Page 68 of Intentional Foul
She turned to me, squealing, grabbing my face and kissing me repeatedly. A knock came at the door, and she released me. I moved toward the door, opening it for the staff bringing our luggage. As they sat our things down, I observed Jhae silencing her phone. Soon after, a text hit my phone.
Mom
Malcolm, where are you? Have you talked to Jhae?
Me
Texas. Everything is cool?
Mom
Yes. Outside of your brother worrying about his little sister. Jhae?
Me
She is with us.
Mom
I've been calling her for two days without any answer.
Me
I’ll let her know, but she's good. Send me a pic of Khaira.
Mom
You and your brother.
A picture of my baby sister sitting in her highchair appeared on my phone.
After the staff left, I pulled Jhae to me. “Why are you not answering for Mom?” I questioned.
She retreated her eyes from me, but I found them again.
“Jhae,” I called.
She untangled her hands from underneath her arms. Jhae pressed her fingers inside the corners of her eyes.
“I’m trying to let her go,” she admitted as she put space between us. “I can’t answer the phone and laugh in her face knowing we’re doing what we’re doing,” she said.
Jhae slumped onto the bed, and I kneeled. I cupped her chin, bringing her eyes to me.
“Don’t give up on your friendship with Mom. She will be mad, but I believe the woman I know will come around.”
Jhae ran her thumb across my thick brows, something she did often. “Malcolm, you have to come to terms with the fact that I’m not going to be able to have both. You will be fine because she is your mother, but the moment I picked you, I accepted the sacrifice. If you want this to work between us, make peace with it,” she said.
I kissed her hands. “I believe we can have it all for the both of us. Please answer when she calls for me,” I asked.
“Okay,” she said in a weak tone.
The fire crackled and blazed as Jhae sat with crossed legs and her signed guitar.
“It’s still early, but I want you to hear it,” I said.
Jhae’s fingers danced over the strings, creating a soft melody. I abandoned the seat across from her and moved closer. I loved her voice. Back at the condo, she would randomly sing as she moved around. Those were the moments that stole my heart.
“Sing it for me,” I requested.
