ALL MINE 2

one

"Therapy appointments." Diane voiced with a sharp sigh. She glanced at Miriam, who was pouring hot joe from the coffeemaker. "I can't believe this happened."

"Don't worry yourself silly." Miriam rasped while gently placing the mug of hot coffee in front of Diane, along with a banana-nut muffin. "Grant will be fine."

Diane nodded lightly and spoke lowly, "Yeah. I hope so. Between his father and the school, I'm not sure." She glanced at the coffee. The steam formed and slowly dispensed thinly into the air. Diane grabbed the cup by its arm and cautiously slurped the hot joe. The first sip was velvety and warm to her tongue. She loved the hints of hazelnut and caramel dancing on her tongue. The hot beverage managed to calm her down.

"I'm sure there is some justification. You know?" Miriam continued with her thick accent. "I mean...Grant is a good boy. He doesn't get in trouble."

"Hmm...." Diane hummed while shaking her head softly. She couldn't agree with Miriam. "Lately, his temper has been out of control."

Dominick walked inside the kitchen, causing the women to seize their conversation. He stood as tall as the frame of the archway. Dominick wore a casual shirt with jogger pants. The man's Apple Watch sat on his right wrist while he held his phone and keys in his left hand.

"What's going on in here?" He questioned the women.

"We're just chatting and having some coffee," Diane answered her husband.

"Would you like a cup, Mr. Robinson?"

"No, thank you." He breathed out while walking further into the kitchen. "I think I'll just have some water."

Miriam glanced at the head of the house before focusing on Diane. "Fine. I have to go and tend to the laundry. When I return, I'll start on dinner."

"What are we having?" Dominick asked her as he touched his rumbling belly.

"I thought it would be nice to prepare minestrone. It's perfect for the chilly weather outside and...I'm sure Grant would appreciate it."

"Appreciate?" Dominick reiterated and scoffed before adding, "We'll see about that..." He trailed off as he removed the top from his bottled water. Dominick watched as Miriam left the kitchen and immediately pinpointed his wife. She was busy chewing on her muffin.

"So..." Dominick neared his wife. He grew close to the table and leaned against it. "How are you feeling?"

Diane shook her head while tracing the plate's design with her finger pads. "Right now...I feel very distraught."

"I don't want you worrying about this shit." Dominick cursed. He ran his hand against his beard and added, "We'll figure something out."

Diane eyed her husband briefly before saying, "You seem to be taking this pretty well."

"Oh, I'm furious inside," Dominick responded quickly as he stood up. "I can't wrap my head around Grant getting shot, and on top of that, he won't talk about the situation."

Diane looked off, not saying anything.

"Winston has the police in the mix of this shit because there was a gun on campus. Guns are prohibited on the premises." Dominick sighed and immediately shook his head.

"Well, let's not pester him about it." Diane voiced softly. "I'm sure he's just still a little shaken up. After all, he was shot. Our main focus should be on our son. We need to help him as much as we can. Dom, he has to heal and go to physical therapy. We have a long road ahead of us."

The sound of the doorbell ringing caught everyone's attention. Diane and Dominick looked at each other, but they didn't move. They could hear someone ascending from the steps.