Page 306 of Invisible Bars
Dessign sighed. “I get it. Still, y’all could’veat leastfacetimed us during the actual labor. Y’all had me out here clueless while history was being made.”
I just smirked and rocked Jr. gently, kissing his forehead before looking back at her.
“Well, you k-know now. And besides, I wanted the first scream he heard to be mine, not yours.”
Chi snickered. “She got you there, Dess.”
“Hush! You’re supposed to be on my side!” Dessign snapped, though the corner of her mouth was twitching like she wanted to smile.
She pointed at the screen.
“Don’t worry, I’ll get both of y’all back for this. Where is my brother at anyway?”
“The bathroom.”
Dessign finally locked in on the baby. Her whole demeanor shifted. The sass drained out of her and her lips trembled into a soft smile.
“Dang…” she whispered, her voice breaking. “He’s really here. I’m an auntie.”
Tears welled in her eyes as she pressed a hand over her mouth, laughing and crying all at once.
“Naji, he’s perfect. How much did he weigh?”
“9 pounds, 9 ounces, girl!”
“9 pounds?! Girl, I’d still be in labor cussin’ out nursesandJesus!”
“The way you eat, our baby gon’ come out twelve pounds and holding a Capri Sun,” Chi blurted.
“That’s what they made C-sections for, which isexactlywhat I’ll be requesting—because I can already imagine the foolishness you’re liable to say or do duringmylabor.”
“C-section or vaginal delivery, I’ma show my ass, baby! I’ma be in the delivery room with a durag and shades on, tellin’ the baby, ‘Slide out slow, lil’ homie. It’s cold out here. The outside got bills and bad vibes. And Naji, just to let you know, I’m having my nephew some onesies made with my crew’s logo,” he mentioned proudly. “Let ’em know who his first plug is.”
“You will donosuch thing!” Dessign snapped. “I swear, if I see my nephew in a‘Lil Hustla in Training’onesie, I’m reporting you to the Lord, the fashion police, and your probation officer!”
I laughed so hard I had to clutch my side.
“Stop—my stitches!”
“It’s branding, baby!” Chi kept trying to make his point.
“It’sdelusion!” Dessign shot back. “He just got here, and you’re already trying to give him a RICO case! I love you, baby, but I willfightyou over my nephew’s wardrobe! Play with something safer.”
She gave Chi a kiss, then diverted her attention to me.
“I’m so ready to love on my nephew! I still wish I could’ve been there!”
“I know, sis… me too.”
Just then, Imanio appeared behind me,taking our son out of my arms. He gently turned toward the camera and eased Jr. into the frame.
Dessign’s eyes widened, and her fuss shifted gears immediately.
“And don’t think you’re off the hook either, Imanio! You’re just as guilty for not letting me know she was in labor!”
Imanio’s mouth curved into that slow smirk of his.
“I made sure my wife and son were good first—everything else could wait. I still love you, sis.”
