May 5, 2014

5.

"Homework." I said

"Aw yeah? my dumb ass should've went to college, well it was in my plan but I ended up having Royalty at 20." He said

"Everything worked out for the best, look at you now..." I said

"What I'm lookin' at? All I've succeeded in is not being able to pay bills, being a single father with a shitty job and no girl or help." He complained while still staring at my laptop screen.

"Well I see a great single parent that's trying, who also has a great babysitter that'd be willing to help as much as she can." I said

"Aww, don't make me blush." He said and sat up to look at me.

"But forreal, I don't want to burden you with my problems so I'd rather you not help. I just need you to be here for Royalty, shit that's enough help right there. She needs that mother figure in her life." He followed

"Was your mother not enough?" I asked

"I mean yeah but she's the grandma, what more could she do besides watch her a few times and shower her with gifts? Royalty needs someone that can teach her how to be a young lady, respect herself, and instill some things in her that a father won't be able to do. I try my hardest but she needs that woman she can look up to and adore. I don't feel right with that woman being my mother."

I nodded.

"You're right. Now that I'm her babysitter and the woman that solely watches her, I'll try and be that woman." I said without looking to him.

"Yeah, I see you already trying. You don't know how much I needed this, India. I really appreciate you, thank you." He said, I felt him staring at me but I felt it'd be awkward to make eye contact.

I slightly smiled.

"You gorgeous, why you don't got a man?" Chris asked, it caught me off guard.

"Well..." I paused and placed my laptop on the table because I see I won't be able to focus.

"The guys I used to date or came across used to be on games. They didn't know how to treat women and I'm not for all of that, I'm grown as hell and I need and want a real man, not a child that I have to mold and still teach." I finished

He nodded, "Preach, India. Preach. I feel you on that though, a lot of these niggas out here fuck over the best women and then they come to good men like me all broken and shit."

"I'm not broken though, I just don't take shit." I shot back.

"I wasn't talkin' bout you though, ma. I don't know what you is cause we haven't crossed those boundaries yet." He said and searched my face

"We can when you ready though." He smirked

I smiled and shook my head.

"I'm your babysitter, Chris. I don't wanna ruin our friendship by starting something and then it opens up another world of emotions, then that messes things up for Royalty. Plus you don't need any distractions while you're trying to get your life situated."

"You right, I can't argue that but you perfect for me. Got a good head on ya shoulders and a great mother figure for my daughter, I'll be waiting on you." He winked

I smiled and looked down.

"Why are you single? You're a great guy."

He sighed and shook his head, "I said the same thing but, nobody wants a nigga with a four year old." He chuckled

I do! I do!

"You'll eventually find that someone." I said and gave him a slight wink.