HOLLYWOODS

Gg

Na'Jour

He invited her for dinner.

The only day I chose to eat at the table, to enjoy the altered feeling of what it'd be like sitting with a family, he invited her.

Mac had a way of slithering under my skin when I asked for peace.

Solace just irritated me. It wasn't her voice, or her style. It was simply her features which resembled her mom.. and well mine.

Letting my leg jump, I just slowly chewed as she and my father conversed over me.

I couldn't help but watch them, the gestures and the passing of the food across the table as though she knew who he were.

And if she did, she wouldn't have been here.

Mac invited Solace over periodically, but it wasn't for the reasons she'd assume.

He and I both knew his intentions were impure, and just as I could see my mother in her— he could see his ex girlfriend.

I don't even think my momma was his ex-girlfriend or ex anything, to be exact.

Maybe just a lover, against her will.

When he met her, she was fairly underage and he was in his mid thirties. She had to be at least fifteen or sixteen.

There were certain things I recalled as a younger child and one being she was more scared of him than in love.

There was no doubt in mind that I was the result of something that was forced and completely inappropriate.

Momma was always.. afraid of him and the way his words brought physical chills down her back made me scared for her.

I always wondered if he was the reason she disappeared.

One day she was here with me, saying she promised she'd come back for me and the next day she was gone.

One day turned into many years.

Stop.

A word I could never get myself to say.

A word I wish I could say.

I watched as Mac purposely dropped his utensil, for the fifth time, watching Solace lean over and pick it up just for their arms to brush when she was fully seated again.

I just used my thumb to scratch my face, keeping an eye on his actions.

He was like this a lot, with younger girls but specifically her.

Sometimes, I wondered why her family allowed her over here. From what I've heard, Isis don't even like Mac.

Her and her nigga, Asaad, would never allow Solace being over here or even doing casual business like this.

So why was she?

"Okay," I huffed, catching his attention and letting him know that was enough.

"What's wrong with you?" He challenged before pulling her into a tight side hug, "You should be happy someone's willing to help your old man out."

She could only smile, unaware that he was taking deep whiffs of her hair and scent that was near his face.

I gritted my teeth, dropping my fork on my barely touched plate. Even my food, I couldn't finish without my stomach turning.

"We gone." I shuffled out my seat, pointing at her to get up so we could leave.

Though I didn't like her or her family, Solace was younger than me and I wasn't with the shit he was doing.

If given the chance, he'd take it there. And I would know; i've read all his records and allegations.