Book Two.
Arielle Thompson and Raheem Small, who grew up together in Slys Village, find themselves in an unexpected twist of fate as they both attend a family reunion after many years. Childhood enemies, their relationship was marred by Raheem's hur...
The midday sun beat down as we loaded the last suitcase into the rented car. The atmosphere was filled with a mix of anticipation and sadness, as Arielle prepared to embark on a journey of unknown duration.
I leaned against the car, exhaling a puff of smoke from the spliff clenched between my fingers. Anxiety gripped me, I'm not use to this feeling at all. Saying goodbye was never easy, especially when faced with the uncertainty of when we'd be back together. My gaze shifted to Angel, cradled in Ricardo's arms holding her so Brianna could play with her.
Arielle and Anna exchanged heartfelt goodbyes, both were whispering to each other with tears which causer me to chuckle a little at the dramatics. Ricardo held Angel, creating a brief haven for her to interact with Brianna and Caleb, who wanted to play with her. Brianna had always been infatuated with the baby and usually spent the whole time playing with her whenever they were together.
A cloud of contemplation settled over me as I took a drag from the spliff. How do you prepare yourself for the absence of the person you've grown so close to? I don't know. I will admit I feel a little way about it but at the end it's her decision so I'm just following her lead. The familiar scent of marijuana mingled with the bittersweet aroma of farewell.
After what felt like an eternity, the goodbyes concluded. Ricardo strapped Angel into her car seat, and Arielle settled into the passenger seat. I took the wheel after telling them I'd be back in a few hours, the engine roared to life, and we began the journey, the rented car slicing through the streets of Kingston heading to the toll.
As we approached the toll, Arielle's fingers danced across her phone screen seeming to call somebody.
"Hey Aunty Paula, we just got on the toll and heading towards May Pen now," she said.
