Dark Like Me 3: Open Up

13

Later in the evening and on my third cup of Charo's tea, I'm sitting on the balcony looking out at the aw-inspiring scenery. The ocean's waves crashing on the shore, made for a sweet lullaby. I lay my head back on the chair and my eyes being to grow heavy until Riki sits beside me.

"Hey," He greets.

"Hi."

He looks out at the scenery, "It's divine, isn't it?"

"It is. I heard some clattering in there, is everything alright?"

"Oh, yeah. Just Yuri and ma fussing about the spices. Ever since Yuri went to Culinary Arts school, she things she knows better cooking than mom does."

I smirk, "She's learning and she's probably trying to to your mom some new things."

"Eh, it's annoying but Yuir has been cooking some really great dishes since she started going to that school."

"I'm sure of it. I can't wait to try one of her dishes."

"I wanted to come out here and talk to you since I know tomorrow there will be a party and my sisters are probably going to take you away for shopping for the baby." He clears his throat.

"About what?" I tilt my head to the side and set the tea cup on the matching wicker table beside me.

He turns to me and smiles, "I want you to b alright with me going into the army."

"Shiriki, you know how I feel about this. I don't want to take care of these babies alone."

"You aren't going to. You will have me and my family and yours. I'll be in the twins' life, I just want to make a better life for us," he rubs my tummy. "It's going to be hard but ma said you can come here if you don't want to be along in the house. Even Yuri offered to take you in, and you know how she is about her personal space."

Yuricema is a very private young lady and prefer to be alone rather than having a roomie. So, for her to even offer to take me in, is a huge deal.

"I'm coming back. There is no need to worry, Sirrah. I'm coming back to you and my family," he says when I don't answer him.

"Okay," I whisper.

"Also, don't worry, I'm not going to do what Cole did to you. You and our children is my home nowhere else, Sirrah. Nowhere else."

That brings tears to my eyes. Of course, I feared that Shiriki would do the same thing Cole did. But, I should know better. I should have known better than that the day Shiriki and I had that talk while walking around the campus at night. He is nothing like Cole. Nothing.

"I believe you, Riki."

We embrace each other.

"Fabulous. Now, we need," he gets up, "No, you need a nice hot bath and get in the bed."

I arch my brow at him telling what to do.

He puts his hands up in defense, "If you want to stay up with the girls, you can," he takes my hand, "I'm just looking out for you Sirrah. Nothing else."

"I know. But I'll take a shower and see if your mom needs help in the kitchen. You know how I now feel about getting into the bath."

"Yes, yes. You say it's like bathing in your own filth. But, it's relaxing. However, I know my mom won't let you help in that kitchen. I am just trying to warn you."

"Hmmph,"I pout. He pokes my poked out bottom lip causing me to smile and poke his lip.I know he is right but there isn't anything wrong with trying anyway