ICU TOO

Chapter Twenty-Four

Crystal

Devale and I spent the rest of the workday not talking to each other. I even stayed later so that I wouldn't have to drive home with him. Instead, I took an Uber and went to get DJ just to stall for time. I was afraid of what I would do to him without being in a calm state of mind.

What's with him and this bitch Zena? It's not even her anymore, it's him. She's a part of his life that he just can't let go of. I understand their history and when I was gone how much she helped him and was around with DJ; but one minute Devale says he doesn't care about her and then the next minute he's worried about who she marries.

"Are you gonna tell me what that was about?" Devale asked once I got DJ situated.

I walked into the kitchen and he followed me to the sink, watching me wash my hands.

"I don't wanna talk about it." I said grabbing a napkin.

"Well I'm not really giving you a choice." He said. "We've been good. So what's up?"

"I should be asking you that? What's up?" I ask yanking the fridge open. "Do you still have some feelings for her that I don't know about?" I ask referring to Zena.

"No I just get worried about her as a friend someone I've known for years." He said shrugging.

"Well news flash Devale, she's not your friend, she's your ex." I remind him.

"Barely." He argued making me sick my teeth.

"I'm not getting into you about her anymore. Why is she always a problem in our relationship?" I ask her.

"She isn't a problem."Devale said shaking his head. "And I'm sorry for being more invested in her than I should be." He said shrugging.

I take deep breath and calm down before responding. "I forgive you." I sincerely responded. "But just stop being fucking weird." I said shaking my head.

Devale sighed and stepped closer to me. "I'm sorry I really am. Give me a kiss." He said grabbing my face.

I breathe out and peck his lips hesitantly. Devale pulled away and squinted. "You're mad, I said I was sorry." He repeated.

"I'm not mad. I'm just thinking." I said as the front door opened.

Denise and Brian walked in together. They stopped and stared at us.

"You guys good?" Brian asked.

I nod my head and quickly answered, "Yeah I'm making dinner." I said moving past Devale and going back to the stove.

Brian and Devale walked out the kitchen their own little world leaving Denise and I alone.

"Are you okay?" She asked putting her hand on my back.

"No I'm not but I really don't wanna talk about it." I said grabbing potatoes to bake. "You wanna help me?"

"Sure." Denise responded going to the sink.

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"Mommy look!" Dj said bringing me his alphabet worksheet.

Seeing his version of what the letters of the alphabet looked like made my day a lot better. If I can count on anything to bring me happiness it's definitely DJ. Especially, when his dad has done everything in his power to piss me off. I don't think Devale even knows what he's doing is wrong that's what is missing me off even more.

I love being a mom and at first I wasn't sure I wanted more kids but I've been rethinking things. DJ only has one sister and that's Jayla, she lives hours away and only visits every other week. I don't want DJ to have only child syndrome like me. I want him to have a brother and sister close to him that he can interact with and explore the world with. I wish I have a sister sometimes. Luckily, I have Novi and Denise. They're the only two annoying sisters I need.