𝙈𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙠𝙞

Zwei..

"Yo!" D'Angelo's loud voice could be heard throughout the house, causing Nala to flinch and hold onto his torso tighter. He looked down at her small face apologetically, "My bad, mama." D'Angelo unwrapped Nala's tiny legs from his waist, placing her to stand on the ground. Crouching down to be at the same level as Nala, he unzipped her light pink jacket, removing her hood from her head. He tossed the jacket over his shoulder, and began to fluff her curly puff balls that were previously smashed. Nala placed her miniature hands on both of D'Angelo's shoulders as he untied and slid off her sneakers.

"It was supposed to be sunny today, I don't know what happened," D'Angelo turned his head towards the left to see his mother, Simone, carrying a grey colored tray that was occupied by chocolate-chip cookies, donuts, and honey buns. Nala diverted her eyes from D'Angelo, pacing towards the delicious snacks. "Thank you, Oma," Nala whispered, smiling at the luxury placed on the tray.

D'Angelo chuckled, watching Nala climb onto the black sofa as she grabbed two cookies at once. D'Angelo pulled down his hood, lifting the entire black hoodie over his head. Shaking his head to allow his locs to fall into place, he placed his arm around the back of his mother's body. Simone smiled, hugging her son back, "How was she today, hmm? Any updates?" Simone asked as her eyes remained on Nala as stuffed her mouth with food. D'Angelo sighed, thinking about what Nala's therapist had to say about her ongoing behavior. "The exact same, Ma. She steady sayin' that she need her to open up. Like damn, she rushing her to talk about what happened. How does she not know it's a process when it's her job? Nah, she just need a new therapist." He ranted out while putting both of their jackets on the hook to dry.

"She only wants what is best for her. We all do, Dee." Simone said glancing at her son, as she fiddled with the gold, heart shaped locket located in the middle of her chest. This became a habit for her whenever a situation that related to the topic of her other son, Daniel, would transpire. D'Angelo tucked in his bottom lip, nodding his head, "I understand, Ma. I dislike the amount of pressure they put on her though; need to remember that she is only six."

Simone only nodded her head, she knew that it was to not smart engage into a deeper conversation while Nala was present. Both of adults walked into the large living room, towards the sofa where Nala sat. She offered both of them a glazed donut.

"Schools are reopening tomorrow, are you excited about going back to work?"

"Yeah, I'm prepared. Those three months went by too fast. I'll be alright though, teaching is enjoyable for me," He shrugged as he bit into the donut. One of D'Angelo's current occupations was teaching. He has taught as a High School English teacher for two years now. Some of his friends, even family, have expressed how teaching can result in low income. Despite statistics, D'Angelo went along with teaching because he knew it was something he'd enjoy doing. Over his past two years of teaching, he's created interesting discussion regarding race, stereotypes based upon gender, sexuality, and much more. Teaching was never boring for him.

♥︎♥︎♥︎

"Dang, is that girl still getting dressed?" D'Angelo said aloud, looking at the time on his iPhone. As he slid the phone back into his pocket, the bathroom door swung open revealing Simone and Nala. Simone held Nala's left hand, walking her out of the bathroom. Nala was dressed in her Princess and The Frog themed pajamas, along with her white colored house slippers.

D'Angelo clapped his hands, applauding Nala's night-time outfit. "You ready for bed?" Nala nodded and grasped both her Oma and D'Angelo's hands. They walked to her full sized bed, sliding her night shoes off, and she slipped under the thick covers. Simone walked over to the nightstand, grabbing Nala's pink bonnet to place over her small head. "Do you want a bedtime story or do you want the TV set with a timer?" Simone asked as she gently rubbed her granddaughter's back.

"A story is nice," Nala looked over at D'Angelo standing in the doorframe, "Can you read it? Until I fall asleep, please?" She looked down and played with her small fingers. Simone nodded and kissed Nala on her forehead, "I love you, okay? Remember I'm in the next room, call me if you need me." She stood up and walked towards the door. "I love you too, Oma." Simone smiled at Nala's sweet words, waving as a goodnight gesture.

D'Angelo walked over to the cream colored book shelf, grabbing three books as options to read to Nala before bed. Sitting down on the bed, D'Angelo was about to ask which one she preferred to read, but he noticed her still frowning with her head hung low. "What's wrong, Nana?" D'Angelo questioned while lifting her head with his pointer finger; seeing her glossy eyes caused him to frown as well.

"I'm a little nervous about school tomorrow. I'm happy, but nervous." Nala said in a small voice. Nala was a smart little girl, but she wanted to make any excuse to not have to go to school tomorrow.

"It's okay to be nervous, Nala. Tomorrow will be a good day for you. Try to escape from anything sad that has happened, okay? Don't walk in there with a negative mind. If you do, it's gon' be a bad day. Think positive about it. You need something, you tell the teacher, aight?" D'Angelo lectured as Nala nodded her head. "Then, I'll come in there and wreck some people up." Nala released a wave of giggles while holding her small stomach.

"Thank you, Angel. I think I'll be okay sleeping with the TV on tonight." D'Angelo's eyebrow raised, pulling at his chin hairs, "You sure? You don't want me to stay longer?" Nala giggled, trying to push D'Angelo's large body off the bed. "Noo! Go, Dee. Goodnight." She scolded while crossing her arms. D'Angelo raised his arms in surrender while laughing, "I'm just joking. For real though, let ya Oma know if you need anything. You can call me too, La."

After their good nights, D'Angelo cracked her door. He walked into the living room to see his mother staring at a picture hung on the wall, Summer 2012. D'Angelo sighed while looking at his mom. This constant pain would never go away. Having to bury her son, was never something she would've thought she had to do. A week had passed since Daniel's burial, but it felt as if his death was yesterday for the Richardson's household.

"Come on, Momma. Continuously looking at his pictures is only gon' make you sad more. I don't want you crying this late, Ma." D'Angelo stated while turning his mom's body to face him, instead of the photo. Simone nodded her head willing, wiping her eyes with the tissue in her right hand. "Maybe go take a shower? Then, get ready for bed, Ma. It's getting late anyway. Maybe receiving sleep will help relax you a little more." Simone slowly nodded her head, turning to face away from the picture. "I can keep an ear out for Nala while you're in the shower, if you'd like."

Simone waved her son off, shaking her head, "No, go ahead home. I know you have to prepare for your long day tomorrow. Besides, your father should be coming home soon." Her husband, Daevon, had been staying out longer at certain nights, working and locking up his Gym.

"He be staying out this late, though? What happened to the gym closing at six?" D'Angelo asked while tugging at his beard. He knew everyone was taking Daniel's death differently, but he believed his father should be present with his mother; especially during a time like this.

"If being at the gym can calm his nerves, then I'll allow him to do that. He's suffering as much as I am, if not more. Now, go home. Have a good day teaching, I love you." D'Angelo leaned down and kissed his mother on her cheek, "Love you too, Momma. Night." He walked away to slip back on his shoes, placing his jacket over his shoulder because it was was no longer raining.

"Goodnight, Ma. Get some rest."

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