Man...sometimes I really wasn't sure what I was doing with my life, but one thing for sure if I was gonna enjoy the ride. Here I was doing the family thing at Six Flags with my mom, Mr. Will, Suki, and Sincere. Everything was going so well though, I was surprised, but I'm sure this was fate. "So...for a while there I was getting worried about you young man, but I'm proud of the decisions you have been making." Mr. Will said as we both looked over at Suki, moms, and Sincere at this ride waiting for Sincere to get on. "I appreciate that. I probably really needed to hear that. I know to a degree I disappointed you and I'm sorry for that." I said as I looked him in the eye. "Naw, you didn't disappoint me. You exhibited some disappointing behavior but you were also dealing with your own grief. Grief changes people and for that, you should never feel indifferent about that. It was the losing yourself part that was disturbing. All your life you've always been unapologetically you and to see you become a lesser version of yourself. You threw yourself into the bottle and then started acting irrationally. I never witnessed you like that, so it almost came to me pink slipping you. And I'd never want to do you like that, but to save you, there's nothing in this world that I wouldn't do Justin. I love you like you're biologically mine, blood couldn't make us any closer, so when it was happening to you, I felt like it was happening to me as well." To hear them words really gave me something to reflect on. "I love you too. I know it had to be hard to watch because it was hard for me to show my face at that point. I feel like I still probably haven't truly gotten past my grief but I found better ways to cope I guess. But I know I've always had you all for support and without you, I don't know where I'd be. But thanks for not giving up on me." I told him. "I'd never!" he said and that meant a lot to me. I know I'm not the easiest person to be around or even love but I definitely had people that love the fuck out of me. "So Suki seems like a really nice girl." he said and I could do laugh, I knew this was coming. "She is. I wasn't sure what to expect at first but she's really been holding me down." I admitted. "It seems like that may be working both ways. Her son seems to really like you." I nodded at that because it does seem like he instantly took to me. "That's good. You and I both know how fragile of a situation it can be when you're dealing with someone who has a child. It's not just about y'all, he's a big part of the equation. I see you're taking that on quite well." "Yeah...she let it be known from day 1 that he came first. I respect that. But I knew we couldn't continue on with her without seeing if Sincere and I would mesh." I told him. "You did the right thing. I commend you for realizing that and for putting in the effort, that's half the battle for real." he told me. "But remember this, the things you do from this forward, you're also instilling in him. I always felt like it was important for you to see the right man loving your mom, so you knew how to properly love a woman. Same for him. Not saying there won't be bumps in the road or obstacles to overcome, but be mindful of what you subject him to." "That's the scary part. Like my bipolar been under control, but what if I..." "You're human Jay. You'll have good and bad days and he'll know that. But what's important is what you tell him about those moments. You don't have to be perfect, you just have to be real. That's all. We're not here to fake perfection, we are here to be ourselves. Don't put any more pressure on yourself. You got this!" he reassured me as the ladies and Sincere were walking back over to us. Sincere was smiling so big. "You know Sincere you're looking like the cat that ate the canary." We all started laughing and he looked a little confused. "It's that big koolaid grin we always talk about." Suki said and he smiled bigger. "You having fun lil man?" I asked him. "Yes Mr. J!" he said as he gave me a high five. "My dude! You hungry?" I asked him as I picked him up. "Yes!" he said way too quickly. "So what sounds like it would be good?" My mom asked him. "Hmm....a burger." he said. "Okay, burgers it is. Let's go find us a spot." My mom said as we started to look around for a spot. "You want me to take him?" Suki asked me. "Naw I got him." I told her as I grabbed her hand. We found a little spot that sold burgers and fries. I had took them to a table to get them settled and me and my mom went to place the orders. She kept smiling at me the walk up. "What's on your mind mama?" I asked her. "I think I like her for you. This is a different you than I've been seeing." she said. "You think so?" I asked her. "Listen, I try my hardest not to be overbearing, but after that whole fiasco after your last relationship, you had me worried. But you seem more calm and level-headed. She's supportive and sweet. And that boy is so adorable. You did good." she said to me. "I got taste, don't I?" I said as we both laughed and she hit me in my arm. "Boy stop it! She's gorgeous and has a really good heart from what I can tell. Much better than your little play things you had in and out of your bed." she said as she smacked the back of my head and we both laughed. "That ship sailed. I'm becoming the man you raised me to be." I told her and she smiled.
YOU ARE READING
The Unusual Suspects Book 2
General FictionThe story of 6 inner city young adults, all from different walks of life, from different areas, and conquering different hardships. Watch how school, family, drugs, lies, the streets, and love bring them together and rip them apart
