After You//Kyle Kuzma

S E V E N

*December 4 (Alivia's Birthday)*

Kyle's POV

"You ready to go?" Lenin asked as she played with my curls.

"Yeah," I sighed as I stood up.

My mom and I followed Lenin out to Alivia's G Wagon. I don't drive it that often, but I always drive it on Alivia's birthday and death date. Today is her birthday. I sighed as I started to drive to the gravesite. We listened to music as we drove. Alivia's birthday has always been hard for me and my mom and Lenin know it. We pulled up to a small florist on the side of the road. I handed Lenin two twenties before she walked in.

"You should really come see her this year." My mom spoke up from the passenger seat.

"I know, but I don't want Lenin to see me hurting." I sighed as I ran my fingers over the Mercedes emblem.

"Baby, you're gonna have to go to the site when February rolls around. Lenin knows that you show emotion. You're human Kyle. Don't think that you have to be the tough guy all the time." My mom lectured making me sigh.

"I know. Thank you." I said as I watched Lenin walk out of the store with 3 blue roses.

"Thank you, munchkin." I said as she got in the car.

"You're welcome." She said as she handed me my cash.

I put the car in drive before I started to drive towards the site. I sighed as I drove slowly through they graveyard. We finally pulled up to the last plot on the site. This one looked out at the lake that was near by. I parked the car as my mom started to get out.

"Hey Len," I said getting her attention. "Tell her I love her, I miss her, and Happy Birthday." I said as I handed Lenin my rose.

She nodded before she got out of the car. I sighed as I watched her walk up to the grave and squat down. My mom backed up as Lenin laid the flowers on the grave. I sighed as I watched Lenin talk to the grave. She would've been 31 today. It's been nearly 10 years since I lost my girl. We, hopefully, would've been married if she was still alive. We would've adopted Lenin and had some cute babies that would've looked just like her. She'd be a WNBA all star and I'd be an NBA all star. Hell, I think we could've been the next Steph and Ayesha. Dammit, I miss her. She was taken out of this world at such a young age. There's days where I sit down and wonder what life would be like if I hadn't lost her. Some good came out of losing her though. I got piece of mind that she was no longer suffering. I may not have adopted Lenin when I did. I'm thankful that through Alivia, I gained a daughter. I gained my little girl that has become my life and the reason I work hard. That little girl has changed my life and I'm thankful that she did. I couldn't imagine the story of my life without Lenin. She's calmed me down, humbled me, and showed me love like no other.

"I miss you." I spoke as I watched Lenin speak to Alivia. "Thank you, for giving me my little girl."

I smiled as I thought about when Alivia first met Lenin. They fell in love with each other. I smiled as I looked at the pictures of Alivia carrying Lenin around at that basketball camp. They could've sold for mother and daughter. Lenin is Alivia's mini me.

"Hey, dad." I jumped as Lenin spoke.

"You two scared me." I chuckled as I slipped my phone in my pocket.

"I told her that you love her, miss her, and happy birthday." Lenin spoke as she put her seat belt on.

"Thanks, kid. You're the best." I said as I started the car.

My mom gave me a look before I drove away from grave. I gave her grave one last look before we went home.

***