“Well, congrats,” Bria chimed in. “I pray you have a healthy pregnancy.”
“Yeah, me too,” Cali added.
“Geez, y’all don't have to be so dry about it,” Enya complained.
Bria huffed. “Girl, what you want us to do? Throw you a party because you got pregnant?”
“I’m just saying. I thought you guys would’ve shown more excitement, but it’s always been two against one.”
“How miserable do you have to be to turn your pregnancy announcement into a self-pity party,” Cali shot.
Enya’s mouth gaped, looking at her with expanded eyes. “Did you mention a pity party? Not you. Not the girl who cheated on her husband and fell into a depression because the nigga didn’t want you anymore. I know you ain't talking about no self-pity.”
The ache in Cali’s throat appeared without warning. This was why she had ducked the outside world because she would be reminded of her infidelity. Each time Cali made strides to move forward, there was always someone willing to remind her that she was a no-good bitch.
“Enya, take that back, now!” Douglas demanded.
“Why? She needed to hear that.”
“You know”—Cali pushed her plate away—“it’s instances like this that have helped with my decision to move away.”
Bria gasped. “You got the job?”
She nodded. “Yes, and I’ll be moving to Diamond Falls.”
After the third interview, Cali had been offered employment at an engineering company in Diamond Falls. She had a feeling she would get it but thought she had to interview in person. The HR manager urged her to think about the offer for at least a week, but Cali didn’t need that much time. She was ready to move on and leave her sins behind in St. Parklynn.
“Calia.” Cecilia’s voice faltered, showing how hurt she was. “Moving away? Diamond Falls is on the East Coast.”
“You’ll have somewhere to visit now.”
Cali forced a smile.
Douglas sipped on his bourbon while sitting silently. Cali thought he would’ve been ecstatic knowing he didn’t have to bail her out of her problems anymore.
“Yeah, but that’s so far. I don't think I would be able to manage without you being here.” Cecilia dabbed her eyes with a napkin.
“Mama, I’m drowning here. I need a fresh start. Somewhere I don't have to be reminded of how badly I did Rio.”
“Running away from your problems isn’t the answer,” Enya retorted.
“Look, as much as I don't want you to go, I think it’ll be good for you. You're single now and you don't have any kids. Go be free and explore who you are now.”
Cali smiled at Bria, who always knew what to say. When she finally gained her mental health back, she vowed to do something special for her.
“She can do all that here,” Enya countered.
“You were just shitting on me and now you're saying I should stay. Girl, make up your mind.” Cali scoffed.
“If you were moving just because, then it wouldn’t be a problem. But you're not. You're running away from the problems you created. You don't get to move after ruining Rio’s life. How dare you?” Enya seethed.
“Enya, please shut the fuck up!” Bria complained.
“Oooh, Mommy said a bad word.” Dallas snickered.
“Hey,” Douglas finally voiced. “Cali is thirty-five years old. If she wants to move away, then she has that right.” He turned toward her. “Baby Girl, you have my blessing. I’m willing to agree with anything that you desire as long as it’ll get back that light that you once possessed.”
Cali’s eyes became misty. All she wanted was to get back on her feet without feeling like the weight of her actions were on her shoulders.
