Page 102 of I Don't Want You Back

“Everybody hates me, and I can’t even blame them. My kids hate me and now Landon hates me too,” Malia sobbed.

Sadly, Malia was used to Roman bracing up to her or trying to hit her. Her feelings were truly hurt when Landon grabbed her like he wanted to do the same. Admittedly, she was wrong for how she grabbed Faryn. She had no way of knowing that the other woman was Roman’s sister. If she never knew it before, it was made clear that day, Landon had no love for her anymore. It was her own fault and she couldn’t say that she blamed him.

“Landon doesn’t hate you, but he’s moved on. You left him unexpectedly and moved in with another man. What did you expect him to do? You can’t create a storm and get mad when it rains,” Cora said.

“I just wish I could start all over and do things right this time. I’ve made a mess of my life and I don’t know how to fix it,” Malia admitted.

“The first thing you need to do is learn to be by yourself Malia. For some reason, you and your sisters feel like y’all need a man. I don’t know where y’all get that shit from. Just take some time and learn to love you. Spend more time with your boys and find out what you wanna do with your life,” Cora suggested.

“I’m sorry ma. I’m sorry for everything that I’ve put you through since Landon and I split up. I’m sorry for just being a stupid bitch,” Malia said, making her mother laugh.

“No apology needed. All kids go through a rebellious phase. You just waited until you were a grown ass woman to go through yours,” Cora said, making Malia smile this time.

“Medical coding and billing. That’s what I was supposed to go to school for before and that’s what I’m going to do,” Malia said, felling a little better.

“That’s what I like to hear. And listen, I know this is off the subject, but it needs to be said.”

“I’m listening,” Malia replied.

“Landon’s girlfriend is not the enemy. You’re gonna have to stop being childish and officially meet her one of these days.”

“Ma-” Malia started before Cora cut her off.

“Malia, this is a woman who is around your kids more than you are. She’s not going anywhere and that’s obvious. Now, I’m not saying that you should do it today or even tomorrow, but you really need to think about it. Honestly, it shouldn’t have taken you this long.”

Once again, her mother was right, even if she didn’t want to admit it. As crazy as it sounded, Malia wasn’t ready for that just yet.

“Let me just take things one step at a time for now. Hopefully, everything else will fall into place,” Malia replied.

“Okay, no pressure over here. I just thought I’d mention it,” Cora said.

“Sorry that I didn’t get your food,” Malia apologized.

“Sorry my ass. Get your keys and let’s go. We’re gonna make a run for the border or something. I’m starving,” Cora said, making her daughter giggle.

Malia felt better than she had in a long time. She was always smiling, but she was miserable inside. As much as it pained her to admit it, her relationship with Roman was over a long time ago. She was embarrassed that she’d left her family for him, so she tried her best to make it work. It was like she had a point to prove to everyone who told her that she had made a mistake. She tried to put on a brave front, knowing that she cried herself to sleep most nights. That part of her life was over with and she vowed to make better decisions from that day forward. From now on, it was all about her and her boys. She had to strengthen her bond with them before she did anything else. As far as she was concerned, that day was the first day of the rest of her life and she planned to make the best of it.

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