Chapter 2
Chapter Two
Amena
B efore I knew what was happening, a rush of old memories of Laikin and my brother hanging around our neighborhood with their friends playing ball popped into my head. My brother had no clue about the crush I had on his best friend. It was something I would take to my grave, and now, years later, sitting in a car with him and my son in the back seat sent my nerves to new heights. I came back into town to start over and get away from my ex-husband Virgil, an asshole who felt like he owned me. Everything had to be to his liking-- how I dressed, the food I made, the way we raised our child. Getting swept up in love and being blinded to the red flags at a young age, I should have listened to my parents when they asked if I really wanted a life with him. I rolled my eyes when I saw Virgil’s name flashing across my cellphone for the tenth time. I’ve been avoiding talking with him since the divorce papers were signed, but I knew I would eventually need to let our son speak with his father. However, at the moment, I needed a break and time to think and to get my life in order.
Laikin Trenton, the first boy I ever loved, held that stare that could get anything out of me. “What's up with you, Amena?”
I was grateful he wasn’t a crazy stranger on the highway that picked up us, but at the same time having a reunion under these circumstances was weird. I checked over my parents’ old block, slipped down in my seat, and looked in the back to check on my pumpkin. He was knocked out in his car seat with drool running down his chin.
“Surprised to see you driving yourself on the road like a normal person.” All of his family and friends knew Laikin would make it in sports, from basketball and track to racing. His parents and mine were close because we all lived in the same neighborhood growing up. From what I’d heard, he moved them to a bigger house after he got signed and had endorsements deals.
Laikin stared at me for a moment before licking his lips. “You still do that?”
I slouched back. “Do what?”
He scratched the top of his head. “Change the subject.”
“What are you talking about?” I stared back at him in confusion.
“Nothing, Pepper.”
That nickname was the last thing I figured he would call me after so many years. It became his signature joke between us because I loved pepper on almost all the food I ate growing up. I loved spicy foods in general, plus with extra pepper, and it stuck so much that even my family wanted to call me Pepper, but I put a stop to it.
I playfully nudged him with my elbow. “I haven't heard that name in years.”
“I'm the only one that should call you that.” We parked in front of my parents’ two-story home that I hadn't seen since I was in my early twenties. I had stopped visiting, only talking on the phone. I felt like they hated me for leaving.
I shook my head, removing my seatbelt. “Still cocky.”
“Are you hungry? I can go grab that pizza for the little guy.”
“No, I can handle getting dinner prepared.”
“Are you sure? What about the little man? It might be faster to grab pizza.”
Nibbling on my bottom lip, I realized we hadn't eaten for a few hours after getting on the flight from Atlanta. I’d had a few snacks, but no real food. My stomach rumbled, reminding me that I was starving, and my parents barely cooked now that it was just them.
“We can order something to eat.”
“All right, Pepper, hopefully, Kayne didn't pick up your bad habits.” He smiled and I shoved him on the shoulder at his silly joke. Opening my door, I went to grab Kayne from the back seat. Laikin surprised me and removed him from the car seat, then picked up his tablet and jacket. Lifting some of our things, I made a reminder to call the tow truck company to bring my car to the shop and got the rest of our bags.
“I can carry him. I know he’s heavy.”
“He’s good in my hands.”
“Amena.” I froze at the low grumbly voice, taking in my father’s five-ten height, square shoulders, gray beard, and short afro he’d had since I was younger.
He approached the end of the porch and I stepped forward, waiting to see whether the raised eyebrows meant I was welcome or not.
“Come give your daddy a hug, little girl.”
Running into his arms, I felt like that little girl who always wanted to be protected by her dad and have his attention and love all the time.
A part of me knew I was wrong for taking off without telling my parents too many details. At the time, I thought I knew everything, and living in my parents’ house was stifling.
A throat cleared behind me. Forgetting Laikin, I reached to take Kayne out of his arms, and my dad shook hands with Laikin.
“Is this my grandson looking grown now?” Dad took Kayne, rubbing his back. They saw pictures after the birth, and talked with him on FaceTime, but my son wasn't close to my parents. Partially, it was because of my marriage to Virgil. We couldn’t visit my side of the family because he was the priority; it was always all about his career and his family.
