You Can Trust Me (Keith Powers Story)

23 (Christmas Day Part 2)

Venus

The day I graduated from high school was the last time I had seen my father. I'm not sure if it was intentional or not but it didn't seem like he had an interest in seeing me and I damn sure didn't want to see him so, I've been content with him being absent from my life these past four years. He used to be a "lady killer" in the words of my mother so after the divorce I wasn't surprised to see him with different women each time we were in the same room together. He was healthy, fit and I have to admit he looked good for his age. However, being face to face with him now is like looking at satan himself with the flu. This man had noticeably let himself go. Extremely heavy bags formed around his bloodshot hazel eyes, he had gained at least thirty pounds, and had a cane which is something I'm most confused about. He never had any physical or internal health problems but maybe he sprained an ankle or something.

It doesn't matter anyway cause I don't care.

"Yo bruh who you talkin to like that though?"

I immediately held onto Keith's shoulder, stopping him from stepping any closer. A few people were staring now and I didn't want Keith to cause a scene here in front of my whole family, or anywhere for that matter.

"Babe it's alright just leave it alone." I said softly trying to calm him down.

I saw his jaw and fists clenching as they were slowing turning white from how tight he was holding them. The look on his face reminded me of what he looked like right before he knocked the fuck out of Joshua. That can't be a good sign.

"Nah man he not bouta talk to you like that." He said shaking his head and continuing to stare my sperm donor down.

"What is it that you gon do about it? Cause I ain't gotta problem with kicking yo ass right here. Whoever you are." Nick exclaimed while handing his cane to the woman next to him, I assume getting ready to actually fight Keith. Not to disregard that this situation is serious, I couldn't help but chuckle at him trying to square up. Ezra and Keith did also and that seemed to make Nick even more upset while it made Keith calm down slightly.

"I'm your dad got damnit so g-"

"You stopped being their dad a long time ago Nick."

My mom stood next to me with her arms folded. Nick and his little hoe's eyes darted towards her. I could tell that he still had a soft spot for her and still loved her with all of his heart. The look in his eyes softened as they shared eye contact for a few seconds. I know my mom had gotten over what happened but she'll never forget and it still breaks my heart to this day that they didn't work out. However, at the end of the day, I'll always have the utmost respect for her because of how she handled everything. She's definitely the strongest woman I know and I'll forever be grateful for having her as my mother. This dumb ass nigga really fucked up and he knew that for sure. It was all over his face the last time they were in a room together and it's there again now.

"April." He cleared his throat before continuing.

"It's been what? Four years right? How uh...have you been?"

"Wish we got the same kinda greeting when he saw us. Bum ass nigga." Ez mumbled.

"Right." I agreed, mumbling also.

We could only hear each other besides Keith so my mom just proceeded to answer his questions.

"Yes and I've been great actually."