Page 49 of The Prodigy 2: Rise of a Queen

“Yes, ma’am.” That’s not something I usually said, but some women just inspire that kind of respect. Van was one of them.

I found the bathroom on my own. After emptying my bladder, I washed my hands. The bathroom was small, and hella old school, with its shaggy rug and toilet cover. But it was cozy, and I felt safe here.

The food was on the table when I got back to the kitchen. My mouth watered at the sight of it. She pointed to a chair and I sat in it, then we held hands and she prayed over the food.

We dug in. Fried whiting, black eyed peas, collard greens, mac and cheese, and dirty rice. I was in heaven.

“Do you know what’s going on?” I asked with a mouth full of greens.

“Nope. Well, that’s not true. I know two things. I know something must be very wrong, and I know that Jakari is gonna make it alright.”

“How do you know the second part is true?”

She smiled. “Kari was a special child. It’s hard to explain, but some kids…you just look at them and you know. Smart. Serious. Respectful and respected. Resourceful. He was a lot like his daddy in that way. If you told him to do something, he’d get it done. Or if he decided to do something, he’d do it. No excuses. None of the other kids had that. I love my nieces and nephews, but I worried about them. I never worried about him.”

“That’s funny. My father used to say that about me.” I shook my head at my loose lips. It was just…nice to talk to someone. I didn’t know her, but I already trusted her.

“After my mom died, it was just me, my dad, and my little sister. My dad was distant. Kinda fell apart. I’ve never really thought about it before, but I stepped up.” I paused, marveling at the pride in my voice. “I did what had to be done for my family.”

Van smiled. “You and Kari have that in common, then.”

I nodded.

“I bet it’s a thankless job.”

“Yeah. I meanyes. I didn’t do it for thanks, though. I did the things I did because I love my sister. I didn’t want her to get off track.”

“I respect it.” She sat back in her chair. “But let me ask you something.”

I raised my eyebrows.

“Who’s lovingyou? Who’s taking care ofyou? Who’s making sureyoudon’t get off track?”

I frowned down at my plate. Truth was, I knew the answer. I was hesitant to say it, though. Not sure why.

Like we thought him up, Jakari knocked on the door a few minutes later. Well, I assumed it was him, and prayed it was him and not a murderer, and I was right. From my seat in the kitchen, I watched him hug Van, and I saw a warmth and peace in his affection toward her, unlike anything I’d seen between him and Gab. He whispered something in her ear and she nodded and planted a sweet kiss on his cheek.

Then he looked at me, and I realized how much I missed seeing his face every day.

I wasn’t even mad at him. I was mad at Gab and punishing him for it, and he was letting me, but what were we even doing? Who were we helping? It was stupid.

“Hey,” I said softly as he entered the kitchen. He walked over and cupped my chin, staring down into my eyes with an intensity that set my body on fire.

“I see you’re all in one piece.”

I nodded. “So are you.”

He held my gaze, and I read the emotions on his face; relief, concern.

Love.

“I’ma take a shower real quick and then we’ll talk.”

“Okay.”

He leaned down and pecked my lips, licking his after he stood back up. “I see Auntie still putting honey in the cornbread. Not that your lips weren’t already sweet. Both sets.”

“Aht, aht! Not in my kitchen.” Van walked up behind Jakari and swatted his butt. “Save all that for later.”

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