Free All I Want Is Forever by Lynn Emery Page B

life raising other people’s wild kids and teaching school, too.” Talia folded a white dish towel with a large pineapple print and hung it on a metal rack.
    â€œShe’s a special woman alright. She stood by mewhen a lot of people walked away.” Karl sat on one of two barstools at the breakfast counter.
    â€œLike me.” Talia felt no guilt in the admission.
    â€œI can’t blame ya, little sister. I was a mess. But I’ve got a real life now—a job, wife, and kids.”
    Talia stared at him with a blank expression. “Sounds good.”
    Karl laughed softly. “Yeah, you’ve heard it before. This August it’ll be three years I been clean. And it feels good. Look.” He took out his wallet and showed her a picture of two smiling boys and an infant girl.
    â€œBeautiful children, Karl. Take care of them.” Talia’s heart turned over at the sight of nephews and a niece she’d never seen.
    â€œYou gotta meet LaTrice and the boys. Come on over for Sunday dinner after church.”
    â€œYeah sure. Maybe if I have time.”
    Karl wore a proud expression. “I’m a deacon at the Sunrise Baptist Church.”
    â€œI know and I’m real glad you finally got it all together.”
    â€œI realized I couldn’t fill up the emptiness with drugs, liquor, women, or nothin’ else I tried.” Karl wore an earnest expression. “You welcome to come worship with us.”
    â€œThanks,” she murmured, unsure of what else to say.
    â€œI’m sorry for not being there to protect you while you was little. Even though I wasn’t that much older, once I got to be grown, I shoulda done somethin’.”
    â€œDon’t be silly. You had to deal with Monette and our dad. But let’s not rake up the past.” Talia realized too late that she shouldn’t have mentioned Karl’s father.
    â€œIt’s okay. I made peace with the man.” Karl noddedwith a wise, thoughtful expression. He studied Talia for a few seconds. “And I’m finally talkin’ to Mama.”
    Talia tensed. “Would you like something to drink? I think we have some diet cola in here.” She started to rise when he put a hand on her arm.
    â€œNo, thanks. Have you been to see her yet?”
    â€œI’ve got other priorities. Mama Rose needs me.” Talia walked back into the kitchen and put away pot holders. “I might try to cook something. Mama Rose will probably get tired of institutional cooking.”
    â€œTalia, Monette been askin’ ’bout you. Now that Miz Rose is all settled and taken care of, you could maybe go see her,” Karl said.
    She faced him sharply. “No. I’m not going to let Monette pull me into her latest plot.”
    â€œI ain’t sayin’ you got to make like she’s some angel or nuthin’. I’m tellin’ you from experience that anything could happen.”
    â€œMonette is healthy and still playing her games,” Talia said with scorn.
    â€œSure, she’s still young at forty-nine, but tomorrow ain’t promised. If somethin’ happened to her, that unfinished business would eat you up.” Karl rested both elbows on the laminated counter as he gazed at her.
    â€œEverybody is so worried about my mental state when it comes to Monette. Well, let me ease your mind.” Talia crossed her arms. “My business with Monette is finished, Karl. I let go years ago. I don’t intend to let her yank my chain.”
    Karl gazed at her several moments, then sighed. “I know it hurts. But—”
    â€œMama Rose, you, and Derrick don’t get it. It doesn’t hurt anymore. I survived and moved on.” Talia’s voice rose as she waved her arms.
    â€œOkay, okay. I didn’t come here to get you all upset,little sister.” Karl walked to her and gave Talia a brotherly hug. “I ain’t gonna harp on that.”
    â€œGood.”