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.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsuGtNVfTYk
“ooo, look who's back! Had fun?” Nite asks, mockery lacing the undertones of his voice.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeLlZ52k3yR
Lullaby shoves his head; a playful gesture.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6qGDjzAF4J
“Don't be jealous.”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3voQcSGY18
Nite laughs putting his hands behind his head following beside them.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHEhLJrbeQD
“Please.” Nite scoffs.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxfKdXMrbzT
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.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyyLiGHlBRj
“Oh looks like everybody's ready to go,” she states.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKHIQU1On1u
End, Hershie, and Qiyamah have their luggage ready to go.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7ANqghJ3e
“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.”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1z2aJnD7C4
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.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8ZVavQub8
“Hmph. Or, perhaps, she's saying she wants you to stay.”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAGlw74c8UU
“Ugh, was not!”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWxPd6MBc8z
“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?”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGlShgzh20z
Prom smiles at them. They’ll be better off here, safer. They have a place to call home here.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIvCqvJqpIv
“Oh, Lullaby. Is it okay if I take them to—”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuMxmVN7JiV
“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.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG3IZoidtsw
Prom gave a slight smirk as her hair slipped in front of her eye. She pushes his hand away.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvg4UmdUo1G
“Thanks. Okay, come on guys.”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjBt4AwMqz5
“Where we goin’” End asks.
“Part of the day? Das crute.” Hershey lingers on that point, hoping to gain a good laugh.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQv0NHL7HN0
Prom shakes her head, their chatter growing more distant as they proceed up a grand staircase.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6NU6rkbblL
Now just Lullaby, Nite-Nite and Qiyamah remain. Lullaby’s eyes drift towards her.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8wVK4syTp
“Eugh, look at you Qiya!”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCveVb9qWcr
She’s all dressed up still standing there holding her luggage.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcIjRRiw0Q
“Eugh! Look at you Lully!” she snaps back. What’s this boy’s problem?
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtqzMPybBAZ
“Ugh, It's just, I guess this means you're going home now?”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs7O6xkOTnI
He looks to the side visibly upset. Hopefully she changes her mind.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5LfiwMACd
“Mhmm.”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQTsEWatDI
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.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhUpIOuiKYi
“Well, I guess you have to at some point huh? Just uh- Let me take you home huh?” Lullaby insists.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJXOUrbs73K
“Um... Uh... I guess it'll be ok…”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmyizVjYUk
Something different creeps onto her face. It’s unsure, but something else too.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg1ZO2a7hrO
“Yeah, I know you're a long ways from home... So, what do they wear in your country?”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDPAhOiHkQ
“Um, normal stuff.”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpF6vcFy3tT
Her eyes became big as they revolved around. The kinds of questions he chooses to ask just don't make sense sometimes.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwSzZQ7Mmi
“What does it matter anyways?” Nite asks curiously.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQwhCBPFYmv
Lullaby shrugs.
“That way I'll be at home.”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRzKcja36wm
“I guess. But don't think you two are leaving me here by myself!”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwk84JhJzs
“Course not, what's a trip without your best bud huh?”
Nite laughs.
“Yup!”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfPttXUfW3e
Qiyamah is looking at them up and down. They’ve just invited themselves, haven't they? ‘Cause who else did?
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0EZJDH90zL
“Just don't get me in trouble,” she demands.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcZRRUBORJv
“Trouble? Pffft, Qiya just give me–”
“Five Hours!” Nite blurts out finishing Lullaby’s sentence. Remember how long it took on the wedding day?
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXFGxBa0i26
Lullaby shoves his head and finishes anyways.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIE1nXgLblV
“A sec to get ready 'kay?”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3tdlo2gk3N
“Okay,” Qiyamah says with a frown.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYltQ83r4ZX
She didn’t ask for any of this in the first place.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjGihnSiysH
“By a second, he seriously meant five hours,” Nite says with a sigh.
Qiyamah laughs, “He like accessorisin'”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJggAUDGGE
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”.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAFTUiPjYoC
“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…
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqPNoO89bVU
“Sure you wanna wear all dat?”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0AancsVmPK
“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.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxMaqkIjZJ3
“Ok, Ok! You smotherin' me!”
