“Noted,” my father said, finally finding his voice.
Had he spoken earlier, we’d never make it inside. I’d be on my way home and my mother would be marking how many days she’d give him the silent treatment in her calendar. She didn’t argue. She hardly fussed. But, she could keep quiet for weeks at a time.
It drove my father wild. He was a talker. It was part of his personality. Having my mother ignore everything he said and not respond to a single line stressed him to the max. By the time she was ready to talk, he didn’t have anything else to say. It never failed.
The gate parted, allowing us to move forward. Behind the white fence was pure bliss. Colorful flowers surrounded the multi-family home. A bridge connected it to an in-law suite at the edge of the property. Reflective of the home it was builtbeside, the suite was twice the size of the average home in Clarke.
Black SUVs lined the driveway. There were three in total. A Rolls Royce. An Escalade. And, a matte black G Wagon.
“Whatever the hell they do, I’m trying to do too,” my father claimed, admiring the home and surrounding elements.
“Hell they do anyway?” He asked to no one in particular.
“She–” security clarified.
“She?” Nadia questioned.
“She wakes up. She lives. She breathes. That’s her only responsibility on earth.”
The first guard we’d encountered explained.
“She has plans, so please make this introduction quick. Do not attempt to enter her home or– well, let’s just not do that.”
“Got it,” my father assured him.
He was still in awe of the home as we made it to the front door. His mouth had slackened. His eyes were wandering. At the door was the last place he wanted to be. He’d rather walk the property, and quite honestly, I’d rather join him.
My mother dragging us along each time a new neighbor moved in was a pain in my ass, but if I declined, I wouldn’t hear her sweet voice for a month. I couldn’t risk it. That would break something inside of me that only she could mend.
Without another word, both men stepped off the porch. They parted ways, making their way toward the fence. When they were out of ear range, they both stopped and collapsed their hands in front of them.
The locks on the door turned, signaling the opening of the door. However, my eyes were still on the men out in the yard. Curiosity furrowed my brows. I’d been around countless security guards in the last five years. These men were different.
“Hello–” I could hear the smile in my mother’s tone without seeing her beautiful face.
She lived and breathed the ultimate experiences. She believed that every person in life deserved to experience good things, great people, and at least a decent love before they left earth. It was the reason she was the one in her friend group hosting everyone on holidays, planning their trips, overdoing it on birthdays, and greeting every new member of our community with love and sincerity pumping through her veins.
“Hello.”
The blood drained from my face at the sound of the voice just a few inches away. Familiarity punched me in the gut. My jawline grew rigid as I tried processing the softness I’d experienced and involuntarily thought of daily.
I adjusted my position, slightly unprepared for what was waiting for me. Who was waiting for me. At a snail’s pace, I turned ninety degrees.
Hello. Her voice melted the icicles around the sensitive chambers of my heart. I couldn’t forget it. My head wouldn’t allow it. Since Aliza had introduced her the other night, she’d made a home in my mind.
I wasn’t sure why. I wasn’t sure how. And, I wasn’t sure when she’d move along. But, staring back at her dark, inviting orbs, I wasn’t sure I was ready for that just yet.
“I’m Jada. Jada De Bacco. This is my husband Elio. My daughter, Nadia. And, my son, Saint.”
“I’m Rome.”
Confidently, she extended her hand to grab my mother’s. Her shoulders were squared. Her nostrils were wide. Her cheeks were plump. Her hair was perfect, half up and half hanging. Her dress was long and flowy.
Her skin was flawless and moisturized well. Her lips were glossy. Her smile was radiant. And, her eyes– they were still on me.
Studying me.
Dissecting me.
