Page 123 of Meraux Mafia: No Ordinary Love

Today we were going to visit Hailo and Serenity. The pictures Lo sent had me eager to hold and sniff Serenity. She was adorable, and I also wanted to check on Hailo. Postpartum was a different beast, and from somebody who suffered in silence, I never wanted somebody else to feel the way I felt if I could help it.

Cam and I made our way out the door skipping to the car at her request. The further we traveled from our quaint two-bedroom apartment, the more the trees became plentiful, the grass greener, and the air seemed different. We arrived at Hailo and Gianni’s house, which was just as extravagant as Mack’s, but I expected nothing less. I pulled into the driveway and quickly grabbed Camdyn out of her seat. She had fallen asleep on the ride over like I knew she would. Shortly after ringing the doorbell, Hailo answered the door.

“Hey boo.”

“Hey girl, come on in.”

I followed her to the living room, where Serenity rested peacefully in her bassinet.

“She is a doll! Oh my goodness!”

“Thank you. Hey, Cam Cam!”

“Hey, Lo Lo,” Cam mimicked, hugging Hailo.

“She is the sweetest.”

“She’s something,” I replied.

“Do you want to watch some TV?” Hailo offered.

Camdyn planted her finger on her lips as if she had to think about it, but I knew the answer, and so did she, “Gracie’s corner!” she erupted because that’s all she wanted to watch lately.

“Gracie, it is.” Hailo turned on the tv, and Camdyn made herself comfortable in the middle of the floor.

“Girl, be glad this is what Renni does all day. Cam talks nonstop and asks questions. Why are there so many?”

“What was that?” Hailo put her hand to her ear, “Did you just ask for wine in mommy language?”

“I’m not turning it down.”

Hailo ran to the kitchen and returned with two glasses and a whole bottle of wine already popped open and ready.

“Hmmm, nine months never felt so long. I missed wine so much.”

“You are a mess. How have you been doing?”

“Honestly,” she took another gulp, likely trying to decide how much of her struggles she wanted to share. “It’s been rough.”

“Believe me, I understand. I was depressed for months after I had Cam,” I shared, and Hailo’s eyes ballooned. “It felt like there was so much on my plate while trying to heal and learn to be a mom. I thought they’d try to take my baby if I told anybody. I didn’t feel like anybody would understand because I wasn’t going to hurt my baby. I was just sad and overwhelmed.”

“Yeah,” Hailo said, taking another sip of her wine glass.

“You’re not alone, Lo. No matter how you feel, you’re not.”

“I know. Gianni has been great. Too great,” she smirked, leaning forward to place her glass on the table. “I love my baby. I wouldn’t trade her for the world, but I feel like a stranger in my own body. It’s weird, and I’m a mess, but he’s so patient some days that it makes me feel worse. Like he deserves better.”

“You love him, so you care about his feelings. This is new for both of you. Take some of the pressure off yourself. You have to get to know the new you like you have to get to know Serenity. It’s the same thing.”

“Thanks, Sky. You’re good at this.”

“Surviving hell teaches you a thing or two. Marcus isn’t half the man Gianni is. People think that because we as women are made for this, it’s not hard, and it is. I know it’s scary to lean on somebody else, but you must try.”

“Speaking of trying,” Hailo’s somber expression morphed into a smile as she bounced her eyebrows. “Are you going to try with you know who?”

“This visit isn’t about me,” I replied, trying to deflect.

“Mommy, I have to potty!” Camdyn got up, jumping like she was on a pogo stick.

---