the teenagers woke up early to get washed and get ready to have a long flight back. isaiah bathed his little sister while sanyiah finished packing up their stuff. the little girl called out for her brother while splashing in the water. the brownskin girl smiled at the sight of them bonding. their near 14 year age difference couldn't bring them any closer. it was the boy's 18th birthday but the girl said nothing to him and he was in a way, relieved. the flight was 6 hours back with another layover in florida. the teens got their stuff out the room and met up with their moms in the hallway. the boy was ready to be home in his own bed. not even knowing his father was at home waiting to see him. they boarded the plane for their flight and got home just before 6. jaiden, kaiser and devin (isaiah's dad) were at the house, waiting for them. isaiah was the first in the house, holding his little sister. his girlfriend following behind, smiling.
isaiah
—————————————————————————
"SURPRISEEEE" i heard everybody yell and amira started clapping. i saw jaiden, kaiser and my dad. i had to do a double take because that couldn't be him right? right?? i gave amira to sanyiah and i walked up to him. just staring at him, my mom recording.
happy birthday kid
i went in for a hug and cried to him. everyone saying "awww".
i missed you.. when did you get back?
flew in while you guys were gone, was about time i came home. i missed you too kid. i know i should probably wait but open this. i was gonna mail it but it seemed more sentimental for me to hand it to you in person.
it was a card. it had writing in pen so i read it. it said
your mom sent me pictures of you every day. from that toothy old smile, to you getting your first car, going to junior prom, finally making it official with sanyiah, taking care of your siblings. i watched you turn into the strong man you are now. you've held it down. i know it wasn't easy and i'm sorry i wasn't here. i thought about you every day and i wanted ti come home. you used to be a daddy's boy. never went anywhere without me. your mom was still salty that "dada" was your first word. you loved your siblings unconditionally. i promise i never forgot about you. i got all the letters you sent. starting from the ones when you were 8 years old and ending with the one i got last year on my birthday. i remember it like the back of my hand. "i wish you were here but ya know you're out saving the world and stuff, my hero. love you dad. happy birthday." heard you doing pretty good in basketball too. i'm so so proud of you son. i cant wait to see what you do with your life kiddo. i love you, happy 18th birthday roman.
at this point i was ugly crying. i don't ever cry but that. that made me break down. i wasn't supposed to cry on my birthday. he gave me another hug and i wiped my face. i heard amira's little voice
why bubby cwy? bubby sad
and her little eyes started to water
i'm okay mira, i promise
i put my suitcase in my room and we went out to a nice restaurant as a family. they sung happy birthday to me at the restaurant again and i mentally facepalmed. i wasn't one for attention but hey, i told ny i wanted to celebrate. when we got home, i had a basketball themed birthday party. my mom got me a basketball cake that said "happy birthday isaiah, 13 love" 13 had been my jersey number since i started playing. they sing happy birthday to me and jaiden and kaiser thought it would be funny to dunk my head in the fuckin cake. i just laughed it off but i was most definitely beating their ass later. we had a little dance party in the living room then me, sanyiah, jai and kai helped us put up the cake and stuff. we all probably weren't going to school tomorrow because we were about to get FUCKED UP. my mom and dad went to sleep so did reggie and amira.
