Wife You Up (Completed Short Story)

10• Task

 
  
"How is work?"

Mommy's question reached my ears but I don't know what to answer and say.

Her birthday is coming up and I had something planned, but she's the only person in Jamaica that doesn't bother me for anything. Though I know she needs things.

A true parent doesn't pressure their child in the ways they know, especially when their child is actually trying.

"It's... it's over with." I could only say.

"What dat mean, Zay?" I could hear the morning program playing on her radio and a little frying, as she's making breakfast. Preferable egg, as her hens starts laying now.

"Mih quit." I admitted and silence followed. "Mommy?"

"A Wahm'n?" She asked.

I sighed before blurting everything to her. But instead of telling her exactly who Reinaldo was, I told her that he's a friend.

"Yuh have more than patience, Xyella. Yuh tolerance level high mih dear." She chuckled a bit. "Suh yuh alright now doe?"

That's equivalent to what is my next step.

"Yeah. Mih a put on clothes fih go look a next work yah now. Thankfully Mister Gibson a guh pay mih extra up until the time me write on the resignation letter." I informed her and she hums, hiding her relief. "Mommy, me go check out sum'n today and send it inna yuh WhatsApp, but me affi leave out yah now."

"Alright mih daughta. Tek care a yuh self."

"Thanks. You too." And that was it for the call.

While growing up, the only people I heard 'I love you' from are the Pryce's. Rue, Aunty, her husband and his family. An the actual persons that came together to create me; one loves sex while the other loves to give herself problems. According to Xoeyah, my older sister, mommy always finds something to do, even when everything is already done.

Throwing the towel aside, I quickly got dress and eyed the two big blue barrels I'm about to buy things and stock in it for mommy and Xoeyah. Anything they feel like sharing with the family is up to them, but my big sister won't look at anyone. The same way she said they don't look at her or mommy to help them.

Luckily, they moved from Spanish Town and is now living in Lilliput, Montego bay. It's where Mommy's father died and left the place for her. Aunty G is her only other sibling and Aunty don't want it. And it was where mommy lived before she moved to Spanish Town for work and met my father.

Dressed in comfortable jeans, shoes and a simple t-shirt, I barely exited the building when I caught sight of one of Reinaldo's security.

"Miss Moore." He greets.

"Hey there." I waved, moving away but he's following. "Umm.. You don't have to follow me. I'm just heading to the..."

I can't say the bus stop because I'm suppose to call Winfrey but I don't want to bother him. An all of this-with security following me seems all too much.

"The store." I point in the direction and he raised his hand to his left ear and another to his wrist.

"Winfrey, Miss Moore needs to head to the store." He informed, hiding his smile.

So this isn't the first time I've tried it this week.

The day after I quit, I tried to leave the house but I had spot this very security outside and he waved to me. Letting me know that he sees me peeking.

An when I texted Reinaldo about it, he is saying that Zayn is only there for protection and additional assistance. An he also does it by shift, because Caleb switched during the night or wherever one needs to use the bathroom and so forth.

Even worrying about their health, Reinaldo had me know that theses men are trained for the job and if they don't do it how do they get paid.

Four days passed and today, I just couldn't stay in.

For yesterday I tried sneaking out through the emergency exit but I was surprised to see another security there who was asleep but woke up and greeted me.

Luckily, I had a bag of trash to empty so I didn't gave myself away to that play.

Winfrey came and took me from one store to the next, and Zayn accompanied me so I put his strong arms to good use. Even bringing it up to the apartment for me, but Reinaldo was at the door waiting.

"I'll bring the rest to the door." Zayn informs me, taking off downs the stairs since the elevator doesn't work.

"Hi." I smiled up at him, though a little nervous since it's his first time inside the building and at my door.

"Hey, beautiful." He greeted, and just like the last time he saw me. He now puts a kiss upon my head and has this brown skin girl blushing.

"..." I had to stop myself from saying 'Hi' again, only to let him take the case of ensure from my hands being the helpful gentleman than he is. "I thought you'd be at work."

I looked at him as I removed the single key that was on a string around my neck, opening the door.

"I was, but I came to see you." He smiled and I blushed even brighter, looking away to enter the apartment. Taking off my shoes and putting it aside and he followed suit.

"For the lunch I owed you?" I half teased and he took a deep breath.

"You cooked?"

I laughed, walking into the kitchen. "Yes I cooked before I went out... oh, put it on the floor. I just remembered that my neighbors are crooks and I might not see my things again."

His smile instantly went away.

"It's natural." I shut it down before he starts having ideas.

"I'll bring them in then."

"Thank you." I smiled, turning to wash my hands and make us plates.

Baked chicken, baked Mac and cheese, festival, sweet corn and sauteed string beans, I popped it in the microwave for a bit, even though it's still a bit warm. Then poured out some of the Rue's favourite that I made, Okra punch, but I got a bottle water for him as well. I could do without, but just in case he doesn't like the drink.

"Miss Moore!" I heard a familiar voice and a smile spreads on my face.

"Hey, Luca." I went into the passage looking out at him at my door.

"You're looking beautiful again." He flirts and I reached up and took a peanut drops from the snack basked Rue has close by.

"Thank you, handsome, and here you go." He grins, and I watch his tiny feet run off down the corridor to boast.

"Look daddy, I did it again." Then his father laughs.

"I didn't hear you tell her thank you." Paul said.

"Thank you Miss Moore. I love you." He yelled and Reinaldo looked in at me while holding two boxes in hand.

"You're welcome, and I love you too, Luca." I laughed, closing the basket.

"Hey Xyella!" Paul called out to me.

"Hi Paul." I greeted in response, but Reinaldo was at the door when he looked in Paul's direction.

I know the glare on his face meant something, same way I'm aware that this man keeps sending his son trying to butter me up.

"I see I have a little competition." He chuckled, walking in and I shrugged.

"Cute men get things from women. What have you gotten?" I teased, folding my arms.

He took a good look at me and I couldn't stop blushing. "If I'm blessed I might have you."

I could only turn away to let him continue bringing the rest of the items in.