Tamika’s Mom called, asking jokingly if I was still alive; it had been so long since I’d seen her. She wasn’t feeling the greatest, the problem with her lungs sounded like it might be ok, but the doctors had found out the tissue around her heart that had been caused by Tommy’s beating had become tumorous. She sounded very at ease about it, but it was apparent she was acting some of it.
Tamika was going to drive to Philly.
It was pouring out, and Mrs. Pinkney asked me if Tamika was riding alone. I said no, that Vinny was going with her.
I lay on my bed and stared at the storm.
Tamika got of from work at 10, and called me at 11 when she came by with Vinny.
It was raining, but I came out in the cold anyway. She jumped out of the car, bounding over to me, kissing me, then bounding to load her stuff in the car. I helped her, as Vinny sat in the car watching us. She must have kissed me 20 times. She was bouncing all over the place like a little squirrel. I grabbed her, holding her tight. I told her I’d miss her, but I wanted her to get going so she wouldn’t get there too late. She melted in my arms, then perked up again, and kissed me goodbye.
I waited in the doorway until she was gone, as she waved frantically out the window.
I bolted back inside and got under the covers, taking some medicine. I felt miserable. My back ached and my throat was on fire.
She didn’t call me, so I called her at 2 to make sure she was ok.
She made it there ok, and was drinking cocoa and having cookies at her Mommom’s. She whispered goodnight and that she loved me.
I slept soundly.