Crossroads

Ten

Crossroads | Chapter Ten

The train station was empty as I sat beside Amari awaiting for its arrival. I had so much to tell my dad. I couldn't wait to see him. Even though things at home were still tough my relationship with Malachi was hanging on strong. We text every night talking about our favorite music, movies, and TV shows. Sometimes we debate back and forth about politics, hip hop, and conspiracy theories. It was nice talking to someone with an open mind. Despite, if he disagreed with me or not he still supported my opinions. As for me and Chaquelle our friendship has been a bit rocky. We text but only about school and whenever we have our study sessions at my house he's adamant on bringing Milan with him. It's about time he's gotten the point. I didn't have time for drama.

The train arrived and we hopped on. We took a seat in the back and watched as we slowly drove out of the station. Amari seemed nervous. I mean why wouldn't she be. She didn't have to deal with this kind of shit. Like me, she had both of her parents. Her father was running for governor and her mother was lawyer. Her folks were pretty keen on her attending an Ivy League like themselves, but Amari was a bit carefree. She had dreams of attending an HBCU. Spellman to be exact. Her parents grew up in the hood and made a name for themselves at the University of Pennsylvania. Amari admired her parents' success story;however, she felt like sometimes they forgot where they came from.

"Most of my visits are private. I'm not even supposed to be coming down here to see him. I got an arrangement with a family friend."

She gave me a nervous grin and pressed the Bible in her hand against her chest, "That's cool. I'm just a jittery from even going into a prison. My parents would kill me if they found out, but like I said before your father was like my father. I came to show my gratitude and support. For both of you."

"It is pretty dope you coming down here with me. I get nervous sometimes too. But, mainly because I don't know what he's prepared to say to me, or how he looks when I visit. It kills me to watch him deteriorate behind bars. It makes me sick to my stomach."

"I can't even imagine. Have you ever asked him why? You know, why he decided to embezzle money."

"Nah, I think some things don't need to be said. Whether it was wrong or right I don't think it's my business, but it is my mother's. That's why I want her to come up here even if it's just for five minutes."

She nodded her head and we got off at our stop. We made our way to correctional facility. Mr. Willis and I didn't share many words the past few visits I've made. He just leads me right to the visiting area. My father sat at the table, hands folded, legs shaking, and a thick gash underneath his right eye. I couldn't stand seeing him like this let alone allowing Amari to witness this too. We took a seat across from him. For a moment there was just silence as I studied his face. He looked pale and he's lost a ton of weight almost as if he hasn't been eating.

"I guess I'll break the ice." Amari started, "I came to see how you were holding up Mr. Young. My mom said she put some money on your commissary. I hope it was enough to keep you functioning. My father is going come visit next week. He's been trying to convince my mother to talk to someone at her firm to take your case. Maybe even shave a few years off of your sentence if possible. I bought you a Bible to help you through this rough patch in your life. Things are going to get better. Just have faith and keep praying." She handed over the black and gold King James Bible.

My father stood up and embraced her, "Thank you. I appreciate everything you and your family is doing for me. Tell your folks I said thank you. The money your mother put on my books was more than enough."

"It's not a big deal. You were always supportive of us, so we just thought to return the favor." She gave him another hug and started walking toward the door, "I'm going to give you guys some time to yourselves. I'll wait in the hall."