Qiyamah’s face is red with frustration, she fights her way out of his arms giving him a shove.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI5Xeh91Ukv
Just then, Nite-Nite walks up with snacks loaded in his arms.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPdwe8fASFf
“Oh, he's finally back,” he says, noticing Lullaby.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjmCHTLzHPY
Qiyamah sniffs the air, smelling his strong grape scented cologne. She laughs cracking a joke.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJHRA4eAfxm
“You know you black.”
Nite laughs shaking his head. That’s Qiyamah for you.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrQVtsOH6xZ
“Finally! You’re back!” Lullaby yells.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMlWwpkCvll
A little game to shift the blame. Look who’s wasting time now.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJBEvk3m60
“And no! I didn't spend that whole time getting dressed either!” Nite states, seems like he’s defending his dignity now.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX5XFCIrsch
“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.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcxOZHHDaaS
Guilty as charged. But He’ll never admit it.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZtCxdoHV4u
“Yeah, that took like two seconds I'm sure,” Nite scoffs.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQPQiVIrLR
“Yeah? And who's counting?!”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5iEuI9ttD0
Qiyamah’s eyes flicker from each of them.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9uZ5r6pjYl
“ ...Y'all strange.”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbE5sGv435
“Anyways!” Nite interrupts again. “I was getting snacks, like chips and Blast Tarts.”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIbZKLz2zi6
“Oh yeah! I like those things... did you get those, those crumpet thingies?”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYtU3cY5PDS
“... Crumpet... thingies?”
“Whatchu talkin bout?”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCnEzXbLNiU
Confusion floods their faces for just a moment. Then, Nite puts his hand on his face and looks through his fingers at him exhaustedly.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzZ8wSRH0p
“Depends on what you mean by ‘crumpet’”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLwrybK0eNw
“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!”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpa6CUw3nEN
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.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ47O2LNN1aM
“Oh! You mean COOKIES?!”
Of course he means cookies. Nite laughs, yet unamused. His head drops. It’s just too much.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8rTWJdx1U
“You mean cookies I'm sure,” Nite says confirmingly.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJus2Mnolss
“Oh yeah!” Lullaby snaps. “Those things.”
He snatches as many packages of cookies as he could hold.
“I like these!”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRBd9in1qcV
“Uhuh,” Nite answers dryly.
“Straight from London or somethin'” Qiyamah jokes with a wrinkled lip.
“Worse…” Nite jokes.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDfPs88Lod
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!
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQaLoIfxZnn
But, here we are again, wasting valuable time.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaIpGWhDzbx
“Augh, let's go! We gotta get on that flight!”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlRhgh7TwjP
Nite doesn’t like wasting time. They got going, this is important after all. They’re seeing their best friend Qiyamah off.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVIQ26NBNaF
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.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡndUjbVySJE
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.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2UWEAxCO7m
“Oh my God what is that? I never seen a car that big,” he mutters.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzE8kMEeYRd
Of course, right? It’s easy to forget he was raised under a rock. Nite-Nite smirks.
“You mean airplane.”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Nu3rg1QXS
Qiyamah erupts into laughter.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaSCMLrOEmu
“Yeah! You stuck in 1720 somewhere, or even further back.”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1o8xEHlabs
“Airplane?” Lullaby still stares in awe at the grand skybird ascending. “Sounds like a water company.”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD6tvnAEA9N
Nite-Nite whistles holding back a laugh.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLaaCAy6eR0
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.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTvHhbysfP
He has his face pressed against the window, the world growing smaller beneath them.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSqhLXDvRUi
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.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVrsRfLwlo
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.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMXfrHuKRNL
“Wow, we’re actually up high and I don’t even gotta move my wings!”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEbVSiyf0hw
“Yeah. That’s why it’s an airplane,” Nite states the obvious.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoE678txWDr
“Yeeeeeah,” Qiyamah says. She just doesn't understand what world he’s from; not yet.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhhXff3EBZH
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.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQS1le940XP
“God where’s momma?!”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9iL5SaJITH
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.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5baFaZL8dk
“Oh, neat.” Lullaby stares at the car. He just knows it’s them.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBIXl5z1oBW
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.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQDYEeQUQ7T
He gets out.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnCfGMK16E
“Baby girl!”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh3T7E1fiRV
His voice hit like thunder; loud but joyous. Qiyamah’s body jolts, as if she were hit by lightning.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYajPVQt5sE
“Daddy!”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ37FlpjllAW
She immediately runs over to them fumbling over her words, like a child tattle telling.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOAsdNuXLLf
“Dey–dey–dey–dey—”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRKjuuzYYmQ
Lullaby walks up beside her giving her a gentle nudge with a warm smile on his face.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgSpTdlojVP
“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?
