The Promises He Made

^Chapter 52^

Hakeem's p.o.v

I gave Chanelle the address to my house and we rode listening to the throwbacks she loved. Right now New Edition 'Poison' was playing. I laughed as the twins sang along and danced in their seats to each song. They were really into this type of music just like Chanelle.

We pulled up to my street and I heard the twins gasp and mumble in amazement. Even Chanelles face had an astound look plastered on it. Ha, Yeah I upgraded.

"Wow! You live here?" Justice asks with an amazed look on her face as Chanelle pulled up in the driveway.

"Yeah. You guys wanna come in?" I ask looking back at them.

"Ooh, Mommy can we?" Justice asks excitedly.

"Please?" Jaheem adds. Chanelle sighed lowly.

Oh they bipolar! A minute ago they was givin me the Ice Cube mug face. Now they wanna come into my house?... These kids is something else.

"I don't think that's a good idea. We gotta be getting back home soon. I don't want Deandre to get suspicious."

"Ah come on, Nelle. Look ill just give you guys a tour and then you guys can be on your way."

"Please mama?" The twins ask. She looked at me and then straight ahead for a while before sighing.

"Aight fine. But hurry up." She said as she turned off the car.

I smiled and rubbed my hands together. The twins and I hopped out at the same time. They waited at the top of the driveway as I quickly went to open Chanelles door. She rolled her eyes slightly as she got out.

"A true gentleman? Are we?" She questions as she pulls her purse strap over her shoulder.

"You already know how I do." I state popping my collar.

"Boy hurry up with this tour. I got things to do and the twins have a play date with my mom in a little while so let's go."

Without further delay I lead Chanelle and the twins into my house. Each of them had looks of pure amazement plastered on their faces. I showed them every room and even the backyard and basement which both were indeed luxurious.

As I showed them my bedroom I couldn't help but to imagine half of everything in the room belonging to Chanelle. I didn't sweat it tho.

It will be soon enough.

~Chanelle's p.o.v~

As I followed behind Hakeem and the twins I felt my phone buzz in my back pocket. I took it out and seen that Tamia was calling me.

I excused myself from everyone and stood in the hallway as I answered the phone.

"Yo?" I asked with the phone to my ear.

"Hey. What's going on with the twins?" Tamia asks.

"Girl I don't know. Ever since Hakeem came around they're just disrespectful. You know I raised them with manners but when it comes to Hakeem they don't use them. They talk back to him. They give him attitude. They don't acknowledge him. They're mean to him. Like I said they're just disrespectful! I don't know where it's coming from or what to do!" I state to Tamia as I pace the hallway.

She took a second to think.

"Have you ever thought of the way you act with Hakeem?" Tamia points out.

"What?" I ask confused as I stopped pacing, giving her my undivided attention.

"Come on Nelle. Ever since Hakeem came back into your life have you been nice to him? I know every time I been with the two of y'all, you ain't got nothin nice to say to him. And Deandre's no better. Maybe that's where they get it from." She states.

I thought for a second.

"Oh my god." I state to myself as I watched Hakeem and the twins jump on Hakeem's bed. It looked like they were playing a bounce version of 'Ring Around the Rosie'.

Tamia's right. The twins reflect off my actions!

A quick flashback of the last few days flashed through my mind as I kept the phone pressed to my ear and my gaze focused on Hakeem and the kids.

Back to when Hakeem and I were talking at the barbecue. I came to realize that although I sent Justice away from the scene, Jaheem was watching the scene from behind me. He also did the same as Hakeem and I were arguing at the door. At dinner they each concentrated on how Deandre and I were talking to Hakeem. Especially Justice once Deandre and I stepped away from the table to talk.

The way they treat him is all because of me.

"T, I'll call you back." I stated barley above a whisper as I kept my eyes glued to the twins and Hakeem before hanging up.

I can't believe I've been so oblivious to the fact that the way the twins treat Hakeem is all my fault. I've always taught them to lead by example. But I've led them in the wrong way. And even though right now I hate bringing myself to the fact of having to tell the twins who Hakeem really is I never know what the future holds. I'll have to tell then the truth sooner or later. I'm not gonna keep my kids on the shadow of who their real father is. My mama held things and information away from me and we'll never have that mother-daughter bond like other families. Reasons like that is why I gotta make this right no matter how much I secretly hate Hakeem.

It all starts with a change.

I walked back into Hakeem's bedroom causing Hakeem to look at me as he slowed his bouncing.

"Come on, twins. That was your grandmother. She's waiting for us back at the house so we have to go." I state causing the twins to groan.

"Oh don't be like that. Who knows? Maybe Hakeem will let you guys come hang out with him again soon." I state looking at the twins before glancing up at Hakeem. He looked at me in shock.

"Forreal?" He asks with a hopeful tone.

"Yeah. But I'll have to check with Deandre first." I state.

He rolled his eyes and clenched his fists as he jumped down from the bed. He helped both Jaheem and Justice down. They told him goodbye as they began to walk out of the room.

"Bye Hakeem." I state slapping on a smile as I embraced Hakeem in a tight hug. He acted surprised at first before wrapping his arms around my waist. I looked over my shoulder to see the twins looking at us confused as they observed us closely.

"I'll call you later. Okay?" I ask smiling at Hakeem after I pulled away from the hug.

"Umm o-okay." He stated still a little confused and in shock.

"Don't you need my number?" He questions. I fake a giggle as I nod. He put his number in my phone and I gave him one last quick hug before exiting the room.

Oh boy... This is gonna be the hardest thing ever.