Page 237 of Taeja

She missed playing video games with Damon on his day off, and hearing the click of his keyboard whenever he was at his second job…

She missed smelling Zain cooking up a storm in the kitchen, and being by his side while he worked on his bike…

It was a good thing she’d be seeing them tomorrow.

Twirling her key in her hand, she raised a brow at a huge box before her door. “What is this?” Taeja wondered, eyeing the label addressed to her. “After me nuh order nun.” She opened the door and, after struggling to bring it inside, she unboxed it.

Taeja gasped, her face brightening at a brown life-size teddy bear. A note was tucked behind its ear:‘Sweet dreams, Taeja.’

“Aww,” Taeja swooned, her cheeks stinging from her smile. “Me love him!”

Smiling, she grabbed her phone that was beside her on the floor. She video-called Zain, and his sweaty face filled the screen seconds later. “Sor—” She cleared her throat. “Are you still at work?” she asked, and Zain nodded. “I’ll call you lat—”

“I’m never too busy for you.”

Taeja smiled. Shuffling about, she laid on the plush bear. “Look what I got.”

The corner of his mouth quirked upward. “What’s that?”

“A gift from one of the world’s best boyfriends!” Taeja exclaimed, and Zain chuckled, making her smile widen. “Thank you so much! I love it!”

“You’re welcome, Taeja.”

“Okay! Get back to work. I’m going to bed because I have to be up early. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Zain nodded and hung up.

Taeja squealed before standing. She dragged the stuffed animal to her lavender-painted bedroom. “I’m going to call you… KT,” Taeja said while liftingit onto the bed. Pulling back with a huff, she grinned at her handiwork.

KT occupied most of the space on the queen-sized bed, but Taeja didn’t let it bother her. She was too exhilarated at how thoughtful her guys were.

She was sure she’d sleep like a baby tonight…

Andthat, she did.

She had left worka few minutes ago and was heading to Damon’s house. Damon left the office earlier than she did today, so she was happy to be going home to him for a change. Kirone Tyke’s latest release blared through the car’s speakers, pausing as a call came in.

“Evening, my child. Where are you?” Miss Charm asked.

“I’m on my way home. A wahm?” Taeja asked.

“Sum nuh sit right with my spirit. Can you pull over so I can pray for you?”

Taeja glanced in the rearview mirror. Traffic stretched as far as the eyes could see on both sides of her. She was in one of the fast lanes. She couldn’t pull over onto the soft shoulder. “I’m in traffic. I think there’s an accident up ahead because I haven’t moved in fifteen minutes.” Taeja squinted at the rows of vehicles in front of her.

“Alright. Power off the car and let me pray for you.”

Taeja smiled, having gone through this several times before. She followed suit and closed her eyes, listening as Miss Charm prayed over her.

“Father God in heaven I come to you on bending knees asking you to cover my daughter under your blood, dear Lord. Whatever evil that is lurking that we might not see, I ask you to bind it and cast it away, oh God. She is a far way from home, and I beg you to shine your light and guide her home safely now and forevermore. These and other mercies we ask of you, in Jesus’ name we pray…”

“Amen.” Taeja wiped below her eyes. “I love you, Miss Charm.”

“I love you too, my child,” Miss Charm said, and Taeja smiled. “How have your first three weeks of college been?” Miss Charm asked.

“Good,” Taeja answered, trying to forget that one of her old flings worked atthe school now. Taeja had started taking the long way to class so she wouldn’t accidentally bump into him again.

“That’s good,” Miss Charm said. “And how are you juggling it with work and church?”

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