Demi pulled into the familiar circular driveway and sucked in a deep breath, checking her reflection in the rear view mirror before shutting her car off and getting out. Even though she did it every other weekend, going to Odell's house hadn't gotten any easier since they broke up three years ago. He spent half a year trying to get her back, another six months avoiding her, then finally when she threatened to take him to court for full custody of Kali did he realize that he couldn't let their relationship, or lack thereof, get in the way of his relationship with his daughter. Now he faithfully spent every other Friday through Sunday with her and Kali had a blast every single time.
"Mommy, I don't wanna go," Kali whined as she opened the door to the backseat. Even though she gave it back to him, Odell insisted that she take back the white Mercedes GLE-CLASS with the caramel interior. He had given it to her as a birthday present but she gave it back to him when they broke up. According to him, Kali needed something safe to ride around in and Ubers could get expensive. So she took it back to get him off her back. He also dropped a lump sum of money in her account every month even though Demi didn't ask for it. He said she could use it for herself, but she used it strictly for Kali, the rent, and the bills. If she needed something for herself, she used the money she got from various minimum wage jobs over the years.
"Why not?" Demi questioned as she unbuckled Kali from her car seat and helped her out of the car. Kali plopped right down to the cement as Demi grabbed her backpack.
"Kali, what is wrong with you? I'm gonna be late," Demi said as she picked her up, but Kali was basically having a meltdown in her arms.
"What's wrong, sweetie?"
"I don't wanna go with daddy. I wanna stay with you," she cried as she dug her head into Demi's neck. If she could, Demi would take Kali back home, but she had an important meeting to attend.
"But you always have so much fun with daddy. Why don't you wanna go with him?"
"I wanna stay with you," she whimpered. Demi had no idea why she thought her almost four year old would have a logical excuse for not being bothered with her father. She rang the doorbell and patiently waited for Odell to answer as she tried to smooth Kali.
Odell opened the door and Kali cried even harder when he reached for her.
"What's wrong with my Kali bug?" He cooed as Demi turned so that Kali was facing him.
"I wanna stay with mommy," she sniffled as Demi lightly rolled her eyes.
"You don't wanna stay with me? I was gonna take you to the indoor pool at Nana's hotel. Maybe we could pick up some new toys and stuff too. Does that sound fun, Kali?" Odell asked. Kali nodded her head then finally went to Odell. Demi passed him her backpack as well, then kissed Kali's forehead.
"If she still doesn't want to stay here, just call me and I'll come pick her up," Demi said as she smoothed down any wrinkles that Kali had left on her skirt.
"She'll be fine. Where are you going?"
"Just a meeting for this grant proposal for some research I'm doing. Seriously Odell, if she's still crying I'll come get her."
"I know how to take care of my daughter," Odell said as Demi sucked her teeth.
"I never said you didn't. I'm saying that if our daughter doesn't want to spend the night with you, I'll bring her back over tomorrow and we can try this again," Demi breathed out. She kissed Kali's forehead one last time before nearly sprinting to her car and taking off. With Kali's tantrum, she wouldn't get there as early as she wanted but she would still get there on time. While she was driving, her phone rang and since it was connected to her car, she saw Trey's name flash on the screen.
