For The Better

Darius

I was lying in bed watching Saturday morning cartoons and playing with Patience. "Daddy loves you." I always made sure Patience knew that her daddy loves her. I made Patience watch educational cartoons because I wanted my daughter to be smart. Diana had went out Friday night. She told me she'd be back at midnight. I just knodded my head when she told me because even Patience, only 3 months knew better than that. I had to drop Patience off in about an hour over to my Aunt Joyce's house because I had to go to work today.

After work I had to rush back home, do my homework, and clean up my cluttered apartment. I don't know what I want to eat. I kind of miss Diana's cooking. Diana was an excellent cook while I only knew how to cook simple things like noodles. I've been so busy with Patience lately. Diana shows me no attention. I guess I could take the blame for that being that Patience demanded all my attention and with big hazel eyes like that who could deny her those rights? At first I tried to feel bad for Diana like my mama does but nobody feels bad for me. Patience is just as much my responsibility as Diana's. It's fine that people worry about Diana, that's not a problem but don't forget that Diana is old enough to make her own decisions and she made the conscious decision to leave Patience and I hanging.

As soon as Patience began to doze off in my arms I heard keys rattling. That could've been my mama, Diana's grandmother or least likely Diana. Diana stormed into the room & got in bed to lie down with Patience & I. When she realized that Patience was asleep she tried to be quiet. "Where you been?" I asked. "Damn, hey how you doing would be nice. But I know that's asking for too much. I don't wanna talk. Can we enjoy the silence?" Diana replied. I didn't respond although there was so much that I wanted to say. I just let DIana lie down & calm her nerves.

I had to go to work. I packed Patience's diaper bag, kissed Diana on the forehead & dropped Patience off at my Aunt Joyce's. Then I headed to work. I worked at my Uncle Leroy's auto shop as a mechanic. I got paid fairly well. I made enough to support Patience & I, keep the bills paid & have a little left over.