They Don't Know

Chapter18 † I Know

Copyright © 2013

♪But I guess things change,

It's funny how someone else's success brings pain.

When you're no longer involved,

That person has it all,

And you just stuck standing there.

But I'm gonna need you to

Say something, baby...♪

*Sunni's POV*

"Mama?" I said through the phone. This was the first time I'd talked to her since I was seven. I had both emotion and nervousness in my voice. I missed her so much but I couldn't find the words to say it.

"Zyna? Baby, is this you?" she asked. I could hear the emotion in her voice. My nerves got the best of me and I could feel the tears welling up in my eyes begging me to come out.

"Yes, Mama. It's me," I said trying to hold back the tears but nothing could stop them at this point.

"Lord, Jesus! My baby!" she yelled through the phone. By now, I was full blown bawling into the phone. We both sat there for about five minutes crying like little wussies.

I know what you're thinking. How could ya'll go so long without communicating? Well, it took me a while to forgive my parents. When they sent letters, I wouldn't reply. It wasn't until Anya's mother died, that I really thought about rekindling our relationship. It took years, but I'm ready to take that step.

"Hey, Ma. How you been?" I asked trying to start a conversation.

"I been good. Better now that you called. Zyna, you just don't know how happy I am to hear from you!" she said sounding like she was tearing up again.

"I really missed you, Mama. I really did. I was just so mad," I told her. We caught up on lost times and I told her about everything. From age seven to eighteen.

"I can't believe you're eighteen. I want to see you, Zyna. Can I come visit?" she asked pleadingly.

"I would love for you to, but now is not a good time. Which brings me to another reason I called," I said. "How's Ms. Denise?"

"Bored as ever since you and Zoryn left. She ain't got nothing to do. I just keep her around for her company," she said. Ms. Denise was my babysitter/nanny. She helped around the house and took care of us when my parents were out of town. The one week she went out on vacation was the week they put my life in the hands of Darryl.

"So she isn't busy?" I asked knowing the answer.

"Zyna, what you up to?" my mama asked. Her tone brought back memories of when I was a child in trouble. I told her about Woo and how we needed somebody to watch his brother while we took care of the Darryl situation.

"Zyna, I don't think that's safe," Mama said.

"Nah. What's not safe, is that a rapist and child abuser is out and about free as a bird," I said being as polite as I could.

"I just need somebody I can trust with him. Ma, please?" I begged.

"Fine, but under one condition," she said.

"I get to be with you when you find Darryl,"

"You got a deal," I smiled.

"Just don't get hurt in all this foolishness!" she nagged.

"I won't, Ma!" I said annoyed. We talked for a little bit longer and discussed with Ms. Denise about my proposition. She quickly accepted claiming that she'd rather clean shit than do another crossword puzzle.