Page 173 of Tarek

Make a wish? As I see the flames twirl in the air, I think about my wish. Should I wish for love? No, I never received that. Should I wish for jewels? I have enough.

I close my eyes tightly and blow the candles out.

Eagerly my son places two plates, a knife and a fork on the table.

“What did you wish for, Mama?” Tarek asks with his face beaming with innocence.

“Freedom,” I whisper.

* * *

TAREK–8 Months

“Once the waterfront celebration is completed, we will take some pics; have some food then I’m taking my wife home,” Rhet says as he blows his cigar smoke in the air.

I hear him, but I am not really paying attention, something is bothering me. On paper I should be happy, but something doesn’t feel right. I just don’t know what it is.

Rhet grumbles, “Yes, Rhet, I agree. I will be leaving too.”

I clear my throat. “Sorry, my mind is far.”

“Far? What is the problem? You’re engaged. Your ass should be happy.”

I rub my forehead. “Agreed, and I am.”

“So, what the fuck is your problem?” Rhet places his cigar on the ashtray, locks his fingers over his chest and leans back in the green upholstered wingback chair.

What was my problem? “I guess, nothing. But?”

“But your mind is telling you something is off?” Rhet interjects.

I knock my finger against my desk. “Yeah. It doesn’t feel 100. You get me.”

“Ah, fuck.” Rhet sinks lower into the chair, his legs spread wide in front of him. “I felt like that with Zeeta, and I was right.”

I remember when Zeeta and Rhet “broke up”. That was almost two years ago. Now they are happily married with one beautiful kid and another on the way.

“T, do you have any skellies in your closet?”

“No.”

“No other baby mama?”

“No.”

“You’re not in the closet? I mean if you are.”

“No,” I close my mind searching for what is throwing me off.

“Maybe it’s first-time dad anxiety.”

I shake my head. “Nah it’s not that.”

“Look, man, all I can say is, be ready to forgive and let shit go,” Rhet comments.

“Yeah. You’re right,” I reply.

Rhet stands and fixes the sleeve on his jacket. “This dream of Trent is finally being fulfilled.”

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