Blue sky, white fluffy clouds; the perfect day shines down on The Kingdom of Midday. The newlyweds are on their way inside the castle to be greeted by a cheerful friend. It’s Nite-Nite.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPsW20ESAa6
“ooo, look who's back! Had fun?” Nite asks, mockery lacing the undertones of his voice.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFHF1szZUR
Lullaby shoves his head; a playful gesture.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtLG91l9HqW
“Don't be jealous.”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNfROgHm8JV
Nite laughs putting his hands behind his head following beside them.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUfRiuA4mjB
“Please.” Nite scoffs.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP8leyEU2e7
Prom walks ahead and puts her hands behind her back. Her shyness is a battle hard to win, she likes to avoid being seen romantically in public as much as possible; yesterday couldn’t be helped.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVprgx5fRQ9
“Oh looks like everybody's ready to go,” she states.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeq0wMaHB2g
End, Hershie, and Qiyamah have their luggage ready to go.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡin3C7vfYwl
“End, Hershie, if you don't have a place to stay you can always stay in the kingdom until you get one. But it's completely up to you.”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGDuQyVtVj
End and Hershie don’t have families, they grew up as orphans. They’re not the only ones.
Pageant comes up folding her arms. She talks for Prom, something she may do often.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG2egnpfPxW
“Hmph. Or, perhaps, she's saying she wants you to stay.”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwL0h6frCf
“Ugh, was not!”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXDzDn2daVa
“I don't care.” Hershey says. It sounds like a better idea than what they had in mind.
End laughs resting his hands behind his head.
“Then what are we all packed for huh?”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYSbCNIkkkc
Prom smiles at them. They’ll be better off here, safer. They have a place to call home here.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJUiz3Pfw2I
“Oh, Lullaby. Is it okay if I take them to—”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5QBsL46nc
“Sure, we're not going to stick like glue all day long.” he says and pinches her cheek. “Only a part of the day hun.”
Let's be realistic here, even couples need their time away from each other.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmMmdambvmI
Prom gave a slight smirk as her hair slipped in front of her eye. She pushes his hand away.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPKYdflO2e
“Thanks. Okay, come on guys.”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtOfMa0lHcj
“Where we goin’” End asks.
“Part of the day? Das crute.” Hershey lingers on that point, hoping to gain a good laugh.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4nLQPsA6r0
Prom shakes her head, their chatter growing more distant as they proceed up a grand staircase.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjs4PK0AtP0
Now just Lullaby, Nite-Nite and Qiyamah remain. Lullaby’s eyes drift towards her.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qblFK9dps
“Eugh, look at you Qiya!”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0OWvvnsqlY
She’s all dressed up still standing there holding her luggage.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgAs2hfZa6p
“Eugh! Look at you Lully!” she snaps back. What’s this boy’s problem?
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu0xDxampWr
“Ugh, It's just, I guess this means you're going home now?”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡreLLYtTJMj
He looks to the side visibly upset. Hopefully she changes her mind.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDEaacjDJi7
“Mhmm.”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnmQ0MasZnG
She said that without hesitation with a firm nod. She has no intention of staying here. Considering everything, he has to come to terms with it.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAquSXQ7vnT
“Well, I guess you have to at some point huh? Just uh- Let me take you home huh?” Lullaby insists.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡELsYVR6IoR
“Um... Uh... I guess it'll be ok…”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPliXKE3BC1
Something different creeps onto her face. It’s unsure, but something else too.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwyJ8MOVQi
“Yeah, I know you're a long ways from home... So, what do they wear in your country?”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSL6S6NBi88
“Um, normal stuff.”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLlYtrPn7Fs
Her eyes became big as they revolved around. The kinds of questions he chooses to ask just don't make sense sometimes.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeFQessFRtU
“What does it matter anyways?” Nite asks curiously.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMpJC0FZh1e
Lullaby shrugs.
“That way I'll be at home.”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqaSr9lDGhx
“I guess. But don't think you two are leaving me here by myself!”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfvBzqTYnD6
“Course not, what's a trip without your best bud huh?”
