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The passing of Kali's mother brought him out of his peaceful solitude. In all honesty, his mother was the only one he kept in contact with. She kept her illness a secret because, like Kali, she didn't want to burden anyone with her issues. Although Kali didn't want to return to his hometown, he had no choice in the matter; he wanted to be there for his late mother's homegoing. When Kali came to the funeral, everyone was shocked to see him, and they were in for an even bigger shock to discover that he wasn't alone.
Jabari was more than shocked to see his lover. It had been years, and Kali's disappearance weighed heavily on him. It's unfortunate that it took Kali's return for Jabari to open his eyes. Although he was indeed in love with his wife, the two found themselves arguing more and more as the days passed. If not for his kids, they would have divorced a long time ago. Now, he longed for his one true love.
All it took was one look at the small boy in Kali's arms for Jabari to know that he was his child. He wasn't severely upset to learn he had another child he didn't even know existed until now. How could Kali keep his child away from him?
Shortly after the funeral, Jabari saw his lover speed walking out of the church, and he quite literally chased after him. Jabari felt a string of emotions; he was furious at Kali when the latter acted as though he didn't want to see him. In Kali's mind, his ex-lover hadn't changed personality-wise; he could recall Jabari's selfish ways—if it wasn't his way, then it was no way.
After the argument, two weeks passed, and they finally agreed to talk for the sake of their child.
**Jabari's POV**
As I took in the sight of the smaller male who sat elegantly in front of me, I could say with certainty that time had done him well. He was beautiful back then, but now he has this glow that draws me back in. Nothing could have prepared me for him to pop up, and with my child, at that.
"So when were you going to tell me I had a kid?" I spoke, breaking the silence.
With a tired sigh, Kali replied, "I was going to wait until he was old enough. I would never rob him of seeing his dad," Kali said.
"No, Kali, that's not right. I don't give a damn about what happened between us; you don't pull a stunt like that," I said angrily.
"What was it you told me back then when I asked if you wanted to have kids? What did you say?" Kali asked.
"Man, I was a kid back then, and I was down low. You can't fault me for feeling that way, Kali," I answered.
"Not only did you ignore me for almost a month, but you also went off on me over one simple question. I have every right to keep my baby to myself. Kamari wasn't going to grow up as your dirty little secret. One would think you changed, but I still see the boy who would do anything to keep people from finding out he liked men. You can either step up now and be the man my child needs you to be, or you can kiss that father-son relationship goodbye. The second I get on that plane will be the last time you see him, if I have any say in it," he said.
I couldn't muster up a response. I had to set my pride aside and admit Kali was right.
After what felt like forever, I finally spoke, "Look, Kali, I know things haven't been good between us, but please don't take him away from me. Let me get to know my son. I know you probably don't want a relationship with me, but please allow me to be there for him," I said genuinely.
"You're right. I was in love with you, but not anymore. I burned that bridge a long time ago. You only get one chance, Jabari, so don't make me regret it," he said, standing up and giving me a knowing look.
As his small frame left my sight, I knew I had to step up and change. I understood that Kali was serious, and I couldn't afford any slip-ups.
