Chapter 26: Explain it better!

  "Babe, this is not fair. I didn't know I was regarded this low and invaluable..." I blurted

  "Hey! Don't talk like that." He rubbed my chin softly and placed a soft kiss on my lips then continued "let it go! Danni, we've got everything we want even better than the McClure's, so why stress? Do this for the child....I'd arrange a meeting for you with our lawyer, just chill and relax. Jamal's got this! Have you told Lola?" He assured

I looked innocent like a puppy obeying her masters' command.

  "No. I should!" I brightened

  "You should. Y'all could do that girl magic thing like back in the day, over Marcus?" 

We laughed

  "Why ain't you flaring? Its not you!" I asked

  "Because its not nice that we both get mad, one has to keep calm. That's what couples do. And for the record, no one stepped on your toes yet, coz, if they do, the McClure's wouldn't find me easy. Trust me!" He answered affirmatively and assuring. 

  "I love you, Jamal. I don't want you getting involved with Hunter's family. The relationship y'all have built for ages shouldn't fade, we need them likewise they do. I need you safe!" I said

  "Look who's watching out!" He snuggled my nose as always as we drove away to an eatery.

Right after 3 days,

I helped Jamal pack a few things In the Burberry travel bag, he had a business appointment with top companies so we couldn't miss this opportunity of more greatness. 

  "Before you know it, hubby is back!" He assured

  "Khaleef, promise me you'd return?" I looked at him more seriously

He drew closer as his cologne hit my nostrils, I loved it. I loved his smell.

  "I promise. Pray for me though!"

  "I always will. I once lost Hunter to such kinda trip but you ain't Hunter, I know you'd return. I don't want to ever lose my first crush!" I teased blurting outrightly

  "Yes I understand. That scar is not gonna fade anytime soon, but once I return you'd forget it ok?" He said smiling broadly

  "Such a Bully!" I teased as we hugged tightly 

  "You ain't coming with me to the airport, take good care of Jordan for us. Your tender kisses is better than some maid's care, a'ight?" He instructed calmly but reasonably.

  "Anything for us! I love you baby, call me!"

  "I would, count on me. I love you woman"

He smiled broadly as he walked out of the room while Bella came forth to her his luggage but Jamal declined. Larry took it instead. Jamal had this humor for women especially when he cared about them, he followed his Father's steps. Treating a woman with honor not inhumanity. I could only look up to Jordan closed eyes and reminisce on Jamal's tender and genuine care and love then i smiled in accordance. I couldn't be less thankful for a peaceful family.

                            ************

After I did quite a few on my laptop, then I facetimed Lola, good thing it connected.

  "Hey Mrs Khaleefa?" Lola teased swaying in a summer blouse and a Louis Vuitton hat.

  "Girl, I got some issue on deck. You promised sleep over, remember?" I reminded tilting my head forward

  "Yes, I didn't forget. I'll there in a giffy. Just hold on!" Lola hung up excitedly

I got everything fixed and tidied up my son, my room and myself.

Bella got lunch prepared then she came into my room immediately with a long face.

Bella is quite obedient and lovely, the moment I realized that sad face I knew something was up.

I turned to her immediately raising my brows and asked

  "Belle? Do you want something?"

  "I'm sorry ma'am. Can I talk to you about something? Its off work, I don't know if...." She stuttered with struggles to find the right words.

  "....I'm all ears, Belle!" I answered instantly

Then I motioned her to seat on the couch with me but she declined, she preferred standing. I understood her terms.

  "...My son, Jeremy....I couldn't make it up to pay his tuition this semester because I had a lot of problems to deal with and soon enough he'd be home....Its....its not like I'm taking advantage of the situation or who you are to me but because I have no one else to run to....." She began in tears

I interrupted keeping my face up and tight

  "Belle...Belle! When did it happen? For how long now?" I said 

  "Qui...Quite..." She stuttered trembling

  "Belle? Breathe! If you don't take it slow, I wouldn't understand, so breathe 'coz I'm here!" I consoled then she beamed wiping off her tears. 

  "Over a month now. His father returned for his son and I cannot give away my son to that fool....." She complained bitterly

  "....That fool is Jeremy's father, Belle." I corrected immediately, at least not now "Is he abusing you or something?"

  "Yes...No! Ma'am, could you help me please? I don't want yo let Jeremy go, I tried to get a lawyer but I couldn't sum up the money either....He keeps threatening me..." Bella ran to me in tears, kneeling before me. I couldn't withstand this drama, I felt very much uncomfortable at the moment.

I held her arms firmly assisting her up again

  "Belle, I'm here. I like people like you....I'm not in support of sexual, psychological or emotional abuses, so don't worry I'll get it straight. Maybe you should let me talk to him Instead.....I got everything under control, I'll discuss about...." 

  "...Matteo!" She gave in

  "Matteo with my husband, we know exactly what to do!"

We heard the doorbell ring

  "Just get the door, Lola is here!" I instructed with a smile. She left after a hug comforting hug and endless smiles settled in her face.

Lola was here we hugged and saluted as she brought out five boxes of chocolate 

  "Two for Jordan. Where's he at?" Lola asked in curiosity

  "Oh Jordan, he's in the garden with Larry." 

  "C'mon Danni, you shouldn't leave your son with a damn stranger..." She complained rightly

  "I know! Larry loves Kareem....yes I understand what you're talking about though!" I patted her on the shoulder lightly

  "Let's get my baby!" Lola scurried away immediately heading to the garden.

2 hours later,

We relaxed in bikinis beside the pool while Jordan was beside us in air filled duck-like balloon, as he splashed the water with his fragile fingers, with giggles although. Jamal would have loved this moment with Jordan.

I narrated the previous event to her about Hunter's son. She was undeniably bitter and pissed like I was, she requested we handled the issue ourselves; but I suggested we find out who Mandy was.