Free Days of Desire by India T. Norfleet Page A

don’t need you turning soft. The reason I called you over here is because I'm dying. Only the good Lord knows if I'll make it to the end of the summer.”
    “Mr. Shawl…”
    “Hush up boy so you can hear the important stuff. I know you love my grandbaby; I want you to take care of her when I'm gone. You better not tell her I'm dying, before the good Lord calls me home because I don't want her to know. If you do, I swear I’ll haunt you until you’re old like me.” He laughed.
    “I don't know if getting into family affairs is a good idea. Plus, I can’t keep something like this from Asia; she’ll never forgive me.”
    “Shit you’re family. You’re going to marry my stubborn gran dbaby one day. She’s as stubborn as a mule. Sadly, she gets it from me. But she’ll forgive you, trust me. I thought I’d be here to see my children jump the broom. But I’ll be there in spirit.”
    “No. I'm sorry but I won't be…”
    “This cancer is eating me from the inside out; I have to wear diapers and can barely walk. Starting tomorrow, I'm going to have to have 24-hour care. I'm not a man anymore. I'm a child again. I don't want her to see me like this. I want Asia to remember the strong grandfather who raised her after her parents died in that plane crash when she was ten. My baby never had a life because she was scared her grandma and I would die too. When Patricia died the week before her graduation, I thought Asia would attempt suicide.”
    “Now, she's finally trying to enjoy life. She's going to be the first lawyer in the family and only has six months to go before she's an attorney. If she finds out my condition and that I won't make it a nother year, she'll never finish school - never live her dreams. Asia will die with me. I know you love her and would even die for her. Promise me you'll protect and always be there for her. You and yo’ sexy momma will be the only people my princess will have left when I'm gone. Will you please grant the final wishes of a dying man?”
    Moments seemed like hours as Jonny sat there, allowing ever ything to sink in before he finally resolved to keep Mr. Shawl’s secret.
    “You do know that Asia is hell on wheels and she’ll never forgive me for this?”
    “Make her understand, just like I'm making you understand.”
    “Okay.”
    “Thank you son; thank you!”
    Six months later, Mr. Shawl took his last breath just as she walked off the stage with her law degree in hand.
    When the movie ended, Asia hightailed it out of the theater so fast Jonny had to do a double take to make sure it was her. He didn't know how much longer he could put up with Asia's cold shoulder when he was only trying to be there for her like her grandfather requested before he died. Secretly, he wanted to be there for her anyway, especially due to the fact that he'd been in love with Asia since they were children. Pissed off that she purposely avoided him, Jonny headed home.
    On the way home, he spotted a woman who was having car trouble along the side of the road. Jonny wanted to stop and help. Ho wever, he wasn't certain how the woman would perceive him. As he got closer and was able to read the bumper sticker on the back of a black Charger that read, “Get off my ass!” He smiled and pulled over.
    "Hey good looking. How can I be of assistance." Jonny grinned as he approached Asia.
    "Jonny, why are you following me!?" She was beyond annoyed.
    "Whoa, whoa, whoa; I was on my way home! When I rea lized it was you, I decided to stop and see if you needed assistance. So, you can get off your damn high horse. Contrary to whatever you may believe, I don't spend all my time trying to figure out where you are.” Jonny lied.
    "Oh, well thanks. I appreciate your concern. However, I have ev erything under control." Asia informed him just as it started to rain.
    "You do, huh?" Jonny raised a brow skeptically.
    "Yep, sure do!" Her words were laced with attitude.
    "Then why are two of your tires flat and smoke