Nite laughs.
“Yup!”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhjLDKR3BVW
Qiyamah is looking at them up and down. They’ve just invited themselves, haven't they? ‘Cause who else did?
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOgZM7t3Z4K
“Just don't get me in trouble,” she demands.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSEXFoqF2zq
“Trouble? Pffft, Qiya just give me–”
“Five Hours!” Nite blurts out finishing Lullaby’s sentence. Remember how long it took on the wedding day?
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvpeL29jieY
Lullaby shoves his head and finishes anyways.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvWPUnonep
“A sec to get ready 'kay?”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYF3JxaRpCk
“Okay,” Qiyamah says with a frown.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBWT7OoWkwK
She didn’t ask for any of this in the first place.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnjN7p0VkhQ
“By a second, he seriously meant five hours,” Nite says with a sigh.
Qiyamah laughs, “He like accessorisin'”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiNrkU21Azn
MUCH MORE THAN A SECOND LATER…
Lullaby walks up with his hands in his jacket pockets wearing casual street wear, whistling. His shirt reads in bold print: “Thanks Babe”.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqi51rPnjs
“I'm ready ♪ So, I guess this'll be good enough.
Qiyamah frowns, giving him a sharp side-eye. What the heck is he thinking? He must not know…
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGSPLRV5ikV
“Sure you wanna wear all dat?”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb3wNes3LUs
“Wait, why wouldn't I be sure?” He doesn’t get it. He continues to ramble. “Hm, It's probably gonna be a long trip huh? Ha!” He hugs her. “That means we'll have lots of fun!”
And more time together. It’s hard to watch your best friend leave, even when you know you’ll see them again.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡec7IcCqCW2
“Ok, Ok! You smotherin' me!”
Qiyamah’s face is red with frustration, she fights her way out of his arms giving him a shove.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJl2zfu6L8Z
Just then, Nite-Nite walks up with snacks loaded in his arms.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYKcYE76p90
“Oh, he's finally back,” he says, noticing Lullaby.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYaJPrLq76I
Qiyamah sniffs the air, smelling his strong grape scented cologne. She laughs cracking a joke.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOzCZyOyGEN
“You know you black.”
Nite laughs shaking his head. That’s Qiyamah for you.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvc68oQzSno
“Finally! You’re back!” Lullaby yells.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGXRvUwbhI6
A little game to shift the blame. Look who’s wasting time now.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzHN9RwaO06
“And no! I didn't spend that whole time getting dressed either!” Nite states, seems like he’s defending his dignity now.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq4YQ506hJF
“What? I didn't spend that whole time getting dressed that would be ... crazy or somethin'. I uh, packed some stuff too,” Lullaby says with shifty eyes.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgpgoAbaYO
Guilty as charged. But He’ll never admit it.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKo2gl1VeiS
“Yeah, that took like two seconds I'm sure,” Nite scoffs.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdeYNGJWnJj
“Yeah? And who's counting?!”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy5pGxBLRbX
Qiyamah’s eyes flicker from each of them.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡej73G6riAS
“ ...Y'all strange.”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDfzGelbwsQ
“Anyways!” Nite interrupts again. “I was getting snacks, like chips and Blast Tarts.”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdvXS5sQpwr
“Oh yeah! I like those things... did you get those, those crumpet thingies?”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK51FtrhHy3
“... Crumpet... thingies?”
“Whatchu talkin bout?”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5OcJfLT5U8
Confusion floods their faces for just a moment. Then, Nite puts his hand on his face and looks through his fingers at him exhaustedly.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ56Mt2jFMR8
“Depends on what you mean by ‘crumpet’”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVLU1QVqezM
“You know…” Lullaby makes a circle with his hands, attempting to explain himself. “They're circle and they got uh– chocolate things in it. You know—The things I—You know!”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJ3zrfDSRi
Could it really be that hard?
His words hung in the air. Qiyamah burst into laughter. It took a moment, but she thinks she’s translated this foreign language of his.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJZA1FaqhZ
“Oh! You mean COOKIES?!”
