Grind and Pray

VIII

"Ma Dukes P.O.V": See you may call me a cockblocker but i'm no where near that. Its just i want the girl for my son. I don't want no girl with him for the fame and the money. Right now, i'm cooking dinner. No, i'm not a lonely mother. I'm married and i have three adoptive children. Their names are Becca, Tyrone, and Mariah. Two girls, one boy. Angel (Chuckii) isn't my biological son but he is my son. He knows who his birth mother is, but he never bothered to contact her. His friends are my kids to, they've been around for as long as i can remember. But let me let this kids introduce themselves while i finish up cooking.

"Becca P.O.V": I'm Rebecca but i like the name Becca kinda like Becky. But, i know that i'm adopted because me and my siblings look nothing alike. I'm 17 on my last year of high school. I have a job after school. It allows me to get some expeirence and help ma and pa out. They've done alot for me. I believe i was maybe 4 or 5, when they adopted me. I'll never forget because my last foster home would beat me for nothing. I'm glad that Ma Dukes and Pa Dukes brought me into their home. I have to go wash up for Dinner so i'll see you later at dinner.

"Mariah P.O.V": I'm 15, i'm a sophomore. I play basketball, beach volleyball, and i run track. I'm quiet (the kind that don't do drama). I haven't seen Angelo in a good minute but i guess thats what happens when your dream comes true. He's a few years older then me but he's an amazing big brother. Angelo is 23. He does alot when it comes back to giving back to his "community". Me, my sibling, ma, and pa all help out. But i have to go set up the table so i'll see you when its time to eat.

"Tyrone P.O.V": i'm 18 a Senior and ready to graduate already. I know i'm adopted. Ma Dukes told me when i turned 18, she even gave me my birth mom number. I just threw it away. I don't want any connection with her. I'm book and street smart but that doesnt mean im turning to the streets for a job. I was raised better than that, but i am interested in owning my own business. My dream has always been a boxing gym/dance studio in one. I'm going to buy a warehouse and split it in half. Yeah, its a big deal but i'm willing to work for it. I box, run track, play football, and dance for fun. Being a street kid from the age of 4 to 9, i found out what i loved to do. Then, when i was adopted at 10, i knew what i wanted to do. I wanted to change and i did. Ma & Pa allowed me to do any extra curriculum i wanted to do as long as my grades stayed up. Let me take out the trash & i'll be back for dinner.

"Ma Dukes P.O.V": My husband is out of town on a business trip. I don't mind him being gone either, because he provides for me and the kids. Mariah grabbed the dishes and began taking them over to the table. I appreciate all of my kids so much. Becca grabbed glasses, while Tyrone went to wash his hands.

Becca: Mama would you like water?
Ma Dukes: Yes, i think water will do.

     Becca poured everyone a glass. We then sat down at the table and said grace. Soon as we finished, we all dug in. The kids then began telling me about their day.

Ma Dukes: What about you Tyrone?
Tyrone: Well there's this girl that i like and Becca know her. Becca went to ask for her number for me and of course Becca was able to get her number. We've been talking since i've got home from practice. Mama she's beautiful, smart, funny, and she's a artist.
Ma Dukes: Artist?
Tyrone: As in drawing mama.
Ma Dukes: Oh okay. Well maybe you should invite her over for dinner one day.
Tyrone: Okay. Oh yeah Becca, remember George?
Becca: Yes.
Tyrone: we was talking at practice and he wants to know if you're doing anything this weekend.
Ma Dukes: Aww Becca, he sounds interesting. *laughs* well you guys know i'm here and that you can speak to me about anything. Including you Mariah.
Mariah: i know mama but dating isn't a option for me right now.
Ma Dukes: Okay.

     We continued to eat dinner. When we finished, Becca and Mariah stayed downstairs to wash the dishes. Tyrone went upstairs to i'm guessing his room. I'm glad that all of them are happy.

"Mariah P.O.V": As me and Becca are cleaning up, i decided to play Pandora and the song "Stranger in my house by Tamia" began playing. I began singing along because this is my song.

Mariah: I don't understand
You look just like the man
In the picture by our bed
The suspence is pounding and clouding up my head
I'm checkin' your clothes
And you wear the same size shoe
You sleep in his spot
And you're driving his car
But I don't know just who you are

There's a stranger in my house
It took a while to figure out
There's no way you could be who you say you are
You gotta be someone else
Cuz he wouldn't touch me like that
And he wouldn't treat me like you do
He would adore me, he wouldn't ignore me
So I'm convinced there's a stranger in my house

I'm not sure who you are
Don't see your shadow around when you walk
Ain't leavin' no kisses
Goodbye with no words
If these walls could talk
They would have nothing to tell

So what could it be?
Is there someone immitating me?
Could she be taking my place?
Look me in the face
And tell me that I'm wrong
When I say...

There's a stranger in my house
It took a while to figure out
There's no way you could be who you say you are
You gotta be someone else
Cuz he wouldn't touch me like that
And he wouldn't treat me like you do
He would adore me, he wouldn't ignore me
So I'm convinced there's a stranger in my house

Pop quiz
Tell me where we first kissed
Tell me where my spot is
Tell me if I liked it, loved it
Or could it be
That the stranger is me
Have I changed so drastically?
Is it I want more for me?
And you remain the same

There's a stranger in my house
It took a while to figure out
There's no way you could be who you say you are
You gotta be someone else
Cuz he wouldn't touch me like that
And he wouldn't treat me like you do
He would adore me, he wouldn't ignore me
So I'm convinced there's a stranger in my house

      We finished up and Becca hugged me.

Becca: Night sis and you have a great voice.
Mariah: thank you and goodnight.