"Ma, don' stressed me out. I want my usual frozen Frappuccino with a chocolate croissant," Junior answered as he busied himself on his phone.
"I got you."
As I drove to get our usual order, I thought about June. The only truth she told was the fact that I was indeed in love with Travel. That may have been true, but I refused to hurt her feelings or ruin her day. My not answering her question didn't help, but there's no telling how she would've reacted had I told her the truth. June had gone a long time not knowing the truth, and I'd keep it that way until something changed.
Chapter 3
Travel
Ikissed Deshoni's little chubby cheeks, and his teacher assistant walked him inside his daycare. I hurriedly climbed inside my car and sped off because I was holding up the kiss and go lane in front of the building. We were supposed to pull up, kiss our babies, and then drive off because the teacher assistants brought the kids inside the building. It was a safety precaution that I appreciated.
There was a big brawl a year ago between one kid's mom and dad's sides of the families that resulted in a lot of parents and kids being hurt. I still thank God for allowing Deshoni and me to be sick, so we missed that day. Now, no one was allowed in the building unless there was an emergency with his or her child.
I drove to my favorite coffee shop and picked up a refresher and a breakfast snack for my favorite coworker, Aaliyah, and me. If I didn't pick us up anything, then she'd do it. I worked at the local burger joint, so I needed all the energy I could muster today to smile in people's faces, even though I was sad and hurt.
Since we had to be out early, I missed Trek, but he texted that he'd stop by for lunch so we could talk. I smiled to myself just thinking about my best friend. Trek was the only man who could hold a candle to my dad. He was smart, so thoughtful and kind,and he always made sure I was taken care of. Trek had been by my side since we were kids. I thought things would change drastically when we made it to high school, but they didn't.
It was a shocker when he got June's thotty ass pregnant. I was also slightly wounded. There was a part of me that once felt like we'd be lovers. When he told me she was pregnant, it was evident that he only wanted to be friends with me. At least I got my god baby out of the deal. I loved me some Junior.
I had no choice but to push away my schoolgirl crush and show up for Trek like a real friend was supposed to. It was hard, but I bit my tongue and returned the same love and support Trek showed me.
After I grabbed our items, I pulled into the Burger Royale parking lot. It was an upscale joint like people's favorite burrito bowl restaurant. Now that they have added breakfast items to their menus, we have had to open an hour earlier.
When I entered the restaurant, the dining room was free of customers, but the drive-thru was busy. The sounds from the whirring machines and my coworkers speaking through headsets, giving commands, greeted me. It was a busy Thursday. On any other day, I'd dread being here, but I needed the distraction from my aching heart.
I'd do just about anything to avoid focusing on Mook. He'd occupied my mind all night, that I barely got any sleep. I should've crawled into Trek's bed with him because the warmth from his big body always put me to sleep. However, I didn't want to leave Deshoni alone, so I stayed put. I'm paying for it now, though.
I entered our employee break room. Thoughts of Mook and me played in my head as I placed our drinks and food on the table and walked over to my locker. My eyes watered. "Shit."
Dealing with my feelings at work was the last thing I needed. I shook my head and wiped away my tears. The first few days of a breakup were the hardest, but I'd get my shit together soon.
"Travel," Aaliyah's soft voice called out to me.
I turned and faced her as a soft sniffle escaped me.
She wore an empathetic expression. Aaliyah was a curvy plus-size beauty with a pretty, honey brown complexion and light brown eyes. Baby girl could lay hair better than anybody I knew on the south side of Chicago.
Aaliyah had a cousin named Perrae who owned a braiding shop, and she worked part-time out of it. She had so many talents, but the one thing she loved outside of her daughter was being a romance thriller author. I thought that was so dope. She was a big inspiration to me, not to mention she was the only friend I had outside Trek. It was nice to confide in another woman.
Aaliyah strolled over to me and pulled me into a tight hug. Her sugary-sweet, floral fragrance filled my nose. "It's gonna be okay, Travel. I already know it's Mook because you only cry when it pertains to him. I know it hurts now but remember this too shall pass."
She released me and looked into my eyes. "You are a strong mama. You got this shit, baby." My girl reached inside her fanny pack and handed me a small pack of tissues.
"Thank you, boo." I took two and handed the pack back to her. I cleaned my nose and face. "Girl," I released.
I let out a deep breath and took a hefty sip of my refresher.
"You're right. I'm strong. It was a long time coming, but I left Mook. I chose my peace and son over all the years we spent together. It hurts now, but I know it will get easier.
Aaliyah gripped my hand. "This too shall pass. God will fight for you and heal you, boo. Focus on you, your baby, and finishing that class. You're going to make a wonderful school counselor.One day at a time will suffice. For the morrow will worry about the morrow, Matthew 6:34," she quoted.
I sniffled and smirked. "You are the best person a girl can have in their life, Aaliyah. Thank you for your kind support and encouragement. I appreciate you, girl."
"You are welcome, my love. We'll get through this day together, one grueling hour after the other of taking customers' orders and listening to their complaints. After all, that is the Burger Royale way," she teased me.
"No, for real though." Together we laughed, drank our refresher, and ate our breakfast.
Once I'd mentally gotten myself in order, I fulfilled my job at the register. My heart still ached, but with friends like Aaliyah, I had the strength I needed mentally and physically to take care of my business.
