Love Lock Down

Chapter 18 (Navette)

I tried to get comfortable in the backseat. I could see Leroi stealing glances from the rear view mirror. I smiled a weak smile and he returned it. I felt in my back pocket for the card he had given me. It was all bent from where I folded it up, but the words had really touched me. I folded it back and put it in my pocket when I could hear a song playing on the radio. I need a distraction to drown out the pain in my heart.

"Leroi can you turn that up please."

"Sure thing mama." He said adjusting the volume.

We were together just the other day

Taking life for granted, passing the time away

I was there for you, you were there for me

We would be together for eternity

I never knew there would be sorrow

But I knew we'd be together tomorrow

Together forever we were so wrong

Now I  just can't believe that you're gone

And I'm so alone,alone

You never miss a good thing til it's gone

I let Men At Large minister to me as we entered the highway. I was trying to sleep, but I couldn't get comfortable. When we got home I looked down at my dark apartment without even the porch light on. Leroi helped his mam out of the car and I got out to grab her other hand. She handed me her walking cane and accepted my hand as we walked to the house. I wondered why she was using a cane because she didn't appear to be that old. When we go to the door and opened the screen some brown skinned guy opened up the other door.

"Oh so you all are finally back it's only about 2:00 in the morning!" He yelled.

"Curt don't start that fussing we had a long night. "

"Well excuuuuuuuuuse me for being worried about my family. And who is this little girl?" He asked pointing to me.

Ms. Judith rolled her eyes and sat on the couch. This is the child that lost her sister tonight Curt. Leroi lock that door up and you give her something to sleep in. Navette you can sleep down here on the couch it has a pullout bed."

"Um excuuuuse me what do you mean she is staying here. I understand you want to help, but we have a teen son here."

"Aye dude what is your point?" Asked Leroi walking up to him.

"Mama said she can stay so that's that. "

"And just who do you think you're talking to young man?"

"I don't think I'm talking to nobody, but I know I am talking to you. Come on Navette I ain't got time for no lose rap tonight."

Curtis walked over to where Ms. Judith was sitting.

"See Judy he disrespects me all the time. I'm merely saying that we don't have the space for another occupant...

"Curtis would you please show some compassion? This girl lost her sister and you worrying about her sleeping here? What's wrong with you? I'm not about to deal with your shit!! I am taking my medicine and going to bed. If you are smart you will go to bed to before you end up on the couch instead of Navette! and Leroi if you get smart one more time Imma slap the waves out of your head and you'll be looking every bit as stupid as Curt does with his wave cap on! Now move out my way cause yall done pissed me off!!"

She refused Curtis's help to get off of the couch and pushed her way between me and Leroi and stomped un the steps.

I wanted to laugh because Curtis did look stupid with a lose wave cap and what appeared to be her robe and slippers.

"See what you caused Leroi? Now I am in the doghouse thanks a lot." He said marching up the steps.

I noticed he had a lil switch in his step, but that's another story I guess.

"Come on mama I will get you something to sleep in."

I followed Leroi up the steps and I noticed there were family pictures everywhere. So this is what it must feel like to belong somewehere.