Page 39 of Awakening
I looked over at Ajaih, at Knox. Their eyes met mine instantly, filled with questions, support, and love.
And just like that, life back in the States was calling, and Santorini would soon be a distant but cherished memory.
I knew what I had to do to make peace finally.
“How soon do I need to get there?”
“Within the next day or two,” my baby brother answered.
“I’ll text you my flight details when I make them. I love you, JJ, and I’ll be there for you however you need me.”
“I love you too, Blue, and I’ll see you soon,” he said as we ended the call.
Sitting up, I decided to tell them what was going on. Looking over, Ajaih was curled up in Knox’s lap, both of them wanting to know what was going on.
"I'm not going back to Winston Hills, just yet,” I said quietly. "I'm heading to Cypress Fork. I need to see him and finally sit the weight of the trauma I’ve been carrying all these years on the shoulders of the person who created it, my dad."
Ajaih sat upright immediately, her eyes sharp, heat in them. Knox straightened, too, his arm falling protectively around both of us.
"Then we’re going with you," Knox said without hesitation.
I blinked, taken aback by his tenderness, "You don’t have to—"
"Mavi,” Ajaih interrupted gently with her newestnickname for me, “We want to. You’ve held space for us since the second this began. Let us hold space for you now."
Knox leaned in, forehead pressed to mine. "You’re not facing this alone, babe. We’re not letting you carry that weight by yourself."
Tears burned at the corners of my eyes. I tried to blink them away, but they fell endlessly. Ajaih nor Knox required me to be strong; they became my strength as they stayed, silent but present, anchoring me.
And right then, I was reminded that family isn’t always blood. Sometimes, it’s the ones who choose to walk into the fire with you.
Twenty-six years ago, I left home alone, but now, I knew that no matter what awaited me in the place my trauma began, Ajaih and Knox would be there to help me face it, head-on.
The ride from the airport to Cypress Fork was quiet, only the sound of the tires traversing the road and the music playing softly as Ajaih’s fingers laced tightly with mine. Knox sat in the back, his profile calm, eyes scanning the landscape. When we pulled up to my childhood home, I took a moment to prepare myself for the days ahead. Would they be filled with the same turmoil I left over two decades ago? The porch light was on, just like always. But everything else felt heavier as I knocked on the door.
Michelle opened the door, surprise washing over herface. It was always a safe bet when I asked JJ not to tell something, and this time was no different. I’d asked him not to tell our mother that I was coming, in case I changed my mind. Walking onto the porch, her arms wrapped around me like she was trying to put every apology into a single embrace. I shocked myself when I realized how tightly I was holding on to her.
“Baby,” she whispered, voice trembling, “I—I’m so glad you’re here.”
I wanted to respond, but the words never found me; instead, I reached for Ajaih and Knox as their hands settled reassuringly into mine. “Mama, this is Ajaih and Knox, my partners.”
Michelle looked at them, eyes glistening with tears as a genuine smile made its way to her face. “Thank you for being here with my baby.” Her voice was overcome with emotion.
Ajaih stepped forward, extending her hand with a warm smile, “Thank you for having us.”
Knox nodded, “It’s an honor to meet you, Mrs. Carter.”
There were so many words left unsaid, and I couldn’t not say them; hell, I came here to tell them.
Before I could speak, she blurted out, “I’m so sorry, Maverick. For all the years I stood by and didn’t say enough. I thought I was protecting peace, but I was protecting silence. And I should’ve fought harder, been your advocate. Instead, I allowed my silence to make me your adversary.”
“Twenty-six years I stayed away, and twenty-six years you allowed it. Every major accomplishment since I walked out that door, you missed. I’m sure JJ keeps you in the know, but I’m Maverick Carter, Nurse Practitioner andcharge nurse of Winston Hills Memorial ER. I’m sexually fluid and proud,” I said with confidence.
“You’re simply amazing,” my mother added.
“If this show of love, support, and remorse is short-lived until we’re in the company of your husband, then I’d rather you keep it. From this moment forward, you have to love me out loud, protect my heart and mind fiercely, and be the mother I always deserved, or else it’ll be another twenty-six years before you see me again.”
A smile a mile wide on her face, my mother nodded her head. “Deal! Y’all come on in out this heat. I was just about to make some dinner. Your brother is on his way over.”
