Page 23 of Blake University HBCU Chronicles: Nuri & Silas

Four Months Later…

T hree months had passed since Nuri crossed the stage at Blake University, her name echoing off the walls as the final chapter of her intellectual journey came to a close.

True to her word, she packed up her old life and planted new roots in a place called Bleu Rose , Chicago—a city that mirrored her transformation with its charm, grit, and depth.

Days moved just as fast in Bleu Rose as it did in Atlanta, but the air felt different.

The hustle was still present, but peace had a stronger voice here.

Nuri had landed exactly where she was supposed to be.

By day, she worked under one of Chicago's most revered counselors at The Bleu Rose Firm , her passion for psychology pouring from her heart into the healing of others.

By night, she wore the title of a full-time graduate student at Bleu Rose University , chasing her Master's degree with the same fire that got her through every test academically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Silas was still who he’d always been—sharp, intentional, unapologetically devoted, and rich as hell.

He’d walked away from everything illegal without a second glance.

Money wasn’t his motivator. Legacy & Love was.

And, the truth was that in this season of his life, both were spelled N-U-R-I.

Though he could’ve spent his days chilling and enjoying the fruits of his labor, he chose to teach…

He chose to pour his knowledge of the mind into eager students who reminded him of a younger version of himself—hungry and ready.

His professorship at the university wasn’t for prestige. It was personal.

Across town in Bleu Water Estates, Ali had already carved out space for a life he’d been building for seven years—waiting on God, fate, and love to align.

Nova’s move to Chicago had been the last puzzle piece.

It was hard at first to consider leaving Atlanta and all the memories etched into its streets, but watching Nuri choose herself, choose love, made the decision easier.

She and Ali had a second chance to get it right, and by the grace of God, they were stepping out on faith.

They were finally standing in the center of the peace they prayed for.

It was Tuesday night— family dinner night .

A tradition born out of a need for reconnection and kept alive by consistency and love.

Ali had sent the usual reminder a few days prior, and now, the house was alive with the aroma of Nova’s smothered turkey wings, garlic butter mashed potatoes, and green beans.

Laughter spilled from the kitchen. Smooth R&B played softly from the vintage house speakers, and when Nuri and Silas arrived, it felt like a breath of fresh air.

They were greeted not just with hugs, but with a warmth that wrapped around them like home.

This was the vibe, and the real cadence of life was what they’d fought for.

What they’d prayed over… and what they were keeping sacred.

As Nuri and Silas walked through the door, Ali received a call just before he got up to meet them at the door. Ali didn’t look at the screen. His gut told him who it was before he even pressed answer.

“What’s up, Sweetness,” he said, voice calm.

“Hey, Dad. What you doin’?” Rose asked, light as always.

Rose.

The name alone was enough to make his heart skip.

Ali rubbed a hand down his face, slow and deliberate.

“Nothin’ much. Just gettin’ ready to go to a meeting,” he lied.

His eyes found Nova across the room. She was smiling, radiant even, in the way only a woman could be when surrounded by family and finally at peace.

He wasn’t sure how long that peace would last once the truth clawed its way free.

“You good?” he asked, keeping calm as his thoughts raced a million miles per minute.

“Yea, I’m good. Just wanted to let you know I’ll be coming home for a couple of months. Summer break starts in two weeks.”

Ali’s body went still. Cold.

Two weeks.

That wasn’t enough time. Not enough to ease this in.

Not enough to prepare Nuri for the bomb about to drop.

Not enough to save Nova from the explanation she owed Rose for being absent in her life, or Nuri for never mentioning she had another daughter.

He and Nova hadn't had a chance to discuss Rose in-depth, but he knew from their conversation that she hadn't told Nuri anything about her twin sister.

Ali needed more time. He was still getting to know Nuri.

He didn't want to lose her now that he'd finally got her back, and how this would affect Nova also weighed heavy on his chest. They'd crossed so many hurdles in such little time, but there were still secrets lingering in from the past, and ready or not—they were resurfacing.

“Oh yeah?” he said, jaw tightening. “You excited?”

“Of course! I miss you. I miss being home. I can’t wait to see you.”

“I miss you too, baby. Let me give you a call back later on.”

“Okay, daddy. I love you.”

“I love you too, Rose.”

He tucked the phone in his pocket like it hadn’t just scorched his whole peace of mind. Secrets had a way of finding you out. They didn’t stay buried. They dug themselves out when they were good and ready, and this one? It was knockin’ at the door, suitcase in hand, talkin’ ‘bout I’ll be home soon.

Ali inhaled deep, trying to keep his cool, but in his chest, shit was already shifting. And he knew one thing for certain—He was running out of time.