Legacy
LEGACY
As the party unfolded, I did my best to pour my attention into everyone who had come to celebrate my sobriety birthday. It was a surreal feeling, especially since I’d never really celebrated it before. Ri’s anniversary had always casted a shadow over June, but today felt different. The fact that my father had thought enough of me to celebrate this milestone hit me hard, and I appreciated his effort to do it on a day that we all needed a reason to smile. I struggled to hold back my emotions all night, especially when I saw Riley for the first time since learning she might not be my child.
The party was in full throttle now. Everyone was dancing, drinking, eating, and having a good time. The kids were playing, and the vibe was lit. But through all the laughter, music, and celebration, Bless was keeping her distance. She’d only told me "Happy Sober Birthday" since I’d gotten here, and I had simply thanked her for helping my father throw the party.
As I moved through the room, greeting guests and soaking in their well-wishes, my attention defiantly drifted to Bless as it always did. She looked torn and somber. She was lost in thought. The pain in her eyes mirrored mine. I knew she was hurting and I hated it. Despite everything and regardless of what she had done to me, my heart still went out to her. I wanted to fix it, to make things right, even though I wasn’t sure if that was possible anymore. But talking to Bless, opening up that door meant facing the full extent of her betrayal, so I held back.
My feelings for her hadn’t changed. I still loved her deeply and completely. But the betrayal cut deep, and I didn’t know how to navigate that. I tried to push those thoughts aside, focusing on the moment. This party was for me , for my sobriety, and for my family. But as I watched Bless, I realized that no matter how hard I tried to distract myself, she was always at the forefront of my mind. Her sadness was my sadness, her pain was my pain.
As I made a drink, I felt a gentle tap on my shoulder. I turned around to see NaNa giving me a warm smile. She looked up at me with those wise, knowing eyes. ", I am so proud of you, baby.”
"Thanks, NaNa," I replied. "That means a lot coming from you."
She reached out and patted my cheek with a comforting touch. "You've been through so much, but you came out stronger. You're a great father to those kids and you’ve overcome your addiction. You’ve done what many couldn’t."
"I couldn’t have done it without people like you. No matter how bad things got, you never judged me. I really appreciate that.”
She nodded with misty eyes while waving a dismissive hand. "That’s what family is supposed to do.” She grinned mischievously. “I remember when you were just a boy, promising me that you were going to do right by my grandbaby and her child. And despite it all, you did just that. The road was bumpy, but you did it."
I swallowed hard, trying to breathe past the lump in my throat.
"Thank you," I managed to say. "It means everything to hear you say that."
She smiled, giving my arm a reassuring squeeze. "Keep going, . Keep being the strong man you are."
I nodded. "I will, NaNa. I promise."
She walked away, carefully, slowly, and with a bit of a hobble.
My eyes drifted around the room, landing on Bless. She looked edible in that yellow cropped top that tied in the front and light blue skinny jeans. My mouth salivated at the sight of her pretty, white toes in yellow sandals. The bright colors popped against her dark skin, making her look like she was glowing. She was talking to one of my cousins, her attention fully on the conversation. She didn’t notice me standing there, unable to keep my eyes off her.
"Hey, you okay?" Sky's gentle probing caught me off guard.
I pulled my eyes off Bless, surprised that Sky was now standing right next to me.
I nodded, trying to muster a smile. "Yeah, I'm good."
She tilted her head, giving me that knowing look. "No… I mean… Are you okay ?"
I sighed hard. “You know?"
Sky nodded and then leaned in a little closer. "Yeah, I’m the only other person who does."
My chest inflated with betrayal. Sky wasn’t my blood. She should have kept her sister’s secret. But it fucked with my pride that she had known all of this time and smiled in my face.
“I’m sorry,” she spoke to the pain and anger in my eyes. “She’s my sister.”
My heart clenched at her words. “I know.”
“And I know that doesn’t make it better. But I hope you know that it was the only secret she’s ever kept from you.”
I nodded, swallowing the lump in my throat. "I get it."
Sky looked at me, her eyes filled with empathy. "You know she was devoted to you and the family. She stayed with you for years despite everything. That night, she wasn’t herself. The guy took advantage of her."
I looked away, the pain of it all hitting me again. "Who was he?"
Sky hesitated, then shook her head with a reluctant glance. "You didn’t ask her?"
"No," I admitted. "I walked out before we could talk in depth about it."
"He’s dead," Sky said quietly.
I blinked, taken aback. " Dead ?"
"Yeah," she confirmed. "But , you need to talk to her. You two obviously still need and love each other despite everything. You have an undeniable connection that most people would kill for." She reached out and touched my arm. "Don’t let it slip away."