Between the Raindrops

2) Markyse is Rescued

November 12, 1996

"I don't know what to do," Tyla complained to her mother. She held the healthy seven month year old in her lap, watching him slobber all over his fingers. Her stomach had grown big and caring for Markyse helped her get ready for her own baby. She hadn't heard anything from Hazel in weeks, but she knew he was still alive and well. Cynthia hadn't reached out at all, so Tyla knew that she was hurting still. She didn't want to see how her baby had grown under the care of someone else. And although he was well taken care of, she knew that he belonged with his biological mother and father.

"He's grown to love you," she admires, grabbing his left leg and tickling him. Her heart warmed up when she saw the striking resemblance between the baby and his father Hazel. She loved this baby more than she ever thought she would, but it still didn't take away from the fact that she got him under bad circumstances.

"I love him too," she nodded. "So much. But it doesn't change why he's here. I feel empty knowing that he needs his father in his life."

"You're doing a great thing," her mother complimented. "I'm amazed at your strength."

"I can't believe Haze left me with a baby. Who does he think he is?"

"Hazel has always loved you," her mother reminded her. "That boy trusts you with his life. It's always been that way. No matter what the both of you have done, at the end of the day, he has always counted on you to protect him. And while that doesn't take the place of his wife, he knows who he can depend on."

"Are you crazy, ma?" She scoffed. "Hazel doesn't trust anybody. Especially now after his own brother betrayed him."

"If Hazel didn't trust you, do you think he would leave you with this baby? Markell has always been jealous of that boy and had you not told him, you'd be spending time consoling him rather than helping."

"I just don't know what to do. I'm about to have a baby of my own. What can I do with two kids?"

"You have always been a warrior." Tammy nodded her head, admiring the small child's cheeks before turning back to her daughter. She admired her strength, wondering how somebody of her caliber could handle the weights on her shoulders. She knew she raised a warrior, but it wasn't until now that she could finally see. "No matter what, I will always be here to help you, you know that."

"I know that, mama, but I'm still scared."

"I know you're ready to have this little girl whether you want to admit it or not. Ever since you were little you've wanted to have a girl, you've always talked about it. We could've both done without Rodney, but this baby is a blessing."

"I almost want the days to go by slower," she admits. "Markyse is a handful on his own, having two is going to be even worse. And all I can do is pray that Rodney will help. There's so much to think about."

"You are my only daughter and I will go to the end of the earth for you," she grabbed her hand. "Don't you dare forget that. I love you more than life itself and I know life threw a curve at you, but remember who you are. You are my child and there's nothing I won't do for you. Even if Rodney won't be there, I will."

"Mom, it honestly means so much. Thank you."

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