You’re a Liar

Cass may run a tight ship, but you never have to question her love for her boys. I know Danny felt that love. He talked about her like a second mom. When I think about it, I can say she made me feel the same way growing up.

Even from this distance, I can see the affection in their relationship as he holds her small frame in a hug. I try not to tear up. I’m just a little overwhelmed.

Here I sit right next to my parents and my father hasn’t uttered a single word to me. It’s as if I’m not here. I’m glad he has accepted Dae-Dae, but I feel like nothing sitting here. Like I’m invisible.

I wish I could have left with my friends. Kia and Dean left for their hotel. Connie and Dylan just took off to get into some trouble. I’d like to be anywhere but here.

“He’s sleeping,” My mother murmurs. “I’ll take him back to his room. It’s been so long since I’ve placed a little one to sleep.”

“It’s the last one on the right,” I reply.

“I know. It’s where we were waiting,” she says with a smile.

I take a shuddered breath. It’s like the temperature drops in the room as she walks away. I want to follow after her and help. As a matter of fact, that’s a great idea. I get up to do just that.

“Don’t move, gal,” my grandmother says.

I flop back into my seat. I look at my grandparents and they’re both glaring at my dad who is glaring at me. I drop my eyes to my lap.

“T’ree years, ay. T’ree years and yuh still cyan chat ‘pon the gyal wit’ some sense,” My grandmother hisses.

“I, for one, can’t sit here and watch this,” my grandfather speaks up. “Your daughter tells you she’s with child and you throw her out. You lose your only son and you still don’t make it right.”

My grandmother kisses her teeth and folds her arms over her chest. I know she has more she wants to say. Both of my grandparents look like they’re boiling.

“Maybe it’s me. I’m from South. We don’t do our children like this,” my grandfather says.

“Cyan say we gwan like dis in Jamaica,” my grandmother scoffs.

“She is my daughter. I’ll handle this as I see fit. I don’t think this is the time or the place,” my father snaps.

“You won’t even look at the child,” my grandfather presses.

“You left your child to grieve alone. Don’t you chastise me,” my father bellows and he stand to his feet.

“Because every time my wife and I asked you were the hell my granddaughter ran off to you couldn’t give us an answer. You told us to stop asking. ‘This is my home, if you don’t like it, you can leave.’

“Those were your words. I’m no one’s child. You talk to me like one, it’s time for me to go,” My grandfather says, lifting to his full height and puffing out his chest.

“Daddy, please,” my mother pleads as she rushes out to jump in the middle of my father and grandfather.

“No child. I don’t like how you’ve handled this,” my grandfather shakes his head. “It’s not right.”

“What’s not right is this girl thinking she’s grown and come do things on her own. What’s not right is that she didn’t come home when her brother passed away—”

“I did come home,” I stand and shout. “I was there for my brother like I’ve always been. I would never let him be buried without me.”

“You’re a liar!” my father turns and barks at me.

Everyone is standing now. The atmosphere is thick with emotions. My lips tremble as I nod my head. I swipe at my tears, but I straighten my back. I’m stronger than this.

“Yeah, I am. Now get out of my house,” I say firmly.

My father’s eyes look over my shoulder and narrow. I don’t have to turn to know who he’s glaring at. I can feel Felix at my back.

“You, young man. I’ve treated you like a son. We’ll talk about this,” my father grinds out.

“Sir, I respect you like a father, but tonight, I’m going to ask you to respect my home. I think you need to leave like Kaye asked. I’ll come to see you so we can talk man to man,” Felix replies.

“Living in sin every chance you get,” my father snorts.

“Don’t you dare,” I snap. “Don’t you dare. You don’t know me and you don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“I don’t recall you and my daughter being married before she returned to my home knocked up,” my grandfather deadpans.

“Danesha, let’s go,” my father snaps at my mother.

“I’ll be spending time here with my daughter and grandson. You can go home,” My mother says, folding her arms over her chest.

“Bout time,” my grandmother sucks her teeth.

My father turns almost purple. He storms out without another word. I stand, staring at my mother in awe.

“Sometimes we have to allow the bull to storm the shop for him to learn his lesson. You and I have some catching up to do,” my mother says.

“Aye, ye do. The truth will set ye free, lass. It’s time to be free,” Cass says, walking over to kiss my cheek, before she turns and leaves.

“Gwan, gyal, we waiting,” my grandmother says, reclaiming her seat.

I take my seat and stare at my fidgeting hands. Saying a prayer first for my brother to forgive me, I begin to tell the truth. The whole truth.