| Lai |
Amare squeezed me, kissing my forehead. "Move," I said, pushing him back. Mama appeared out of the kitchen, looking me up and down. "Hey."
"Hey, can we talk?" I asked. She nodded, motioning for me to follow her into the dining room. This place has changed so much. Things felt dead without my humor or Amare and I arguing every day. "How's life?" Ma asked, taking a seat. I sat across from her, replying, "Nice, what about you?"
"Same, what made you come home?" There was a short silence then I sighed. "Well, I'm back to start my career off again but I need a place to stay until I'm on my feet."
Mama nodded. "You can stay here but you do know that you'll have to deal with your father? Oh, and let's not call what you do a career." She stood up from the table then walked out. I need a roof over my head so I'm not about to bite the hand that's feeding me. I'll just deal with them in a mature way. Amare walked into the dining room, smiling.
"Yo, taxi man want his money."
• •
I flopped down in the recliner, letting out a shaky breath. Mama looked up from her laptop then went back to typing. This reminded me of why I never liked being here as a teenager. No one ever acted as if I exsisted. Amare was gone with his friends and Kev was still out at his mother's house. Where I wish he'd stay.
"Are you comfortable?" I looked up from my cellphone to see my mother staring at me. "Yes."
"I mean are you comfortable with yourself? Does this job make you feel proud of yourself? Is there ever any doubts such as wishing you would've stayed home?"
"No, can you please stop asking? I love my life, myself, and the people around me. This job does make me feel proud because I get attention. Something that was never given as a young girl. There is never any doubts."
Malaisa came running into the house with Kev following behind. She ran straight to my mother and jumped in her lap. "Laisa, calm down." Kev looked over to me then Mama. I was mentally preparing myself for this arguement.
"Lai, go and take her a bath," Mama ordered. I nodded, taking Lasia's hand and walking out.
"Ready to go night-night?" I asked, hoisting her up on my hip. She mugged me for a moment then nodded. I haven't been here for a long time therefore she probably doesn't even remember me. I walked into her room and was amazed at how much pink she had it decorated. More than me as a little girl. Pink was always a little overrated to me but that's my opinion. Laisa picked out her night clothes as I ran her bath water. For a 2 year old she was a little intelligent, unlike her mother.
The tub was now filled so I began undressing Laisa. "Do you want to play with dolls after this?" I asked, setting her into the bath water. Shouting could be heard from the living room and I already knew what that was about. Fortunately, Laisa didn't hear. "Yes," she replied, grabbing the rubber duck.
"Which one?" I held up the soaps. "That one," Laisa pointed.
I watched as Laisa squirmed around as I attempted to wash her. For some reason I was curious if she was going to grow up to be like her mom. Lost in her own world. That world where Louboutins are more important than her child. Will she be too busy chasing after some boy while her child is at home? A tear fell from my eye just thinking about. I cannot fathom Malasia growing up to be just like her mother. It doesn't sit right with me.
After washing her I allowed her to play wity the toys then washed her hair out and pulled the water stopper. "Come on" I said, grabbing the hooded towel then wrapping it around her body.
