Page 23 of Bern and Isley
“Since when you started drinking tea?” My mama’s voice rattled my thoughts.
“It’s not for me… It’s for Isley.”
“Oh, I didn’t know she was here.”
“Yeah, because you’ve been sleeping all day… you and that dude was out all night. I heard you come in around five.”
“And I did,” she sassed. “I didn’t plan to sleep this late though.”
“Mmmhmm.” I looked at the clock on the stove. It was nearly three o’clock in the afternoon and she was still in her muumuu. Her salt and pepper curls were matted to her head, proving she was too tired to even put her bonnet on.
“Anyway… where’s Isley? In your room?” She raised a brow as she fixed a bowl of her favorite cereal, Raisin Bran.
“Yeah. She was a little tired, so she’s laying down.”
The tea kettle whistled loudly; it nearly startled me. I poured the steaming, hot water over the tea bag then set a timer on my watch while avoiding eye contact with my mama. I could feel her staring me down as she took her seat at the table.
She pursed her lips. “Tired from what?”
“It’s not what you’re thinking, so don’t even start.” I gave her a sideways glance.
“Hello, Ms. Cynthia.” Isley spoke as she joined us in the kitchen. Her footsteps were so light we didn’t even hear her coming.
“Hey, Isley, baby… how are you doing, sweetheart?”
“I’m pretty good.” She smiled faintly and gave Mama a hug before taking a seat at the table. “Bernie, why didn’t you wake me up?”
I shrugged. “You were resting peacefully. I was going to wake you after I finished making your tea though. We have some crackers too if you need those.”
“You’re not sick, are you?” Worry lines spread about my mama’s face.
“I’m okay,” Isley replied as I handed her the cup of tea then placed a bottle of honey and crackers on the table in front of her.
Although my mom’s expression showed she had more questions, she didn’t pry further. I knew she’d interrogate me later.
“Well, I’m glad to see you as always. How’s Fee doing?”
I took a seat as Isley shared the latest on her aunt’s health challenges. I stared intently at Isley. Her beauty seemed to grow by the day. Even while battling morning sickness, she was still a sight for sore eyes. She had the prettiest milk chocolate complexion and full, plump lips. Only she could look that good in a wrinkled graphic tee and joggers.
“Quit being a weirdo,” Icey fussed.
“Huh?”
“I know I look a mess. You don’t have to stare.”
“Nah, you’re good. Only you can rock that ‘rolled out of bed’ look so effortlessly,” I teased.
She quickly flashed her middle finger at me so my mom wouldn’t see. I snickered in response. What I really wanted to say was don’t tempt me. Her “fuck you” was not offensive, but seen as an invitation. But I had to put that to the back of my mind. Right now, I had to focus on being there for her in whatever capacity Isley needed. She had a major decision to make. Was she keeping the baby and co-parenting with her ex or would she choose to terminate the pregnancy?
The next couple of hours Isley and I sat in the living room watching some of her favorite movies. As much as I hated watching chick flicks, I didn’t bother fussing at her movie selections. It seemed to help take her mind off things. Mama would smirk whenever she walked into the room. I mentally prepared myself for the third degree she’d be sure to hit me with later.
“Well, I better get up and head to the house. I didn’t intend to leave Aunt Fee alone this long,” Isley announced as she stood.
“Okay. Do you feel up to driving? If not, I can drop you off.”
“No, I’m good. I feel a lot better. Thanks though.”
I opened the front door then stepped aside to allow Isley to exit. I trailed her, trying hard not to stare at her bouncing ass in her fitted joggers. When we made it to her car, I opened the doorfor her and she plopped into the driver’s seat as I leaned on the door.
