Golden Jaguar Redeemed

Whatchu' Say?

Erik 'Dadmonger' Stevens

The black car pulled up to the school's curb, catching the attention of a few students passing by with their parents. It's engine hushed to a soft purr as it parked before the steps. Erik stepped from the car, adjusting his sweater as he rounded hand car. Waving to a homeboy of his that was dropping off their child as well. He opened the back door as Amari hopped out, her assorted blue beads clacking together as she did so.

"You're picking me up today, baba?" The kindergartener looked up at her father, tilting her head back since he was so tall. Squinting her eyes a bit from the sun. He squatted to her height, nodding as he fixed her jacket.

"Yes ma'am. 3 o'clock on the dot." He gave a smile, winking as she grinned. "Mama put your lunch in your backpack?" She nodded in response, telling him that you'd packed her favorite. Ham and cheese as well as a rice krispie, fruit slices, and a drink.

Erik chuckled at her big smile, knowing how much she loved rice krispies. Just like you. He also knew she liked reading the little notes you wrote on the wrappers. The first bell rang as he fixed her little blue jean jumpsuit and checking the big bow in her hair.

"Aight, princess. You ready?" He focused on her, grinning as she replied with an excited 'yes, baba'. "Today's gonna be a great day and you're gonna do amazing because you what?"

She cheesed big. Showing all her teeth as she spoke. "I'm smart, I'm strong, I'm beautiful, and imma be somebody.."

Erik held a hand to his ear, smirking as he put on a face of faux confusion. "I can't hear you, princess? Whatchu' say?"

"I'm smart, I'm strong, I'm beautiful, and imma be somebody!" She spoke louder, holding her head up confidently. Erik chuckled, scooping her up and pecking her cheek with kisses. She let out a laugh before he placed her back on her feet.

"Baba loves you, princess. You love, baba?" She nodded with a smile, replying 'Of course I love you, baba'. Erik pursed his lips, smacking them with fake disbelief. "How much?"

She held her arms out as wide as she could, giggling. "This much!" Erik laughed, pressing a kiss to her forehead before standing. "Aight, lil mama. We don't want you to be late. Your teacher waiting on you. One last hug?"

Amari hugged his legs, waiting for him to hug her back before she started jogging towards the school. Waving to him as she went. "See you later, alligator!"

Erik chuckled to himself as he watched her. Hands tucked into his pockets. "After while, crocodile!" Her little beads clacked until she disappeared into the building. He grinned as he turned to walk back around the car. Ready to see his little princess again.