“What isn’t?”
“Not talking. It’s been two weeks since that day he reached out to me.”
“I know it isn’t. Nothing we’ve done is healthy.”
"Oh, she is adorable.” An older lady stops and says to us, “Is this your sister?”
“No. She’s my daughter,” I say with a big grin.
“Oh.” The lady’s face drops. “Now I know where she gets her looks from. Her beautiful mother,” she says with a smirk, as if she’s trying to apologize for assuming she’s my sister.
“Thank you.”
“Wow, some people,” Paige says.
“I’m used to it now.”
After walking around the mall for an hour, we stopped and got a couple of smoothies at the food court. I laugh at all the candy Paige got from taking Amari trick or treating. This is obviously for her.
“Hey, you don’t deserve any of that candy after laughing at me for getting it.” She says as I reach out and grab a Reese’s cup.
“It was my daughter you used to get the candy.”
She gives me a side-eye. “Touché. Enjoy.”
I shake my head.
“What do you think you’ll do with Kai?”
“I feel stuck. I have nowhere to go, and I have no job or money. I’m trying to finish up my packets as fast as I can so I can get my diploma sooner than later. There is a medical assistant program I want to apply for, but I have to get my diploma first.”
I’ve never been one to think ahead. Last year, around this time, I was thinking about becoming a nurse after high school. But still didn’t know for sure if that’s what I wanted to do. With the way things are going, I don’t know if me and Kai are going to last and I don’t want to sit around with nothing for myself if something were to happen. I started looking into jobs that pay more than the minimum wage. I think those wages and child support could help me make ends meet if I had to do it on my own.
“Wait, so are you thinking about leaving Kai? I didn’t think that’s what you were thinking.”
“I’m trying to plan ahead in case we don’t work out. I won’t be able to afford anything if I work a minimum wage job. This program will help me get a better job.”
“That’s good, then. Hopefully, he stops his bullshit and things get better.”
That’s all I can hope for.
I’m startled by the sound of the front door closing. I quickly get out of my kitchen chair and head to the living room.
I place my palm on my chest while Kai stands there, wide-eyed. “What’s wrong?”
“I was so focused on my packets that I didn’t hear the door open. I thought you were going to be late.” Kai texted me, saying he was working late tonight. It surprised me that he let me know.
“I did work late. It’s already eight.”
“Oh, damn. I lost track of time.” Any minute I have, I work on my packets so I can get done with school faster. That’s usually only when Amari is sleeping.
“I brought you your favorite shake.”
“My favorite shake?” I ask with furrowed brows.
“Chocolate and banana. Isn’t that still your favorite shake?”
“Yeah.” He reaches out and hands it to me. “Thanks.” I turn back around and go into the kitchen. As I sit down, I watch him walk into the hallway to go see Amari.
