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“Cakes,” my mother calls as she knocks on my bedroom door.
I turn to look at it, not even bothering to wipe away the tears that have slipped free. Mama has tried talking to my daddy, but he’s too stubborn to listen to anyone. It feels like I’m banging my head against a brick wall.
“Come in,” I croak out.
She pushes the door open and sticks her head in. Her sad brown eyes meet mine and she rushes in the rest of the way, shutting the door behind her and then coming to sit on my bed. She holds her arms open and I rush into them, needing this hug so bad.
“Mama, I can’t breathe. This hurts so bad. Why is he doing this?”
“Oh honey, your father is a bit lost right now. In his mind, he’s protecting you the way he feels he should’ve protected Pook. He doesn’t see he’s holding on too tight.”
“What am I supposed to do? I love Trev. A part of me is willing to give the music up for him. I just… I don’t know what to do.”
“Now, I don’t think you should give up on your music. Boys come and go. If things don’t work out, you would have lost this opportunity and that won’t come around as easily,” she says softly.
“I know, but I know I’ll never love anyone the way I love Trev. I just know I never will.”
She sighs as she rubs my back. “Listen, I came in here because your nanna wants to see you. Maybe some time with her will help you to clear your mind.”
“What about Daddy?”
“You leave your father to me and your nanna. Do you really think that man is going to keep you from your grandmother and live to speak on it?”
I give my first laugh since I’ve been back home. I can see my daddy’s mama going upside his head. Maybe she can talk some sense into him.
My chest fills with hope. Why didn’t I think of her before? I just need to explain and Nanna will help me. I pull away from my mama.
“Will you give me a ride over?”
“You pack a bag. I’ll get on my bra and shoes. And don’t worry, by the time you return, I’ll at least have him give you back your car keys,” she says with a wink.
I give her a weak smile. I don’t have the heart to tell her by then; it will be too late. Trev will be gone so Daddy won’t need much persuading.
“Thanks,” I whisper instead.
“I love you, Lynn. You’re a good girl. Trevor is a good boy. It will all work out.”
“I love you too. I hope you’re right.”
***
My mama pulls upto my nanna’s just after noon. Nanna is standing on the porch, wiping her hands on a dish towel. This is my first time at the new house, I’ve only seen the plans for it.
It’s pretty from out here. Not as big as the old house, but a nice size if you ask me. I hop out of the car and run right into her arms.
She smells of apples and vanilla. A scent that has comforted me since I was a little girl. I squeeze a little tighter, needing the comfort of her embrace as well as her welcoming scent.
She rubs a hand over my hair. I took my braids out and washed my hair. But I already know Nanna will give me a wash and press before I leave her house.
“I’ll come pick you up when you’re ready. Take your time. You don’t have to rush back,” Mama says as she places my bag down on the porch.
“You ain’t coming in for some pie?” Nanna says to her.
“No, ma’am. I need to get back before your son runs our workers into the ground.”
Nanna frowns. “You’d think I didn’t raise the boy right. Old stubborn goat.”
Mama chuckles as she pulls me into a hug. She releases me and palms the side of my face. There’s a mixture of pride and sadness in her gaze.
