You're All I Need

Six

Christmas 1996

         Luther Vandross' "Every Year, Every Christmas" played through Bubby's old speakers as his two favorite women sat in the living room putting the final touches on some Christmas decorations and presents. It was Christmas Eve and they had a pretty busy morning ahead of them.

Sydney was wrapping up last minute gifts they had gotten for the young children in their family. Sydney's gifts for Max, Amani, Kai and Antwan were already wrapped under the tree. Max was actually wearing one of the gifts from Sydney while watching old holiday movies on the tv and finishing a wreath for the front for. Her gift from Sydney was a soft blanket in royal blue which was Bubby's favorite color.

Sydney just finished wrapping her baby cousins' presents when the doorbell rang. She gestured for Max to stay put while she got up and went to the door. Seeing that it was Antwan when she checked the peephole, her heart raced as she moved to unlock the door expecting Kai to be with him somewhere. Maybe walking up from the Yukon or standing out of view on the porch...

But Antwan came inside alone, closing the door behind him. "Hey." He said to her as he stepped inside.

"Hi." Sydney watched him as he walked over to the couch and greeted Max. She folded her arms at him and sort of frowned when he glanced at her. "Where is he?" She knew that he knew what she was already thinking and most likely knew that she hadn't talked in Kai in a few days.

This time, Kai really did have to go to Philly about a business. It actually had to do with this business in their neighborhood that he had yet to tell her about. He left three days ago and she hadn't been able to talk to him since. She wondered what was so big about this business that he couldn't talk to her. Not once?

"How you doing baby?" Max asked him as he sat down beside her. She wasn't even paying attention when Sydney asked him where Kai was.

Antwan appreciated the change in subject. He teasingly smirked at Sydney before turning to Max. He sucked his teeth, "It's cold outside. I hate it here."

Max cooed as she held his forehead. "I told you to wear a hat."

"Can you make me one?" He asked, pouting.

Max laughed as she nodded. "Of course! What color?"

"Olive green-"

"Antwan."

He stopped and looked at Sydney again. "Wassup?"

"Where is he?" She repeated.

Antwan's eyes widened some as he slowly turned his head back to Max. "Oh wow. Somebody's upset. Uhm, your gift is all set up."

Whatever it was brought her to her feet and she hugged Antwan. When Max pulled away she sat back down.

"For you, I gotta take you ta yours." Antwan finally said to Sydney, even though it still wasn't an answer to her question.

"How come?"

He sucked his teeth. "Because I do man c'mon."

"Sydney don't ask questions just go." Max said shooting daggers at her.

"Kai said you was gonna do 'dis shit." Antwan mumbled making her look at him. He simply shooed her off. "Go put some shoes on those crusty feet an' let's go."

Sydney rolled her eyes and went upstairs. She returned with tan Timberlands on her feet and her tan Down jacket with a white and tan beanie on her head. She went over to her grandma and kissed her cheek.

"I won't be long."

"Hmm mhmm, just be safe and call me if you're stayin' out. Antwan don't be drivin' her too fast."