Page 24 of Luca Cubed
After he’d dropped his hand, my head remained high. I took his advice to heart as I deepened the breath that I inhaled. I wanted to consume as much of his air as possible. With those parting words, he disappeared behind the double doors that led to his home.
Immobile, I remained fixated on the double doors as if he’d reappear from behind them. When I finally came to and gathered myself, I slammed the door of the truck and released a sigh. As astonishing as the man that was just before me was, he didn’t see me. He saw my pain and that within itself said so much about my trauma. At that moment, I made it a priority to let go of whatever hurt Dewayne had put on me because it would only keep my head down and shoulders slumped.
My cell buzzed as my thoughts bounced around in my head. It was my mother calling.
“Hello?” I answered while reclining the seat.
“Hey, Ever. You made it back yet?” she wanted to know.
“Yes. We just got back so I’ll be able to pick up the girls for sure.”
“That’s what I was calling about. James and I really enjoy having them over. I was thinking we could keep them for the week to give you a break. I can get them to and from school and have them back after church on Sunday. If that’s OK with you,” she emphasized, making sure she wasn’t overstepping boundaries.
“This is the most time they’ve ever spent away from me.” I was saddened, realizing just how much I missed them already.
“I know. It’s just a thought, baby. You can decline if you’re not up for it and maybe we can get them for a full week during the summer.”
“No. No. It’s fine. They can stay. I’m just trying to wrap my head around the fact that I’ve never spent more than a day away from them,” I explained.
“Well, now that you’re around family you can expect to spend more time without them. And, I don’t want you feeling guilty about it either. Allow your village to help.”
“I know.”
“So, is that a yes?” I could hear the excitement in her voice.
“Yes.”
“Good. OK. I’ll let you go now. Don’t be calling all day every day, either. Give yourself time to breathe.”
“I won’t make any promises.”
“Alright. Go on about your day. Enjoy your time off.”
“I’ll try.”
As the call ended, Lyric hopped up into the truck.
“You ready?”
“My mom is keeping the girls until Sunday,” I revealed.
“Then why the fuck you looking all sad?” she sneered.
“Because I miss them already and was looking forward to picking them up.”
“Ever, baby, let your hair down or get your pussy sucked for once. Tell Cedric to bring his ass to Channing if he really wants to show you how much of a good time he is.”
Or maybe Luca could, I thought, but refused to acknowledge the tiny crush I had on her brother. It all seemed so silly and immature.
“I don’t think I’m ready for that yet, Lyric. Maybe in a few weeks.”
“Alright. It’s your call. Meanwhile, I’m going to see what we can get ourselves into this week since you’re free.”
“Who are you fooling? Both of us will be under the biggest blanket in the house, praying no one bothers either of us.”
“Well, at least it sounded good,” Lyric agreed.
We arrived at Lyric’s house in no time being that she lived on the cusp of The Hills in Edgewood where the only difference between the residents was an additional zero on their bank statements. Her home was immaculate, too, with enough room for a family of six to eight.
