Rylee I gave birth to a baby boy. Ryan stayed by my side the whole time and held my hand. I would've had my husband here, but I'm trying to hide him from my family. After that night my mom threatened me I have to keep him as far away as I can. I couldn't help keeping my baby away. I know this whole thing is putting a strain on my marriage, but I think we can survive it. Ryan looks out of the window and his face changes.

"Did you call mom?"

"What kind of question is that? Nah I ain't call her. Why? Is she here?"

"Yeah."

It didn't take long before she sucked all the energy out of the room. She looked at Ryan.

"Ooo look who finally left his room. If I'd known you'd be like this after your heart got broken I'd would've done this sooner."

She walked towards me and rub the back of her hand on my cheek.

"My little baby girl finally had a baby. Where is my grand baby?"

"They took him in the nursery."

"I have a grandson. That's the best news I've gotten all day."

I watch her when the nurse brings my son back into my room. I hold him in my arms and she comes over looking at him.

"I want to hold him."

I give her my son and she holds him close to her heart. For a spilt second I see my old mom back. I think she realizes it too because she passes the baby off to Ryan and leaves out of the room. I think this baby is going to heal my mom and get rid of all of her hate. The hate will be replaced with love hopefully.

La'Toya The night before graduation has my mind going wild. My heart rate is going faster. The feeling of finally leaving high school it's mixed feelings of relief, unsureness, joy, and other bunched up feelings.

"La'Toya go to sleep."

"I can't I'm too excited."

"You keep on and when walk across the stage you'll fall."

"Jaida I can't believe you just said that."

She laughs and I just look at her.

"I'm just partly kidding. You know that would be funny. What a way to officially end your senior year."

"Why are you still up?"

"Do you think Ryan will be there?"

"Hmm. He might be. If he is there then it's because he's there to support you."

"I can't stand his ugly self."

"Jaida quit lying you know that's your man."

"Good night."

"Don't be getting all salty."

She fakes a snore and I turn off the lamp. She hates I when I'm right. Tomorrow is the day.

Ryan Holding my nephew for the first time was something new that I... I don't know where to start. He's small and helpless. He's going to need us to take care of him. When Rylee finally falls asleep I hold him and watch over him. The nurse walks in and asks me if she could take him. I let her take him and send one of my goons to watch over him so nothing happens. Eventually sleep overcomes me.

Jaida Why do I always gotta wake up early in the morning? I will never understand that. I look over and see the light coming from La'Toya's phone.

"How long you been up?"

"About 2 hours or so."

"And I thought I wake up early."

"Jaida you know we can talk about anything."

I try to gather my thoughts, but instead it blurts out.

"I wanna relationship like you and Orlando's. I'm tired of these dudes like for real for real. I'm tired of wasting my time on them."

"J you don't know how long it took me to get into this relationship. I've had a fair share of past relationships that didn't go to plan. I've been promised the world and other materialistic things. I'm cursed with a good heart. I've had my heartbreaks. One told me we needed a break so he could get his stuff together. Then he posted his new chick minutes after we were officially on break. A few days later he has the audacity to ask if over break is over. Another time is when I thought I found Mr. Right. He was perfect at least I thought he was. He could sing, dance, dress, etc. He kept going ghost on me and leaving me on read. He would only hit me up when it was convenient for him. He was just like the rest of the ones that told me that they would marry me. Look at my left hand. Do you see a wedding ring? When you in the dating cycle you can't judge the new one based on past experiences. If you feel like you're gonna do that then take time off before you get back on the dating horse. For a while I thought God was punishing me. I would lay on my bed curled up in a ball crying asking him why he was doing this to me. I really didn't have no one I could turn to when it came down to relationship advice because everyone comes to me for advice. I kept praying, crying in the shower, and having sleepless nights. Then it dawned on me he wasn't punishing me he was preparing me for whenever I do get a husband. Long story short if it's meant for you and Ryan to get back together then you will. Don't be weary over situations you can't control."

"Nice conversation to have early in the morning."

"Jaida it's nine in the morning."

"Dang Toya you was talking for that long?!"

"You tried it!"

"Come on let's eat breakfast. Then we need to go our hair and nails so we can slay today."

RJ When I go downstairs I slide into the kitchen. I see my dad and my mom cooking breakfast just like they use to. She was standing in front of the stove and he was standing behind her. She over here giggling like she in high school. I love to see her smile and laugh. I watch them for a little minute before my ma turns around.

"Good morning baby. Are you ready for your big day?"

"I'm ready to get out this...b...school."

"Yeah you better watch that mouth."

She mouths "nice save." My dad looks at me I can tell by the way his mouth is forming he doesn't know what to say. I go ahead and take the first step.

