Protector.

16.

A month later.

"Hey," Dwayne said as I allowed him to enter my home. It was his time to take A'melia for the weekend. I had finally decided to come around and allow him to see her. I realized life was completely too short and certain things should happen while they still can. He wasn't in his wheelchair, he walked with crutches since he was attending physical therapy and he was close to walking on his own.

"Hey," I replied smiling as he came inside, "A'melia." I called out to her as she was still packing her bags. They didn't contain much but countless dolls, undies, and a few clothes. Her dad had her other utilities. Moments later I heard her little feet stomping down the hall as she wheeled her suit case into the living area.

"Hey Daddy," she greeted and ran to my leg hugging it, "I love you Mommy."

"I love you too baby I'll see you Sunday," I patted her back smiling brightly. I leaned down and kissed her forehead. Dwayne told her to meet him him at the car and she raced out in no time. I wondered what happened at his house. She would come back telling me about a puppy he had bought her, maybe that's why she's liked going so much. She knew I wouldn't allow a dog at my house for many reasons.

"Hey," Dwayne called out, "you look.. Good."

I nodded smiling slyly, "you too almost got your land legs again," I teased causing him to laugh. I decided to walk him out to the car. I trailed behind and I watched A'melia as she was on her tablet in her car seat as usual.

"Thank you for letting me take her," he smiled.

I shrugged and fanned him off a bit, "of course she's your daughter."

He nodded a single time then got into the car.

"Maybe one day I can stay over," I suggested leaning into the now rolled down window. He licked his lips, "of course you can jus' tell me whenever," he insisted.

I tapped the roof of the car and began walking back inside the house. I closed the door behind me once I saw they had peeled off. I had an entire weekend to myself. Maybe I'd finally take Stasia up on that Miami trip but what was three days? Not much.. It seemed to be much needed though.

My phone had buzzed from the couch. I walked over and tended to it. I saw it was a message from Kentrell demanding that we'd talk. I didn't want to talk to him. I didn't have shit to say to him. I was tired of talking. He never wanted to listen. I kept telling him about how other people suffer when you take there life such as their family, girlfriends, and other people. I was suffering and it was because of his hard headed ass. I deleted the message and my mind was now set on catching up on a bit of sleep. I laid down right on the couch and drifted off to sleep with the tv on of course, I hated to sleep in complete silence.

"And I win," Marlo said slamming down the extra large cards onto the table. I laughed at him because in reality I knew all too well he didn't win, he was only lying. "Liar," I shouted.

He shrugged, "alright I'm lyin' but that's cause ion wanna play this," he admitted and scooted closer towards me. He pressed his lips against my shoulder gently. I leaned towards him resting my head onto his, "what did you have in mind?" I wondered smiling joyfully.

"I'd ratha'stare at'chu all night," he suggested gripping from under my chin so that I'd look at him, "can I do that?" He asked. My lips were parted and breathing became rapid, I nodded slowly as our faces came closer together. Our lips were nearly touching until-

"Wynnie!" I heard as I was still in a sleep state, then I started to hear beating coming from the door. I sat up fully awake by now and I walked over to the door. "Wynter open the door!" A familiar voice shouted. I pulled the door open and saw Ben standing there looking rather worried. I read over his expression and I could already tell something bad had happened.