All I Want Is Forever by Lynn Emery

Talia accepted a peck on the cheek. She felt awkward, not used to having affection expressed within her family, and definitely not from her brother.
    â€œSo you an’ Derrick hooked up again. I always liked him. He didn’t let circumstances drag him low.” Karl went back and sat down again. “He’s a good man.”
    â€œDerrick and I haven’t ‘hooked up.’ I saw him a few times when he was in D.C.” Talia cleared her throat.
    â€œHe’s a good friend is all I meant.” Karl’s bushy eyebrows went up.
    â€œI haven’t had time to socialize with schoolmates and old acquaintances.” Talia busied herself arranging an already neat line of canisters.
    â€œYeah.” Karl’s mouth lifted at one corner. “Good as this place is run, you gonna have time on your hands. Have some fun.”
    â€œOnce I’m sure Mama Rose is stable again, I’ll be going home.”
    â€œLouisiana is home, Talia. Where you start will always be part of you.” Karl wore the look of a sad wiseman for an instant, before the bright smile came back. “I better get goin’, or my wife will have my backside. Don’t forget, baby sister, Sunday dinner.”
    â€œThanks, Karl.” Talia smiled back at him. “I’m really happy for you.”
    â€œBye now.” Karl gave her another quick hug and left.
    â€œHe’s right on both counts.” Mama Rose stood in the door without the walker. She wore a blue floral housecoat and powder blue slippers to match.
    â€œJust what do you think you’re doing? I’m going to get that walker and march you right back to bed.” Talia put her fists on her hips.
    â€œDon’t take that tone with me, Talia. My doctor saysI shouldn’t lie around like an invalid, and I should walk without that thing if I can. I’m not sleepy.”
    â€œFine. Sit and watch television. I’ll call the kitchen and order your dinner. What do you want?”
    â€œThere is nothing on television I want to see. I’ll order my own dinner, thank you very much.” Mama Rose sat down on one of two large easy chairs.
    â€œYou are so rebellious! What did Karl just say?” Talia glared at her.
    Mama Rose waved a hand, dismissing her disapproval. “I wiped his bottom and yours. I’m a long way from taking orders from two babies.”
    Talia shook her head. “You’re driving me up the wall.”
    â€œNow back to Derrick. He’s a good boy, even if he still is kind of wild.” Mama Rose fluffed a throw pillow and positioned it behind her back.
    â€œWhat do you mean?” Talia forgot to be irritated with her. She sat on the sofa across from her.
    â€œHe’s been in the papers at least three times. Everybody knows he’s the reason the district attorney got reelected.” Mama Rose scowled. “A few brainless Black folks say he sold out.”
    â€œBecause he helps gather the evidence to convict people.” Talia tucked her legs under her.
    Mama Rose nodded. “Exactly. Course they don’t like to dwell on the havoc those no-good criminals cause. You wouldn’t believe it, but we’ve had drive-by shootings in little old Rougon!” She sighed. “Times have changed for the worse, sugar.”
    â€œLet’s not talk about that kind of thing. You’ll get all worked up and want to go back to your volunteer work at the community center.”
    â€œMy doctor says I should keep active. I’m in charge of the summer reading program for the children.And—” Mama Rose stopped at the look Talia gave her and smiled impishly. “You busted me.”
    â€œThat’s right. Forget it.” Talia rose and went to the phone. “I’m going to order dinner for you before I leave.”
    â€œOkay, I give up. For now,” Mama Rose added quietly.
    â€œI heard that,” Talia shot back.
    â€œWill you see Derrick tonight? The