You over everything. (Book 2)

Chapter 29

Janet

"Jayla, don't put your hand in the cake." Toni said, pulling Jayla's hand off too late. Now there's a handprint—through Elijah's name, on his birthday cake.

Me and Toni looked from the cake to each other and couldn't help but laugh.

"You know, either way, it's the thought that counts." I chuckled.

It's Elijah's 18th birthday today, and I don't think I can really wrap my head around that. It's like, just yesterday, I was in the hospital holding him in my arms for the first time. It feels like I just watched him take his first steps. I remember his first words being "mom" instead of "mama," which Toni loved and I couldn't help but love it too, even though it wasn't for me.

There's nothing but truth when people say your kids grow up quickly. While he couldn't wait for this day to come, I could. I didn't want it to; I still don't want it to, but it's already here. He's grown now, and he's going off to college soon. What am I supposed to do then?

I think for me, it hurts more because of what we just went through. Those few months that we weren't on the same page, we should've been enjoying them. I tried to, but things happened. Now that we're in this great place again, he's leaving, and there's nothing I can do.

I guess today I should be looking at the positives though. It'll make the day better for everyone.
Like the fact that he's going to the University of Georgia, which is known for its great football program. Just this year, they were the number one college team in the country. I'm so proud of him, and I think I've told him that a million times already. I'll probably tell him a million more times. That's just how excited about that I am.

"Alright, let's go." Joey said, pulling me out of my thoughts.

Joeys here with us because I thought it was important that he'd be here. He has not only done so much for me, but for Elijah too. There's a lot of things I don't know how I would've gotten through with Elijah without Joey. He's a father figure in his life, which I appreciate a lot.

I grabbed a paper towel to wipe Jayla's hand and took her from Toni so she could light the candles on the cake.

We're here at my beach house today, and right now we're going to wake Elijah up by singing happy birthday.

He doesn't really like surprise parties, so though I wanted to throw one, I'm not going to. I decided today we'd just spend some time out at the beach.

Once the candles were lit, we started heading back to his room. Something we do every year on his birthday is wake him up singing the song. It's our own tradition now.

When we were there, we stood on the side of his bed and got ready to sing.

"Ok...one...two...three." I whispered.

"Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you..." We continued singing the song, and after a while, he finally turned over to look at us.

He wiped his eyes and a smile covered his face when he saw. I put Jayla on his bed, and she crawled over to him.

"Happy birthday to youuuu," I dragged out the last part.

I cheered until Toni broke out into more singing.

"How old are you?" She sang in typical Toni Braxton fashion, pointing to him.

"Really?" He asked.

"I asked...how old are you?" She sang again.

He shook his head. "18,"

"How—"

"Hey now you're just trynna flex your vocals huh?" I asked.