Coveted

by Mychea

  “Well you haven’t seen me all day, can I at least get a hug or something. Heaven forbid I missed my only baby.”

  “Awww Mom, I’m not a baby.” He said as he dropped his stuff in the middle of the floor and came back over to give me a hug. Leaning into the hug, I didn’t want to let him go, until he moved to break away.

  “Wait a minute shorty; I have someone I want to introduce you too.”

  Grabbing his hand, which he actually let me hold for once, I guided him towards the family room. He was getting so big now; holding Mommy’s hand was one of those things going out the window with age. Pretty soon, he really wouldn’t be my baby anymore. The thought made me a little sad. Nostalgia was starting to consume me.

  As soon as we walked into the room and he saw Chris he looked over at me in confusion. “I thought I wasn’t allowed to talk to Mister Thomas.”

  Bending down so I could look him directly in his eyes, “Well, that was a couple of days ago when your Mom was behaving rather badly. You’re new and improved Mom has decided that it is ok and you won’t get into trouble for it.”

  Kaven pulled my head close so he could whisper in my ear, “but Mom, I already know him, you don’t have to introduce us.” I laughed at that, I loved this kid so much.

  “Well baby, you know him as Mister Thomas. When in all actuality he’s someone so much more important than that.” I looked over at Chris and gestured for him to come over. “I’m going to let Mister Thomas introduce himself while I have a seat.” I walked across the room and sat on the sofa so I could observe their interaction.

  Chris squatted down and leveled with him by holding out his hand for Kaven to shake. “Hello Kaven, I would like to introduce myself,” looking over at me Chris seemed in need of reinforcement. I nodded affirmation that he should proceed, looking back at Kaven he said, “I’m your father and I am very pleased to meet you.”

  Emeri 24

  Lying atop my beautifully crafted quilt that Mrs. Cynthia, who I affectionately call Ma Cyn, had made for me, I couldn’t help thinking that life was definitely looking up. From the looks of things, Damir had broken it off with Naima. There was no public service announcement or anything, but the calls had stopped coming and I he hadn’t been to the house in I don’t know how long. I guess my visit to him at his office was effective. I couldn’t really tell though. Maybe I should stop being so anti-social with Naima and try to befriend her. I could probably find out more information that way.

  I think she said she would be home today. It’s amazing how we both live here but manage to avoid each other somehow. I see her kids all the time. Kalani is so adorable. Namiyah is a little too inquisitive for my taste. But then again she is only ten, so I guess that’s normal. I could hear them playing now in their playroom which was at the end of the hall.

  Getting up so I could identify Naima’s whereabouts, Ma Cyn was a great source of information. I would start with her first and I knew exactly where to find her, in the kitchen. Ma Cyn was always cooking up something delicious to eat. I loved living here.

  Bounding down the stairs and skipping to the kitchen, Ma Cyn was right where I knew she would be.

  “Hey Chile, what you doing skipping all through the house?” I skipped over and placed a kiss on Ma Cyn’s cheek.

  “I’m just happy.”

  “Well since you so happy, why don’t you sit down over there at that table so we can have a little chat.”

  Oh, oh. One thing I had learned from my own mother was that having to have a “chat” was never a good thing. I did as Ma Cyn bid me to as I watched her roll the fish she had just cleaned and seasoned in flour. My mouth was already watering, anticipating the taste of some good fried fish.

  “Naima mentioned to me the other day that she offered you a position at that job of hers.” Damn, I could already see where this was going. “And she told me that you turned it down.” Placing the fish in the frying pan, and then wiping her hands on her apron, Ma Cyn came and sat next to me. “I wanted to touch base with you to see what it is you want to do with your life. I know losing a parent can have a strong effect at any age. But at some point you have to pick up the pieces baby girl and continue on with your life.”

  This was a conversation that I really did not feel like having. However, it was Ma Cyn and since she was the one that had inadvertently saved me from myself; I would have this conversation for her.

