Eighteen #3
Jovanis thought he would’ve been relieved when he finally heard from Irish yet there was nothing but dread accompanied with her text. What would she say? How would she break what was left of him? Jovanis knew their end was on the horizon. Her silence for the last month had showcased that.
“You ready, Van?” Margie asked.
He peered at her, feeling a flood of anxiety drown him internally. For the sake of his little brother’s party, he forced thoughts of Irish to the back of his mind. His mother had finally listened to him and apologized for her actions. Jovanis wanted to bask in that for now.
Cali entered her parents’ home, immediately smelling her mother’s scent. Following the chatter, she walked to the dining room where Douglas, Cecilia, Bria, and Enya sat. The twins were seated at the small table, trading food from their plates.
“Well, look who it is,” her mother sang, coming over to greet her. “How are you, my baby?”
Cali closed her eyes as her mother’s embrace swarmed her. There was nothing like a mother’s touch, and she silently reprimanded herself for shutting Cecilia out.
“I’m okay.”
Cecilia grabbed her hand and led her to the table.
“It’s nice to have all of my girls in one place,” Douglas smiled. “You okay, Cali?”
“I’m cool for now,” she replied, honestly.
“Daddy, you should've seen your girl a month ago. Hair was matted, face dry. The twins were jumping on her head to see if she was still alive,” Bria joked.
Cali laughed, recalling how Koda kept sitting on her head to wake her up.
“Staying with Bria is like staying at the zoo. Those kids won’t leave me alone, but I appreciate them now. They just wanted me to play with them.”
“Those lying twins.” Enya scoffed. “I’ll never forgive them for saying I stank.”
Douglas snapped his head toward her. “Stank?”
“She smelled like the Atlantic Ocean,” Cali added, summoning an eye roll from Enya.
“I didn’t smell like anything. They were lying on me.”
Bria twisted her mouth. “Sure, Jan.”
“Anyways, I’m glad you guys came to have dinner with us.” Cecilia beamed. “Your dad has been so busy that he kept pushing the family dinners back. And Cali, you’ve been so down that it’s nice to see your sweet face. How are you holding up, mentally?”
She wished she could’ve bypassed this conversation. What could she say besides she was okay?
“I’m getting better.”
“Good because I hated to see you go out sad behind a nigga,” Enya said between chewing.
“Enya,” Cecilia warned.
“What?” She feigned innocence. “I just want better for my sister.”
“She’s getting there. God forbid you go through anything and need a minute to catch your breath,” Bria sneered. “You really act like you don't live life here on earth. As if what we’re going through don't apply to you.”
“Alright, girls lets changed the subject,” Douglas suggested.
“Good because I have great news,” Enya chirped. “Kip and I are expecting. I’m pregnant!”
Cecilia dropped her fork. “Oh my, congratulations, baby. That’s great news.”
Bria and Cali shared a look before pushing smiles on their lips. For Cali, she was happy for Enya, but she made it hard to celebrate her with her condescending attitude.
“Yes, I found out last week. We have been trying for the last year, and it finally happened. We’re so excited.” She clapped.
“That’s great news, Enya. Congratulations. I hope I have another grandson.” Douglas smirked.
Enya playfully rolled her eyes. “Dad, you and these boys. I guess I understand since you had all girls.”
“Well, congrats,” Bria chimed in. “I pray you have a healthy pregnancy.”
“Yeah, me too,” Cali added.
“Geez, y’all don't have to be so dry about it,” Enya complained.
Bria huffed. “Girl, what you want us to do? Throw you a party because you got pregnant?”
“I’m just saying. I thought you guys would’ve shown more excitement, but it’s always been two against one.”
“How miserable do you have to be to turn your pregnancy announcement into a self-pity party,” Cali shot.
Enya’s mouth gaped, looking at her with expanded eyes. “Did you mention a pity party? Not you. Not the girl who cheated on her husband and fell into a depression because the nigga didn’t want you anymore. I know you ain't talking about no self-pity.”
The ache in Cali’s throat appeared without warning. This was why she had ducked the outside world because she would be reminded of her infidelity. Each time Cali made strides to move forward, there was always someone willing to remind her that she was a no-good bitch.
“Enya, take that back, now!” Douglas demanded.
