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“I enjoyed every minute with her. She said she didn’t want to come over tomorrow, so I’m just going to make her a plate and bring it over after dinner.”
“I’m sure she would love that. That’s what I planned to do anyway. Maybe we can make a night of it and help her put her Christmas decorations up.”
“Ooh, I love the sound of that. I wish AJ was with us. He and Lis could help us too.”
“I like that. I think I’ll see about getting him for an hour or two so we can start a new tradition with Ma.”
We talked for a little while more before ending the call. After what he told me Lis shared with AJ, I was more mindful of not necessarily spending all day, every day with her, but doing more sentimental things with her. Alisia had always been fairly independent. I knew her sadness and desire for her father was why she was a bit clingier than usual. So trying new things and creating memories with her was working wonders. She was so satisfied with what we’d done today that she sounded like her old self and sang songs when she wasn’t talking to anyone like she used to do.
That was progress, but I was still going to get her father for her like she wanted. Regardless of how that turned out, I wanted her to see for herself what kind of man would stay away from his child for twelve years. My prayer was that she realized she was better off without him at a young age… unlike me. I hadn’t seen my father since dinner with Darron. He hadn’t answered any of my calls, and eventually, I stopped calling. If we never had the relationship I desired, I would be okay with that. I was just grateful to have the mother I had.
From my research, I learned that Trent was married and living in Atlanta. I’d called and left him a voicemail, letting him know his daughter was requesting his presence. At this point, it was up to him. Even if he didn’t show up for my baby, I was going to make sure she was more than okay with just me.
* * *
The Monday After Thanksgiving
Amaru and I decided to transfer the kids after Christmas break so they could start fresh during the new semester. I decided to take Lis to school in the morning instead of having her ride the bus, so we could have breakfast together. Though I could tell she was pleased with this new change, it made me happy to hear her say, “I really like having breakfast with you in the morning, Mommy. It’s a great start to my day.”
“That makes me happy, sunshine. Thank you for being patient with Mama. I know I’ve been busier than normal this year.”
Her smile dropped slightly, and as I took a sip of my coffee, I hoped she was going to come clean about how she was feeling.
“Yeah, that made me a little sad, but I know you have to work.”
“I do, but not as much as I have been. That’s why I’m going to talk to Violet today about taking the rest of the year off.”
“Having breakfast and dinner with you like we talked about helps a lot. I don’t want you to be mad at me because you can’t work as much as you want to.”
“Oh, baby,” I cooed, standing from my seat and walking over to her. “I would never be upset with you for wanting to spend time with me. I love my job, but never more than I love you. Having breakfast and dinner together throughout the week is the bare minimum of what I can give to you. When the new year comes and I decide to go back to work, I promise you we’re going to stick to that same schedule we’ve created.”
We decided on Fridays, we’d have girl time with each other. Saturdays would be my time away and the day she’d be with Mama. Sundays were in the air. If she wanted, we’d do something together. If not, she’d spend those with AJ or chilling by herself. I had a feeling she’d want to spend time on the weekend with AJ and his grandma though.
Lis has always liked Amanda, but now that Ru and I have been dating, we’d been more intentional about the time the kids spend with our mothers. She thoroughly enjoyed herself with Amanda during our girls’ day and for Thanksgiving. Amanda cried tears of joy when we showed up with food to help her decorate for Christmas. She was grateful we started a new tradition that would keep her mind off her husband and the issues going on with her children because of the loss. Amanda had given Lis her number and told her she could come over anytime she wanted.
“Thanks, Ma.” She gave me a kiss on the cheek. When I tried to return it, she put her hand over my mouth. “Ew. You know I hate coffee breath.”
Holding her tight, I tried to smother her with kisses as she yelled and giggled. “You better be quiet before you wake your grandma up!”
“Ew, Ma! Get off me! Your breath stinks!”
“My breath doesnotstink!”
“Yes, it does! That coffee smells and tastes horrible.”
Sucking my teeth, I released her. “Whatever, little girl. One day you’re going to have a newfound love for coffee and boys.”
She pretended to stick her finger in her mouth and gag, making me laugh as I went back to my seat.
“Speaking of boys, what’s going on with you and Ru? AJ told me the two of you are dating.”
Twisting my mouth to the side, I nodded as I picked up a piece of toast. “We are. I was waiting for the right time to tell you, but so much has been going on. How do you feel about that?”
“I like it. I love Amaru. I think it’ll be cool if we could be a real family. You know I’ve always wanted a brother or sister, and if you marry Ru, I’ll finally have one.”
“I’m really happy to hear you say that, sunshine. Now I don’t want you to get your hopes up too fast because we just started dating, but we have been talking about marriage. Regardless of what happens between us romantically, Ru and AJ will always be in your life. Amaru may not be your real father, but he’s held that space in your life since you were born.”
“That’s true. I know we’re lucky to have them, and they’re lucky to have us. It would be great if Ru was my dad, but I’m hoping you can find mine so I can be with him.”
