Interrupted Heart

8 | YOU

The ride here was awkward therefore I was thankful for the loud surroundings in Gina's house. Old school reggae music flowed through the air as everyone that was here kept themselves busy. Ace entered the house before me and was now starting a game of dominoes with his uncles and cousins in the backyard.

"So, what's new with you?" Ace's mother, Gina, asked. We were currently in the kitchen preparing some macaroni cheese for later on. Gina's bright eyes looked to me expectantly waiting for an answer.

One thing that I loved about her was that when she asked a question, she was genuinely interested. There was no false interest or cliché conversation fillers. Gina was the woman that everyone went to if you needed non-judgemental advice. I should know, I'd been going to her for as long as I could remember.

"Oh, you know. The usual." I emptied the now cooked macaroni shells into a bowl, making a start on the cheese sauce. "Ace secured the international advertisements so more recognition for all of us."

"I wasn't asking about my big headed boy," she responded folding her arms, "I was asking about you."

I shrugged in return.

"The usual, Mama G. I'm good." I kept it short like how I did with most people.

She shot me a skeptical look but thankfully she changed the subject.

"How is that fine man of yours? The last time I saw him was about 6 months ago." She reached into the oven and removed her roast potatoes.

"He's good, I guess."

"Going to pop the question any time soon?" I shrugged for what felt like the hundredth time, focusing my attention on the task at hand.

Would I even say 'yes' if Shae was to propose to me tomorrow? By the way that things were going at the moment, he would completely embarrassed by my response. I had stopped thinking about the idea of marriage a long time ago. I refused to join in an everlasting union with someone who couldn't show me that he 'loved' for no longer than 5 minutes.

Even 5 minutes was pushing it.

Definitely. Most definitely.

"Look at me baby." She lifted my head with her hand. I willed my emotions to stay behind closed doors.

"You're not happy."

"What? Of course I -."

"No, Nyla," She cut me off, "You're so used to bad relationships with those that are supposed to be close to you that you don't see when you should move on." She lowered her hand.

"It's not about loving someone. It's about loving yourself enough to know that you deserve better." Gina was right. She was always right. I didn't want her to be this time. One of my main goals in life was to prove everyone wrong about Shae. His good side was in there somewhere. I just needed some time to release it.

"Speaking of relationships," She continued, "guess who called me earlier this week." I internally prayed she wouldn't go there. I stared blankly at her knowing what was coming.

People should call you omniscient.

No. That's only the Lord.

"Justine, your mother." Gina confirmed my initial thoughts. "She left Richard."

Turning away from her, I scrunched my eyes shut trying to erase the torturing memories that I had spent years forgetting. At least attempting to. Why did my mother need to tell anyone about her relationship status? Why would she think that anyone would be interested after all these years? Caring was the last thing on her mind alongside her children.