5 years later
"Press 1 to accept charges from the state jail to talk to inmate number 589256" I pressed 1.
"Briana." He answered.
"Brian!" I screamed like I do every time he calls me in between visits. "How are you?" I asked.
"Great, sentence keep getting shorter so I'm good. How are you and my nephews and nieces?"
"Johnathan stresses me out, lord I don't know what to do with that boy. Brylee is great and picked up a hobby of drawing. My little Picasso," I smiled. "Kennedy just learned to walk today and Tay is still having problems breathing. Kay got a little boyfriend now and Chancelor wants to kill him. But everything is under control." I informed him.
"Kay pulling them hoes. I taught her well," Brian laughed on the other end of the phone.
"Don't me teaching my baby that nonsense." I told him.
"Gotta keep her one step ahead of these niggas."
"She's only 13. What does she need a boyfriend for? You're probably the reason why she has one now!" I joked.
"She was going to have one regardless. Education is key. I'm the big brother who keep it real with her cus ya know Chance ain't. He probably told her she couldn't date until she was forty." I laughed as the last minute warning interrupted our conversation.
"Okay. Brian, keep your head up and don't get into any stupid shit. I love you, okay? I'll be by to visit soon."
"Okay I won't, love you too big sis. Thanks again for everything." He said as the call was disconnected.
I hate that Brian is in jail but hearing his voice reassures me that he's okay and can manage.
I never knew the things my little brother were capable of. Assault? That's one thing but murder? I never would have thought that Brian was capable of killing someone on my behalf.
The beeping of the kitchen timer interrupted my thoughts. I grabbed the oven mitt and retrieved the dinosaur shaped nuggets from the pan.
"Need help?" Kay asked appearing inside the kitchen.
"Can you just get everyone at the table. You can leave Kennedy in her bassinet." I instructed as she nodded her head.
I made everyone's plates and warmed Kennedy's bottle as everyone made their way to the table.
"Thank you." I heard the kids say as I sat plates in front of each of them.
I fed Kennedy her bottle and some Cheerios as I heard the front door open. It was Chancelor creeping in here again.
"Daddy!" I heard Brylee yell running to him.
"Daddy's princess." He cooed as he hugged her tightly kissing her forehead.
He released her before making his way around to everyone.
Just as he reached for Kennedy in my arms, he ignored my presence.
"Is there a reason you didn't come home for the fourth time this week?" I asked.
"Not right now, Briana." He spoke without looking at me. "Stay in your place." He barked as he walked away with Kennedy.
I know I don't deserve this. The way he treats me, the mother of his children, is all wrong. I accept this behavior for now to keep our family whole. I wouldn't want to confuse the kids when we don't all live in the same household. They deserve to live with all of their siblings.
