The Come Up

Chapter 25 - Back to the City

The black mercedes pulls up right in front of my house in Brownsville. I was so happy to be home, everything looked the same. I know I've only been gone for a few months but it felt like so much longer. 

Many familiar eyes were pinned to the sleek black car. 

Mama ran out of the house screaming. 

"My baby! Oh ma God, I missed you so much!" She pulls me into a tight hug, my head squished on her chest. I hug back tightly, taking in her familiar scent and softness. I hug so hard, I don't think I will ever let go. 

Big sets down my suitcase and I introduce him to Mom. He politely greets her then says his goodbyes to me. I go in for a hug and he hugs me briefly. 

"Have a great break, kid. You deserve it." He says smiling. 

"You too, Big. Don't miss me too much." I say rolling my suitcase into my yeard and through my gates. 

"I can only try." He laughs as he climbs into the car and drives off. He beeps twice and I wave goodbye. 

"Let me help you with that." Mom says taking my suitcase. She kisses me on the cheek and I sigh, happy. I go up the stairs to the front door and turn the knob to open it for her. The house is completely dark. 

When I open it fully, the lights flash on and confetti shoots out from somewhere and I jump at the loud. 

"SURPRISE!" 

Trisha runs up to me and grabs me into a hug. I hug back laughing as she spins me around. 

She puts me down and I can see all the familiar faces I haven't seen since I left. 

I run to Flex and throw myself into his arms. He lifts me up too then sets me back down but I don't let go of him. I hold him tightly and I am unable to move as the emotions completely take me by surprise. 

I sob into Flex's shirt and the room goes quiet before erupting in 'Awws'. 

"She's crying?" My mom questions. I hear her set my suitcase aside. 

She laughs nervously and pulls me to her. I hug her and hide my face into her neck. 

"Aww baby. You gon make me cry." She says already close to tearing up. 

I sniffle and try to pull away so I can talk. 

I wipe my eyes. 

"I missed you guys so mu-" I begin but Trisha's face is in my view. I hug her again and start crying harder. 

She laughs but I can hear her sniffling too. 

"You really know how to kill a surprise party." She says after a few moments of sniffling. Everyone laughs, including me. 

I pull away and wipe my eyes again. 

"It's good to have you back, Empress!" Pookie yells. 

The room erupts into applause. 

"Welcome back." He whispers into my ear and kisses my cheek softly. I hug him tight and finally gather myself. I fan my eyes, drying my face. 

The living room is decorated in the 'Welcome Home'banner, there are presents to the side and cake and food on the table. 

"You hungry?" Mama questions, the big spoon already in her hand. 

I laugh and nod eagerly. 

"That's my girl." She says.