Green Eyed Monster

Call Me King

Hyde has his special coat of arms celebration on his birthday, but neither I, Drake, nor Trevor is invited. I'm furious. Trevor tries to explain that Solomon was there but wasn't feeling them trying to relive Lola's parties for Hyde. He says Solomon told him that he was only there 20 minutes, then he left.

Is it just me? Does anyone care that Solomon isn't himself anymore? Hyde and Lee need their only living parent to be present in their lives. I can't vent to Drake or Trevor anymore and Gypsy has seemingly given up gossiping. She and I rarely see each other these days. I think it's because Drake almost lives here now.

Drake leaves for work, and I immediately get dressed and drive to West Chesterfield. I'm in their driveway sitting, a nervous wreck. I take a deep breath and then head to the front door. I ring the bell, and an older White woman answers. Confused, I stutter, "H-Hello. Is Solomon home?"

    "I'm sorry, I don't know who that is. You must have the wrong address. Perhaps his last name will ring a bell."

    "No, this was my daughter's and grandchildren's home for years. When did you move here?"

    "Almost a year now."

    "Wait...what?"

    "Miss, I'm sorry, but I'm going to have to ask you to leave now. Hopefully, you find your daughter and grandchildren."

As she closed the door in my face, I stood there mortified. I jump into my car and speed to David's and Leah's. Leah opens the door with a stumped look, asking, "Mae, what are you doing here?"

    "I went to visit my grandchildren, and they have moved. Where are Hyde and Lee? Solomon goes into hiding, and now he's moved? Soon my babies will be missing! Where is Hyde?"

    "Please calm down, Mae. Come inside." She says, rushing away.

While standing in the foyer, I'm trembling from anger. Suddenly, the door opens behind me, and it's Sheba and Aquila. They're both young women now. Sheba greets, "Hello, Ms Mae. Does my mom know you're here?"

    "Hi, Sheba. Hi, Aquila. Yes, she does."

Leah returns, saying, "Come sit down, Mae. ...Hey, babies. Mom will be ready to go in a minute. Majorie is in the kitchen preparing dinner. Mae, won't you join us?"

    "No. I didn't..."

The front door opens again, and it's Solomon. Eyes fixed on me, he squints. Aquila hugs him and says, "Hey, King! Where's Hyde and Lee?"

    "In the car."

Once she exits, Solomon asks, "Mae. Why are you here?"

Leah interrupts, "She didn't know you and the boys moved. She was looking for them, so your timing's perfect, sweetheart."

The door opens again, and Aquila walks in carrying Lee, Hyde behind her, and another young woman walks in behind him.

Leah greets her, "Hey, beautiful, so glad you could join us."

Solomon grabs her by her waist, kisses her on the lips, and says, "Eloise, this is Hyde and Lee's grandmother, Mae."

With a faint smile, she greets, "Nice to meet you, Mae."

Dazed, I nod as they all proceed to the dining room, leaving me by the door. Unable to move, I hear them all laughing and joking. Hyde comes back around the corner and tells me, "Nana, c'mon. Let's go eat."

    "I'm sorry, baby, Nana can't stay. ...Hey, where do you live now?"

    "On Les Isle Drive."