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The bickering brought him pure joy. I could tell he was enjoying the small spat about nothingness. It was as close to an argument he’d ever experienced because it wasn’t my ministry. However, when it came to Aussie, I’d toy with his guilty pleasure.
“Aight. If y’all not in there by the time I count to thirty, I’m coming back.”
“Bye, Malachi.”
I scooped Aussie up in my hands and waited until she settled to continue. I slid into my shoes and headed toward the master bedroom where an impatient Malachi was waiting. Upon entry, he flipped the switch on the light and climbed into bed. I followed his lead, walking around to the other side and climbing up with Aussie in my arms.
I maneuvered until I was in between the two of them, still cradling her, but giving Malachi access to parts of me that helped him sleep better at night. He placed an arm over me. His hand landed on Aussie’s tiny frame. Completion was the only term to describe the feeling I experienced while closing my eyes and drifting off.
FOURTEEN
A weekand a half as a family and my cheeks hurt from smiling so much in the last ten days since Aussie had been home. She was a ray of sunshine and kept us both on our toes. She reminded me a lot of myself, but not as a child. She had an old soul.
Her presence had me thinking a lot about the strained relationship with my mother and the words of Malachi not long ago. She’d been on my mind heavily since witnessing the emptiness of Anna’s mother. Aussie being adamant about referring to me as Mommy left me with so many questions about motherhood and raising an amazing member of society. My mother was the person to answer those questions, but up until today, I hadn’t found the gumption to reach out.
With Aussie and Malachi out for a daddy and daughter day that I’d spent most of the night convincing him of, I felt there wasn’t a more perfect time to finally make the call I’d been dreading. I hovered over my mother’s number, contemplating on what I’d say or how I’d explain the last two months of my life. There was no easy way to share any of the updates, but I knew I needed to. Tucking my fear in my back pocket, I pressed the green button. She picked up on the second ring, exhilaration apparent in her voice.
“Aeir. I was just thinking about you, baby. How are you?”
“I’m good, Mom. I’m really good. How about you?”
“I’m much better now. Sitting here watching my shows, you know.”
“I figured.”
As an entrepreneur, she spent her time however she saw fit. It wasn’t always that way, but as of late, it had been. She spent her days searching for real estate to invest. She’d saved fifty thousand dollars before quitting her job and taking a leap of faith. Knowing that my father would provide for her if her business idea failed, she stepped into her calling, worried about nothing.
“Is everything okay?”
“Everything’s fine, Mom. Perfect, in fact. I plan to tell you all about it, but first, I wanted to let you know I’ve given our situation so much thought lately. Your actions were painful and they hurt like crazy, but not enough for me to live the rest of the life I’ve been blessed with resenting you. You made a decision you felt was best for us all. I forgive you. I know there was no malicious intent surrounding that decision and that is what matters.”
“It wasn’t, Aeir. I just wanted us all to stop suffering.”
“I know. I forgive you. It’s okay. I’m okay. We’re okay.”
“Thank you. I’ve waited for this call, hoping it would come sooner rather than later.”
“Well, here you have it.”
“What’s been going on in your world? How is Berkeley?”
“I met a man, Mom.”
The tears that fell from my eyes were unexpected, but surfaced from a genuine place.
“I know, baby. I sensed it.”
“He’s everything.”
“Because it’s exactly what you deserve.”
“He has a daughter. He was married. His wife died when she was only six months. She’s two, going on three, now. She’s… she’s amazing. She is just this big ball of energy. Her innocence is the most precious thing. Sometimes, I forget she’s not biologically mine.” I chuckled. “Because she feels like—”
“She belongs to you and it’s only because she does.”
“Yeah?”
“Yes. And, if you feel that way, then so does she.”
