They Don't Know {Sequel}

Chapter 2 - JAMILA

6:58 PM

".....And Lord, thank you again for bringing us together and allowing us to share this moment of love and unity. You know I love all of these kids as if they were my own so I thank you for allowing me to be a great support to them. Bless this food Lord and may it taste just as good as it smells. Amen."

"Amen," we said in unison.

After my mother's prayer, hands were flying everywhere reaching for bowls, meat, rice, gumbo, everything. My mom set the entire table out for us like it was Thanksgiving.

My mom became a great help to Maya's mom and aunt which allowed them to feel less stressed and overwhelmed about everything. Mom even helped Ms. Valentina get her own house and spotted her a job at the law firm.

So now she's a secretary and a home owner.

After the trial, Ms. Valentina tried really hard to get a job but a lot of companies wouldn't hire her because of her murder charge. My mom was determined to get her a steady job that made major bucks so she could provide for herself.

Her and Ms. Linda came over for the holidays so we never lost touch. Plus the three of them were practically best friends.

It's like we lost dad and gained a whole new family in his absence.

"So," my mom started, "how's everybody doing now that school's over? I know y'all are ready to apply for some new jobs."

Ryan piled some rice on her plate and spoke first, "Well I'm applying to work down at Thomasville Elementary for the fall so I'm really excited about that."

"That's great Ryan. I know you'll enjoy teaching those kids to the fullest."

"I can't wait. It's entry level so I'll start off by being a teacher's aid but I'll be able to learn more. I'm thinking about working after school at the daycare with Adri but I'm not sure yet."

"Speaking of, where is Adriana? She hasn't been here in a long time."

The rest of us looked around at a few of the empty chairs at the table and ate our food silently, not wanting to address the elephant in the room.

Dakota and Adri were obviously still dating but she was kind of in the same boat as Nia. Very snappy, short tempered. This is normal for her but she's been especially distant these past few months.

There's been some sort of issue between her and Dakota that just doesn't sit right with me. They act fine but you can obviously tell there's a deeper issue.

"Jesus. Well what about you Jamila? You still considering working down at the law firm as a paralegal? We'd love to have you."

I smiled. "Yeah, I'm thinking about it. I'd be close to home, it pays well, and I'd get some insight on the legal side of literature so I'm really considering it."

Mom nodded as she ate more of her gumbo. Which, might I add, is fucking delicious.

Jalen smiled at me in pride and kissed my cheek. "I'm so proud of you." He mumbled.

"Thanks," I whispered. We turned our attention back to my mom as she slapped Dakota's arm since he was sitting right beside her.

"And how's everything going down at the studio? You still beat-boxing?"

I choked on my gumbo as we all laughed at my mother's words. Dakota smacked his teeth and frowned at her antics.

"First of all, I don't beat-box. I'm a sound engineer. Second of all, I'll be sure to put you in my next diss track."