Page 102 of Without Bound
“Mama, I know you really want meto turn the other cheek and have this happy family Thanksgiving, but it’s just not going to happen. I have studying to do, and Bishop is just now starting to feel like himself. There’s no way I’m going to ask him to sit squished on a plane when his ribs are finally healed, only to ask him to sit in my car for six and a half hours back.”
It’s the Sunday before Thanksgiving and my mom just isn’t pleased that I’m not going home to celebrate with them. My hope was that she would come to Houston and drive my car so that I can have a vehicle.
A week after my blow-up with Phoenix and Vivian, Keyara came with me for one last drive in my cute little Audi before dropping it on their doorstep. I parked right in the middle of their driveway and tucked the keys under their doormat. I texted to let them know the car was there, then blocked both Vivian and Phoenix from contacting me.
It was childish, I know, but Phoenix broke my heart thinking he could ship me off and I’d just forget about Bishop. It was a cut so deep, the scar will never fully heal. I’ll live with the reminder every day.
“Anais, this is ridiculous. You and your Uncle are more than just that. You two have always shared a bond that I’ve never been able to penetrate. This cannot be the thing that tears you apart. And before you ‘but mom’ me, I know he messed up. I’m upset with him, too. But he loves you and was only doing what he thought was best. That’s what people do for the ones they love.”
“And I’m doing what I need to do for the one I love. I’m standing by Bishop’s side. His friends have all gone silent. Only Vaughan and Cami bother to check on him, but it’s just not the same. I don’t know that things ever will be again. I can’t abandon him after he’s sacrificed so much for me. I won’t be another person who leaves him.” Mama grows silent, thinking about my words.
I can only hope they’re powerful enough to get her to understand that this isn’t some fickle relationship that will be over in a year. This is the real thing. The kind of love people search their whole lives for. I won’t let it slip between my fingers, and I won’t leave Bishop standing alone.
With a sigh she finally says, “Fine. Gramma and I will fly down there. Just like you won’t ask Bishop to sit in a car for six hours, I won’t do the same to her. You’ll have to figure out something when it comes to a vehicle. I’m sorry. And you know your grandmother is going to want to see Phoenix.”
“I figured you both would. You’re more than welcome to stay with them and even spend part of Thanksgiving with them and come see me afterwards, but I won’t be sharing a meal with that man.”
She mumbles under her breath and I think it’s something like, “Jesus Christ, help me.”
“It’s short notice so we’ll be there Wednesday. Now I need to go buy flights that will cost a fortune at the last minute.”
I smile. “Thank you, mommy. You might want to ask your brother to pick you up from the airport since, you know, I don’t have a vehicle.”
“You are a pain in my ass.”
“I know, but you love me anyway. Bye mama.”
We say our goodbyes and hang up. I walk back into the kitchen where Bishop sits at the table, eating breakfast.
“Sweetheart, come eat. I made a ton of food.” Francine sets a plate down with biscuits and gravy and sausage and eggs.
“Francine, you didn’t have to do that. I feel guilty that you’re always cooking for me.” I sit down and take a deep whiff of the delicious smelling food.
“Oh hush. I love cooking for my baby again. And since you’re now part of this family, you’re my baby too.”
The fork freezes on its way to mymouth and I look up at her. “Part of your family?” I ask.
She takes a seat across from me and reaches out, placing her hand on mine. “Of course you are. The way you have taken care of my son, the way you love him, that’s family, dear. For as long as you love him, you’re part of this one.”
Tears build in my eyes and the fork clatters to my plate. I cover my face with my trembling hands and cry into them. A big arm wraps me up, and I bury my soggy face in his shoulder. I hear the screeching of a chair across the tiled floor and feel a softer embrace from behind me.
“Don’t cry, baby girl,” Bishop whispers and kisses the top of my head.
“I-I guess I didn't realize how much I nee-needed this. Just everything with Phoenix, and now I feel like I’m tearing my family apart,” my words get caught in my throat as I sob.
“Oh sweetheart. I imagine this has all been so difficult for you. Do you think you’d feel better if you just accepted his apology and get some peace in your family?” Francine asks.
I shake my head as best as I can. “No. I’ll never forgive him. What he did to Bishop is unforgivable. If Bishop can’t forgive him, neither can I.”
“I never said I couldn’t,” Bishop adds and I’m shocked.
“What? You can’t be serious?”
“Yeah. I am. He’s been a brother to me for fourteen years, and despite what he did, I can’t hate him.”
I can’t believe my ears. After the beating he endured at the hands of Phoenix, Bishop is still willing to be his friend? I just don’t understand.
I’m speechless as I stare at him when the trill of a phone breaks the silence.