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWI6XixiP1T
“These are good people, they’re my friends, and they wanted to meet my family.”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsS8LkJBc2C
“Heey, where’s momma anyways?” Lullaby asks. It sounds like she’s the only one he really wants to meet.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtul2WfrYlk
Her father, Fajr; his eyes become narrow, his face hauntingly unreadable.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5PoE6u3Ijw
“Get in the car.”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqyDs4JmMQU
Without further discussion, Qiyamah runs and gets in the car.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH6A2T3DdHS
“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?
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡar0A3MRc0D
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.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnRAm3EE9u
“Uh–uh–uh, we’re here friends and—”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk7l55p4VsW
Lullaby cuts in, he’s not nervous any ounce.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4i9bO5pRUF
“Oh yeah, Qiyamah’s so cute, she’s my bestie. Lucky guy you are, huh?”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMRKFBhhnyc
Something dark falls over Fajr’s face and he steps back, his stare unmoving.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjqFVt3t8pQ
“We’re not bad people, we believe in God,” Nite reassures him. He elbows Lullaby hard, catching him off guard.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7sp3JmmNi
“Hey!” He realizes the intensity of the situation. “Oh uh, yeah–”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvuCXKhp388
He grabs his jacket, he looks at the words on his shirt. This could look pretty bad. He lets out an uneasy chuckle.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAKrp7tAyMA
“Oh no–yeah, we believe in God.”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQq3LHN66vG
He reaches in his jacket and pulls out a small, well preserved book. It is black and red with fine gold details.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡivGgMx5qfB
“I got my Holy Book right here.”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGgDWh6VXf4
He flips through the pages a little, looking lost in a distant nostalgic moment.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0hCoCrvV3P
“We don’t mean any harm sir,” Nite adds.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD4XZYhRq69
With one hand, Lullaby closes the book. He lifts his gaze as he tucks it away carefully.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu9Evo8gB1V
“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?”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5jXzNIIEcZ
Fajr let the boys explain their case for long enough. For a moment, something more gentle settles onto his face.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG1EP8X7boC
“Oh, well at least y’all lookin’ out for her.”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrQIF6vBCiX
“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.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFZtoKQEz9l
Maryam, a light skinned heavyset black woman speaks from the passenger seat of the car.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM4vpzHZuOt
“Well, if they came all this way then we might as well see who Qiya hangs around.”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeFK447shQl
Lullaby smiles.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1msN3C1u8E
“That must be momma,” he says in a low whisper absolutely thrilled.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpqrrRlwC2X
Nite-Nite shakes his head.
He just doesn’t get it, does he?
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEFNQYMKqtz
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?”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizwk1mnh2P
Undoubtedly, his assertive tone states he means business.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmII8TeOoCj
“Really? Thanks.” Nite says, a hint of unsurety remains in his voice.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBy3pkwY4gw
“Yeah, thanks a whole lot.” Lullaby agrees.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡisFB5apc8R
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!
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJAcgvVIeJ
Fajr laughs. What’s so funny?
“No, thank you for lookin’ out for my girl. Get in the back.”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGSgFWsLfu
That’s right.
Lullaby and Nite stand there for a moment in disbelief. An uneasy laugh escapes Lullaby’s lips.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8M6CJy8MqB
“Cool.”
Nite gives him a side-eye. It seems too often they don’t see thing eye to eye.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEglVYajKFt
“Let’s hope we don’t get killed half to death by the time we get there!”
“What? No way!”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgpl3HezP03
Honestly, these people wouldn’t hurt a fly. They have hearts of gold just like Qiyamah.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyv09mEwCU8
After a drive, they come to a modest house; not too big, not too small. Qiyamah’s home for many, many years.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3kqvWqP7S
“This is your house huh?”
Lullaby stares at it a moment.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡExcxlr7J1Y
“Interesting.”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8mjtijL0Rt
Qiyamah moves away from him uncomfortably, hoping to be forgotten about. Fajr’s keys jangle as he flips through them.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMZLuEFpCG
“Mhmm,” he mutters in response.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGc22xYXKci
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.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMmMxXRdNsf
“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.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡym500VBDpM
“Mhmm, Sholl is!” Maryam exclaims.
