“What are you doing, baby girl?” I asked, examining the spread of toys they had laid out on the floor.
“Food.” Ava lifted a plastic plate with a piece of chicken on it. She also handed me a plastic fork then a little cup. “Eat, mommy.”
“Oh, okay.” I giggled, tucking my feet underneath me before I started to act like I was eating the little food that Ava and Jazzlyn were making for me.
When they were done with that, the two of them started to give me a makeover with the toy makeup kit they had, then they both tackled my hair. I had fun playing with them because I really missed Ava while I was sick. I wasn’t used to being isolated from her. I rarely got sick, but the few times that I did, I still had to take care of her and home.
I went to make both the girls some lunch after they got done playing since Ava said that she was hungry. I just made them some sandwiches that I shaped into Christmas trees and ornaments using the cook cutters that I saw on the counter. I gave them both some Cheetos and a juice before I went to clean my mess and put everything away.
“Get right out of bed from being sick to making lunch,” Mrs. Latrina commented when she entered the kitchen, walking to the refrigerator to get something to drink. “You just don’t know how to sit down do you?”
I chuckled as I wiped the counter down. “I needed to do something. Being in bed for days made me a little lazy.”
“You needed that break,” she chuckled. “That was the first time I’ve seen you sit down since I got here.”
“I know, but I’m used to being on go all the time.” I laughed lightly. “Thank you guys for looking after Ava for me.”
She waved me off and said, “You don’t have to thank us for that. I told you that you two are family now, and that’s what family is for. We look out for one another.”
“Well, I really appreciate that.” I nodded.
“Mel was telling me that they’re all going down to Blues Boulevard later to hear a live band. You should go with them. They’re dragging Kiyan out.”
“Oh, no, I can’t,” I shook my head. “I?—”
“Need to go, Leila.” She rounded the counter, taking the dish towel from me. “You need to do more than clean up after everyone and take care of Ava,” she said. “You’re more than a mother. Go out and have some adult fun. Let me and Miranda look after the girls.”
“But you’ve been watching her for days since I’ve been sick…”
“And? One more night won’t hurt or make a difference. Keith and Gary can go out there and make the girls pizza on thatoutdoor oven Kiyan has. We’ll have a date night with them while you have one too.”
“Date night?” I repeated. “I?—”
“You’re going,” she insisted. “Ava is having the time of her little life with Jazzlyn, so you don’t have anything to worry about. Go get all dolled up and have some fun, Leila.”
I held eye contact with her briefly before allowing my eyes to trail over to my baby who was giggling at something that Jazzlyn was showing her on her tablet. My baby was different. She was happy.Genuinelyhappy, and enjoying herself like a six year old should be. She wasn’t tucked under me, worrying about if it was okay to speak or be herself with them. She was just doing it and they were all receptive to it.
“Bike.” Ava pointed to the screen then looked at Jazzlyn who smiled as she nodded.
“Do you have a bike?” she asked my baby who shook her head. “That’s okay. You can ride mine, Ava.”
I had to fight to hold back my tears when my baby grinned and clapped then hugged Jazzlyn. Ava did have friends, but they were all dealing with similar things which I actually preferred because at least I knew they wouldn’t pick on her or make her feel bad about her differences. Kiyan’s family reminded me that not everyone cared about that kind of stuff. It was refreshing to see her able to play and get along with someone completely new and different.
There were still some kind people in this world.
Kiyan’s mother touched my back lovingly. “Go out, Leila. I promise you everything is going to be okay.”
“I don’t have anything to wear,” I admitted.
All of my clothes that would be decent enough for a jazz bar were still at my house.
“I do.” Melonie popped in with a smile. “I wasn’t eavesdropping, I swear.”
“Yes, you were with your nosy behind.” Mrs. Latrina chuckled. “But that’s okay. Leila, maybe you can go over to Mel’s and get ready there. She’d have everything you need, and you wouldn’t have to worry about her forgetting anything.”
“Oop, Auntie, is that shade?”
“Nope. It’s the truth. Youalwaysforget something.”
