“Tell errybody who you is youngblood,” Old Skool commented.
I sent death glares his way. He was gon’ be the first nigga I smacked when we got up out of here. He knew how I felt ‘bout that shit.
“Are you shy?” Sister Andy chimed.
“Nah, I just ain’t in a talking mood. Skip me,” I replied.
“Oh, I wish I could. What’s your name young man?” she questioned again not letting up.
She wasn’t gon’ let me stay quiet and observe the way I wanted. She was gon’ pressure me and make me speak regardless. Daisy was the same kind of way. In this very moment, I was reminded of her.
“I’m Bentley… Atkins.”
“It’s nice to have you Bentley. Before I set you loose, do you know what Chat with Angels is about?”
Shaking my head, I looked at Old Skool, and said, “Nah, I wasn’t briefed on it. I was just told I needed a friend, so I’m here.”
“Well, I’m sure you know how to work Messenger, right?” I nodded, and she continued with, “Think of the chats as a regular conversation over messenger. What happens is, you create a profile exposing just your username that is completely random, and an angel seeks you out. Everybody is anonymous so you won’t know her and vice versa. Nothing too personal or sexual content is allowed. It will be flagged and removed from the conversation. You get three strikes regarding that before you’re booted. The angels are here for conversation and comfort. Are you interested Mr. Atkins?”
“He’s interested,” Old Skool spoke up before I could.
“Mr. Atkins?”
Filled with annoyance, I answered, “Yeah.”
“Great. Join us for a word of prayer and then I’ll set you up with an angel!” she voiced with glee.
My glare never left Old Skool. I had something for his ass. He knew this was some pen pal bullshit and he ain’t say a fuckin’ word. Need a goddamn friend my ass.
10
HEIDI
The thought of being someone’s mother was slowly but surely beginning to merge with want and need. Lincoln was the most adorable little boy, and he showed me so much respect. It didn’t help that he clung to me like I was the one that pushed him out. I was already too far in to turn back. We’d already shared a couple of months together and they’d been the most memorable of my life so far.
I looked across the book lounge quickly locating my child. He was sitting quietly doing exactly what I’d asked him to the moment we got here. Luckily, the school we transferred him to was nice enough to accept him so late in the year. Then again, Royce really wasn’t going to let them say otherwise. He threw enough money to that school for them to good for a lifetime.
“Mama Heidi, I’m done reading. Can I play on my iPad now?” Lincoln shouted across the room.
I gave him a stern look and he cowered. I wasn’t trying to scare him in the slightest. did want him to change his tone. We were in my place of business so he could do whatever he’d like, but he was going to do it in a civilized manner.
“Come here baby boy,” I said waving him over. He hopped down off the sofa and made his way over to me still keeping hishead low. Squatting to his level, I said, “When we’re home, you can scream and shout as much as you want. While we’re out in public with others, let’s show respect to others, okay? That means no screaming or shouting. My lounge is for people to come and relax, read books, or enjoy a peaceful moment. They can’t get that if you’re shouting. You’re not in trouble so don’t think you are,” I explained.
“Yes ma’am. Sorry,” he apologized.
I pulled him in for a hug and he wrapped his arms around my back. “No need to apologize. You didn’t do anything wrong. You just didn’t know. It’s perfectly fine. Go ahead and play with your iPad. Put your headphones on with it.”
He nodded with a small smile before jetting off. Normally, he’d go with Royce and Klarity after school to play with CJ, but the kids had appointments. He wasn’t a bother to me, so I didn’t mind him being with me at any time of the day.
Heidi’s Hideout had been my baby since that situation happened. I needed something to distract me and keep me from going insane. I didn’t even look to Royce for help. I did this all on my own and gave it everything I had left. This place saw me more than my own home. I even designed it to where I had a studio apartment above the main area. Truth be told, I didn’t need to leave. I was at peace here.
I stood and went to the kitchen area where coffee and such was served. I started on fixing Lincoln a little snack. He’d been at my place for about an hour, so I knew he was probably hungry. He seemed to like the refreshers I fixed at home, so I started on him a mango flavored one. It would be paired with a fruit salad and yogurt. Ten minutes later, I was placing it on the table in front of him.
“Thank you, Mama Heidi.”
“You’re welcome baby boy. If you need me, I’ll be over at my desk, okay?” He nodded and was giving his iPad his undivided attention once more.
Turning around, I took a few steps before I was approached by one of the church members. Since my hideout’s been up and running, none of the members stopped through. Seeing Velvet here was awkward and oddly nerve wrecking. In a way, I wanted this specific thing to be secluded from every other part of my life.
