Page 67 of Promised To A Menace

“Girl, I've been here for hours.”

“And?”

“And I got a life outside of you, bitch.”

“Barely.”

“See, that's why I don't like your ass.”

I laughed as Cassian finally loosened his arms, giving me enough room to turn around. I wasn't ready for my sister to leave, though. Having her here had made things feel normal for a few hours, and I'd needed that more than I realized.

“You good to drive?” Cassian asked her.

“Yeah, I'm good.”

“Aight. Make sure you let your sister know when you get home.”

“I will.”

I followed Lha’Kayla toward the front door while she gathered her things. She stopped to take a couple pictures of the living room for Mama, then turned the camera on us. I leaned in beside her, trying to smile even though I still wasn’t ready for her to go.

Once she had everything, I pulled her into a hug.

“Love you, bitch.”

“Love you too.” She squeezed me before pulling back. “And don't forget to call Mama.”

“I know. I'ma call her.”

“I'm serious, Kaylen. She been worried about you.”

“I said I'ma call her, girl.”

“Okay, damn.” She laughed. “I'm just making sure.”

I walked her outside and waited while she got into her car. She rolled the window down before starting it.

“And sis?” she called.

“What's up?”

“If you need me, call me. I don't care what time it is.”

“I know.”

“I'm serious.”

“Lha'Kayla, I know.”

“Aight then. Love you.”

“Love you too. Text me when you get home.”

She promised she would before pulling out of the driveway. I stood there watching until her taillights disappeared, then headed back inside.

I wasn't even going to lie. Watching my sister drive off had me wishing I could've climbed into that passenger seat and gone home with her.

Tonight had actually been one of the better nights I'd had since coming here. I'd enjoyed myself, laughed, and spent time with my sister without thinking about everything that had happened every five minutes.