Chapter 9 — Deja

Malik and Gabrielle have been clicking ever since they met. Gabrielle went to Spelman and was in the same profession as Malik, a sports agent for female basketball players. Now, months later, she'll be moving in. It didn't take long after she was waking up Malik and DeShawn for breakfast following the nights she stayed over. Then, she would come by and make lunch on her break, and then after work, Gabrielle would make dinner. She also owned a hair salon at the Underground and would often run her businesses from Malik's condo. On top of that, Gabrielle's great with Jasmine.

Tonight, Gabrielle's on the carpet, on her stomach, helping Jasmine build a tower of blocks. Then, sitting with her and reading each and every book Jasmine pulls off the shelf.

In a month, Gabrielle already went with Malik and Jasmine to the park, Atlanta Zoo, and Children's Museum. While at the zoo, Gabrielle crouches down at Jasmine who's pointing out to the penguins waddle back and forth. They laugh when Jasmine does their imitation.

For the first time in a long time, Malik hasn't been happier. His basketball agency is going great and his life is on the up. And Little Jazzy is healthy and happy. Malik sees Gabrielle's slowly working her way up to that point of being his soulmate. It's just been easy with her and she's the fourth member in their small household, always there, always helping, and always smiling. That hit Malik since the minute, he met her walking off that plane coming from his stint in Germany.

* * *

With Jasmine turning three soon, Malik will start looking in pre-school for Jazzy and tends to factor Gabrielle in that decision.

There was a little issue that upset Gabrielle and Malik was there to calm things down. Her salon lost one of their biggest clients because of one of her hairdresser's blunder. But all that discontent faded when they got back through the door of the condo. Gabrielle picked up Jasmine and hugged her. She said she missed her and kissed Malik saying they are well worth the reason for coming home.

* * *

Nine months in, Malik and Gabrielle's relationship has grown so much despite sometimes being away from each other for weeks at a time. It's basketball season and Malik's the first to depart for work. He thinks back as he boards the plane on his way to Lebanon to get a few of his clients' extensions on their contracts. The fun times at the park, zoo, museum, and more are enough for Malik to sit back in his seat and finally relax.