Love And Marriage

Chapter 6: What Lovers Do

I was reading my Immunology Board Prep book at our breakfast nook. Jesse was in his office/home studio. Diana was in the basement. It was so peaceful this Saturday morning, and after the whole Diana walking in on us thing, we needed it. I had a few months before I had to take my Immunology Board Exam and there was no room to fail, so I made a study schedule that I stuck to- or made Jesse make me stick to.

Ding Dong

I got up. We weren't expecting anyone as far as I knew. When I got to the door I could already feel myself tensing up. I knew that outline anywhere. I opened the door.

"Hey, Aiesha how-" I started but was interrupted as she walked right past me.

"Come in." I said as I closed the door. She went straight into the living room.

"I need to talk to my son." She said eyeing the room.

"Sure, I'll get him."

"Do you ever clean up around here?" I rolled my eyes and was about to say something smart but I had to remember she had been through a lot lately and it wouldn't be too hard to be the bigger person.

"Can I get you anything, something to eat, something to drink?"

"If my kids didn't make it then no, you can't cook worth a damn." I took a deep breath and started walking upstairs. Once I got to the door of his "studio " I gently knocked on the door.

"Jesse, please come get your mom, she's downstairs."

"Coming! And Jaleia?"

"Yeah?"

"I know she's going to try and trigger you but don't fall for it, she's just hurting. "

"I will try." I said. I went back downstairs.

"How have you been?" I asked Aiesha. She was sitting on our sofa.

"Some days are better than others to be honest. Thank you for asking. How's my Jesse?"

"He has his good days and he has his difficult days, but much better overall. "

"And my Diana?"

"I think Jesse could tell you more. She's not completely herself. "

"I'm sorry to hear that. Thank you for allowing her to stay here. I need space for a bit and home just wasn't good for her and I'm glad that she's somewhere that I know she's safe and well cared for. So thank you for looking out for her and my son. He's got a heart of gold." I couldn't believe my ears. I was shocked. She actually had something nice to say? I tried to hide my surprise.

"It's no trouble at all, I want what's best for her as well. All of you. You sure you don't want anything?"

"Maybe some ginger ale?" She said.

"Got it, we only have cans, is that okay?"

"I'm not picky." She replied. While I went to retrieve the soda I heard Jesse's footsteps coming down the stairs.

"Hey mom, what up?"

"Jesse, let me see you. How are you? Are you feeling well?" She said, hugging him tightly.

He laughed, "I'm fine mom, I'm more worried about you."

"Well, I came because we need to figure out what to do with Diana. It's summer break now and she can't just sit around all day doing nothing on that damn phone. She's sixteen, she's needs to be out doing something!" She said.

"Yeah, I get it, what do you want her to do?"

"Find a summer job, some activities, a camp or something. Maybe we'll ask her and see but she can't just stay here and do nothing all day!"