“Why? She needed to hear that.”
“You know”—Cali pushed her plate away—“it’s instances like this that have helped with my decision to move away.”
Bria gasped. “You got the job?”
She nodded. “Yes, and I’ll be moving to Diamond Falls.”
After the third interview, Cali had been offered employment at an engineering company in Diamond Falls.
She had a feeling she would get it but thought she had to interview in person.
The HR manager urged her to think about the offer for at least a week, but Cali didn’t need that much time.
She was ready to move on and leave her sins behind in St. Parklynn.
“Calia.” Cecilia’s voice faltered, showing how hurt she was. “Moving away? Diamond Falls is on the East Coast.”
“You’ll have somewhere to visit now.”
Cali forced a smile.
Douglas sipped on his bourbon while sitting silently. Cali thought he would’ve been ecstatic knowing he didn’t have to bail her out of her problems anymore.
“Yeah, but that’s so far. I don't think I would be able to manage without you being here.” Cecilia dabbed her eyes with a napkin.
“Mama, I’m drowning here. I need a fresh start. Somewhere I don't have to be reminded of how badly I did Rio.”
“Running away from your problems isn’t the answer,” Enya retorted.
“Look, as much as I don't want you to go, I think it’ll be good for you. You're single now and you don't have any kids. Go be free and explore who you are now.”
Cali smiled at Bria, who always knew what to say. When she finally gained her mental health back, she vowed to do something special for her.
“She can do all that here,” Enya countered.
“You were just shitting on me and now you're saying I should stay. Girl, make up your mind.” Cali scoffed.
“If you were moving just because, then it wouldn’t be a problem. But you're not. You're running away from the problems you created. You don't get to move after ruining Rio’s life. How dare you?” Enya seethed.
“Enya, please shut the fuck up!” Bria complained.
“Oooh, Mommy said a bad word.” Dallas snickered.
“Hey,” Douglas finally voiced. “Cali is thirty-five years old. If she wants to move away, then she has that right.” He turned toward her. “Baby Girl, you have my blessing. I’m willing to agree with anything that you desire as long as it’ll get back that light that you once possessed.”
Cali’s eyes became misty. All she wanted was to get back on her feet without feeling like the weight of her actions were on her shoulders.
“Thank you, Dad.”
Enya shook her head and stood. “I don't agree with this. You're being a coward by running to another city. Stay and figure this shit out with Rio if that’s what you truly want.”
“Figure what out?” Cali flailed her arms, frustrated with her whining. “We’re divorced, you idiot.”
“Then, fight for him!” Enya bellowed.
“There’s nothing to fight!” Cali matched her blaring tone. “That man don't want me. He hates me. I would be fighting a losing battle. We’re done, Enya.”
She pressed her lips together before a snort came through her nose. “I never took you to be one that’ll just lay down and take it. You were always the feisty one who refused to lose. You need to find that girl again.”
Enya stormed out of the dining room and seconds later, the front door slammed. Cali pressed her hand against her forehead, feeling a headache coming on.
“I think she’s just gonna miss you and don't know how to tell you that.” Bria sighed.
Cali peered at her mother. “Mama, tell me you understand. Please give me your blessing to move on. I just want to feel better. I thought a new scenery would do me some good. All I want is peace again. You get it, right?”
Cecilia smiled at her with wet lenses. “I understand and I’m here for you every step of the way. I’m just sad because I will miss you.”
Cali’s gaze drifted to the table. She too would miss her family, but she missed the girl she once was even more. She had to find herself again before it was too late.
Douglas lifted his glass in the air. “To Cali and her new beginning.”
Cecilia and Bria followed suit. Cali smiled as she grabbed her glass of water and held it in the air. They all touched glasses before taking a sip.
“Thank you, guys, for everything. I really mean it. I’m sorry for all that I put the family through. I never meant to bring any shame to any of you. I haven’t always made the right decisions but I’m trying to now. I hope it’s not too late.”
“Oh, honey, you're never too late to make a change that’ll be beneficial to your overall growth.”
Douglas reached over and squeezed her hand. “You’ll always have us no matter what. I’ll rescue you from anything. I’m rooting for you, Calia.”
“Yeah, I am too.”