"It's okay I don't mind, it will give us a chance to catch up"
"I said he can use the guest room."Mariyah nodded her head.What was the big deal anyway?
***
Mariyah was anxious all day.She wanted to talk to Caleb and make sure he was okay.For some reason Zak didn't want to leave them alone together.By midafternoon, Zak called them both in for a meeting.They entered Zak's office and Mariyah held her breath."Let's get this over and done with…" Zak started."Caleb you are good to go.You don't need to look over your shoulder anymore, they will not hassle you."
"Zak how do you expect me to pay you back?"Caleb asked.
"I don't want to be paid back.My condition is you leave here alone.I will allow you to call Mariyah and maybe visit under my watch."
"What do you mean?Mariyah stays here?That's how you get your repayment.By whoring out my sister?"
"Caleb stop.I want to stay, its okay.”Caleb looked at her confusion written all over his face.
"Mari, I can't help you if your here, I can't protect you."Caleb sounded so tired.
''I don't need your protection anymore, its okay.You know how I feel about Zak, please just be happy for me.You need to live your life, stop worrying about me, I'm fine."She lied through her teeth.
"Caleb, I'm giving you an opportunity to continue to see your sister.I am being very accommodating, so take what I offer and leave."Mariyah hoped that Caleb would take Zak up on his offer.
"Zak, I am grateful that you helped me out.But I can't just sit back and allow you to..."
"You have no choice.Unless you never want to see her again I suggest you accept these conditions."
"Caleb, I'm begging you."Mariyah did not want Zak to hurt Caleb.
"Fine I accept."Caleb ceded.Zak stood up.
"Smart move, have something to eat and you can take Mariyah’s car."This was really happening, he was sending Caleb away.Caleb nodded.Mariyah looked helplessly at him.
"It's for the best Caleb."
***
Mariyah was devastated as she watched Caleb walk to the car.Mariyah hurried out to him and hugged his back trying really hard not to hurt his ribs."Hey it's going to be okay…" She heard the emotions in his voice.He turned around and wiped her tears."Mari, please honey, you’re killing me."She pulled away from him
"I'm so sorry for everything I've put you through."
"You are my kid sister, it's my job to fucking protect you and I can't, I am not doing my job."
"Protect me?Honey you have done nothing but protect me.I was going to leave anyway.Enough already, you need to start your life, I've kept you from doing that."
"Mariyah, come inside."Zak was waiting for her at the door
"Tell Zak that I will pay him back for the money he gave me today."Mariyah didn't question him.What money did Zak give him?It didn't matter, Mariyah was certain he would pay Zak back.
"Mariyah!"Zak called again.She kissed Caleb and made her way to Zak.As soon as she was inside, Zak closed the door and it automatically locked.Without knowing what she was doing, Mariyah turned around and put her head on Zak's chest and wept.He allowed her to cry wrapping his big arms around her.She couldn't stop, she was crying like she had just lost her mother.It was worse than that, Caleb had been her mother, her father and her brother.There was such a finality about him leaving she knew this time they were to go their separate ways for good.It had been a long time coming, still it hurt like hell.When her tears subsided, Mariyah pulled away from Zak and hurried into her room to mourn losing her brothers security forever.
***
Mariyah was silent throughout dinner, Olivia was doing enough talking for the three of them."Well I'm glad that's all over Zak, maybe now we can resume our life before the disturbance."Mariyah looked up at Olivia really wanting her to shut her big mouth.
"That's enough Olivia."Zak didn't even look at her when he spoke to her.
"Why Zak, why is it enough?Ever since this free loader has come in here she has made you miserable."
"Free loader?Oh my god that’s rich coming from you.The difference between you and me is that you are happy to be living here for free, whereas I am forced to be.So honey, if you can't satisfy your man that is not my problem."
