Do or Die

03.

//Chris

I smiled listening to everyone sing Happy Birthday to me as I sat at the table. I looked around at all the people circled around me and I couldn't help but to feel like a little kid again. I was blessed to make it another year, since a lot of niggas my age hadn't.

I blew out the candles on my cake and everyone started clapping and cheering. Zonnique softly kissed my cheek and started cutting me a slice of cake. My mom came from around the corner with Carter in one arm and a small box in the other. She sat the box in front of me and patted my shoulder.

"Happy birthday baby boy." She kissed the top of my head.

"Momma you know you didn't have to get me no gift. I turned 22, not 5." I chuckled, opening the box.

Opening the box, I saw a watch. I took it out and looked at it, seeing that my name was engraved on it. My momma had an "ok" job and I know she had to save up to get me something like this. I stood up from the table and wrapped my arms around her small body, hugging her tightly.

"Don't squeeze me too tight now Chris." She laughed. "You know I'm old."

"I really appreciate this momma." I said while placing the watch on my wrist.

"You're welcome. I just thought I'd get you something nice since I wasn't able to get you anything last year." She explained. "I'm just glad you like it."

"I love it." I looked over the watch again. "How much was this?"

"Chris that doesn't matter." She shook her head. "Don't even worry about it."

I sighed and stuck my hand down in my pocket, pulling out a wad of cash. I took the rubber band from around it and started counting out some to give to her. Her face turned into a shocked look before she pulled me into the kitchen away from everyone. She looked at me with a serious look before snatching the money out of my hand.

"What is this Christopher?" She said angrily.

"Money ma." I took it back from her. "What's the problem?"

"I've never seen you with this much money before." She eyed me. "Where'd you get it from?"

"I been working momma." I answered. "Please tell me what the big deal is."

"The big deal!?" She raised her voice, catching the attention of a few people in the other room. "Chris you've never had a job good enough to get you this money. Be honest with me."

"I am!" I ran my hand down the side of my face. "Just take the money momma. I saw the letter on the table so I know you need it. Just take it."

"What's going on in here?" Zonnique came in, looking back and forth between me and my mom. "We could hear yelling.."

"Nothing honey." My momma sighed before passing Carter to Nique. "I'm gonna go in the back.. I'm not feeling too well."

She kissed Carter before going down the hall towards her room. Zonnique looked at me with a confused look and I shrugged my shoulders, leaving out of the kitchen.