I tossed the papers on the coffee table and rested my head in my hands. I could feel tears burning the back of my eyes but I refused to let them fall.
Bills , bills , bills. That's what my problem was. Raising two kids and working a minimum wage job isn't the easiest.
Maliki is 17 and Adriana is 15, I always wanted to get my kids out of the hood but the way it's looking I won't be able to that. Over the years the neighborhood has gotten worse.
My dad still lives in his old house and Mook moved into his own house with his and Liana's three kids. Elijah has his condo and is taking care of his baby momma and son.
My dad and everybody offers me money but I refuse, I don't want people thinking I'm some type of Charity case, but I do let them help with the kids phone bills. As far as the clothes and shoes I keep my baby's with the best no matter what.
"You okay ma" Maliki asked walking into the house.
"Yeah I'm good" I picked up the papers putting them back in the envelope.
He closed the screen door locking it then left the other door open since it was hot outside.
"I'm here if you wanna talk" He kissed my forehead before walking into the kitchen.
He reminded me so much of Javaris from the looks , the way he dressed , talked , his personality, just everything. He was a spitting image of his father.
I got up walking to the screen door as I heard Adriana and her friends walking towards the house. I raised my eyebrow leaning against the door.
"Hey momma" She smiled. "Hey Ms. London" Her friends greeted.
"Hey" I replied back "Adriana get in this house" I cut my eyes at her.
"Bye y'all" She mumbled walking in the house.
"Be safe out here" I said to them.
"We will" They said in unison.
"Sit down" I said sternly to Adriana.
She rolled her eyes walking to the couch and sat down.
"Maliki get in here"
He came in drinking a water bottle and sat down next to Adriana.
"Why I keep getting phone calls from y'all school" I asked looking between both of them.
"I don't know what your talking about" Adriana shrugged.
"Stop fucking playing with me" I raised my voice "Your failing three classes Adriana and your acting out in class, your not stupid Adriana you are smart as hell don't put it to waste. And if you don't get your grades up you ain't gone have no phone, Tv, you will be sitting in this house till your 18 and I'm gone beat your ass"
"I understand" She mumbled looking down.
"And why the fuck haven't you been going to school" I said to Maliki "You leave this house every morning but your not going to school so where the fuck you be at"
"I...umm" He scratched his head.
"You be in these streets" I smacked the side of his head, answering my own question.
"I'm just trynna help you with the bills my I'm tired of seeing you struggle" He raised his voice.
"If you end up dead or come up missing how is that gonna help me Maliki" I yelled at him "I told you multiple times that I don't want you in these streets"
"But m-"
"Ain't no buts Maliki, We lost y'all father because of these streets and I don't want to loose neither one of you because of that same reason" I yelled as I felt tears burning the back of my eyes.
They both sat quiet looking down.
"Don't leave this house" I said walking to my bedroom as tears rolled down my face.
