Blank Skies

53

Rebecca

I pull onto his mom's street and drive slow as I come upon her house. "What the fuck?" There's cars everywhere, even in her yard. I spot Andre's car parked on the side of the road in front of her house. I park on the opposite side of the street since that's really the only place left.

My shaking hand turns off the car and I see Andre walking out of the house. He's slouching and walking slowly, he's upset. I shove my phone in my hoodie pocket and hold my keys in my hand as I get out. I meet him by her mailbox, "Hey, what's going on?" I ask reaching out and resting my hand on his arm.

He just wraps his arms around my shoulders and falls into me, "Baby? Hey, are you okay?" I rub his back and he sniffles, "Not really." My heart breaks as I hear the door open, "Y'all better get in here!" His cousin yells and Andre stands up and wipes his face, "We gotta go inside." I intertwine his fingers with mine, "You ready?" I ask and he nods rubbing his thumb on the back of my hand.

We walk side by side to the house, "There's something else Becks." He says as we walk up to the door, "What?" I walk through the door after him and there's a big chunk of his family gathered around the living room each consoling one another. I close the door softly as Andre walks over to his mom and they begin talking.

Her eyes meet mine and she stands next to Dre holding a baby in her arms, "Is everything okay?" I ask touching Andre's back, "Yeah we're just trying to figure out how we're supposed to house everyone." I look around at the crowd of people, "We'll just order some pizzas and look up some hotels and stuff."

I shake my head, "I have an idea." They both look at me, "We can take some people and I bet your sister could take a couple people in her apartment and maybe some could stay here?" She nods, "Until we find out he's okay?" I'm taken back for a moment, "Whenever and how long it takes."

Andre looks at me and opens his mouth to object, "Listen, whatever you guys need I can help." I smile, "Now give me the baby and go relax." She sighs and hands over the baby, "Well hello sugar." I rest her on my hip and she rests her sleepy head on my shoulder and snuggles up to me.

"I need to talk to you." Andre says nodding towards the hallway. I follow him back there holding the little baby close. Her curls are greased down and smell like coconuts, "Come in here." He opens the door to the spare bedroom and I walk in.

Andre closes the door and sits down on the bed, "You're gonna want to sit down." I sit down in the chair from the desk and face it towards him. I prop my feet up on the chest at the end of the bed and I lean back in the chair and let her rest on my body.

"Why do I need to sit?" I lightly rub her back, "I just meant I needed to sit, I was talking to myself." He mumbles crossing his arms over his chest. He stares at his shoes, "Who is it?" I ask blankly as the baby hugs me close, "Grant."

Grant. The one the only calm cousin. Grant has always been close with Andre, so much so I thought he was moving in with us at one point. Grant is adopted, but that doesn't mean he is loved any less. His blonde hair and blue eyes makes him stand out from the others, but he fits in like the last piece of the puzzle.

"He was in a car accident and I'm scared Becca. It was really bad. We got called to the scene and the car was all crumbled and the firemen used the jaws of life to get him out. When they pulled him out there was blood everywhere." Tears slide down his face, "Sergeant Wells kicked me out for the day and I was going to go to the hospital but somehow I ended up here."

"Andre." He shrugs and the tears continue to fall. I carefully stand up and lay the baby in the middle of the bed. I stand in front of him and he drops his head, "I'm supposed to be the strong one right now." He cries softly.

My hands hold his arms as he falls forward and his head hits my shoulder, "What am I supposed to do?" I take a deep breath listening to him sniffle, "You're gonna sit here and be upset for a few more minutes, then you and I are going up to the hospital and check up on him." I lay my head on his, "I got you baby."

He chuckles, "I love you." He says lifting up his head, "How did I get so lucky?" He brings his hand up to my face, "I couldn't tell ya." I smile wiping his cheeks, "And I love you too." I say letting my hand relax along his neck, "Come here." He pulls me into him.

I wrap my arms around his shoulders and he grips my body. I glance over and see the baby sleeping, "He's gonna be okay Dre, I can feel it." He kisses my shoulder and breaks away, "I'm ready." I nod and kiss his cheek, "Well let's go."

I pick up the baby and she cuddles right back up to me. He opens the door and we walk out, "So we're gonna head over to the hospital." Andre says for everyone to hear.

Immediately everyone starts standing up, "Let's car pool there?" His aunt says calmly, I hand the baby back to her mom and I check the time on my phone. "I guess we could do that?" Andre looks at his mom and then at me, "Are you okay with driving?" His aunt asks pulling on the sleeves of her sweater, "If y'all are okay with me driving? Then yes." Andre chuckles.

I head out to my car following some other drivers. Andre decides to ride with me and leave his car at his moms. "Help me put up the extra row of seats." He tags his cousin Jeremiah. He nods and I unlock the car, "Press the button again for the trunk." Andre says and I roll my eyes as I push the button, "Yes sir." Jeremiah laughs as he follows Andre to the back.

"Becca shut up." Andre laughs as I start the car, "Watch it buddy." I say climbing in and we have other family members climbing in and taking their seats. As soon as the car starts up my phone connects to the radio and music starts playing.

"Damn girl." Jayla laughs from the back, "Oh sorry." I turn down the music and pull my phone from my pocket, "No I just didn't realize you listen to this stuff." I lay it in my lap and click on my seat belt.

"So Andre quick question why aren't you driving?" Jayla asks and he sighs clicking on his seat belt, "If we're being honest," he pauses and I check to make sure the road is clear as I switch gears. "I didn't want to try to catch Becca." My mouth drops and I turn around and make my way out of the street.

"Okay should we be in the car?" Jeremiah laughs, "I'm not going to kill you!" I laugh and Andre just hooks his phone up to the radio. I turn at the stop sign and make my way out of the neighborhood.

They begin to dance and rap along to the music, "Oh shit." Andre starts dancing in his seat.