Butterfly Kisses

02.

Ava
It was about 6am and I heard the room door slam. I already knew what that meant. Daniel's home. He turned on the light and came over to the bed whispering to me, thinking I was still asleep.

"You're still beautiful when you sleep. I just wish you gave that same feeling when you were awake. I don't know what's different but you've changed over the years. You're not the girl I married anymore."

I opened my eyes and stared hard at him, being that he was already looking at me. "You can't be serious. You took me from my family and if you're talking about an extra few pounds, I've had two of your children, not to mention the miscarriage not long ago from today. You're a moron. If you don't mind, I'd like to get my fat & ugly self together for church.

He looked at me and laughed. "Your family couldn't have cared too much, they left you here with me. Never called to check on you or came to visit. I, on the other hand am with you daily, even if I like it or not. You're the mother of my children and that's it. You're not a wife. You're not a best friend. You're simply Aya, some girl I fell for in high school and stupidly got pregnant. I loved you and you stopped loving me and you're gonna regret it, Aya.

I felt tears coming so I blinked really fast, still one tear fell. I cannot and will not show him that I'm still affected by his harshness. I'll just continue to pray for him at church today. I got up and went to the closet to find my church clothes. I picked out a long yellow dress with spaghetti straps and my khaki cardigan. I went to the shoe closet and grabbed my tan wedges with closed toe. I have a spa day appointment later. Today is gonna be warm so I wanted to dress for the occasion but not freeze in church, okay? Can I get an Amen?

I took a shower, oiled my body down and was dressed by 7am. I went downstairs where I could smell grandma's Sunday morning breakfast. "Mhmm, this all just smells so good. I can't even imagine what dinner is gonna smell like later. What are we having, I asked while I was making my plate. "Finish your breakfast first honey, you can't enjoy one meal thinking about the next," my grandma said laughing.

I looked over and saw Kathryn coming downstairs. "Good morning Aunty Aya and Ms. Sylvia, breakfast smells delicious".

"Good morning dear, Ms. Sylvia said with a bright and cheerful smile." You've gotten so big since I last saw you. How old are you now?

"I'm 16 now, I'll be 17 in approximately 2 weeks". Kathryn said with her head down. Mom told me she had something planned for me but... you know she's gone now. I'm not really looking forward to my birthday anymore now anyway".

"Listen sweetheart, I know you're hurting and you miss your mother very much but you can't let that stop you from celebrating your birthday. If you change your mind and decide to celebrate, you let us know and we'll handle it for you. That's a promise" grandma said.

"Yes ma'am. I'll think about it and give you a definite answer by the end of the week" Kathryn said making her plate and walking to the table.

"Good morning honey, did you sleep well in your room? I asked her. If there's anything you like or would like to add, write it on the message board and the servants will take care of it."

"Thank you aunty, but the room was amazing. I've had my own room before but never that big. I have a bed and a couch in my room. Like I didn't know which one I wanted to sleep on so I made popsicles sticks to help me decide, exclaimed Kathryn. It's a tradition mama and I used to do when we wanted to do something but didn't quite know what to do.

"I'm really glad you like your room. At any point of time you can make any changes you'd like. You're welcome to any of the food you see, literally nothing in the kitchen is off limits. If there's anything you want...

Aya & Kathryn together: Put it on the message board.

We looked at each other and laughed. "You got it Kat.

"Hey you two, hurry up and finish your breakfast so we can leave for Sunday School. I don't want to be late.

Hey Alexa, play Rise Up by Andra Day grandma said.

We all sat around the table listening to the music playing, making short glances towards each other flashing smiles. I allowed my thoughts to take me under. I have my beautiful grandma, my kids will be back home later, and my niece is now here living with me. It may not be due to the best of circumstances, but she's here and I'm happy. Today is gonna be great.