Page 145 of Rome: The Ballerina

“Oh girl, shut the hell u–”

“Girls!” My mother called out, trying to restore order in the room.

“You good, my baby?” Chem inquired, tuning everyone out around us.

“Yes. I’m better now.”

“Good, because I have someone counting on seeing that smile.”

I stepped back.

“You’re not alone?”

“I’m not.”

He wasn’t. And, from the moment he admitted it, I sensed the plus one.

“Where is she?”

Chuckling, Teddy leaned his head to the right.

“How’d y–”

“Don’t insult me,” I demanded, patting his chest.

He remained silent, shaking his head. He had been the light in my dark, dark tunnel since Richie’s death. Seeing him smile was like seeing the sunrise to let you know you’d made it to see another day. It was revitalizing. It was refreshing. It was promising.

“Oh Teeteeeeee,” I called out, with upturned lips.

Joy consumed me. Teddy didn’t have to tell me where she was. I felt her near. The small giggles confirmed my suspicions.

“Chemisstttrrrrrry– where could she be?”

I rounded Teddy’s body.

“There she is.”

Jru stood behind her father, hands gripping his black slacks. I pulled her into my arms and pressed her head onto my chest. With my eyes closed, I spun in a full circle.

My love.

My life.

Emotions swelled in my chest. There was nothing I wanted more than to have Jru within walking distance again. She made it so hard to leave St. Catana behind. I missed her love.

“I miss you, Tee Rome.”

“And, I miss you. Have you been good for Mommy and Daddy?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“That’s my girl.”

“How’s baby brother?”

“He’s into everything,” Jru reported, shaking her head.

The entire room erupted in laughter.

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