Mama

Chapter Twelve

August 2001:

It's been a couple of hours, since the news broke, and now, we're talking and eating around the dinner table. I made some fried chicken, yellow rice, and cabbage.

"Babygirl was crazy, you know. Back in '98, we were at this brow place, and the lady messed up Aaliyah's eyebrows. She raised complete hell." Kidada smiled, while wiping her eyes.

"Man, she was more than crazy. She wanted me to put her on Bad Boy Records, to become a rapper. Her rhymes were terrible." Diddy said. Everyone around the table laughed. It's bittersweet that we're talking about someone, who means so much to us.

"I remember when Aaliyah came to my house, and tried to redecorate everything. Then, we had a singing contest, and she ended up getting a sore throat, because SHE sings her ass off; when I mean SHE, I'm talking about her; when I mean HER, I mean myself." Tamar said. Lord help that child.

"I just miss her..especially around this time, where I'm going to become a mother. She made sure I was okay and Denim too. She stayed with me, cried with me, and comforted me during the loss of Keri. I can't believe I lost two big people in my life. My husband who was my world, and my sister, best friend, and partner in crime. Excuse me." I said, leaving the table.

"Toni, wait." Towanda said, running after me. It's hitting me all at once, and I can't accept the fact that she's gone. I went my bedroom, and looked into the mirror.

"WHY?!" I yelled, repeatedly. I punched the mirror and tried to break it. Towanda held my hands, and hugged me.

"She was my best friend." I mumbled in Towanda's arms. I turned off the television, and sat in silence. I told Towanda to leave, and I just needed space.