What The Heart Wants (ON HOLD)

Chapter 13

#PrayforLouisiana

The next day...

Omniscient

Leila opened her living room window and let the chilly air come into her house. She shut it just as quickly.

"Fuck that," she whispered.

There was always something up with New Orleans weather. Either it was too hot or too cold. At least back in Jersey, there was some consistency. She reached for her phone to call Justin. Meanwhile, he was sitting in his apartment eating Lucky Charms and watching Baby Boy when his phone started buzzing. He rolled his eyes when he saw his sister's name on the screen and waited a few rings before picking up.

"Yo?"

"Hey, what are you doing today?"

"Naefin. Tryna see if one of my hoes is willing to slide through."

"Jus, you don't have any hoes. Can you come watch the boys? Today's class is gonna be really long and I don't want them to get restless while we're out..."

"...What the fuck are you gonna do on a day when I actually have plans?"

"Like that'll ever happen."

He kissed his teeth before the line went dead.

"Dickhead."

Grabbing her flip flops, she walked up the stairs to tell Mal and Nasir.

"Thing 1 and Thing 2, your uncle is coming over soon. Put on some clothes."

Nasir's head popped out from the door, "Why? Uncle Jus not special."

Her shoe flew from her fingers toward him, but he dodged it just in time. Grinning, she replied, "Because I said so, and last time I checked, I'm the parent and you're the child."

He nodded his head quickly and scurried back into the room. Leila entered her room and looked around for a hat to put over her unwrapped hair. She picked up the first one she saw and went to go wake up the kids.

She approached Melanie's door and opened it gently. Mel was sitting in front of her mirror putting the finishing touches on her hair.

"Morning, Ms. Lei."

"Morning boo. Did you sleep well?"

"Yeah, I talked to my dad last night."

"How is he doing?"

"He said he's getting better. They told him he'll be out in a few months. He tried to get in contact with momma, but she won't answer his calls...I don't blame her, though."

Leila hung her head in sympathy as tears began to well up in Mel's eyes. She recalled all of the times she would see Max hanging out at the local bars back home; the man could outdrink Hemingway. According to her mom, about a year and a half ago, he came back from his usual escapades and started fighting with Mel's older brother. One thing led to another and he shot him in the leg.

After that, he admitted himself into a center and he's been there ever since. Melanie was trying to be strong for her mom and her brothers by forgiving her father, but it was one of the hardest things she's ever had to do.

Leila released a heavy sigh, "Is Mateo getting better?"

She shook her head, "When we talk it's like I can see right through him. He tries to act happy for my sake, but all he does is work, help around the house and then stay in his room."

"He's still coaching?"

She smiled, "Yeah, he said it's the only thing besides us that still gives him purpose."