Zaria- Chapter Four
I entered the fully furnished building June bought for me.
It took a few weeks to create this soothing yet professional atmosphere, which made me proud.
Even though this was something I studied in school, putting it into practice felt different.
It was one thing to unintentionally be the therapist to those who were close to me but another to become a therapist for strangers who trusted me with their every word.
However, I had the support of my friends and my husband, and that was all I needed.
There were still minor tasks to complete before I accepted my first client, and I had been trying to complete them daily to prepare.
“Hey, girl!” Lakia greeted me.
She was starting to come around more after everything that happened with her and Monfua.
I think, for a while, she was embarrassed by how things went down, but since Monfua had been in the field of his newfound career, she had been taking online courses.
I knew she was looking for work, so I gave her a job, and each day I came in to prepare, so did she.
“Hey.” I waved.
As I made my way toward my office, she was right on my heels. “So, a few people have requested an appointment. I created this for you to keep track of everything, and this—” She handed me a box.
I halted as I glanced down at it. “What is this?”
She smiled. “It’s a gift from Fua and me.
Zaria, you are truly one of a kind. I know I don’t say much, but I see everything.
Your resilience, your light, heart, and beauty are something we all admire.
Now, it ain’t nothing that Chevy would do for you, but something I think would really add a little umph to your office. ”
To hear her say that gave me some comfort.
It made me feel like the journey to where I was now had been worth all the fight.
It made me feel like a true queen. I opened the box to see a shiny black nameplate with orange metallic lettering that read: LMHC Zaria Calloway.
A giggle left me, followed by a tear. I embraced her in a tight hug before entering the single space that made me feel like I was going to become someone’s savior.
I had only been rearranging things for thirty minutes when the light tap on my door caught my attention. Before I could even tell Lakia to come in, she peeked through the crack. “Umm, Zaria, a lady is here demanding to see you.”
My head flew back because I wasn’t open for clients yet. “Who is it?”
“She said she’s related to Chevy.”
At first, I thought it was Indigo, but I remembered that she and Bishop had gone sailing since they had gotten engaged. I knew damn well Tania wasn’t coming to see me. That was when my stomach sank. I gave Lakia a tight-lipped smile. “Send her in.”
Moments later, the door opened fully, and just as my gut told me, she stood there as her eyes took in my office before they landed on me.
This was my first real encounter with her, as June tried to keep them away.
However, I knew eventually the time would come when I would have to face the Merciers too.
She came in and took it upon herself to sit, then gave me a slow nod to follow.
“That’s not how this works. You don’t get to walk in here and tell me what to do,” I hissed.
Her brows raised before her cheeks slightly lifted into a half smile. “Now, either you’ve always been this way, or the liking of my grandson has worn off on you. I’m not here to cause harm. I’m here to talk.”
I rolled my eyes. “It sounds like you’re here to try to plant a dead seed that will never grow, but I’m listening.”
She leaned back comfortably and crossed her legs. “How are the twins? Are they as beautiful as I picture?”
“They are fine. How can I help you?”
“I see you want to get right to the point. Look, Zaria, I’m truly not here to cause friction in your life, but I want to be a part of my great-grandkids' lives. I know June is somewhere between forgiving and forgetting, but allow me the chance to show you guys who I am outside of Clark.”
I knew my heart was forgiving and June’s wasn’t, but the one thing I’d learned while being with him was to trust my gut.
The fact that I didn’t trust my own mother around my kids meant I sure enough wasn’t going to trust her.
The Merciers had become the one thing in June’s life he couldn’t shake.
To me, they were a part of the reason he couldn’t see a better tomorrow; they were the reason Mr. Calloway couldn’t thrive, which meant they were the reason the man I knew, who was dying to be free, was still held captive.
So, no, I couldn’t allow her a single chance.
It was Calloway over every-fucking-thing, and if she didn’t know already, today she would.
I pulled out my chair and sat down facing her.
“Listen, I know you have a heart in there somewhere, but your past has defined your future. The choice you and your husband made led to what’s unfolding.
I don’t hate you because I do not know you, but in the Calloway house, the Merciers aren’t welcome.
Maybe you will get to see them, but it won’t be in this lifetime. ”
Tears slowly rolled down her face, and a piece of me broke inside.
She leaned forward, touching my hand gently.
“I understand, and I can do nothing but respect your decision. Tell June to come and see me if you will because he’s not taking my calls.
I heard Clark is back, and just as you know your husband, I know mine.
He isn’t right, and whatever this thing is he has against June, it will not die.
He will not let it go. So, protect your kids, your home, and June.
You are fierce. I can see it. I wish I were that way too, and maybe my daughter would still be alive,” she finished and stood up.
“June doesn’t need protection, but Clark will.”
She grinned. “So be it.”
Cynthia turned and walked out the door. Her message was clear, but I wasn’t sure whose side she was truly on.