"Who's That on the Phone?"

"Melissa, do you have everything?" Diana asks, walking through the house one last time.

"Yes! Yes, I do, big sister. You know you act more and more like momma everyday" I say.

"Yeah, well, we have to be like that with you because you know you'll lose your head if it wasn't attached to your body", she comments.

Diana and I walk though my bedroom one last time just to make sure I haven't forgotten anything. I can't help but remember a few months ago when Diana was here doing the same thing when I was scheduled for my trip to London with Patrick. Scouring the room, it looks like I did a good job of packing. During this time of year, the weather is very cold in London, so I've packed for the weather. I'll finally get a chance to wear some of the boots that I don't get to wear here in sunny Florida. I can tell that the kids are excited for me. They have always just wanted me to be happy. Surprisingly, they help take my luggage out to the car.

"Mommy, please don't forget to bring us something back", Justice says, with Amber close by chiming in. "That's right, Momma!"

"Girls, now you know I won't forget! When have I ever gone out of town and didn't bring you something back?" I ask them.

"Ok, girls, give yo' momma a hug because we need to get on the interstate. It's usually crowded during this time of the day and we don't need anything to hold up this trip", she says, playfully hitting me in the side, as if she knows I have another agenda for this trip.

Amber, Sharelle, and Justice watch me and Diana drive down the driveway. They're standing in the front window waving goodbye until we're completely out of sight. Within 15 minutes, we're on I-95 heading for the Miami International Airport. Traffic is cooperating well with us and based on the traffic report, we shouldn't run into any delays.

"And you're sure you want to do this, Melissa? This is a big step, girl", Diana tells me after moments of silence in the car.

"Yes, sis, I'm sure. I've had more than enough time to think about this. He makes me happy and I make him happy and we're good together. He's who I want, Diana. Honestly, I can't wait to get off the plane and run into his arms", I tell her.

"Well, we're here. And on schedule, I might add."

Diana and I park the car in the '1hour parking' section. People are rushing back and forth getting luggage out of their cars. Children have this look of expectancy and excitement on their faces. The airport staff is busy checking people in. I realize that I need to put my phone on "silent" and as soon as I do, I get a text message that changes everything. The wind is knocked out of me. I can't help but gasp after reading this message. Diana notices me right away.

"Melissa, what is it?" she asks. "You look as if you've seen a ghost", she comments.

"I can't speak right now. I just can't....", I say, but she interrupts me.

"What is it? Who is that on the phone?" she asks, looking worried and scared.

"Diana, why? When will I ever be happy, sis?" I ask her.

"MeMe, you're scaring me. Who is it and what did they tell you?" she asks, reaching for the phone.

Diana grabs the phone away from me and immediately covers her mouth with her hand.

The Ride Home

"Melissa, I'm so sorry about all of this", Diana says, trying to comfort me.

The pain in my heart right now is indescribable. The right words can't come to my mind to begin to explain to my sister how I feel at this very moment. Although I know that her intentions are to be here for me, I don't want to hear any sounds, I...