Page 13 of When It’s All Said And Done

“Sure, Daddy!” she agreed before running off.

“Nessa, Nessa, Nessa,” Nas singingly expressed before taking a seat on top of a table next to me.

“What, Nasir?” I rolled my eyes as I scooched away from him. “I already greenlighted the ice cream, what more do you want?”

“You.”

“I gotta man.”

“What that man gotta do with me? Matter of fact, where was that man when you was throwin’ that ass back on this dick?”

“That was a true moment of weakness, and I’ll tell him about it soon.”

“You don’t need to tell him shit. All you need to do is drop him like a bad habit. I told you, Daddy’s home.”

“Yeah, see, hell no. Since you know where I live how ‘bout you drop Nyla off after y’all ice cream date.”

“Wait, you gonna let me just take her?”

“Nas, she is your daughter. Who else would protect her like I would, if not you? Exactly. Like I said drop her off once y’all are done, I’m goin’ to update her.”

“We still need to talk.”

“Nawl, we don’t. You need to spend time with your daughter. Remember you got four years to catch up on.”

Before he could say anything else, I got off the table and made my way towards Nyla. The guilt of fucking Nas hit me like a ton of bricks because Desmond didn’t deserve that. Regardless of it being a moment of weakness, I still violated my relationship with him. I was still wrestling with how to confess for my sin. No matter how good it felt that still didn’t excuse the act.

After I informed Nyla that her and her dad were going for ice cream, I got into my car and headed home. Being around Nas still had me all over the place emotionally. When I wanted to lash out on the way he dumped me, I’d look at him and see Nyla. She truly was her dad’s twin, and I’d fumble over unleashing the anger I had built up. When I made it home, I went right into the kitchen and fixed me a glass of wine. As I sipped my wine, I scrolled on Facebook until a call from my mom came through.

“Yes, ma?” I inquired once I answered the phone.

“Damn, why you sound aggravated?” She countered.

“Did you call for a reason or to further aggravate me?”

“Well then I’ll just leave it alone.”

“Thank you. Now again is there a reason for your call?”

“I was callin’ to check on you and Nyla.”

“We doin’ good. How are you doin’?”

“I can’t complain. I’m still sober and I’m thankful for that. When will Nyla and Chanel be back over to see me?”

“I really don’t know. I’ll reach out to you when I figure something out and see if that date works for you. That’s fine?”

“Yeah, that works. I’ll be free regardless to spend time with my grandbabies. Nessa?”

“Yes, ma?”

“Whatever is aggravatin’ you just let it go because it’s not worth your peace.”

“I know, Ma, I know. I’ll call you later.”

“Ok, I love you.”

“Love you too.”