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

least not right now” he says. We sit there quietly because we, well I don’t know what to say because I don’t know what’s going on and I sure as hell aren’t going to assume either.

Reese clears his throat and asks “Micah, are you sick?” I know what he wants to ask, but he‘s already struggling with the word sick.

Micah looks over at Reese and says “Leukemia.”

Reese’s head falls into his hands and he doesn’t say anything. Mama tries to hold it in, but I can still hear her crying. I can’t even look at Micah because I am officially a piece of shit. I’m over here acting like I’m going through some shit, when this man who’s dying is still giving his all to protect his family. For the first time in my life, I have never felt so shitty. I mean, what do you even say to someone who’s on limited time? Oh by the way, I’m sorry I broke your sister’s heart. I’m so lost in my thoughts and my own self-pity that I don’t even see Micah move.

He gets up and grabs his shirt “This stays here, nobody finds out aight?” he says looking between Reese and I.

Reese gets out of his chair and stands next to him “Anything you need - I’m here bro.”

Micah pulls Reese in for a brotherly hug. “Be my extra eyes Uso, if I can’t be where I’m needed I’m asking you as a brother to step in and keep Sina and my family safe. Megan too, she’s a handful, but she’ll need another brother when I can’t be there. I know Luka and Daniel are there, but we’re stronger in numbers” he says.

Reese takes a step back and I can see that he’s going through his own emotions as well. “You have my word.” He says.

Micah turns to say bye to Mama.

“You take care of yourself sweetie. If you need anything at all you know where to find me.” She cries and holds her arms out for him.

He gives Mama another bear hug before walking towards the door. He stops as he reaches the threshold, turns to look at me and says “She’s my heart Eli.” Then he walks out of the office, leaving us all standing at the empty spot he leaves behind.

“What did you do to that girl, Son?” Mama frowns at me.

I close my eyes and say “I didn’t treat her the right way Mama. I don’t know if I can love her the right way either” I feel her tugging at my arm and I turn to look at her.

“What is the right way Elijah?” She says. I feel a sharp pain in my chest as I say “The way dad loved you.”

And I feel another piece of me die in front of my mother.

Chapter Fifteen

Sina

Waking up early the next day, I feel okay. Not great, but okay is better than how I usually feel when I open my eyes each morning. It’s time for me to heal. I allowed myself to be broken all day yesterday, so today and for the rest of my life I’m allowing my heart to heal. I don’t have any plans so I decide to take Emma to Pixies for cupcakes and hot chocolate. Going to the dresser, I pull out a pair of black yoga pants and a red tank top before I take a shower, making sure to wash out my hair, along with all the depression that drowned me yesterday. I get dressed, throw my hair up into a messy bun and am surprised with how good it looks. Yessss good hair day for the win. I grab my gold hoop earrings and make sure I wear my glasses, because, you know I’m blind.

I go to see if Emma is up and to my surprise she’s up and already dressed. “What are you doing up so early baby girl?” I ask her, feeling a smile on my face.

She looks up at me and says “I heard you in the shower so I got up and did the same. Can we have a day date, Mama?”

I grab her little hand and say “Yes, sweet girl. Would you like to go visit Auntie Leila at her book store?”

Emma looks at me with her eyes wide, “Oh my goodness, I didn’t know she owned a bookstore. Can we go please?”

I laugh at her awe over Lei having a bookstore and say, “Let’s go get cupcakes and book wasted.”

Emma giggles “Mama you’re silly.” I make sure to leave a note in case someone wonders where we are. It’s pretty warm out, so when we get into the car I roll the windows down and Emma asks “Mama, can we listen to Common Kings please?”

Smiling at her request I ask, “Which one sweetie?” She grabs my phone and “On the low” starts playing through the sound system. It isn’t a far drive to Pixies so Emma and I sing the whole way there. We pull up to Pixies and there’s a couple of people here.

“Ooh Mama this is sooo pretty” Emma coos.

I smile at her and say“It really is huh?”

She unbuckles her seatbelt and waits for me to go open her door for her. “After you princess cupcakes!” I laugh at her.

She looks up at me and says “Age before beauty Mama”, with the sassiest look on her face.

“Where did you hear that little Miss Thang?”

She giggles and says “Uncle Micah told me to make sure I say it to you.” We stand there in the parking lot and giggle together. I sigh, it feels so damn good to be okay. I reach for Emma’s hand and she weaves her small fingers through mine “I’m so hungry for cupcakes” she says excitedly.

We skip to the door and I hold it open for my baby girl. “Age before beauty” I say sarcastically.

She walks past me and says, “You’re still older than me, Mama.”

What the heck “I’ll kick