~*Chapter 3*~

“Daddy,” Ashleigh yelled as she jumped on the bed and watched as her father looked up at her.

“Hey, I was trying to sleep what do you want Ash?” He asked and grabbed her.

“Well, mommy said you better get up and get downstairs if you plan on going with us.” Ashleigh said and smiled.

“Alright, but I have a feeling that this was the nicer version of what she said.” Justin laughed when she nodded. He stood up and picked up Ashleigh and walked downstairs. He looked at Aaliyah, “Where’s Izzy?” He asked and smiled at Courtney.

“In there,” Aaliyah pointed to the living room and watched her sit there with her headphones.

The DJ's playing the same song
I have so much to do
I have to carry on
I wonder if this grief will ever let me go
I feel like I am the king of sorrow, yeah
The king of sorrow

I suppose I could just walk away
Will I disappoint my future if I stay
It's just a day that brings it all about
Just another day and nothing's any good

Justin listened to her sing the song and smiled, “She has your voice, a truly amazing voice.”

“I’m just glad she’s listening to good music.” Aaliyah said and smiled, “I’ve always loved Sade’s music. She’s a great artist.” She looked at him, “So I see my little helper got you up.” She laughed and looked at Ashleigh’s wide smile, “And that’s why I love her so much.” Aaliyah said and kissed Ashleigh on the forehead.

“Yeah, she got me up alright.” Justin shook his head, “I thought there was a tornado or something, she was just yelling and jumping on the bed.” He sighed, “Hey by the way what exactly did you say? Because your daughter informed me that she said it in the nice way.”

She smiled, “Actually what I said was, “Tell your daddy to get his ass down here now, no exceptions or else he’s going to have to deal with me.”

Justin laughed, “I had a feeling it was something along those lines.”

“Yeah, well.” She locked eyes with him for a second before she looked away.

“Is something wrong?” Justin asked and studied her. Something wasn’t right and he knew it.

“No, everything’s fine.” She glanced up at him for a second before turning away. “I need your opinion on this outfit.”

“Ok,” Justin sighed. He wondered just what was bugging her.

“Alright, I’ll be back.” She smiled and walked into the bathroom.

“Ok, What do you think?” She asked and was satisfied with the reaction.

“Damn Aaliyah, do you plan on wearing anything under that?” Justin asked and looked her up and down.

“Nope,” She said and smiled, “And just be happy it wasn’t like the Romeo Must Die Premiere outfit.”

“I loved that outfit, but I think that it was one of those outfits that you should where when we’re together.” Justin smiled.

Aaliyah laughed and rolled her eyes, “You need help.” She sighed, “This day better be better than yesterday, or it’s gonna get ugly.”

“We don’t want it to get ugly, we know how it is to be around you when it’s your time of the month.” Justin laughed when she hit him playfully.

“Get real.” She laughed.

~*4:30*~

“Neo, neo, neo, na, na, na, sporin.” Ashleigh laughed.

“Oh god, your mother really is ruining your brain.” Justin laughed and kissed Aaliyah, “So this is what you two do in your free time, you sing about Neosporin.”

“Hey, and animals, and I taught them a new song.” Aaliyah smiled.

“I don’t want to hear it, I know it’s going to be one of those crazy Spanish songs.” Justin sat down next to them on the floor. “So what are ya workin’ on Ash?” He asked and smiled at her.

“I’m painting a pretty picture.” Ashleigh said and smiled.

“I can definitely tell that you get that from your mother, what’s with the fascination with paint?” Justin asked curiously and looked at her.

“Well, when I was pregnant with Izzy I did a lot of singing, with Ashleigh I did a lot of painting.” Aaliyah shrugged, “And with Courtney I spoke a lot of Spanish.”

Justin smiled, “By the way, does it matter what I get you for your birthday?”

“Nah,” She smiled, “You all don’t have to get me anything, I’ll be ok really.” She smiled at him, “I’m just happy to have you here by my side.”