Runaway Rescue

Chapter Three: Bubba & Cookie

Dear Faith,

I miss you so much, I hate that you left me like this, it hurts everyday not knowing the reason behind it. I miss our talks at night. Even our arguments over me taking your bracelets and shoes.

Fatima chuckles, thinking of her and her sisters petty arguments.

School started off pretty bad and I got into trouble ALOT, but it's starting to let up. I met this guy, NO HE'S NOT MY BOYFRIEND, well he's a boy and a friend but it's not like that, we found each other during a bad time and we've been chilling ever since. His name is Zac but I call him Bubba.

She smiles as the tears start to flow from her eyes. Writing a letter to her sister in her journal

I named him after your teddy bear because just like that bear did for you, he brings me comfort too. But I think what's even more funny is the fact that he calls me Cookie. I never told him that Cookie was the name you use to call me when we were little. That was until you and Jasmine changed my hair color. Lol, Jazmine and I have been hanging out a little every now and again. I would stay with her after school sometimes and watch her at cheer practice like I used to with you. She's such a boss bitch as cheer captain you would be so proud. Zac and I have been going to some of the games that she cheers at. I'm going to hate when she leaves for College though.

Her eyes start to disperse tears thinking of another person leaving her life.

Sissy, why did you have to leave me? Why? Momma found out that you were pregnant before you died and she had Darrius tested thinking he was your baby daddy but it came up negative. She thinks I don't know that part but I overheard her telling aunt Vonne over the phone.

Why didn't you trust me enough to tell me who you are protecting me from....

Knock, knock, knock.

"Sweetheart..." Yolanda says appearing in her doorway seeing her daughter at her desk write profusely.

Fatima looks up from writing in her journal, "Hey Momma," sniff  "What's up?" getting a tissue from the kleenex box to wipe her face.

"Sweetheart are you ok? What's wrong?" Yolanda asked with genuine concern seeing her daughter's movements. Making her way over to be by her side.

"Yes Momma, I'm fine. I was just writing a letter to Faith like Ms. Veronica told me to. You know, having a sister talk if that makes sense." Fatima confessed.

"Yes, Sweetheart that makes sense." Consoling her while placing her hand on Fatima's shoulder. Fatima flinches a little and takes a breath, Yolanda notices her daughter's jumpiness getting slightly puzzled but takes note, responding, "Maybe I should do that too, it helps to get some things off the heart."

"That's what Ms. Veronica said." Fatima smiles looking into her mothers eyes getting up from her desk, giving her a hug.

Receiving the gesture they hold each other for a moment as Yolanda says, "I love you so much Fatima." embracing her daughter a little more, "Oh my lanta," She utters letting her go, "I forgot, Zachary is downstairs."

Fatima jumps out of her mother's arms and shouts, "BUBBA!!" wide-eyed smiling, running off to meet with him.

Zac, who is sitting on the couch patiently, hears Fatima and smiles as he stands from the couch at the sound of her footsteps moving quickly down the stairs. Yolanda makes her way to her room to shower and get ready for her twelve hour shift.

"Bubba, Bubba..." she calls out as she rushes into his arms nearly knocking him down to the couch.

"Whoa" he grunts falling backwards holding Fatima, as they laugh together. Fatima straddles him as he holds his hands to the side of her legs. Trying his best to be respectful and not get an erection because they have been happening quite often lately. She slaps his chest and says in an agitated tone, folding her arms, "Why haven't we talked ALL day SIR!"