The Kick Back

The Fly

My heart had finally began its healing process. Everyone who needed closure from me had finally gotten their wish. I knew flying back to Michigan knowing I had closed all chapters would help me to prepare for what was next. All I wanted to do was complete the twins nursery, get a few more boxes of pampers, and other knick knacks. My time in Oakland had truly opened me up to do better as far communicating, letting go, and moving on from things I had no control of.

The only thing I could think about was landing back in Grand Rapids. Time seemed to be moving slow. I watched the clock every hour on the hour. I sat at the window for hours watching the local kids play as the adults enjoyed one another's company. At one point in time I pictured myself as a little girl playing hopscotch in the middle of the street, while the older boys wrestled in the middle of the yard.

Days like this made me miss the Oakland summers. A cool breeze swept through the room allowing me to escape my thoughts. Closing my eyes my mind drifted away from everything. My body had finally relaxed, before I could get deeper into the zone a cold hand touched my shoulder. Jumping I turned around quickly. "Oh my goodness Mike you scared me!" Sitting down next to me Mike laid back on the bed. "What's on your mind?"

Mike sat quietly for a few seconds. It was almost as if he had been fighting back tears. Laying his head on my lap. "What's the matter big head?" stroking his head trying to soothe him. I knew me leaving was bothering him. Deep down I didn't want to leave Mike.

If anyone needed to be getting out of Oakland, it was him. Mike had been through more shit than I did and yet he still stood strong. So bad I wanted to give him the key to my apartment and tell him to board my flight. If I could have had it my way Mike would have been in Michigan a long time ago.

Laying in my lap Mike took a deep breath before talking. Stroking his head "I worry about you sometimes, you hold so much in and you haven't really said much since I've been in town. Talk to me." As long as I have known Mike whenever he looked someone into their eyes he meant business. "We don't keep secrets from each other, right?" My full attention was on Mike at that very moment. I knew we were in for a talk that was long overdue. "Stephanie I have to be completely honest with you.

You leaving Oakland did something to me." My heart started racing from his words. I wasn't prepared for what was to come out of this talk, but I knew that we would be at some type of peace once it was over. "You have always been my go to woman when I needed someone. When you moved to Michigan my heart broke in half. I didn't know what to do or who to turn to." Tears rolled down both of our faces. "So much has happened since you got the hell out of dodge. Antonio and I aren't even as cool as we used to be. His focus is his new girl and that's all fine and dandy, but it's been times I needed him and he didn't fall through." Dropping my head I knew I had failed Mike. He needed me and I wasn't there. To hear how everyone turned their backs only made me hate my decision to move. "What happened Mike? Please talk to me..."

Biting his lip Mike broke out crying. "I'm not ready for you to go Stephanie. I don't have anyone anymore. No support system, no friends, im dealing with these Demons by myself. Please stay a little longer Stephanie, please I know it's selfish to ask but you are the only person I have left." Breaking down even more Mike could barely contain himself. Whatever was bothering him was deeper than what he was saying.

Grabbing his face "How can I help when you aren't telling me what's really going on?" The helpless look on his face put all my problems to shame. I came back to Oakland to close chapters, and this Mike chapter was one that was still being written. Letting out a sigh Mike continued to tell me everything that happened over the past four months.

Our time in that room brought us even closer. Mike would never have to worry about me failing him again. When it came to Mike my next move was my best move, and this would prove me right. Over a period of two hours Mike and I had come up with a game a plan that would change his life from that moment forward. I made a promise years ago to Mike that as long as we were friends he would never have to want for anything..this was my time to prove that.....