Of course he means cookies. Nite laughs, yet unamused. His head drops. It’s just too much.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkG9546mDD3
“You mean cookies I'm sure,” Nite says confirmingly.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVYkr2b68cs
“Oh yeah!” Lullaby snaps. “Those things.”
He snatches as many packages of cookies as he could hold.
“I like these!”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHdKZ5j3eN
“Uhuh,” Nite answers dryly.
“Straight from London or somethin'” Qiyamah jokes with a wrinkled lip.
“Worse…” Nite jokes.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTLQSg0lwNa
Who don’t know what cookies are? Lullaby, apparently. It’s nothing new really, especially not to Nite-Nite. Whether it’s a pie being a strudel or a strudel being a dumpling, it’s always misconstrued some way or another. Who does that? Only Lullaby!
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoqIwAt6f7Y
But, here we are again, wasting valuable time.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKFaxRDPIy0
“Augh, let's go! We gotta get on that flight!”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjwhixt3Xxi
Nite doesn’t like wasting time. They got going, this is important after all. They’re seeing their best friend Qiyamah off.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6ozMrL2Ek
They’ve never met Qiyamah’s family before, so they’re a little curious to see what they’re like. It’s been quite a while since they’ve been in a family setting themselves.
They arrive at the airport, it isn’t long before the madness begins again.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1maFGn1fP
A loud roar fills the sky, as an airplane takes off. Lullaby’s body jolts, startled by the sound. His eyes follow the airplane in awe.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2A84X10Udn
“Oh my God what is that? I never seen a car that big,” he mutters.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5qxFJHh6uP
Of course, right? It’s easy to forget he was raised under a rock. Nite-Nite smirks.
“You mean airplane.”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbR7vSJCAby
Qiyamah erupts into laughter.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMoivmUfMj5
“Yeah! You stuck in 1720 somewhere, or even further back.”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpB7rWSstn7
“Airplane?” Lullaby still stares in awe at the grand skybird ascending. “Sounds like a water company.”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3yZ5rbfcw
Nite-Nite whistles holding back a laugh.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFMEXcx0QNt
The whole experience is new to Lullaby, he has one question after another. Good thing Qiyamah and Nite know what they’re doing or this would be an entire nightmare. And to think he’s the oldest, ha! He’s like a baby in a toystore. Look at him.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡolg3cRzAaH
He has his face pressed against the window, the world growing smaller beneath them.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLyxKAQoNNl
His black vampire wings; which you would mistake as a cape otherwise, flap; they are marked with a red heart in the center of each one. The mark of a special Crimson Vampire.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuukK5uyZpR
Crimson Vampires are different from average vampires, they can withstand the sun just like any other human. So, it isn’t very uncommon to see them walking in broad daylight. In fact, at their core burns a fire; where their power comes from. So the sun only makes them stronger.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Ylc6MPXUg
“Wow, we’re actually up high and I don’t even gotta move my wings!”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn6dPS8fU9d
“Yeah. That’s why it’s an airplane,” Nite states the obvious.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI9O40AUbUH
“Yeeeeeah,” Qiyamah says. She just doesn't understand what world he’s from; not yet.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNEbYMIL1Mn
At their destination; New Wave, an unforgettable city with magic hidden beneath, they wait at the airport for Qiyamah’s parents. Lullaby paces back and forth getting impatient.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3zacmhlGmX
“God where’s momma?!”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwM8UPOBjG
Just then a van pulls up, a very roomy van built for a large family. Qiyamah's heart jumps up to her throat and her eyes nearly shoot out of her face. She holds her stomach like an unexpected bathroom visit just settled in, she rocks nervously.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSpfW03YX5t
“Oh, neat.” Lullaby stares at the car. He just knows it’s them.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZWg0DQDlHX
The car comes to a stop. A black man with a stern exterior sits in the driver seat. His eyebrow nearly goes through the roof of the car the moment his eyes meet with Qiyamah’s new friends.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHbJQVPTS4i
He gets out.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0HYfFye52b
“Baby girl!”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ7BRn5brMa
His voice hit like thunder; loud but joyous. Qiyamah’s body jolts, as if she were hit by lightning.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwXUP5QsMr
“Daddy!”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYl19It1TSf
She immediately runs over to them fumbling over her words, like a child tattle telling.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZpJuNztuzH
“Dey–dey–dey–dey—”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡInwpdedpTD
Lullaby walks up beside her giving her a gentle nudge with a warm smile on his face.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsogrXfQKSJ
“Well, aren’t you happy to see your parents,” he says teasingly. Truly happy for her.
