Independence

fifteen'

Leilani Marie Johnson
23
March 2023
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"Toota wake up" I watched as Azariah jumped on the bed trying to wake Kamari up. Today is Toota's 17th Birthday and I'm beyond happy that it's on a Saturday cause I have a lot planned for him.

"Toota" she laid up under him while tapping him as I sat on the edge watching them with a smile. My two reasons for living.

"Hmm...what's wrong mamas" he mumbled as he slowly opened his eyes before looking at me and back at Azariah.

"Happy Birthday Toota. I love you sooooo much" Azariah hugged him as he smiled big wrapping his arms around her as she placed kisses on his cheek making him chuckle.

"Happy Birthday my oldest baby. You getting big on me man. I'm so proud of the young man you have grown to be and remember that I always love you okay" I spoke looking at him as he smiled and hugged me tight.

"Thank you ma, for everything and I love you more" he spoke before we pulled away and I kissed his forehead.

"Alright, hygiene than you come downstairs for breakfast. We got a lot to do today boy" I picked Azariah up before walking out of his room and closing the door behind me.

I walked into my room grabbing my phone before making my way downstairs with Azariah on my back.

"Girl you getting heavy" I joked tickling her as she giggle squirming on my back. My phone started ringing making me look down and see Isaiah's name across the screen.

Bubby🤍🤭
Incoming FaceTime....

"Goodmornin' beautiful" Isaiah popped up in the screen making me grin.

"Hi Daddy!" Azariah yelled enthusiastically, looking over my shoulder once she heard his voice.

"Goodmornin' daddy's princess, how'd you sleep?" He replied with the same energy while I placed her on the counter and passed her my phone before walking off to finish setting the table.

"I slept good. Mommy's making breakfast for Toota, it's my brother's birthday today da" a smile graced my lips listening to her speak.

"That's good. I know baby, I'm on my way there right now" I heard him say while I watched as she grinned into the camera.

"Okay dada, I see you when you get here?" she spoke in a questioning tone and he chuckled before nodding his head.

"Yes princess. Whea' yo' mama at, give her the phone"

"Hello" I smiled in the camera watching as he glanced between me and the road.

"Hey sexy. I'm like 5 minutes away, you need anything?"

"No papa we're good. Thank you"

"Ight. I'll see ya'll in a few."

We spoke for a little bit before saying our goodbyes and hanging up just as Toota walked down the stairs towards the table where Azariah was already sitting at.

"Ouu, it smell good asl in hea' ma" He rubbed his hands together as I smiled placing his plate along with Azariah's infront if them.

The plates consists of eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes and fruits with grits on the side.

"Let's pray....dear lord, we come before you today to thank you for the gift of waking us up this morning. I thank you for blessing me with my son Kamari, who turned 17 today. I ask that you guide and protect him and that you keep him on the right path, Father God i ask that you always be with him and grant him the strength that he needs to get through every day. In Jesus name, Amen." I finished praying hearing them both say amen before we started eating.