Completely Accepted

Dead.

Getting news that your love one has passed has to seem so unreal. Giving the news must be hard,but realizing it devastating to the heart.

I watched from the window at Nellie curl up in a ball in her hospital bed.
OC's parents were holding the baby trying to make light of their situation.

"Hey,I bought you your favorite m&ms."Prince said handing me the yellow pack. I took it putting it in my pocket still watching. I knew he was staring at me wanting to say something or just anything but he didn't.For once I've come to the realization that maybe here isn't where I should be and maybe where I should be is somewhere new. Somewhere were I'm accepted for who I am and not who I know.This entire year has been a roller coaster and I'm to my breaking point. I'm only seventeen and I haven't done anything for myself but for everyone. I care too much,honestly. I follow more than I lead and that's not okay. I could have been killed if I were with them tagging along like the pest I see myself.No one deserves death but no one deserves to not that a father like that little girl. I understand why Roc protected me but it's time I protect myself.

I went towards the elevator realizing Princeton was following me.I wanted to see if Roc was up from his nap before I left to go pick up my graduation supplies. I knocked once before the door opened to my family.Our uncle was sitting across from him in a hospital chair, Niq was by his side still praying with Ms.Theresa.

Before I left I kissed him and walked out passing Rays room to the elevator. I glanced in at his purple arm sling seeing he's alright with his mom cuttin up like he had died.

I pressed the button realizing Prince was aside me.

"Catt?.......Can we talk?"his voice cracked as I looked up at what floor the elevator was on.

I turned to him genuinely tired and done.

"No. I can't do this anymore Princeton. I'm leaving after graduation and I hope everything works out for you."I stepped on to the elevator watching him stand there as the doors closed.

It was the last time we talked and it was the last time I spoke to anyone for awhile.

...

Roc and Ray recovered with only a cast and a few starches deciding to walk on graduation day.Nellie however was going through a deep depression home from the hospital,she decided not to walk but I handed her diploma right after not in the mood for celebrating my inevitable accomplishment of high school. Niq literally had to force me to dress for this occasion covering the tear stains on my face.My mom made it, late of course,she even brought flowers and balloons with a few other family members from La.

I still wasn't amused at how easy a life could be taken by one shot to the back of your head.That was my dad.The person who I needed more than ever but because someone thought it's perfectly okay to kill a father or mother over hate is just sad.Whether it's the police or some person without morals parents shouldn't be able to die.....O.C was loved and I pray his love will reach out to his daughter from heaven.

"Thank you."I stepped down from the church pulpit sitting back on the pew behind his family.Roc and Ray haven't showed up but the place was filled with O.C. friends,family,classmates and fans.His music was now more popular than ever.News crews from all over have interviewed his family and are even outside with a live stream even though the doors were closed for privacy in a standing room only service.Even though O.C parents are never in town Paster let them have the service for free,even paid for the repast.It was the least they could do when their son was a murderer. I sat with Nellie rocking the baby as everyone just fell apart.She was crying so hard she didn't realize she was getting her daughter wet. The doors opened to Roc on crutches and Ray dressed formally with his sling.Everyone stared as if they saw a ghost watching them with tears.They walked up to the stand,Ray approached the mic first taking a few moments to say a few words.

"Dear Lord, Please forgive us for all the sins we have brought upon us. And look down upon us with forgiveness for the the sins we will have in the future. I know you understand that niggas ain't perfect, but we try lord. We try to keep our heads up in bad times. This is a bad time, show us the way. And if you can't show us the way, then forgive us for being lost. I never meant to loose my best friend and cause harm to the only homie I have now.Lord,I wish I could take it all back.I wish I could have took another route to wherever we were going.I wish....."he turned away bawling,Roc out his hand on his shoulder.I've never seen Ray like this, so serious and genuine about his wrongs. Roc hopped over with Ray behind him trying to pull it together.
"Um...O.C......he was my best friend as well but like Catt said he was a farther who lost his life to stupidity.He promised himself that he'd fight and bleed, even die, for her wellness, although he hadn't had someone who did that for him. He'd make it right for her.This kind of life wasn't what he was used to do, but for her, he'd do anything.
He'd make mistakes, everyone made them, but he was gonna do whatever it took for her and to make her feel safe, to make the world a better place for her.But most importantly, he knew she would amaze the world. Someday.
For him that Someday may have come to an end but for her she has everyone in this room to tell her how amazing her dad was.He great a musician and artist he was, literally could have turned the world by storm. I mean he has, just look at these news cameras tryna get a glimpse of what life they wish they knew.We know, and that's the life that should carry on within us.We have to realize life goes on.
R.I.P Octavius Cornelius."

Everyone clapped as the paster cued the choir, hugging both Roc and Ray.Before they apologized to his family having a deep moment with each other them,they turned his tassel on his graduation cap that hung on the side of his portrait.

Roc is right Life does go on, and I feel that's what I have to do.

Life goes on~Tupac