Kayne started to fuss, which meant he was hungry and ready to play with his toys. Dad whirled around and headed to the front door. I tried to grab my things out of Laikin’s hand, but he refused. My dad sat down on the couch, peering at me and holding the TV remote.
“Amena, when did you run into Laikin?”
“Brock, who are you talking to in there?” Mom shouted, coming into the living room.
* * *
“Why can’t I go out with my friends? I’m seventeen.”
“Because I said so. When you’re grown and pay your own bills then you can stay out longer.”
“That’s not fair! Brett gets to run around with his friends and be gone all night.”
“First off, who are yelling at Amena? My house and my rules. Brett has curfew.”
“Yeah, midnight,” I mumbled.
“He’s a boy. He can handle himself.”
I threw up my hands. “You treat me differently. Daddy, say something.”
It was Friday night, and my parents wanted me home by nine. I would be eighteen in another five months, but according to them, I still needed to be home before it got dark, and I should have been thankful that they cared.
“Listen to your mother, she loves you, baby.” Dad rubbed the top of his head, eating his meatloaf and mashed potatoes.
“I hate it here.” I shoved my plate forward and jumped up, letting the chair fall to the ground.
“Keep acting like a child, Amena, and see what happens,” Mom snapped.
“I get good grades, go to school, and do babysitting on the side for extra money. Why can’t I go out with my friends?”
“The discussion is done. Either sit and eat or go to your room. You are grounded.”
* * *
Those old arguments flood my mind as I lifted a hand to wave. “Hi.”
“Amena,” Mom whispered, hand covering her mouth in surprise.
“Yeah, Mom, it’s me.”
“Are you here for good?” she asked, taking a seat next to my dad on the couch and running a hand across Kayne’s back.
At first, Virgil wined and dined me. I was nineteen and he was twenty-seven. Our early courtship was a dream come true and made me feel alive after seeing Laikin fall into anything that opened their legs when we were younger.
I thought it would be a good idea to come back and start over. My life needed a new start, and my son needed stability. The fights, cheating allegations, and being in the public eye because of my husband’s job as mayor had put a strain on our lives.
“We’re here for now, Momma.” Giving her a long explanation of my divorce would have to come later; the only thing on my mind was how exhausted and hungry I was.
“Laikin, how are you, son? Brett told us you have a race coming up soon.” Mom reached over to embrace Kayne. He had fully woken up and I watched him look around the room.
“I’m good, ma’am. If you want to come with Brett, there’s more than enough room for everybody.” Laikin's phone chimed. Out of habit I watched him remove it from his pocket and put it on silent. Biting his bottom lip and grinning meant it was some girl wanting to meet up.
“Thank you, Laikin, We'd love to come,” Mom replied.
His six-foot frame and square jawline always gave me goose bumps. Strong wide shoulders that carried me around the pool when we were younger and full lips that sucked on mine gave chills. His dark, charcoal skin had pierced my soul when I first met him. I was fourteen, and he was fifteen, riding bikes with my brother. Back then I had no clue about loving boys, but Laikin was my hero, best friend, and deep down the first man I wanted to have kids with.
“Brett has my number. Let him know and I’ll get you settled. I have to leave. It was nice seeing you all again. Amena, take care of yourself.” Laikin gave a goodbye wave and whirled around to the door. Kayne suddenly started to pout and throw a tantrum.
“Hey, Kayne, what’s wrong with Grandma’s baby?” Mom pulled him on her lap, rubbing his back.
“I want to go with Laikin,” Kayne cried, extending his arms out for Laikin to pick him up.
My father wiped his tears, turning the TV to some kid channel and patting his leg to get his attention. Scrubbing a hand down my face, I could see my baby getting attached fast. “Baby, Laikin has to work.”
Those bright almond shaped eyes stared at me. “I want to work.”
We all chuckled at his hopeful eyes. “When you get older, honey, you can work.” I kissed his forehead, then removed my coat and shoes.
“Are you two hungry?” Mom placed him on the floor, while Dad sat watching him.
