Kindred Spirits

honest

eleven |

Tremaine |

Setting the plastic IHOP container on the counter along with the foiled-wrapped plates of food that Mrs. Brown made last night, I sat down on the island seat. Onyx came to unlock the door, grumpy as hell 'cause I interrupted her slumber. It was pushing ten o'clock, she should've been up anyway.

"Aye, li'l biddy!" I called out, pushing myself up from an oddly comfortable slump. She didn't reply to my words, instead I had to continue my walk down the hall. With an insubstantial pout on her face, she stared at the TV, that was decorated with Spongebob's annoying ass.

"Baby, I was callin' you. I bought ya' food." I smiled. She glanced up at me and back to the TV. Sighing, I sat on a vacant spot on her bed and removed my sneakers.

"It's 'cause I woke you up?" I whispered, leaning over in her space, snagging a quick peck from her pouted lips.

"I don't want you to leave." she blurted, gripping on my crew-neck tightly. Kissing my teeth lowly at the tears in her eyes, I dabbed my thumbs at them. From her doing that and being in her emotions, I knew it wouldn't be an easy task to get her out the house for a few hours. She would probably rather be inside.

"Stop it," I sighed, "I'ma be a call away, babe."

"That's too far." she protested, wiping her eyes. I would usually know what to say to comfort someone but, in a situation where I knew first-hand how she felt, I had not a word to say. I've been avoiding the discussion 'cause I think it's easier said than done and me tryin'a cease the emotions that she was undergoing with words, seemed fruitless. I still had to leave tomorrow morning.

"What do you want me to say? You know I can't extend this trip. I got a home and work." I sighed. In my eyes, I didn't find that to be the biggest challenge. When Onyx comes over for the Summer and we get even closer, it may present a huge problem. Once the Summer's up, I won't see her for awhile. What if we fall deep in love? I know for a fact that sacrifices would have to be made. Someone has to make that move and truthfully, I don't know how we'd handle that hardship. That'll be risky as hell and personally, I'on see myself packing my shit.

"I know, I know. Sorry, I've just been thinking about it all last night. I'll be fine. How was breakfast with my mom? It went well?" she asked, switching the subject. I stared at her for a minute before speaking.

"As far as her and I, she approves of me. She likes me. I heard a li'l more about her relationship with your dad. It led to a talk of divorce. She's always wanted one but, as a mother, she felt that she needed to hold it together. It almost seems like she... felt that she owed him for that mistake she made so, she stayed. She's broken up, bae." I grumbled, shaking my head. I didn't have that much of an encounter with Mrs. Brown to grow heavily invested but, she reminded me of my mom. Only, my father was the cheater and my mom could not find the strength to get up and go. She blamed herself for his mistakes or, I should say, purposeful acts. 'Cause he knew everything that he did to her was wrong but, he didn't give a fuck.

"I should probably talk to Laith. I mean, wow. He looked so broken up, even if he did resent our— my father." she sighed, shaking her head slowly.

"Damn," I mumbled, "I think ya'll should talk it out. What he goin' through is unbelievable. I wouldn't wish that on anyone."

Nodding, she threw the thick covers back from off her body. She slipped out of bed and picked up her iPhone, a yawn seeping past her parted lips.

"I'm gonna go see my brother after I shower and eat. It won't be right to do over the phone." she murmured. In all honesty, her mood was discouraging me from being enthusiastic towards our last day together. It wasn't too all-out, like the beach day; it was simpler. Still, she was a bit broken up over family matters that I didn't think one thing I could do, would cheer her up.