OAKLAND's GREATEST

Chapter 13

Chapter 13: A Christmas Spirit, Literally.

Christmas Eve

"Seven thousand four hundred dollars." The clerk said as Izzy smiled and handed her his AMEX card as she finish bagging his final Christmas gift for Setta.

"This is the best collection. I bet your friend will love this Chanel bag." The clerk added as she swiped his card. He smiled, "Dont butter me up. You can put your name down for commission even though your ass was watching me since I came in here."

APPROVED

He snatched his card back from her and smiled, "its the season to be jolly so be lucky." Izzy grabbed the bag and walked out of the store as he saw his mom over at the sushi stand. He slowly walked over and tapped her shoulder before she turned around and stated, "I got to run back to Gucci for your father." Izzy squinted and she stated, "come on baby you have to forgive him"

"Oh he higher on my forgive list than you are. You made me believe something"

"Correction! My time with your uncle Mitch was a time I hated. I was in love with Carl the day we was introduced and no blood would have made him any more your father...its fucked up, yes. But I am happy you decided to come out here today with me after 2 weeks of ignoring me and staying at a hotel. Are you coming back home?" She ranted as he snapped, "Not right now and to be clear he is my father but its still a LIE. A LIE YOU KEPT FROM US BOTH....and now what? You two are back wrapped in each others arms. Mom use your brain he is going to leave again."

"No he isnt! He is back for good."

"So you think—you know what..I thought I was ready for this but I am not. I have to meet a new worker at the beauty bar she left her debit card there yesterday when we closed for the holiday." He said before walking off as she stood there sushi platter in hand as tears filled in her eyes.

"Risha stop running across this floor I am sweeping!" Tico snapped as she argued, "Shut up!"

"No you shut up!" Man-Man added as the three started a "who could yell louder" match as Setta came downstairs and spazzed, "Everyone out back please! Baby June has a fever and is finally sleep. So since you cant be quiet...go outside." She grabbed the broom and ushered them thru the living room where the twins was on the game.

"You two need to turn that down and if I hear one more curse word from yall mouths you will join them in the heat that is a California Christmas." She told them as she went into the kitchen and saw her phone ringing.

"What time you leaving the clubhouse?" She asked.

"In about an hour. Clipping trees now. I remembered already. I had picked up June's medicine. Im going to run lunch by Raven and ill be home."

"Is he still talking with yalls mom?" She asked.

"Even invited her to Christmas dinner...as his plus one. His parents are leaving out of town today."

"What? I thought you said that was it for you..that you wasnt going to put these kids into the mind frame that she is back." Setta reminded him as he licked his lips and stated, "yes but what if"

"What if what? She been a damn addict. And okay she been clean for now but one bump in the road and she off the wagon—leaving nothing but more broken promises behind. I think this is a bad idea." Setta told him as Dre quickly said, "I hear you, I got to go."

Raven wiped the Ballet poles down as he stared around his newly renovated studio as he heard doorbells at the door. He turned around and saw Carl. His heart dropped as he walked over with a smile on his face and just before he could talk...Carl went in.