The Skin I'm In: New Problems, Old Scars (Urban Fiction)

Chapter 23

(Kalifa)

"Are you ready?" Vince asked while I sat in their living room. "Why am I even asking that? Why? Yesterday it was all good and now it seems like the closer the hour gets, the tighter my chest gets."

"I know dad, but we have to be strong for Heaven and Michele." I replied. Michele had been in bed all week, crying and starving herself.

"I know, but when will someone be strong for me?" He wiped a fallen tear and stood just as Michele entered the room.

"I'm ready." Her voice cracked.

It feels like D-Day.

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"Hey baby." Kalvin pulled me into a hug a kissed my forehead. "I love you so much daughter."

"Thank you Kalvin." I smiled.

"Hey beautiful. You know we're here for you. We will get whatever you need." Asandra joined.

"I know. Thank you." She reached for Heaven and I stepped away. "Right now, I really need her." She nod her head and kissed my daughters fingertips.

Just then Kalvin Jr, Sofia, Kareem and shockingly Kaleena walked into the room.

"Now look, today is not the day for any bull-" I started, looking directly at Kaleena.

"I'm sorry Kalifa... For everything. At the end of the day, you're my sister and I need to be here for you." She embraced me awkwardly and pulled back. I stayed silent because I honestly didn't have a word to say.

"We're only here for support K, let's keep our differences aside. All love here." Kareem hugged me as well.

At that point, I lost my composure. It was like the levers broke loose and hurricane Katrina hit. This moment, I realized that I've gained so much even with losing the love of my life.

I don't have to be so strong that I can't hurt. I've held so much in that I've literally reached my breaking point. This is why I'm grateful for my family, they're the ones holding me up.

"Ok, we have an hour to say our goodbyes, an hour that we should not take for granted. So let's get to it." Vince spoke.

We entered into his room and it seemed as of he was dead already. There was no life, no joy, no peace, just death. Michele nearly fainted before she could reach Ve'Quell's bedside. Vince continuously wiped his tears in hopes that they'd stop and I just stood there.

I had no more tears to cry, no more strength to cry, I felt nothing. It was like I was sleep walking, looking at myself outside of my body. I saw myself caress his face, kiss his lips for the last time but in reality I just stood there.

"Wow, I remember when I was pregnant with you Q, you were the worst fetus I've ever met. I just didn't understand how a baby could be so evil." She sniffed and ran her fingers thru his hair.

"I had morning sickness for the entire nine months, I craved weird things like pig feet with mustard, pickles with sugar rice. Eww. I gained over 50 pounds, my poor edges fell out and everything. I swear I wanted five children, but after your pregnancy and the most horrible 32 hours in labor, I was done. I wanted to throw you away as soon as you popped out." She laughed hysterically, laughter is good for the soul.