  “I don’t know what it is I want to do Ma Cyn. I never took out the time to make any decisions. My life has always been dedicated to taking care of my Mama. I never planned for the time when she would no longer be here.” My eyes began to sting. Talking about my Mama always brought out the soft side in me.

  “You know, you don’t have to fight back the tears. Crying is a sign that you are healing. It’s always ok to cry for your loved ones that are no longer here. Always.” Ma Cyn got up and came around the table pulling me up into her embrace. This is why I loved her. She had filled the void that would have otherwise had me falling down a bottomless pit.

  Once I had gotten myself together, Ma Cyn was not letting me off the hook. “Now sit on back down so we can finish this discussion.”

  “Yes ma’am.”

  “I think until you figure out what you want to do with your life, you should go ahead and take Naima up on that offer to work with her. Sitting around the house all day with me is not what someone your age should be doing. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy our time together but you are young. Go out earn some money and have fun.”

  Maybe Ma Cyn had a point. If I worked with Naima, I would be more accessible to information and knowing what was going on with her.

  “You know what Ma Cyn, you are right. I should be earning money and having fun. That is what other girls my age are doing. I believe I will take Naima up on her offer. Have you seen her so I can give her the good news?” I asked with my most pleasant smile.

  “Last I checked she was out in the sunroom working on some party or other for her work. Go on in there and talk to her. I’m sure she will welcome the distraction.

  Getting up from the table, I went over and placed a kiss on her forehead. “Thank you Ma Cyn, I love you.”

  “I love you too Chile,” she said, flicking the towel at me, “now go on out my kitchen, I’ll call you when dinner is ready.”

  “Kay,” I said while blowing kisses her way as I exited the kitchen backwards. Ma Cyn was a godsend. This place would be a mess without her in it. The world was definitely better because she was a part. Headed towards the sunroom to find Naima, I wondered why I hadn’t thought about working for her being an effective way for me to know exactly what was going on with my lovely sister.

  Reaching the doorway of the sunroom, Naima was sitting in the middle of the floor with piles of notebooks and samples spread out all around her. She looked so peaceful even though she was hard at work. I swear this sister of mine could look gorgeous even in sweats, a tank top and her hair in a high ponytail. Watching her for a little while longer, I wonder what it felt like to be her. To have whatever you wanted handed to you on a silver platter, never having to worry about where your next meal came from or if you had enough money to pay bills. It must have been great to be born Naima Ari Vaughn. I felt the contempt swelling up inside of me. I think my sister has had enough peace for now, time to cut it up.

  “Hey.” She looked up when she heard my voice. I could tell by the look in her eyes that she really wasn’t interested in talking to me.

  “Hey Emeri.” She said, as looked back down and continued whatever it was that she was working on.

  I decided to continue talking anyway, since she had all but dismissed me. “I came in here to talk to you about the job opportunity that you had mentioned to me. If it is still available, I would like to be considered for the position.”

  She stopped what she was doing and looked up at me giving me the once over. “Really, and what brought about this change of heart. Last time we talked you thought being a receptionist was beneath s
omeone who had graduated at the top of their class and thought that making no money was a better position to have than making money.” She continued to look at me indifferently, “Now personally, I would expect someone who graduated at the top of her class to know that it is more beneficial to make money versus no money. Alas, you must have come to that same conclusion, which is why you are standing in front of me. However, for someone who graduated at the top of her class, you sure came to that decision a little slow.” She then looked back down to continue with her work.

  I gritted my teeth. It took everything within me not to walk over and strangle her. If someone would have spoken to me like that in New York, I would have sliced the bitch up. But this was Ma Cyn’s daughter and I didn’t want to burn any bridges with her. So today, I would let that shit slide. But she had better not push me too far.

  “Naima, I’m not trying to start a debate about what was said the other day and who was right and who is wrong.” Baring what I hoped was my prettiest smile, displaying all my perfectly white teeth I continued on, “I was hoping that if the position was still available we could see past our differences and come to some form of truce.” That was the hardest sentence I have ever had to say in my life. But there it was, out and free to roam the universe.