“Ooo!” Lullaby yells.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJpp67sgNt
He hops right onto the marble kitchen counters. Has anyone ever taught him manners? Or anything for that matter?!
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyTUVQHt5A2
“I just love kitchens!”
He caresses the counter top with his hand, letting it lead him into a laying position; belly first, legs swinging.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeEHiGROn3W
What in the world is he thinking?
“Alright,” Maryam says firmly.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKskYFQRfi
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.”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1FstGcYd0i
“Nasty butts don’t belong on my counter.”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8vLtm4HPUd
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.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGKcG835O3
“Mhmm, where’s your home trainin’ boy?” she asks.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm6Vikdodcv
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!
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZCrmZixjU
“Ooo, sorry…” Lullaby says. He rubs his arm like a hurt kid.
“That’s what chairs are for,” Nite teases.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSBVr5aRzZw
Everyone is finally seated at the dinner table, after saying a blessing; mingling.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXmeGl4K2Sw
“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.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOnQud4pO8k
“Sure did, especially you,” Lullaby adds, pointing at Maryam with a wink.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR3GkbIxQp5
Maryam smiles a little flattered.
“Mhm, Glad she been behavin’”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0nWBL5iCPi
“That’s sweet. She must’ve had a lot of good stuff to say about us,” Ikhlas replies.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYdwGEfi11B
“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.”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjVKJPrVjfu
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDmNwY0UPXo
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.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq3z655vKrK
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.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzgF3zu1hee
“Why y’all faces like that?”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgwd3vA8Fcx
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.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuUXQmH7BbV
“I want to get to know all of you, so you have to tell me.”
Everyone’s attention turns towards Lullaby.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbIvToaFYIt
“I guess we should introduce ourselves first!” Nite says nudging Lullaby.
There’s clearly a manner issue here.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsoXcUX46V5
“Aw, that’s no fun,” Lullaby mutters.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK6m0gIWUy5
“I’m NiteNite Crescent. I live a very long way away from here. I’m sixteen and uh– I don’t have any family…”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUNiuiElWY
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.”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWO6mxAiVZl
Nite’s eyes widen as he realizes the gloom settling on everyone’s face. He lets out an uneasy laugh.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZNEv8yquOx
“Yeah, that’s basically it!”
He looks down poking at his food with a frown, hoping he hasn’t ruined everyone’s mood.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU0Be1RQBqg
Everyone responds vaguely. Amy stares at Mika’el with a sad look in her eye. He holds back his emotions.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLZJvG1OhO
Darn it, that didn’t go so well. How can anybody eat after all of that?!
Nite elbows Lullaby.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxmONWcLZr
“I don’t want to say nothin’!” he blurts, everyone looks at him, he laughs.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3uyxoVJ1u6
“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.”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuWOZr6nsbe
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!
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5uVDDenQ0n
“Isn’t that right Qiyamah!”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjaqVbSdpkL
Before Qiyamah can speak, everyone bombards the conversation. Some speak loudly, others mumble under their breath. Fajr nearly chokes, clearing his throat.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFvIqkUQ3V
“To whom?”
Maryam lets out a loud chuckle.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrOxbJ8hkuS
“Oh Fajr!” she elbows him. “She ain’t married to no boy like that!”
Her last word is so sharp it stings.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSdnj6uJFS
Ikhlas face twists all up.
“Ooh, I hope not.”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfo60sX6E9N
Isra’il cackles loudly.
“That would be Naaaaaasty!”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMc0AS8YTZW
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.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy1WbdAPZtq
“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.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR6ADKf7Mx0
Falaq rambles baby gibberish into the air, the only audible word is “Mama!”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1PTNPs8W3m
Finally, Qiyamah broke through the chaos.
“Eugh! No! That didn’t happen! Swear to God!”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGZbpsiuIT1
Her last word shakes and hangs like a preacher on a pulpit. Fajr rang out in agreement like a congregation yelling hallelujer!
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ92BdHR8ZxR
“Dang straight it ain’t happenin’”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZF4kOjdYey
Wow, is… he really that bad? Did that harm her more, or him?
Jokes over. He laughs.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmqK2clZnuP
“Yeah, she was our flower girl, she was so cute. See.”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuYk3DyyOiB
He takes a picture out of her, it’s from his wedding. He passes it to Fajr.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJsLezGcNQ
“Aw would you look at that,” Fajr says adoringly.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQoNV0dnjv
“Aw man! We should’ve been there! She would’ve been cuter!” Maryam exclaims.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9n3mBZ4z7
“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?!”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUdTGaGolL3
Mika’el’s eyes grow wide, “Big… and pretty.” He nods.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM4TpMkdvrb
Qiyamah’s face is as red as a tomato.
