“You were with him and put up with his shit for a while but what was your final straw?” I yawned.
“Uhm, I think when I saw it was doing more harm to you and your brother to see me with him than it would have ever been to just do the custody agreement thing.”
“But you gave him primary custody?”
“Yeah. He was a shitty husband but he was a good father. He was settled and had roots and he loved you guys. He made sure you were well taken care of and I don’t know if you remember or not, but the first year I was gone, he sent pictures of youand Rene every single morning. I talked to you guys whenever I wanted and he never tried to stop me from getting you over school breaks.” She exhaled. “Is something the matter? Did something happen while I wasn’t there?”
“No,” I said quickly. “No. I just… I’m dealing with man drama and wanted to know what made you stay and what made you go. That’s all. Rene likes to say we’re a lot alike, so I just wanted to see if I could get some perspective.”
“I stayed because I loved your father and you and Rene and I wanted my family to work. That’s it. That’s the entire reason but love isn’t enough, Jiselle. You shouldn’t have to sacrifice your confidence or dignity because you feel you’re in love. Love without respect, communication, and understanding isn’t love that can survive the test of time.”
I nodded.
“Do you think men can change?”
“I think almost anyone can change if they truly want to but I also think people lie and there’s no shame in being fooled. I say give people a second chance but don’t give them a third and fourth.”
“Okay.” I nodded and yawned again.
“Did that answer your question?”
“Yeah. It did. Thanks.”
“You’re welcome. If you think of anything else, just call me, okay? No matter what time it is.”
“Okay. I will.”
“Okay. Get some sleep. Love you.”
“Love you.”
I hung up the call and lay on my back in the dark with my eyes focused on the ceiling for so long the sun came up. When my alarm went off at six, I didn’t have to pull my eyes from the spot they were focused on to grab my phone. I sighed but pushed myself up.
I went through my morning on autopilot. I took a shower, threw clothes on, and headed out.
I spoke to Kiano’s mom on my drive, even though I hadn’t spoken to Kiano, and got an update about how Stone was doing. I’d cried for hours after missing his call but she told me he was doing well and wanted her to tell me he loved me and would call me when he could. She told me that he would be out before I knew it thankfully which lifted my spirits enough to get me through my drive.
When I got to my childhood home, it was a little bit after seven and I didn’t use the key I still had. I banged on the door instead.
It only took a minute or so for the door to fly open. I could tell from my stepmother’s face she was shocked to see me but a huge grin crossed her face. I forced a smile in return.
She was a nice woman. She’d always been nice to me and Rene but it was hard to be a fan of the woman who’d fucked your father while he was still married to your mother. I didn’t hate her, but I had no desire to be her friend either. I’d spent most of my teenage years just flat out ignoring her. Even as an adult, I spoke to my father somewhat often. I didn’t know the last time I’d spoken to her.
“Baby! Jiselle is here!” she screamed. “Come on, Jiselle.” She moved and gestured for me to walk inside. “Do you want breakfast? I can make you something,” she offered.
“Nah. It’s okay. Genuinely. Thank you.”
“Jiselle!” my dad yelled as he rounded the corner.
I smiled as he closed the space between us and hugged me.
“Hey.”
“Hey. Come on in.” He nudged his head for me to follow him. “How are you? To what do I owe the pleasure?”
I trailed him toward the kitchen.
“I want to talk about you and my mom.”