Truth Be Told

Chapter Five

Charlotte, NC

Sandra's POV

It's been three months since Amber was served that bullshit ass of a lawsuit filed by J. Drew's mother and sister. Ever since then, I have been keeping myself busy with doing hair and making sure Amber and Ja'Layeah are okay, because if I hadn't, I would've personally got ratchet and went live on social media to shake the tables.

I've just finished my last client of the day and I'm waiting on Amaiyah to stop by. We're all flying out to Houston next and we'll be staying there for about 3 weeks for the beginning stages of the court proceedings. Luckily, my bestfriend still lives in Houston so we'll be staying with her for that time being.

*door alarm signals*

"Nana!" Ja'Layeah yelled in excitement
"Hi Pumpkin. What are you doing here? " I said as I sat her in my lap
"Tee Tee Amaiyah picked me up from school." She said
"Amber couldn't cancel a last minute meeting with her client, so I decided to pick up Layeah." Amaiyah said
"Nana, can I go watch TV in the back room?" Layeah asked
"Yes you can. You remember the code?" I asked
"Yes ma'am." She said as ran off
"Auntie, can you do my hair please?" Amaiyah asked as she sat on the couch
"In what style?" I asked her
"I want some knotless braids." Amaiyah replied
"Oh no ma'am. I refuse to stand and sit for hours and listen to you whine and complain because you're so tender headed." I said
"Auntie please. I'm tired of wearing wigs and stuff. My hair needs to breathe for a bit. We leave the day after tomorrow, you can wash my hair here and just braid it when we get it to Houston." Amaiyah said as gave me the puppy eyes
"Okay fine, but just know you whine, you're getting popped in the head." I said
"Thank you, I love you." Amaiyah said as she hugged me
"Yeah I know. Don't kiss me, I don't know where your lips been." I jokingly said pushing her away "That's rude." Amaiyah said as she sat back down
"Look, go check on Layeah and I'll lock the doors and stuff. I'll wash your hair now, so that way tomorrow, all we have to do is pack." I said as I started turning off the front lights, closing my curtains and locking the door 
"Okay, I'll be right back" Amaiyah said

I texted Amber to let her know that I was washing Amaiyah's hair and we'd be there a little late so she wouldn't worry. She texted back saying she was still meeting with her client so we'll probably get to her house at the same time

"Layeah is all into that TV and eating snacks. She even made herself comfortable with your blanket and pillow, so you know she'll be asleep soon." Amaiyah said as she sat in Sandra's chair
"She's fine. She's not going to school tomorrow so if she falls asleep, it's not a problem." Sandra said as she begin to remove Amaiyah's sew in

*15 minutes later*

"I'm done. Come back to the bowl." Sandra said making sure she removed all of the thread out of Amaiyah's head

As Sandra begin washing Amaiyah's hair, Amaiyah decided to ask her about a situation that's been weighing heavily on her mind

"Auntie, I wanted to ask you something." Amaiyah said
"What's up baby?" I asked
"What do you think about me going to visit my parents gravesites when we get back to Houston?" Amaiyah asked
"Uhm, I don't see why that would be a problem. But you haven't been to either one of their sites since we buried them when you were 13. What made you decide to visit now?" Sandra asked
"Well, after doing some praying and meditation, I decided that it's time for me to tell them both know that I forgive them." Amaiyah said

When Amaiyah was 13, her parents were the victims of a murder-suicide. Her father was a Army vet and was diagnosed with severe PTSD which led to him developed an a drinking problem as well as becoming abusive towards Amaiyah and her mom. Amaiyah's mom and I grew up together and blood couldn't make us any closer. For years, I, along with our other bestfriend Veronica begged Diane to leave that tumultuous situation. But every time she left, Richard always found her and the consequences she suffered got worse each time. She felt that it was safer to stay. The morning of their deaths, Diane made me promise that I would take care of Amaiyah, I always did that, but that morning the way she asked me was different. I knew something was going to happen, but I couldn't do anything. I blamed myself everyday and Amaiyah held so much hate and anger in her heart for years, and still to this day. I'm just glad that she's ready to release that.

"I'm happy that you have finally found it in your heart to forgive them both. I'm proud of you." I said as finished washing her hair 
"I never said anything to you, but I use to sit and think about why my mom never left, but she made sure that I was okay. I came to the conclusion that she felt that her child was more important and as a mother she'd go to Earths end to make sure I was safe. I can't be mad at her for that." Amaiyah said as she sat in my chair
"Your mother loved you. That's a fact. But yes, she was afraid of your father, of the person he had become. She knew that he was someone different and not the person she fell in love with. When people are afraid of someone who has control over them, it becomes hard for them to fight back at times. I know it all too well." I told her as I blow dried her hair
"I do want to thank you for adopting me though. You really didn't have too." Amaiyah said

I turned off the blow dryer before speaking

"Amaiyah, do you really think I would've let you go into the system?" I asked
"No, but-" I cut her off
"No buts. There was no way I was allowing that to happen. Especially not after the promise I made your mom. Besides, Amber wouldn't let me live it down if I didn't." I said
"I know. I love you Auntie." Amaiyah said
"I love you too." I said
"Now that we got over that emotional hurdle, are you ready for this court mess?" Amaiyah asked me
"Listen, I have the angel and the devil sitting on my shoulders playing tug-o-war with my mind. You already know I want Karen's head, but I'm trying to be professional for the sake of Ja'Layeah." I explained
"I really don't understand why are they trying to sue. Do you think J Drew told them the truth about that night four years ago?" Amaiyah asked me
"To tell you the truth, I don't know. Who knows what he told them. Against my wishes, Amber even wrote Karen a letting informing her that she was moving." I said 
"I told Amber not to write that letter either. I felt that, you live 20 minutes away and you couldn't take time out to see your grandchild, all because of the fact that Amber didn't want to be with your son. That's childish." Amaiyah said
"Nana, I'm hungry. Can we go eat now?" Ja'Layeah asked
"What do you want to eat pumpkin?" I asked her
"Can we go to Cheddars?" She asked
"Sure. Go call your mom and tell her to meet us there." I told her
"Okay." She said as she walked away

I finished with Amaiyah's hair and just threw it up in a ponytail until this weekend. I cleaned my area and washed my combs and things. Amaiyah straightened up the waiting area for me and once we were finished, we headed out. Amaiyah texted Amber to let her know we were headed to the restaurant and she replied that she was 10 minutes away. Whatever tricks The Sheards have up their sleeves regarding this case, will be dealt with accordingly when we get back home to Houston.

I'll be updating all weekend, so be on the look out! 

First update so enjoy!

PEACE ✌🏾 ☮ AND LOVE💖