Page 44 of Still Made For You

“Aye, I’ll hit you up when I get a chance. I really need to be with my family right now. There are some things we need to discuss privately; I hope you can understand.” He dismissed her before turning his attention back to the family. She stood there for a moment before storming out of the room.

I felt bad since technically, I wasn’t family either. A part of me thought about taking Saint to the cafeteria as he mentioned they needed to discuss things as a family, and I did not fall into that category. Deciding to step out, I called out to Saint before getting up from my seat. Reluctantly, he came over to me with a toy in his hands to show me.

“I see it, baby. We’re gonna go grab a snack. Come on.” Saint latched onto my hand before signally for the other little boy to come over. I smiled at his excitement at having made a new friend. The two of them locked arms, but I looked over to his mother to make sure it was okay.

“Do you need some money for him?”

“Oh, no I’ve got it.”

“Aww, thank you, Boo. He’s a big flirt, so please don’t pay him any mind. He gets that from both of his damn daddies.” I snorted as she glared in Messiah’s direction.

As I got closer to the door, a hand reached out to grab my arm. Turning my head, I realized it was Renegade, so I walked closer to him.

“Where are you going?” Being this close to him, I noticed his red eyes. It broke my heart to see him hurting like this. I wished there was something I could do to help.

“I know you need some time with your family, so I thought I’d take Saint to the cafeteria so we can give you all some space.” He glanced at Saint for a moment, then back up at me.

“Don’t leave this building. Do you understand me? I’m only letting you leave because I’m sure little homie is hungry.” Renegade reached into his pocket, then pulled out two twenty-dollar bills.

“Here, get all the snacks you want.” He handed both boys twenty dollars apiece. Of course, Saint’s face lit up like a kid on Christmas.

“What do you say?”

“Thank you!” He squealed with delight.

“You didn’t have-”

“Don’t you even finish that bullshit. Bring me back a granola bar and a Gatorade. You know the flavors I like.” He handed me some more money.

“I think you gave us enough.” Referring to the $40 he’d just given the boys.

“You must not have seen the price of hospital food these days. They’re damn near charging gas station prices, plus that money is for them. This is for us.”Us. It’s been so long since I’ve heard the word, a chill ran down my spine.

“Okay.” I knew better than to turn the money down, so I took it and turned to leave.

“Remember what I said. Don’t you leave out of this building. I know how you think, and I’m shutting that shit down right now.” I took heed of his warning because it was clear he meant it.

“I won’t.” On the outside, I played it cool, but on the inside my heart was leaping for joy. I’d missed being around him and his family. It truly felt like home to me.

The boys and I stayed in the cafeteria for a while because they both decided they wanted a full meal. I sat there as they watched tv on Saint’s iPad. Outside of Daycare, Saint wasn’t around a lot of kids, so it was sweet to see him sharing and having a good time.

I texted my sister Sienna since I noticed she’d messaged me earlier.

Sissy Pooh: Is your man still there?

Me: He is not my man.

Sissy Pooh: I may have been young, but I remember the infamous “Gee” and Beauty.

I blushed seeing my old nickname on the screen. Renegade always called me his beauty when we were together.

Me: That was a long time ago. Anyway, we’re with him now because there was an emergency. Can you stop by the house and let my babies out? I rushed out so fast without even thinking about them.

Sissy Pooh: Damn sis. You left my fur nephews for dead over that man. lol

Sissy Pooh: I hope everything is okay. I’m on my way over there now. I love you!

Me: Love you more. We’ll talk soon.

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