Life use to be so simple, so good, so sweet.. I wonder where it went all bad? Where did it all go. When did it stop being so easy? But, with the sweetness, there is always the bumps, the bruises, the hardships. I use to look at the world as if it was this beautiful place full of happiness and opportunity. I use to be incredibly optimistic, I was the glass half full kinda girl. No one could tell me that the downsides of life did not have a good purpose in the end. But, of course things change. Life hits you like a fast ball. It all becomes so much. Eventually, I become so involved in things that were never meant for me... I became so involved that I drowned. I was in too deep.

      I could feel the  Life use to be so simple, so good, so sweet.. I wonder where it went all bad? Where did it all go. When did it stop being so easy? But, with the sweetness, there is always the bumps, the bruises, the hardships. I use to look at the world as if it was this beautiful place full of happiness and opportunity. I use to be incredibly optimistic, I was the glass half full kinda girl. No one could tell me that the downsides of life did not have a good purpose in the end. But, of course things change. Life hits you like a fast ball. It all becomes so much. Eventually, I become so involved in things that were never meant for me... I became so involved that I drowned. I was in too deep. 

  Sometimes I would wonder, why me? Why did my innocence have to be snatched from me? Why was I so naïve toward the goodness of people? Why did I want love so bad that it hurt like hell... Love is suppose to heal, empower, ignite, and grow. I mean, I got tired of tasting the blood in my mouth, flinching everything my skin was touched, the automatic stiffness develop out of fear, and seeing other women hold someone's heart that was never mine to begin with. Everything that glitters ain't gold. Sometimes, I wish I knew this before I gave myself, my soul, and my heart to someone. I wish I would have been the person that I needed, I should have chosen myself before I lost myself in someone else. 

                                                         *******

Hell, I could not even recognize myself in the mirror. Staring at my reflection, I wonder who was the girl staring back at myself. My full black locks, my medium brown skin, and my big eyes use to glow effortlessly. Now, it looked like my life was being drained from me. I reached and touched the cold handle of the faucet and started the water, running the cool water through my fingertips. I met the water to my face and gasped. My goodness, did it feel so wonderful. I reached for the towel next to the sink and dried my face. I took one more breath and opened the door to my room and headed toward group.

    I had been in a rehabilitation center for a while now. After all that occurred with Chris, I had to leave. I had to get better for myself and for my daughter, Sophia Grace. After Chris left, I had fallen into a depression. I could not function, think properly, eat, and most importantly take care of our child.  I knew the day came, I would make it right with her. 

"Finally, Dominque! You decided to join us. I need to speak to you in my office in regards to your release." , said Dr. Grey. 

I nodded and followed to her office. Dr. Grey was a tall, curvy, mocha skinned woman. She was so beautiful, with her plump lips and deep dimples. The time I had lived in rehab, she had been a mother to me. She was extremely spiritiual, always playing gospel music in her office. I loved that most about her, because through my tribulations, my spirituality had increased significantly.  

I sat down and folded my hands into my lap. "What's up Dr. G?" 

She began to rummage through her brief case and pulled out a large stack of folders. I saw my name in bolded letters. Dominque Joy Favorite. "Well, Dominque, our time has come to an end. You have made an immense amount of progress. I feel and see that you are stronger. So, I have made a few phone calls and I found someone to take you in. They actually have been searching for you. I think this will be good for you sweetheart. What do you say? Would you like for me to call her?" 

Who could it be? My mother, maybe? We never had the best relationship and after I got pregnant with Sophia, I was disowned. 

"Dominque?" I heard Dr. Grey's voice in the distance. I snapped back into reality and nodded my head yes. She smiled reassuringly and started to dial on the phone. Once the other line started to ring, she handed me the phone, and I held my breath with anticipation. It felt like an eternity before I heard the soft voice on the other side. 

"Hello?", the familiar voice spoke. 

"Hi..", I stammered. "It is Dominque. Someone from this number called for me." 

I heard the person gasp. "Nique! My love! It is Mama Joyce. I have been waiting for you to call. I was so afraid to reach out because I did not think you wanted any parts of our family since you and Chris broke up. How are you sweetheart?" 

"I'm good mama. I feel really good." 

"Wonderful. So, listen I know you are due to be released and I was really hoping that you would stay with me until you get on your feet. I already have a guest room prepared for you. How's that sound?" 

"Oh, wow. Thank you so much. I would love to stay with you, but I do not want to be a burden." 

"Nonsense dear. You are still my daughter. I did not do my part like I should have. I need to make this right, so please let me help." 

"Okay. I will come stay with you." I heard Mama J shuffling I. The back ground. "I'm coming boy! Stop yelling in my damn house!"

It had to be Chris. I smiled. I missed those times with them.

She turned her attention back to me. "Great sweetie. I'll see you in a couple days. I love you." 

"I love you too." 

Call Ended