Our Little Happy Ending

Walking Home With Dimitri

Spanish Translations:

-La chiquita/The little one 

-La grande/the big one

-Ya voy. monita / I'm coming, monkey 

-Mi niña hermosa / My
beautiful girl

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As Dimitri and I strolled towards the apartment complex, the air hung quiet, punctuated only by sporadic chatter. Dimitri dominated the conversation, leaving me to nod along. When I lapsed into silence, he suddenly chuckled, "Damn, I'm hogging all the airtime, aren't I?"

I arched an eyebrow, amusement dancing in my eyes. "It's alright, I'm not much of a chatterbox anyway."

"So, Savannah," Dimitri continued, "are we any closer to your place?"

I feigned offense, teasing, "Am I that dull? Alright, yeah, just around the corner."

As we rounded the bend, I led him to the entrance where our Haitian landlord, Baptiste, awaited. His thick accent cut through the air as he demanded, "I want my money, Ms. McAllister, or you and your brood are out to the garden!"

I sighed. "Come on, Baptiste cut me some slack. Juggling two jobs and two kids ain't a walk in the park."

He didn't notice the cop standing behind me until I shifted, his tone instantly softening. "Oh, now you bring the po-po here. Peel this motherf***er's cap back blue."

I intervened, "Hey, Bap, chill. This is my friend Dimitri; he's a cop."

Baptiste grunted, "I see that. Run along."

Guiding Dimitri up the stairs, I motioned towards Susana's door. Two brisk knocks later, her voice floated through, thick with a Venezuelan accent, "Ya voy, monita."

Entering, I found Susana tidying up, her hands busy with a rag. "Where are my little hurricanes?" I inquired.

She gestured, "La Chiquita is sleeping, and La Grande is watching Doc McStuffins."

"Mind if I fetch them?" I asked, already heading towards the bedrooms. Susana stepped aside, granting us passage.

Upon entering, I found Maia bundled up, her tiny form stirring at my touch. Gently lifting her, I returned to the living room. Maia's eyes widened at the sight of Dimitri, hiding behind me before shyly greeting him.

Turning to Dimitri, I requested, "Can you watch her while I fetch Viola?"

With a nod, he settled with Maia as I disappeared into the next room. Scooping up Viola, I returned to find Dimitri holding Maia, a surprised expression on his face.

"She seems to like you," I remarked, smiling. "Let's head to my place."

As we made our way out, I thanked Susana for her help. Dimitri's concern surfaced once more as we stepped into the night air.

"This place isn't safe for you and your kids," he observed.

I sighed, "I know, but it's what I can afford for now."

He offered a solution, "How about you three come to stay with me? For as long as you need."

I hesitated, uncertain, but Maia's voice broke through, "Mama, I don't like it here. Mr. Bap is scary."

My resolve solidified. "Alright, let's go."

With Dimitri's help, we packed our belongings and headed downstairs. I left Dimitri with the kids as I settled matters with Baptiste.

Returning, I announced, "It's done."

Dimitri nodded. "Jackson's downstairs waiting for us."

I gathered Viola, securing her in her car seat, while Maia bounced with anticipation. "Ready, mi niña hermosa?" I asked, a sense of relief washing over me