Page 49 of A Don & His Doll

Symie joined Sienna at the table, and chose her words carefully. "Just focus on one hurdle at a time. Macie is all about her agenda, Sienna. She never cared about the people she hurt in the crossfire, not even her own son. Don't lose yourself in the midst of her bullshit. Now that Monroe is finally finding out the truth about what happened," Symie paused and placed her hand on top of Sienna's. "You have already made him your choice, I can see it all in your eyes. But, let him choose you."

"What if he doesn't though?" Sienna quizzed. "What if he chooses the woman he’s with, and just wants to co-parent? What if he hates me when it's all said and done, and wants nothing to do with me?"

Symie sighed deeply, feeling her daughter's angst. "Then you accept and respect his decision. You keep living and find a way to move on. Hell, open yourself up to the possibility of finding happiness with someone else."

Sienna considered her mother's words, but she couldn't relate. "I hear you, but that makes absolutely no sense to me. I'm sorry, but no ma'am," Sienna took another sip from her cup. "All these years I waited for another opportunity to be with the love of my life, and you're telling me to accept if he doesn't choose me?" Sienna shook her head in disbelief. "I don't know if I can do that, ma."

"Okay, I'm ready," Monae said, walking into the kitchen wearing a cream and brown Abercrombie t-shirt, light-washed shorts, with a fresh pair of brown and cream Jordan's.

"You look so pretty, Muffin," Symie complimented. "And, I love that bracelet, matching anklet, and those diamond earrings are everything.

"Thank you. Macie got this for me last year for my birthday," Monae revealed. "That was nice of her," Symie replied, noticing the shift in Monae when she referenced Macie. Sienna had noticed too, but didn't care to address it.

"Let's see what this museum is hittin' for. Shall we," Sienna said, wrapping her arm around Monae.

"Yes, we shall," Monae replied with a smile, happy to spend time with her mom.

"Y'all be careful out there. This is a big city, and people is crazy," Symie warned, following them toward the front door.

"Yes ma'am," Sienna and Monae replied in unison as they made their way out of the door.

Symie smiled, watching her daughter and granddaughter walk down the steps. These were the moments she had been robbed of, so being able to witness this was nothing short of a blessing she’d forever thank God for. She stood in the doorway until they disappeared down the stairs, silently praying over both of them. She didn’t know how the day would unfold, but she trusted Gods’ will more than anything else in the world.

As soon as Sienna started the car, Mary Blige's All Night Long oozed through the speakers, spreading good vibes as she pulled away from the curb.

"Thanks for taking me out to see the city. I hope I get a chance to meet some new people that's my age," Monae said, nodding her head to the song.

Sienna didn't miss the hint of sadness in Monae's voice. For years she'd done everything she could to give Monae a beautiful life. She gave her love without limits. Attention without conditions. Opportunities she'd never been afforded herself. Yet there were some things she couldn't create due to their circumstances, no matter how hard she tried. Friendship outside of herself was one of them. Community was another. Monae rarely complained, but every now and then little comments slipped through the cracks, reminding Sienna of the sacrifices her daughter had made alongside her. Sienna overcompensated with expensive gifts, and interacted as much as she possibly could, along with giving her limitless access to the internet to learn all she could. Sienna had given Monae just about every excuse in the book, but now she was running out.

"There's always young people at this museum, but even if there isn't, you always got me, lil' baby," Sienna joked, trying to lighten the mood.

"Mhm, I guess you a’ight," Monae replied, turning up the music to sing with Mary J. Sienna listened to 90's music all the time, so Monae grew a love for it by default. They continued to enjoy each other and the music for the rest of the ride. It was a Thursday afternoon, so it didn't take forever finding a decent parking spot.

"See, that’s why I shoulda left you at ya grandma's house."

"Don’t do me like that, Ma!"

The laughter that followed chased away the heaviness that lingered between them seconds prior. As the city moved around them, Sienna found herself stealing glances at her daughter. Monae had no idea her entire world was about to shift. No idea that by the end of the afternoon, the questions she'd carried in her heart for years would finally have answers. The thought made Sienna's grip tighten around the steering wheel. Excitement and fear were strange companions. One couldn't seem to exist without the other. The rest of the ride passed in comfortable conversation, music, and random observations about New York traffic. By the time they found parking near The Met, the tension in Sienna's body had balanced out.

"We made it, babygirl," Sienna announced, sliding her car into park.

"This place is huge! Let's see what they got going on in here." Monae smiled and said, grabbing her water bottle, and purse that had already been pre-packed with her journal, pen, lip gloss, and a few other miscellaneous things.

Sienna smiled. "Wait until you get inside," Sienna told Monae. “It feels even bigger once you get inside.”

Together they walked into The Met and immediately started viewing the art that hung on the walls from centuries ago. Within minutes they were wandering through galleries lined with centuries-old artwork. Monae moved slowly, taking her time with each piece. She studied paintings longer than most adults. Read placards others ignored, and asked questions that forced Sienna to think before answering. Watching her daughter engage with the world always filled her with pride. There was no doubt that Monae’s intelligence and curiosity combined would open countless doors for her in the future. As they rounded the corner Sienna's phone chimed in her hand, and as soon as she saw his name, a wave of chills traveled through her body. Monae remained completely unaware as she studied a sculpture with genuine fascination.

Monroe: Where y'all at?

We just got here.

Let's meet in the Greek and Roman Art Wing.

Monroe: Bet.

Monroe had arrived about an hour prior to get a feel for the museum, so that he could get a feel for the atmosphere and what the museum had to offer. He was in the Egyptian Wing. Monroe took a moment to use the bathroom and settle his nerves before meeting Sienna and Monae in the section of the museum that was opposite of where he was.

Upon entering the Greek and Roman Art Wing, Monroe's heart slammed against his ribs before dropping somewhere near his feet. Every word he'd rehearsed was remiss, dying a quiet death in his throat as his eyes committed every detail of her features into long-term memory. The sight of his daughter unearthed a hollow so deep in him it damn near knocked him down. When he saw Monae, he immediately forgot the speech he'd practiced in his head.