Mine Again

Hakeem's Part

"Inmate 25556. come to the gate your attorney is here." A CO called as i played basketball in the yard. I handed my cousin Terrance the ball and ran over . I was put in handcuffs and escorted to the visitation room. At  a long table sat my lawyer and the district attorney's office. I sat down in the chair and felt sweat dripping from my forehead. We were only allowed three showers a week and limited toiletries. I couldn't take this shit i ain't never sat this long for a bid and hoped that the jury would understand why i did what i did. Pito took my son over an ounce of weed . Prosecutors always screaming i should've left it in the courts hands . If i let the court take care of it i would've been waiting for years for justice for my son and Pito would've walked cus of the street code. I couldn't let that shit happen. Javier's body still plays in my mind like a bad movie. I throw up at the thought of it everytime. I had to keep myself together before this meeting. I cleared my throat and wiped the sweat from my forehead as we walked down the hallway. My lawyer sat at the table playing with his thumbs and looking at paperwork. I sat down and stared at the both of them trying to see what bullshit they was gonna throw my way now. For my lawyer this was just his job and he wasn't getting paid much. I was a black man from Queens they didn't give a fuck about me forreal. 

"Hakeem i spoke to the district attorney about your situation. Numerous witnesses have come forward on your behalf and told me and the DA about Laron Camacho shooting and killing your 6-year-old son."

"Okay..so what does this mean?"

"We are agreeing to dismiss the 1st degree murder charges if you agree to manslaughter and a sentence of 10 years max in state prison along with the requirement that obtain your GED and have good behavior. "The district attorney said.

"10 years. my daughter will be 13 and i have a baby on the way that will be 10 by the time i get out."

"We can arrange transportation for visits for both , weekly. "The district attorney replied.

"Okay... i agree."I said shaking my head.

"You were facing 20 years to life ..just do good and we will see if you can get out in 4."My attorney said

"Okay man.. can i get back to the yard we don't go back out for a couple days ?"I asked .

"Yeah.. keep your head up Hakeem."The district attorney said. I nodded and followed the CO back out the door. 

My cousin Terrance walked up to me dribbling the ball.

"What are they offering?"

"10 years max."I said

"Not bad...for a homi."

All i know is that i gotta get through this next couple of years. I needed Eliana more than anything . Tisha snitched on me and it was cool tho because what i had coming for her was gonna humble her. I finished playing ball and went  back to my cell. I wasn't allowed to have a roommate because i was considered a gang member. Pito was in a gang and Miguel and i were in a gang at the age of 16. I began writing a letter to Eliana and started making lines on the wall. I had nothing but time to sit down and think about things. Over and over again i've contemplated breaking out but after the news i got today i decided to stay. I had to eat humble pie ... for Ellie and my kids..

"Javier... if only you knew son how much i miss you." I said while staring at the ceiling. 

My ten years began on May 10th 2007...