LEMONADE|| Keith Powers

Chapter 54: Goodbyes

*This chapter is not necessarily in point of view, so you're going to have to figure out who is who. Goodluck!

Two Weeks Later

Ricky, Dreux, Cortez, and Rudy were in his car sharing a bottle of Whiskey. Today was Ronnie's funeral and they weren't prepared for it all. Ricky had a lot on his mind he was starting to question his purpose in the world. Being the one to warn Ronnie and watch him get killed instantly was killing him. Ronnie reminded him of himself before he started getting heavily involved in the game. He was also realizing that he had to hash things out with his mother. Craig made him realize that a lot of his anger he has with women is because of his mom. Her constantly nagging him about his relationship with Josie was annoying it's like that's the only thing she's interested in and it got under his skin from time to time. Thugz mansion was playing in the background. Ronnie was a big Tupac fan. He used to have posters all up in his old room when they were younger

"Yo hand me the rest of that bottle," he told Rudy. He opened the door pouring the liquor on the ground. "Rest Easy Lil Bro"

"Rest Easy Baby Boy, well meet again one day," Cortez said.

"The world didn't deserve you bro" Ricky sighed.

Shortly, the funeral cars and hearse up arrived in front of the church. They were up the street from where the church was. "I don't want to go in there," Rudy said. "Me either, shit is hypocritical" Ricky. "Niggas like us don't belong in there," Dreux said. Ricky turned off his car placing his sunglasses on; they all lined up to bring their brother in. One by one they lifted the casket walking up the stairs. Ricky felt like he was going to pass out. It's different seeing random people die but when it's your own blood its a painful feeling. Just a few weeks back who would've thought they would be pallbearers for their brother. Ronnie had no idea he'd be killed and that's the scary part about life. You'll never know when your time is.

Ricky couldn't even see his cousin embalmed like that. He stood there watching his mother and girlfriend break down in tears. Cortez began crying uncontrollably along with his uncle Giovanni. Ricky held in his tears as much as possible. He was high so that helped for the moment. The choir began singing as everyone else walked in. Shortly Kamaya walked in with Kasey. Ricky looked at her to see that she was finally showing he still couldn't believe she got pregnant by Kasey. Rudy stood along with his girlfriend Tamaria but he couldn't help to take a look at them. Things were changing so fast in the family it was crazy. Ricky sighed knowing he had to say his last goodbyes to Ronnie. He walked over towards the casket. Looking at Ronnie laying there peacefully. "Sorry Bro, it should've been me. If I could go back, I would. I got all the problems, not you. I love you, bro... forever man" he leaned over shaking his head. Ms. Monica came over rubbing his back. "It's okay baby," she said. Ricky sighed standing straight. He walked back over to where he was seated

Josie

"Josie helped Morgan get out the car with Jace on my hip he was very cranky this morning and she hoped he wouldn't cry the whole time. She locked the door walking inside the church. Anxiety hit her immediately she walked in holding Morgan's hand. She saw Ms. Monica next to some guy wiping her eyes. She hugged her before going up to see Ronnie. She held Morgan's hand as they walked up front.