Qiyamah takes a calming breath, getting herself together. She looks at her father with a soft, yet uncertain face. Her father is an assertive and stern man at times, what is he going to think of them?
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRSCwWo3KIb
“These are good people, they’re my friends, and they wanted to meet my family.”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTk7XIALjdX
“Heey, where’s momma anyways?” Lullaby asks. It sounds like she’s the only one he really wants to meet.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGsewhMoGoH
Her father, Fajr; his eyes become narrow, his face hauntingly unreadable.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0tsuCQyxy
“Get in the car.”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLtYZnv7f7N
Without further discussion, Qiyamah runs and gets in the car.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7DCyeXwnw
“Who is y’all to my daughter? Y’all came from… that place?” He goes on questioning the young men.
Can you imagine what would be going through an average city going father’s mind with something like this? Who are these unusual funny looking characters? Is this some kind of cosplay?
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR8g8IMaiNv
For some reason Nite-Nite seems to be just as shaken as Qiyamah; he just met the man. But anyone knows when a guy’s not someone to be messed with. He fumbles over his words like a criminal in interrogation.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzd6KD6LbJF
“Uh–uh–uh, we’re here friends and—”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJhfAmaqYH7
Lullaby cuts in, he’s not nervous any ounce.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡayoHENxjlt
“Oh yeah, Qiyamah’s so cute, she’s my bestie. Lucky guy you are, huh?”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDXg6s8bY0F
Something dark falls over Fajr’s face and he steps back, his stare unmoving.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwHPbLlTeEw
“We’re not bad people, we believe in God,” Nite reassures him. He elbows Lullaby hard, catching him off guard.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRe7mv6dGT5
“Hey!” He realizes the intensity of the situation. “Oh uh, yeah–”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡChU6UJpRAl
He grabs his jacket, he looks at the words on his shirt. This could look pretty bad. He lets out an uneasy chuckle.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJiwkOOeFES
“Oh no–yeah, we believe in God.”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7MdjyuSTk6
He reaches in his jacket and pulls out a small, well preserved book. It is black and red with fine gold details.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZ2MOTE9WY
“I got my Holy Book right here.”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKbvh9vphB1
He flips through the pages a little, looking lost in a distant nostalgic moment.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3Tv4DXvdV
“We don’t mean any harm sir,” Nite adds.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTfLCBQqlva
With one hand, Lullaby closes the book. He lifts his gaze as he tucks it away carefully.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0B5i3Lt6kr
“Yeah, we’re definitely not bad guys. Mm-Mm, we just tagged along with Qiya since it's such a ways away. We wanted to make sure she got home safe, you know?”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhrabfHC2b7
Fajr let the boys explain their case for long enough. For a moment, something more gentle settles onto his face.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFwqqmIJQf3
“Oh, well at least y’all lookin’ out for her.”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJi8Th67KF
“Uh yeah, guess we could, you know– go now. She’s uh, safely in your hands guy.”
Nite backs up. Maybe they should leave. Unwanted company isn’t good company. Lullaby nods and does the same.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP29jkjISNj
Maryam, a light skinned heavyset black woman speaks from the passenger seat of the car.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8dfcA31lq7
“Well, if they came all this way then we might as well see who Qiya hangs around.”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgsW00qSl1Q
Lullaby smiles.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnjQCzfDDa8
“That must be momma,” he says in a low whisper absolutely thrilled.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJzEIrKz4I
Nite-Nite shakes his head.
