MALI
When the music cued in, I walked closer toward Symphony.
A nigga felt like he was floating. I had done some fucked up shit, things that I’m working on forgiving myself for, but this, Symphony, I had to right my wrongs.
Everything she said to me at the Zoogiving was true except for one thing.
I wasn’t looking to be rewarded because I had stopped drinking.
I was looking for peace and happiness. I was looking forward to what life was like outside of the bottle.
Whether anyone believed it or not, it was my truth.
I had never gotten the chance to go to prom, so this was my version of what I wanted it to be like.
I watched as she swung side to side as I approached her with an orange and blue corsage.
She held out her hand, and I gently placed the corsage on her wrist. “This dress was all I could find. I didn’t have much time,” she mumbled.
“You're perfect the way you are. Always have been. Can I have this dance?”
She didn’t respond; instead, she gave me a simple head nod.
I took her hand and led her further onto the dance floor.
Symphony wrapped her arms around my neck, and I pulled her closer.
This moment was something I had often dreamed about back then.
Who would have known that she and I would cross paths again in a way neither one of us would have imagined?
Symphony had always been the girl of my dreams, and whatever it took to keep her, I was willing to do.
I placed my lips to her ear, “I’m sorry, baby. I’m so fucking—”
“I know.”
She lifted her head and pressed her nose against mine.
The way she gazed at me made me feel like the luckiest nigga in the world.
One of my hands eased down and touched her belly.
“We got a forever thing growing inside you. I’m not perfect and I don’t have a lot of money, but I will do whatever it takes for you and this baby. ”
Her gaze was soft and loving. I pecked at her lips.
“I love you, Symphony. I’ve loved you since the ninth grade.
I’ve loved you since you had braces, and the extra gel and shit you girls be wearing in your hair.
I’ve loved you since your first volleyball game when you guys lost and cried before you made it to the locker room. ”
She started to laugh. “Stalker much.”
“Nah, a nigga in love.” I smiled.
Peck to my lips. Another then another. “I love you too. I’ve loved you since you came storming into the class with that hoodie that you wore every day.
I’ve loved you since you used to sit outside on the bleachers, watching me at track practice.
I’ve loved you since the day you came to my party,” she paused as a tear fell from her eyes.
“And put the very first bottle to your lips.”
I thumbed her tear away as I smiled. “Now who’s the stalker?”
We both laughed. I kissed her again before telling her I would be back. I made my way over to Chev, who was slow dancing with Zaria. “Uh, mmm, may I talk to your husband for a second?” I asked Zaria.
Chev looked me up and down. “Y’all niggas sure know how to find a way to fuck up a good time.”
He stepped off to the side with me. I glanced around at everyone in the Zoo. Everyone seemed so happy, but I knew everyone had their own things to deal with. However, my issues were big, and I needed to focus on myself and my soon-to-be family. “I want to step away from the Zoo, Chev.”
He glanced at me curiously. “Is that what you really want?”
“It’s what I need. I have a baby on the way. I have my sobriety to think about, and I want to be a better man. I’m not saying I cannot do that, being part of the Zoo, but I know it’s better for me.”
He raised his brows. “A nigga with a heart.” He nodded. “I respect it, but just because you choose not to ride doesn’t mean you’re not part of the Zoo. Nigga it’s Zoo ova everything. Remember that. Do what you got to do. We got you, and that’s my word.”
I flicked my nose as I slowly nodded. “Thanks, Chevy, for real.”
Everything was full circle. I was striving for happiness, I had found a way to stay sober for now, and I was rebuilding with my brothers. I couldn’t have asked for a better happy ending.