I can see Angelica wasn’t one hundred percent convinced of my response. That’s something she gets from me and it’s my fault. I taught her the difference of body languages when someone is telling the truth or telling a fib. I learnt it when I was running for my mayoral campaign. I’m trying my best to seem truthful but I know I’ll have to explain this to her. “When the time comes we will fill you in, I promise. But right now me and your Mama T need to discuss some things.”

She nods her head at us.

“But Mama B aren’t you going to be late for the opening?”

I come back to reality and realize what I was doing before Tina showed.

“I-I..this is more important right now sweetie.” I look at Tina and her eyes catch mine back.

I turn back to watch Angelica climb the stairs.

“I don’t think we should have this conversation while she’s present, Tina.”

Tina nods towards me.

“Do you have anywhere to go?” I ask her.

I watch as she shrugs her shoulders and her arms fold.

My guilt rests heavy on my stomach because I know I’m to blame. I know she could find anywhere to go such as Shane’s or Alice’s but I want her here.

“If you keep quiet Angie shouldn’t suspect anything, you can have my bedroom for the night. I’ll take the sofa. When she comes down for school in the morning I’ll just tell her I laid down to rest and accidentally fell asleep.”

I see a tear roll down her cheek and she turns slightly astray from me. I begin to step closer towards her but I can since her body language is pulling back.

“I’m sorry, Tina.”

____

“Mom?” “Mama B?”

My eyelids begin to lift and my vision begins to clear. I start to rub my eyes with my palms and notice Angelica standing above my body. My brain slowly starts to look around and I remember I’ve just slept on the sofa.

“I’ve been trying to wake you for the past 10 minutes.” “I’m sorry, Angie.”

“Why are you on the sofa?”

I can sense her worry and confusion. I pause and rethink my reason for the rough night on this piece of furniture.