Forbidden Love

“Vera, Aisha, I thought you girls weren’t gonna come?” my mother, Fiona, asked, raising a brow.

“Oh, please, mom. Tell me why I would want to miss your wonderful cooking,” I joked.

She sighed, putting a hand on her hip. “You better go set up the table or else you will miss my wonderful cooking.”

I nodded and began walking to the kitchen with Vera. She was honestly so quiet, I would be surprised if my mom didn’t know something was up.

“Listen, sis, if you don’t want to be here, tell me. It’s obvious you aren’t okay. They’ll know something is up and they’ll want you to tell them what it is, even if you aren’t ready. I understand this is hard for you, which is why I’m telling you that—”

“No, you don’t! You keep saying ‘I understand how you’re feeling, blah, blah, blah’—when you don’t! You don’t understand what I’m going through. You don’t understand how I feel right now. You don’t even know what it feels like to be in love with someone because you’re too scared you’re gonna get hurt! So, tell me, how can you understand how it feels knowing that him and I broke up and he might find someone else? Do you even ‘understand’ how that feels?” she lashed out.

I stared at her in disbelief, my eyes wide. “Are you kidding me? You have got to be joking. For once in your life, stop making everything about you! I know you’re going through a lot but that doesn’t mean you can just lash out at other people! I have been in a relationship, and I’m so fucking sorry that I’m, quite literally, scarred. Maybe that’s why you and Dan broke up. Do you even try to understand how he feels?”

“I—”

“Of course not!” I cut her off. “Cause you’re a fucking selfish bitch!”

I was fuming with anger, and so was she. I was so sick and tired of her making it seem like she was the only person going through stuff. It’s always about her and how she feels, and honestly? I don’t mind most of the time. But even I have my limits.

If she’s going to yell at me for literally trying to help her, then fuck her. I don’t need to help a selfish person who doesn’t deserve my help and support.

“Aisha, I’m so fucking sick and tired of you acting all high and mighty. You always act like you’re the best child, with the best job, and blah, blah, blah, only because you’re a teacher at a private school. When, in reality, you’re a cold-hearted bitch! I’ve always been going through so much shit and you’re the only person who doesn’t even try to understand what I’m going through! Always too good for the rest of us, huh? Fuck you and your sick ego,” she spat.

“Do you hear yourself? I was literally telling you that I fucking understand how you feel because I do! And even if you believe I didn’t, at least I was trying to! And now you’re saying I didn’t even try to? I was just trying to help—”

“What’s all this yelling?” my mom yelled, coming in between the two of us. “Why are you both arguing like kids? Have you not grown up?” she asked, looking at the two of us.

I sighed. “Look, mama, I’m just gonna go,” I announced, getting ready to grab my things and leave.

“No, you will not. It’s a long drive back to your place and I want to spend time with my kids.” She set her foot down.

“No, mama, Aisha should go,” Vera said, angering me more. Who did she think she was, saying if I should go or not?

I gave her a heated glare and she backed down instantly.

“Enough of this bickering! We are trying to have a peaceful dinner tonight, as a family. You both should be ashamed of yourselves! Leave this kitchen this instant and go talk your problems out. Don’t come to the dining table until you’re done talking it out. And, as a reminder, none of you are going to leave this house without my permission. Understood?” my mother, quite literally, barked.

“But, mom—” I tried to say but she cut me off.

“Leave. Now,” she said, pointing to the kitchen’s entrance.

Sighing, Vera and I unhappily walked out of the kitchen. Our other siblings gave us knowing looks before they tried to make it seem like they were minding their own business. It was obvious they weren’t though.

knew the fight was stupid and I didn’t want it

we were out of earshot of

sorry for lashing out at you like that. I was…not in the wrong completely but also not in the

apologize…” Vera sighed out. “It was my fault completely. I shouldn’t have said those things or yelled at you in the first place. I know you’re

gave her a small, sad smile. “Don’t stress over it. Besides, as people say, if you’re brave enough to say goodbye, life will reward you with a new

smiled back, hugging me. “Let’s go

. . .

you forgot that aunt Tina took us home? You were so worried!” Lin laughed out, causing the rest of us to laugh

child. Didn’t we agree to not

mama, it was so funny! But at the same time, it

smirk. We all laughed once again. That day was probably the day I first realized

all of my kids doing,

other as we replied “good” in sync, which made us all giddy

ma. But I started talking to this sexy

the poor man blush. But everything is the same as always.” She hadn’t come with us to the club but we

I think we’re all just trying to get the hang of life since we don’t live with you anymore. I’m actually surprised we didn’t all just come back here and live with you,” my

“A mother is always going to be

can clearly see that, mom,” Donny, my

can always come

is full. I also…have something

we’re not kids anymore, Charlotte said, rolling her eyes. I smack her across the head since she

separate them but I made sure I could

dad isn’t here yet,” Lin acknowledged. I was surprised to see how she was pretty calm about

don’t mind getting two new siblings; I’m just worried about my mother. She’s always adopting kids and trying to

are you sure about

very sure. They’re gonna be my kids. I love

you already have enough of

“We’re worried about

lot of children, so I’m just fulfilling my dreams. I love you all the same, so don’t worry about that. And I’m sure I can handle just two more kiddos. After all, I’ve been doing this since

mom. If you need any help or anything, we’re all just a phone call away,”

you, my wonderful

. . .

dinner and began hanging

home!” he called out from the front

us walking to him and asking him how his day was. I think I was the first to notice the two kids

went towards them. “Hey! You must be

look at me. In fact, they

girl. She had a small body, and wore clothes that seemed too big for her since she was so skinny. She also had straight brown hair that was short,

tall. He also had much more meat on him than his sister. It was clear he wasn’t very comfortable yet, but he