Forever And A Day

Chapter 8

Davina

I broke out of that memory not trying to go back to those feelings. I have to stay focused and be ready for tomorrow. My shift was about to end, I went over to the break room to grab my purse and coat so I could finally go home, until Kevin came behind me. “Hey Vina, don’t leave yet I have a surprise for you.”

Surprise? I wonder what it is. “Follow me to the kitchen.” I walked behind him and everyone was there with balloons and a cake waiting for me. “SURPRISE! GOOD LUCK DAVINA!” they all shouted. I was so overwhelmed and grateful that I began crying. I know I didn’t get close with all of them but, I know they all respected me to where they took a moment of their time to do something like this for me. I fell into Kevin’s arms when I turned to him and gave him the biggest hug I could give.

“You deserve it babe. Don’t cry, you will do great things.” He said into my ear.

I have always had that thought and feeling that he loved me more than just a friend, but out of respect, he never once crossed that line and I loved him for that. I walked over to the cake, and it read “Don’t forget about us when you make it big!”

I smiled so wide that my cheeks were hurting from it. Everyone passed slices out. Luckily, the owner allowed us to close early today, which I thought was odd, but now I can see why he did it. It was for me to get my last moments and goodbyes to everyone.

“Davina sweetheart, don’t forget to take a slice to Mel.” Someone said.

Shit, I forgot living so much at the moment. I have to pick up my daughter Melody.

“Oh no, it’s so late for her to have sweets.”

“If anything, just set it to the side for a later time.”

“Okay sure, I’m positive she will get so excited to have some.”

I bagged the slice and grabbed my stuff to make my way to leave. Kevin came up behind me to walk me out.

“Hey Davina, let me take you home?” Kevin asked.

It wasn’t something new. He always gave me a ride when we worked the same shifts but, this time it just felt different. “Okay sure, I wasn’t really wanting to walk in the cold today” I didn’t live far, I usually just walked everywhere and plus the babysitter lived in the same building as me, so it was convenient. It was still early in the year when winter was still cold, but we’re beginning to see that it’s going to be spring here soon.

I hopped in Kevin’s light blue jeep, and we made our way to my place. I looked up at Kevin and for once he seemed nervous, which was weird. I stared at his features. He had a blond buzzed cut but had some hair on top that was a little long but nothing crazy. His deep blue eyes were like the ocean, and you could tell by the tone of his biceps he was working out.

“Hey, what’s wrong?” I asked him. He stood quiet. We made it over to my apartment complex and I was able to tell him thanks and goodbye, but he got out of the jeep to open my door. I got out and looked to try again but suddenly he grabbed my hand.

“Davina, I am utterly in love with you. I know you are really not open about trusting anyone and, even with dating in the past, I know it was not something that was easy to handle.”

I swallowed back the tears and panic. What is he doing?

“Steve really f****d with you and has damaged you so badly that I know you won’t admit it and it’s been years since it happened, but, I know when I see your eyes it still hurts like it was yesterday.”

He’s right, he does know me.

“Please, baby, let me be able to take care of you and Melody. I don’t care if she isn’t my own child, I love her already like she is, and I want you to be happy with me. I will do everything I can to make sure you both are completely happy.”

Tears began to fall from my eyes. My best friend that I love so much, but I don’t feel that way. I am heartbroken because I didn’t want this to happen, and I know it is going to be so painful for him.

“Kevin, I love you and this means so much but, I can’t…”

He took the chance when I was speaking to kiss me. He kissed me like it was going to be the last time I would see him. At first, I froze, not expecting that to happen, but then I decided to kiss him back and dropped everything that was in my hands to have my arms go around his waist. He had his hands on my cheeks, kissing me passionately.

I haven’t kissed or done anything with anyone since Steve. Realization hit me and I pushed him away.

“I’m sorry Kevin, I do love you, but I don’t think I love you in that way. I think you’re amazing and any woman would be lucky to have you.” I said with tears in my eyes again.

“Hey don’t cry, it’s okay, I’m not angry or anything and I understand where you’re coming from. I’m sorry if I overstep something and make things uncomfortable.” He said while still holding my face leveling himself to where I can make eye contact with him.

“I will wait for you forever if I have to.” I hugged him while he kissed me on top of my head.

“Thank you again for being great,” I said and I made my way inside and up the stairs. I got up to my floor and knocked on the door across from me. Kayla, my neighbor, opens to see that it was me picking up Melody.

“Hey! How was work? Anything new or crazy happening? I know you’re going to start at TEC college tomorrow. How are you feeling?”

Kayla was the person in the complex building that made her income by watching everyone’s children. It was convenient and childcare was already expensive, so it made things easier for all parents, especially ones like myself that were in the low income range. Her only communication she would have was with children, so every time she got the chance to have an adult around, she would take advantage of having some conversation.

“Um, right now I’m exhausted and I just really want to go to bed.”

“Oh no problem girly, we’ll talk some other time. By the way, since it was getting late, I used the key to go inside your place to get some of Mel’s pajamas and have given her a bath already.”

“Kayla, you are a life savior, here for your trouble.” I tried giving her extra money since I was out longer than expected and she went above and beyond for me.

“Oh no girl! Please, it was no trouble at all.”

“No, it’s okay. I didn’t mean to be out there longer…”

“Nonsense! You never do anything, and you have been slaving around for years trying to do school and work. You deserve a break.” She said while smiling.

I smiled back and went to grab a sleeping Melody off her couch. I slumped her over my shoulder and whispered to Kayla, I’ll drop her off at 7:15 tomorrow morning. She nodded and closed the door as I made my way to our tiny apartment. It was small but I did the best I could to make it a cozy home. Little by little, I added what I could with just the tiny bit of money I had. It wasn’t anything dazzling. I loved my comfort area and I’m proud of myself for what I was able to do on my own. A lot of yard sales, thrift shopping, and finding things on the side of the road has really been beneficial for me.

I made my way to Melody’s room, laid her down and tucked in her. I kissed the top of her head and whispered, “Tomorrow is going to be life-changing for us babe.” I stared at her sleeping face, thinking to myself that she was once a baby and now my daughter is 3 years old. How did time go by so fast?

I made my way to the bathroom to shower on my day away. I couldn’t stop thinking about what Kevin has said and I want to be able to love him back. I’m not too sure of what the feeling of, what love is supposed to be, but from what I know, that person is supposed to be the other half of you that gives you the completion and I didn’t even have that when I was with Melody’s father, Steve. I want to be able to be with someone that I know I would love with all my heart. A love where I don’t want to go a day without them. Is there love that exists like that?