It All Started With Hello [Book One In The Hello Series]

Chapter 33- Princeton's Birthday Part 2

"That's because Artemis took care of them a lot when her brother and sister were doing something. She just really loves them and they love her." I said.

"That's nice. She's very family orientated. I like her a lot, Jacob. She will be a great part of the family some day." Mom smiled as she wrapped an arm around me.

"Mama, I'm only 17 and she's 14. I'm not thinking about marrying her. It's too early to even be thinking about that." I sighed and sipped my drink.

"How about you get her a promise ring?" Mom suggested. "You can do it next year when you're 18 and she's 15. Promise her you'll marry when she's 18."

I thought about it as I watched Artemis hold Kendon and Ma'Kayla has she talked to Bella, Diggy, Jacob, Isis, and Ana. She threw her head back as she laughed at a joke Diggy made. She looked so perfect. Like a model-- like a goddess.

Once again, I saw the flashes of Artemis and I sitting on the front porch of a big house with grey hair and our grandchildren running around us with mops of curly, black hair and light skin.

"I'll do it, Mama. I'll get a promise ring for Artemis. Next year." I smiled as Artemis looked my way. She told Diggy, Isis, Jacob, Bella, and Ana something then walked over to me and Mom with the kids.

"Hey!" Artemis smiled brightly which caused me to smile. "Miss Teresa, this is my nephew Kendon Williams and my niece Ma'Kayla Lewis."

"Hi Miss Teresa. You're very pretty." Ma'Kayla smiled.

"Thank you, sweetie. You're very pretty yourself." Mom told Ma'Kayla.

"Hello Miss Teresa. It's nice to meet you. I'm Kendon Williams." Kendon shook Mom's hand.

"Well hello, Kendon. Aren't you the perfect gentleman." Mom sighed.

"Thank you, ma'am," Kendon nodded. "Artty, I'm thirsty."

"Okay. Hold on." Artemis said. I got two cups of punch for Ma'Kayla and Kendon. I handed them the cups and whispered in their ears.

"If you distract my mom while I take her away from Artemis, I'll let you stay up as long as you want to watch TV." I whisphered in their ears. They nodded and smiled slyly.

"Oh, Miss Teresa, can you take me to the bathroom?" Ma'Kayla asked.

"Me too? The punch got right to me." Kendon asked.

"Of course," Mom agreed in a second. "I'll be back."

Mom grabbed their hands and walked away. They looked back and winked at me.

"What did you promise them to get your mom away?" Artemis asked me.

"That they could stay up all night and watch TV." I said. She snorted.

"Great job. Now you have to stay up with them. Because I'm not staying up with them." She smirked. I frowned. I didn't think about that.

"Now why did you send them away?" Artemis asked.

"To spend some alone time with you." I smiled.

"We were alone all day today." She cut her eyes.

"Yeah, but I want people to see me with my girl." I said.

"Boy, I talked to you all day. I want to make some new friends, okay? We'll have tonight together, tomorrow, the day after that, and the one after until Friday." She said as she walked away. Damnit.

I shook my head and walked over to Ray, Roc, and Prod.

"Couldn't get Goddess to your room?" Roc joked. I shook my head.

"Dude, you know she isn't even thinking about that. Leave it alone, Roc." Ray said as Artemis, Brittany, Jari, and Isis walked past us.

"Sure ain't thinking about it." Artemis said with smirk. The girls laughed as they walked.

Some friends of ours came up to us to take pictures. It started a whole line.

"When is this party gonna end? I'm tired of taking pictures." Prod asked me.

I checked my phone. 10:03PM.

"Soon. It's 10 and we have things to do tomorrow. I'ma go tell Keisha." I said as I walked away to find Keisha.

Just my luck, she was standing talking to my mom by the front door as people trickled out to their homes or hotels.

"Hey Keisha. Mama." I smiled as I wrapped an arm around my mom.

"Baby, we are about to go." Mom said. My smile turned into a frown.

"What?" I pouted.

"We have to go home. You have things to do tomorrow. I was so happy to see you today. My baby is one step closer to being a legal adult-- a man." She kissed me forehead. I had to duck a little bit to let her kiss my head.

"Te quiero, mamá. Te quiero tanto." I sniffed. (I love you, mama. I love you so much)

"Te quiero." She said back before walking out the door with the rest of my family.

I watched them go sadly. I hope I can see them soon. I love them so much.

"Hey Prince, you're standing in the way of the door. You're blocking everyone." Keisha told me. I blinked to see a lot of people behind me.

"Oh. I'm so sorry." I blushed and jumped out of the way. Everyone laughed and walked out. They wished me happy birthday as they left. I smiled and waved at all of them until Keisha closed the door.

The only people left were Keisha, Walter, Kenneth, Roc, Isis, Prod, Jari, Ray, Star, Myles, Juno, Beauty, Diggy, Jacob, Artemis, Brittany, Kendon, Ma'Kayla, and myself.

"What are we about to do?" Ray asked as he relaxed on the couch.

"Clean up." Keisha said. We all groaned, but started cleaning. Ma'Kayla and Kendon helped as much as they could with their tiny hands.