Junior set down his mug on the table. He sat on the floor next to his lil' bro. I watched as he locked his phone and pulled his headphones from his ears and down to his neck.
"Mom is scaring me. She ain't been the same since y'all got together. I see a change in her that's not healthy. Before I came over here for the holidays, she had stopped going out. Now all she does is work, come home, and drink in her room. We barely talk anymore. Yeah, we have our differences, but we're always able to come back to each other and make up. She hardly asks me about my day or school anymore. What's bothering me now is the text she just sent me," Junior disclosed. "I think she left me with you for good."
"Let me see, son."
Junior unlocked his phone and handed it to me. My eyes scanned the short yet heartfelt message. June mentioned she'd always love him, but she couldn't stay in the same place as me.
It was a fuckin' goodbye message. She sent our son a goodbye message on fuckin' Christmas Eve. I exhaled and handed Junior back his phone. "Hold on, son."
I snatched my phone off the table and clicked on June's contact. It went straight to voicemail. I called a couple of more times, and the same thing happened.
"Y'all, I need to run to June's house. I can't see her just up and leaving Junior. Give me a minute."
"It's okay, Dad. I understand," Junior stated in a sad tone.
I looked at Travel. She hurriedly wiped off her hands and went to Junior. "I got him. Handle your business but be careful."
"I'm on, baby. Thank you." I kissed her lips and then raced off upstairs. Once I was dressed, I raced away from my house, fuming inside.
I know June ain't break my son's fuckin heart like that. Secondly, I was warm and comfy at home and didn't want to be outside again today. My sports model car ate up the miles between us on the expressway. June was so foul if she abandoned Junior. I hoped she was just in her feelings, and she sent that message just to get under my skin. That was a foul move either way, but I hope like hell she was at home. I floored my car to her.
<<<
After thirty minutes of driving, I stopped in front of her building and parked. I quickly got out of my car and ran up to her building. Adamantly, I rang her doorbell, but June didn't answer. I stepped back and looked up at her windows, but her entire apartment was dark.What the fuck, man?
I rang her bell a little more until her elder neighbor across from her opened her door. She stepped out of her house in her small brown robe with a large white envelope in her hand. I had known Ms. Edna since June and Junior had moved into the building eight years ago.
She moved like a turtle until she made it to the door. Ms. Edna gave the door a little push, and I opened it the rest of the way. "Hey there, Trek. It's nice to see you, son. I have a letter for you from June. The sound of the buzzer woke me, so I looked out the window and saw you." She handed me the envelope.
"It's nice seeing you, but I wish it were on better terms. Do you know what this letter is about?"
Her brows scrunched, and she tightened her robe around her. "You don't know?"
"Know what?" I asked, completely confused.
"June moved out. She left the next day when you picked Junior up for the holidays. I asked her if Junior was going with her, and she said he was better off with you. I'm sorry you are just finding out. Poor Junior. Does that child know?"
"June just sent him a goodbye message. I can't believe this. That woman is unbelievable." I shook my head. I could not believe that shit. June's selfish ass abandoned Junior, and during the holidays at that.
"I'm so sorry, Trek. We all know that June was a lost soul, but that move was so selfish. You and Junior are certainly in my prayers. Have the best night and holiday you could possibly have."
"You too, Ms. Edna. Thanks again."
We both turned and walked away. I climbed into my car and opened the envelope. The contents were sprawled on the passenger's seat, which contained Junior's birth certificate, social security card, his medical forms, and a letter. I opened the letter and read over it.
Dear Trek,
I hope this letter finds you well. I know you think I'm a coward or a terrible mother right now, but I did what was best for Junior and me. For years, I've loved you. I've been in love with you since we were teenagers, but I knew I wasn't the girl for you.
Travel will always be that girl for you, and I can't handle that. I thought I was strong enough to deal with seeing y'all together, but I can't. My heart is broken. No, it's fuckin' shattered.
You know exactly how I feel, though, because you sat back for years and watched Travel and Mook together. Whereas now you've got your heart, I don't have mine. I'm not mature enough to sit back and see you happy with her, so I granted your wish. You've now got your dream girl and your son. Youdon't have to worry about me popping up and destroying your happiness and peace. Tell Junior I really am sorry, but I had to do what's best for me. Goodbye, Trek. I love you and I always will.
-June
The letter ended, and I leaned against my seat.
My heart ached for June. I hated that I hurt her. I never wanted my happiness to hurt her, but there was a part of me that always knew she'd never be able to handle Travel and me together, which was why I never wanted to tell her. I knew she'd do something drastic.
