Pieces of Me by Pua Ramona (small books to read txt) 📕

hands on her hips, “Because you’re going to put them in tonight, so that way you won’t have to keep pushing them glasses up your face” she chuckles.

I roll my eyes and say, “Whatever Leila” while she laughs at me some more.  I look at the outfit and tell her, “This I can definitely wear, but I won’t wear heels.”

Leila raises her eyebrows and says “Yes you are, you’re already short as it is. The heels will complete your outfit.”

Mona yells from the bathroom “I’m doing your hair and makeup Sis, so bring that tight ass here when you’re done.”

I now understand why women give themselves extra hours to get ready because it takes us three and a half hours to get ready, and an extra thirty minutes. The girls thought we should pre-drink before we head out to The Hut, so Mona passes out double shots of Tennessee whiskey “There you go ladies. Happy birthday Sis, and let this year be your year of peace, love and lots of fucking.” I shake my head at her bullshit and we tap our glasses and throw them back like pros, except I choke on mine ‘cos I’m cool like that.

Leila pats my back laughing “Damn girl. That ass is about to be loose tonight, yes!” she says way too happy about it.

“Alright bitches, it’s about that time” Mona says while she heads out the door.

Leila clears off the counter and grabs her phone “You ready birthday girl?” she asks.

“I’m going to go say goodnight to Emma first okay” I answer her.

“I’ll wait for you,” she says smiling at me.

I run up the stairs and stop at Emma’s door listening to her say her evening prayers. “And God, please help Mama be happy. I know I make her happy, but I ask you to please take everything sad away from her heart. And make her smile more, I think it’s pretty on her. And thank you for my big aiga. Amen.”

“Amen” Mama repeats after Emma. I stand still at the door covering my mouth because I don’t want Emma to hear me cry. I grab some tissue from my purse and try cleaning my face without messing my makeup as best as I can before I knock on her door.

“Hey Mama, you look beautiful,” she says.

I sit down next to her on her bed and say “I’m going out for a little bit. Or would you rather me stay home with you babygirl?”

Emma smiles at me and says “Nope, Uncle D, Uncle Micah, and Uncle Luka said they wanted to spend time with you, so have fun mama. Grandma Rita and Auntie Claire will be here with me.”

I look at my daughter and say “You’re an amazing little girl Emma, stop growing on me.” I pull her in for a hug and kiss the top of her head.

“I love you forever even when the sun doesn’t shine'', we say to each other and kiss our pinkies then lock them together.

She leans in and whispers “I love you Mama, and it’s okay for you to be happy”. I give her another hug and stand up to leave her room.

“Have fun sweetie, and try not to worry so much”

I give my mother a hug and say “Thanks Mama for watching Emma, I really appreciate it.”

She looks at me and says, “You need to have some fun, and you need a break now, go on, don’t keep the girls waiting.” I step out of Emma’s room and see Leila is standing watching us.

“You’re an amazing mother Sina. Your daughter is you, but a baby version, you’re doing a great job.” We both walk back downstairs and before we stepped out to the car Leila grabs my hand and says “Sina, tonight is all about you. Let everything go and just be, you deserve a night off from all the bullshit. Okay? At least try to enjoy yourself.”

I answer with a slight nod and walk to the car, not letting go of Leila’s hand. I look up and thank God for Mona and Leila, even if tonight is the only time we’re going to have, I'm happy it’s with these two beautiful ladies who have occupied parts of my heart.

We arrive at The Hut and it’s packed. There were no parking spots available, even across the street was packed with cars. Mona makes a left turn and I notice there’s an open spot right by the front door. Mona looks over her shoulder and says “This is my spot”, and winks.

We all get out of the car and you can hear the music from inside, “Is it always this busy here?” I ask, this would be my first time at my brother, Daniel’s, bar – The Hut. I walk around to meet Mona and Leila by the door.

“Yeah, we get a pretty good crowd on Fridays and Saturdays” Mona says.

Leila grabs my hand and grins, “Come on party animal, first round’s on me!”

Mona pulls the door open and says “Oh hell nah, drinks are on the house all night for the birthday girl and us.” We get inside and we literally have to squeeze our way through the crowd. We get close to the bar but Mona grabs my hand, while I hold on to Leila’s hand with the other “We reserved a table. Your brothers wanted to make sure people weren’t hovering over you.” I give her a grateful smile, I’m afraid that I’m going to fall flat on my face. Why didn’t I just wear my flats? My brothers and my sister see us making our way to the table, and I feel another piece of my smile click into place.

“Happy birthday, nerd'' Megan says while trying to squeeze me in one of her bear hugs that she’s giving, with her short arms.

I hug her back saying “Thank you for coming!”

She looks at me and uses her thumb to wipe the tear that has escaped my eyeball “Thank you for coming home, even