Their Journey.

T E N.

                                                                                            Khyra

Once we pulled up to the restaurant we all exited from the car and went up to Marcia's truck. Mom stepped out and led the way. She looked gorgeous in her white, body hugging dress with her white lace Jimmy Choo heels. She had her long hair curled with a soft make up that I figured she did on her own. Before we entered the restaurant mom had Kareem's wife, Tiffany, do a quick photo shoot. We took at least 20 pictures before we went in. When we were escorted to our section I looked over and seen JaMar talking to uncle Shawn. I don't know who invited him but I had to admit, he looked nice. He had on white denim jeans with a fitted white v-neck Polo shirt and a fresh pair of forces. I caught his eye and I playfully rolled my eyes before going around the table to hug everyone who was there. I seen a few of our cousins who were coming to the hotel with us so I went over to them before we posed for pictures and danced for instasnaps. For the next 2 hours we talked, danced, laughed, ate, and cracked jokes. When it was time to take pictures I seen mom go up to JaMar and whisper something to him with a smile on her face. Soon after he got up and walked towards me and begin to say something when Tiffany came up snapping 10 pictures per second it felt like. He told me to smile and pose and although I didn't want to I also didn't want to cause a scene. After our pictures, all my siblings came up and we took photos and then mom,and then we did 5 big group photos. Once it was time to go poppa paid the bill and we all headed to our grandparents house to do a balloon release for our father. My feet started hurting so I changed my shoes into the studded slippers I brought with me. 

We pulled up to our grandparents house around 7o'clock. It was still light outside but since we were going to finish celebrating we decided to just do it now. GG decided to let everyone say something in memory of our father. Me and Khya didn't want to say too much and get emotional so we kept it short. After we thought everyone went we lit the lanterns and wrote little notes on our balloons. Khyler yelled that she wanted to say something. We all paused and stopped talking so her small voice could be heard. She stood in front of Kameron and looked down at the ground before she took a deep breath and took a step forward. "For years I never understood why daddy had to be taken away from us. Mommy said that he was supposed to protect us. He was supposed to be our knight in shining armor. Mommy taught me to pray and for months I've been praying that mommy find happiness. I prayed that my sisters didn't keep their guards up. I prayed that Kameron came around more often. I prayed we didn't forget daddy. I had a dream recently and daddy and mommy was happy together. Daddy was her knight. I miss you daddy." And with that she walked away crying. I tried to follow behind her but mom stopped me and told me to come back in 5 minutes  and that she was going to speak with her alone. I missed daddy and I'm sure we all did. It wasn't fair.

As we were piling into the cars we heard 2 car horns honking. When we looked up we saw two matching 2017 Jeep Compass. I looked at my mom and saw her nod before I grabbed Khya's arm and we both ran to the cars. I didn't have my license yet because I had to take the drivers test again but they said I was able to take it after my birthday which was petty. We both hopped in the driver seats. I was mad I wasn't going to be able to drive it yet but I'd have mom or Khya drive me around. I got out and ran to my mom and hugged her. "Thank you so much mom. I wasn't expecting this." She smiled and told me to thank my grandparents and uncle Shawn because they helped. I walked over to them and hugged them and seen uncle Shawn step forward with two jewelry boxes. I couldn't lie they showed out for this birthday. I couldn't wait to see 18. We opened the boxes and seen diamond necklaces with our father picture. I'm more than sure Tiffany caught this moment. Since I didn't have my license I was going to ride with Khya in her car until mom and Shawn suggested that JaMar drive since I guess he had his license. I was too happy to be annoyed so I just went to the passenger side but before I could open the door JaMar was right there opening the door. I smiled small because I knew my NiNi(Wanda) was going to say something. Every since dinner when she found out JaMar has a crush on me she's been on my case. I seen Tiffany in the car still taking pictures before I hid my face in embarrassment. 

We were riding to the radio when he turned it off completely. I looked at him and he gave me a side glance since he was driving. "You look beautiful as always. I hope you enjoyed your birthday." I smiled because I truly did enjoy my birthday. "I did. Thanks. I hope you enjoyed buttering up my folks. They wouldn't stop bringing you up. You're lucky I was outnumbered." We stopped at the red light before he looked at me completely, "Khyra I'm not trying to hurt you. I've been liking you since the first day I met you. I already know about the guard you have up and I honestly don't want you to just let it down that easy but give me a chance. I'm willing to be your friend first. I just ask for one chance." Before he could say anything else we heard a horn honk behind us so he turned back to the road and continued driving. I didn't respond because I allowed myself to get lost in my own thoughts. What happened if I did let my guard down? What if he turned out to be just like Mickey? I felt him grab my hand and normally I would've pulled my hand away but I let him enjoy his little moment.