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ONE
Today’s my birthday.
Twenty-nine.
Shit! I’m twenty-nine.
No job, no man, no life.
What the hell, Cali?
Cali’s phone buzzed, allowing an out from the depressing thoughts consuming her. It was five thirty in the morning, which meant the caller was her sister. Baby sister. Baby by ten months. Irish twins.
Their mother was one of those. She delivered Cali on January third and a little over a month later had a very eventful Valentine’s Day that resulted in her pregnancy with the second Jordan sister who she delivered on November fifth. Six months later Diana Jordan decided she wasn’t fit to be a mother to either of them and handed both of her girls over to social services with the support of her husband who shared the same sentiment.
Yep, that’s my history.
No wonder I’m so mentally screwed up!
But at least there’s Conner!
Yanking the comforter over her head, Cali swiped her finger to answer and quickly placed the call on speaker, preparing for Conner’s overly giddy birthday wishes, but instead was hit with something she hadn’t been expecting.
“Cali?” The soft voice was almost a whisper which had Cali sprinting from the bed.
“What the hell did he do? Did that bastard put his hands on you?”
“He… I… Can you just come and get me? Please?”
“Shit, Conner. I know he did something. He’s always doing something. I’m on my way. Pack your shit and go to Ms. Rose’s apartment.”
“No, he didn’t do anything crazy. We just had a bad argument but never mind. He’s not here anyway. He left.”
“Of course he did. He always runs because he’s weak. If I come you better not go back to him.”
She got quiet and Cali knew what was happening. She changed her mind.
“Conner…” she said on a sigh, yanking jeans up over curvy hips and walking to the bed, lifting her phone. “I’m sick of this shit. I’m sick of you allowing him to treat you like you’re nothing so he can kiss your ass until you give in and forgive him. It’s a cycle. One you have to promise me you’re going to break or I’m not coming to get you.”
It would break Cali’s heart not being there for her sister but this was exhausting. They were exhausting. She loved Conner more than she loved herself most days but if Conner didn’t love herself, Cali’s love wouldn’t be enough. She had to make peace with that no matter how much it hurt.
“I love you, sis. I’m gonna… Happy birthday, okay.”
“Conner?”
“I know, I know. Just give me time.”
Exhaling a long sigh, Cali covered her face with her hand and nodded. “I love you too.”
Then she was gone.
“Well happy birthday to me,” Cali mumbled as she looked around the bright and cozy bedroom. It was a clean kind of messy. Not enough to be concerned with but since she was up and had nothing else to do with her time, she decided to start her day by cleaning not only her room but the entire apartment.
Besides, I need a distraction.
Two hours later the task was complete and Cali couldn’t deny a slight tinge of happiness. There was something about a clean house. Especially a space that was not only visually clean but smelled good. The honey vanilla candles strategically placed around her apartment allowed a sense of peace.
“Now it’s my turn.” Cali pulled the oversized sweatshirt she wore over her head and tossed it right in the hamper. Normally it would have found its way on the dresser or bed but the hard work she had just completed wouldn’t go in vain. At least not today.