He just doesn’t get it, does he?
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMR4tDRKKH4
Fajr ponders.
“Hm, I don’t know..” He pauses, then sighs.
“Fine, just no mess or you’re coming right back to this spot, understood?”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO29V6HJamL
Undoubtedly, his assertive tone states he means business.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkL67id0ygv
“Really? Thanks.” Nite says, a hint of unsurety remains in his voice.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7CZ2LGBQtA
“Yeah, thanks a whole lot.” Lullaby agrees.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHi5vUoumUW
Who could believe it? Is it a trick? Or something else?
Well there’s more than what meets the eye and its good advice; never judge a book by its cover, but its contents. Sometimes you have to read further than the first few chapters though!
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtp8izrSjFl
Fajr laughs. What’s so funny?
“No, thank you for lookin’ out for my girl. Get in the back.”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0JKg9DRaB
That’s right.
Lullaby and Nite stand there for a moment in disbelief. An uneasy laugh escapes Lullaby’s lips.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj9ZFkrkA4V
“Cool.”
Nite gives him a side-eye. It seems too often they don’t see thing eye to eye.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWv5ALVmdfa
“Let’s hope we don’t get killed half to death by the time we get there!”
“What? No way!”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8fVPCK1IXx
Honestly, these people wouldn’t hurt a fly. They have hearts of gold just like Qiyamah.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv5ya7Z3bbI
After a drive, they come to a modest house; not too big, not too small. Qiyamah’s home for many, many years.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgMneGom8yP
“This is your house huh?”
Lullaby stares at it a moment.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9VBb25ivQ
“Interesting.”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1hox0koC1N
Qiyamah moves away from him uncomfortably, hoping to be forgotten about. Fajr’s keys jangle as he flips through them.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtp8wYHfmaC
“Mhmm,” he mutters in response.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY0TEFIIXeT
As they enter, the kitchen is already at work. The aroma of a full course meal dances through the air with a jig. Chilli burgers, chilli fries , cookies, cakes, you name it; it's on the menu. Big liters of soda sat in the center of a glass table, glass cups lined beside it.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2dUVTsoRDr
“Smells good in here!”
Nite-Nite seems excited, he hasn’t had a decent meal in a minute. Little snacks are nothing like a homemade meal. Everything here is made from scratch.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡctvpWLPEQb
“Mhmm, Sholl is!” Maryam exclaims.
“Ooo!” Lullaby yells.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBlCkbBtaY
He hops right onto the marble kitchen counters. Has anyone ever taught him manners? Or anything for that matter?!
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyfQYyl1rTw
“I just love kitchens!”
He caresses the counter top with his hand, letting it lead him into a laying position; belly first, legs swinging.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7wTJKClrHy
What in the world is he thinking?
“Alright,” Maryam says firmly.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBoDoGlCG4M
She grabs his arm just as firmly and yanks him off of the counter top. His eyes pop out, they flicker up and down, taken back by her strength.
“That’s a firm grip you got there Momma.”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUUBygCwcos
“Nasty butts don’t belong on my counter.”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsnUEExduu9
Another tall skinny black woman lets out a laugh. Her name is Ihklas, she’s partially responsible for the delicious disaster of a feast. Her hands are still at work.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF0Ke2mvj5P
“Mhmm, where’s your home trainin’ boy?” she asks.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbrGFA0fT0f
Everyone’s wondering at this point. Laughter rings throughout the kitchen and dining room, even Fajr lets out a chuckle.
Everyone except Qiyamah, her face looks like she ate a freshly picked lemon. He’s going to get her in trouble!
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5WQBbEMYjA
“Ooo, sorry…” Lullaby says. He rubs his arm like a hurt kid.
“That’s what chairs are for,” Nite teases.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJLDeAhyqn
Everyone is finally seated at the dinner table, after saying a blessing; mingling.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1B3bCwJfEK
“Thanks for this, and sorry if it was a sudden visit. Qiyamah’s just a really nice girl and we wanted to meet her family” Nite explains.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDnxk2cTWn
“Sure did, especially you,” Lullaby adds, pointing at Maryam with a wink.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9j59aiy64p
Maryam smiles a little flattered.
