I walked over to the sink to wash my hands before responding, “Yeah, I just put them in the closet upstairs.”
“May I ask why?”
“I—I don’t know,” I shrugged. “I’ve imposed enough. I didn’t feel right putting our stuff under you guys’ tree.”
“Did my son say that you were imposing?” She quizzed and I shook my head.
“The complete opposite actually,” I chuckled. “He insists that everything is fine, but I know he’s just being nice.”
“No, he’s being genuine,” she countered. “If Kiyan wasjust being nice, he would have gotten you and your child a room for a few nights and let your figure out the rest of it, but instead he opened up the doors of his home for you—that’s because he wants you here, and we do too. We don’t see you and Ava as a burden, Leila. We recognize you as a mother who is doing everything she can to make the best out of a messed up situation, and two people that could use some joy in their life during thisholiday season.” She reached and gently touched my hand. “As a woman and a mom, I understand one hundred percent how you’re feeling right now. Trust me, I do, but I also want you to understand that not every man is that trash one that hurt you and your baby. It’s easier said than done, but you don’t have to fight everything, baby. When God delivers an unexpected blessing, thank Him.”
Sniffling, I nodded and wiped the tears that had slipped from my eyes, softly saying, “Thank you.”
I felt bad because I didn’t want Kiyan, his family or God thinking that I wasn’t grateful because the Lord knew that I was. Had it not been for Kiyan, Ava and I would have been in an awful situation that I had no idea how to get out of. I just didn’t want him thinking that I felt like hehadto do any of the things that he was doing because him allowing us a warm place to stay was more than enough.
“And for future reference, wrapped gifts go under the tree.” She winked.
Chuckling, I replied, “I don’t know how long we’ll be here…”
“You’re here for now,” she smiled, “and we’re in no rush for you to go, so go grab them and put them under the tree.”
Nodding, I went to do as I was told then came back to wash my hands again and help her with the meal. She was making lasagna soup, so while she did the noodles, I worked on the sauce. I learned that she was a lot like me, preferring to make everything from scratch. It made everything taste better when it was done that way in my opinion.
“Sweetheart, if you don’t mind me asking, where do things stand with you and your husband?” Mrs. Latrina asked while we worked.
“I signed the divorce papers before I left.” I shrugged without turning to face her. “He’d already had the petition drawn up andhis spiel on how he couldn’t dousany more prepared. I didn’t have it in me to fight him on it.”
She stepped up next to me and touched my shoulder gently to get my attention.
“For the moment, I hope,” she said and my brows dipped.
“What do you mean?”
“I mean, I hope you’re telling me that you didn’t have in it you to fightin that moment,” she clarified. “I know that you’re not telling me that you’re going to allow him to walk away from you and his responsibilities with no consequences.” When I didn’t reply, she gently took the spoon that I was stirring the sauce with from me and sat it down before turning me to face her. “Leila, you are not settling with just walking away,” she said sternly. “He doesn’t get to just throw you out of a home that you helped him build and it goes with no repercussions. That’s not happening. You and that baby deserve so much more than that. Get what you’re owed. Spousal support, child support, healthcare coverage—especially with Ava’s needs. That’s his responsibility. Not a favor. Not a gift.Responsibility.”
“I know,” I sighed. “I’m just tired.” I shook my head, frustrated from even thinking about it. “I know he needs to pay, but I don’t have the means to make him,” I dropped my head. “He cut all of my cards off, cleaned my accounts out, turned my phone off. I’m at a loss, so I’ll just chuck it up.”
She scoffed. “I wish you would let me hear that again. You are not giving up and you are not making it easy for that bastard,” she snapped. “He wants to walk away from his family and act like he doesn’t have responsibilities, then you make him pay. You didn’t have help or the means before, but now you have a team of people behind you,” she nodded. “Kiyan’s sister is a divorce attorney back at home, and although she doesn’t practice here, she has connections. When she gets here, I’m going to have her make some calls. We’re going to get you somehelp and get you what you deserve. Okay?” she asked, and I nodded, no longer wanting to fight her on any help they were offering. I’d told Aldrick I was going to make him pay before, and now I had a way to possibly make that happen. “No more talk on giving up or not accepting help. You have people who care about you and Ava. We’ve got you.”
I pulled her into a tight hug. I swear talking to her felt like I was talking to my own mother. Anytime I felt like I couldn’t make it or I should just give up, she was always there to motivate me to keep going.
“Thank you so much.”
“No thanks needed.” She smiled, holding onto my arms.
We switched up the subject and finished dinner and for the first time in days I felt good. I didn’t know if it was because I was finally able to get all the things that I’d gone through with Aldrick off my chest or the hope I now had that me and my baby would be okay and get what we deserved, but I was refreshed and finally looking forward to what our future held.
Chapter Eight
Mel: You need a date for the Christmas party.
Me: A date? Since when did I need a date, Melonie?
Mel: Since you met a woman that you liked. She’s right under your roof and the party is in a week.
Me: I approved the budget and the dates for it, so I’m aware of when the party is.
Mel: Perfect. Now all you have to do is secure your date.
