Her Peace

2

Naomi

One week later

I took off the next week of school and stayed upstate with my dad. The plan was to spend the whole month in Kansas of December and go back to school but then I started thinking.

It's never good when I do that.

"This steak is really good." My dad wiped his mouth as I sipped my cider.

Sitting at the table with us was my dad, my grandmother, my aunt Trina, and my cousin Nina.

"Thank you brother in law." Aunt Trina raised her glass in his direction winking her eye.

Nina sat tapping away on her phone and my nana was downing her 4th glass of wine.

I told nana the news before any one else and she had been waiting on me to spit it out all dinner.

Her and Hakeem believe that everyone loves me enough to except whatever I want to do. However I know that with all that is going on right now I can't gauge anyones feelings.

"Uhm, I have some news." I said lowly finishing my cider.

Everyone's attention faded over to me. I looked upon my family feeling my stomach twist as my throat became scratchy. My hands clammed up and I felt a rush of heat come over me.

"What's wrong sweetie?" A look of concern came over my dad.

"I um- I uh...I I I-" "She dropped out of school!" Nana blurted out pouring her 5th glass.

"Awl hell." Nina started drinking her wine looking around the room.

All eyes darted over to my nana before looking back over to me.

"I'm not happy..." I looked down at the floor playing with the napkin in my lap.

"Not happy? What does that mean?" My dad slammed down his knife scrunching up his face.

I jumped at the noise feeling tears weld in my eyes.

"What happened to becoming a doctor and moving back in town?" He threw his napkin on the table.

"Son calm down." My nana finally spoke up.

I never wanted to be a doctor." I looked up swallowing my tears.

"Never wanted to be a doctor?" "Yea I never wanted to be a doctor. YOU wanted me to be a doctor."

"So what's the plan Nae?" Aunt Trina asked me.

"Well I did collegiate in high school meaning I graduated with my associates degree and that's all you need to be a real estate agent." I smiled looking at everyone except my dad hearing him scoff.

"No. Absolutely not. 'Real Estate'" he mocked me sipping his wine.

"I'm not asking you for permission!" My voice raised unintentionally.

"You not taking my money-" "what money did you put in? I got a full ride scholarship ship. I pay my own rent, my own utilities, and damn sure pay all my shit for school by my damn self." I yelled jumping out my seat throwing my napkin on the table.

"Who are you talking to?" He yelled jumping up towering over me.

"Hey okay enough." Aunt Trina jumped in between us.

"Let's discuss this in the morning." She pleaded looking between us.

"Nah I'm gone." I snatched my phone off the table and stormed off.

"Naomi!" Everyone called after me but I just ignored them.

How could dad act like that. It's always been my dream to be a real estate agent and he's known that. He's so selfish.

A doctor.

Nah that's out. And so am I.

*********

I drug my bag down the stairs throwing my purse over my shoulder.

"Bye y'all. I'll call." I rushed to the door not wanting to talk.

"Nae wait." My nana came from around the corner.

"Here. Take it." She handed me a wad of money.

"Nana what is-"

"Just be sure to call me and know that I support you." She hugged me placing a kiss to my cheek.

"Thank you!" I smiled hugging her again.

She nodded towards the door hearing a beeping. I smiled before turning and leaving.

I got into my Uber hearing the woman say my name.

"Naomi?" Her soft voice said looking at me through the rear view with a smile.

"Yes thank you." I returned the gesture.

I unrolled the wad and counted 5 thousand dollars. I knew this wasn't from the will because that money was supposed to come in the mail next week.

Thank you nana.
**************

"And then he had the audacity to throw money in my face can you believe that." I unpacked my things as Hakeem leaned back on my bed listening to me.

I had gotten back late last night and he came over this morning since we were out of classes for winter break.

"Well baby it is a tough time and he can't see the image right now. Just give him time." His eyes followed me around the room.

"Your right. I just need to relax." I closed my draw rubbing my hands over my face.

"Maybe I can help with that." Hakeem grabbed my hands pulling me onto him on the bed.

He kissed me before looking up at me. I grabbed his face placing another kiss to his lips.

"I love you dearly Hakeem, but your not getting any right at this moment." I said before kissing him and getting up.

He sighed throwing his head back causing me to laugh.

"Oh here." He pulled a card out of his pocket.

"I was out getting some food at this Italian place while you were gone and there was this deck of cards. I found a real estate agency. You should call!" He smiled handing me a little card.

Green Real Estates

I flipped it over to see a number and website. In small bold print in the left hand corner was written. Help needed!

I screamed doing a little jump. "Awww thank you baby!" I jumped on him throwing my arms around him pulling him in for a kiss.

"Oh so now I can get some?" He pulled away smirking.

"You can get whatever you want now." I smiled so a little dance on him laughing.

"That's what I like to here." He smiled kissing me stopping me from laughing.

Naomi Sanders at Green Real Estates...

I love it!