It Continues with Our Legacy

T W E N T Y - S E V E N

A A L I Y A H - H O U S E

I watched as they lowered Steven into the ground. I couldn't force myself to even cry I been crying all week but I knew he understood. I can't believe how something that made my life so happy was taken from me.

Michael came and wrapped his arms around my shoulders and pulled me into a hug, "Let it out sis! Don't hold all that in."

"It's bittersweet because I'm his last you know. I wanted to be his last but nah not like this." I said as no tears even tried to fall. "How you holding up though?"

He sighed and shrugged, "imma manage it. imma miss his annoying ass..."

"It's not gone be the same! Whose gone instigate all our arguments?" I asked biting my lips.

"Shit...I don't know but he brought the laughs." He said laughing.

I sighed and nodded, "Yea I know. Imagine him as a father."

"Hey, Liyah you got us. Most importantly you got me. Just like I'm doing right by Zaya kids I'll be there for yours. As long as you got, your kids are well taken care of."

"Mike That isn't your responsibility."

"Yea maybe it is Liyah. I told my boy I have his back regardless would I really be doing that if I didn't help you with y'all child?"

I shook my head no, "I guess not."

Zaya stood on my other side with her lip quivering, "I'll never forget when we all first met." She said laughing. "And He would always try to hit on you but you always denied him."

I laughed, "I didn't see us. Steven was to childish for me but beneath all that he was truly something special. Most importantly he was mine, and he was loyal." I said biting my lip. "I ju-I just have no idea who would've done this and I can't get revenge."

Michael sighed, "honestly sis. Your not. You're pregnant and you think I'm finna allow you to be on these streets? Nah. It's not going down like that. Steven wouldn't want it like that so that's how it's going down."

"All due to respect Michael but I can do whatever I want besides I'm only 3 months."

"Fuck does that mean?" Zaya asked raising one eyebrow. "Aaliyah you could get shot and lose the baby do you wanna do that? Deal with the death of your boyfriend and y'all baby?"

"You know Zaya you sure do talk a lot you didn't even have to say that last part you know." I said shaking my head. "But Imma tell y'all this ... if this isn't handled in two months tops ! I'm handling and I don't give a fuck what y'all gotta say about it." I snapped storming off ignoring them calling me back. I hopped in my car and let everything out.

"I just want Steven back."

Z A Y A - H I L L

"I think imma go back home for a few days." I said staring at Michael as we sat in complete silence.

"Why? I need you here. Aaliyah needs you here. Our best friend just died." Michael said shaking his head.

"I understand that Michael but I miss my family. You can come with me maybe a vacation is what you need cause this place is just gonna remind of you Steven. Relax your mind some baby." I said rubbing his waves.

He shook his head no, "what about Liyah? Liyah needs us. The girl is pregnant."

"Liyah can come to look to much stuff has happened here Michael we both know that so maybe we need a vacation. And as far as the baby Liyah knows we got her and imma help as much as she allows me to." He sighed and nodded.