Chapter 6 Graduation Day
Natalie
I sat in the stands next to my mom and my older brother as we waited for the graduation ceremony to start. My dad was at the beginning of the row, setting up his camera. No matter how big or small the event was, my dad never left the house without it.
“It’s a shame Lawrence couldn’t make it,” my mom said, looking over at me.
I gave her my practiced smile. “Yeah, but we needed someone to stay behind to watch our shop. Eventually, we’re going to expand and hire more people so that Lawrence and I can delegate.”
I shifted in my seat and swallowed down the bile that I always got when I lied. To some people, lying was second nature and had little to no effect. Unfortunately for me, whenever I told a small fib, my insides churned, and guilt weighed down on me.
My mom patted the top of my hand. “As long as you and Leonard are here, Ricky will be happy.”
I ran my thumb across the back of her hand before lightly squeezing it.
I was her only daughter and a carbon copy of her.
The main difference between us and our appearances was that my mom had let her gray hair grow out, and she wore it in a natural curly mane.
Plus, she had a petite frame and was barely five feet tall.
I, on the other hand, had dyed my hair a rich auburn hue and was in a phase of keeping my hair straight. It’s not like I didn’t appreciate my curls; they were just harder to deal with. Plus, I wasn’t petite like my mom. I was curvier with a size sixteen frame.
“Speaking of Leonard,” my mom said, leaning forward to look at my brother. “When are you planning on settling down?”
Leonard groaned. “Mama, we’re not having that conversation right now.”
“Why not? This is the perfect time since the ceremony has not started yet, and there are some beautiful women around that you can pursue. Oh, check her out right there.” My mom urged, pointing at a honey-brown skinned woman sitting a few rows ahead of us.
“Excuse me, miss? Miss, I want to introduce you to my son.”
“Mama!” Leonard hissed as he pinched the bridge of his nose. “Dad, please get your wife.”
“Leave the boy alone, Patty!” my dad grumbled as he focused his camera. “Don't no man wants his mama to be his wingman.”
His final say caused my mom to smack her lips before she folded her arms across her chest. I made eye contact with Leonard, and we both tucked our lips in to hold back our laughter.
Ever since we were young, our mom was notorious for throwing mini temper tantrums when she didn’t get her way.
Our dad would call her a brat and smother her in kisses, which made her feel better.
My siblings and I thought it was the funniest thing because at the end of the day, Dad would cave in, and Mom got what she wanted.
“Looks like you have to make a run for it after the ceremony,” I whispered, leaning towards Leonard. “I bet Mom gives that woman your number and then invites her over for the family dinner.”
His shoulders bounced with his light chuckle. “I’m way ahead of you, sis. Be my distraction?”
I laughed and shook my head. “Oh no! The last time I was the distraction, I got my leg stuck in a fence, and y’all left me to take all the blame.”
Leonard broke into a low laugh. “I remember that. You managed to knock down not only our fence, but the neighbors', too.”
“Mr. Tomson was so mad!” I said, joining in his laughter. “I got grounded for an entire month for y’all.”
“Those were some good times.”
I smiled and nodded. It felt good talking to my brother for that brief moment.
Looking over at him, I noticed that he and Ricky were spitting images of our dad.
His clean fade showed off his 360 waves and extended goatee.
While my dad and Ricky were playful, outgoing, and always smiling, Leonard was quieter and more reserved.
His toasty topaz eyes that had a hint of hazel always seemed sad.
The only time he seemed to lighten up was when our brother was around.
However, after our brief interaction, the usual scowl he wore had softened.
I sighed. I wish that we could become closer, like Ricky and I are.
Maybe I should take the initiative? I inwardly shrugged before turning my attention back to the front as the graduates walked in.
Maybe one day things would change, but today was about Ricky.
“Dad, pleeeassee!” I whined, rubbing my face.
“C’mon, one more picture.”
All of us siblings collectively groaned as my mom clapped with joy.
