Page 30 of A Don & His Doll

“Like mama, like daughter.” Sienna shrugged. “She is me.”

“Yes, she is,” Symie agreed. “Coming right up, my baby,” she said, needing to stabilize her nerves. “How long will you two be staying in New York?”

“Mom! You and Dad look so happy together,” Monae interrupted, looking at the picture of her parents hanging on the wall.

“We’ll talk later,” Sienna said, turning to go see what picture Monae was talking about.

Symie laughed, turning the other way to the kitchen to get those pots jumping. “Yes, we will.”

By the time Sienna found Monae in the living room, she held a huge photo album in her hand, and stood in front of the picture she and Monroe had taken for their Senior Prom. Their color scheme was deep burgundy and black, and they were a vibe. Just the thought of that day sent chills down Sienna’s spine.

“Where were y’all at this day?” Monae asked, taking in every detail of the image.

Sienna smiled, wrapping her arm around Monae, and reaching forward to smooth her hand lightly over the image. “Senior prom,” she answered simply. “This was a good day.”

“What made it so good?” Monae refused to let Sienna skimp on the details.

“Come sit down so I can tell you the whole story,” Sienna kissed the top of Monae’s head, then walked to the couch, her mind instantly sailing back in time.

Monae got comfortable, took off her shoes, grabbed the throw blanket from the back of the couch, and listened attentively like she always did when Sienna shared her love story.

“Your dad was every girl's dream when we were in high school. He was attentive, protective, and genuine. He did things that most guys weren’t doing that were our age. He was making the type of money that most two-parent households weren't touching.”

Monae’s eyes widened as she processed her mother’s words, but she didn’t interrupt.

“But, I didn’t care about any of that,” Sienna continued. “He knew it and spent more on me because of it,” Sienna explained. “I never got a chance to have a relationship with my father, so mom was all I had growing up. She didn’t have the extra money to spare to buy all the things I needed for prom, so Monroe spared no expense. I picked the color scheme, everything else from head to toe that we wore, and he made it happen. Got my dress and his tux tailored to our bodies, and when we stepped out… You would have thought we were the royal family.”

“I can’t wait to go to prom. I’m going, right?” Monae asked.

Sienna giggled softly.

“We’ll see,” Sienna replied.

“Continue,” Monae insisted, leaning in, knowing there was more to the story.

“Our prom was amazing, Monae… but it was the things that he did that had nothing to do with prom that made it so special.”

“What did he do?” Monae pressed.

Sienna paused, wanting to make sure she conveyed the love that dripped from every step Monroe took. “See, it's one thing for a man to put money in your hand, and send you on your way,” Sienna began. “Monroe gave me time, affection, and he never denied me of his presence. When a man puts his life and everything he has going on to cater to you,” she paused, and smiled, at the way he made her feel. “When he chooses to spend quality time with you while you get pampered and pretty for him for no other reason than making you feel secure and loved. That’s something you don’t take lightly. Your father did this for me consistently. He didn’t wait for a special occasion to love on me. I was always the occasion.” Sienna told her daughter, purposely left out their love-making sessions because she wasn’t ready for that conversation yet.

Time swept by fast as Sienna continued to reminisce with Monae, sharing some of the best times she had when New York was her home. The meal Symie was fixing in the kitchen pleasantly wafted through the house, causing their stomachs to growl. There was nothing like a real home-cooked meal with love.

“Sienna! You and Muffin come on and get your food while it’s hot,” Symie yelled from the kitchen while fixing their plates.

“Last one to the kitchen is a rotten egg,” Monae said, racing her mom to the kitchen.

“Cheater!” Sienna shouted, laughing simultaneously.

Symie’s smile came easy the moment they sat at the table, her heart settling in a way it hadn’t in years. My babies are finally home where they belong. The thought sat heavy in her chest, but she was relieved.

“Go ahead and sit down, ma,” Sienna insisted. “You cooked. Let me finish fixing the plates, and I’ll clean the kitchen,” she offered, jumping in like she had never left.

“Okay, but this plate is already made,” Symie replied, giving it to Monae.

“This food tastes better than the first time you made it. Can you give Mom the recipe?” Monae asked while chewing.

Symie beamed, her heart instantly warmed by Monae’s pleasure in her food. “I sure will.”