Spencer and Cane grew up depending on one another to survive once tragedy reshaped everything they knew and loved. But as they crash into adulthood, the decisions they make weigh heavily on their future. And for these two, it could be the difference...
It's been a little over a year since my brother was shot and murdered outside of SC's Sweets. Police ruled it gang violence and stopped looking for the killer about six months after his death.
I'm not surprised though. Justice is rarely served in my city. Especially for a known drug dealer. ________________
"You always were a mama's boy," I say as I stare at my brother's grave next to our mom. "I knew you couldn't stay away from her for too long. I'm just glad we got to kick it l, here on earth, for as long as we did."
Each word I speak is bittersweet. Because although I know he can hear me, I don't get to see his smiling face or hear his voice in response.
"Aye, tell me this bro! Is mom still beating your ass to get you up for church on Sundays?" I joke.
My mind trails off as I think of more to say. It's not that I don't know what to say, but I don't want to send myself into hysterics.
"You're probably wondering why it's been so long since I've been to visit yall. But I have my reasons." I mumble as I look down at the little fingers playing in the dirt.
I take a deep breath. "Cai, say hi to your daddy."
She smiles at me and waves in the direction of my brother's tombstone.
"Tell daddy you'll be two years old soon. And you're having a princess party." I say as I pick her up and kiss my niece's face until she kisses me back.
"I know years ago, we argued and I packed away all the gifts you gave me in a box. But this gift, of being her Uncle, I could never give back. She's more precious than words can describe. And even though you didn't get a chance to meet her, I know you would feel the same."
I kneel back down as I instruct Cai to touch the tip of her dad's stone. She doesn't understand any of this right now. But she's going to know him and everything he stood for.
"I know you saw me last season! Rookie of the year for your kid brother. It was a crazy season too. But it wasn't the same without you in the stands rooting for me." I say as tears start to fall. "I hope you're proud of me."
Cai looks up at me in my kneeled position and begins to kiss my cheek as if she's trying to cover my tears with her love.
"Thank you, Princess!" I whisper before continuing my story.
"I still have that picture that made SportsCenter back in the day. It's of you talking big shit at my college championship game. I always knew if nobody else in the arena was rooting for me, I could always count on you."
I pull out my phone and stare at that exact picture as I wipe my tears.
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"Daddy," Cai says as she points at the picture, making me smile.
I hear footsteps walking towards me and Liv's left hand gently caresses my head as I continue to kneel.
"And you probably know by now, but I just had a little boy. I named him Cane. I'm hoping he grows to be strong and resilient like you." I tell him as I stand and Liv places our son in my arms gently.
He's swaddled in a green blanket and smells just like baby lotion.
"Between spending every other weekend with your daughter and having our newborn son, things get crazy in the house from time to time. But that's how we always used to like it. Remember? Mom would always have to make us read a book just to calm down." I say with a small smile as I stare between Cai and Cane. "They're probably going to be reading lots of books at this rate."
I wipe another tear as Cai reaches up for Liv to pick her up.
"She's getting restless," my wife whispers.
"Look bro, we got to go. I love you man! You did your best and that's all anyone could ever ask of you." I struggle to say in between tears. "Oh yeah! Liv and I will be opening the third SC's Sweets next month. And you know we're going to open it in Vegas baby! Just how you wanted it!"
I hold Liv's hand as we walk to the car. We both securely place the kids in their carseats before pausing.
She reaches to hug me and I fall safely into her arms as I try to keep myself from tearing up.
"I know Cane's proud of you, of us... I know he's smiling down. I can feel it." She tells me and at that exact moment the sun begins to peak through the grey clouds.
I let go of our hug as my left hand interlocks with hers. I stare down at her ring and let out a small smile.
"What?" Liv asks and I shake my head.
"Nothing. And that's what's scary." I whisper and she looks at me confused.
"Why is that so scary?"
I take a deep breath as I look back at my family's graves. This time from a little distance.
"It's scary to think I've lost people I've loved the most at a very young age." I say hesitantly. "But when I'm with you, I know everything's okay. And if it's not okay, I know with you by my side, it'll eventually get there."
"I love you," she tells me before we kiss.
We hear a whimper before hearing our son begin crying.
"It's feeding time!" I say as she opens the car door and starts to work her magic.
I lean on the hood of the car before feeling my phone vibrate.
There's a sea of messages coming in and they all lead to a link.
I press it and watch a breaking news segment.
"Police have arrested Astacia Savvy on a number of charges, including the murder of the older brother of Los Angeles Rams Rookie of the Year wide-receiver, Spencer James. LAPD have stated they were investigating Savvy for laundering LA Rams' charity money, but found a strong connection in the case of former LA business owner Cane James and former NFL star turned agent, Lance's death. This discovery comes on the two year mark of Cane James' death. Police say they have no clear motives, at this time, but they do have a witness who has provided solid evidence regarding Savvy's connection to both murders."
Liv stares at me and I look towards the sky. I really don't know how to feel right now. This could all get ugly before it gets better. But as Liv grabs my hand to comfort me, I know everything will be alright.
