Again, I nodded, giving her a weak smile.“Should I be concerned?”
I waved her off.“No. You know it happens sometimes when I use them too often. I’m fine.”
She looked around my living room. Her mouth turned upside down.“Where is Rome? Why isn’t he here taking care of you?”
This time, instead of signing, I decided to speak. “You know he’s up to take over for his dad. He’s been really busy. I don’t need him here anyway. This isn’t my first headache and it won’t be my last.”
Summer’s frown deepened. “That doesn’t mean he shouldn’t be here making sure you’re fine.” My aids were off, but I could still read her lips as she spoke.
“I’m not a child. I can handle myself.”
Her eyes narrowed. Summer was protective of me, always had been, since we were younger. She was a year older than me and my mom’s sister’s daughter. It was only those two. Me and Summer, along with her younger sister, were the only kids in the family. I always considered her more of a sister than cousin. When we were kids, I was more timid and didn’t stick up for myself. It used to drive Summer crazy, but she always had my back. Toward the end of eighth grade I started speaking up for myself, but Summer still had a hard time letting go and allowing me to stand on my own. I didn’t fault her though, growing up in my house it was easy to learn to be seen and not heard. So it took a while for me to break that habit in the real world. No one in our family had bothered to learn sign language besides her either, which was one reason I would always love her.
“He’s about to be your husband, Kyra. He needs to be more sensitive to your needs.”
A sigh fell from my mouth. My hands went to my head and I used my pointer fingers to rub my temples. While I loved my cousin, she never hid her dislike for Rome. The two were like oil and water when they got around each other. Both played a big part in my life so I often tried to defuse their issues.
“Are you ever going to let your issues with him go?”
She rolled her eyes then smirked. “When he grows up and starts being a real man.”
I couldn’t help but laugh before reaching for the light blue box that held the cupcakes she brought me.
“Stop. He’s a good guy. You just won’t give him a chance.”
A look of disbelief formed on her face. I knew this conversation was about to make a turn so I went to my ears to turn my aids on. Wincing when she first started talking, I ignored the ache and listened. “I know you think that, but Nakyra, you deserve so much better than him. Youcando somuch better.” She shook her head. “But I can’t tell you how to live your life so I won’t say too much. I just don’t want you to be tied to someone who isn’t gonna make you happy in the long run.”
“I know Rome isn’t perfect and I’m not saying there aren’t some things he needs to work on, but nothing is major enough to where I don’t want to marry him. He’s a good guy and provider. He makes me happy, Summer, I promise.”
Her shoulders fell and a soft smile formed on her face. “Okay, then I’ll let it go. As long as you’re happy, that’s all I care about.”
Bella came over to me and double tapped my knee with her nose, gaining my attention. “You gotta go potty, girl?” I asked, setting the box of cupcakes down and standing up. Her tail began to wag quickly and she turned and hurried toward the kitchen.
“I’ll be back.” I followed Bella to let her outside in the back.
It was cool today for early-fall. The moment I opened the back door, a breeze passed by. Bella loved the large, fenced-in yard we had. Instantly, she darted out and went to the blanket of leaves near the fence to handle her business.
After Bella finished and came back inside, I fed her a treat before going back into the living room where Summer was occupied by her phone.
“Are we still on for the paint and sip this weekend?”she signed when I looked at her. I nodded as I finally was able to enjoy one of the cupcakes she bought me.
“Are we meeting there?” I asked, licking the pink cream cheese frosting from my lips.
“I can pick you up.”
“Even better.” I took another bite.
Summer stayed around a little longer before leaving for home. I always enjoyed spending time with her.
“Come, Bella,” I called out when it was just the two of us. As soon as I was alone I turned my aids off and headed for the stairs. Since Rome wasn’t due to be home for some time, I planned on running a bath and having some me time.
____
I was lost in the current illustration project I had been commissioned to complete, growing frustrated that the facial feature I was trying to draw wasn’t coming out how I wanted. The illustration was for a young adult book. I was currently working on the cover to send to the author to proof before I went forward with the final product.
I had been drawing all of my life but it wasn’t until college that I decided I wanted to take on digital illustration as my profession. While I did anything—from illustrated logos to creating visuals for fictional characters, book covers for authors, and stickers and labels for merchandising—I’d mastered illustrating children’s books. I always loved the vibrant colors the authors wanted when it came to their visions and making the story come to life. My dream was to create my own comic book one day or even an animated series.
I was redrawing the facial features for the third time when a tap on the shoulder gained my attention, causing me to jump. I dropped my stylus to my drawing pad and spun around, noticing Rome standing next to me with an impatient look on his face.
