Smoke, Lies, and Goobyes

13

"Yeah, it's me. What? Afraid of a little competition? Well don't be, we're out of her life for good. You're welcome." I grumble, pushing away from him, Mingus behind me. With a step into the elevator, I turn to see Mingus running off to Laura's room.
I cram a hand in between the elevator doors and chase after Ming.
"Scram you unloved brat." I hear someone growl, which makes my blood boil.
"Oh shut the hell up, Vic! You ever call him that again and I swear I will punch you. Mingus, honey, what's up sweetie?" She asks, making my eyes fill to the brim with tears.
"Mingus, c'mon." I coax, taking his hand.
"Scram, kid." Victor growls at him again.
"Meanie!" Mingus barks back, and Laura bursts out laughing. Covering my mouth, I pull him along with me to the door.
"Mommy! I want mommy!" He cries, big tears rolling down his cheeks as he strains against me.
"Ming, you can't have mommy any more." My tongue slides across my lips trying to keep calm. Heart aching, hands quivering; I almost couldn't get the words choked out.
"But daddy, mommy said she would never leave us." He tries, and that's it. Tears start to fall over my face and I pull him into the elevator.
"I know, buddy, but things change. Okay? She will never forget you. Ever. Do you get that? Never. Her mommy," I hiccup and tears fall some more. "Her mommy made her do this. It wasn't me, or her, or you. Okay?" I ask, swiping tears off his face and mine; earning a sniffle from the tall, male doctor in the corner.
"Okay. But, why was it my mommy? I love mommy. Daddy, can we get mommy back someday? She's going to come back, right? She won't leave us forever, will she?" He keeps asking questions, and I keep crying.
Mingus turns to the doctor, eyes big and glossy, and says, "do you know my mommy? She's Laura. She's pretty, and she loves Alice and me. Her and daddy are gonna be together someday. You know that?" I cover Mingus' mouth.
"What did I say about strangers?" I ask, uncovering his mouth.
"He's not a stranger. He helped mommy. I know him." He stomps his foot and I look to the doctor; he gives a nod and a soft smile.
"Mingus, you know mommy loves you right?" I ask as we walk out to the car. When I get to the car, the back right tire is flat.
"Daddy!" A small, high voice squeals, and shoes patter against the concrete. My heart drops to my shoes when she comes around the corner, dragging an older woman behind her. "Daddy!" She cries, slipping from the woman's hand and barreling into my knees. My arms react before I realize what I'm doing and I lift her up, hugging her close to me.
"Alice." I whisper, smoothing her hair.
"I miss you, daddy." She coos, tugging so lightly on my hair and sniffing into my neck.
"I miss you too. You here for mommy?" I ask, ignoring the seething glare from the woman. With a nod, I try to put her down.
"No! Daddy no!" She shrieks in my ear, arms like vice grips around me.
"Baby, you need to let go." I hush, trying to pry her away.