"Good morning dad. When is breakfast gonna be ready?"

Mama bear smiles at me and I know I did the right thing. I didn't do it for myself I did it for my ma, Orlando, La'Toya, and the rest of the Legacy family. I can't be the better version of myself if I can't get over the past. My dad's whole demeanor changed. He stood up taller and with more confidence.

"We should have breakfast ready any minute now."

While I'm waiting I set the table. Dad fixed the plates and then he said the prayer. In between the bites and conversations it felt great. I missed him almost as much as my mom did. I wanna know what kind of missions he had and took. Time was passing by and I picked up the dishes. I start to wash them when my dad offered to dry them.

"Son I know I haven't always been here, but I am now."

"I know dad."

I drain the water.

"See y'all at graduation."

I head out the door and don't look back.

Orlando LOML💞❤️😋💦: We doing our hair rn Lando.

Me: You know we only have about fifteen minutes till we have to be there.

LOML💞❤️😋💦: You bein dead serious?!!!

Me: Check the time of you don't believe me.

LOML💞❤️😋💦:Well I'm done. I have a few finishing touches I have to do to her hair. Then we out.

Me: Want me to pick y'all up?

LOML💞❤️😋💦: I can manage. I have a license for a reason.😏😈

Me: Aight don't get it taken.🤨

LOML: Oh I won't.😇 Now stop texting and driving.😤😡

When I read the last message she sent I can't help, but to laugh. If I wanted to aggravate her then I would've texted back yes ma'am. I'm ready to cop this diploma and go to the after party.

Jojo Boy it's hot as heck outside. I gotta go to these people's graduation today. Gots to see my babies walk across that stage. I had mine last Saturday. Double D already helped me settle on an outfit to wear for today. I might as well look like a snack. I might as well not waste gas money so I asked moms to drop me off. When I make it to where the graduation ceremony is being held I see a mixture of graduates and graduating classmates' colors. All these people all up in my way. I push through climb up the stairs and find a seat. Now I have to wait on their school to go up on stage.

La'Toya The teachers make sure our gowns, caps, and the rest of our graduation attire is on correctly. We are then placed in line alphabetically. Basically RJ and I are sandwiched in between Jaida and Orlando. The line moves forward and we all walk down the long narrow hallway. As we march in we pass cameras that projects our faces on the big screen. The energy was heightening my entire mood. I look around and spot Jaida's parents, Legacy, Gram, and my parents. I smile as I recite the Pledge of Allegiance and stand for the National Anthem. As the top people of my class spoke I zoned out and look around. This is really happening right now. I cheer on Jaida and RJ as they receive their diplomas. When I got mine I heard my supporters chanting my name and blowing air horns. I know for a fact I was cutting up when Orlando got his. We stood up and turned our tassels to the right side.

"I now present to you the class of 2018."

A quarter of my classmates threw their caps into the air. We walked out through the hallway. Now it's time to go celebrate.

Jayla I met my babies at the end of the hallway. I handed Orlando and La'Toya their graduation gifts. I stood there like a proud mother should. They are being successful and now I think it's time for the next step.

"Congratulations! Now I'm going to treat you all to dinner."

"Mom we going to a after party."

"Oh well have fun and be safe."

"We will Mrs. Washington. I'll watch Lando and make sure he doesn't get into anything."

I watch them walk with their fingers intertwined. I gave them the keys to Legacy among the other couples of gifts.

Jojo Me: Where y'all at?

RJ🚶‍♂️🤟: We in the front by the stairs.

Me: Don't move 👊. Omw.

I'm speed walking to the front to get to these people. They better be lucky they have me. I look through the crowd to spot them. I have to slide through the crowd to get to them. La'Toya over here taking pictures with everybody and they mama. I tap her on the shoulder.

"Excuse me ma'am!"

"Jojo!!!"

"Don't you Jojo me."

She hugs the life outta me.

"Okay. Let go."

I lay my eyes on Jaida. I remember I told La'Toya when I see Jaida me and her were gonna fight on sight. I have to refrain from doing that cause today ain't my day it's La'Toya's. Jaida can still catch me in the streets tho. I take pictures with my cousins and La'Toya. I see Uncle Roland and Aunt Meisha coming up. I haven't seen him in years.

"Hey Unc and Auntie."

"Hello Jojo."

Meisha "Roland this is La'Toya the next queen of Legacy. This is her friend..."

"Jaida."

"This is her friend Jaida."

I watch how Roland interacts with them. I enjoy having him back. No one could make my heart skip a beat the way he does. I would do whatever means necessary to keep him out of harm's way.

"Ma we going to an after party."

"RJ I thought we were going to celebrate together as a family."

"Maybe later."

