Glass Heart

4

It’s the next day and Kareem found himself over his moms place. She made baked chicken, just the way he likes it with a side of German chocolate cake. He had on sweatpants and a wife beater with his feet propped up on the coffee table in front of him. He took a big bite if his chicken as he watched tv. A few seconds passed and Joyce walked in with bags in her hand.

"Boy, get your feet off my table" she walked passed him and made her way into the kitchen. Kareem stood up and followed her.

"You cooking again?" He asked, leaning against the counter.

She nodded "Yea, company again" she mumbled as she pulled everything out the bags "Meaning you need to be leaving soon"

"Actually, I don't work today so no, I don't" he stated "And when I'm gon meet this dude anyway? All this sneaking around y'all kids doin ain't right" he smirked.

His mom laughed and playfully pushed him "Hush up boy. And I don't want you to meet him and it doesn't work out, you know? But in due time baby, in due time" she assured him "Anyway, enough about me. Did you speak to that lady from the shop yet?"

"Nope, I did not" he mumbled as he cut himself a piece of cake. "Why you worried about me?"

"Same reason you're worried about me. Because I care. Now why not?"

He shrugged "Man, I just get nervous you know? Just the thought of talking to her make me nervous"

"What? My son, Kareem nervous? “Joyce acted like she was shocked " I remember in high school when you had all those loose girls all over you so why are you nervous now?"

Cause she different momma"

"How do you know? You haven't spoken to her and you don't even know her name" she laughed.

"Yea yea, laugh it up" Kareem mumbled "But I know she different from how she carries herself"

Joyce nodded "You can tell a lot about a woman from how she carries herself son" she agreed "But these lil poems you writing won't keep her forever. You need to make your move"

"But momma" he whined, making her laugh.

"Seriously baby, you need to make your move. Y'all could've been dating happily together by now"

"Yea I know but what I'm supposed to say? Hey, I'm the one who's been sending those letters. Maybe we should date"

"Actually, that sounds pretty good"

Kareem shrugged "Eh, I'll think about it"

"Ok, think about it on your way out. My man should be here in a while" she started pushing him towards the front door.

"Damn momma, no hug? No kiss? “He laughed. Joyce laughed too, wrapping her arms around her son and standing on her tippy toes to kiss his cheek. "Ok, I'm out. Love you momma. Call me when this date thingy over with"

"Ok baby, love you too"

Sage sat in her car waiting patiently for Jamie to walk out the jail house. She swore up and down when she saw him, the first thing she'd do is curse him out about the long drive. But when she saw him walking outside with a small plastic bag in his hand, she quickly got out her car and ran over to him.

She wrapped her arms around his neck "Jamie"

"Wassup baby girl" he hugged her. He felt teats wetting his neck "Come on now, I know you ain't crying" he chuckled.

"Yes" she sniffled. "I missed you"

"I missed you too" he said when she let go. He kissed her forehead and she smiled before they turned and walked to the car. "So wassup? How s**t been?"

Flashbacks from her argument with her mom the previous day popped into her mind. She started the car and drove as she contemplated on if she should tell Jamie or not. She knew once she told him, he'd be upset. But she never liked lying to him.

"Well..." she dragged "Yesterday, momma called and said she wanted to see me. So I went over and we started talking. She brought up Kennedy and I brought up what he used to do to me. She tried leaving but I stopped her. I showed her the bruises I still have and asked why she acted like she didn't care"

Her grip on the steering wheel tightened as her emotions started to take over. She was both beyond upset but also furious.

"She said she never cared and still doesn't care about what happen to me because she never wanted me. She said I'm the reason our father left and because of that, she was going to make my life a living hell so I'd kill myself"

Jamie sighed and looked over at her "And what'd you do Sage?"

"I choked her until neighbors pulled me off. Yelled I hate you and drove off"

The car grew quiet for a while and the only thing that could be heard was the air coming through the vents.

"Did she try calling you since?"

Sage shook her head "No, and I don't think she ever will. After what she said and after what I did, things won't be the same"

Jamie didn't know what to say to make her feel better so he said how he felt.

"I'm glad you're here Sage, iight? Yea, you annoying as f**k but you my sister and I love you and will do whatever for you. Hell, I did a year for you" he laughed, making her smile while she wiped her tears "What momma said was beyond f****d up, but she's the one missing out on somethin special. Don't let her words get to you, or imma f**k you up"

She laughed and playfully pushed him "That was sweet, thanks for that"

"No problem, that's what I'm here for" he mumbled, getting comfortable in his seat.

"But you'd be the best big brother ever if you drive. I'm sleepy as hell"

Jamie groaned loudly and sat up "Pull over man"

"Thanks brother" she smiled as she pulled to the side of the road.

"Shut up" he mumbled, making Sage laugh.