Just Be A Man About It

11.

Naomi

I told the police about my past with Trey and how he has left a lot of threatening messages lately. The police recommend that I get a restraining order put against him and they made the decision to keep watch over our house. That made me feel better, but I still didn't feel safe. The baby was fine. Thank God! It was just stress. I'm glad Amira is okay, but I shouldn't put any more stress on her. I don't want to lose my baby girl.

Amar was sleeping at the foot of the hospital bed, and Malik was sitting in a chair next to the bed.

"Malik," I say, softly.

He looks up at me with weary eyes.

"What's up, baby? Are you okay?"

"I'm fine. I was just thinking about something."

"What is it?"

I take a deep breath and look at him.

"I was thinking about sending Amar to live with my grandmother, Lea."

Malik just stares at me and shakes his head.

"Why?"

"Malik, I just want him to be safe. I don't want him to live in fear. Malik, that bastard came into the house, went upstairs, and was dragging Amar by his legs."

When I said that, Malik's face turns red. He balls his fists so tight that his knuckles turn white.

"I just don't want him living in fear, baby. I don't want for him to have to look over his shoulder every time he goes somewhere. I want him to be safe and know that he is safe."

"I know Mi-Mi, but I don't know if that's a good idea. Your grandma is already sick and is having your cousin, Reagan, taking care of her. I don't think Reagan or your grandma need anything extra to take care of right now. I think we just need to get away from here, like move to a new place."

I got excited when he mentioned moving. I have been looking at different houses ever since my mom's family came to town.

"I was thinking the same thing. I have been looking at houses for a while now."

"Well, what did you have in mind?"

"I was thinking about Massachusetts or New Jersey."

I've always loved the North, and since I used to live there while I was in college, I figured I could go back, but Malik is a true down South boy. He knows nothing about the North.

"Really?"

"What?"

"Have you not heard of how brutal those winters are up North? They still go to school with snow up to their necks. My kids will be home-schooled if that's the case."

"Yea. That's true."

It was silent between us until Malik asks a question I was avoiding, not because I didn't know the answer, but because I didn't want to talk about it.

"Why do you wanna move so far away?"

I look at him and Amar. Then I look at my belly. Little Amyra was just kicking away. I guess she wanted an answer too.