Bad Boy (DeVante Swing)

III

Arrington Noel DeGrate
July 4, 2004

"Zyla go pee before we leave." I told her as I packed a bag for her. Today we're back in LA to see Donald. He entered rehab in May and the facility is having a family barbecue. He's been asking me to come for the longest, he even convinced Zyla to pester me.

I am now 8 months pregnant. DJ is supposed to come late August. Donald is allowed to leave the facility for two weeks and then he has to go back. I figured by that time I might as well move back to LA so the kids can be close to him. Of course I don't plan on living in that house, too many memories.. Most bad.

"Mommy I done." Zyla said smiling at me. I kissed her cheek and grabbed her hand to leave. Right now we're staying at Dalvin's house. We're supposed to head to West Palm Beach around the 15th to set everything up for the birth.

"Y'all ready?" Dal asked as we came downstairs.

"Yeah, where's your parents?"

"They're meeting us there. Come on uncle's favorite girl. Time to go see daddy."

"Yaaaayyy! Dally I wanna fly!" She said running up to Dalvin. I loved the nickname she had for him. She never called anyone by their actual name. He put her on his back and we were out the door.

The car ride was filled with Zyla talking to Dalvin and asking how long till she sees daddy. She really does miss him. Even though they talk on the phone everyday, I know she can tell something is wrong. Some nights she comes in my room and just hugs me tight. She'll kiss my cheek and then fall asleep. The car came to a stop and I let out a sigh.

"Look ZyZy there goes Grampy and  NuNu." Dalvin said helping Zyla out the car as she ran to her grandparents. He looked at me as I got out. "You okay sis?"

I nodded. "Yeah.. It's just weird. I haven't really spoken to him like that so to see him after 3 months is a bit awkward."

"Well, just try to enjoy yourself. Remember you want Zyla to have fun and you want him to see his daughter. He misses her and you a lot Ari."

"Missing Zyla, I'm sure. Me not so much, he keeps conversation very short. The most he talked to me was about coming today."

Dalvin sighed as we met up with his parents. "Just.. Talk to him." I nodded and hugged his parents.

We walked inside and signed in. Soon they brought us to the backyard area and we looked around for Donald in the semi crowded area. A lot of families came down to see their loved ones. Zyla spotted Donald sitting down with shades on sitting at a table.

She ran over to him and he smiled brightly taking off his glasses to put on her face. We soon joined them as Zyla sat in his lap laying her head on his chest.

Everyone greeted him with a hug and I just did an awkward wave. As we sat there everyone was talking to Donald as I just stared into space. I could see him looking at me every couple minutes, but I kept my head straight.

"ZyZy you wanna come with Grampy and NuNu on the swings?" Donald's dad asked looking at Zyla who hopped off De ready to go. As they got up his parents gave me a look and nodded.

"I'll be back y'all, I'm going to go see what food they have here." Dalvin said getting up quickly.

I stared down at my hands biting my lip. I felt Donald get up and eventually the bench next to me got heavy. I looked to my right and he sat close but still giving me space.

"I'm glad you came." He said offering a smile.

I nodded. "Zyla really wanted to see you and I know how much you miss her. I've been talking to your doctors here, they say you're great. I'm glad you're making progress."