Man Of The Year: Secrets & Lies

Chapter Fifteen: Helping Hands

After two long months of non-stop recovery in the hospital, Ms. Joanne was finally home under Aja's watch. She liked the fact of being taken care of but it wasn't as glamorous as others made it sound. Her son for one wouldn't let her do anything physical unless it was in reach or didn't cause any pain. Joanne understood him wanting her to be careful yet there was so much one could do on a motor scooter. It was exhausting trying to have the conversation with him because he wasn't going to listen to her or Aja.

Joanne stared at the shower head in deep thought.

I really could have been in the hospital watching my stories instead of being trapped under house arrest with the warden. I'll be much happier when I'm walking again and in my own space for a change.  She fiddled with her wedding band.

If only you were here my love, you could've taken me away like you promised. We could set sail for Italy just you and me, wearing those silly bucket hats, matching attire and enjoying a barrel of booze. She chuckled at the thought of them gallivanting around Italy goofing around.

I really wish you were here to care for me like only you would be able to. Joanne thought while wiping the wet spot on her cheek away. I hope I've been making you proud with raising our son, He's grown up to be something special thanks to you.

A tiny knock on the door made her jump. "Ms. Joanne, are you ready for me to help you out?" Aja asked on the outside the bathroom door. "

"Yes, please. my back is starting to hurt a little."

The door slowly opened with Aja carrying undergarments with a fresh towel. Setting them aside, she grabbed Joanne's robe and place it over her shoulder while carefully helping Momma J out of the bath. Joanne groaned standing up, she had yet to take her medication nor was she trying to.  Aja could tell that something was bothering her.

"What's going on you've been really quiet lately?" Joanne sighed. "I know that sigh, what did Kyrie do now?"

Joanne remained quiet until they got her onto the bed. "It has nothing to do with him, it's more of my frustrations of not being able to do for myself. I mean, I appreciate all of the things that you both have done thus far but I miss being in the comfort of my own home with my things." Aja listened to her while helping her lotion her body. "I know Kyrie's intentions mean well but Aja, I am tired." Joanne expressed.

"You know telling that to Kyrie won't be easy, no offense but he's a momma's boy and he will not live with himself if something happened to you after letting you go back to your house." Aja placed a pair of warm socks on her feet as she spoke.

"I'm starting to wonder who the parent is between him and me." Joanne chuckled.

After helping get Ms. Joanne dressed and medicated, Aja gathered everyone's dirty laundry and jogged downstairs. With a little free time on her hands, Aja to clean up the house and organize it before her husband's arrival. Let's be clear, Aja was no housewife (no shade). Kyrie would come home and make more of a mess of the place, especially when playing with the kids then go off to his man cave for Aja to clean behind them. She sent him a quick text as a reminder to pick up dinner tonight.

Hubby: I'm not getting Thia food again that shit gave me the runs for three days. What happened to you cooking dinner?

Wife: Babe, I'm cleaning up the house, washing laundry, and making sure your mom doesn't kick your ass for holding her hostage. Now, can you please get something for us to eat tonight?

Hubby: Yeah and I'm gonna talk to you when I get home.

She shook her head and place her phone on the counter.