Honey Child

7

Skylar

I sat at the dining room table next to my sister. My eyes felt tired as I watched my mom set the boxes of Chinese food on the table. Genevieve smacked Raymond's hand as he tried to grab a box of rice, "We haven't said grace yet."

I wanted to roll my eyes but turned to Benny who sat quietly, "How has volunteering been?"

"Good."

"Just good huh? Benny didn't tell you he wants to help with the block party this year?" Genevieve smiled rubbing Benny's shoulder.

My mom, Pamela, clapped her hands, "I'm so happy for you Benny. It's better than running off with them juveniles."

"Momma." Genevieve gave her a smug look.

Genevieve was still embarrassed by her son. Benny shrunk in his seat. I felt bad for him, we were similar in a way. The black sheep of the family. I stayed quiet knowing that I'd be chastized if I said anything. 

I ignored them and licked my lips. Grabbing my phone I checked my notifications. No texts or calls from Malachi. Sighing I placed my phone down. He'd call me eventually, right? Momma sat down at the head of the table and held her hands out.

We silently followed clasping our hands for grace. Momma cleared her throat, "Lord, thank you for this food we are about to receive. Let it nourish our bodies and feed us all in Christ's name. Amen."

Our 'amens' murmured through the space as we opened the steaming food. 

"How was Chicago? You never told me how it went." Gen asked filling Raymond's plate with beef, rice, and broccoli. 

"Wait you went to Chicago?" Momma's heavy voice cut in as she eyed me at the end of the table. 

"Yeah," I said shrugging and stuffing my mouth with more lo mein. 

"Benny go turn the television off for your grandmother please," Momma asked him as she turned back to me. 

"So what's all this about Chicago?" Momma asked waiting for my response.

When I continued eating and didn't respond I looked at Benny as he stood in front of the television confused. She followed my gaze watching him stand dumbfounded. 

My mom cleared her throat, "Now, Benny!"

"It's Auntie!" He shouted turning towards us.

"What?" I questioned as he turned up the volume and the familiar song filled my ears.

I swung myself out of the chair moving towards the television with blurry eyes. It was me. The music video had come out so quickly. I gasped seeing the close-ups of me dancing. It was beautiful the way my body moved in sync with the music. 

"Damn, Auntie," Benny whispered as the video finished.

"I hope you got paid for that," Genevieve said crossing her arms.

~

"I'm telling you the video was sick as hell," I told Ryan as we walked around the fashion district with shopping bags.

I had just received my first payment for the music video. And it was only right that I take myself shopping. Ryan laughed pulling me close, "You did great. That video went viral too."

"I say we hit the club tonight. Celebrate. Do something." I rambled as we crossed the street together.

"Before we do all that, I need to go to Dior," Ryan said pulling me the other way.

"Okay. Sure." I stopped in my tracks seeing him.

"What?" Ryan asked following my gaze.

Even on a busy street, I could still make out Malachi in his dark suit. He almost took my breath away. He hadn't noticed me yet but my heart nearly broke when he opened his SUV truck revealing the prettiest girl I had ever seen.

"No fucking way," Ryan whispered as we watched the scene unfold. 

This must've been the woman his father was bragging about. I could see the appeal. She was thin and white. As he closed the car door his eyes met mine. I gasped lowly wanting to erase myself from existence. 

A car horn took me out of my trance of Malachi. I turned away from him as his head turned toward us. I pulled Ryan away from the stores dragging her to the next block. I avoided the crystal clear see-through windows of the designer shops as my eyes blurred. 

Authors Note:

this is a half-ass draft omg

not proofread

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