Page 84 of Taeja

“She ano mi nun. Mi done wid ar, and mi done wid yu, too!”

“See? This is why you need me. You got a man and forgot who brought you this far in life.”

“A two man mi have, and mi nago ever need yu again,Daddy,” Taeja spat the last word with a sneer before stomping out of the room, leaving them with their eyes wide. She slammed the front door shut and ran to Zain’s car before slamming the driver’s door shut, too. Her fingers curled around the steering as she laid her head on it and cried.

Why was she even crying?

Because her father didn’t want her to have freedom at her big age?

Or because her grandmother had a deep-rooted hatred toward her?

Taeja didn’t know anymore.

Deciding she didn’t want to be here any longer than she should have, she lifted her head and dried her tears. More rapidly took their place, but at least her vision wasn’t as blurred anymore.

She started the car and blindly reversed the vehicle. With a million and one thoughts running through her mind, Taeja went to Zain’s house.

Her mind urged her to call Damon. She craved his comfort, but she didn’t want to disturb him from work again. Zain was out of town, and she had no idea how long it would be until he came back.

Taeja sighed as she dropped herself on Zain’s bed, tugging a pillow to her chest while sobs rocked her body.

Two hours crawled by. She was consumed by self-pity until a sudden disturbance jarred her back to reality. It was a text from Aaliyah.

Do you still have that purple dress with the small slit at the side?

No. It’s at Jerry’s. Sorry.

That alright. Mi deevn buy anything suitable the other day so mi will see if nun a dem old dress here nice enough.

Wa yaa wear?

IDK.

Yu nuh start get ready yet, don’t?

LOL! How yu know so?

I’m gonna get ready right now, though.

Do you want me to send you the address? Or do you want us to get you?

You know.

SMH! Shame on you as a big twenty-year-old bout yu cya drive good.

Mi lick Jerry mailbox when mi leff him yard earlier.

Murda! Watch how the madman ago wul yu by yu nuff hair and turn yu ina mop! You better come get one of my nail polishes so we can cover the scratch before him seet.

Wait deh… Wa? Why did you go to that man’s house, Taeja?

He’s my dad…

Looking at the text, Taeja’s frown deepened. She wanted so badly to talk to Aaliyah about what happened, but she knew she couldn’t. Aaliyah’s plate was already full.

No comment.

I’m gonna get ready.

---