Falling From It Again

Twenty 3

CHERYL's POINT OF VIEW

After I dropped Ciyle off- since it was my turn today; I felt as if now was the best time to ask Cai about how everything was going with Demetrius at school.

"So, did you take my advice and talk to him?" I asked her as I quickly looked at her while she sat in the passenger seat.

"Well, actually- I did. I was nervous but...I did." She told me. "He actually said hey first." She added as she picked up her phone.

I smiled as I looked ahead and continued to drive.

"So....what are you gonna do next?" I asked her.

"I gave him my number...." she said in a nervous voice. I stopped at a red light and looked her way.

"Y-...you did?" I asked her as I scrunched my eyebrows together.

"Do-...do you think that I shouldn't have? I-...I feel like I shouldn't have. He hasn't even texted me yet. Ma, what if he doesn't even like me? Should I started wearing makeup or dressing differently? I don't know what to do." She said as she sighed and slouched down a little in her seat.

"No, Cai. Listen to me- don't let a boy make you do things that you wouldn't normally do. Don't make them control your happiness either because you should be happy with and without a boy. If a boy makes you feel as if you need to change your image? He isn't worth it, baby girl. Also, don't just jump into a relationship because you're more than that as well, Okay? Give him time and he'll text you back because one, you're beautiful just like you're Mommy. I mean, you look more like me than you do your Father. Either way, when it does come a time when a boy asks you out to be his girlfriend- take it slow. No need to rush because I want you to know that things in life don't revolve around boys. So, be yourself and you know that that's what I've been trying to put into you ever since you were little. Just be yourself and that's all you need to do- that's all. I know I went way out of subject but I'm gonna have to talk to you about these things anyways. I don't want my baby girl to feel as if she's not beautiful or not good enough because you are. You are and I want you to remember that for Mommy, Alright?" I told her as we finally reached her school.

"Yes ma'am. I'll remember that. You opened up my eyes to a few things- I just always look at everyone around me and my friends are always telling me that a little makeup wouldn't hurt. However, you're right. I can just be myself and makeup isn't needed. If he likes me for who I am? Great. If not, there's more cute boys out there." She said as she smiled and touched my hand.

"Right." I said. I was proud that we had this conversation. These conversations are important.

"But Mom, I have a question." She said as her smile faded.

"What's up?" I asked her as I put the car in park and looked at her.

"Are you and...Dad okay?" She asked me as her voice sounded confused. I thought to myself. Why would she ask me that?

"Yeah-...yeah, we're fine." I said as I nodded my head.

"Oh. I was just asking because I heard you when you came in late last night and Dad sounded kinda upset when he first saw you. Plus, I heard you and him yelling." She said as she looked away from me.

"You have to know that...well, your Dad and I are going to argue sometimes. I hate that you heard it all last night but- all marriages will have that. Your Dad and I aren't perfect and nor were our parents. The same with our parents' parents. We are fine." I said as I looked at her.