Brown Sugar

Chapter Six.

The Knowles family walked into their small home on a hot, Sunday afternoon, still talking about the amazing sermon from their Pastor. Mathew and Benjamin made their way into the living room to relax and listen to some music on the radio while Beyoncé trudged towards her bedroom. "I'll go and get dinner started, Daddy." She yelled over her shoulder.

"Oh Bey," Benjamin called out, jumping up from the couch. "This came for you," he said, handing her a letter.

"Who is this from?" she asked before looking at the return address. Not waiting for her brother's response, she read the name of the sender on the top left corner and couldn't help the large smile that formed on her face as she read Lorenzo's name. "Why am I just now getting this?" She looked up at her brother.

"I was out with friends by the time you got home last night. I forgot to give it to you. Sorry," he admits.

Beyoncé didn't waste another moment questioning her brother. She ran to her room and kicked the door shut before jumping on her bed. Lying on her stomach, she took a deep breath as she began to open the envelope and read the letter.

"Dear Bey,

I hope that you and your family are well. Chile is wonderful. It feels so good to spend time with my family that I've missed so much. I look at the mountains which surround our home, and I feel as if there isn't a care in the world.

Uncle Hector is doing much better, but not yet fully recovered. The doctors say that his recovery is no short of a miracle, and I agree. Aunt Maria and her children are holding up well too. It looks like we may be returning earlier than we had expected.

I thank God that my cousin, Lupe is a pilot, or else I would not be able to afford traveling here. I hope to be back in the States in a couple of weeks.

I've thought about you a lot, and I can't wait to see you again. I hope that Rue is treating you well, and tell everyone at the diner I said hello. Please continue to pray for my Uncle.

Hope to be home soon,

Lorenzo."

Beyoncé couldn't help but giggle after she finished reading the letter. She rolled on her back, holding the letter close to her chest. She reflected on how much has change in the two weeks that Lorenzo had been away. However, those thoughts were soon pushed out as she remembered that there was a possibility of Lorenzo returning in a couple of weeks.

She had missed talking to him. He was always eager to listen and help her. She thought of him often as well. Now she could only pray that the good health of his uncle would continue so that he could come home sooner than later. Her thoughts were interrupted by a quick know on her bedroom door. "Come in!" She said, quickly shoving the letter under her pillow.

"Hey baby!" Mathew said, stepping in. He paused for a moment. "Why are you still in your good clothes?" he questioned.

"I'm just resting for a minute, Daddy," she replied, sitting up.

"Oh, sorry to bother you. Could you run a quick errand for me sweetie?" He asked.

"Sure," she agreed —even though she didn't feel like it.

"Great. Could you go down to the pharmacy on Chestnut Street and pick up my prescription?" Mathew rubbed his sore back. "I'm really aching today," he winced in pain.

"Yeah, let me change and put the chicken in the oven for dinner," she said. Mathew gave his daughter a quick smile before he left the small bedroom. As soon as he left, she walked to her dresser with the letter in hand and tucked it away underneath some clothes.