Taking care of my son would never be an issue. I've wanted Junior for myself ever since he was born. I'm overjoyed to have him to myself, but there was the issue of fulfilling the abandonment issues he'd just inherited.
Would he view the holidays as a happy time, or would he forever associate them with June walking out of his life from here on out? Only time would tell, but I'd get him whatever counseling he may need. I pulled away from June's house with my mind focused on the full family I'd just inherited, and I was prepared never to fumble. My girl and the boys depended on me, and I'd show up every day for them. With Travel by my side, we'd get through whatever life threw at us.
Chapter 11
Travel
Christmas Day
It was six am, and Trek and I still lay in bed. I felt super nauseous too. I'd been feeling that way all week, but I had a feeling it would pass. I had been overeating lately, so I knew I'd eventually pay for it. My back rested against Trek's bare chest. One arm held my waist, and our other hands were embraced over my head. The blanket covered our lower halves only, still providing warmth to our lower halves. Last night's events were super heavy. Today was now Christmas.
It was supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, but today was anything but that. I hadn't seen my god baby cry since he was a kid. June had him hurt to the core, and it broke my heart to see him so distraught.
I hated that she put Junior and Trek through that mess, but there was a part of me that empathized with her. She was in love with a man who didn't feel the same way as she did. I longed for Mook's love and attention in a similar fashion, but deep down, I knew I always wanted Trek more. There wasn't a doubt in my mind that Trek couldn't complete me. He'd done that and more. In a way, I guess June felt like there was always a chance they'dget back together as long as Trek and I weren't together. She now saw shit was different.
I didn't regret my decision to finally be together with my best friend. I was in love with him before our friendship even developed. It only took one look.
Trek kissed the side of my neck, and I snuggled closer to him.
"Good morning, baby. How are you feeling?"
"Heavy. I knew June was capable of a lot of things, but abandoning Junior wasn't on the list at all."
"I'm sorry, baby. I wish we didn't have to deal with something so heavy as this on the holiday, but we need to count our blessings because it could be worse. Some people are dealing with loss, starvation, and sickness. Let's just try to make this the best day we possibly can."
"You make a valid point. I love your viewpoint on life. Travel, I don't know how you're so positive during hard times, but I appreciate you so much, love." He turned me to face him.
"I got God and you. That's plenty of support in my eyes, so I'm good."
He smirked and wiped his hand down his face before he looked back at me.
"Travel, I'm sorry that June is hurt. I want you to know that I'm not some heartless nigga. It hurts me that she's hurt, but I don't regret finally choosing what makes my head and heart happy. I'll choose you every day that ends in y. I went years without having the woman that I'm truly and genuinely in love with, and I refuse to give that up for anybody. I mean that shit. We were with people who really didn't fulfill us because we were meant to be lovers and friends. If that makes us the villains, then oh fuckin' well. I'll proudly accept the villain title if it means I get to have you for all of eternity, sweetheart."
I sniffled, and Trek wiped my eyes. He was such a lover boy, and I appreciate how he knew himself and his feelings were and would always be safe with me.
"You are such a hopeless romantic, my love. Thank you for the apology, but it isn't necessary. I'll proudly wear my villain title with you and for you. Please know that. It's you and me over everybody else," I affirmed.
Trek smiled and pulled me in for a tight hug. "I love you, girl. I'm not a soft man, but for you and the kids, I'll be whatever is needed of me. If you're ready, we can get up and make this the best Christmas we can for our boys."
"You may not be soft, but you are the best man and only man for this job. I agree completely, though. Let's make this day a good day, starting with a big breakfast."
"That sounds like a great plan. Trek and I kissed, solidifying our vow to take care of our family by any means necessary.
Trek and I parted ways to get ready for the day. Right before I climbed into the shower, my phone rang. I sped over to it and saw it was Mook's aunt.
She'd helped to raise him after his mom passed away. As close as we once were, I'd distanced myself from him and his family, especially after that stunt he pulled last month in the mall. I know they wanted to see Deshoni, but they couldn't guarantee his safety or mine. I had no choice but to keep our distance. Still, answering a phone call couldn't hurt. I swiped the green button and put her call on speakerphone.
"Hey, Chell. Merry Christmas," I greeted her.
"Merry Christmas, baby, although it ain't so merry. Mook is missing. We can't find him, and nobody can get in touch with him. He was last seen at a girl named Gia's house. She said they went to sleep together. When she woke up, he and his things were gone. Now I know y'all ain't been seeing eye to eye, but Ihave to ask if you've seen or heard from him?" she probed in a shaky voice.
Damn. Mook was missing. I know he disappeared at times when he went on a druggy binge, but that wasn't a full day. He'd come back hours later. Something felt weird.
"I'm sorry, Chell, but I haven't heard from him since he held me hostage in the mall. To be honest, I don't want to hear from him. You all know how he did me with our son, and none of y'all checked to see how we were doing. May God be with him."
I ended the call and put her number on block. Mook put her in this situation just like he did me. Any woman who came in contact with him was subjected to some kind of hurt and pain. After he held me up in that mall at gunpoint, I didn't give a damn about what happened to that nigga. To hell with Mook, our family holiday festivities were about to begin.
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