As much as we didn't want to, we got back into a pose while my dad set up the camera. We’ve taken over twenty different pictures, not including the ones with Ricky by himself, and I was over it.
Don’t get me wrong, I love capturing our family love into a picture, but my dad didn’t know how to stop once he got going.
“On three, the Hunters,” Dad gleefully instructed.
Outside of our monthly family dinners, we didn’t get to spend too much time together.
Between Leonard and me running our own businesses and Ricky being at school, I could understand why my dad was so enthusiastic.
His kids were there, and he only wanted to spend time with us. I could do one more picture for him.
“One, two, three,” my mom counted out.
“Hunters!”
Our voices rang out as wide smiles fell across all our faces. As soon as the bright flash from the camera went off, I dropped my smile to relieve the pain in my cheeks.
“That’s enough pictures, love,” my mom said, walking towards my dad, who was trying to get the camera set up again. “Ricky, since you have packed your things, ride back with us, and we can all go out for dinner when we return home.”
“I thought y’all were going out to celebrate later tonight?” My dad asked, putting away his camera.
Ricky smirked and wrapped his arm around both my and Leonard’s necks. “Yup! Hunter kids only, parentals. I’ll still be back home tonight; it’ll probably be late.”
My mom’s lip stuck out and I could tell she was about to pout. “Where are y’all going out to? Why can’t you celebrate with all of your family?”
“Quick,” Ricky whispered. “Everybody say cheese to distract Dad and get Mom all emotional to see her kids taking a picture together, then we can leave.”
I smirked before we all yelled cheese. Our parents loved and treated us all the same with love, but Ricky was definitely the baby of the family.
Meaning, he knew how to manipulate our parents enough to get what he wanted or to de-escalate a potential problem.
My mom was on the verge of causing a potential problem.
“Aww, my babies!” Mama cooed as Dad snatched up his camera and took a few more shots of us.
“We’ll all be there Sunday for brunch after church! In the meantime, I’m going to ride with Leonard and get set up in the guesthouse at y’all’s place. I still have a copy of the key,” Ricky said, turning us around and heading towards the parking lot.
“I can’t believe that still works,” I laughed, pinching his side.
“Don’t hate the playa! Now, get home and take a little nap because we’re going to Rue’s Lounge at eleven.”
“Eleven!” Leonard and I said in unison.
“Yes! Y’all are both grown but have bedtimes of 9 p.m.” Ricky laughed. “Look, y’all can stay up tonight for me. Leonard, since you’re the oldest, you can sleep in the car and I’ll drive. That should be more than enough time to rest your old bones.”
“I got your old!” Leonard laughed, playfully putting him into a headlock. “Is D coming out with us?”
“He doesn’t have a choice,” Ricky chuckled, pushing away from Leonard.
“Who’s D?” I asked, texting my friend Mya. She agreed to come out to celebrate with us tonight, and we had planned for her to meet at my house.
“Oh, that’s my best friend! You’re always gone when he comes around, so you’ll finally get to meet him.”
“Cool!” I said, walking towards my car. “I’ll see y’all in a few. I need to get on the road so I can take my nap.”
“With your old ass,” Ricky called after me.
“Richard LaVonte Hunter. I know you didn’t curse!” my mother shouted.
“No, ma’am!”
I held onto my sides as I laughed at my brother. It didn’t matter how old we were; Mama better not catch you cursing. I waved goodbye before hopping into my car. I could’ve ridden with my parents, but I liked the privacy. Plus, it gave me time to think.
Lawerence and I were still lying to everyone about our engagement.
The more I was forced to be around him, the more I couldn’t stand his ass.
Yes, a few months ago, I was trying everything in my power to win back his affections but fuck that.
What do I look like begging some cheating ass nigga to take me back?
I knew I was a catch, and he was the dummy that fumbled me.
It wasn’t easy being alone at first, but I’ve come to enjoy it.
Relearning to love myself reminded me not to settle for anything or anybody.
As I drove back home, I made up my mind to tell the truth soon.
I didn’t care if Lawerence was ready or not.