Page 42 of Make Me Remember

“Please come with us, ma’am.”

“Y’all can’t be serious. My daddy is in there dying, and y’all are trying to put me out? This is fucked up! I will be pressing charges too! Muthafuckas!”

LaTee wrapped her arms around me, so I picked her up and hugged her tightly. Her entire body was trembling. When Mekayla saw me holding her, she only got louder. “Put her down!”

I frowned and licked my lips, slowly lowering LaTee to her feet. My eyes didn’t leave Mekayla’s. I could see the sadness and hurt in them, but for some reason, I felt like it didn’t reflect what was going on right now. She pulled LaTee to her and hugged her tightly. Once the nurses walked out of the room, the doctor came to Mekayla and said, “I’m sorry. We lost him, ma’am.”

Mekayla fell to her knees, and I stooped in front of her. “Can I hold you, baby?”

I was trying to understand what she was feeling, but I was starting to get real bothered. That wasn’t good for nobody. She quickly stood and wiped her tears, then grabbed LaTee’s hand and walked away. I took a deep breath and followed them out of ICU, nearly walking into her mother. I didn’t see her walk in.

“Mekayla, are you leaving?”

“I’m being put out because I wouldn’t send LaTee out. Fuck these people!”

Her brother blocked her path, but she said, “Move out of my fucking way, Zhori!”

Instead, he grabbed her. She started screaming and fighting him, but she eventually caved. I closed my eyes for a moment. He’d obviously figured out what she needed. The guards were standing behind me, letting them have their moment. However, the minute she pulled away from Zhori, they closed in on us. Zhori said something in her ear, and she nodded then grabbed LaTee’s hand again and walked off.

I was dumbfounded for a moment and hadn’t made the first move to follow her. Zhori approached me and said, “Please, be patient with her. She’s really trying to be this positive and peaceful version of herself that you’ve probably gotten to know, but who she is now is the Mekayla I grew up with… broken, angry, confrontational, and alone.”

I closed my eyes and nodded. Her trauma was visiting her in this moment. I had never dealt with anyone like her, but I could definitely understand the turmoil she was in. I could see the signs now. Shakayla, Uncle WJ’s middle daughter, used to be the same way, and I didn’t know why. I just thought she had an attitude and was being rebellious. She was crying out for help.

I walked away to find Mekayla and LaTee in the waiting area with the guards, waiting for me. When she saw me, she walked toward the exit. I didn’t bother to stop her, since they were putting her out. Plus, I knew she wouldn’t want to talk about it with LaTee paying close attention. Instead, I would come up with something to make her smile, and I had the perfect idea if I could get her to stay the night.

When the valet brought up the vehicle, I helped LaTee inside as Mekayla walked around to the other side of the vehicle. While I was making sure she was in her seat belt, I saw Mekayla getting inside. I took a deep breath as she glanced at me then closed LaTee’s door. I did my best to stay calm as I got inside the vehicle, remembering what Zhori had said.

After closing the door, I slid my hand to hers. “I’m sorry about your father.”

She nodded then slid her hand away from mine. I put the vehicle in gear, and we made our way back to Nome. By the time we got to China, I could see the ice around Mekayla starting to melt. When we left, she had a fuck the world type of demeanor, her head high, and a frown on her beautiful face. Now, she looked like she would cry any minute. Her shoulders were slightly slumped, like they were when we left Nome.

Once we got to my house and I’d pulled into the garage, I turned to her and said, “Don’t move until I open your door for you.”

She gave me a tight smile. I got out and helped LaTee out then walked around to her side. When I opened her door, she fell into me. I rubbed her back, doing my best to console her grieving heart. She slid down my body and walked away from me, going to LaTee who was crying her eyes out as she watched her mother do the same.

I sent my mama a text. I know it’s been a long day already, but could you see if Aunt Chrissy could help you fry chicken and french fries for Mekayla. Her father just passed away and she’s having a really rough time.

After sending the message I went to the back door to unlock it. They trudged their way to the couch as I did my best to get some things situated for them, hoping they would stay. I sent Maui a text message, asking her to run to Walmart, Target, or a store like them, to get them some items of hygiene and clothes. She agreed.

I went to the couch where they were and knelt before them, slightly wincing as I did. I shifted my weight to the other knee as Mekayla watched me. “Can y’all stay here tonight, baby?”

LaTee turned her attention to Mekayla as she closed her eyes. When a slight smile formed on her lips, I knew she would say yes. I kissed her lips.

“I was hoping you would ask. I need you, Jacob. I’m sorry for my behavior earlier. I just…”

I placed my fingers over her lips. “We’ll talk about it later.”

She nodded and leaned over to hug me. After kissing her cheek, I tried to get up and fake fell over her, causing LaTee to laugh. “Oh goodness. I’m sorry,” I said, then faked falling over LaTee.

She giggled so hard tears fell from her eyes. I sat next to Mekayla and kissed her head. “Everything is going to be fine.”

My phone vibrated, so I pulled it out to see a message from my mama. Oh no! We’re on our way. You think they would be overwhelmed if I told everyone else?

I glanced at Mekayla to see she was reading the text along with me. I smiled slightly as she turned her head, pretending she wasn’t. “Well?” I asked.

“Well, what?”

I twisted my lips to the side as she smiled and shook her head. “We won’t be overwhelmed.”

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