Malachi, page 26
“Is everything okay?”
“Everything’s fine, Mom. Perfect, in fact. I plan to tell you all about it, but first, I wanted to let you know I’ve given our situation so much thought lately. Your actions were painful and they hurt like crazy, but not enough for me to live the rest of the life I’ve been blessed with resenting you. You made a decision you felt was best for us all. I forgive you. I know there was no malicious intent surrounding that decision and that is what matters.”
“It wasn’t, Aeir. I just wanted us all to stop suffering.”
“I know. I forgive you. It’s okay. I’m okay. We’re okay.”
“Thank you. I’ve waited for this call, hoping it would come sooner rather than later.”
“Well, here you have it.”
“What’s been going on in your world? How is Berkeley?”
“I met a man, Mom.”
The tears that fell from my eyes were unexpected, but surfaced from a genuine place.
“I know, baby. I sensed it.”
“He’s everything.”
“Because it’s exactly what you deserve.”
“He has a daughter. He was married. His wife died when she was only six months. She’s two, going on three, now. She’s… she’s amazing. She is just this big ball of energy. Her innocence is the most precious thing. Sometimes, I forget she’s not biologically mine.” I chuckled. “Because she feels like—”
“She belongs to you and it’s only because she does.”
“Yeah?”
“Yes. And, if you feel that way, then so does she.”
“She calls me Mom.”
“Then she’s a smart girl.”
“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you how smart she is. I’m still mind blown by the things she knows and understands. Her comprehension levels are off the charts.”
“I love the sound of that.”
There was a moment of silence before I decided to end the call. It was important that I stayed on track for the day and didn’t lose too much time while Aussie and Malachi were away.
“I have a full day ahead of me, Mom. I’m going to call you again soon.”
“I’ll be waiting, Aeir.”
“If I take too long, don’t hesitate to call me.”
“I won’t. I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
I ended the call a bit lighter. Feeling good about rekindling our relationship, I sauntered into the kitchen to finish filling the picnic basket with my favorites. There was someone special I needed to see and couldn’t wait to meet.
Freshly squeezed juice, kiwis, apples, oranges, a small salad and a bottle of water fit perfectly into the basket and didn’t give me any issues on my way to the truck. Once inside, I started the engine and let back the sunroof. The wind blew my hair in multiple directions as I made my way to the main road.
The sunglasses covering my eyes kept it from my eyes and out of my line of vision. With a hand out of the window and Jhene Aiko in the background, I let go of all inhibitions and embraced everything God had planned for me in the meantime.
After a thirty-five minute drive and a stop at the floral shop, I reached my destination. Unsure of where I was going, I allowed my heart to lead me. When my feet could no longer move because of the gravitational pull that was working in my favor, I read the name across the gorgeous headstone. The picture in the center brought me to my knees. My fingers traced the gold frame.
“Hello, Anna.”
I smiled, feeling as though her presence was near. Comfort was a priority because I knew I’d be awhile. I was in no hurry. There was nowhere else I needed to be. With Anna was where I had planned to spend my day. She’d missed so much and I felt it was my duty to catch her up on all things Malachi and Aussie.
I laid the blanket that had been tucked under my armpit onto the grass and set the picnic basket on top. I placed the flowers I’d picked up into the vase that was attached to her headstone. I twisted the cap off the water bottle from the basket and poured a decent amount into the vase as well as the vitamin pack the florist assured me would keep the flowers alive for at least three weeks. By then, I would have stopped by to bring fresh ones.
“Where do we start, Love?” I asked, resting on the blanket and bringing my legs up to my chest.
“Malachi.” I chuckled. “You’d like to start with that gorgeous man, huh? I wouldn’t blame you. But, before we go down that rabbit hole and find ourselves in tears, I want to start by thanking you. Thank you for your restlessness and adamancy to find someone worthy and someone deserving of Malachi and Aussie. Thank you for choosing me. I can’t put into words how much the two of them mean to me or how much joy they bring me. I promise to love them just as you would and a little harder if that’s even possible. For all of our sake, I’ll try.”
I grabbed an orange from the basket and began peeling it.
“You know, people think I’m absolutely insane. Milo, I met him, and he’s the only one that doesn’t look at me like a walking contradiction. I appreciate that. I appreciate him for that. I met Lawe and God he’s a case. He’s something special. I’ve yet to meet Mercer or Makai. They haven’t been by in the last two months. According to Malachi, and from what I see, he doesn’t get many visitors. He’s been under a rock for two years. I’m happy I could help him from that place, out of that darkness. He didn’t belong there. I hope he never goes back.”
I bit into the slice I’d separated from the others.
“He’s amazing, Anna. He’s smart. He’s loving. He’s understanding. He’s caring. He’s a listener. He’s just… he’s everything I’ve ever wanted in a man. Thank you for loving him into the man I met two months ago. Without you, that wouldn’t have been possible. And, Aussie. She’s… she’s something special.
“I’ve got her. I’ve got her for the rest of her life. She’s in good hands. She missed you all this time. She hardly knew you but she could feel your absence. She’s suffered for so long, my only wish is to bring her peace and happiness. I’ll sacrifice anything to make sure she flourishes. It’s the least I can do. You know?”
