Page 52 of Rather: The Therapist

Click.

Click.

The backsplash lifted, exposing a small artillery. And, though small wasn’t an accurate description, it was in comparison to Rugger’s ideal of a decent collection. Sure that Chem had given her limitations and made her settle for much less than she cared to settle for, I was left with a smile.

Well, shall we get dressed?

Massive.

Manicured.

Enchanting.

Festive.

Not only could my thoughts describe the home I’d stepped into, but they could also describe my family’s home. I missed it as much as I did my father. Entering the Valentine’s family home reminded me of the countless dinners we had and the bonds we thickened around the table that nearly stretched the length of the entire room.

“Right this way.”

A staff member directed me toward the dining hall where the same man and woman I’d met hours ago were standing. Slowly, I continued down the long hallway, reaching them only when my thoughts were clear and my head was on the straight and narrow. Chem’s words stuck with me.

It means guard your heart, maintain your sanity, and don’t let that motherfucker get to your head. Remember who you are and don’t ever forget it. You’re a Childers, Rather, and we don’t move foolishly. Most of all, maintain your individuality.

Don’t let that nigga speak for you, think for you, or move for you. Make your own moves. Do your own thinking. And, speak your mind. Don’t, not even for a second, let any of them play with you or think they can play with you. Because the truth of the matter is they can’t. Understood?

“Understood,” I whispered as I approached.

“So, we meet again,” Ashland spoke.

“We do.”

“Into the dining area, shall we?” Kalvin said, tugging on the door behind his wife.

“We’ll introduce you to the family. Starting with Kofi, you’ll make your way around the table and greet each person you come into contact with. Not everyone is as friendly as–” she explained.

“There’s only one person you must overlook, Rather. Our eldest. Don’t take his brashness personal.”

“In other words, he’s a bit of a grump. The others are fine. You’ll be fine. I hope.”

“Do you not understand who your son is marrying?” I tittered. “There’s no doubt in my mind that I’ll be fine. As for the people I encounter–”

I shrugged.

“Worry about them. Please don’t worry about me.”

“Oh, I’m not,” Kalvin chuckled, “Not even one bit.”

The doors swung open and I was confronted with chatter that was plentiful and faces that were beyond beautiful. Chiseled cheekbones, perfectly lined fades, suits, ballroom dresses, white teeth that varied in perfection, gaps, gold, diamonds that sparkled, and laughter that was infectious. I couldn’t understand why my lips lifted into a smile but they had.

Family.

I imagined that was the cause. And, this family was gorgeous. Wealth was abundant. And, structure was apparent.

My family.

Not only was this my new family, but it reminded me of the times I’d had with mine prior to our relocation and our father’s death. They reeked of excellence. So did we. Their riches were loud and bold even though it wasn’t their intention. So was ours.

“Settle down, everyone. Settle down. We have a very special guest tonight, so I need everyone to behave themselves. Especially you, Kofi,” Kalvin warned with his eyes trained on the darkest of the bunch.

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