Other Side {Trilogy}

⊙35⊙

(Best one I could get. But yea. Her 👆🏽)

*A week later*
*New Orleans*

Mariah POV:

Tha last thang I wanna do is attend a funeral. Betta yet...my mom funeral. I couldn't even find tha energy ta get dressed so I juss threw on some clothes and braided my hair. My shades are on because my eyes are puffy. B and nem came fa support. I'm glad they're hea'. But, sittin' in front of dis casket...is juss breakin' me down. Weird part is...I know NONE of these people.

But, I know dat I'm related. Everybody knows about me...but I know absolutely nun bout them. When tha moment came fa them ta show tha body...my body went into a small panic. Aug realized it cuz he started rubbin' my arm. But once it was open...I couldn't take it. I handed Reina ta him, got up, then walked out.

I juss lean ova on tha car and juss cry. It's a lot weighin' on me! I'm losin' myself dealin' wit all dis shit. I felt an hand grab my arm and turn me around. But, it's juss August. He pulls me close ta him and rubs my back.

Me: "I neva had tha chance ta bond wit ha. I neva saw ha. I could neva talk ta ha. I couldn't do nun! I wish sum'n' woulda lead me ta ha. I coulda saved my mom, man! She would still be hea'! I should be! I miss my mama, Anthony. Always have. Na she's even further away..."

He wipes my face and I look up at him

Me: "Tha last thang I remember ha sayin' ta me befoe she left...she said I love you. And I knew she meant it. And I'll neva hear dat from ha again..."

August: "Juss let me know what chu wanna do..."

Me: "I juss wanna go back ta our room. I can't stay..."

He hands me tha keys and I go ta tha car.

*The Roosevelt*

When we walk in the room, I get straight in tha bed. August helps me take off my heels, grabs my hat, and shades. Bresha and Quees offered ta keep tha kids fa us, so we're alone. When he gets in tha bed, I get close ta him burying my face into his neck as he wraps his arms around me. Then he rubs my head.

No words are said. Just silence and comfort is all I need right na. And he undastands dat. So, Imma juss sleep it off. I needa rest...

*2 hours later*

When I wake up...I feel like it's super late. So, I grab my phone to check it. But, it's only two in tha aftanoon. But I also notice all kinds of messages from my aunt. I set it down then look at August and he's still sleepin'.

I gently get off tha bed and go in tha bathroom. I put my hair in a bun, brush my teeth, and wash my face. I put on my slides, grab shades, the car and room key. Then walk out.

*30 minutes later*

When I walk in tha room, I see Aug and he has a relieved look on his face.

Me: "You okay?"

August: "I am na. Where'd ya go?"

Me: "Juss drove ta tha park. I needed some fresh air. I left my phone hea' on purpose..."

August: "I saw...."