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Celeste rested on the floor as she sipped on a freshly brewed glass of peppermint tea. The rain smashed against the home as the thundering produced fear amongst the city. The dark, cloudy skies gave the home a dim lighting. The only illusion of lighting came from the television that played an episode of Insecure.
This was Celeste's all time favorite television series. She could rewatch it a billion times and never get tired of it. Part of the obsession came from the relatability, but also it being a story that followed grown, black adults in society. It was scarce to find series that followed that demographic.
At the alert of her phone, she paused the show and reviewed the incoming message. After reading, she went to unlock the front door and prepare for Saint and Sanai to barge in. Being outside even the slightest amount of time would have your clothes drenched in the rain water.
Saint parked as closely to the front door as he could before he and Nai ran inside the house. Sanai couldn't contain her joy, "That was so fun!"
Celeste questioned her, "Getting rained on was fun to you?" Sanai unzipped her coat, "Hi mommy."
Saint also removed his coat and shoes from his body. Celeste helped her daughter, "Hey, are you hungry?"
Sanai nodded, making Celeste reply, "Yeah? Go shower and I'll make you something to eat." She ran up the stairs and left the parents alone.
Saint gave Celeste a short kiss, "Wassup wit you." She stood with one hand on her hip, "Just was missing y'all a little more today. It seemed like four o'clock would never come."
They both went into the living room, Celeste sat on Saint's lap facing him. She rested her head on his shoulder and fidgeted with his hair like normal.
Saint noticed she was on edge, "You still thinking about the stuff with Raya?" It had been nearly a week since the incident occured, but Celeste was still bothered by it. Raya hadn't been to work since that night and she wasn't returning anyone's calls.
Celeste breathed in, "I mean.. How could I not? If he does that in public, imagine what he's doing when they're not. I'm- I'm worried that something is wrong."
"There's only so much you could've did. You and Kennedy did the best y'all could– stop beating yourself up. You offered to help her legally, but she declined. You can't save someone that doesn't wanna be saved." Saint explained with a sincere and encouraging tone.
Despite his message, she still couldn't feel a single ounce of relief. Celeste clung to Saint tighter. She was internally grateful that she never had to experience domestic violence in the ways that other individuals had. She was thankful that she received a partner that spreaded love in multiple expressions. It was certainly easy to forget how much you had until a warning was given.
"I hear you. It still doesn't make her going missing any easier. I'll be able to relax once I finally hear back from her." Celeste said.
Saint responded, "I'm not saying this to be self centered or narcissistic, but you need to focus on yourself too, mama. You gotta lot going on and I don't want you to fall behind in school. I'm here to help you as much as I can, but everything else is up to you."
