Epilogue
Four Years Later:
Goosebumps snake up my arm as I walk around the empty gallery.
Pieces of art hang on the walls telling the story of my life, and the idea of anyone seeing it makes me want to curl up into a ball.
But in less than thirty minutes, the doors will open, and the public will finally get its chance to judge my talent.
I rub my hands through my hair and try to take a deep breath.
“Calm down,” someone says.
I turn around to see Jamal standing there. He’s in black trousers and has a patterned dress shirt on with a tie. He looks so grown-up. The fact that he is in secondary school and almost as tall as me makes it clear that he is on his way there.
“I’m calm.”
“No, you’re not, but you will be once you see how much everyone loves it.” He claps me on the back and gives me his braces-filled smile.
“Where’s Gabby?” I ask.
“In the kitchen. She thinks she can help out, but I told her Chanice has it under control.”
“Yeah, but Chanice might be nervous. This is only her third gig with her own catering company.” I look behind me, like I can see into the kitchen.
“Facts, but I have faith. She has smashed the other two jobs.”
Indeed, she has. Stepping out into her own business after years of saving is looking to be the right move. Especially since she has built a name for herself with restaurant pop-ups and private parties. I’m so damn proud of her.
We both turn at the sound of the door opening to see Imani walk in with her boyfriend. She waves before gesturing to the dress bag she has in her hand. It’s probably an outfit she made for her sister. An outfit I won’t get a chance to see until she is done making sure everything is ready.
I just wish she were here with me, holding my hand through it all.
In the meantime, I have my sister, who shows up with Theo holding one hand, and her newest addition, Adelaide, strapped to her chest. She and Mei take up the mantle of being by my side as the room fills up with people.
Eventually, the one I truly want joins me.
“Hello, handsome.”
I can’t help the mouth-breaking smile that comes across my face when I look down at her. Imani did well designing her a skintight sparkling dress. All the little gold sequins shift and shine when she moves.
“Finally,” I say, relieved.
Even with heels, she has to go on her tippy toes to kiss me, but it’s well worth it for both of us, as the rest of the room disappears
“Are you ready?” she asks.
“With you, I’m ready for anything.”
This gets a grin out of her, and somehow she looks even more beautiful than she did yesterday.
Every day as we grow our lives more, I somehow fall deeper in love with her.
From the moment she caught my eye the first night I met her, to the day she stood in a white dress and promised me forever, I have watched her blossom into the woman she is today.
A woman I am lucky enough to call my own.
Even if nothing comes of tonight, I know I still have my family.
I try not to hold my breath as person after person comes up to me to state their opinion.
For the most part, people seem to love the concept of framed stills of moments in monochrome colors. The rhino is a major hit, as are the appetizers being passed around. The night is clearly a success by the time everyone clears out.
Watching the ones I love gush over my accomplishment tops any praise a critic could give me. I have my family, I have my art. There is nothing else I could possibly ask for.