' 𝗬𝗢𝗨 𝗦𝗘𝗡𝗗 𝗠𝗘 𝗦𝗪𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗜𝗡 ' › D. SWING

15.

𝙳𝙴𝙲𝙴𝙼𝙱𝙴𝚁 𝟸𝟹, 𝟷𝟿𝟿𝟻.

( 𝙳𝙴𝚅𝙰𝙽𝚃𝙴̀. )

It had been years since I had spoken to my father and to be quite honest, I was terrified. I know that I'm an adult now but when it comes to my father, I still felt like that quiet child who feared him. Why did I agree to this shit? I glanced over at the driver's side, looking at Rhonda as her eyes remained focused on the road, which was covered in snow.

❝ Welcome to Charlotte ❞

After another 30 minutes, we had pulled onto the very street where it had all started. Kenilworth Avenue. Memories began to rush through my mind all at once, causing me to smile and chuckle. I could remember me and my younger brothers riding down the street, getting on the neighbors nerves, and occasionally getting chased by dogs. I could remember waking up early for church on Sunday morning, wearing the little suits our grandma had bought for us. I could remember Rhonda coming over our house after school just to hang out with me and help my mom cook. It almost felt surreal that we had been in each other's lives this long. I shook my head, sighing a little as I thought about how many times that I had messed things up with her. We could've been married with kids by now if only I did right by her from the beginning. Now Mary Jane will be the one giving birth to my first child. I knew it had to bother Rhonda, because it sure as hell bothered me. She deserved to have that spot, not Mary Jane. The situation was so fucked up and I had no idea how to get out of it. I really wanted better for me and Rhonda.

"What's wrong, babe?", she said as she glanced over at me briefly while slowly pulling into the driveway of my parents' home. She could always tell when something was bothering me.

I decided to not talk about the baby situation since it wasn't really the time or the place. I grinned slightly, "Nothing, I'm just not sure how this is gon' turn out. The last time I seen pops was when I was hospital bed and the nigga was complainin' about how worthless and how bad of an influence I was." Saying it out loud kind of hurt my feelings more than I expected. I could feel myself tensing up, but then her small hand was gently placed onto my back and she began to rub it in circulation motions to comfort me

"I know, I know... but just know that none of what he said was true. You are worth more than you know and quite frankly, I couldn't think of a better person to spend Christmas with", she smiled softly at me with empathy in her gaze. This woman really loves me. I was beyond grateful for Rhonda because without her, I doubt I would have even came to visit my parents at all. I knew that I needed to rekindle my relationship with them and with her help, I feel like I could finally be accepted back into the family without judgment or ridicule. God, please let this holiday work out for the best.

I flashed a smile back, leaning over the armrest to give her soft peck on her glossed lips before unbuckling my seatbelt. "Thank you, baby. You always know what to say", I finally replied then opened the door and climbed out of the car a bit more relaxed then I was a few minutes ago.

I took a deep breath and headed toward the driver's side, opening the door and grabbing her hand as she climbed out. I'm surprised she didn't wreck my damn Corvette. She was known for hitting curbs but with a few driving lessons from me, she was getting better. "Pop the truck, baby", I said, walking toward the back as the trunk slowly opened and grabbing our luggages.

I could hear the front door open, followed by a squeal from Rhonda, "Oh my goodness! Mama Mary, hi!" I glanced over to see her running toward my mother, embracing her as they smiled and rocked each other side to side.