Page 113 of I Don't Want You Back

“You did good on the go carts though,” Lance complimented.

“I’ve been driving for years, so that part was easy,” Malia said, smiling at him.

She was so thankful that Lance had come around and wanted to spend time with her again. Malia had to admit that she was surprised when she learned that it was Faryn who was responsible for it. Her kids spoke highly of their stepmother and she had to admit that she’d misjudged her. Just like she’d assumed, Landon made Faryn his wife and they now had two beautiful two-week-old babies. Her sons were so happy to be big brothers and they showed her lots of pictures of their brother and sister. Landon finally got his junior and he seemed to be happy. Malia had to admit that, if anyone deserved happiness, it was him. She messed up their marriage, but it wasn’t fair for him to suffer because of it. It took a lot of long talks with her mother for Malia to realize that. She still hadn’t been formally introduced to Faryn, but she was sure that the day was coming soon.

“I’m hungry,” Lennox spoke up as he rubbed his stomach.

“Me too,” Lance replied.

“Okay. What do y’all feel like eating?” Malia asked.

They didn’t know what they wanted to eat, so they went to the food court to look around. After a few minutes of searching, they all decided on Philly cheese steak sliders and fries.

“Faryn’s tastes better than this,” Lennox spoke up.

“I know,” Lance agreed.

“Is Faryn a good cook?” Malia asked.

“Yes, and she lets us help her make dessert too. Her banana splits are good.” Lennox smiled.

“Her brownies are good too,” Lance chimed in.

“Y’all are gonna get fat eating all that stuff,” Malia chuckled.

“No, we’re not. Our dad turned our basement into a gym for Faryn. She can’t exercise yet because she just had the babies, but she will when the doctor says she can,” Lennox replied.

“Did I tell y’all that I’m going back to school?’ Malia asked them.

“No. For what?” Lance asked.

“Medical coding and billing. I’ll be making more money than I make now, and we’ll be able to do more together. I’ve been studying to get a head start on everything,” Malia replied.

A month after being fired from Melba’s, Malia lucked up and found a job as a bank teller. Her hours were perfect for her to attend night school. She was also off on weekends to spend time with her boys. She was slowly working on building a better relationship with them. She was adhering to Landon’s advice and taking it slow. He and Malia’s cordial relationship was back on track and she was happy for that. For the sake of their sons, they would always remain friends.

“That’s good, but what’s it like working at the bank?” Lance questioned.

“I like it a lot and I like the people that I work with.” Malia smiled, happy that he was talking to her more.

“I’m gonna be rich like my daddy when I grow up. I’m gonna buy a big house like him and everything,” Lennox said.

“You can do it too, baby. You and Lance are smart, just like your father. Can I come and visit when you get your big house?” Malia asked with a smirk.

“Yes, and you can have a key,” Lennox said, making her heart smile.

“Aww, that’s so sweet baby.” Malia smiled while kissing his cheek.

“Yep, you, my daddy, and Faryn can have a key to come to my house whenever y’all want to,” Lennox added.

“Y’all really like Faryn, huh?” Malia asked.

“We love her,” Lance corrected.

Malia didn’t feel the usual twinge of jealously that she used to feel. She’d grown to accept things for what they were. Faryn was just as important to her kids as she and Landon were. She treated them right and that showed by the love that they had for her. Malia was blessed that her kids had a stepmother who loved them as her own. Not many women could say the same.

“That’s good baby. I’m happy that y’all love her and I know that she feels the same,” Malia replied.

“I love you, too,” Lennox spoke up as he looked at her and smiled.

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