  “I’ll have to think about it Emeri. You seem to have a problem with me and I don’t know if I want to be forced to work with you every day.” She said glaring at me skeptically. The little witch was beginning to piss me off. She wanted me to beg, I could feel it but I would be damned if I begged Naima for anything. My body was screaming to be released on her ass so I could beat the shit out of her. Luckily, for her Ma Cyn came into the room at that moment. Divine intervention is what saved little Ms. Naima’s ass that day. So help me…I wanted to kill her.

  Glancing over at Naima, “Did you too take care of business?” Ma Cyn asked.

  I took the liberty of answering before the little witch could put her two cents in. “I tried Ma Cyn, but Naima informed me that she needs to think about it before she offers me the position.”

  “Mother, I informed Emeri that she seems to have a problem with me which is why I want to think about it before I force myself to be in her presence every day.” Turning to face me, “Emeri, if you are going to be the first to speak, be sure you are speaking the whole truth.” Returning to her work she had wrote me off again.

  I knew Ma Cyn could feel the tension in the room. I was so happy that she was in my defense however.

  “Now Naima, you know Emeri is going through a tough time right now. What would it hurt to give her the job? It’ll get her out the house and give her something to do.”

  I went and stood next to Ma Cyn with a big grin on my face, I could see Naima’s eyes narrowing as she looked at me. She loved her mom so I knew she would be giving me the job now and without me begging. “Fine Mother, Emeri can have the job. However, if she does not display the kind of professionalism that Exclusively Divine Events has become accustomed to, I will have to let her go. I don’t want you to be upset if that happens ok?”

  “Oh baby you worry too much. You know Emeri will be fine. Just give her a chance is all I ask.”

  “Her chance has just been granted on account of you and only you.”

  “Thanks honey, I knew you would do the right thing.” Ma Cyn said as she walked over and kissed Naima on the top of her head. Walking back over to me, she gave me a peck on the cheek and was on her way out the door, when she turned back, “Naima, I almost forgot why I came over here, you have a visitor.”

  “Really?” she jumped up excitedly. “Who is it?”

  “Come see for yourself.” Then Ma Cyn turned and went on, as was her way.

  Without even looking in my direction, Naima went running out of the room. I followed at a slower pace. I was interested in seeing who was coming to visit her. If it was Damir, I was going to be pissed off. Walking into the front foyer, I saw who Naima was engaged in conversation with and panicked because he looked up at that exact moment and saw me. Immediately retreating from the foyer, I flew up the stairs. Damn, I never meant for him to see me. Now I would have to think of an explanation to give to Naima.

  Kaden 25

  I heard a noise, which is why I looked away from Naima, and that is when I saw her, a young woman that looked vaguely familiar to me but I could not place where I knew her from. I hated to have to interrupt Naima, but curiosity wouldn’t let this one lay still.

  “Hey,” I said looking down at her, “Who was that girl that just turned and walked out of here.”

  Without even turning to glance Naima responded, “Oh that was Emeri, my half sister. Though I think she’s more the spawn of Satan.” Hearing her venom laced voice made me want to know what was going on. But at this point is really was no concern of mine. I was working on getting my wife back. I could care less about whatever family feud was going on. I was however amazed that Naima had a half sister who appeared to younger than her.

  “Dare I ask how I’ve managed to know you all these years and never know you had a sister, one that appears to be younger than you?”

  “Join the club. None of us knew about her. She practically popped up on the doorstep one day asking for Daddy. Not knowing any better, I let her in and the rest is nothing but drama. I’ll give you a quick recap, Daddy had an affair a long time ago and the woman recently passed away, next thing you know, boom here is Emeri.”

  “I’m getting the slight inkling that you aren’t very fond of her.”

