3rd person pov
The scary movie played out on the screen, a symphony of suspenseful music and jump scares. Halle, perched on the edge of the couch, let out a piercing scream as a shadowy figure lunged from the darkness. Sarai, startled by Halle's reaction, echoed her scream, a high-pitched shriek that filled the room.
Nyara, about to shush them, froze. The sound of crying filled the apartment. Iyla came running into the living room, her small face streaked with tears, her teddy bear clutched tightly in her hand.
"MOMMY! I SCARED! MOMMY!" Iyla cried, her voice trembling. "The monsters! They're gonna get me!" She buried her face in Nyara's legs, her small body shaking with sobs.
Nyara jumped up from the couch, her heart pounding. She rushed to Iyla, completely oblivious to the stunned expressions of Halle and Sarai. She scooped Iyla into her arms, soothing her with gentle hugs and whispered reassurances.
"It's okay, baby, it's just a movie. Mommy's here, the monsters can't get you," Nyara murmured, kissing Iyla's forehead.
Halle and Sarai watched the scene unfold, their mouths agape. They exchanged shocked glances, their eyes wide with disbelief. Nyara had a child? When? How? They had so many questions.
Nyara wiped Iyla's tears away, her voice soft. "Are you hungry, sweetie?"
Iyla nodded, her voice a small whisper as she nestled her head in Nyara's neck. "Yes."
"I made you tenders and fries," Nyara said, carrying Iyla towards the kitchen.
Halle looked at Sarai, her voice barely a whisper. "Since when did she have a kid?"
Sarai shook her head, her eyes still wide. "I don't know. I just… I checked the internet, there's nothing about the Alister family having a grandchild."
"You know Nyara was always very private," Halle said, her voice laced with hurt. "But even so, she never told us about this. Not about the pregnancy, not about anything. We've been talking on the phone for five years."
A wave of hurt washed over both Halle and Sarai. They felt betrayed, excluded from a significant part of their friend's life.
Nyara sat Iyla down at the kitchen table, placing the plate of chicken tenders and fries in front of her. "Sit right here and eat. I'll be right back in the living room, okay?"
"Otay," Iyla whispered, her eyes still red from crying.
Nyara walked towards the living room, her heart pounding in her chest. She had to face her friends, there was no way to hide Iyla now. They had seen her, and there was no going back.
She entered the living room, her eyes meeting the questioning gazes of Halle and Sarai. "Go on, ask your questions," she said, her voice resigned.