* * *
“Cam, can I talk to you after I get them settled in the house?”
We’d just pulled into our complex. The ride home was quiet. I was deep in thought while frequently looking in the rearview mirror to check on my girls. Fee finished her freeze pop and quietly sang along to the music while Skye looked out the window. At one point, I saw Fee grab Skye’s hand in an attempt to comfort her.
“Sure,” Cam responded.
“Munchkins, after we get into the house, get yourself prepared for your bath while I speak to Ms. Cam.”
“Yes, sir. Bye, Ms. Cam,” the girls said as they both climbed out of the truck.
“See ya later,” she called behind them.
We all walked to our building. I unlocked the door, ushering the girls inside.
“Fold those clean clothes that are in your room, then get yourself prepared for your baths. I will be right outside.”
“Daddy, where did Mommy go?” Skye asked.
“I’m not sure. She hasn’t called me yet. She obviously got caught up and lost track of time.”
I hated trying to make excuses for Beatrice. I wished I could say, “because your momma ain’t shit,” but that wouldn’t be right. I know they need to form their own opinion of their mother without my help.
“That was very irresponsible for her to leave us and not call you,” Skye said.
“Adults make mistakes, baby girl. She left you there, figuring you would be okay. It has nothing to do with how much she loves you or her ability to care for you. I will have a conversation with her whenever she calls. In the future, if something like that happens, call me immediately, do you understand?”
“Yes,” Skye said.
“I love you, and your mom does too, okay?”
“Okay,” Fee said.
“Okay,” Skye mumbled.
I kissed them both before going outside to speak with Cam. I found her leaning on her front door.
“Are they okay?” she asked.
“Yeah, they are okay. Skye is sad and asked a couple of questions, but they are fine.”
“Good. I wouldn’t want to have to call in some favors. I know people that get shit done,” Cam said.
“Get shit done, huh?”
“Yep,” she rolled her eyes and chuckled.
“Thank you for riding down there with me. That could have been a terrible situation.”
“No problem. That’s what friends are for, right?”
“That’s exactly what friends are for. You know people everywhere, don’t you? Every time we are out together, you see somebody you know.”
“St. Louis is small,” she shrugged.
“Thank you for finding time for Trina. You didn’t have to do that.”
“Naw, I did. People should be rewarded when they go out of their way to help people. If I can help, I will. Besides, she needs me. Did you see her hair?” Cam chuckled.