“Mhm, Glad she been behavin’”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq6IdeQXdp9
“That’s sweet. She must’ve had a lot of good stuff to say about us,” Ikhlas replies.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡodkXFr8ZFi
“As long as she ain’t been doin nothin’ wrong,” Fajr says wrapping his arm around Qiyamah. “We expect the best out of our children.”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKdxsi6NMX1
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFviikSoqJF
Lullaby smiles, drifting in his thoughts. Something about this is different. Something about this is like a good memory. This is how family is meant to be.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWS7nouk5B
He watches three young adults, around Qiyamahs age; in their teen years, two of them make awkward silly faces sticking out their tongues. It’s a boy with brown skin and a neat fade haircut and a girl with light tan skin, straight black hair and bangs; Isra’il and Amy. The third boy; low hair cut, midtone skin, and a jacket patched with teddy bears, whispers.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkDzoz9eNQm
“Why y’all faces like that?”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeGRdF1YTgb
That is Mika’el. Beside him a little baby boy sits in a high; Falaq. He watches Lullaby’s wings flutter slowly. He swings his feet mesmerized by the motion.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRlma0WEmIs
“I want to get to know all of you, so you have to tell me.”
Everyone’s attention turns towards Lullaby.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNt3Tgoqzh1
“I guess we should introduce ourselves first!” Nite says nudging Lullaby.
There’s clearly a manner issue here.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlAdDyJFC67
“Aw, that’s no fun,” Lullaby mutters.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF7DEbvraXR
“I’m NiteNite Crescent. I live a very long way away from here. I’m sixteen and uh– I don’t have any family…”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfelVe4hqQo
There’s a pause as he reflects on his life. Lullaby lowers his head.
“I’m sure they died in a fire, when I was younger. Our house caught fire.”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqplpIhpk2P
Nite’s eyes widen as he realizes the gloom settling on everyone’s face. He lets out an uneasy laugh.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrEPir3M2BM
“Yeah, that’s basically it!”
He looks down poking at his food with a frown, hoping he hasn’t ruined everyone’s mood.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuwcU2mDhkl
Everyone responds vaguely. Amy stares at Mika’el with a sad look in her eye. He holds back his emotions.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEwuVQeCLlr
Darn it, that didn’t go so well. How can anybody eat after all of that?!
Nite elbows Lullaby.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj3ukZcWKO5
“I don’t want to say nothin’!” he blurts, everyone looks at him, he laughs.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpOacTxc9f
“If I gotta… I’m Lullaby and I’m 19 years old. Oh, and don’t forget my birthday is March 2oth, you can take notes if you like. Oh… and, family… I have family. They’re just far away right now, that’s too bad! Haha, oh and yeah, I was just married a few days ago.”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡknzaqnVyyW
A glare of mischief glazes his eyes and he points to Qiyamah. She needs to be put on the spot, she needs to pay for pushing her best friend away. How dare she!
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ogfqKGJAE
“Isn’t that right Qiyamah!”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZqJhzIdQ4
Before Qiyamah can speak, everyone bombards the conversation. Some speak loudly, others mumble under their breath. Fajr nearly chokes, clearing his throat.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxUqUM3lAX
“To whom?”
Maryam lets out a loud chuckle.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5jhEG4otIy
“Oh Fajr!” she elbows him. “She ain’t married to no boy like that!”
Her last word is so sharp it stings.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ym9SUyopl
Ikhlas face twists all up.
“Ooh, I hope not.”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDaaqssPH2M
Isra’il cackles loudly.
“That would be Naaaaaasty!”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjPAISnGwr4
Amy agrees with her expression alone. Mika’el the softest of the three tries to be optimistic, although he looks like he witnessed an alien abduction up close.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1CwLaC0HCC
“Ain’t nothin’ wrong wit’ that…” his eyes ease towards Lullaby, then immediately flicker away. “Ain’t nothin’ wrong wit’ that.”
