Aura

Prolouge- Laylani

Time felt like it would pause every 10 seconds and stand still for a minute and then continue. The ball in my throat had felt semi-permanent and often stopped me from speaking at all. My whole body felt heavy and my heart was down at my feet. In all reality, it felt like it left my body when she left the earth.

The plane touched down in JFK at 7 pm. The lights of New York illuminated the gigantic city. A view I was used to from all the summers spent with my father. I made my way off the plane and towards baggage claim. As soon as my feet left the escalator I spotted my father and I felt my eyes swell. I took my time walking over as I saw him addressing Karina and Myasia in a firm way. Dianna was the first person to make eye contact with me. She quickly tapped on my father's shoulders taking his attention away from my sisters. As soon as the little ones spotted me they ran towards my direction and latched on to me. A pang of happiness tugged at my heart as I embraced the two.

"Lay! Is it true? Is it true? You're staying with us FOREVER?" Myasia asked as she hugged me tightly around my thighs. I patted her thick hair as I held Karina in my hands and blessed her with kisses all over her chubby cheeks. Tears started to fall from my eyes and I tried to hide it through my hug with Karina.

My father and Dianna approached shortly after. Dianna took Karina from my hands and kissed my cheek. She hugged me tightly and wiped my tear away with her thumb. My father stood taking in the image waiting for my arms to be free.

"I'm glad you're here baby girl," My father took me in his arms towering over me with his 6'4 build and his brolic statcher. He kissed my forehead and held me tightly. The tears released into his coat as I started to sob uncontrollably. "Everything is gonna be okay baby girl, I promise."

•••

We made our way back to Brooklyn in my dad's BMW. Myasia and Karina filled the car with happiness as they were ecstatic at the news that I would be staying for good. Their innocence truly made my heart warm despite everything. Myasia was 6 years old and truly a beauty and a genius. She was so smart and noble she appeared to be 10 at times. Karina was 3 and very quiet. She didn't speak much unless she was speaking to someone in the immediate family. I wasn't sure what my father had told them but I was sure he didn't tell them anything that would damage their young minds to much.

"You hungry Lay?" My father asked me as we all stepped out the car in front of the apartment. Food had been the last thing on my mind lately. I couldn't stomach much of an appetite but I knew I needed to eat.

"Not right now," I responded softly. Dianna came around the back of the car as she unbuckled Karina and Myasia's carseat. She put her arm on my shoulder and squeezed me tight.

"Wait till you see your room." Her smile brightened the mood and for the first time since she died I didn't feel so alone. The doorman opened one of the two doors for us and we all proceeded through. As we took the elevator to the 3rd floor with my bags in hand , I took in the familiar ambiance. I didn't know how I felt.

My dad unlocked the door and we all walked in the house behind him. The girls zoomed past and ran upstairs calling my name to follow. My father placed my bags down and pointed towards them urging me to go with my sisters. I followed them up the freshly vacuumed carpeted steps and they waited impatiently outside of the room I slept in during the summers.

"You weadyyyyy to see it. Mommy and daddy worked so hard. It's sooo pwetty!" Karina explained. I pushed open the door and a smile ran across my face. The walls had went from a tangy orange to a nice turquoise blue. My twin bed had doubled to a queen with a beautiful black and white bed set and frame. There were already pictures on the wall and a desk in the corner with a brand new MacBook Pro waiting to be opened. The closets were empty because the fed ex truck wouldn't arrive with my stuff until tomorrow but I was still grateful.

The apparent effort they were making was heart warming. I turned around to see my father and Diana at the door and I turned to hug them both.

"Thank you so much. It means a lot. I love you two." I kissed Dianna quickly on her cheek and hugged my dad in gratitude.

"You been through a lot my girl. Enjoy it..." My fathers deep dark eyes looked into mine as I could tense the sorrow in his heart as well. He quickly looked away trying to mask the emotions. "Okay girls, it's time for bed. Say goodnight  to your sister."

"Goodnight sissy... I'll see you tomorrow and the next day and the next day...and--"

"Asia," Dianna scolded and they both exited the room after goodnight kisses.

I slipped off my Gamma Blue 11's before I laid on the bed face towards the ceiling. My mother was gone but in a way she wasn't. I could feel her presence. I knew if she was here she would be telling me not to be sad, because she's always here.