Wanted

Four

August

"Hey, lady. Where y'at?" I greeted my mama with a tender hug & kiss on the forehead.

[AN: Where y'at has a few meanings but in context, I'm using it as "how are you" to which you reply "all right" but it sounds the way I type it due to the heavy accent.]

"Aw'right, baby. Making it, how ya doin', son?" My mother, Sharon, asked patting me on the back.

"I'm good, mama." I told her, walking with her towards the back of the house.

"Now you quit that storyin', boy. I see the ti'ed ness all in ya' face. That li' girl been feedin' you?" She asked, giving me a sideways glance.

"Yea', ma." I sighed, once again lying for Yasmin.

My mama can't stand her for anything.

Hell, none of my family can.

They think she's only with me for what I'ca do for her. I used'ta think they were foolish but more and more I'm beginning to see it but I love tha' damn girl way too much to just up and leave.

"Don't 'cha be lyin' for the chile na', AJ. 'Specially not to me. Na' sit ya' tail down and eat this hea'." She placed a plate of food on the table and gently but forcefully pushing me to the chair.

I obliged and sat down, the moment I did my mouth began watering.

Then my stomach loudly grumbled.

"Stop lyin' fa' that damn girl." My mama smacked me on the back of my head and flashed a stern look.

I could do anything but lie.

Mama knows. She always does.

I quickly blessed my food and picked my fork up, throwin' down like I hadn't eaten in forever.

I hadn't.

Not a home cooked meal at least and damn sure not one this well prepared.

"Hea', baby." She placed a glass of punch in front of me. "You want mo'?"

"Yes ma'am, please." I smiled, swallowin' the last of that plate of food and sippin' my drink.

She fixed another plate of food and brought it to me, shakin' her head at my anxiety as she placed it in front of me.

"You need to let that girl go." She side-eyed me and went back to cleaning dishes.

I just pretended to not hear her because I knew she was telling the truth.

Unfortunately, I'm a lover and when I love I think with my heart and my heart just won't let me up and leave someone who needs me.

"I love you, mama." I told her genuinely but also to change the subject.

"AJ, I know you heard me." She looked back at me, wiping her hands on a dish rag. "But I love you, too, son." She smiled at me, rubbin' my shoulders and kissin' the side of my forehead.

*

"You're so beautiful. When can I make you mine?" I asked the chocolate-skinned goddess standing before.

"Soon enough." She flashed a bright smile at me.

"Ya' smile and the way ya' eyes light up, they remind me of diamonds in the sun." I smiled, softly caressing the side of her face.

"You're too sweet." She smiled slightly, holding her head down, lookin' away from me.

"What's the matter?" I asked, liftin' her head back so that she was lookin' at me.