He repeated those words as if he was trying to convince himself.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJ3NX9KhQK
Falaq rambles baby gibberish into the air, the only audible word is “Mama!”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWkVGKtCqq
Finally, Qiyamah broke through the chaos.
“Eugh! No! That didn’t happen! Swear to God!”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8kEyfw67d
Her last word shakes and hangs like a preacher on a pulpit. Fajr rang out in agreement like a congregation yelling hallelujer!
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjULAo8ywr6
“Dang straight it ain’t happenin’”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCOJby1UVA
Wow, is… he really that bad? Did that harm her more, or him?
Jokes over. He laughs.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1SHMxCW1eo
“Yeah, she was our flower girl, she was so cute. See.”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoNKulssVqi
He takes a picture out of her, it’s from his wedding. He passes it to Fajr.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxDprLSuuX3
“Aw would you look at that,” Fajr says adoringly.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQf7EaFXUNV
“Aw man! We should’ve been there! She would’ve been cuter!” Maryam exclaims.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnwPmqXhXas
“Oh Mary, she’s cute like that,” Ikhlas assures her.
“Dang!” Isra’il rings out like a cruel jokester.
Amy pops him on the back of the head.
“What?!”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9pNIeSr3Cz
Mika’el’s eyes grow wide, “Big… and pretty.” He nods.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2GbKMxdQIe
Qiyamah’s face is as red as a tomato.
“No I ain’t…”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn5d2TbteIU
There’s too much going on at once. She didn’t expect this today.
But she still hasn’t paid enough, so it seems.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1OVjc1bFcA
“Heh, I think that’s all I should say…”
Lullaby laughs behind his fist
“Because I just might get dangerous.”
He smirks; sharp fangs expose themselves.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcUIMtwbPsm
Fajr raises his eyebrows, his eyes shrink.
“Right, let's not.”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbTFUYQQsSy
He doesn’t know when to quit, does he?
“Somethin’ wrong witchu,” Maryam says with an uneasy expression
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7kUH0ol6KB
Everyone’s muttering snazzy comments at him. Nite decides to step in and shift the tone.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj83vYwlkj2
“Hey! Tell us about you guys huh?”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYBIVsoZDlV
Finally, the calm has come.
“Sure, I’ll start. Names Fajr Ma’un. I’m the father of the household and I have high expectations for my family. We serve God and we expect no less from our guests. I don’t mind you being Qiyamah’s friends as well as ours, as long as you abide by the rules of God.”
Lullaby puts a cherry sucker in his mouth.
“Sounds deep.”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj6ORt3J44Q
“Cool, that works,” Nite responds.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV4tbJEqnyb
“My name’s Maryam Ma’un. My first husband died and Fajr took me in as a wife, like the book says. I’m happy to have a good husband, even though he passed, I still love him. We did this to keep the family together. My parents also died, so I feel your pain Nite, I feel it.”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsfs1bpdC6R
Prom better not die! Lullaby’s face shrivels at the thought of it.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM5byjnrnzJ
“I’m sorry you lost so much,” Nite empathises.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQFicM1KHU
“Um… I’m Ihklas. I like cooking and spending time with my family. I love them dearly, I don’t know what I would do without them.”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYqsYoNqAX2
Everyone continues, having their time to introduce themselves one by one.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGiInzLtkF1
“I’m Amy, I don’t live here, I live next door. I have a mom and two sisters. Oh and Dad calls every now and then. I like doing art, playing my acoustic guitar, and hanging out with my friends of course.”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkvdvm819O5
It’s finally Mika’el’s turn.
“Uh… I’m Mika’el. My family… died in a fire too ‘cause… Alfred.”
A darkness looms over him, his face carries pain and something darker.