“No I ain’t…”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6lPzArBQ4i
There’s too much going on at once. She didn’t expect this today.
But she still hasn’t paid enough, so it seems.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7HIcc88SDj
“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.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfYpu5Ci3jT
Fajr raises his eyebrows, his eyes shrink.
“Right, let's not.”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRI1FCw1JuB
He doesn’t know when to quit, does he?
“Somethin’ wrong witchu,” Maryam says with an uneasy expression
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL2KPlyaRlS
Everyone’s muttering snazzy comments at him. Nite decides to step in and shift the tone.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfzS8kvlX7X
“Hey! Tell us about you guys huh?”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡODprVF3cYD
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.”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡArFDxKHpsD
“Cool, that works,” Nite responds.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeRrfVCehs4
“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.”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6NdABnVGzT
Prom better not die! Lullaby’s face shrivels at the thought of it.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNktGkh8xqi
“I’m sorry you lost so much,” Nite empathises.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ00xqYPuJ2M
“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.”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWTjiFcDOEA
Everyone continues, having their time to introduce themselves one by one.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5TehS0Oxe
“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.”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfXgkFJLy7F
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…”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKcu2vN2109
The table falls quiet. After a moment Mika’el sighs, he escapes reliving an unwanted memory.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvA9yHDYPhJ
“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?”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZMaEAmQf07
Lullaby stares at him. Poor guy, just like Nite. A sense of grief overshadows his expression.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUAg3NXDULl
“Yeah, guess we have that in common.” Nite says.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEpRHAWebtX
Mika’el nods and looks at Isra’il.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmuO9xVLRl3
“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…”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVR8UriO92G
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.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYN539nDdsN
“You know, you’re all real nice people,” Lullaby says.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQFOdSZFpZS
“Yup! And it’s really nice to meet you guys,” Nite adds.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhUlqsUMQEB
“It’s getting late…” Lullaby says.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGdbdPUIV0y
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.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVLVAUH7ss
“Ain’r you gone say goodbye to your friends?”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZtajtyG7X
“Uh… I guess.”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvleteuorCb
“Go on.”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCRlz5XUcFV
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.”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjF3XCCY4dv
“No… They actually seem… strangely ok with it.”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC7zIUYmewv
“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.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUBVInCzjO6
She smiles a little flattered.
“Yeah guess so.”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTUOY9aMvfa
“Yeah…”
A troubled expression creeps back on his face, he looks up at the night sky.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8cndD2Ma7V
“You know, I want to meet your family. What they like?”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw32KXPpNIV
“Huh?! What, no.” Lullaby says with a frown and turns away trying to ignore her.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgiMU3qXLju
“No, seriously! It’s only fair!”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1mf3G3OaM
“Aw, well life’s not fair hun. Plus, I don’t have time for that.”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBIcgdQjPD5
“What? You really gonna take me through all of this stress and not even—” she scoffs, shaking her head.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy93WvhwrLj
What kind of friend is he?
“Ugh, I…” he stammers.
“Fine, if it’s like that.”
She turns her back on him.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgpuGGVVpFe
Why does she have to be like that? She just doesn’t understand. Some things are better left in the dark.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4YdXRulqV
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.”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjMTq3WvgAH
Qiyamah stays firm in her stance, not giving him even a side glance.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNMM9mFV2PF
“See ya Qiya.” He ruffles her hair. “Tell your parents thanks for everything.”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7aQn1Q8UOX
A beat; his hand slips from her hair and he turns walking away in the silence. Qiyamah sighs, turning to him.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP0yOjohIIB
“Okay.”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIDZVURrd6D
He smiles and points at her. “Oh and you should visit me sometime.”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfmA2gpDVkI
“Mhmm, I’ll think about it.”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0QEdk8JCv5
“Better!”
Qiyamah laughs.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsONqG7Sg0B
“Okay, I will if God wills. Bye Lullaby.”
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjbltSPrp0
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.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp1uEw7F5Gg
Still, what is it about his family? What does he have to hide? What happened? So many questions remain unanswered.
376Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgTyvYx1a4
and then Add to home screen.