Page 9 of R&B Mixtape

“Was it good enough to believe?”

“Yes ma’am. Too good if you ask me.”

“Harlow, I taught you to think of others and try to understand their struggles in order to know how to love and care for them. If him leaving was inevitable, then I need you to hop off your high horse and accept his apology and reasons for disappearing. However, any decision after that is detrimental to the cure for your heartbreak.”

“When I look at him, I see how happy we could be, but I’m instantly reminded of the five years he left me alone to deal with this on my own. Then Mya…”

“What about Mya?”

“Her and Cam have been in contact the entire time. She’s been giving him updates on me. Like, she wouldn’t even tell me anything and I don’t know how I feel about that,” I expressed.

“Speak with her first and then go from there. She might have her reasons as well sweetie.”

“I’m sick of all these damn secrets Ma. Excuse my language.”

“I know how you feel, and you have every right to be upset. These are two people who you love, and they opted out of keeping you from experiencing pain. I get it trust me.”

“I’m overwhelmed, Ma. Like, I want to smack both they asses but the love I hold for them won’t allow me to do so.”

“You getting a little too comfortable cursing. Watch your mouth,” she warned.

“Yes ma’am. I’m sorry.”

“I raised a strong, beautiful woman. Stop letting people’s actions dictate how you move. There is nothing wrong with getting closure and walking away. However, if your soul craves that man, give him a second chance. It’ll bring you more sunny days than it will rainy ones and you’ll be relieved to have loved someone completely.”

Nodding, I sat with her a little bit longer gaining the quality time I was in need of. Today was officially Valentine’s Day and I had the opportunity to rekindle things with the love of my life or finally move on. I was conflicted because love was so damn tricky and as a person who loved love, I wanted the true kind. I wanted to believe that Cam was the only one that could supply that. However, I was cautious to give him more of me.

Before coming to see her, I stopped by a store and grabbed her a few gifts. She was an incredible woman and mother. Shedeserved all of the love in the world the way she held her family down and together. I ran to the car to grab the bag and set of flowers. When I returned, she had the biggest smile on her face. Other than Mya, my mother was my best friend.

“Happy Valentine’s Day, Ma. I hope you like it.” I handed it over and she went to digging. She pulled out a bag from Tiffany’s and instantly squealed with excitement.

“Thank you, baby girl!”

“You’re welcome. Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, at least that’s what I heard,” I replied.

She opened the velvet box revealing the diamond bracelet she had eyed the last time we went shopping together. We weren’t the richest people, but we were financially comfortable. I figured she could use something of value from me other than a dinner and a homemade card.

“You are so me in my prime. I love you sweetheart.”

She stood and gave me a hug that I didn’t know I needed. I stayed wrapped in her arms feeling like a little girl once again. I loved that she was always available for me.

“I’m going to go home and get some rest. If you want to do dinner later just call.” She nodded, and we parted ways after another hug was given.

I returned to my car and turned my phone back on. When I did, notifications came ringing through. Most were from Mya and then I had a few from an unknown number. I disregarded the unsaved and returned besties phone call instead. It rang through and I was about to hang up when she finally picked up.

“Where the hell have you been?” she shouted into the receiver.

“Minding my business. Why you blowing me up like that and when the hell do you leave voicemails?” I questioned.

“Never mind all that. Are you okay?”

“Why wouldn’t I be?”

“Because Cam came knocking on the door looking for you. Why did you leave him?”

“Because I’m grown and can do what I please. And why the fuck did you have direct contact with Cam for five years and not tell me? What kind of friend are you?”

“Your best friend. I kept that away from you because you didn’t need to stress or hurt any more than you already were. He wasn’t coming back until he was done handling business. I told him several times to reach out to you, but it was his choice to do so or not. You can’t be mad at me for that.”