  “I’m not fond of her at all. She came in with a big chip on her shoulder towards me. I tried to be cordial to the girl but enough is enough. She has a nasty attitude and I cannot be bothered with her foolishness. Then mommy had the nerve to practically force me to give her a job. So now, she will be working with me as well. There’s no getting away from her. It’s like she’s digging her heals in and planting roots.”

  “Well, sounds like you guys have been over here having a ball.” I smiled inwardly when I saw the look Naima gave me. I didn’t care. Nothing could spoil my mood. The fact that I was even here, and she was allowing herself to open up, and talk with me was enough to make me want to do back flips in the front yard.

  “Kaden, don’t play with me. And while we’re on the subject what are you doing popping up on a Sunday unannounced?”

  Looking around sheepishly, I fished a pair of keys of my pants pocket and handed them to her. She looked at me with a question in her eyes as she took the keys.

  “I’m confused, what does a set of keys have to do with anything.”

  “Well, when we went to dinner that night, I know you had mentioned you were about ready to move out of your parents house and that you had been looking at some condos a little closer to your job but the ones you wanted to move into nothing was available.” Her eyes widened as she began to comprehend what I was saying to her. “Since then I have been talking to a realtor about the property and a new complex was just built and I didn’t want you to miss out on the opportunity to live where you wanted so I bought it for you and the kids, as a gift.”

  Tears began to run down her face. Naima was always a little on the emotional side, one of the many things that I loved about her.

  “Kaden, you didn’t.” I looked her dead in her eyes, “I did. Don’t you know I will do anything for you?”

  She flew into my arms wrapping her arms around my neck. “Thank you so much for doing this.” She said as she placed a kiss on my cheek. “There are no words, no words.”

  My voice was choked with emotion, all I could manage to do is whisper, “Your hug is enough.”

  “Well what is going on out here in my foyer?” Destroying the moment and the cause of Naima breaking out of the hug she was giving me was Mrs. Cynthia.

  “Mommy, Kaden bought me and the kids a condo as a gift. Can you believe it?”

  “Did he? I wonder what he wants in return.” Mrs. Cynthia was eyeing me with unmasked suspicion.

  “All I want is for Naim
a to be happy.” Deepening my voice slightly and looking her directly in her eyes, “That’s all I’ve ever wanted for her.” a deep blush was making her turn red as she turned back to face her mother.

  “I am happy. Ma can you believe it? It seems so unreal. I’m a go tell Namiyah.” Naima took off down the hall. That left Mrs. Cynthia and me there to stare at one another.

  “Kaden, I don’t know what you have up your sleeve but Naima cannot go through another heartbreak. My baby has been through enough. Most of it suffered at your hands. She has been through enough,” she reiterated for emphasis.

  “Mrs. Cynthia, I really do have Naima’s best interest at heart. I do not intend to hurt her; I am ready to be the man I need to be. It took me losing her to realize how much I really needed her. There is no life for me without her in it.”

  I could feel Mrs. Cynthia giving me the look, trying to size me up to see if I was really about something. I could feel the verbal sting coming.

  “You know Kaden; I have never been that fond of you. It seems my baby girl takes leave of her senses whenever you’re around. It’s been going on since the first time she laid eyes on you. Me, I can’t begin to see the attraction.” Mrs. Cynthia was really laying it on me thick, “But what I will tell you is that through the years watching you and what you have done to my little girl, is that you are selfish. You have never had to work very hard at anything and it shows. You lack morals and ethics and yet somehow you always seem to land on top. Let me tell you right now, my baby’s heart is not something you are to amuse yourself with to pass the time. You have done enough damage to her. I will not allow you to come back and do this to her again. Enough is enough.” Mrs. Cynthia was putting her foot down and not budging.

  “Mrs. Cynthia, I understand where you are coming from. But I am working on change. I’ve been seeking counseling and doing whatever it takes to help me with my issues. Which run a lot deeper than I ever thought imaginable. But despite everything in the past, I do love your daughter and I don’t want the divorce to take place. So if I have to buy her fifty condo’s I will. Whatever it takes, I will not let her go without a fight.”