The Cheat

happy endings

4 years later
Odell

Me, Elijah and Chelsea were currently on our way to go see Mya.

We visit her grave at least four times a week. Sometimes it's me and her brothers or her mom and dad. Losing her took a toll on all of us, I slipped into depression and started slacking in football but I got my shit together and I play my heart out every time I'm on that field to make my baby proud.

Never in a million years would I imagine losing her, but it happened and it happened when I least expected it. I'm thankful that I got to have such a beautiful, humble person in my life. She's the best thing that ever happened to me, besides Elijah. She made me look at life completely different.

There's not one day that goes by that I wish I could go back and change everything. I feel like I could've done a better job of protecting her from something like that.

"Y'all ready?" I looked back at Chelsea and Elijah as they nodded their heads. We got out the car and made our way to her grave. Elijah sat down and waisted no time speaking.

"Hey mom, I know I tell you this every time I come but I really miss you. I wish you were here to cook for me because pops can't even boil a pot of water" He laughed and I lightly pushed him "I know you can see me and I know you're always with me because I feel it. Especially when I'm with pops, that's when I feel your presence the most. I wish you could come back to life or something but grandma Heather told me you're in a better place, away from all the bad people. I love you so much mama and I promise I'll make you proud"

Me and Chelsea watched him wipe a tear from his eye. I patted him on his back as he got up and let Chelsea go.

"Hey Mya!" She smiled as if Mya was standing right in front of her "You were my favorite person ever, I liked you way more than daddy. I know you weren't my real mom but sometimes I wish you were, you did things with me that my mom would never do. I miss going get our nails done and going to daddy's games together. I miss how you always tell me how pretty I was, I miss everything about you. One day I'll get to see you again but until then I'm gonna do everything I can to put a smile on your face. I love you" she looked up at me "Your turn daddy"

I sat down and sighed, looking up at the sky. This is always hard for me so Elijah and Chelsea let me talk to her alone. "Hey baby, you been gone for four years and I still can't keep from crying when I do this. There's not a day that goes by that I don't think of you, you really my everything. You made me become a better person, I realized so much shit throughout the 6 years we were together. I always ask why did this have to happen to me but then I remember how you used to tell me 'you better not question god, he gon' getchu" I laughed a little thinking of the way she would point her finger at me when she said that. "So instead of questioning him I thank him. I thank him for placing you in my life. Without you I would probably still be out here doing dumb shit. You may not be here but you left me a beautiful son. Sometimes he acts just like you and it's funny because you would always get sad when you realized he didn't have any of your qualities. His features may resemble mine but that attitude come straight from you.

Elijah always talks about how he feels your presence and I know he's not lying because I feel it too. When I'm out on the field I feel you there with me, so I make sure to do my best every game so you can be proud. Raising Elijah by myself isn't the easiest thing but I swear I'ma raise him to be the man you would want him to be. We won't ever let you down baby.

As much as I miss seeing your beautiful face and hearing your voice I know that all this was to teach me a lesson. I took you for granted, shit I was even taking life itself for granted. You wasn't lying when you said God can take away something just as fast as he gave it to you, but damn I wish you didn't have to get taken away so soon. I really loved being with you, baby" I sighed "I love you so much, I'll come see you again later on this week"

When I stood up I felt a feeling of warmth on my body. It was cold out here and the wind was blowing so I smiled, realizing it could've been Mya.

I told y'all I always feel her around me.