"Well don't be stupid."

"I won't."

"Let em get a picture of you, me, and your father before you leave. La'Toya please take our picture."

After the picture they left me and Roland alone.

Rylee "Mrs. Wilson you and your son will be able to leave tomorrow."

"Thank you nurse."

I hold my son close to me. I don't know what I'd do if I lose him. I still don't know what to name. I look into his eyes.

"I still don't know what to name you little one. I don't wanna make you a junior that's too simple for me."

The door opens and my heart drops. I see that it's Ryan.

"You scared the mess out of me."

"My bad. You came up with a name yet?"

"Still working on it."

I stare at the ceiling until a name pops into my head.

"Kendrick Alexander Wilson!"

"That was fast. Finally my nephew has a name."

"We get out tomorrow."

"That's good."

"I don't want to go back home. I'm scared mama might do something to my baby. We have to get out of there. Our life his life especially depends on it. I don't want him to be a pawn in her game she loves to play."

"Rylee when will you learn not to fight against mom?"

"I can't help it the woman has lost her mind."

"If you leave it will only resort in her finding you and bringing you back. If you want to stay safe stay home and get her to trust you again. That's all I have to say."

I know he's right I just don't want to accept it.

Jaida This is probably the last time we are gonna see these people.

"All I know is that this party better be popping!"

I roll my eyes. Jojo is over her being loud and obnoxious. Who even invited her?

"You got some to say Jaida?"

"If I had something to say I'd say it."

"Alright Jaida and Jojo don't make me turn this around. I'm not gonna tolerate this tonight. We are the class of 2018. We are not in high school anymore so act like it."

How long will it take us to get to this party?

"We there yet?"

"Yes I'm turning in now."

"Finally."

The party consisted of everything a normal party would the fine guys, loud music, drinks, sneaky teens, dimmed lights and liquor. We find us a spot on the dance floor and get to work. Orlando comes behind Toya and grabs her waist. RJ watches from the far corner while a girl is trying to seize his attention.

Looks like me and Jojo are the only one without a man. I look up and see her talking to some guy. I go get a drink and a boy tried to spit weak game at me. I wasn't having it so I walk away. I see this light skinned guy on the other side of the dance floor. I make my way over there. I get over there and start up a conversation with him. He doesn't dismiss the conversation. A chick comes up and asks him who I am. Then he introduces her as his girlfriend after he gives me his number. I swear these lil boys getting bolder. That was disrespectful. La'Toya runs up to me.

"Jaida we gotta go."

Jayla "Where are they?!"

"They're on their way calm down. The kids were just at a party celebrating graduating."

Before I could say anything else they came into my office.

"Go get dressed in this."

RJ, La'Toya, and Orlando came back into my office fully dressed.

"Before I tell you what's going on Orlando and La'Toya you both are the holders of Legacy's keys. That now makes you one step closer to the throne all you need to do is get married. Alright I hope you three are ready to join the other seven. Kayla just waged war."

Ryan I know and understand why Rylee wants to leave. Mom has lost her mind. She's just waged war. She chooses to do it at a time like this. When she has a newborn grandchild. This is sad, but I have to follow orders no matter what.

Kayla When we get to our little war playground my twin doesn't seem to be bothered at all.

"This doesn't have to be this way Kayla. You can stop this and we can talk this out."

"Jayla you're fourteen years too late. Attack!"

I knew this was going to be a bloody battle with the new updated weapons. We have a fair chance against Legacy. While the battle was going on and all I saw each one of my men drop like flies. The war pauses when Ryan stands over Orlando with a gun pointed to his head.

"What are you waiting for son? Pull the trigger! Put a bullet in his head and we will take over Legacy. The throne will be yours!!!."

"No! This stops now! We have Kendrick to think about. You need to get over this grudge you're holding against them. It isn't worth it. Look at how many people we've lost. It wasn't worth them losing their lives over this. I'm done."

He throws the gun at my feet.

"You were always the weak one just like your father!!! No you are not finished until I say you are!!!!!"

I pull the trigger and empty out the remaining three bullets I had left. I fled once my gun was emptied.

Rylee "Ma'am would you like him to stay in here with you tonight."

"His name is Kendrick Alexander Wilson."

"I'm glad you finally gave him a name."

"So yes Kendrick will spend the night with me."

He was fast asleep in his crib and as I watched TV. The door creaked opened.

"Nurse I don't need a bottle tonight."

I didn't get a reply. I look toward the door and don't see anyone. When I look the other way a hand covers my mouth and injects something into my neck.

La'Toya "We gotta get him to a hospital and fast. Jaida don't worry we're going to do the best we can do to save him."

Kayla "Rock-a-Bye Baby..."