I popped another slice into my mouth.
“Malachi is healing, but he is unable to let go. I went into his office last week and found it covered in any and every piece of information he could get his hands on about that night. He spends hours at a time in there, getting lost in his thoughts. He sees himself as a failure because he hasn’t been able to solve your murder.
“I know you’ve given me so much already, but I’m asking for one last thing. He deserves it. Please, stop his heart from hurting. Free him of the guilt that rides his back night and day. If it’s in your power.”
I cleared my throat, feeling myself choke up. “Please.”
The echoing startled me. I whipped my neck in the direction of the sound and found the longest set of legs I’d ever had the pleasure of climbing standing a few feet behind me. He cleared his throat again before speaking.
“It’s almost ironic how I’ve never visited Anna’s grave, but something kept pulling me in this direction today. I’ve never had the courage. I’ve never had the strength. But, today, I couldn’t resist. It’s as if I was being called here, and now that I’m here, I find both of the women I love, discussing me. Niggas hate that shit, but I can admit, it’s the best fucking thing I’ve ever witnessed.”
“The… the two wo—you love?”
His words left me struggling to put together words and complete thoughts.
“I love you, Aeir. Have you not realized it by now? I loved you from the moment you showed up in interview slacks, a suitcase, and sweaty armpits from nervousness. I loved you the moment you refused to take no for an answer and forced your way into my life. I loved you the first time you brought me dinner. I loved you every day after. But, it was the day that you accepted Aussie as your own that I loved you a little more. And watching you two over the last week or so, I’ve fallen a little more.”
“Malachi.”
“You don’t have to say it right now. In fact, you don’t ever have to say it with words. Your actions show me you love me. I’ve never thought any differently.”
“I do. I love you. With everything inside of me, I love you. So much, it hurts often times. So much, I want to tell anyone that passes me. So much, I can’t see myself anywhere else, with anyone else.”
“Good, because I’d hate to have to put a nigga six feet under if he ever tried it.”
“Malachi.” I chuckled. “Where’s Aussie?”
“She’s resting in the truck.”
“I’ll go grab her and take her home with me. That should give you plenty of time here.”
“I don’t need much time to tell my Anna the woman she chose will soon be my wife.”
Immobile, I froze in place, waiting for him to hint that he was just joking around or recant his statement.
“Are you going to see about our daughter or what, Aeir?”
“Yes. Yes, of course.”
I stood, rushing past him in pursuit of a sleeping Aussie. I didn’t make it very far before I felt his body surround mine, engulfing me in his love.
“I love you,” he whispered in my ear.
Closing my eyes, I digested his sentiments before sharing them.
“I love you more, Malachi.”
“I don’t doubt it. You’re just wired that way.”
He released me, allowing me to make my way up the hill where the truck was still running. When I opened the door, I found a sleeping Aussie, slouched in her car seat. I quickly unbuckled her and brought her to my truck, where I laid her across the seat and placed the seatbelt over her. It was dangerous to keep her out of her seat for such a lengthy drive, but I couldn’t stomach putting her in the car seat for her to experience more discomfort than she had already.
I peered down the hill, watching as Malachi took a seat on the blanket I’d left and dug into the basket. I was certain he’d chosen an apple, his favorite, to enjoy while spending time with his late wife. Not until I was certain he was alright did I pull off, heading home to begin dinner for us all.
I’ll be out late.
Malachi’s text came through as I pulled into the driveway, solidifying my plans for the evening. Dinner was no longer on the list of things to do. Closing my eyes, I rested my head on the steering wheel, focusing on easing my breathing and getting my emotions under control.
“Daddy will be back later, Aussie. Him is going to have a good time with Uncle Milo. It’s his birthday. We have to make sure we call him tomorrow and wish him a happy birthday. Okay?”
Making our way around the massive bedroom, Aussie and I made ourselves comfortable in Malachi’s absence.
“Aren’t you happy Daddy is going to have himself a good time tonight?”
I tickled Aussie’s cheeks.
“You and Mommy are going to get some rest.”
The sound of another text coming through pulled me from wherever I’d gone that quickly.
I meant everything I said, baby.
I know. See you later. I love you.
I love you, too. Kiss Aussie for me. Make sure the doors are locked. Turn on the alarm.
Okay.
His fears led his fingers as he sent the last message. Taking heed, I carried Aussie into the house and followed instructions thoroughly. If it cleared his conscience and made him feel better, I didn’t mind one bit.
I put Aussie in bed and powered on my laptop, ready to put the final touches on my website. Everything was coming along so beautifully. My shipment was set for delivery in a few short days. I wanted to be prepared to take product photos with the props I’d purchased and the new camera I’d talked Malachi into buying. It didn’t take much convincing. He was willing to do whatever it took for the success of my business. I appreciated his dedication and support.
By the time I climbed in bed, he still hadn’t made it home. It was near midnight when Malachi stepped into the bedroom. Without a word, he headed to the bathroom for a shower. As exhausted as the day had made me, I still waited for him to get in bed. Twenty minutes later, he slipped underneath the covers.
