June
When Zaria left, it was my moment to start digging.
Even though she was aware of my intentions with Clark, I still chose to keep certain things away from her.
I knew how nasty this was about to get, and protecting my family was my top priority.
I sent Dio a text and waited for him to call me back. Just like clockwork, my phone rang.
“Sup, little nigga?” I greeted him.
“Sup, Chev? How can I be of service?”
I looked around as if Z were somewhere lurking with her ears perked. “Are you still able to track Samara? I need to make sure—”
He smacked his lips. “Chev, nigga, chill. I got it.”
I knew Dio was trustworthy, and the little nigga always stood on his word, but this was a big deal.
I just needed to be sure. Peace started baby-talking, and with every sound he knew he could make, it got louder.
“Oh shit! Is that my twin, Peace? Tell my little nigga I said what’s up,” Dio chimed in.
How the fuck did he know which twin it was? “How do you know it’s Peace?” I asked.
Dio laughed. “It’s called paying attention.
I just know. They look alike, Chev, but they're not the same. Look, I got Mars, I promise. None of us want her to leave, but the reality is she’s grown.
She knows where home is. Besides, you need to focus on that grandaddy of yours.
I’m not trying to see his ass next semester. ”
“You let me handle what’s my business, not yours.”
“Ditto, nigga. I don’t know. It’s like you say you're good but haven’t let go.
I swear, if you don’t do it, it’s going to kill you.
Not living is just like having cancer; those four walls will consume you until it spreads and you're dead. Stop trying to be the hero and be the man God has led you to be. You got a pack of lions ready to kill behind you. Just give the word. You don’t have to do this shit alone. ”
All I could do was laugh. “Who gave you all this fucking knowledge? A young nigga trying to school an OG,” I told him.
“An OG taught me everything I know, but somehow, he got lost in the kingdom. He needs to find his way back to his throne. I’ll hit you later.”
A smile eased on my face. “Ight.”
After hanging up with Dio, I had a proud moment.
I didn’t question my ability to find my way back to my throne, but I couldn’t sit comfortably until everything I’d built within and around my savanna was straight.
This wasn’t about being a hero, but about a man whose story was nearing an end, and the final act needed to happen.
I knew there would never be a happily ever after in my story, but I wanted a happily forever knowing there would never be an after.