Page 18 of Mark My Words

“Yes, yes, of course.”

Destiny opened the door wider, and Mrs. Jernigan eased inside.

“Come, let’s have a seat.”

She followed Destiny into the living area where Destiny grabbed the remote control and powered down the TV volume a few notches.

“I won’t be here long, so it’s not necessary that I linger.”

Destiny stiffened. The last time Mrs. Jernigan stopped by for a quick visit, it wasn’t a nice one. With Malik being back in town and he and Destiny sort of reconnecting, Mrs. Jernigan’s visit felt like a bad omen.

Not again.

“I’m sorry,” Mrs. Jernigan said.

“Excuse me?” Destiny covered her arms with her hands, rubbing them up and down.

“When I came to you all those years ago, what I said was from a mother’s heart. I’ve seen so many black men have problems with law enforcement and society as a whole that I thought if Malik stayed in the army a while, he would be protected from those realities. But that’s no excuse for what I did to you and him, and I was out of line.”

Destiny was speechless.Never did she expect Mrs. Jernigan to apologize to her. But she could feel the woman’s sincerity.

“I want you to know I’ve always thought you were good for Malik. Nothing like the scallywag women who only want him because of his looks or his success. You’ve always taken an interest in him as a person and pushed him to be better when you were in school together. I could tell you were someone he would grow to love, and I hope you can forgive me for intruding on your life with him.”

Destiny covered her arms with her hands and nodded.

“To be honest, I was hurt when you stopped by that day. Those words you spoke, they were the last thing I expected to hear. I thought I had done something to earn your disapproval of me. Even after your explanation, being called a distraction was a gut punch, Mrs. Jernigan.”

“I know. I’m so sorry. It’s not too late.”

Destiny frowned. “What do you mean?”

“It appears that nothing could keep Malik away from the love of his life.”

“What are you saying?”

“I’m saying he’s back for good.”

“Why would he come back for good?”

“Do you really have to ask? He loves you, and he wants to be with you, always.”

“Did he tell you that?”

“He doesn’t have to; I’m his mother.” She paused, “And, yes.”

So, he was serious about wanting her. The space around them grew quiet as Destiny pondered on it all. But a commotion on TV caught the two women’s attention as one of the local new reporters who were on the site of a construction roadway caught a glimpse of Malik exiting a gas station across the street.

The reporter and her cameraman sprinted to reach him just as he was climbing into his truck.

“Malik Jernigan!” the reporter shouted.

Malik regarded the reporter, aviator shades covering his brown eyes just as he sat on the seat.

“Afternoon,” he said.

“I saw you from across the street and wanted to come over and congratulate you on your nuptials. How’s everything going with the plans? Is Stormi being a bridezilla?” She laughed.

Malik’s face went from warm to hard as his jaw clenched, then he eased back out of the truck, shut his door, and faced the camera. “Are you broadcasting live?”

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