how it must feel but time waited for no one and if Qamar was getting on the plane, she and Esmeray would be right beside him. No other words were said; only Qamar whispering something to Noodle. Even her young eyes held worry. Worry that the fairytale had come to a crashing halt and she would no longer be a princess. Shaking it all off, Siasia waited for Noodle so they could go home. Back to the real world in their crummy trailer where Qamar’s light eyes didn’t exist because he was clearly on his way back to the moon.

PART TWO

BACK ON THE MOON

11

“Hold her head, boy!” Luna fussed at Qamar, getting up to place her arms under his.

They were all in Jade City at Tiny and Maverick’s home, which they had purchased since the basketball team Maverick played for was based there. Tiny was the baby mother to Qamar’s deceased brother, Lunar. None of them knew she was pregnant until after Lunar’s death, when she showed up needing their help with a whole newborn baby on her hip. It took the whole family by surprise, but they welcomed her and their nephew in with open arms.

Maverick met Tiny when she and Luna visited Javen in college at a party. The two of them had been connected at the hip ever since. Now, with Little Lunar, who was twelve, and their youngest son, Monday, who was six going on sixty-six, with his old man soul, Tiny and Maverick felt complete.

Tiny plopped down on the couch. “Luna, you acting like it’s his first time. He almost got as much experience as you.” She laughed at her own lame joke.

“Come on now, Tiny, I thought you was on my side.” Qamar cut his eyes at his sister. Tiny didn’t share his blood, but nothing or no one could tell Qamar she wasn’t one of his sisters. She nurtured him, loved on him, and kept some of his secrets. He would love her forever.

Tiny grinned, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “I’m always on your side, Qamar. But you know I gotta keep you on your toes.” She reached out and ruffled his hair, a gesture that was both affectionate and teasing.

Qamar chuckled, shaking his head. “Yeah, yeah. Just don’t forget I’m the baby brother, and I need all the help I can get.”

Luna rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide her smile. “You’re not a baby anymore, Qamar. But I guess we’ll always see you that way.” She glanced at Tiny, who nodded in agreement.

As the family settled into the cozy living room, the warmth and love between them were palpable. They had been through so much together, and their bond was unbreakable. Qamar looked around at the faces he cherished and felt a deep sense of gratitude. No matter what challenges lay ahead, he knew they would face them together, as a family. It made putting his own dreams and desires on the backburner doable.

Janay cleared her throat as if she needed to remind everyone that she was in the room. They knew she was there and had moved shit around for her to be there comfortably. The whole family even catered to her every want. Qamar glared at her before he put his eyes back on his daughter. Belinay Moony was only a week old and she was loved already. With each passing day, Qamar fell deeper in love with the tiny being with the darkest set of eyes. Born at barely six pounds, she was tiny and could be held easily in the palm of his hand. He wouldn’t dare do it while surrounded by all the women. They would choke on their own spit trying to cuss him out.

“Aww, my Belinay,” Luna cooed, still standing beside Qamar. “I remember when you was this little.”

“And I remember when you told this story the last time I had a baby.”

Luna glared at him while Tiny laughed her ass off. “I mean, he ain’t lying. Luna you be acting like an old ass lady with your I remember when stories.” She tried to sound like Luna who’s voice was soft with a ghetto, southern belle twang.

Luna’s talking voice had the type of tone that reminded you she was an award-winning singer. Just talking sounded like a song—warm and nostalgia inducing.

“Can I see pictures of him?” Janay asked with excitement in her voice. Anything to feel closer to Qamar. She wanted to know who he was and where he came from. When they first started messing around, he was tightlipped with his life’s experiences. He didn’t mention his daughter until Janay confessed to be pregnant herself.

Tiny gave Janay sad eyes.

Luna cleared her throat. “We don’t have that many,” was all she said. The sad truth was they were too damn young to think about capturing the moments and Stephanie was drowning in liquor.

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