Page 90 of Breaking the Rules
I see you found my stash of letters, Patsy was holding for me. She made me do these. But I’m happy I did. If you’re reading this, it’s your wedding day, and I’m not there. And there was nothing my soul wanted more than to see my children find their forever and create their legacies.
You’re doing that. I’ve never been prouder of you than I am right now. Honing your craft, leading this family, honoring yourself. Even in the moments when you slip, you won’t fall. You’re Noble, not just because I gave you my namesake because you are. Your spirit is generous, your heart holds honor, your being is courageous. You will fight many battles in life but never lose sight of who and Whose you are.
Remember, you love with your whole being, fuck the rules and status quo. If you want it, go get it. Don’t let a man or woman on this earth devalue you. Continue to lead our family and walk with your head held high.
Love you forever,
Pops.
Noble stood by Sincere and wiped his face. Then the music started, and down the candlelit path came his heart carrying his heart. She beamed, happy that he was happy. She could feel his fullness, and that would be all she ever wanted for him.
Noble stepped down and assisted her up. “You outdid yourself.”
“I only did what you would do,” Savanhi shared. “Are you happy?”
“More than you can understand. Thank you.”
“You can thank me for the rest of your life,” she hummed sweetly.
“Trust me, I intend on it. I’m going to love you so good, woman.”
“I’m going to love you better, man.”
The pastor cleared his throat, reminding them that they weren’t alone. The ceremony went on, vows were exchanged, and kisses were exchanged. Pressing his full lips against hers, he rumbled, “ You were worth breaking the rules.”
“So were you.”
The end…oris it?
THIRTY-ONE
Savanhi watched as Noble paced the floor of the emergency room. Areli was wrapped in a blanket, shivering against Savanhi and her growing belly. Her hands, feet, and head were covered in mittens, socks, and headgear. This was the second day of Areli’s energy being low and her having constant chills.
“I don’t care what they say, baby. This ain’t the flu,” Noble shared, completely frustrated.
“Sassy, I don’t feel good,” Areli whined.
Savanhi called Noble’s attention to Areli’s lethargic behavior two days ago after dance practice. She was missing her leaps, wasn’t running around with the other girls, and not talking Savanhi’s head off was the most alarming. If she didn’t have energy for anything else, she could talk. Something was wrong. Savanhi gave her cold medicine, soups, and anything else she thought would help Areli feel better. Nothing worked. The fever didn’t last more than a day, but chills and fatigue lingered.
Savanhi kissed the top of her head, wrapping her arms around her more securely. “I know. They’re going to help you, okay. We’re not leaving here until they do.”
“Damn right,” Noble grumbled as the emergency room pediatrician knocked on the door before entering. Noble’s pace halted as he turned his focus from his wife and niece to the door.
The doctor strolled in, looked at the couple, and then at Areli. “I have news.”
“We’ve been waiting all night for something. Cut the theatrics and get us to the point,” Noble’s tone was tense.
“Baby,” Savanhi hummed softly in a warning tone. She knew the way that Noble was behind them, and it would only lead to more problems than solutions. “What is it, doc? Does she have the flu?”
“Yes, she does, which exasperated an underlying disorder,” the doctor spoke cautiously.
Very muscle in Noble’s body flexed. “Disorder?”
“Yes hereditary. A blood disorder called thalassemia. Initially, I thought it was sickle cell, but Areli’s red blood cells aren’t crescent-shaped. They’re just soft.”
Both Noble and Savanhi frowned, asking in tandem, “What does that mean?”
“She’s anemic. So yes, the flu played a part, but it brought attention to the cause. Children, especially girls with thalassemia, tend to show symptoms after their first menstrual period if not at birth. I’ve checked her history, and she’s been healthy – no excess in dairy products. Well-balanced meals and plenty of activity. So in Areli’s case, the flu was a perfect storm. Is anyone in your family for the Mediterranean?” the doctor posed.
