Locust Lane

Chapter 21

"Saraji, you've been sitting in this room all day," mom stated the obvious. "You should go get some fresh air."

That would be correct. She came to be with us this morning. Aside for stepping out to get something to eat, she has been here all day. It is not almost six o'clock. Ever since I got back from speaking with Nichelle and Bri, I haven't been out the room.

"No I'm fine."

"You can't sit here forever. You're not even taking care of yourself. And you know, part of taking care of yourself is working. You know so you can earn money. Have you got in touch with your job?"

Fuck that job. Didn't like it much anyway. Her granddaughter is laying here with a broken arm and she wants to talk about a job? I'm almost positive they've fired me by now. I left when Amir was attacked and haven't been back since. That was a week ago.

"Well a friend let us stay with her. You know that. And if she kicks me out, you and dad were letting me stay with with y'all."

"Right, but as you remember, your dad did say it was for a few months."

She's just trying to start some shit. Dad was about to come sit with us this morning too, but I begged him to go to work. I just didn't want him out here worrying and missing out on money. Tried to get her to leave too, but she wasn't going anywhere. She made that very clear.

Anyway, my point was that dad and I had a good talk. He really wanted to know why I even moved. Couldn't bring myself to tell him why though. He told me that if we ever come back home, we can stay with them for as long as we need. He truly cares about us. I'm not sure if I should go back home or not. Actually, I think I might have to. Nichelle will rightfully be mad when I don't have any bill money. That means dealing with Laila though.

"I'll be homeless then." My shoulders went up and down in a quick motion. Don't feel like arguing with her today, so I won't.

"No Saraji. We could never let you be homeless."

What was her point in even bringing that up then? I love her but she can be so complicated sometimes. I've been through a lot this last month of my life. I'm not saying I want sympathy, but I really wish she would ease up on me sometimes. It should be an admirable thing that I'm right here by my daughter's side. She hasn't always been, but let me not be bitter like sugarless kool-aid.

"Don't you want to go get something to eat? You're already skin and bones; you can't afford to miss any meals. Then again, you probably can't even afford a meal."

For the life of me I can't figure out what her deal is today. I've already missed several meals the past few days. My daughter was suppose to only spend a night in here and it's been three days. She isn't doing that well. I'm not sure how they missed this before they got back to me, but her little ribs are fractured.

Little does she know, I've already eaten today. There's this really sweet elderly nurse who brings me two meals a day. I tell her she doesn't have to, but she does it anyway. Told me she loves the fact that I'm here for my daughter. Sadly, she had a lot of story about young girls neglecting their children.

I'll never understand females that do that. Although Jason forced me to have sex with him damn near nonstop to have her, I won't take that out on her. I could have tried harder to keep my legs closed. I laid down and opened my legs, so now I will stand up and be a mother. She didn't ask for me to be her mother, so I feel like it's only right that I take care of her. I love her so much and I would do anything for her. I'd even die for her if I had to.

"If you are going to belittle me, you can leave." I said as I stood up with my fists at my side. "You do know that I have control over Domo's visitation, right?"