! BOOK ONE OF THE NAS TRILOGY !
In building 40-16 of Queensbridge North Housing, Nasir Jones steps up as the man of the house. Looking after his mother and brother, Jabari, he's hungry for a way out. His back is against the wall after the loss of hi...
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I looked around for Gia inside of the church. She arrived earlier than the rest of the family and friends to help Saun and Sheyenne prepare the wake. She was no stranger to this shit. She had to bury her Pops and all that. I watched her stand in front of Shine's open casket as Saun rubbed her back.
Jungle and I walked side by side in matching button ups and black vests with bouquets in our hands. People broke their necks when they realized that it was me who was attending Shine's funeral procession. I nodded my head at some of the guests who called my name before I hugged Suan and Sheyenne.
"These are for you and the family." I said to Saun as I gave her the flowers with a handwritten card attached to it. "Thank you, Nas." She said with eyes that were bloodshot red. She was the oldest child and she had to be a soldier by force. She was the head of his estate and the power of attorney, calling all the shots.
Sheyenne gave me a light hug and took the flowers from Jungle's hands. "These are for you, baby." He said to her as he kissed her tears. "Come on." He said as he held her hand and walked her away from his casket.
I walked behind Gia, hugging her from behind and kissing her soaked cheek. I looked down at Shine who was resting peacefully in his all white get up. They placed his Mercedes insignia medallion over his chest, the same one that Gia's dad left her. They must've gotten them made at the same time. Something to commemorate their brotherhood.
A brotherhood that was betrayed the day before he was snuffed. "Hey, baby." I said as I wrapped my arms around her. "Hey." She said as she tried to suck her tears back into her eyes. Of course, that shit wasn't going to work. "Come on, let's grab a seat." I suggested to my girl as she turned around to face me. "Okay." She said softly as she took my hand.
Her black mesh veil covered her eyes and nose and left her mouth exposed. Her dress was black and knee length, sleeveless and designer. A name I can't pronounce on the tag. Her stockings were black sheer and her heels were high and black vinyl. Her ponytail was low and long under her black hat that held her veil.
Ms. Helen sat in the far back of the church and away from the rest of his family and friends. She cried to herself silently as she covered her face with tissues. "Giana!" A woman called out. Gia and I fixed out gazes on the woman who wore all white to the home-going instead of black.
She looks awfully a lot like-
"Aunt Rae!" Giana cried out as she let my hand go and ran to her aunt. Standing next to the woman, Gia and 'Rae' resemble each other, just two different shades of skin complexion.
"My baby girl!" She said as she held her brother's only daughter tightly. "Look at you!" She exclaimed as she let her go and got a good look at her niece. "Oh my goodness." She said with tears in her eyes. "It's been how many years?" She asked in disbelief.
Gia turned to me and motioned for me to come closer to where they were standing. "Since '89." Gia laughed lightly as she wiped her tears with a balled up tissue she held on to. "Since your dad's funeral. Mm mm mm." She said as she shook her head. "Auntie, this is my boyfriend, Nas. Nas, this is my dad's oldest sister, Raelle. We call her Aunt Rae." I extended my hand to her but she opened her arms to me.