“He burnt momma to death…”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmftwxwueMK
The table falls quiet. After a moment Mika’el sighs, he escapes reliving an unwanted memory.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLLVZ8KzLt
“But anyways, luckily God bless, Amy & Isra’il helped me. Fajr, Maryam, and Ihklas are looking after me until I get adopted.” A smirk eases on his face, sarcastic but light. “Coo huh?”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzqZ4vMSa1C
Lullaby stares at him. Poor guy, just like Nite. A sense of grief overshadows his expression.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZefUtGKbIk
“Yeah, guess we have that in common.” Nite says.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtsAWOcwVwY
Mika’el nods and looks at Isra’il.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVPYWfVqCnl
“I don’t know!” Isra’il pauses reluctantly, but continues. “I’m Isra’il Ma’un. I like helping mommy, big momma, and daddy. I’ll do anything I can for them. I like to do other stuff too but that’s it for now. Besides…”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh76u2vfRk1
He clears his throat and mischief flickers in his eyes.
“Big momma’s secret!” he slips in under a cough.
A wooden cooking spoon pops him on the head. The whole table erupts into laughter including him.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdEaykxmKVh
“You know, you’re all real nice people,” Lullaby says.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA3BS8mMB3S
“Yup! And it’s really nice to meet you guys,” Nite adds.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrvOKPVyZd9
“It’s getting late…” Lullaby says.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhlH8dVWQMY
The family says their goodbyes, seeing them on their way. Maryam, Ikhlas and the three others are clearing the table and cleaning up. Fajr and Qiyamah remain.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8b5jzwZ4m
“Ain’r you gone say goodbye to your friends?”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEzVhm59C3G
“Uh… I guess.”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwWJdR6hLq0
“Go on.”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR1fOnvCAKe
Qiyamah meets Lullaby outside alone. His mind caught adrift; something troubling it seems. Until he sees her. He gives a soft smile and softly pinches her cheek.
“Sorry if I caused you too much trouble.”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN1dTphXKq9
“No… They actually seem… strangely ok with it.”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1r80hyU4zA
“Well, I’m glad I got to meet your family. I actually think they’re really nice people. I see why you love them so much. They’re irresistible, like you.”
He pokes her nose.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJq27rBrgf
She smiles a little flattered.
“Yeah guess so.”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiWZVSs0MIV
“Yeah…”
A troubled expression creeps back on his face, he looks up at the night sky.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTnrfXsD3rz
“You know, I want to meet your family. What they like?”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvdUnFNkufq
“Huh?! What, no.” Lullaby says with a frown and turns away trying to ignore her.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ947BXC7l3v
“No, seriously! It’s only fair!”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡATjrQTrkxp
“Aw, well life’s not fair hun. Plus, I don’t have time for that.”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3r8Ani3lm
“What? You really gonna take me through all of this stress and not even—” she scoffs, shaking her head.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOJ7LEK8MF
What kind of friend is he?
“Ugh, I…” he stammers.
“Fine, if it’s like that.”
She turns her back on him.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR8XIQIsJva
Why does she have to be like that? She just doesn’t understand. Some things are better left in the dark.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHgUFlJyGK8
He sighs.
“You know, speaking about home, I think I should get back. I bet Prom is screaming my name right now.” he laughs. “Poor baby.”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoUwB00foW2
Qiyamah stays firm in her stance, not giving him even a side glance.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhukLZw9Pj
“See ya Qiya.” He ruffles her hair. “Tell your parents thanks for everything.”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSkakVJvxx
A beat; his hand slips from her hair and he turns walking away in the silence. Qiyamah sighs, turning to him.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhJQJ2AiCo
“Okay.”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrb2Y8Sb5z9
He smiles and points at her. “Oh and you should visit me sometime.”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHFeHgnrZsq
“Mhmm, I’ll think about it.”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45xg1t8GRk
“Better!”
Qiyamah laughs.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRWG0VjNTTb
“Okay, I will if God wills. Bye Lullaby.”
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4LlzRoLnQ1
He’s hard to stay mad at. They’re best friends and after all she did push him away today, that’s not what good friends do. So, they’re even.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmKKtbQOgsF
Still, what is it about his family? What does he have to hide? What happened? So many questions remain unanswered.
587Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5ktPZKDWs
→ Request update
and then Add to home screen.