Sincerely, Sin

24

Alana

"You sure you don't need anything Coco? you haven't eaten real food in some hours, are you sure you don't want me to cook up something?" My ma requested with worry. I unintentionally rolled my eyes, "Mama thank you but please I'm fine. I'm not hungry" I sighed, hugging tighter into the pillow I held while sat on the couch.
"Well I'm gone get you a beverage, you gone at least drink something" she stated, walking away before I could object.

The nba finals played on the tv, Anthony was asleep on the couch next to me. It had been hours since Ms Miller left, it was currently nine at night and the last time I spoke with Slim he told me to get some Zs in but I have not been able to sleep, at all. Cae called me and came to spend some time with me, bringing me nutrients, movies, anything to get my mind off todays events but my energy just wasn't there and I told her leave. She understood and didn't take it any other way but me just not in the right state of mind.

My mama walked over to me with hot coco topped with marshmallows and cream. The sight and smell was oddly vulgar.

"Ma I can't drink that" I covered my mouth and nose. "What you mean you can't drink this, you been drinking ever since you were little, no Alana, sit up and take the mug" I tried to object but she shook her head. "This gone help you relax and finally be able to sleep" unwontedly, I took the mug and took a couple of sips. It wasn't long till I was making a run for the nearest bathroom.
I hovered over the toilet, releasing everything from my inside. I felt hands wrapped around my hair, holding it up. "Alana what is going on with you" my mom asked in fear, I couldn't reply for i was hit by an unexpected cramp. "Mama I-I don't know" I struggled out in pain.
She rubbed my back as I continued to puke.

"I'm gone get you some medication" she said leaving the room. I kneeled down, still facing the toilet, I took slow breaths.

Mama came back in with a glass of water and paracetamol. "Here" she held her palm out that held the pills and offered the glass to me. I downed it in one go.

"Hopefully that'll make you feel better" mama said, helping me off the ground. "I think I need to lay down" I suggested, she nodded and helped me towards to couch. I laid diagonal on the smaller couch and ma got a blanket to put over me. "Ima take Anthony upstairs, I'll be right back okay" she pecked my forehead before picking up my brother and heading up the stairs with him.

I felt light headed but still sleep was not wanted. I got the remote and surfed through some channels before landing on the news.

*BREAKING NEWS*
"Twenty-Four year old Sincere Jackson has been taken into custody as it is believed he is to blame for the terrible fire that took place early in the morning of March 19th in the Kingswood neighbourhood. The fire resulted in the death of Twenty-Eight year old Rio Miller. Jackson was identified by a key witness in the case that claims the death of Rio Miller to be in fact a murder. Beside me is footage of Jackson in custody being taken to Pelican Bay State Prison moments previously. It is told Jackson will remain there till further notice of a trial...."

"Alana....why is Sincere on the tv being blamed for Rio's death?" My moms voice causing me to jump and look at her in trepidation.
"I-uh-um" the words couldn't form, I looked back and forth between Sincere's face on the screen and my mother's in person.

"Alana. Answer me" My mom demanded, her eyes wide awake. "...." I couldn't speak. "Is there something you haven't told me Zoie" she took processed steps towards me. I hesitantly nodded. She paused in her steps. "Did Rio really die in a fire?" I lightly shook my head before I was overcome by tears. My forehead met my lap as I heard my mother gasp and say the lord's name repeatedly.