Chapter II
Chapter II:
I paced the floor in the hospital room, back and forth...rocking Xavier asleep in my arms. I felt horrible, just thinking about my baby being back there all by herself as they took a CT scan of her head. The doctor actually wanted an MRI but she knew Gabbi wouldn't stay still long enough for it and she was too young to be put under. It's times like these where I wish I was still in Virginia or Louisiana, I'd either have Mama J or my own mother here for support. I called Chyna but because of who she is, she couldn't be here. I was already getting weird looks and stares so I know it would have been even worse for her. I called Macki too, she said she would be on her way as soon as her class ended. She lives out here in California too, to attend college.
"Bae?" I heard Chris say as he knocked on the door. Seconds later he opened the door and walked in with Leah and Big Pat at his side. I put a finger up to my lips to signal for them to keep quiet as I looked at X, he was fast asleep. Chris picked Leah up and placed her on the hospital bed before coming over to me, placing a kiss on my lips and taking X into his arms.
"Where Gabbs?" he whispered as he sat down in a chair next to Big Pat. I sat down on the hospital bed next to Leah as I wrapped her in my arms. Someone else knocked on the door before it opened and the nurse brought Gabbi back into the room. I jumped up and took her from the nurse. I looked her over, she looked drained.
"The Doctor should be in soon Mrs. Brown," the nurse said turning to leave, not before her eyes landed on Chris and she gasped. She was about to walk over to him but Big Pat blocked her path with his arm, shaking his head.
"No pictures, no autographs, no nothing...thank you for your cooperation," Big Pat said as he directed her back out the door as if he was some sort of announcer for a game show. I giggled as I watched Chris roll his eyes, did my last name and X sleeping in his arms not click for her?
"Mommy?" Gabriella said as she rubbed at her eyes, sitting up in my arms. Her eyes were red, from crying and a lack of sleep, I know she's tired. I just kissed her cheek as I pointed to Chris' direction. "Look who's here," I whispered. Before I called Chris, Gabbi had the worst attitude because her "Da-da" wasn't here. Once she let her eyes follow to where I pointed, she lit up at the sight of her dad.
"Da-da!" she said as she put her arms out in the air, waiting to be lifted from my arms. Chris smiled as he put X on the hospital bed next to Leah before picking Gabbi up. He planted kisses all over her face as the sound of her giggles made me smile as the doctor finally appeared into the room.
"Good afternoon Mrs. Brown, I'm Dr. Nelson," he said as he shook my hand. He then looked around the room before approaching Chris. "And you must be Mr. Brown, nice to meet you," he said as he shook Chris' hand. He then looked over the paperwork he bought with him before addressing us again. "Alright folks, I'll start off by saying Gabriella is just fine. What her doctor feared was wrong, it isn't the problem at all. She's just going through what most of the kids her age experience when their body is trying to get over an illness. Mrs. Brown, the jerking she does out of her sleep is simply a "Night Terror." What she's experiencing is quite terrifying for just about anyone. Due to the lack of sleep she's been experiencing, it'll just keep happening."
"Wait, what is a night terror?" Chris asked as he let Gabbi play with his keys, making way too much noise for me to even hear the doctor.
"Well, a night terror may happen in different ways. Some people's breathing becomes labored while others feel as though they're paralyzed, and can't move anything below the neck. Like I said, it's mostly caused from sleep deprivation. Being that she's only two, I can't prescribe any medication to help her sleep but I can prescribe an antibiotic to help clear up her cold. Every night before bed, I suggest warming her milk or giving her another drink that's warm. I would then suggest a warm bath before and then either one of you hold her until she falls asleep, that way you can monitor her. I can guarantee if it happens again, she won't go to sleep for the rest of the night." I just shook my head as I recalled having the same experience when I was younger, it really was terrifying. "Oh, and if it does happen again, the signs are pretty much a look of fear on her face while she absent-mindlessly stretches out her limbs and tightens her muscles. If you can't seem to call her out of it, take an ice cube and slowly circle it on her back and legs. If you all have any questions, please feel free to call me, I left my number on the back of her discharge papers. You all enjoy the rest of your day," the doctor said before shaking our hands again and leaving the room.
"Well, that's a relief," Chris said as he sighed and brought Gabbi closer to him. I couldn't agree more. This is the first time besides giving birth to the twins that I've ever been so scared. I thought I was going to lose both of them in labor but God worked miracles and they're both here and healthy. This has to be the only day I've ever felt that kind of fear again.
