Just Be A Man About It

11.2

Naomi

There were so many reasons why I wanted to leave. Trey, my ex-family members, and for the safety of my family. I just cannot live with the fact that I am putting them in danger, and if something happens to them, I won't be able to live with the fact that I caused this.

"I just think we need to get away from here, Malik. I don't feel safe anymore. I feel like I'm constantly looking over my shoulder to see if danger is coming my way, and when I finally stop looking, danger comes at me full force. I can't keep putting myself or my family in danger. I don't feel comfortable here. I feel trapped. Plus, all this stress isn't good for me or Amira. I don't want my baby girl to suffer way before she has even made it here. I want out, Malik," I say, truthfully.

"Where are we going to go, Naomi? It's not like we have a beach house in Malibu or a mansion in Las Vegas. We would have to buy a whole new house, get used to different surroundings, and just start over. I'm not ready to start over just yet. I want Amira to be here first. I want to work some more so that I can transfer to a new location without jeopardizing my position. I want to make sure my family is in a stable condition before we move. We don't need to bring that added stress to a new place, Naomi. Let's just sit and think for a while until we know for sure what we want to do," Malik says, kissing my forehead.

Even though I didn't like his answer, he was right. Bringing old problems to a place that you want to call your serenity is not a wise idea. I do need to relieve some stress so that Amira and I can continue being healthy. I want Malik to enjoy his new position, and I want Amar to have a great summer. I just want everything to be okay. That's all. I need some peace for once in my chaotic life.

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"Naomi, wake up."

I stir in my sleep.

"Naomi, get up."

I roll over and open my eyes. It was Mr. Reynolds I sit up and rub my eyes. Malik and Amar were not in the room, but their stuff was still here. I look over at Micah and give him a small smile.

"Mr. Reynolds, what are you doing here? How did you know I was here?"

"I saw your husband in at IHOP yesterday, and I told him that your car was almost good to go. He asked for my number again, because he said he lost the card. I gave it to him, and he called me not too long ago and asked me if I could come and sit here with you until he got back."

That was a nice thing and all, but Malik told me that he was going to the office yesterday.

"Oh, well thank you, Mr. Reynolds."

"Please, call me Micah."

"Are you sure?" I ask.

"I'm positive."

"Okay."

There was a small, awkward silence between us. I want to ask him what's wrong but I'm not sure if he would tell me. I study his face as he looks at the television. I don't know why but we kind of look alike. I can see that we have the same facial features. His black curly hair was like mine only I dyed my hair a brownish red color.