Page 45 of Mr. Calloway

“I’m cool. Aye, Zeus,” I called out.

We both stopped mid-step and stared at each other. “Happy Father’s Day. Thank you for being there for me, Pops.”

Zeus went neutral, and I knew what that meant. I gave a light chuckle. “Aw, Zeus, don’t get all soft on me. You’re a big nigga, not a teddy bear.”

He gripped my shoulder and pulled me in for a hug. “No softness today, bro. I’m just proud of you. I’m happy you're safe, that’s all. Love you, little nigga.”

“I love you too.”

Sasha's voice made both of us turn to her. “Aw, look at you two. Soon we’ll be having a little one around, and this is what I want them to see.” She smiled.

I glanced over at Zeus as he nodded. “Yeah, we’re just waiting on the call.”

I was happy for my brother. Even though I knew he would much rather have a child the traditional way, he was open-minded and willing to take in a kid who truly needed a home. Zeus was going to be a great father because little did he know, he already had the experience.

Once we were in the foyer, I headed straight for the door, but Sasha stopped me. “You’re not staying for breakfast?”

“Nah, Sash. I need to check on Mars. I will get up with you guys,” I told her and left.

Even though the walk to Chevy’s was a hop, skip, and a jump, it felt long.What am I going to say to Mars? How can I make shit better?were my only thoughts. To me, this was the perfect time for us to have a conversation because Chevy and Z were gone. I knew if they were around, somehow, they would interfere, and I wouldn’t be able to talk to her as I needed to.

By the time I got to the door, it was cracked, and before I could say anything or even think to take action, I heard her.

“Come in,” she spoke softly and sadly.

When I entered, Samara was wrapped in a blanket, making her way to the couch. I followed her with no words. She crawled onto the couch in a fetal position, leaving me standing there. Samara wasn’t the same, and I knew it.

“You know, it’s Father’s Day, and I couldn’t even look at Chevy. I couldn’t look at him because I felt so ashamed. It’s theonly day that he gets to enjoy, and I—” she sniffled, “—couldn’t even say happy Father’s Day to the one person who loves me like a father,” she sobbed.

I sat next to her, afraid to touch her, not sure if she even wanted that. Instead, I placed my elbows on my knees, resting my chin on my hand. “Mars, baby, he knows. Chevy understands, and I’m sure he respects what you’re going through. We all do. None of this is your fault.”

“But it is. I-I should have never trusted her. I should have been able to read Clark. I?—”

“No, you went with her because you tried seeing the good in someone who wasn’t deserving—” I paused as I had now turned to her, gently touching the side of her leg.

She jumped, then looked at me. “I’m sorry. I just don’t want to be touched right now.”

“You don’t have to apologize. Look, I know you’re going through something I don’t understand, but know that I‘m here for you, Mars. A nigga is right here. I also know things will never be the same. What that looks like for us, I don’t know, but I was your friend first and still am. Maybe you should talk to someone, someone who’s been through what you have.”

She slowly lifted, bringing her knees to her chest before laying her head on my shoulder. “Thank you for saving me. Thank you for everything, Dionysus.”

“Never been a question.”

Samara and I sat there in silence. Deep down, I knew this was probably the end for her and me because she had a lot she needed to sort out on her own. I was a selfish man when it came to her, but I wasn’t selfish enough to force her into something I knew before sliding that ring on her finger that she didn’t want.

June

After leaving the hospital, we had finally put Peace to bed. Although I was content with today, my house still felt empty because Savior was still in the hospital. If it were up to me, I would never leave until it was time for him to come home, but the reality was that Zaria and I still had other kids who couldn’t be neglected in the process.

As Z and I left Peace and Savior’s room, we both stopped at Samara’s door and stared at each other. I thought Z would be able to pull off her therapy shit and get her to talk, but she wouldn’t say anything to her, and I wasn’t sure what to say to make any of what happened better.

“I think you should try talking to her, June.”

“Me?” I paused. “What am I supposed to say?” I tried whispering.

“I think there is a lot you can say to her. When you’re done, I’ll be in the room,” she finished, kissed me, and walked off.

My head slowly turned to look at her, then back at Samara’s door. “Shit,” I muttered.