Chapter one
Sunday {Queen's Apartment}
{Hazel's bedroom}
Hazel woke up to her mother Emily's loud voice outside her room. "Hazel, are you up? Emily her mother shouted, knocking on the door. "If not, I'll break the door down and use a frying pan to beat you awake!"
Hazel quickly responded, "Yes, Mom, I'm awake. No need to break the door down. I just need to freshen up, and I'll come join you for breakfast soon."
"Okay, don't take too long. You know you have to go to work today, so if you don't want to be late, be quick," Emily replied before leaving for the dining area.
"Yes, Mama, I'll be there in a jeep," Hazel responded, getting out of bed and starting her morning routine.
{Torrence residence}
{ Kenzie's Room }
In a dark room, the sudden glow of a phone illuminated the space as a text message arrived. Kenzie, who had been sleeping peacefully, groaned and reached for the phone. He squinted at the screen, his eyes adjusting to the bright light. "Who the...?" he muttered, trying to focus on the message.
As he read the text, his expression changed from confusion to realization. "Ah, fuck! I totally forgot that I promised the guys that I will hang out with them today," he said to himself.
Kenzie quickly typed a response, "Let me go freshen up, I will be there soon," and dropped his phone on the nightstand. He got out of bed and headed to the bathroom, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.
{ Queen's Apartment }
"Morning, momma," Hazel greeted her mom, sitting with her in their small dining area.
"Morning, Chika," Emily replied. "How was your night?"
"Fine, Momma," Hazel replied. "What's for breakfast?"
"Your favorite meal," Emily replied.
Azel's eyes widened. "Wait, what? Momma, are you serious? You're really joking, tell me you're joking," Hazel snapped.
"I am not joking, Chika. It's your favorite," Emily replied.
"But, Mom, how many times have I told you not to try to buy something too expensive? The ingredients of this food are clearly expensive," Hazel said, her voice rising.
"I just wanted you to have it. There's nothing wrong with what I'm doing," Emily replied, a hint of defensiveness in her voice.
Hazel's eyes began to well up with tears. "But, Mom, I don't need you to buy expensive things for me. I'm working now, I can buy my own food, or expensive bag, or anything I want," she stated, tears rolling down her eyes.
"I'm sorry, Chika, please don't cry," Emily said, her eyes also welling up with tears.
Hazel sniffled. "I won't cry, but you have to promise me you won't buy anything expensive for me again."Azel's eyes sparkled with a mix of amusement and determination. "If you promise not to buy something expensive for me, but for yourself, 'cause all the clothes you are wearing already have patches... and my salary is not for me to buy designer bags and my favorite food," she said, her voice firm but playful.
They both sat down, and Emily smiled, her eyes still a bit teary. "Okay, Chika, I promise. You now give Mama a hug."
Azel smiled, and they shared a warm hug. "Promise that you'll put a zip to it, before the good food gets cold," Emily said, pulling back and patting Azel's cheek.
Miss Queen, as she was affectionately called, pulled out a chair for Azel to sit down on, and they began to enjoy their meal together.
A short while later
{ Torrence Residence }
After dressing up, Kenzie headed downstairs and went straight to the dining table. His parents, Liam and Hailey, were already seated.
"Are we too small because you came in here without greeting your parents?" Liam asked, his voice laced with anger and annoyance. "You're just going to walk in and out like we're nobodies?"
"Hey, don't talk to my son like that," Hailey snapped, defending Kenzie.
"Yeah, don't talk to me like that, old man," Kenzie retorted, smirking at his father.
"Who gave you the right to talk to me like that?" Hailey asked, facing Kenzie with a mix of anger and hurt.
"Even if I do disrespect my father, it doesn't mean I wouldn't greet you, Mom," Kenzie said, trying to clarify. "I love you, and I would never disrespect you."
Hailey's expression softened, and she smiled. "I know, baby. I know you love me."
Liam shook his head, muttering under his breath. "Foolishness... how can she buy this foolish son of mine words..."
"I have to go, Mom," Kenzie said, pecking Hailey on the cheek. "I promised the guys I'd hang out with them."
"Okay, be careful," Hailey replied, watching as Kenzie rushed out of the mansion.
As soon as Kenzie was gone, Liam turned to Hailey. "Did you really buy that boy's word? I thought you were smart, but giving birth to that boy... you've proved me wrong. You're really foolish."
"Hey, how dare you say that? He is my only son, so leave him be," Hailey said, her anger rising.
"I told you to let us have another baby, but you refused. You said childbirth and pregnancy are not easy. It's your fault we only have one son," Liam said, trying to provoke Hailey.
Hailey's face turned red. "Yeah, better not bring that up."
Liam smirked, knowing he had hit a nerve. "Hey, didn't you promise to take me for my monthly check-up? It's getting late, or my plans for today aren't going to be fulfilled on time," Hailey said, trying to change the subject.
"Yeah, let's go," Liam replied, standing up and following Hailey out of the dining room.
{ Queen's Apartment }
A short while later...
Hazel pushed her chair back and stood up, "Mama, I think I'll get going now, don't want to be late for work."
Emily nodded, "Alright, Chika, be careful on your way and have a great day."
Yes momma bye, Hazel said as she headed out.