The Love That Grew

Ch. 22 WTF!?

Jacksonville, Fl

March

Hot tears fell from her eyes. Even after all these years, visiting their gravesites was still hard. Now standing all alone, she regretted declining Xavier's offer to tag along. With today being their last full day in Florida, Jashae refused to leave without giving her favorite two women a life update.

Getting comfortable on the blanket she brought, she placed the flowers and balloons on their headstones and spilled her heart out. "I'm graduating in two more months; can y'all believe it? All these sleepless nights are finally paying off. I wish y'all could be there to cheer me on, especially you, Ma, s-since you never got to see me cross the stage.

Then again, you'd both probably cuss me out since I'm pregnant. No, I didn't accidentally get knocked up and left. It's complicated, like my whole life has been since y'all left me. Nana, remember how you used to let me sip your coffee whenever Papa wasn't looking? Ma, remember the way you used to take me for ice cream every Friday after school? I miss y'all so much. We both do, me and Papa. He's been holding on for me. The doctors think the cancer is almost completely gone, thank God.

Okay, enough sad stuff. Let me tell y'all how fine my baby daddy is, whew."

Before Jashae knew it, two hours had gone by. She'd laughed, cried, and even cursed. Her grandmother, Patricia, always told her not to question God, but losing two of the most important women in her life left her wondering why. Stretching after sitting in the same position for hours, she took a deep breath, feeling a mixture of relief and sadness.

She stood up, brushing off her clothes, and took one last look at the gravesites. "I promise to make you both proud," she whispered. "I love you, and I'll be back soon."

As she walked back to the car, she felt a sense of closure. It was hard to say goodbye, but she knew they were watching over her. She was determined to make the most of her life, not just for herself but for them as well.

When she got back to Jackson's house, Xavier was waiting for her on the porch. He stood up as she approached, worry written over his face. "You okay?" he asked softly.

She nodded, wiping away the last of her tears. "Yeah, I am. Thanks for understanding."

Xavier wrapped her in a gentle hug. "Always. Let's go inside. Pops has been asking about you."

"Pops?" she grinned, amused at the new nickname.

"Yeah, I'm not calling another grown man Papa."

With a final glance at the setting sun, Jashae took Xavier's hand and walked inside. Coming back home went better than expected. The amount of love and support Jackson offered was unmatched. Then again, Shay expected nothing less from the man who always showed up for her. The ride back to the hotel was quiet, mostly because Jashae had fallen asleep. Xavier knew it had been a long day for her and decided to let her rest before their long flight in the morning.

Trying not to disturb the girl, Xavier rubbed circles along her back while carrying her to their suite, gently placing the heavy sleeper on the bed for comfort while he started his night routine.

The sudden urge to pee forced Jashae out of her slumber. Rushing towards the toilet, she got more than she bargained for. The steam did little to blur the outline of Xavier's lean build through the sliding glass door. Turning around, likely from the new cool air from the door being opened, the two stared at each other awkwardly.

Neither of them was prepared for this moment: him completely naked, slightly embarrassed, and her pleasantly shocked at his size. "I- have to use the bathroom," she stammered after staring for far too long.