“Aeir,” he said, kissing the back of my head.
“Yes, Malachi.”
“Sorry to keep you awake.”
“How are you feeling?”
“I feel better, baby. I went by Makai’s shop to chop it up with him. My pops was there, so I stayed a while longer. Then, I went to see Milo.”
I loved the last line even more than the second and third.
“How’d it go?”
I knew why he’d visited without him having to tell me. How the visit had gone was my only concern.
“He’s lil bro. I love him. I’ve never lost any love for him. I just… I’ve been fucked up for so long, it felt like it to him. He, too, blames himself for Anna’s murder to some degree. I’m just happy we were able to settle that and let go of that guilt together. We’re in a much better space.”
“Did you see Mercer?”
“Nah. He’s ducked off, getting his shit together. Mercer and I are so much alike. When he’s ready, he’ll pop out. Until then, he’ll lay low unless his presence is necessary.”
“You had a really good day, Malachi. That makes me happy.”
“Me, too, baby. The whole drive, I kept thinking about climbing in bed, praying you were awake.”
“Of course I was. I’m exhausted, though.” I yawned. “I wouldn’t have been able to sleep until you made it in and I knew you were okay. Since you’ve banned Aussie from the bed for three days, I was forced to be alone.”
“She’ll be aight and so will you.”
“Goodnight, Malachi.”
“Goodnight, Aeir.” He kissed my hair. “I love you.”
His words lulled me to sleep. I could hear them over and over for the rest of my life and wouldn’t be tired.
FIFTEEN
I tapped the window of the classroom where Aussie was hard at work. It was her very first day and she was happy about it. There were incentives that came along with her new educational requirements, one being learning French and eventually a handful of Russian. She could hardly wait to tap into either.
Before Aussie had the chance to notice me, the shade was pulled. Aeir was a very strict teacher. I’d need to talk to her about her tactics and how it wasn’t fair that she and Aussie got to spend so many hours each day without me.
It was only day one and I was already trying to find something to do with myself. There was so much work to be done, but I didn’t have the energy to do any of it. Knowing my girls were only a short distance away and I wasn’t involved in their activities left me with the blues.
Lunch! I thought. I can bring them lunch.
Any opportunity to sneak my way into their space, I wanted to take advantage of. I headed straight for the house with avocado toast, carrots, and cucumber salad on my mind. Neither of them had taken lunch and I wasn’t sure if Aeir had stocked the fridge prior. Either way, I was willing to give it a shot. She wasn’t willing to turn down cucumber salad. It was her favorite.
The wheels of Willie’s black, luxury sedan turned until they reached the stopping point in my front yard. Admittedly, it was always good to see him. He’d been my guy for way too many years to count. Seeing him also meant Hank was near. It was always a pleasure to be in his company, even during my darker days.
“Is that Malachi motherfucking Domino in the flesh?” Hank belted, rushing out of the backseat.
“In the flesh.” I nodded.
“Nigga, I almost didn’t recognize you.”
“Shit, for two years, I didn’t recognize my-fucking-self.”
“I’m not sure what changed, but I’m happy it did. It feels good to see you, man. Shit.”
“Thanks, man. It feels good. I feel much better.”
“Damn, man. You don’t know how relieved I am. Malachi Domino,” he chanted. “My man. I knew it wouldn’t be long before you shook back.”
“I can’t take full credit. I had some help.”
“Aussie? I knew she’d be the one to do it.”
“No. Aeir. Her name is Aeir.”
“Oh, shit. You—what? Hold on. What have I missed?”
“A lot. A nigga in love and shit.” I chuckled, shaking my head at the thought. “All in.”
“That’s the only way to be.”
“Where is my goddaughter, anyway?”
His arrival was the perfect excuse to barge in on Aussie and Aeir. Without hesitation, I led him straight to the suite where they were in class.
“Out here in class with Aeir. She’s going to be happy to see you, man. She missed you the last time you came through.”
“I missed her little ass too. I was hoping she was back by now.”
“Yeah. Got back a minute ago. She started homeschool today. You know that shit got her hype.”
“A real nerd, man. What the hell are you going to do with her?”
“I have no idea. I’m still trying to figure it out. Hopefully that won’t be a problem now that I have help.”
“Ah, yeah. You definitely in deep, nigga. Shit, I never imagined you with anyone but Anna. Life’s a real bitch. Take the good young.”
“He does. As long as He lets me have this one for the rest of my life, I’ll forgive Him for the last one. I’ll never forget, though.”
“You can’t. Not a love like that. Rocked from jits til—”
“Until someone ripped her from my world.”
“Any more progress on that situation?”
“Nothing worth reporting. I feel stuck, man. I’m almost ready to give up, but I can’t.”
“And you won’t. We won’t. Nigga, I don’t give a fuck if we’re eighty when we figure this shit out; we hanging out the station wagon dumping.”
“Damn right.”
Knock.
Knock.
I beat my knuckles against the door before putting the code in and stepping inside without Aeir’s permission. If she wanted to keep me out, she’d eventually have to change the code. I was certain she wouldn’t, but the idea itself was disturbing. I wanted access to the two of them all hours of the day, even when lessons were in progress.
