Brushstrokes of Obsession | BXB

Chicken and Waffles

Montey woke up, disoriented and stiff from sleeping on the couch. He blinked a few times, realizing it was morning. Panic surged through him as he grabbed his phone, noticing a missed call from his mother. He had promised to visit her last night but had fallen asleep instead.

His heart raced as he quickly dialed her number. She picked up on the second ring.

"Hey, Ma," Montey said, his voice filled with guilt. "I"m so sorry I didn't get in touch with you last night. I fell asleep on the couch and just woke up."

"It's okay, Baby," Naomi replied, her tone gentle and understanding. "I figured something must have come up."

"I really am sorry. I know I was supposed to come over," he insisted, the guilt weighing heavily on him. "You shouldn't be by yourself."

"Montey, don't worry about it," she reassured him. "I'm just at the grocery store, picking up a few things. I'll be heading back home soon, and I'm going to be just fine. You should enjoy your last day off and get some fresh air."

"But, Ma, I don't want you to be alone," Montey insisted, concern noticeable in his voice.

"I'm going to be okay, really," she said firmly. "I appreciate your concern, but you don't need to worry yourself sick about me. You work hard, and you deserve to take a break. Use today to relax and recharge."

Montey felt a wave of relief mingled with lingering concern. "Are you sure, Ma?"

"Boy, don't make me," she said, her voice ascending. "We will catch up later. Now, get off this phone. I'm here if you need me"

Montey chuckled, "Okay Ma, Love you."

"Love you too, Montey."

As Montey hung up the phone with his mother, he sat back on the couch and took a moment to reflect on how blessed he was to have her in his life. His mother had always been his comfort zone, a pillar of support and unwavering love throughout his entire life.

From a young age, she had been his biggest supporter, cheering him on during important moments. He remembered how she never missed an award ceremony during grade school, her face beaming with pride as he walked across the stage to receive his certificates and trophies. When prom season came around, she was there to help him pick out the perfect tuxedos for both his junior and senior proms, ensuring he looked fly and fresh.

Field days at school were always special because she would be there, cheering louder than any other parent, making him feel like a champion no matter the outcome of the races. And when he was sick, she was the one who nursed him back to health, her nurturing touch and comforting words easing his pain and fears.

She was there for the big moments and the small ones, creating a timeline of memories filled with love and support. Yet, despite her nurturing nature, Montey also knew that when she needed to put her foot down, she didn't hesitate. He had learned early on not to test her patience. He recalled times when he had pushed boundaries and misbehaved, and she corrected him with stern words or a foot up his ass.

His thoughts shifted from his loving mother to his father. The contrast between his parents was often a source of deep emotional turmoil for him.

Montey's father had always been the complete opposite of his mother. Where she was warm and his comfort zone, his father was cold and distant. Affection was something Montey rarely, if ever, received from him. Instead, his father's words were often harsh and cutting, leaving deep emotional scars that Montey still carried with him.

His father had a way of talking down to him, making Montey feel small and not good enough. There were times when Montey felt bullied by his own father, the man who was supposed to protect and guide him. As a young boy, Montey learned to walk on eggshells around his father, always trying his best not to anger him or piss him off. The constant fear of his father's wrath was a heavy burden for a child to bear.