Free Darius Jones by Mary B. Morrison Page B

grown. He didn’t need me at all of his games. I checked my cell hoping I’d missed a call, text, or e-mail from Grant. Opening his e-mail, I started to delete the picture of the twins. I placed my phone inside the towel beside my chair.
    â€œGet in with me, Grandma!”
    Normally I would but I wasn’t in a good mood, wasn’t up to faking it. “Let Grandma see you float.”
    Fancy had taught DJ how to float, swim, and dog-paddle. She was great with DJ. After what Ashlee had done to Fancy, I was shocked Fancy was so forgiving. No way would I raise a woman’s child after she’d killed mine. Maybe taking DJ away from Ashlee was Fancy’s way of adopting a child. I asked God to bless Darius and Fancy with a child of their own and Ashlee with peace of mind. I knew Darius had driven Ashlee insane, but there was nothing I could do to protect that child’s sanity.
    The sun beamed brighter than yesterday. Silently, I prayed. “Dear God, I know with you all things are possible. Please lay Thy healing hands on Fancy and Darius. I know You won’t give us more than we can bear. I know my son has caused a lot of women tremendous pain but I ask that You be merciful, Jesus.”
    Hopefully God would show my son favor and not let him suffer long. Before the accident, I hadn’t seen my son that happy in his life. I looked up to the sunshine as a good sign for each of us.
    My phone rang. I held up the cell and called out to DJ, “It’s your daddy.”
    He came running. “Stop. What did I tell you about running by the pool?”
    â€œSorry, Grandma. Oh, give me the phone. I wanna talk to him.”
    â€œJust a moment. Dry yourself off first,” I told DJ, then answered my son, “Hi, sweetheart.”
    â€œMa, she opened her eyes to the sound of my voice,” he cried.
    Holding back my tears, I said, “Baby, that’s wonderful news.”
    â€œI know, Ma. I think she’s going to make a full recovery. I need your advice. What should I do about my game coming up? I was supposed to leave today. I mean, I can miss this one day but at some point in the next two days I’ma have to go.”
    â€œSleep on it, baby. Stay the night with Fancy. See how she progresses tomorrow. Being on the court will be good for you but don’t rush it. When you decide to leave, I’ll keep an eye on Fancy while you’re away. I promise.”
    I was supportive for Darius’s sake but how was I going to keep watch over Fancy and DJ? I had to keep Darius in LA as long as I could. DJ hadn’t stayed a day with nonfamily members. Maybe I could research preschools. I know, I’d tell Bambi to find DJ a day care center.
    â€œThanks, Ma. Let me say hello to my man.”
    DJ was partially wet so I put the phone on speaker, then held it for DJ.
    â€œHey, Daddy. Come get me. Where you at?”
    â€œMy man, I’m at the hospital with Fancy. I’ll be home soon as I can. Right now I need you to take care of Grandma until I get there. Can you do that for me?”
    â€œHow come?”
    â€œBecause you’re the man.”
    I raised a brow at that one.
    â€œDoes that mean she has to listen to me, Daddy?”
    â€œNot at all. You’re three.”
    â€œI’m almost four.”
    â€œI love you, my man. Give Daddy a kiss.”
    â€œMmm, Daddy. I love you too. Bye!”
    I took the phone off speaker. “Baby, you need to shower and eat. Why don’t you come home later and stay with DJ and I’ll sit with Fancy until you get back or until they kick me out.”
    â€œI’m not ready to leave, Ma. Her eyes are open. I’m fine and I promise to eat. Love, you. Bye.”
    I sighed. Part of my wanting to be at the hospital was selfish. I had to confront Grant about his e-mail. Convince him to take the test. Prove to him I was right.
    â€œGrandma, can I talk to my mommy? I miss my mommy.”
    â€œOf course you can,