Page 36 of Emani's Way

However, he didn’t approach us or say anything, and as long as he kept his distance, then we wouldn’t have any problems. There’s something about him that seems shifty, and I don’t like it.

I turn my attention to Dr. Jackson once we enter his office.

“Thank you for letting Emani stay with you, Maddox.” Dr. Jackson sits behind his large desk and waves to a chair in front of it.

I sit down, “Of course. It was just a brick and a few slashed tires, but I need to know if this issue is mine… or yours?”

Dr. Jackson sighs heavily before wiping his hands down his face, “There is a time and a place for this conversation, and here and now is neither. I will say that I have made some mistakes in my life, some worse than others.” Dr. Jackson looks up at me. “I just hope this issue isn’t mine.”

I really hate when people talk in riddles, but I understand that Dr. Jackson doesn’t want to say too much, especially here.

“I have someone working on finding out, but if I have questions… I’m going to need you to answer them.”

Dr. Jackson can read between the lines because he agrees with a nod. I let out a breath because I had no idea how this conversation was going to go. But it was much easier than I thought. That might’ve had something to do with Mrs. Jackson being MIA. I still haven’t defrosted her yet, and I don’t want her sour attitude to get in the way of my budding relationship with Emani.

“I will have security for Emani, just in case this wasn’t a one off situation. But if anything else happens, she might need to be convinced to take off work.”

“I’ll talk to her,” Dr. Jackson responds.

“Thanks. And I appreciate the invite to service. I’ll keep you informed on what’s happening.” I stand, and we shake hands.

“Thanks again, Maddox. And please protect my baby girl.”

“With my life.”

I leave the office, and I see Mrs. Jackson and Zuri talking in hushed tones. When they notice me watching, I get frigid smiles from both before they turn and walk in the opposite direction.

“Man, they really don’t like me,” I comment out loud with a shake of my head.

I round the corner and walk down a long hall before I see Emani sitting in a small room used for the daycare during services. Her face is confused, and her shoulders are slumped over. It looks like somebody kicked her puppy. I don’t think I’ve ever seen my girl look so sad.

“Emani? You okay, Sugar?”

“I’m not sure.” Emani shakes her head. “Let’s get out of here. It’s been a long day already.”

I don’t know where the confusion could’ve come from in such a short time, but I know that if she’s ready to go then I’m going to get her out of here. I just hope dickwad didn’t say anything to her because if he did, I will beat his ass right here at this church.

“Alright then, Sugar. Let’s get you home.” I take Emani by the hand and lead her to the parking lot.

When we get to the front of the church, Frank is there waiting for us. He nods, giving me the signal that everything is clear. If there had been any problem, I would have been notified immediately anyway.

It bothers me that even after talking to Dr. Jackson, I don’t know who is behind the vandalism. Nothing has happened since that night, but my gut tells me there’s more to it. I always trust my gut, and that’s why Emani is still staying with me. Yeah, I might have downplayed a brick and slashed tires, but doing things like that usually isn’t random.

We get in the car, and Frank pulls off. Emani is still holding my hand, but she hasn’t said anything. The somberness is rolling off of her in waves, and it makes me want to fight whatever or whoever caused this shift in her mood.

The drive to my house isn’t long, but it’s far enough that I’ve had too much time to think. All of the possibilities of what can be causing Emani to be upset are driving me crazy.I know I must really care for this woman if I’m obsessing over her like this.

We pull up to my house and exit the car in silence. Frank pulls off to park the car, and I lead Emani inside.

“Do you want something to eat? We haven’t had anything since breakfast.” I hug Emani from behind, and she sighs.

“No, I think I just want to take a nap. I should feel better when I wake up.” Emani is looking down, and when she doesn’t melt into my arms like she usually does, I know there’s something serious going on.

“Sugar, tell me what’s wrong. I’ll do all I can to help you. You know I will.” I’m damn near pleading with her to let me in. I hate that she’s shut down, and I want to know the reason.

“I know you will, Mad. It’s not you…”

“Baby, don’t shut me out. We’ve already been through one misunderstanding. I don’t want to go through that shit again.”