Page 47 of More to Love

“Whatever. Let’s go,” Daria said throwing her shot back.

We filed out the door one by one with EJ being the last to lock up. I knew they were going to be my support system through this pregnancy, but I wanted the one that claimed he loved me around as well. He was missing out on so much.

I wanted more for our child. He was a damn good father to a child that wasn’t his, so I was positive that this little one was going to receive the same treatment if not better. What should’ve been an elated time for us both, we were surrounded by dark clouds. We couldn’t come out of it to save our lives.

“Is soul food okay?” EJ asked as we began to cruise.

“Yeah. That actually sounds great,” I replied.

The tunes of Lil’ Wayne flowed through the speakers, and I made sure to join in. He was one of my favorites and was unmatched with his metaphors. This was bringing me out of my slump no doubt.

“Swagger right, check, game tight, and they gon’ R-E-S-P-E-C-T me!” I sang along. Best Rapper Alive was one of my favorites.

A smile somehow made its way to my face and my sister grabbed my hand giving it a light squeeze. She was always worried about me, and I loved her for that. I could count on her to be there no matter the situation. If it wasn’t for her, I’d probably be out of my mind stressing.

We arrived at the restaurant shortly after in good spirits. I was looking forward to enjoying a good time with my two favorites. It was a break that was needed away from Hendrix and this chaotic world we found ourselves in. We were greeted by the hostess as soon as we walked through the double doors.

“Welcome to Food of the South. How can we help?”

“Table for three please and a window seat if you don’t mind,” Daria replied. It was a pretty day out and she wanted to see who all was outdoors.

The hostess nodded and began to take us through the crowd to a booth stationed in the middle. We took a seat and started to scan the menu immediately. I didn’t realize how hungry I was until I smelled the delicious food.

“So, there’s something I’ve been keeping from you friend,” Daria said as she closed her menu.

“Keeping from me? Like what?” I asked confused.

“Your parents called me a few weeks ago asking about you and Erykah because y’all have them blocked. I never gave them any details, so they arranged some time to come see you. I just received a text from your mom saying she’s at your condo waiting for you to answer. What do you want me to do?”

“What the hell Daria? Why wouldn’t you say something before now? And why would they call you? If they’re blocked, then they need to move around.” EJ wasn’t going to accept them being around at all.

I wasn’t a fan of my parents but ever since me and EJ been out doing our own thing, they pretty much cast us to the side not caring about our whereabouts or well-being. I was more confused on why they were here because they didn’t approve of us in any shape or form.

“You can tell them to come here. They’re not going to leave quietly, and I’d hate for them to be at my house when I return. We might as well get this over with now. I want peace from today moving forward.”

“Sorimah you don’t have to kiss their ass. They don’t deserve to be in your company whatsoever. The way they treated us is something they can’t come back from,” EJ expressed.

“All they did was not love us properly and give us the care we deserved. That’s not so bad,” I jested but EJ didn’t find a damn thing funny about it.

“If they come, I’m leaving. I’m telling you that right now. I’ll continue to be a disappointment in peace. I ain’t never been happier,” she said rolling her eyes.

“Go ahead Daria. I’m trying to turn over a new leaf and stop shutting people out. There’s no telling how long they’ve been trying to right their wrongs. Erykah, I would like it if you stayed but I understand if you didn’t.”

She sat with her arms folded across her chest not wanting to hear another word from me. This was something she needed to face as well. We left together and decided on no contact with them, so this was my problem just as much as it was hers.

We ordered our food in silence and awkwardness. I wanted my sister to be able to forgive our parents, but it was more emotional for her because they never cared for her. She was looked over several times and forgotten about often. When she needed their support, they never gave it and that turned her cold to them.

I wanted us to fix whatever was going on with us because I saw how they loved my nieces and nephews and wanted that same kind of love for the child I was carrying. I was hoping this could be the beginning of something new. It was what we all needed.

“Look, I know what y’all been through and maybe this can be some type of closure or opening a new door. Take this time to hash things out and figure out how to move forward,” Daria suggested.

“I guess now is the time because they’re here,” I spoke pointing out the window. I was a nervous wreck, but I was hoping things would go smoothly because I didn’t have it in me to argue.

Our food was finally placed in front of us as my mother and father walked through the door. There was no telling what they wanted to get off their chest, but I was open to hearing what they had to say. Peace was the only result I wanted from this interaction.

They approached our table taking the seats next to us. I was trying to figure out what made them come to us in the first place. We didn’t let them know a thing about us, yet they seemed to be so interested in what we had going on.

“What is it that you want, Mama?” I questioned not giving them much eye contact.