Write About Me

Chapter Twenty-Five: Moral of Phabiola Fenty

May 30th, 2007 - Harlem, New York

Phabiola Fenty.

"I just can't believe this!" My mother sniffled.

"Mom, c'mon don't cry! I'm just graduating. It's not the end of the world." I giggled, walking into the bathroom.

"But, my little girl is valedictorian of her class. That's such an accomplishment." My mom followed me to the doorway.

I shook my head, applying makeup to my face. In the short course of the black eyeliner and shimmery shadow, I put on my gloss hearing photos being snapped of me.

"Seriously mom?!" I shouted in a sarcastic tone.

"Memories! Your family can't be here, when I leave today they'll be able to see what happened today." My mom complained.

I sighed to her. An entire year. Two years since his death. I've done a one-eighty. I got right back to writing, it's hard to catch me without my notebook. I got a full scholarship to NYU. All my saving could help pay off Raul's store. I've also heard that there's a fund Chris left to me for college. Once I found out about it I shook my head lightly smiling at the typical Christopher move. How I prayed my baby enjoys himself up with the Angels. When we meet again, I'll be sure to voice it all. Namaste.

"Okay, well can I finish putting my clothes on first?" I questioned rather smartly.

My mom sucked her teeth, making her way out of my hair. I tucked my bob cut hair behind my ears, slipping into this flowy white cocktail dress. It reminded me of Marilyn Monroe. I never really wore dresses. But, I had to represent myself today. As well for my class. No way I'd walk in with my baggy Tommy jeans on. Slipping into my wedges that matched the dress color perfectly. Standing up, I twirled and gave my mother a little over the show action for the camera. She looked so content. I knew that sending her home would make her happy. Something I've always cared about more. Her happiness. Although she had superstition as for me about my father being there, something tells me there will be protection for her there.

"All this time your wasting on my photos, are you ready?" I questioned, putting on my white gown and cap, making sure the tassel wasn't flipped to the opposite side.

My eyes met hers to see more tears welling up.

"Mom-"

"You look beautiful..you did it Phabiola." My mother whispered. "You'd be the first female in our family to go to college." She brought her index finger to the brims of her eyes.

"Mom, please I'm going to mess up my makeup." I fanned my eyes as I began to get a bit misty.

"He's watching you, y'know? Just imagine as if he's out there in the crowd. Smiling at you. Saying ' you did it 'lil bit, you did it!' And I beside him nodding in agreeance." My mother walked her way over to me, cupping my left cheek.

"Mom."

"C'mon baby, Austin and Trey are waiting downstairs with Keeis and them." She grabbed my hand pulling me towards the door.

"Wa-wa-wa-wait! I gotta get my speech!" I ran towards the bed, grabbing my folded notebook paper.

"Now, I'm ready." I smiled at my mother.

She led the way after locking up. Making it outside to Austin's cramped car. I had to sit on my mom's lap. But I wouldn't trade it for the world.

"How's it feel graduate?" Austin pulled off, glancing back before returning his focus to the road.

I smiled ear to ear without trying. It feels like it too forever and a day for this one to come. It's a big stage in my life. After I walk across this stage, I'm no longer a little girl. I'm a young lady. Transforming into a woman. Things would be better if Chris were here. But, they always say you appreciate things the most when they're taken from you. Somehow, I feel as if he'll be there with me. I can feel his presence in the car, and it was peaceful. My nerves were on end. Yet I remain so stoic. It seems as if time flew from right under me as we arrived at the arena where graduation would be held. I had to be early, so therefore so did everyone else. Opening the car door I climbed from our the claustrophobic car.