Page 31 of Adonis Gates
But that wasn’t quite my reality. Instead, I was cursed with a broken womb that resulted in a life filled with heartbreak, doctor’s appointments and “options.”
Another pill.
Another possible side effect.
Another round of options that felt more like band-aid’s instead of cures.
Another list of what ifs.
When I pulled up to the airport, I managed to push my thoughts to the back of my mind and prepared to enjoy my vacation because even though the situation nagged me, I refused to allow it to set the tone for my trip.
Vacation, then game plan for the future.
The goal was to literally reset. I’d finally broken free from the shackles of Brock’s ass, and now I wanted to reclaim my life. He never wanted to travel despite me telling him that it was one of the things I’d always wanted to do.
We traveled with our parents as kids, but not as much as I wanted to because they worked a lot to provide for us and themselves. Now that I didn’t have him holding me back, I was going to go where I wanted to as much as I wanted to.
I smiled to myself after parking at the airport, getting out of the car, and grabbing my suitcase from the back seat. For once I wasn’t prioritizing anyone else’s feelings, thinking about pain or notes that I’d taken and whether I’d submitted them or not; if my man was cheating with my coworkers or his goons were lagging around outside of my job. This week I was choosing me—completely. And when I got back, I’d choose me again, but this time I’d have a plan for how I was going to navigate forward in my life while continuing to prioritize me and my happiness above anyone else’s.
I hurried across my hotel room for my ringing phone and smiled when I saw that it was my dad calling. I went out on the balcony with my cup of coffee in my hand then took a seat on the chair that was out there before answering.
“Good morning, Daddy.”
“Hey, there sweet pea. How are you this morning.”
“I’m good. How are you?”
“I’m making it, baby. Your mama is in here driving me crazy.”
“What is she doing?”
“Dancing around the kitchen trying to make one of those doggone movies she saw on that Clap mess you and your sister have her hooked on.”
“It’s Cliqued, Daddy.” I laughed. “And they’re Clips.”
“Well, whatever it is, she’s always on it and working on my nerves.”
“Does she know you’re hiding somewhere in the house talking about her?”
“Shoot no, and you better not snitch on me,” he said and I laughed.
“What do you know about someone snitching, Daddy?”
“I know enough,” he chuckled. “Don’t forget that I was an educator for thirty some odd years. Plus, Geri keeps me young.”
Geri was always trying to teach our parents the new lingo, andshewas the reason our mother even knew what Cliqued was. My dad didn’t really get involved in her shenanigans, but our mother was always with it. She literally thought she was Geri’s age.
“What do you have planned for today?”
It was my third day in Atlyn Bay, so I was going to get out and do something. I spent my first day just relaxing and catching up on some much-needed rest. Day two I did a spa day, took a walk on the beach, as well as did some journaling. I used to journal all the time as a little girl and had forgotten how much lighter I felt after writing, but I was going to be sure to make it a habit again.
“I have a few things on my agenda today. I’m going to do a cooking class around eleven, then go to a Zumba class on the beach this afternoon, and I’ll end the day with kayaking or a boat cruise.”
“Mm, I don’t know about that last one, sweetheart. I’m all for you cleansing your pallet, but you need to stay on that resort. People go missing on that water all the time.”
“I’ll be fine, Daddy.” I laughed.
He was literally always worrying. I felt a little bad knowing that he was probably losing sleep with me being gone, but he understood that I needed this time away.