You Deserve

38

Marli

I had just finished packing away a few things when I remembered about Mama Shelia and the girls. Upon dealing with everything I completely forgot about the aquarium and I wouldn't be able to make it because graduation is the same day. I face palmed myself at my stupidity and picked up my phone to call her.

"Hello?" She answered in a confused tone.

"Hey Mama Shelia it's Marli."

"Hey baby! Who's phone are you calling from?"

"Mine, I had to get my number changed. Long story. But I called to tell you I won't be able to make it to the aquarium. I just found out that I'm graduating early on that same day."

"That's wonderful babygirl! Congratulations, I'm very proud of you. Well maybe next time, the girls will be alright."

I heard the faint voice of KayKay asking if that was me in the background. A sense of guilt washed over me as I felt terrible for bailing on the girls.

"Why don't you guys come? I'd really like it if you did, after that we could go to the aquarium."

I had plans to go out with my family after but they could come along as well. I just couldn't bail on the girls.

"That's a wonderful idea. I'm going to kick August's ass for not telling me."

I sighed in annoyance. Figures August didn't tell her.

"We aren't together anymore mama."

"Oh my heavens, what happened."

I debated on whether I should tell her what her son managed to do, but I didn't want her down his throat. As much as I hate him right now I still care for him and I don't want him to be put in some more shit.

"Mama you've gotta talk to him about that, I'm sorry. But I really need to lay down. I've been working like a slave all day."

"Alright baby, I will be contacting you soon about this." She warned referring to August and I.

"I was looking forward to that."

"You know me well, well alright I'll let you go. Congratulations again. Text me the details for next week when you get a chance."

"I will later on tonight. I gotta tell you something. Bye mama."

"Oh lord, bye child."

I smiled at her silliness as I ended the line. A nervous feeling set in the pit of my stomach as I dawned over what I was going to tell her. I was going to tell her about me moving but that's not what has me shaky. It's the thought of her telling August, which I know she will whether I want her to or not. He's bound to find out anyways if he hasn't already. I can't bare to hurt him with the news which is why I'm not saying a word to him about it, a word to him period. It's a shame that I still care for him and his feelings but I guess that's what love does to you. However, it's time to think of myself and this move is the first step.

Next week

August

I was sitting in the back seat with my nieces as my mama drove to Marli's graduation. My mama found out me and Marli weren't together anymore and almost knocked my head off my shoulders when I had to tell her why. She's still pissed at me which is why I'm sittin in the back playin Barbies with three hyper ass little girls, while they mama nap in the front seat. With a doll still in my hand I leaned my head against the cold hard glass as Marli continued to run through my mind. She doesn't know I'm coming, I kind of wanted to surprise her even though I'm a lil pissed at her. My mama told me about her deciding to move a few days ago. I've never felt such a rush of emotions before until that very moment. I was angry, hurt and I felt betrayed. I know I fucked up but we could've made this work. All we needed was some time and she wanna run off. She could've at least told me about it and maybe, just maybe I wouldn't be so sour about it.

"Uncle Aug we here." Noonie whispered shaking me.

I looked up to see a huge stadium with people scattered all over. I sighed, grabbing the gifts I bought for her and got out of the car helping my nieces as well.

"Where she at?" I questioned, half excited and half angry.

"I'm about to call her now." Chandra replied tapping away on her phone.

It's amazing how everybody got her new number but me. I nodded slipping on my shades so I wouldn't be noticed and leaned against the car. A few minutes later I felt a light tap on my shoulder. I turned around only to be met with Marli's grandmother.

"Hey Nana."

I smiled as she engulfed me in a warm hug.

"Hey there sweetie."

I turned to face my mama and Chandra to introduce them to her. Shortly after Ms.Julia and Taylor found their way towards us and everyone got acquainted. I was glad everybody was in high spirits today but I needed to find Marli, I needed to talk to her.

"Where is Marli?" I asked as everyone's chatter began to come to a hush.

"She's inside already, we'll see her afterwards." Her mom replied.

I nodded my head leaning against the car, looking down at the roses I got for her.

"It'll all work out sweetie." Her Nana assured giving me a sincere smile.

I looked from her to Ms.Julia who nodded in agreement. I felt ashamed and embarrassed because I know they knew what I did.

"I'm sorry, I never meant for this to happen."

"Sweetie we're all human. We all make mistakes. If it's meant to be it'll come back. Now you've got a handful of days left, it's up to you to convince her to keep her ass here." Nana instructed.

I laughed because even though she was proud and supportive of her newfound success and accomplishments she didn't want her to leave. I was proud as hell of my baby, but Lord knows I didn't want her to leave. No one did and I was going to make sure she didn't. Imma do whatever I have to, to get Marli back. I'm not letting my girl leave without a fight.

After graduation

We all waited outside the arena for Marli and Yanna. Brian showed up a little late but was able to see them both walk across the stage. We were all laughing at Marli's mom and nana, Yanna's mom, and mine as they gawked over how proud they were of their "precious babies". How my mama was included in that scenario I have no idea. We were abruptly brought out of our moment when they all screamed at the top of their lungs.

"My babies!" They all screamed.

My eyes landed straight on Marli. She was glowing with happiness. I swear it got ten times brighter outside due to her infectious smile. Seeing her smiling like that brought one onto my face.

"Hey T.T!" Chay, Mya, and Kay chirped running up to her.

"Hey babies I missed you!" Marli replied crouching down to their level.

They all showered her with hugs and kisses. Mya whispered something in her ear causing her to look up in confusion. Mya pointed in my direction and Marli's eyes ventured over to me. Instantly our eyes locked. Any anger I had was long gone, the only thing on my mind was having her in my arms right then and there. She stood up and glanced at Yanna who smiled and nodded her head. Taking a deep breath she began walking towards me and I didn't hesitate to meet her halfway.

"Congratulations." I greeted handing her a bouquet of roses.

"Thank you August." She replied genuinely smiling.

I looked at her as she awkwardly looked in every direction but mine. Taking a chance, I pulled her in by her waist for hug. Surprisingly she didn't hesitate to hug back and we stood there embracing each other for what seemed like hours.

"I'm proud of you." I whispered in her ear, pulling away and kissing her forehead.

She nodded and gave me a quick smile.

"Baby I'm sor-"

She cut my off by simply shaking her head.

"Not now August."

I nodded understanding why. She returned the gesture and began walking back towards the group with me following right behind. This making up shit ain't gon be easy.