"Pat, wake yo' ass up," Chris said as he plucked Pat on the back of his neck. Pat jerked awake and was about to slap Chris back but he looked down in Chris' arms and decided against it.
"You know, I'm not even going to give you the satisfaction of irritating me for the day nigga. Give me babygirl," he said as he took Gabbi from Chris. I just laughed, those two are forever going at it.
"Man whatever," he said as he waved Pat off. "Aye babe, you good?" he asked as we got up and started gathering everybody's things to leave the hospital.
"Yeah, I'm okay now. Macki is at the house waiting on me though so we should get going," I said as I looked down at her text. He shook his head as I grabbed X and he grabbed Leah while Pat had Gabbi, making our way out of the hospital. The lobby of the hospital had become more crowded than it was when I first got there so they allowed us to leave from the back, so Chris didn't get noticed.
"King isn't going to be at the studio so I need you to take Leah back to the house with you, if that's cool," Chris said once we got everyone buckled in their car seats. I shook my head agreeing, I had planned on taking her with me anyway. He sighed as he pulled me closer to him, wrapping me in his arms.
"Chris, you okay?" I asked.
"Yeah, I'm straight. I just...I just found out something that I'm really having a hard time telling you right now," he said. I tensed up as I backed out of his arms and looked at him.
"Relax, it's nothing crazy."
"Then what is it? Just spit it out," I said as I crossed my arms across my chest. He sighed and rubbed his palm down his face.
"I'm going on tour. Clive says it's only two months but you and I know how Clive is, it'll turn out being 3 and a half months with added shows." I tensed up even more as I processed his words. So many feelings started hitting me all at once. A part of me was happy because I know he misses being on the road and doing what he loves but the other part of me is freaking out, how the hell am I going to do this by myself for however long he's gone?
"Serenity, please don't go off...not now. We'll talk more when I get home. I'll see you later, babe. I love you," he said as he gently brought me closer to him with his hand on the back of my neck, placing a kiss on my lips. I just sighed as I gave him a faint smile and walked to the driver side of the car, getting in. He knocked on the window, signaling me to roll the backseat window down.
"Leah, King won't be at the studio today but you'll see him soon," he said as he poked his head in the window, pecking Leah on her forehead. "Gabbi and X, Da-da loves y'all man. I love you too Lee-Lee. I'll see you guys when I get home. Be good for mommy, okay?" he said as they shook their head in agreement. "Bae, call me when you get home."
"I will. I love you Maurice," I said as I blew him a kiss and started the car. He waved goodbye and I pulled off from the hospital.
...................................
I walked into the studio with so much shit on my mind, I didn't know how the hell this session was about to be productive.
"Breezy! What's good bro?" Tyga said as I walked into our assigned room. I dapped him up and sat down beside Sevyn. I was still trying to figure out why she was even here, she's not my assistant anymore, she got her own shit going on.
"I'm straight, just left the hospital with Gabbi," I told him. Their eyes got big but I held my hand up for them to keep calm, "She's okay, or at least she will be. What are we doing here again though? Last time I checked I put my album on hold for a minute."
"Stop being an asshole, nigga. You know you're featured on my new song and Sevyn's. So, if you feeling okay and you up to it, get your shit together so we can write," he said before slapping my snapback off of my head and sitting down at the sound equipment. I took a deep breath before retrieving my hat the getting the pen and paper from the table, waiting to here Tyga's song.
"You miss me yet, Brown?" Sev said as she picked up her own paper and pen before turning to look at me.
"Fucks no," I teased before laughing. Truth is, I did miss her. This new assistant don't have shit on her, especially because she use to be that nigga Drake's assistant. I don't know where the hell Sev even found her.
"Can y'all shut the fuck up and get to work," Tyga said as his song blared through the speakers.
"What's it called Tyga?" I asked him.
"Fuck for the Road." I almost swallowed the gum I forgot I put in my mouth, is this nigga serious?
"Calm down, it's not what you think. I'll go lay the first verse while you listen and write," he said as he went into the booth. I started the music for him and listened.
They say what goes around comes around And I know made mistakes and you forgave me how I don't understand, you know I'm trying the best I can I guess it's consequences when you dealing with sin And even sacrificed your friends over me All them nights in the club turn to nights with me It's like same old story out your diary Memories never fade but only in time we'll see Hope to see you with me cause...
I understood the lyrics and had no trouble writing the hook and bridge he needed. I was about to go into the booth and record but Serenity finally called me, letting me know she was home. I stepped out of the room to answer it.
