“You calling my baby fat?”
“Of course not, but that baby got weight!” She laughed. I rolled my eyes while chuckling at her corny joke. I fed Janelle until she seemed full then burped her. I fixed my gown and got comfortable in the bed. Quel changed her diaper as she fell back to sleep then let her rest in her bed. Wayne and Eric came back in the room, and I figured it was now or never.
“I’m ready to talk to you guys, but promise me no judgment or getting all crazy. Just listen and let me tell y’all my story,” I said. They all sat down on my bed, looking at me.
“Does Alexis need to be here?”
“I want to be here,” Alexis said as she crossed her arms across her chest. I think she was offended, and I understood why. We were always sending her away when we felt like she was too young for a particular conversation. However, this is a conversation I wanted her to hear, but not now. She wouldn’t understand, but once she got older, I will personally tell her my story so she could be precautious when she’s ready to date.
“She can stay, but I’m not ready for you to hear this conversation. So whenever you get older and ready to start dating, we have a sister date, and I will tell you. So for now, I want you to get your tablet and earphones and tune us out, okay?”
“Okay, Bre,” She said without any questions. She trusted me, and I knew she would still trust me when I told her my story. She grabbed her backpack, took her tablet out, and went over to the couch. Once she had the earphones on, she gave us a thumbs up and focused on her screen.
“So, what’s up?” Wayne said, eager for the details that would probably put a hit on Jemar’s head.
“Promise me, first. No judgment or getting hot-headed,” I said as I put my pinky up.
“Promise,” Quel said with her pinky up. Eric looked at Wayne, and Wayne sighed while putting his pinky up. Everybody’s pinky was up.
“Well, I guess I should start at the beginning,” I said and took a deep breath.
∞∞∞
“So….you and Roon?” I asked Quel. I was curious or more so nosey to know what was up with them. And we needed something else to talk about after everything I just told them. I decided to be honest, entirely honest, and share my story. I could tell that they were pissed, especially Wayne. After I told them what occurred a few months ago and what led me into early labor, Wayne and Eric went to get some fresh air. I knew telling the domestic violence part would piss them off, but I was ready to get this shit off my chest. I wasn’t doing it as a way to get revenge on Jemar, his karma would come on its own time. They took everything pretty well, for the most part, even Raquel. She seemed supportive and even cried when I went into details about Jemar admitting to hating me. I thought sharing my story would push us apart, but it seemed to bring us closer. I was grateful for them and wished I was as open and honest before we got here.
“Nothing. So you and Ricky…” She teased—typical Quel. I shook my head.
“Nothing. I made him Janelle’s godfather.”
“Mhm, that’s it? The way dad told us how he saved you and stayed around when he had a flight to go catch doesn’t sound like nothing.”
“I’m not in a mental or physical space to date. And I’m damaged goods. No dude would want me.”
“What’s damaged goods?” Alexis asked. I forgot she was in the room since she was so quiet.
“It’s when something good gets damaged to the point that no one would want to buy it or want it for free,” I said.
“Nobody wants you? Then I’ll take you,” She said as she walked to me and laid her head on my shoulder.
“Awww. Thank you.” I said as I felt a tear drop down my face.
“She’s not damaged goods, Lex. She’s just dramatic as usual. I think she forgot her worth and needs us to help her remember who she is. Let’s see, she’s beautiful. Super intelligent. Can be funny at times. Oh, she can dress, especially when she takes stuff that I accidentally leave behind. She has a big heart. Hmm, what else?” Quel said.
“Ummm, she’s nice. She’s a great big sister and best friend. She’s a great cook, especially when she makes my favorite chocolate chip cookies!” Alexis chimed in.
“She makes the best cookies! And she’s very forgiving although she tends to forgive everybody, except herself.”
“And she’s a great aunt and doesn’t mind doing things when she’s not required to,” Wayne said as he walked in with Eric behind him.
“She keeps all your secrets and puts you in your place when you try her,” Eric said as he walked closer to the bed.
“She’s going to be a great mother because she was built for this, and God didn’t make any mistake when making Janelle her mom.” Quel added.
“And she’s going to be a great woman because everything she’s been through only made her strong. And that’s how I raised her.” My mom said as she walked into the door. We all were shocked to see her. I didn’t even know they told her, but surprisingly I was happythat she was here. I was ready for the healing part of my life and was glad I was starting with her first.
29. Aretha
Two Hours Ago….
“Who is it?” I yelled through the door. I hated unexpected guests, and anybody who knew me knew that. I just got off from working a double, and I was ready to relax. I had the house to myself since Alexis was with my mother, and Eric was where only God knows. Probably working since that’s all he’s been doing lately.
“Lovebug.” I heard a soft voice
