“Shouldn’t I still be crippled from what happened? Losing John was gut-wrenching. How could I actually be happy?”
“Sweetie,” Mum whispered. She put her mug down and came to me, sliding her hands down my arms. “Do you think I should live in the past and remember everything that’s happened to the family?”
Tears formed in my eyes, but I shook my head.
“There is nothing wrong in finding happiness again. That pain will always live inside you, and you’ll carry it for the rest of your life, but it’s okay to keep living. To laugh, to smile, and love. You can’t tell me John wouldn’t want that for you.”
“Your momma’s right, child.”
With a startled jump, I spun around to see Dad and Moreen standing just inside the kitchen.
The tears fell. “Moreen.”
“Hush, sweet girl,” she ordered, and made her way over to where she took both my hands in hers. “Do you think my John would want me to pine for him for months or even years?”
“No,” I uttered.
“That’s right. We’ve had many, many sad days, Maya. But it’s been a couple of months since it happened. We learn to live with that sadness in the back of our minds and hearts. John would want us both to live life. Don’t you go feeling guilty, you hear me?”
“Yes, Moreen.”
“Good.” She let go of my hands and went over to the counter to tap it. “Now, your momma promised me some cake, and I’m not seeing it yet.”
Smiling softly, I glanced at Mum, who wiped at her eyes and let out a laugh. “It’s in the fridge. The others should be here shortly.”
“What’s going on?” I asked.
“Just a get-together.”
Dad snorted. “A gossip session. That means I’m outta here.”
“Honey, you don’t need to rush off,” Mum said.
He went to her and gave her a kiss that had Moreen catcalling. Dad pulled back with a smirk. “I’m headin’ to the compound.”
“All righty,” Mum said softly, staring in a daze up at him. Dad’s smirk grew into a grin. She blinked and watched him leave after he said a quick goodbye to Moreen and me. Her gaze then turned to me. “Sweetie, I would have told you, but I thought you’d be busy with Texas.”
“Texas? Who’s this boy?” Moreen asked.
I scoffed, answering Mum, “It’s not like we see each other all the time.”
Mum told Moreen, “Texas is a member of Hawks. Just a bit older than Maya. They’re friends.”
“With benefits?”
I choked on my saliva. “Moreen, no.”
She studied me. “But you want it to be.”
That didn’t sound like a question.
“I do not,” I stated.
She rolled her eyes. “Child, it’s as clear as day you’re into this guy.”
Sighing, I dropped my head back, eyes on the ceiling. When I looked back at her, I asked, “How is it so damn obvious?” Did Texas know? If he did, why hadn’t he made a move?
“Just talking about him, your eyes get this soft look, and you get red in the cheeks. This is good, girl. John used to always say how he’d worry you weren’t spending enough time socialising to meet someone. He worried you wouldn’t find a love that burns bright like ours does.” Her eyes glistened. “Now he’s looking down, and I know he’s not worried about you anymore.”