𝐌𝐀𝐃

𝟬𝟰

—––

"I'a be out here soon princess, keep Yo' head up aight'?" Ross sighed as he looked at his daughter's tear-stained face.

Their father had been locked up since Omari was young. he could admit at first it was hard but over the years, they've all adjusted to it.

"I know I just miss you" Renee sniffles, pulling her sleeves further down her arm.

She always hated this part, seeing him locking up like some type of animal. Over the many years, the anxiety of what happened inside those walls never simmered down, she just learned to not let it control her. That was the only way she could function with her family.

"So how's business going?" He asks with raised eyebrows, aware of the guards watching.

"I'll be in the car, love you old man "Renee kisses Omari's cheek before standing up.

"Princess, remember — yes, yes I know, Omari scares off the male species before they can even talk to me crazy" Renee rolls her eyes at the protective males in front of her.

"Damn right I do" Omari slides back in his seat with his face scrunched up.

"Careful, your egos showing a bit too much" she squeezed her pointer finger and thumb together before taking her leave.

"5 minutes!" The guard calls out to all visitors.

"But to answer your question, it's been hectic. I've been trying to make some plans for grandpops shop while doing business with Italy" Omari sighs, rubbing his forehead.

Buzz

"Alright! Times up! All visitors must leave"the guard shouts as the delinquents get up from their spots.

"ight pops-"Omari tugs the chipped gray phone closer to his mouth "-Stay dangerous ".

"𝙄 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 " they declared simultaneously.
—

"Hey ma " he spoke, sitting down.

"How you been? I been missing you like crazy" he let out a dry chuckle.

He sat at his mother's tombstone, laying the fresh flowers down for her.

"I got you your favorite, I remember how you used to go on and on bout' these flowers" he smiled."I ain't been doing so good ma, I been working nonstop ta' keep my mind off things but I barely been eating or sleeping now" he sighed, resting his hand on top of the stone.

Omari was born a momma's boy, As a child, you could always find him sticking to her side. On summer days when kids would be out playing, Omari would be right up in the kitchen, cooking with his momma.

When he lost his mother to breast cancer, he felt like he lost his purpose. Even when he began living with his grandparents and sister, there was never a time in his life he didn't feel loneliness.

His parents were taken from him at such a young age and the hole they left was never filled. he hadn't been living right since.

Like all his other visits, he stayed around her grave, catching her up on any and everything going on.

Meanwhile, a couple of gravestones from Omari, Neveah sat crisscrossed in front of her parents with a cupcake.

"Happy birthday daddy, hi momma" she smiled through her tears. This time of year was always hard for her, she had come to terms with their death but the pain never healed with time.

"I got you this nasty chocolate cupcake, you used to like so much" she laughed.

On his birthday, her dad would beg her mom to make chocolate cupcakes because he would only eat hers. he said the store-bought ones weren't made with her love, he was just corny like that.

Her hands grab the lighter out of her hoodie pocket before she lit the candle." I'm not as good as momma so don't go rolling in your grave "she joked, wiping under her eyes.

"Happy birthday to you,
happy birthday to you
Happy birthday to daddy
Happy birthday to you"

Omari turned his head to the sound of singing, he could only see the girl's side profile but he could tell she was gorgeous. He could tell the candlelit in front of her didn't do justice to her facial features.

He took his time soaking in her beauty before she let out the softest laugh that sent butterflies in his stomach.

Her actions showed she was completely oblivious to his stare, she lived a simple life. One filled without a spotlight and certainly no men.

Unbeknownst to her, that all changed once he set his eyes on her.

Omari wanted to call out to her. earn that million-dollar laugh. hear her voice. anything. He had never been so drawn to a woman...

After a moment, he felt like he was being creepy so he looked away before standing up. he made one last glance at the girl before leaving the gates of the graveyard.

Something inside him told him, they would meet again very soon.

—-----

Thoughts? I would really appreciate input, keeps me motivated!