Page 95 of Without Bound
She reaches up and gently takes his face in her hands and looks at him with unshed tears in her eyes.
“Mama, I’m okay. Please don’t cry.”
“Francine, how many times do I have to tell you? He is not a boy. He stopped being a boy when he was twelve years old and grew taller than you and sprouted a mustache.” I snort at his dad, Darius.
Francine bats his comments away and I just freaking love them. I hope we’re like that when we get older.
“Hey Bish,” Camille says apprehensively. “Come sit on the couch. We brought plenty of food for you. All your favorites.”
“He’s going to his room. The doctor gave him painkillers and he needs to take them and get some rest,” I snap at her and walk right past all of them. “C’mon big guy. Up one more flight.”
“You know son, why don’t you stay in the guest room so you don’t have to climb those stairs?” Darius tells him.
Again, I chuckle because the look Bishop gives his father is clearly full of annoyance.
“We tried that, Darius. He wasn’t having any of it,” I tell him with an apologetic shrug.
“Hey. I have a great idea. How about I speak for myself?” We all look at Bishop, a little surprised by his tone. “Sorry. I’m just tired and don’t want you all going out of your way for me.”
I slide my hand to his and lace our fingers together. “We’re just worried about you, big guy. That’s all.”
He squeezes my hand then brings it to his lips, placing a gentle kiss on the back of it.
“I know, and I appreciate it. I’m just used to doing things on my own, so it feels strange having others do it all for me. Especially talking.” He gives everyone an arched brow as somewhat of a warning.
“Sorry, son. It’s difficult to turn off mom mode when all I want to do is hold you and bandage you up like I used to when you were just a boy. But you’re right. We’ll back off…a little. You’re crazy if you think we’re going to leave you alone. We’re staying, but maybe not hover so much.” Francine gives him a loving smile that reaches her eyes.
“Thanks, mama. However at the moment, y’all are the ones who are correct. I’m pretty tired and could use some sleep.”
Vaughan and I wrap our arms around him like we did before, and help him upstairs to his bedroom. I turn down his bed, then rummage through his drawers for lounge pants and t-shirt.
“Anais. I can do that. You don’t need to.”
“Well maybe I want to do it, okay.” I arch my brow at him and as best as he can with a busted lip and swollen face, he smiles.
Vaughan helps him sit on the edge of the bed and I ask him to grab his medicine and a glass of water while I help him get comfortable. Once he’s changed and propped up on his fluffy pillows, I kiss his forehead and place the half full glass of water on his nightstand.
“Go to sleep and then I’ll fixus some dinner when you wake up.”
“You’re gonna make us dinner?” he cracks.
“No, you jerk. I will warm up the food that has already been made. I’m sure your parents will want to stay and have dinner with us, so I’ll get the living room set with some trays.”
“Babe–”
“Hush. I wasn’t asking.” I place a finger tenderly over his lips to silence him. “I’m putting your music on low, but I bet you’ll be asleep in less than five minutes.”
I give him one last kiss and turn to set his music, but he grips my arms and swings me back around.
“Thank you, baby girl. For helping me and for being by my side. You really didn’t need to do all of this.” His eyes are soft and sincere, and it starts my waterworks all over again.
“I love you, big guy. There isn’t anywhere else I’d rather be than by your side. Always.”
He tugs me to him and I plant my hands on the bed, not wanting to give him my weight or hurt him. He kisses my lips softly and intimately. I lay my head gently on his chest, listening to the way his heart beats, and he combs his fingers through my hair.
“I love you, too,” he whispers with a yawn, and I slowly stand up.
“Sleep. We’ll talk more, later.” I caress his face and he closes his eyes, nodding his head, already drifting off.
