Promise.

Meeting Joy

A Week Later

Sariyah

"Hey mom. Are you on your way up?"

"Yeah"

"Okay I'll see you when you get here"

I ended the call as I slicked Joy's baby hairs back with a toothbrush. Today was her dance recital and I was so sad that I'd be missing it. But I have work and I gotta make this money so she can continue to do dance.

I was in the room where I had to get all the materials for the awards tonight and get styled although it was only about 10 am.

Just then my mom walked in. "Mam maw!"
I always thought of my mom as a beautiful Arabian queen. There was no shame in her game.

My mom had the brightest  smile on her face. She gave me a big hug. I swear I could hear her crying.
"Mom are you crying?"

"I'm just so proud of you"
She said in her thick Arabian accent.
"Wow look at this place. You did it baby"

I smiled and held her tightly.
I let go and grabbed a key off the table.

"Well you guys better get going. Here's my extra car key. All of Joy's dance stuff is in there... Come here baby"

Joy walked over to me. Damn did I make a beautiful kid.

"You are so beautiful. But I'll see you on Monday, Okay baby? I love you so much". I kissed her cheek and she kissed mine.

"I love you too. By mommy"

"Bye baby"

Diggy

I was humming my song "My Girl" to remember my lyrics for tonight's performance. Man I'm nervous. I really gotta make a statement. Gotta follow my dad's legacy. I leaned against the elevator wall and the elevator doors slid open.

A lady walked in with a little girl following her. She was so cute. She hid behind her but kept looking at me.
"What floor?"

"We are going all the way down"
She smiled at me. They both looked familiar.

They both had similar facial features as Sariyah. Nah no way...

"You want to push the button for me little one"

"I'm not little. I'm big! Grr!"
I laughed.
"You are so cute"

"I know! Thank you!"

She had me cracking up. The little girl pushed the bottom floor button. I noticed her jacket said "Debby Allen Dance Company"

"You dance?"

"Yeah! I have a dance performance today!"

"That's cool! Well good luck! Are you nervous?"

She put her head down and played with her hands.

"Yes..."

"Me too"

"Why are you nervous?"
The lady who accompanied her just smiled at us.

"I have a big performance today too. But I just pray to God and hope to do the best"

"Maybe I'll try that"

"You better" the lady said.

"What's your name cutie?"

"Joy Melissa Smith!"
She put her hands on her hips and puffed out her chest.

Oh my gosh this girl.

The elevator doors soon opened. "Well nice meeting you little one. Bye"

"Bye!"

I walked out and shook my head. What a cutie.