"Damn, you just getting home?" I asked her.
"Yeah, I took the kids out for a late lunch at Red Robin then they begged me for Sweet Frog, you know how that goes."
"You took them out by yourself?"
"Nah, Macki was with me."
"Oh okay, good. You mad at me, baby?"
"Chris, you didn't do anything. No, I'm not mad at you. This is your job, after 3 years I've learned to deal with things like this. I'll talk to you later though baby, Chyna's here with King and I know Tyga is pissed because you're using studio time to talk to me. Go back to work."
"Alright baby, thanks for understanding. Have fun with the kids and your girls, I'll be home as soon as possible, love you." I hung up the phone and walked back into the studio. I held up a hand to Tyga so I wouldn't hear his mouth as I stepped into the booth, ready to lay the hook.
My heart beats for you, girl you know you are the one Are you mad at me, girl I know I made mistakes, I know I fucked up But my heart beats for you baby, I'mma go and scream it loud But if you leave it's something I can't control So let's do it one last time and fuck for the road
I went ahead and laid the bridge too, so I could get home...I missed my family.
All I ever wanted was your happiness But right now let's get right down to it, lets handle this business If you gonna leave me tonight, I gotta kiss it goodbye Girl I'm about to make it cry, and all I need is one more time cause my..
"Aight, Sev send me the song once you lay your part and I'll record it in my studio at home. I'll see yall later. Tyga, I guess I'll see you soon because your family is at my crib anyway," I said as I gathered my stuff.
"Of course they are. I swear Chyna and Ni-Ni are like sisters that were separated at birth. I can't go to sleep without hearing them yapping on the phone." I couldn't help but laugh, I knew exactly what he was talking about, it was the same way on my end.
"Chris, call me before you go into the studio to record once I send it to you. I have to talk you through it," Sev said as she met me at the door.
"What on Earth could you possibly have to talk me through?"
"You don't know everything, asshole." I thought she was joking until she shoved me into the door a little. I just scratched my head.
"Okay, the fuck was that for?"
"Nothing nigga, you can leave now."
"Man Sev, you been tripping lately. I'll call Mijo and tell him he ain't hitting that right or something 'cus you acting strange." She threw a pillow from the sofa at me before I could leave the room. I kicked it out of my way before leaving.
-------
As I was driving home, this kid, August Alsina came on the radio. I couldn't even front, he had talent. That's how my thoughts started getting the best of me too. I started thinking about what I've been through lately, having to delete my Instagram from posting certain shit the public didn't like. I thought about the Twitter drama I've been in and even tweeting that I wouldn't continue making music, pleasing the public once again. I replayed what Clive said at the studio, basically how this kid could put me in early retirement. I know what I tweeted, but at the time I was bullshitting and I didn't want that for myself. But, here it is...some new, young, and talented nigga under the same label as me coming to take my spot. I instantly saw him as a threat maybe even an enemy. That's the last of things that needed to happen though, especially with me being around this nigga for a tour. Damn. I just tried shaking the thoughts out of my head by pulling a blunt from my glove-compartment. I lit it up as I was at a red light, thankful for my windows being tinted. As I took the first hit from it, my phone vibrated from a number I didn't recognize. I started not to answer it but realized it could have been Macki if she has a new number or something, it's a Louisiana area code. Last time I checked, she was with my family so I went ahead and answered it.
"Yo," I answered.
"Whaddup, man? 'Dis August," I gritted my teeth hearing his country ass accent on the other end. How the hell he get my number?
"Oh muh' bad, dawg. I got ya' digits from Clive. After you left 'cus ya babygirl was in 'da hospital, I thought I would call and make sure you was good, nah'wut I'm sayin'?" every minute of this conversation was irritating me but I couldn't be but so irritated, he's done some shit Clive himself has never even done. So, I got myself together after I put the blunt out in my ashtray.
"I appreciate that, man. I'm good though, everything is straight. Thanks," I told him.
"No prollem'. Yo, and about what Clive said...about the retirement thing, I didn't 'preciate him sayin' that shit. I told him that when you left. I came up listening to ya shit man, you and some others taught me everything I know. Listen, I'm not tryna' cause no trouble or nothin' like that, ya'heard me? I just wanna' make music, that's all I ever wanted to do...get out the hood, make music, and put my city on." I couldn't help but note how ambitious he sounded, he reminded me of...a younger me, just waiting for a break to get out the country and do what I've always dreamed of doing.
