Green Eyed Monster

Mothers & Daughters

Mrs Tolbert never returned home. It's been over nine months now, but her family kept everything groomed. Today they finally put a for sale sign up. Solomon never returned after I spoke with him at the beach that day, nor have I heard from Lola. I guess she's taking Ernest and David's advice.

Trevor avoided me almost three months after the wedding, but Drake forced us to talk. It was a terrible double knockout fight, but he forgave me. He left NYU and enrolled in a local community college, he wants to help his father in business. I'm sure he's doing this following Solomon's lead, but it's okay. Too, Drake is ecstatic. Trevor's still with his same girlfriend, her name's Jessica. She's a gorgeous chocolate brown girl. Her complexion is so clear you can see your reflection on it. Trevor is absolutely crazy about her. It's actually really pleasing seeing him in a committed relationship.

Today is my mother's birthday. I'm heading to the city to celebrate with her before my siblings come. My family's been great. This misfortune in my life has made me "normal" to them. Although I'm a divorcée, Drake and I get along too great for them to take our separation serious. I've lived the perfect life in their eyes, so me having a real rough challenge somehow makes me more relatable to them. Insanity yes, but today I embrace anyone showing me love.

My mother is 20 years my senior. She's 63 but looks 43. She's my absolute bestfriend, but she's my mom so I always strive to make her proud of me. Today I wished I would've called her when Lola and I were first having problems, but I knew she'd tell me to do the opposite of what I wanted thus I avoided that subject. I'm still thanking God she had already left the reception before the chaos started. I'm taking her to The Chateau today. I pull up and she looks radiant in her red dress.

"Look at you sexy lady."

She kisses me saying, "Whatever, let's hurry. You're late and I'm starved."

We're now seated at the restaurant. I order a bottle of my mom's favorite wine. We toast then she says, "I talked to Trev yesterday."

Swallowing my wine, I ask, "Okay? Is he alright?"

"Yes, he's fine. He called because he had just gotten off the phone with Lola."

We sit staring at one another in silence. Hesitant I ask, "So what's going on?"

"You're a grandmother."

I'm stunned as she continues, "Yeah, obviously she was pregnant before her wedding and didn't know it. You have a grandson. His name is Solomon Hyde. Trev texted me a photo, I just texted it to you."

"Mama, no! No, please I'm not ready!"

"Girl it's sent. Look at your baby!"

Without looking I delete it saying, "I can't mama. I'm not ready. All this is too devastating."

"Girl, I resent it! Stop being dramatic and look at your grandson!"

I open my mom's text and he's so beautiful with fat chubby cheeks, a head full of raven hair and big round green eyes. He's absolutely adorable. I can't help but smile.

My mom grins, "Honey, I just want to kiss all over him!"

Wiping my tears but grinning causes my mom to grab my hand from across the table. Instantly I start sobbing.

"That's right. Let it out."

As I clean my face I stammer, "Mama how can you overlook what everyone else hates me for?"

"Little Solomon, as cute as he is, he's not as cute and lovable to me as my baby that's sitting right in front of me! You're my baby! Right or wrong, I love you and will defend you with my life, if necessary. People can say and think what they want, but God designed it that way. He knew when all others forsake you that a mother's love would kick in. Lola's over there playing happy with Stacy and "nem", but this baby will bring her home. Mark my words. All you need to do is be waiting with open arms, ready and willing to listen to whatever she needs to say. Endure it. Accept it. And then get your baby back! You understand me?"