Page 21 of Enigma
“On Ya-Ya’s 13th birthday, I put myself and Yanna in the car and drove to a train crossing that I knew had regular train traffic,” she said, her voice now shaking, and my thigh bouncing as sadness crept into my spirit.
“I parked the car on the train tracks and locked the doors as a train wascoming full steam ahead to end my pain and suffering and take my baby with me, because if I couldn’t be the mother she deserved in the living, just maybe I could be the mother she deserved in the afterlife,” my mother sobbed softly as my father rubbed her back supportively.
“The man above must’ve sent an angel to let us know that we still had purpose here on earth, because next thing I felt was the car being forcefully pushed across the tracks. Layanna, in my sick mind, there was no way I could be a good mother to you, because of my illness. I felt that maybe in another time and place, I would have the chance to love you, admire you, and pour into you the way you deserved. I have always wanted to be your mother, to love you, to engage your interests, but instead, I allowed my fear and ego to guide me, and I dropped the ball completely. The state trooper slamming his truck into the car repeatedly until we were safely off the tracks should’ve been my second and final chance, but instead I continued to allow my illness to dictate my moves in life, driving me to push you and your dad away,” she continued.
“I want to apologize to you right here and right now, and ask you to give me a chance to be your mother whenever you’re ready. I will give you the time and space you need to decide how to move forward,” my mom stated, her voice genuine and honest, as I sat quietly for a moment.
I never thought in a million years that I’d get an apology from my mom, and I damn sure never expected her to come to me in hopes of re-establishing a relationship. Sitting quiet for a few moments longer, squeezing Caleb’s hand on my thigh, and JaJa rubbing my back, I found the courage to respond.
“Mom, I forgive you, and I want you to forgive yourself. We can’t change the past, but we can work towards a future of beautiful memories from this day forward. I’d like to get to know the woman you are today and be a support system for you as you continue your journey of health and wellness,” I finished, watching my mom raise her head up as she looked at me with joy, love, and admiration.
“Mrs. Graves, it takes a special kind of love to humble yourself not only in front of your child but in front of others and speak openly and honestly about the damage and pain you inflicted on her. I pray that you, Yanna, and Mr. Graves continue to heal as a family and individually. Any way I can be of help to you all, please let me know,” Caleb stated as he stood up, preparing to embrace my parents.
Completing our meal, and enjoying the healing that had taken place, including my mother and father telling me they had rekindled their romance and were planning to remarry each other eventually. I was happy for my father because after leaving my mother, I never saw him seriously date anyone. Making plans to get together with my parents for dinner soon, Caleb and I prepared to head to his place, where JaJa decided to come along so we could get started with our real bitch catch-up session.
As we stepped through the foyer, I immediately kicked my shoes off and told JaJa to follow me to the kitchen while I offered her something to eat, drink, or snack on.
“You’re very familiar with this big ass mansion,” JaJa chuckled, causing me to flip her the bird.
“Flipping me the bird is cool, but bitch get to the real details. How the fuck did you and Caleb end up not only fucking but deeply in love?” She asked with a face full of playfulness and intrigue, bringing a smile to my face.
“Forgive me, Maria girl, but I know that big fine mothafucka be putting you right through the mattress, don’t he?” She asked quizzically, before continuing, “Never mind, don’t answer that, cause then I might need a turn. I’m knee deep in a dick drought, so I’m living vicariously through you,” causing us both to howl with laughter.
Making for the perfect segue to tell her about us being non-monogamous, mischief flickering behind my eyes as I texted Dana and Ahmir to see if they wanted to stop by. They responded, saying they were leaving dinner and were on their way. If I was going to get JaJa caught up to speed on my new normal, then I might as well take the roof off, I thought to myself as I chuckled outwardly.
Caleb walked up behind me, “What are you over here laughing at, gorgeous?” He asked as his teeth dragged along my neck before he got to his favorite spot and bit down, eliciting a soft whimper to fall from my lips.
“Mr. Black, don’t start, we have company,” I said softly, looking towards Ajaih as she poured herself a glass of wine.
My best friend had always been beautiful, with her smooth, sandy brown skin, her perfect smile, and a button nose that was home to her reddish brown freckles that took her from beautiful to outright fucking gorgeous. She was 5’4” of sassiness, ambition, and drive. She was the perfect person to work their way up the military ranks because she didn’t take any shit from anyone. Her years in the military took her once soft, plush body to a well-toned stallion as genetics made sure her thunderously thick thighs, curvy hips, and round ass paired with the six pack and toned upper body she now maintains thanks to the gym. She kept her long curly mane pulled back into a bun thanks to her years in the military and now her duty as a commercial airline captain; however, when she let her tresses out to play, you’d never see a more gorgeous woman.
“Don’t mind me, just act like I’m not here,” she said, turning around to face us with a grin on her face, causing the three of us to laugh just as the doorbell sounded.
“We’re having company?” Cal asked with his eyebrow raised.
“Dana and Ahmir,” I responded as I headed to get the door. I could see the amusement on JaJa’s face as she watched Cal follow behind me like a love-sick puppy, I had under my spell.
“Sit, Ubu, sit…good boy!” JaJa yelled.
“ARF!” Caleb barked loud and deep.
We lost it with laughter as I opened the door. Finally looking up, my breath hitched at the sight of Ahmir and Dana standing there looking like they just stepped off a runway in Milan.
“H—Hi,” I stuttered, still not over how good they looked.
Dana was draped in a beautiful burnt terracotta one-shoulder twist front evening gown from Tom Ford. I knew she probably had on padlock heels to match her copper colored clutch and gold accessories. As always, her pixie cut was styled to perfection, and she smelled heavenly. Ahmir was clad in a black wool mohair tuxedo from Tom Ford. His locs were freshly re-twisted and styled into a perfect bun towards the nape of his neck. He was biting his bottom lip as he took me in, and I could see he had his gold canines matching his gold Rolex, and a Cuban link chain and bracelet. Arrogant ass nigga know he looks fucking good, I thought I said to myself, but apparently I whispered it under my breath loud enough for him and Dana to hear, causing them both to laugh and snap me back to reality and cover my face realizing they’d heard me.
Dana and Ahmir each grabbed an arm and pulled me into them, as Dana softly but sensually kissed my lips as Ahmir whispered into my ear, “You want this arrogant ass nigga to put this dick deep in you tonight, don’t you?” He asked, as I clinched my thighs and shook my head up and down, yes, almost instantaneously asthe question left his lips.
“Oooooo BITCH, you really been over here living the good life, GOTDAMN, lemme go take a cold shower or something, shit!” Ajaih yelled out, causing Dana and Ahmir to look in her direction with warm smiles and amusement on their faces.
Shaking my head, I turned toward my silly ass best friend, “Ja, these are my lovers Dana and Ahmir, they are engaged and also make up our polycule,” I said with confidence and pride as I felt Dana and Ahmir gently rubbing and stroking my neck, back, and ass.
“Dana, Ahmir, this is Ajaih, my best friend. She’ll be here in Winston Hills for the next month, so expect to see her around, keeping up noise,” I added as Caleb dapped up Ahmir and took Dana in his arms for a kiss as he whispered something in her ear that made her cheeks blush.
“You’re gorgeous,” Dana gushed as she hugged Ajaih, causing her freckles to illuminate on her now rosy cheeks.
“As are you, this dress is stunning,” JaJa complimented, intrigue written all over her face as she turned to look at Ahmir, fidgeting with her hands, letting me know she was nervous as she looked at this fine ass man in front of her.
