Evangeline Arnold's world was turned upside down the day that the father of her child, Javonte Wells was sentenced to 4 years in the slammers due to a gun charge that resulted in death. Now all that she has is his voice over the phone which was rare...
My love life was nonexistent—I've been celibate for 3 years and 6 months but who's counting? Honestly, I couldn't even look another man in the face without thinking of Javonte. Without him here I no longer dressed to impress hoping I wouldn't attract any unwanted male attention, but dudes were mad thirsty still.
I rolled over in bed staring at the portrait of us in matching outfits that decorated my nightstand which we took a long time ago. It made me smile just as I sat up and slid my feet into my fuzzy pink slippers.
Then I stood before going into the kitchen to prepare dinner for me and my little one. I poured our 2 kittens Crimson & Clover some catnip in their kitty bowls afterward.
"What's that?" Kaley pointed to the mixed veggies, mashed potatoes, and meatloaf on her plate.
"Healthy food now eat up," I responded.
"You didn't pway first?"
"You're right..." I said as she secured her hands together and started to mumble so I did the same.
"We can eat now." She smiled once she finished her prayer then dug her spoon in and tried some for the first time "this icky!"
"No, it's not."
She scooted the plate away "can we have cupcakes instead."
I slid it back towards her "yes after you're done eating."
"But ion wanna eat this." She pouted and spread her arms.
"Don't put your elbows on the table."
The house phone started ringing and Kaley slipped out of her chair to play with Clover. I set her back into the seat before answering the incoming call as she whined.
It was from my job asking if I could come in right now. "We need you down at the office to fill in for Ericson."
"Sure, I'll be there in a minute."
When I turned around Kaley was back on the kitchen floor feeding the kittens her food. I invited my sister, Evelyn over to babysit. At that time I went upstairs to shower before heading to work. In a stuffy mid-rise building, where all the desks were connected and separated by room dividers. The computers collected dust and gum stuck to the dingy carpet.
There was nothing luxurious about this job—but I needed the money so I couldn't at all complain.
It was a newspaper company. Typically more elderly people worked here beside this Indian guy and me, Sanjay. Who'd always stick his head from behind the room divider to try to make small talk with me.
All of my replies were simple yes, no, or maybes.
I just wasn't interested in befriending or getting to know anybody. For some reason, he couldn't take a hint. When the job was over for the day, I hopped in my car and tried starting it up but the engine gave out.
So Sanjay offered me a ride home. I agreed because the buses stopped running hours ago and I didn't feel like taking that long walk in the heels that I wore. On our way there, he leaned over and tried to kiss me.
Fortunately, my reflexes were good and I stopped him before anything escalated between us.
"Please, can we—" He was saying as I leaned back into the seat "I don't see a ring on your finger."
"I-i don't like men... like that." I replied, "I'm gay!" I lied as to not completely hurt his feelings with my rejection and also to protect myself from any other sexual advances from him.
"Of course you are..." He moved away and bit his lower lip "Can we not speak on this occurrence again. It would be most pleasing to me if we did not."
"I already forgot about it." I peered from the corner of my eyes, identifying my home on the corner as we approached. "Thanks for the ride!" I said to him then got out of his car with a feeling of relief taking over me.
Evelyn sat on the couch and stood once she saw me.
"Where's my baby?" I unbuttoned my jacket then removed shoes.
"I put her down for a nap a few hours ago," Evelyn told me "oh! And all of this came in the mail today."
She gave me the pile of envelopes as I went through each one before spotting Javonte's name.
I sighed.
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A/N: 2 chapters were updated today so please don't forget to leave feedback. Thank you for your continuous support.
