A faded memory {Completed}

Lust 1

I was in town getting ready to go visit my mother. I decided to go by one of my favorite places here, Chel's O'in, had the best burgers in the world. "GoodMorning! Long time no see!"
"GoodMorning, how are you doing?" I asked as I sat down at the bar. "I'm doing just fine, how are you?"
"I'm a busy man!" I said as we both laughed. "Likewise, what can I get you today Roman?"
"I know I usually get a burger, but maybe just something light...eggs, grits, and a side of fruit would be lovely."
"And what can I get you to drink while you wait?"
"Coffee Please."
"I'll be right with you ASAP Roman, man it's nice to see you again." She patted my back and quickly walked away.

I waited quietly looking out the window.

"GoodMorning!" A lady spoke smiling brightly as she walked up to the bar.
"Morning Mal! How are you today?"
"I'm doing good, kinda in a rush." She smiled.
"You want the usual?"
"Yes please! And can I get the coffee to go?"
"Yes ma'am, I'll be right with you."

She sat down a few chairs away from me. I didn't even realize that I was staring at her because she gave me an unsettle look and moved away.
I immediately looked away....I knew I made her uncomfortable and I should apologize.
"Excuse me, I'm sorry ma'am. I was just- stunned." I chuckled awkwardly.
She nodded her head and looked away.
"Here you go love."
"Thank you! I'll see you soon." She hurried out with her things and left.

"Who is she? Does she come here often?"
"Oh, that's Mal! She comes here all the time. She's so sweet."
"She's beautiful, but I think I made her uncomfortable because I was staring at her...I looked like a creep." I said looking down as she placed my plate in-front of me.
"Thank you." I smiled.
"Maybe don't stare next time, never seen a pretty woman before?" She joked laughing.
"I have, but she is just stunning. I don't think a woman ever made me that speechless."
"You can catch her here tomorrow morning and give off a better impression."
"I will! Is she single?"
"Not sure...she was married but I don't see a ring anymore."

I continued to eat and having small talk before it was time for me to go. I was eager to see my mother, after losing my father recently I know I needed to be there mentally and emotionally for her.

"Hi Mama." I smiled giving her a warm hug as soon as she opened the door. "I missed you so much baby, how are you doing?" She smiled as she softly pulled me in kissing me on the cheek. "I'm tired, but I'm really happy to be here with you."
"I'm so glad you are home, go get yourself washed up." She said as we made our way to the kitchen.
I washed my hands and washed my face with warm water to help with my drowsiness.

"I know Dad is gone...how you been Mama?"
She sighed as she sat down the table looking down. "I think I'm ok for now...just taking each day as is it. I miss him so much."
I grabbed her hand, softly placing a kiss on her cold hand. "I know, if you ever need anything I'm here. You can always call or text me."
"I know son, I know." She smiled faintly at me before getting up.

I spent a lot time with my Mother since this will be last time I'd be able to see here for awhile. Mother refuses to come travel with me no longer than a few weeks. She loved being at home by the water, but recently it's been hard to get her out since the passing of my father.
"Mama, why don't you come with me for a while to New York? Whenever you are ready to come back home, you know I will send you a full ride back."
"Oh, you are too wonderful for my stubborn self." She laughed as she held onto my arm as she entered the car. "I would love too, but I just want to be home for now." She smiled.
I smiled kissing her head as I closed the door shut.

After a long day with my mother, I decided to make her night special as well. I set up a small movie night, where I had some of her favorites food and one of her favorite movies.

As we were preparing to start the movie there was a knock at the door. I got up and opened the door to a woman standing there. "Hi, how can I help you?"
"Hi, I'm looking for Ms.Anika. Is she home?"
The lady removed her hoodie and I instantly knew her. She was the woman from this morning.
"Yes, c-come in."
"Mal?! Is that you love?" My mother got up and hugged her. "Hello, how are you?"
"I'm doing great! Have you met my son? Roman, this is Mal."
I smiled giving her a short wave. "He's the guy I was telling you about this morning...who was staring at me." She looked me up and down. "Please, I meant no harm and I apologized. I was just speechless..." I said now getting a little irritated.
"Anyways, I apologize for not coming over today. With the divorce and my daughter it's just been a lot."
"No need to worry, where is little Chastity?"
"In the car with my driver."
"Bring that baby in here, I will watch her until you get everything sorted with that man."
"Thank you so much." She smiled at my mother and hugged her tightly. She went out the door and shortly after she had her daughter in her arms. She looked no older than about 2 years old.
"Here, let me help with your bags." I said as I gently pulled one bag off her shoulder helping her inside. "Thank you." She said. I guess she's not very good with eye contact because she won't even look me in the face.

