Chapter 2

Turning my attention back to the party happenings, I watched my wife still in a battle with King and Dema. Sam walked over, handing me a glass of wine. "Tell me again how two grown men can constantly battle over their mother's attention?" " They both need their ass whooped," I said as Sam agreed. "I'm glad you all decided to come here to celebrate King's birthday. It feels good having us all together," Sam said. I nodded. "Does feel good to be back. I must say that you have done the family proud, Samantha. You've made an excellent queen to my son". "Thanks, but I learned from the best". She said, nodding toward Sylvia. I smiled. "Yes, you did. You know, babydoll, thanks the world to you. Don't tell Dem, but she may love you more than him". Sam chuckled. "Impossible. But I do love her as well as you". "You, too, cupcake". I said with laughter. Sam smiled and then rolled her eyes as she witnessed Dem placing King in a headlock. Swinging back the remainder of her wine, she exhaled. "Well, duty calls". Smiling, I watched as she went to berate her husband, my son. Walking over for some cake, I bumped into Sire. He was such a good kid. Smart, everything. "Hey, pop pop." "Hello, Sire. How's school going?" "Could be better. Going through some tough exams right now". "I'm sure you'll come out on top. You always do". I said. "I hope so, pop pop. Oh, thanks for sending me that new laptop. It's been a lifesaver". Sire said. "I'm glad you could use it, son. Where's your twin?" He shrugged. "Here somewhere. You know him. He's never serious, while I have to take up his slack and cover his ass often. Impulsive bastard". I laughed. "And he loves you for it. Trust me, he will eventually settle down and take on his responsibility. In the meantime, I want to see you have a bit of fun. Cut loose a bit. You deserve it". Sire gave a crooked grin. "I'll try, pop pop. It's easier said than done." I gave him a manly hug. "Love you, son, and I just want to say I am proud of you". "Thanks, pop. I love you, too". We were interrupted by a deep, booming voice. "The fuck going on here? The fuck I miss. Where's my hug?". Turning, I saw Heir shoveling cake in his mouth. This was definitely my son's child. Sire grunted, patted my shoulder, and walked off. "You been giving your brother a hard time?" " Fuck no. He's just an uptight punk pop pop". "Maybe it's time you started taking things more seriously, Heir". He grinned. "I am. I'm taking this cake seriously. I've smashed like four pieces already. Some good shit here, pop pop. You going to eat yours?" He said, reaching in for my plate. Quickly, I grasped his wrist and gave it a sharp twist. "Ahhhh.... Pop pop. That shit hurt." "Next time, maybe you'll think before acting". I laughed. "Just checking to see if an old man still had it". He said, trying to save face. "Trust me, I still got it, Heir". "I know. Thanks for sending me the ice cream. I'm going to cut out of here early, got some girls to check out if ya know what I mean". He said finishing off more cake. "You're welcome, and be careful with the females. They'll get you in trouble ". He grinned a devilish grin. "I know, but I do love trouble. Love ya, pop". He said giving me a hug. "Love you, Top Heir. Take into consideration what I said". "Yes, pop, I always do. You're my man". He said, then rushed off. Needing a bathroom break, I stepped away. On my way back, my eye caught Vivian Sitting alone in the hall. Plopping down beside her, I patted her knee. "What's bugging you, chic?". She shrugged and swiped her eyes. "I don't feel like I belong here anymore, Uncle Gordon". "Why ever not?" " I found out about my true mother and the pain she caused. I feel like everyone sees me as a reminder of her. Even mom worries I may turn out like her". She sobbed. "Nonsense," I said, pulling her to me. "Let me tell you a secret others may not have told you. Yes, your mother did some bad thing's but she wasn't necessarily a bad person. She didn't know any other way. Her family was unloving, brutal, and cruel. She was raised to be the same. She had no love and didn't know how to love in return. Nothing she did reflects on you. Your parents love you, and you were raised as one of us. You'll do great thing's Vivian. We all love you". She smiled and swiped her eyes. "Thanks, uncle. I love you as well. Thanks for the charm bracelet you sent for my birthday. I gave her a squeeze. "You're welcome, chic". "Uncle Gordon, even though I don't know her and I know what she did, is it wrong for me to still feel love for her? " she asked "Not at all chic. I do believe she felt love for you as well. It's normal for you to feel that way. Now go freshen up and join the family fun". I said. Vivian gave me another hug and scampered off to the bathroom. Working my way back, I saw Carla looking tired. "Tired, my little bug?" Yawning, she answered. "Yes, pape made me attend training at five this morning". I nodded. Carla was a bit of a tomboy and showed no interest in all the girly things. She was very athletic yet was a beauty in the making, even though I hated to admit she favored her father, Calvin. "I hear good things about your training bug?" "It's okay, I guess. Right now my shoulder feels horrible, though". She said. "Watch this trick". I said, taking her shoulder and doing a certain movement. A loud pop exploded, and Carla grunted but then smiled. "It's gone. It doesn't hurt anymore. How did you do that, pop pop?" " Magic". I said, laughing. "Thank you for my book. How did you ever find the first copy written?" She asked. Smiling, I said, "Magic again ". Hugging my neck, she whispered. "I will always cherish it". "And I'll always cherish you, bug. I love you to the moon". She grinned. "And I love you, Father". I chuckled. "Impossible. Now run on to bed". Carla headed off, and I made my way to my wife. Now was the time. Once by her side, I demanded King's attention. Once I had it, I handed him a small wrapped box. He opened it with wonder and pulled out a set of keys. "A Porsche, you got me a Porsche, Pape?" " Yep, just like my son ". Jumping up, he launched himself on me, squeezing me tight. "You're my man.. I love you, Pape". " I love you too, King. I only did it so you'd stop asking to borrow mine". I joked. Naturally, Dema ragged him about it, and we were all having a good time when the door opened. Turning out attention to the newcomers, my blood froze. There stood my long-lost friend, my right-hand man, Wilson, along with Ela, Zoe, and Chance. We haven't seen or spoken to each other since that night my betrayal of him was revealed several years ago. I just prayed this would be a friendly, forgiving return.