A Detroit Love Thang 3

Later That Night

Chico kicked Lola out that night but that didn't stop her hustle, she always knew how to get back up. She made her way into the sex trade and stripping business and got back on top. Lozella made her way to Pretty Women, the strip club she part-owned with her mom. She walked to her office, taking out her wine bottle, and pouring herself some wine, downing it like water. She needed time to let everything she'd just learned sink in. She poured herself another drink, this time sipping slowly. She heard a knock on the door.

"Come in." A light-skinned, average sized woman walked in.

"Trina, you supposed to be on stage."

"Yeah I know but first I just wanted to bring you this card. It's from the girls. We're sorry for your loss." Lozella took the card, smiling a little.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome." Trina was one of the best strippers Lozella had at the club. She brought in a lot of money and was fine as hell. She had long red loose curly hair. She wasn't fat but she wasn't skinny. She was a red bone with nice breasts. Everybody was after her in the club but Lozella never had to worry about her jumping out of line. She was also a lesbian.

*****

The Next Day

"You ready to go see grandma?" Niles says to Ariana.

"Yes!" she says, excited as usual. Niles opened the door as Ariana let herself out of her car seat. They got out of the car, closing the door then walking into the cemetery going straight to Tori's grave. Ariana bent down with her knees on the grass, touching Tori's headstone.

"Tell your grandma how you start school today," Niles instructed.

"Can she hear me?"

"Of course she can. She can hear you wherever you are." Ariana smiled looking at her headstone again.

"Well, I start my first day of school and I can't wait! I'mma have lots and lots of friends."

"Say your ABCs for your grandma."

"Oh yeah, guess what grandma? I can say my ABCs too! A, B, C . . ." Niles listened as Ariana said her ABC's, happy that she understands her grandma isn't alive but that she could still talk to her. He loved that she seemed as close to her dead grandma as she was to her grandma that was alive. She probably does see her spirit. Anytime he can he will come see his mom or bring Ariana to see her.

"Daddy, was grandma tall like you in real life?"

"No, she was short."

"Do she have blue eyes like you and me?"

"Yes she does. Baby, everything you see on her picture is how she looked in real life." Niles laughed.

"Do you miss her?"

"Yeah I do, a lot. But she's doing better where she is now."

"You mean in heaven?" Ariana continued to question her father.

"Yeah, in heaven." Ariana went over to hug her daddy. Niles picked Ariana up taking her back to the car.

"Time to head to school." Alicia had waited inside the car for them.

After getting themselves situated inside the car, Niles made his way to Edison Elementary School. Ariana became nervous seeing they were at her school.

"You ready?" Alicia asked her.

"No!" Ariana frowned up. "I'm scared."

"Baby it's ok to be nervous. I'm sure everybody in there feels the same. Just think about all the friends you'll make and all the toys you'll be able to play with. Remember how we finger paint at home?" Ariana nodded her head with a smile. "You'll do loads of that at school, plus more. You'll be able to do your ABCs and 123's with your class and everything. Everything is going to be alright sweety." Alicia smiled, tickling Ariana a little. Ariana lightened up a bit. Unbuckling herself as Niles opened the door, she ran up to the door.

"Slow down little girl, "Niles says, rushing up to her, as did Alicia. They both walked inside getting Ariana situated in class.