Mama and Mal went to the nearest room to get situated. When she came out I noticed the mark on her face, it was fresh...Somebody must have hit her not too long ago. "Mal, you should stay." My mother said. "I don't have anything...All my things are at home for now. I'm still trying to find some help to get my things out ASAP." She explained.
"My son will go with you tomorrow morning." I looked up from my phone eyeing my mother. "Not another word from neither of you. Roman you will help her, you have men with you and I expect you to get it done. Please."
I looked at Mal, then at my mother and then I remembered the child. "Whenever you're ready, I'll be there." I said and sat back on the couch.

That was that, nothing else was said. I could tell Mal didn't want me to go, but I'm doing it for my mother.

"My son sat up a nice movie night, why don't you come sit and ease down the tension."
"I should head to the store, I need to pick up some things for me."
"Roman, take her it's late and no lady should be alone at night like this by herself. It's too dangerous."
"Mama-"
"Thank you, now go on."
"Oh, it's not a problem I can surely do this myself." She chuckled.
"Roman, get your keys and take that baby up to the store."
I stood up to go get my shoes, a coat, and my keys. "See ya in a bit Mama." I said annoyed.
"Thank you!"

The car was quiet on the whole way to the store. I didn't want to say anything because I didn't want to start anything.
"You can stay in here, I won't be long."
Oh, she has an attitude alright.
"No can do, Mama said to go with you."
"Please, I'm an adult. Sit here."
First off, this is my car and I'm not letting a woman who's about 5'5 tell me what to do. So I got out the car. I locked the car doors so she couldn't get out until I opened the door.
"You locked me in here! I don't know you, so it's best you just act right...Not to mention you have a staring problem."
I smiled at her and held my hand out so she could get out. She just rolled her eyes and hopped out. "You're welcome." I smiled checking her out.
She just kept walking and I followed behind her.

Throughout the shopping process, it was so long. I mean we were in one aisle for at least 30 minutes trying to figure out which hair oil she wanted.
"Soo, going through a sucky divorce huh?"
"Mind your business..."
"You know, when somebody is being nice to you it's not nice to be so rude."
She turned her neck and looked me in my face, "I don't know you, you gave yourself a bad impression because you can't keep your eyes off me, and you think I'm suppose to be ok with that?"
I looked down at her and smirked.
"Listen, for the 100th time I was just shocked...You're very attractive and I just couldn't help it. I said I'm sorry."
"Yea?! How about you just fuck off , ok? I don't need small talk and I sure as well don't need you."
"Fine, find you're on way home." I said walking off.

After sitting in the car for awhile, I finally seen her outside with a few bags. She was walking down the curbside. My Mother will kill me if she finds out I let her walk home.
I pulled out and drove up to the curbside rolling the window down. "Mal, get in. I'm not leaving you in the dark, come on."
She just kept walking tuning me out. Maybe I should have never said anything, you don't mess with people who's going through a divorce. I stopped the car and got out quickly to stop her.
"Hey, hey, hey, Mal...I'm sorry, please let's get you home." She looked at me and she look liked she was ready to cry.

"You know, I'm going through a lot right now. The last thing I want to do is deal with another man. You're Mom made you take me I didn't ask. I had my driver and most importantly I have money for anything I need. I'm currently looking for a nice penthouse for my daughter and I. I don't have to be here, but I have too much going on to deal with anybody else bullshit."

"I'm sorry, please get in. I won't bother you anymore."
I took her bags and placed them in the back of the car. I opened her door and she got in. She looked me in the face stopping me from shutting the door. "Thank you." Was all she said before buckling up.