Page 37

“Nova,” Mama called from the kitchen, interrupting whatever Skye was about to say. “Can you come and help me with something real quick?”

“I’ll be right back.”

Mama stood in the kitchen’s opening and waited for me. She motioned for me to follow her. She walked across the room and over to the sink.

“Yes?” I asked, looking around to see what she could’ve needed help with.

“Nova, what are you doing? You can’t tell Skye she can cut her hair,” Mama whispered.

“And why not? I’m her mother.” I crossed my arms over my chest.

“I know that, but Quinton’s her father. A decision like that should come from both parents, not just one.”

“But it’s okay for him to tell her no?” I asked.

“I didn’t say that. I said it should come from both parents, which means you two need to talk before you tell her it’s okay.”

“Why do I need permission from Quinton?”

“I didn’t say permission ,” Mama said.

“That’s what it sounds like. And what’s the big deal anyway? It’s her hair, and she should be able to cut it if she wants to. I don’t want her to think she needs permission from anyone to do what she wants to do to her body.”

Mama nodded. “I understand what you’re saying, and I’m not saying that you’re wrong.

All I’m saying is parenting is a partnership between both parents.

One doesn’t get to make a decision about the child without talking with the other.

That’s all. I don’t want things to get any worse than they already are. ”

“I don’t think things can get any worse for me than they already are,” I told Mama. “And I know you’re just trying to help me, but Quinton has had fifteen years of parenting without having to discuss anything with anyone. Now, it’s my turn.”

“Nova,” Mama called for me, but I was already leaving and didn’t plan on going back. As far as I was concerned, that conversation was over.

“Is Gran okay? Does she need more help?” Skye put her phone down.

“No, she’s fine. Hey, why don’t you stay for dinner? I know Gran would love that. And so would I.”

“I can’t. I’m working on a project for school, and I kind of need Teeah’s help with it. But how about another night?”

“Sure.” I forced a smile. “I’d like that.”

“Speaking of Teeah. Do you think the two of you will ever make up?” Skye asked.

Not a chance.

“I don’t know. Maybe. But listen, I know your dad and Leah were there for you, and that won’t change, but I want to be there for you too. If you need anything, I want you to know that you can come to me.”

Skye’s visit was shorter than I wanted it to be, but she needed to get home and start on her project. Something occurred to me while Mama and I were eating dinner.

“How is Skye able to go to school here in Bayou if she lives in Baton Rouge?” I asked.

Mama had taken a bite of her meatloaf. She covered her mouth with her hand while she talked. “She used my address,” Mama said. “As far as the school knows, she lives here with me.”

“Then why doesn’t she?” I asked.

Mama’s eyes narrowed. “Why doesn’t she what?”

“Live here with you ... with us? She should live here if she’s going to school here.”

Mama’s stare went from narrow to wide. “What? No, she doesn’t want to live here. She wants to live at her house.”

“But this could be her house now. She’s lived with Quinton for all this time. I want some time with her too. After next year, she’ll be leaving for college, and who knows how much time I’ll get to spend with her.”

Mama shook her head. “Nova, don’t do this. Don’t go disrupting things in Skye’s life. Now, she’s happy where she is. If she wanted to live here, she would’ve asked.”

“Or maybe she doesn’t know it’s what she wants.”

“She’s seventeen, Nova. She knows what she wants.”

I didn’t care what Mama said. Everyone assumed they knew what was best for Skye, but I bet no one bothered asking Skye what she wanted. Maybe she would want to live here with us.

“You’re right. I’ll leave it alone,” I told her because I didn’t want to hear any more of her unwanted advice.

Mama reached over and touched my hand. “I know it feels like nothing is going your way, but I think I have something that will make you feel a little better.” She wiped her mouth and excused herself.

A few seconds later, Mama came back holding an envelope.

“What’s this?” I looked at the envelope that she’d pushed toward me.

“Open it.”

I ripped it open and pulled out a sheet of paper. “A bank statement?” I looked over at Mama.

“A few years ago, I sold some land that your dad and I bought. I didn’t plan on doing anything with it, and someone inquired about it, so I had it appraised, and I sold it.

The money in that account is from the sale.

I hadn’t touched it because I didn’t need to.

” She tilted her head to one side. “I’ve felt so hopeless these last few days, wishing there was something I could do to make you feel better.

The other day you said you’re not a baby and wanted us to stop treating you like one.

Well”—she pointed to the paper in my hand—“that money will help you get started. Part of feeling like an independent adult is having your own money.”

I scanned the paper again, looking closely at the number at the top. “Is this how much money’s in there?” I asked.

Mama leaned over to see what number I was asking about. “Yep.”

“Oh ... Mama, I can’t take this. This is too much.” I folded the paper and stuffed it back into the envelope. As much as I needed it, I couldn’t take that much money from Mama.

“Yes, you can, and yes, you will. You’ll get it either way,” she said.

“What do you mean?”

“Now or once I’m gone. I’d rather you take it now so I can see you rebuilding your life.

Besides, things still cost money. You can use it to pay for your sessions with Dr. Yvonne until we get you some insurance.

You may want to go back to school one day, and what about a car?

You may want to buy one once you get your license. ”

My head started swimming when I thought about everything I had to do to put the pieces of my life back together. In order to get a license, I needed a social security card, but according to the state of Louisiana, I was still dead. I guess I needed to clear that matter up as well.

“Okay.” I stood, leaned down, and hugged Mama. “Thank you, Mama. I don’t know what I’d do without you helping me.”

“And let’s pray you won’t have to find out any time soon.”