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“She calls me Mom.”
“Then she’s a smart girl.”
“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you how smart she is. I’m still mind blown by the things she knows and understands. Her comprehension levels are off the charts.”
“I love the sound of that.”
There was a moment of silence before I decided to end the call. It was important that I stayed on track for the day and didn’t lose too much time while Aussie and Malachi were away.
“I have a full day ahead of me, Mom. I’m going to call you again soon.”
“I’ll be waiting, Aeir.”
“If I take too long, don’t hesitate to call me.”
“I won’t. I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
I ended the call a bit lighter. Feeling good about rekindling our relationship, I sauntered into the kitchen to finish filling the picnic basket with my favorites. There was someone special I needed to see and couldn’t wait to meet.
Freshly squeezed juice, kiwis, apples, oranges, a small salad and a bottle of water fit perfectly into the basket and didn’t give me any issues on my way to the truck. Once inside, I started the engine and let back the sunroof. The wind blew my hair in multiple directions as I made my way to the main road.
The sunglasses covering my eyes kept it from my eyes and out of my line of vision. With a hand out of the window and Jhene Aiko in the background, I let go of all inhibitions and embraced everything God had planned for me in the meantime.
After a thirty-five minute drive and a stop at the floral shop, I reached my destination. Unsure of where I was going, I allowed my heart to lead me. When my feet could no longer move because of the gravitational pull that was working in my favor, I read the name across the gorgeous headstone. The picture in the center brought me to my knees. My fingers traced the gold frame.
“Hello, Anna.”
I smiled, feeling as though her presence was near. Comfort was a priority because I knew I’d be awhile. I was in no hurry. There was nowhere else I needed to be. With Anna was where I had planned to spend my day. She’d missed so much and I felt it was my duty to catch her up on all things Malachi and Aussie.
I laid the blanket that had been tucked under my armpit onto the grass and set the picnic basket on top. I placed the flowers I’d picked up into the vase that was attached to her headstone. I twisted the cap off the water bottle from the basket and poured a decent amount into the vase as well as the vitamin pack the florist assured me would keep the flowers alive for at least three weeks. By then, I would have stopped by to bring fresh ones.
“Where do we start, Love?” I asked, resting on the blanket and bringing my legs up to my chest.
“Malachi.” I chuckled. “You’d like to start with that gorgeous man, huh? I wouldn’t blame you. But, before we go down that rabbit hole and find ourselves in tears, I want to start by thanking you. Thank you for your restlessness and adamancy to find someone worthy and someone deserving of Malachi and Aussie. Thank you for choosing me. I can’t put into words how much the two of them mean to me or how much joy they bring me. I promise to love them just as you would and a little harder if that’s even possible. For all of our sake, I’ll try.”
I grabbed an orange from the basket and began peeling it.
“You know, people think I’m absolutely insane. Milo, I met him, and he’s the only one that doesn’t look at me like a walking contradiction. I appreciate that. I appreciate him for that. I met Lawe and God he’s a case. He’s something special. I’ve yet to meet Mercer or Makai. They haven’t been by in the last two months. According to Malachi, and from what I see, he doesn’t get many visitors. He’s been under a rock for two years. I’m happy I could help him from that place, out of that darkness. He didn’t belong there. I hope he never goes back.”
I bit into the slice I’d separated from the others.
“He’s amazing, Anna. He’s smart. He’s loving. He’s understanding. He’s caring. He’s a listener. He’s just… he’s everything I’ve ever wanted in a man. Thank you for loving him into the man I met two months ago. Without you, that wouldn’t have been possible. And, Aussie. She’s… she’s something special.
“I’ve got her. I’ve got her for the rest of her life. She’s in good hands. She missed you all this time. She hardly knew you but she could feel your absence. She’s suffered for so long, my only wish is to bring her peace and happiness. I’ll sacrifice anything to make sure she flourishes. It’s the least I can do. You know?”
I popped another slice into my mouth.
“Malachi is healing, but he is unable to let go. I went into his office last week and found it covered in any and every piece of information he could get his hands on about that night. He spends hours at a time in there, getting lost in his thoughts. He sees himself as a failure because he hasn’t been able to solve your murder.
“I know you’ve given me so much already, but I’m asking for one last thing. He deserves it. Please, stop his heart from hurting. Free him of the guilt that rides his back night and day. If it’s in your power.”
I cleared my throat, feeling myself choke up. “Please.”
The echoing startled me. I whipped my neck in the direction of the sound and found the longest set of legs I’d ever had the pleasure of climbing standing a few feet behind me. He cleared his throat again before speaking.
“It’s almost ironic how I’ve never visited Anna’s grave, but something kept pulling me in this direction today. I’ve never had the courage. I’ve never had the strength. But, today, I couldn’t resist. It’s as if I was being called here, and now that I’m here, I find both of the women I love, discussing me. Niggas hate that shit, but I can admit, it’s the best fucking thing I’ve ever witnessed.”
