Page 45 of Always There Bayou
My attention is pulled to where Denny is lying in the bed, a couple of feet away from me. They’d been having a hard time these last couple of days because it was that time of the month, which was always painful for them ever since they started menstruating. However, it only got worse after they turned 20. Their cramps were always excruciating, and they couldn’t do anything except lie in bed all day.
They were about 22 when they were finally diagnosed with endometriosis. Their doctors kept writing it off as just regular cramps, even though they constantly expressed how terrible they would feel and how irregular their period was. It wasn’t until they switched to all Black providers that their pain was taken seriously and they were finally diagnosed and treated.
They had surgery soon after, and it was effective for a few years, but then the terrible pains and cramps were back. So, I did a bunch of research on ways to help them, and with medicine and rest, they were able to make it through the rough times a little easier. I’ve been helping them for so many years now that it was second nature, and no matter what happens between us, I was always gonna be there for them when it came to them. I genuinely hated to see them suffer.
“It’s a bit after 11,” I finally answer. I sit on the edge of the bed and rub their cheek softly. They lean into it. “How you feeling? You hungry?”
“A little bit,” they nod, but quickly wince as they try to sit up. “Shit, I feel like someone is grabbing the inner lining of my stomach and just twisting it like a faucet knob. Fuck…”
“Chill out, Bunny,” I warn, helping them sit up against the pillows. “I told you that I got you. Just rest, love.”
“Ugh, I’m tired of being in this bed,” they groan as their eyes get misty. “I’m so glad this is the last day of this shit. I wanna go outside so bad.”
“You wanna go for a drive?” I ask, wiping their tears as they fall. “We can drive over to Auntie and Unc’s house.”
“I am craving some of my aunt’s gumbo,” they nod, sniffling. I sit beside them so they can rest their head on my shoulder. “You take such good care of me. Thank you.”
“Anytime, baby,” I assure them as I pull out my phone. “I’m going to text Auntie and see if she’ll make the gumbo for you, and then I’m gonna go run you a bath. After you’re feeling refreshed, we’ll pack a few things and then head out before the interstate gets too packed. I don’t want you to have to be in the car for longer than you need to be.”
“Sounds good.”
I kiss them on the temple and then climb out of bed to take care of things. Auntie Daphne agrees to make Denny a big pot of her famous chicken and sausage gumbo and tells me that she’ll run to the store to get the things she needs so she can have it by the time we arrive. Since we lived a good 45 minutes away, we had to be out of the apartment within the next hour if we wanted to beat the lunch rush hour.
While Denny was relaxing in the tub, I ran to my apartment to grab my duffel bag and a few other essentials I’d run low on. Once I make it back, Denny is getting dressed. I helped them pack the things they wanted to take and then helped them to the car. We buckle up and then are on the road towards her Aunt and Uncle’s house for the next few days.
“Damn, y’all were just here last week and you're back already?” Delilah says after letting us in. “Aww, y’all miss us that much?”
“You’re one to talk. Why are you never atyourplace?” I shoot back, and she smirks.
“Now, you know I’m not about to go grocery shopping when I have my beautiful, lovely, gorgeous mom who loves shopping for me,” she bats her eyelashes over at her mom, who rolls her eyes but smiles.
“Ignore her spoiled ass,” she chuckles before pulling Denny and me into a hug. “You know she’s still a velcro baby even at her big age of 26. That’s all her dad’s fault.”
“What’s all my fault?” Unc asks as he strolls into the kitchen where we are. His face lights up when he sees us; soon, he’s also pulling us into hugs. “Well, if it isn’t my Chickadee and Grumpy Bear! You know, I’m getting so used to seeing y’all so often. It makes this old man’s heart feel so full!”
Denny and I cringe at the childhood nicknames as Lilah cackles beside us. I shoot her a look, but she just waves me off as he pulls us both into a hug. Once we pull away, he cups Denny’s face, kissing her forehead lightly. I smile at the scene before me because I’ve always loved how much love and affection this whole family has. Even though Denny and Lilah were well over 20, they were still the most important people in the world to Auntie and Unc.
“I heard you weren’t feeling good, my baby,” he says softly, and Denny nods. “Well, gon head and let Cory take you upstairs and get you settled. I’m gonna help Daphne out. Your Nanny and Parrain are supposed to be stopping by today. I know they’ll be excited to see you, so go and rest while you can.”
We share a laugh, because no truer words have ever been spoken. Denny’s Nanny and Parrain weren’t blood related to them since they were Unc’s parents. However, they’ve always thought of Denny as their grandchild, right along with Lilah. They were also both of their godparents, so the names fit perfectly.
Even though Denny essentially grew up without constant, active parents, they were still raised by people who loved them. I truly believe that’s why they turned out to be such a sweetheart with nothing but compassion and love in their heart.
“Oh, yeah, let me go rest then,” Denny chuckles, and I help them towards the stairs. “I need all of their loving, but I need to get my energy back up from that drive.”
“Well, I’ll let y’all know once the food gets done,” Auntie assures us.
We made it up the stairs and into Denny’s old room. I place our things on the couch in the corner of the room as Denny sheds a few layers of clothes until they’re down to a pair of sweatpants and a graphic tee. I kick off my shoes and pull off my jacket and pants, leaving me in a tee and gym shorts.
I pulled back the covers so Denny could climb in and then hit the light. As I settle in beside them, I spoon them from the back and rest my hand on their stomach, rubbing softly. Soon, they’re drifting off to sleep in my arms.
I lay there with them for a while longer before getting up to let them sleep. I could hear laughter coming from the kitchen as I descended the massive staircase. When I enter, I can't help but smile as my eyes land on Mrs. Niecey, aka Nanny.
“What’s all this commotion in here?” I joke, catching everyone’s attention.
She shoots to her feet and pulls me into a tight hug that instantly has me melting. Ever since I’ve known her, she has always given the best hugs and always made me feel welcome and comforted. Just like she was Denny’s Nanny, she was mine too, and I loved it.
“How you, baby?” She asks, a subtle, deep Southern Louisiana accent hanging off every word. “Still down there playing ball and being amazing?”
