Living The Life

Chapter 26

1 week later

Riah P.O.V

The funeral came quick, Tara hadn't been doing much crying lately. AJ kept her sane for the most part. Mina's funeral was beyond packed! It was very emotional, because Mina was well loved. Tara held it together all up until Mina's mom, Justice, got up to speak. "I wanna stand up here and tell y'all that Amina was a straight A student, and that she was a cheerleader with a football player boyfriend. But that wasn't my Mina at all!" Justice began. Tara burst out into tears. Shaneka and Simone rubbed her shoulders. "Amina was a free spirit, my little rebel. And she loved her some Tara!" Justice said motioning for Tara to come up.

Tara walked up to Justice and broke completely down in her arms. "Tara was all she talked about! I remember when she first came out to me, it was 2 years ago. She was 16, her and Tara came in my room and sat me down. She said 'Mama I'm gay' just like that. I burst out laughing and her face turned so red, she thought I was taking her as a joke but I already knew!" Justice smiled and pulled Tara closer. "After her father died she went down a dark path, drugs, drinking and God knows what else! I knew the day she left home I wasn't never gone see my baby again" Justice paused as the tears flowed freely. "She walked in my room and hugged me like she never wanted to let go. She said 'Mama you know I love you! You my heart, do me a favor and straighten out my room for me' and I looked at her like she was crazy. Y'all know I don't play that!" Justice said smiling through the tears. That got a few chuckles out of the crowd. "She had been gone no more than 15 minutes and I decided to go in her room. And of course it was organized, bit there was two letters on the bed. One addressed to me and one addressed to you" Justice said pointing at Tara. Tara wiped her tears and looked Justice in the eyes as she handed Tara a letter and the chain Mina never took off. Tara shook her head but Justice whispered something in her ear and made her take it.

Tara P.O.V

After the funeral I needed to be away from everybody. I wanted to read the letter but I don't think I'm mentally ready. I sparked up a blunt and began to ease my mind. I still can't believe Mina gone. I just began to wonder what if I just would've stuck it out, never gave AJ the time of day. But then I pushed those thoughts out of my head. AJ was the only thing good in my life right now! I finished my blunt and mustered up the courage to read Mina's letter.

Tara,
I know I ain't been the best girlfriend but I never expected to lose you. I ain't been the same since them niggas took my pops from us! I just want you to be happy, ain't no sense of tearing you down with me. I don't want you to think none of this is your fault cause it's not. I'm just ready to see my pops again. know that I love you with everything in me. You're my first everything! Do me a favor and take care of momma for me, I know she hurting. Let my baby know I ain't hurting no more and I'm happy. You wipe them tears that's rolling down them pretty cheeks. I'm watching over you beautiful, keep that chain and think of me.
Love,
Amina (Your first love)

Tears fell from my eyes but I smiled. I gripped Mina's chain. I put the letter back in the envelope and another small on fell out. I picked it up and there was a key inside.

P.S
Take this key and unlock the chest in my room.

I hopped up and rushed to find AJ. "Take me to Mina's house" I said and then walked out to his car. I gave no explanation just sat there. We pulled up and I hopped out. I knocked on the door and Mrs. Justice answered. "I showed her the note and we rushed to Mina's room. I unlocked the chest and there were two book bags with notes attached that simply said 'Tara' and 'Momma'. I grabbed the one that was addressed to me and almost fainted. It was a bag full of money!

Picture of Tara!