"You know what...you aight, man. Listen, I'll text you my address. Come through in a lil' bit and we'll sit down and talk business with this tour," I told him as I pulled up to my house.
"Aight man, I have to go drop my nieces off at my mom's but I'll be there shortly, thanks bruh," he said before hanging up. I nodded in approval at the 360 I was able to do. I went from not really wanting to work with this nigga, to wanting to help him get the break I got. Shit, somebody believed in me enough to help me out and with the song I just heard on the radio, I was obligated to help my labelmate out.
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"Daddy's home!" I yelled as I walked thru my front door. I walked into the living room and saw Leah, X, and King in the living room playing with toys. All three of them of quickly got on their feet to wrap themselves around my leg. I picked each of them up, giving them some love, even to my nephew King, I don't discriminate around here.
"Hey babe, how did it go in the studio?" Serenity said as she, Chyna, and Macki walked into the living room with a bowl of popcorn and some smoothie looking shit the cook must have made them because I know Serenity didn't make it.
"It went well, Tyga got a banger on his hands, thanks to me of course," I joked as I kissed my wife. Chyna rolled her eyes.
"Please, don't start today Christopher," she said as she took the popcorn away form Serenity and sat down on the couch. This is nothing new, Chyna and I are always going at it, probably because she's something like the "sister-in-law" from hell.
"Yeah, whatever. What's up Macki? How's school?" I asked her as I pulled her into a hug. Macki is my lil homie. She's definitely always been around for Serenity and I appreciated that, she a real ass female.
"It's alright, I'll be glad when I'm finished. I still don't know how Serenity got her degree in three years, with three kids," she said as she went to go join Chyna and Ni-Ni on the couch. I thought over what Macki said and couldn't stop smiling at Serenity. I thought about how that girl was walking around here, 9 months pregnant with the twins and still making sure she completed all her school work on time for her online classes because she couldn't physically take 'em at the university. Apparently she had enough credits from high school and tested out of the classes for the first year, so she entered college as a sophomore. I'm still so damn proud of her, I don't know how she kept it all together, between the kids and me driving her crazy...I wouldn't have blamed her if she either left us, or left school but she did neither and stuck with it. Talking about ambition, she had enough for me and her at the time.
"Whose car is that?" Chyna asked, snapping me out of my little trance. I looked at the car pulling up into my driveway from the window, instantly remembering I invited August over.
"A labelmate, shut ya' nosey ass up," I told Chyna as I moved towards the door.
"Chris, Gabbi is finally asleep so you and whoever is out there needs to keep it down when they come in here," Serenity said.
"Oh, like you and these two been quiet the entire time," I teased. The glare she gave me told me this wasn't a joking matter, so I silently agreed. Not long after, the doorbell rang. I opened the door to meet this lanky ass nigga, he was sitting down the entire time at the meeting...I had no idea he was this tall.
"Man, ya house is beautiful," he said as he ducked thru the front door and into the hallway, dapping me up.
"You ain't even seen the inside yet, come on, let me introduce you to everybody then give you a tour of my palace," I said regally as I walked us back to the living room.
"Alright, these lil boogers are my baby boy X, my nephew King whose Tyga's son, and my babygirl Leah, you already met her. My youngest babygirl, Gabriella is asleep, you'll meet her later I guess." August stooped down to the kids level and high-fived each of them before turning his attention back to me.
"Last but not least, this is my wife---"
"Serenity?!" he asked shockingly as he looked my wife up and down. Serenity looked up from the TV, studying him.
"I'm sorry, do I know you?" she asked him. He walked closer to her, sitting down beside her in the open seat.
"It's me, Auggie---from elementary? We use to be like, best friends ma. I can't believe you don't remembah' me. I gave you all muh' damn crayons one day, the good Crayola 64 count too." As soon as he said that, Serenity eyes lit up as she threw her arms around him.
"Oh my God, August...it's been forever! Where on Earth have you been? Where did you go after 5th grade? I tried looking for you everywhere but it was like you just disappeared into thin air."
"You ain't look hard enough, I been around Louisiana lately. I saw ya' sister not too long ago, I guess--" I interrupted their little trip down memory lane by clearing my throat. August immediately shot up from his seat.
"My bad, homie. I just--it's a small world. Aftah' I saw her sister, she told me she lived here in California...she didn't say she was married th--you know what, how about that tour nah?" he said as he walked back towards me. I let it go as I gave him a tour of the house, that doesn't mean I wasn't suspicious about Serenity's past with this nigga though.