Second Chance

001.

Danae Washington

"So sissy, how was your first day back at work after three years?" Denise, my sister, asked me as we were sitting in her living room of her new house.

"Well, it was alright, I guess," I said back to her. "I really don't have any of my own cases yet. I was really just giving my insight and help on other cases."

"It's a start, Nae. Before you know it, you will have more cases coming out the ass," she laughed, causing me to laugh at her silliness.

It felt good to go back to work after being away for two years. The spiritual journey I was on made me realized how much I really missed doing my job as a criminal defense attorney.

"But, seriously, how are you, Danae?" she asked with a look of concern on her face.

"I'm fine, Dee. I really am," I said with a smile.

"I'm just checking, baby sister. I just don't want you to hit that low point ever again," she placed her hand on my knee as she spoke with tearful eyes. I frown at the sight of her teary eyes.

"Dee, don't you start crying now. I'm fine. I'm really okay, sis," I said as I scooted to the edge to lean over and give my sister a tight hug. She hugged me back, just as tight. I felt the wetness of her tears on my blouse. I pulled back from the hug and cupped her face in my hands.

"Denise, I am fine. I'm okay. I don't want to go back to that low point either, but I have to get back to regular life. For me. For Zaylia," I said to her.

She looked at me through teary eyes. "Okay," she whispered.

I gave her another hug and she hugged me back.

"I love you, Dee," I said to my sister.

"I love you, Day," she said back to me.

We let go of each other and I stood up from the couch, straightening out my skirt. I grabbed my purse and jacket that laid next to me.

"Zaylia," I called out, " come give your auntie some kisses and a hug, we're about to go." The faint sound of my daughter's feet hitting the floor became louder as she entered the living room, where my sister and I was located.

"Stop running, Zaylia," I said to my four year old.

"Yes, mommy," she said back as she slowed down her running to walking. She walked over to your auntie's open arms and gave her a hug.

"Bye, Tete," she said as she kissed Denise's cheek.

"Bye, my sweet girl," Denise said. She kissed all over Zay's face, making her giggle and squirm in her arms. She put Zay on the floor and Zay walked over to me.

"You ready to go, babygirl?" I asked her. She nodded her head yes. I grabbed her hand and turned my attention to my sister as she stood up to walk us out. She handed me Zay's little backpack as we reached the front door of her home.

"You are coming to the cookout next weekend, right?" she asked me as I put Zaylia in her booster seat.

"Yes ma'am. I made sure to clear my schedule for next Saturday," I said, buckling the straps on the booster seat. I stood up straight and closed the back passenger door.

I looked at Denise. "Do you need me to bring anything?" I asked her.

"You can bring a big pan of that Tuscan chicken pasta that everybody loves," she said with a smile on her face. I laughed and nodded my head.

"I got you, sis," I said while getting in my 2018 black Cadillac Escalade. I closed the door and turned the key in the ignition, causing the truck to roar to life.