The Realest Ever - By Keith Thomas Walker Page 0,48
That’s not your lifestyle. Maybe if I would’ve made it to the NFL, I’d be on your level. But I didn’t.”
“I don’t care about that stuff,” Brianna said. “I love you.”
“And I love you, too,” Donovan said. “But that doesn’t mean your life will stop if we’re not together. Brianna, you need to look deep inside yourself and try to figure out why you have such low self esteem. Why are you insecure? Maybe you should consider counseling.”
Brianna sighed. This is why she loved this man so much. Where she was wild and irrational, Donovan was calm and assertive. He always knew what was best for her.
She dried the last of her tears and offered him an embarrassed smile. “I guess there’s no chance of us staying together, if I go to counseling?”
Donovan returned her smile, but he shook his head. “No. We’ve already done irreparable damage to our relationship – me and you. But I’d like to still be your friend.”
Brianna chuckled at that. “Sorry. That’s not gonna work.”
Donovan expected as much. “I understand.”
“But I would like it if you held me again,” Brianna said. “For old times’ sake.”
Donovan’s heart melted. He quickly pulled her into his arms. She fit so comfortably. He nuzzled the top of her head and kissed it, too. Her hair smelled nice. But even as he fought off his own tears, Donovan knew he made the right decision.
≈≈≈≈≈≈≈
Brianna didn’t leave for another thirty minutes. After seeing her out, Donovan collapsed on his recliner. He was emotionally drained, and he felt physically spent, too. He almost didn’t answer his cellphone when he heard it ringing, but he thought it might be Kyra. Hearing from her always brightened his mood.
Donovan rolled his eyes when he saw his mother’s name on the caller ID, but he took the call. He was furious the last time he talked to her, and he wanted to take back some of the mean things he said.
“Hello, mother.”
“Baby, I know you said you’d call me when you were feeling better. I just wanted to let you know how sorry I am for telling your business to Brianna. I was one hundred percent out of line, and I understand if you’re mad at me for a long time. I don’t know what got into me. That was disrespectful and stupid, and, and I was only doing what I thought was best for you. That’s the only thing I ever worry about; what’s best for you. I would never–”
“Mama, it’s alright.”
“–ever do anything to interfere with your relationships – no matter who you want to be with. It’s not my business. Lord, I don’t know what came–”
“Mama, did you hear me?”
“No, baby. I’m sorry.”
“I said it’s alright. I forgive you.”
“Thank you, Jesus!” she exclaimed. “Thank you too, baby. I’m sorry for calling Brianna. Have you talked to her? Did you work it out? I want to apologize to her, too. I don’t know what possessed me to call that girl. It’s just, I was worried about you, baby.”
“I know, Mama. And I love you for that.”
“Did you talk to Brianna yet? Did y’all work everything out?”
“Yes,” Donovan said. “She came over here.”
“Oh, thank God!” Beverly sighed. “Baby, I thought I ruined everything for you. I been so worried.”
“We broke up, Mama.”
“Wha, why?”
“I told you me and Brianna had problems,” Donovan said. “It didn’t have anything to do with you. I tried to break up with her two times already, but she wouldn’t let me. This time I wouldn’t let her stop me.”
“But, but Donovan, she was so good for you! Let me call her and apologize. Maybe you two can still fix this. When I talked to her, she told me how much she loves you. I think–”
“Mama…” Donovan warned.
“Oh, okay, baby. You right. If you don’t wanna be with her no more, that’s your decision. I won’t interfere.”
“Why thank you,” Donovan said with a grin.
“Are you sure it didn’t have nothing to do with me?” Beverly asked. “I don’t think I could live with myself if I broke you two up.”
“I assure you it didn’t,” Donovan said. “This has been a long time coming.”
“Alright,” Beverly said. “I mean, if that’s what you want. I just want you to be happy.”
“I am happy,” Donovan said, but that wasn’t true. He was quite gloomy and stressed-out about the whole ordeal.
“So, I guess this means you and Kyra can be together now.”
Donovan chuckled. “Mama, me and Kyra are just friends. I know you find that hard