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Chapter 4 • Train of Thought

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Alisha's POV

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Stephon, Ashka, and I discover Ma outside on the porch. She's leaning against the wooden ledge with a lit cigarette wedged between her lips. She's still wearing her scrubs, but stood with barefeet. The neat, stray-free bun, she spends five minutes every night perfecting, no longer existed. Her long, black hair was loose and free, blowing in the summer breeze. She's such a petite woman, but full of life.

"Ma," I called out to her, standing by the door frame. Stephon and Ashka stand behind me,"We have your McDonalds."

She glances back at us and smiles,"What did you get me?"

I look at Stephon and gesture him to speak up. He scowls, but obliges.

"I didn't really know what you liked, ma'am. I've gotten you pancakes, hash browns, and a cup of coffee. You know. The basics," He told her lamely, stepping up and handing her the contents.

She sets the coffee down on the ledge and peers inside the bag. A smile spreads across her face. Ma is grateful. The fact that he thought of her is good enough.

So stop acting so nervous and shy, Chickenbutt...

"Yes," She assured, pulling out the plastic container,"This is more than perfect. Thank-you...?"

Stephon laughs,"Forgotten my name already?" He admonished,"I know I'm not that memorable, but sheesh."

We all giggle and Stephon smiles, satisfied with himself.

He broke the ice so smoothly.

Ma rolled a pancake and stuffed it in her mouth,"I'm sorry. I'm just very bad with remembering names."

He waves a hand,"It's okay," He assured her,"My name's Stephon."

"Where are you from, Stephon?"

"Alabama."

"Your accent is very sexy," She complimented, fluttering her eyelashes.

Blood rushes to my face,"Ma!" I admonished, Ashka giggling behind me.

Ma looks at me, her mouth full,"What?" She mumbles,"It is."

I roll my eyes and Stephon rubs a hand down the back of his head, his face sheepish.

"I'm very flattered ma'am." He mused, giving her a smirk, the one with the dimple.

"You're welcome," She replied, ignoring my annoyed expression,"So. Where are you guys going, hm?"

Where are we going?

I glance back at Ashka,"What are you doing here, Haitian?"

"I came to invite you, Grace, and Stephon to a BBQ."

BBQ? With Ashka's family? Oh, yes. Here comes the amazing haitian food.

I begin to jump up and down,"Oh. Yes, yes, yes. Where?"

"See," She said, her voice small,"That's the thing."

I still,"What?"

"It's in Spring Valley. At Preston's house."

Ohhhhh... Preston. Her cousin... And my ex.

I glance back at Stephon. He was leaning against the ledge, quietly chatting with Ma. She was entranced into whatever he was telling her. He says something, something he didn't mean to say. He bites his lips and looks down at her, embarressed. She laughs and pats his back. Curiousity hits me, hard and cold.