Divided Heart

Chapter 5

Present Day

The following day, Teddy aced his job interview and accepted the offer on the spot. The thrill of returning to New York, his true home, was intoxicating. He texted Amara to meet him at his father's place in Park Slope.

Amara had a lot on her mind. She dreamt of that awful night when Rahn broke her heart into a million pieces. Seeing him dredged up those painful memories. She was amid getting ready when her mother called.

"Hey Ma," she answered, putting the call on speaker.

"Twink, what are you up to?" Veronica asked cheerfully.

"Meeting with Teddy to visit his dad. What's up?" Amara replied.

"Oh, that's nice, enjoy. I just called to tell you your father is throwing a cookout tomorrow. It's last minute but I want all my babies there."

Amara agreed to attend, promising to call back later. When she arrived at Senior's, the warmth of the welcome was immediate. Teddy and Senior exchanged playful banter, and Amara felt a sense of belonging. As they flipped through family photos, Teddy's demeanor shifted. Amara noticed the change, his usual lightheartedness replaced by a quiet intensity. He'd mentioned his tough upbringing before, but the weight of his experiences seemed heavier now. Growing up between New York and Boston took a toll on him and not because of the distance. His parents separating forced him to become a man sooner than he imagined. He was always fighting for his life from the occasional bully to the many ex boyfriends who mishandled his mother. He became a force to be reckoned with as his patience decreased and his strength increased.

Senior also noticed the change and fought tooth and nail with his ex-wife for Teddy to stay in New York full time. However, Nora Phillips, had become bitter from her own stubbornness and mistakes. She couldn't see what was happening to her son. In America it was better for a young black boy to be tough and strong, it was good for him she thought.

The pictures in the photo album told a thousand words. Teddy was a scrawny 13-year-old the summer he left his family's home. By January he had doubled in size. And by April he was the 14-year-old 9th grader that people knew not to fuck with. He had proved himself at school and on his block.

Teddy's hands turned into fists as he rested his chin on them. Amara saw how tense he was, she managed to unravel a fist and laced her fingers with his. Teddy's right side warmed and he felt Amara's transference of calm energy taking him over. Senior an unintentional bystander watched the intimate moment, and his heart ached for his son.

He hadn't been privileged to many of Teddys girlfriends. The girls he dated never lasted long enough for him to meet them. They were there one day and gone the next. Teddy was particular that way. Teddy was chasing a type and now that he saw him with Amara, he knew the type it was. Amara's aura was bright and free. But it wasn't wild. She was caring, warm, and cautious. Senior liked her right away when they met months ago. And from the countless 3-way Face Times, he knew she was a keeper. Being polyamorous didn't bother Senior but he wasn't sure his son could handle it. For now, they were managing but Senior waited for the other shoe to drop. Because even though Amara had great qualities Teddy was also a runner. He pushed people away to guard himself from potentially being hurt.

Senior stepped away to check on the dinner he had been preparing all evening. He wanted to make a good first impression on Amara in his home. The dining table had been intimately set for 3. A thick linen cloth and custom China dawned the table. A carafe of red wine and a basket of fresh baked bread sat in the center. Senior meticulously plated their dinners before calling the couple to the table.

Teddy sat quietly with his eyes closed as Amara placed comforting kisses on the side of his face and neck. Amara found that out of her partners, Teddy tended to suffer and silence. However, she always knew when he was hurting by his body language. He never would tell her what was wrong, but he did allow her to comfort him. She was the peace he never had and needed. Her presence alone calmed him her touch was just a bonus.