Kyah Richardson
Today was Ms. Reneé's funeral. Jaliyah has been okay for the past two weeks. Kolby is still in a coma and the doctors still don't know when he'll wake up. We visit him everyday during visitation hours, talking to him like the doctors and nurses say. I miss my brother man, I need him here to talk to him about my problems and for him to witness everything with his niece or nephew in my tummy. The baby is doing fine and very very active. I can't wait until he or she arrives. Wednesday, me and Dru find out the gender and I am so excited. I'm really hoping it's a girl.
I walked down stairs to everyone already dressed and ready to go. Of course I was the last one getting ready, it's alot of work to get ready carrying a baby now. Dru grabbed me a bottle of water and we headed to the church.
• • •
The service was beautiful. It wasn't too many people there but that wasn't important. Jaliyah was quiet. She didn't breakdown or burst out crying at the funeral like some would, but she was calm and made peace with the fact that her mother was gone. We walked towards the burial site where the tent was set up with chairs and the open grave area. There were three seats available in the front of the tent. These chairs were for family members, which really was Jaliyah herself, who else would these chairs be for? As we got under the tent, a tall lightskinned dude came up to Jaliyah and greeted himself. He also had his son with him as well.
" Uh, hi Jaliyah .. I-Im your dad Jay.. and this is your brother Jaylen." he said nervously.
I was thinking that Jaliyah would cuss this man out and try and fight him but she didn't. She simply hugged the man and her brother tightly with a slight cry. She never asked any questions, they all just sat down in the chairs as they buried Ms. Reneé. After the burial we all went out to a nice restaurant and had dinner. Jaliyah was in charge of the services and just wanted her mom to be at peace and nothing too much like a repast. We went to The Paradise Restaurant and simply ate and conversated. It was me, Dru, Jay, Jaylen and Jaliyah.
" I'm sorry I wasn't there for you babygirl, your mom didn't want me around. I've tried getting in contact with her these past few years but wasn't able to. Once I found out about her passing, I asked around and they told me where you were." Jaliyah's dad said.
" It's okay. As long as I have you guys now." Jaliyah said smiling. " I never knew I had a brother though, tell me about yourself Jaylen."
" Well there's nothing much really to say, I'm 16, and I play football. I been ready to meet you for so long now and I'm happy we're here." Jaylen said
We all ate our food, laughed, and talked when I received a call from the hospital.
" Um yes this is she...he's AWAKE.. THANK GOD!! We're on the way!!!" I said to the doctor on the phone. " Kolby's awake, we have to go to the hospital." I told Jaliyah and Dru.
Jaliyah's dad left a 100 bill on the table to cover for all meals and a tip for our waitress. I wonder what he does for a living. We all left and headed towards the hospital. Once we got to the hospital we quickly went to the nurses station to be allowed in Kolby's room. The led us to the room and all you could see was Kolby and his pearly whites showing. He was awake!! Jaliyah ran over to him and kissed him all over. Dru dapped him down and I simply gave my brother a hug crying tears of joy. These hormones are kicking my ass, literally.
" Why everybody dressed in black. Who died?" Kolby asked scoping the room.
" My mom overdosed." Jaliyah said
" I'm so sorry baby. I should've been here with you through all of this. How long was I in the coma?"
" A good month and a week. It's been miserable without yo stupid ass." Dru said causing us all to laugh.
Jay and Jaylen hid by the door waiting to be acknowledged. For a second we all forgot they were their until I cleared my throat to catch Jaliyah's attention. She looked over at me as I pointed to her dad and brother in the corner of the hospital room.
" I'm so sorry, Kolby this is my dad and brother, Jay and Jaylen. I met them today at my mom's funeral."
Kolby shook Jay's hand and dapped up Jaylen. We all talked to Kolby for a bit until the doctors came in to update us on Kolby's progress.
" So I have some good and bad news. The good news is everything seems great and if it continues that way we can have you home in two days. The bad news is you may not be able to play football for a while. The gun shot wound to your leg triggered and the bullet is stuck inside. We can't remove the bullet or you will bleed out and die. But it is best to leave it how it is and check on it at doctor's appointments." the doctor said
Kolby sighed and we all got quiet. Football was his life. Him and Dru just got into GSU together and now that plan seemed to be going downhill.
" Can I talk to Ky alone y'all?" Kolby asked everyone.
This must be serious if everyone has to leave the room. Everyone did as told as left me and Kolby alone in the room to talk.
" I think I want to work for dad Ky. I've been thinking about it for a while now and with this happening to me, it gives me motive to really do it."
" Kolby, you know I love you and I'm gonna always tell you right from wrong but that idea is crazy! You know dad is on this already. Probably already been dropping bodies behind you and what happened. Do you really think that's what you want to give your life up for?"
" Ky we been in this our whole lives. We know everything about the business already. I don't see what the problem is. Plus my football career is over you heard the doctor, what else am I supposed to do?"
" Kolby I don't know. I don't think this a good idea. You need to talk to dad on this one. What ever your decision is I am 100% behind you. But you can shakeback from this injury Ko."
" I've already made my mind up Ky. I'm quitting football and joining dad in the drug business. Nobody can change my mind about this. I already told dad."
I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I didn't want my brother doing anything illegal, I wanted what's best for him and selling drugs was not the best decision for him. I climbed in the hospital bed and hugged him tight. As soon as I hugged Ko, the baby started kicking.
" Lil man having a kick fest in there huh?" Kolby said laughing
" You wanna touch?"
Kolby placed his hand on my stomach and I feel asleep right there beside my brother in the hospital bed.