I dug my phone from my purse to check the time. “We are. My car broke down on the highway. I need to get a tow truck.”
“Give me your information and I can have my friend bring it to the shop.” Dad picked up his phone to make some calls.
“Thanks, Dad.” I gave him my insurance and license, then walked with my mother to the kitchen.
“Does Brett know you’re here?”
I took a banana from the fruit bowl to hand to Kayne. “I texted him before our flight.”
My mom removed plates from the cabinet. Picking up the glasses and pitcher of water from the fridge, I helped gather everything to eat.
“We have a lot to catch up on, Amena. I’m grateful you made it home safely with my grandbaby.” The sad yet stern tone let me know we would be having a long conversation soon. I was a problem child—even though it stemmed from being put in a perfect little box and trying to be what she wanted me to be, instead of making my own choices.
I sighed, nodding my head in anticipation of the judgment coming from her voice. Dad went along with her on some things, but he’d get on me if I stepped out of line and got disrespectful.
“I know.”
She wiped her hand on the towel. “He’s beautiful.”
“Kayne’s my entire world.” I took the utensils out of the drawer.
“I feel the same about you and Brett.” Our eyes locked and I understood her fears, love, and devotion to us when we were younger. Raising my son with his father put things into perspective about living in an unsafe environment in a two-parent household or being a single parent and showing your child that love doesn’t need to be defined in one way.
My mom smiled. “Laikin’s still cute.”
“Mom…” A flashback of his long eye lashes, thick lips, and smooth skin captured that same flicker in my soul.
“I’m not dead. He’s sexy and I’m guessing you're single.”
I grumbled, taking the plate from the microwave. “Here you go.”
A few seconds later, Kayne and my father strolled into the kitchen, and we all sat, holding hands as my father said a prayer. I listened to my parents talk to Kayne about what he wanted to do first in Los Angeles. The excitement in Kayne’s voice about flying on the airplane, and meeting a new friend named Laikin put a smile on my face. Maybe I made the right choice to come back home.
* * *
After Kayne played with his grandparents after dinner, I gave him a bath and put him to bed in Brett’s old room. The both of us had a long day and needed rest before things would get busy. My mom followed me to the room and wanted to know what was going on with Virgil, and I changed the subject. Talking bad about Kayne’s dad only annoyed me more and I was exhausted. from the long day. I set my alarm to get up early tomorrow, then laughed at the message from Winter that popped up on my screen.
Winter: Took you long enough to reply.
Me: Sorry, bestie, I got caught up.
Winter: Just remember you have a best friend waiting to catch up.
Me: Calling you now.
Winter: Good.
Right when I went to click on her number, Virgil called. Again, I ignored him and swiped to Winter’s name.
“Finally, you decide to call me,” Winter sassed.
“Sorry, friend.”
“Where is my little baby?”
“Is that the only reason you wanted me to call?”
“Duh,” Winter laughed.
“See, this is going to cause me to hang up on you.” I opened the side drawer in my bedroom, seeing an old picture book.
“How is my nephew doing?”
“He’s good, in bed now.”
“Good, I won’t keep you long. I’m annoyed you didn’t come over. You could have met my date.”
“You had a date?”
“Yep, nothing serious.”
“Coming from you, that means he will not get a call back.” I flipped through the high school photos of me, a few friends, and Brett.
“Girl, the men out here are trash. He wanted me to look into paying on his child support.”
I fell over in laughter. “Stop lying, Winter.”
“Listen, I might be a lot of things, but a liar is not one of them. I politely escorted him to the door and wished him good luck.”
“How many kids he got?”
“Girl! I didn’t ask. The moment he said child, I started walking.”
I yawned, feeling myself doze in and out of sleep.
“I can hear the sleepiness in your tone. Call me later so I can meet my nephew.”
“Sure Thanks again, Winter.”
“No problem.”
Winter disconnected her line. I placed my phone on the charger and laid flat on the bed, going back in time to my younger years. Even though I was only twenty-eight, and that wasn’t old, it still felt weird to see pictures of myself in high school, happy and carefree with Laikin. I only wished he had put more effort into being a one-woman man, instead of a playboy.