“It’s about someone I’ve been seeing.”
Her eyes narrowed ever so slightly. The kind of look that made my stomach flip.
“Someone?” she questioned.
“Yes… His name is Tahari, but everyone calls him Trigga.”
The moment I said his nickname, her eyes flinched just a fraction. My chest sank. I could tell she didn’t like it. Maybe the name triggered a memory or a warning. She didn’t say anything, but I could tell that it bothered her. Instead of expressing her obvious disdain, she simply studied me. Her silence caused me to continue to plead my case. I was finally coming clean, and I needed her to understand that this thing with Tahari was very serious.
“He’s really good to me, Ma,” I rushed out. “I like him a lot. I just… I didn’t want you or Dad to be mad, but I’m tired of sneaking around.”
Mom leaned back, her gaze softened, but was still sharp.
“Maliah… I’ve been where you are. I know what it’s like to be in love at your age, to be reckless and full of fire. I understand that feeling.”
I blinked repeatedly because her words surprised me. There was a tenderness there I hadn’t expected. With me being the oldest girl, I guess she sort of always knew that this day was coming.
“But,” she continued, her voice was firm but gentle, “Trigga? That name tells me he’s connected to things in the streets. You don’t know what you’re walking into. The streets aren’t kind. And just because I understand doesn’t mean that I like it. And it damn sure doesn’t mean that I will ever want you getting hurt. Do you understand that?”
“Yes, Ma. I’ll be careful,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper.
Her gaze softened even more as a small smile touched her lips.
“I get it, baby girl. You’re eighteen now. You’re going to make your choices, fall in love, mess up, and learn from mistakes. Just don’t forget who you are, where you come from, or what’s important. And remember this, sometimes I know more than you think.”
The way she stared at me after her statement eased me in a way that I had never felt with her. I couldn’t believe that I was once scared of opening up to her. I nodded slowly as relief washed over me. She didn’t scold me. She didn’t panic. She just understood. Somehow, that made me feel braver about what I was about to do. I swallowed hard while still trying to steady my racing heart. Mom’s eyes were soft, but I could tell she was thinking. The pause made me realize that I hadn’t even considered how I was going to tell Dad.
“Um… Ma?” I said hesitantly. “Now that I told you… How do I tell Daddy?”
She arched an eyebrow and chewed on her bottom lip in thought.
“You didn’t think that far ahead, did you?”
I shook my head while my cheeks had risen in temperature.
“I was just thinking about you. I didn’t think past that.”
She patted the sofa beside her.
“Come sit. Let’s figure it out together.”
I sat comfortably, although now, my heart was racing just thinking about the next step I had to take.
“I don’t want Daddy to flip. You know how he gets.”
She nodded slowly.
“I know, baby girl. He can be protective, but that doesn’t mean he won’t listen. You have to make sure you’re calm, honest, and clear about your feelings. He respects direct honesty more than anything else.”
I bit my lip nervously. I was Maliah. Mali. His baby girl. I knew that this would surely be unsettling for him. Moreimportantly, my dad was overprotective to the point of being controlling and had always been. I’m not sure if losing a baby of his own had done this to him or if it was just because I was his first girl. Maybe he just had an overprotective soul. Some men just walked around with that hero energy. Whatever the reason, I was nervous about breaking the news to him.
“I don’t even know what to say. I want Daddy to understand that I really like Tahari and that he’s good to me.”
Her hand found mine, and then she squeezed it gently.
“Start there. Don’t overthink it. Just be honest and tell him what Tahari means to you and why he makes you happy. And don’t forget that sometimes thewayyou say something is just as important aswhatyou say. Presentation is everything, baby girl.”
“Okay, I need your help with that. The what to say part,” I admitted, nodding slowly.
