The Neighborhood I Once Knew

Chapter 1

I could feel the cold air creeping in through the window that was slightly open. It was already winter and the cold weather was getting worse everyday. Looking over at my alarm clock I noticed that I still had ten minutes to spare before I could get ready. I just  laid in bed and covered myself with blankets, it was going to be a long day and I wasn't looking forward to it. My mind drifted off as I thought about my dad whom I haven't seen in five year's. My parents separated when I was 15 years old and I moved with my mother. We left my father in the small town in Underberg. Things ended badly between them, I never got to see my father ever since. Today I was leaving to go stay with him for a while. Maybe stay even longer if things go well. 'DING DONG' my alarm rang.  Damn my ten minutes is over already. I dragged my feet to the bathroom and took a long shower making sure I clean every area. The water was nice and hot just the way  I liked it. I did my hygiene routine and picked out a simple outfit. A pair of navy jeans, sneakers and a black hoody. I was travelling so there's no need for a fancy outfit.

" Lyric come downstairs breakfast is ready"
"Ok ma I'm almost done" I shouted back
My bags were already packed, I only had one huge suitcase and a side bag that had my wallet, electrons and all the simple things I  needed.
"Hey beautiful" I greeted my mom with a wide smile. She was such a beautiful and  strong woman.
"Are you excited about seeing your father today?"
" I don't know, I'm a bit nervous" I said while biting  the side of my lip.
"I don't even know if he'll like me or if we will even get along, mom I don't think I can do this "
"Lyric stop, you're grown now I'm sure things will fall into place, trust me"
"How do you know that ma, things didn't  work out between you two"
" I know that, we were both not perfect and life happens we just drifted apart. But I'm sorry that you had to pay the price and had to go through all that. Your father loves you very much and that's one thing I'm sure of"
"Ok ma whatever you say I'll go with it"
"Now hurry up and eat before your food gets cold"
I quickly ate my breakfast and we headed out. It was only ten minutes drive to the bus station.  We were 5 minutes early which  gave us some time to say our final goodbyes. The bus had ready arrived and bags were being packed on the trailer.
" I'm going to miss you so much my baby" my mom said with a low voice. We were waiting outside the bus waiting  for other passengers to get in.
" I'll call you every day ma and please don't do anything I wouldn't do"
"Child please" she said with a chuckle..we both ended up laughing so loud. The bus engine started, indicating it was about to leave.
" Ok  by ma I'll see you soon" I gave her a tight hug  I was going to miss my bestfriend. I got inside the bus and sat down on the seat I was assigned to. I watched my mom standing there shedding a few tears as the bus left. It was going to be a long 5hour drive to Underberg, I just laid back in my seat and drifted of to sleep.

"Ladies and  gentlemen  we have arrived in Underberg, please make sure that you have all  your belongings as we will not be held responsible for any missing items also make sure that you are not leaving any litter behind. Thank you for choosing to travel with us and we hope you enjoyed the journey" the bus driver announced.
I was so tired and ready to get off this bus, I just hope my dad is already waiting for me. We all got off the bus and got our belongings. My phone vibrated.
Dad -I'm driving a white mini van
Me- Ok,I'll look for it
It wasn't hard to spot my father's car, I dragged my suitcase as I walked toward's his car. He stepped out of the car and walked towards me.
"Lyric, my baby it's been so long"
"Hey dad" I said with a soft voice. He hadn't changed at all he was still the same man I last saw when I was 15. He proceeded  to give me a long and tight hug.
"Come on in I'm sure you're tired"
I got inside the car and he drove off. I was very emotional at this moment and I had so many questions I needed  answers to. And I'm going to ask every single one of them.
"You're hungry? We can stop at Lets meat restaurant, the one you used to love"
" Ya  sure I don't mind, wow they actually still operate ?"
" Of cause they do, they still serve that amazing steak that we used to order every Friday, you remember that?"
"Yes dad, it wasn't that long ago it's only been 5 years"
He parked his  car and we got inside. A beautiful short waitress came to our table.
" Hello Mr White what can I get you today?"
"We will have half cooked steak dripping in source, onion rings and fried chips"
"Anything to drink sir"
"Just water with lemon. And you Lyric?"
"I'll just have the same drink  please"
She left our table.
"She knows you by name dad?"
"Of cause Lyric this is a small town remember everyone knows each other.....how is your mother doing by the way?"
"She's doing just fine, still working as a nurse"
"That's great to hear I still think about you guys every single day"
"Why didn't you come to see me anyways ? "
" To be honest with you I wasn't the same man your mother fell inlove with, I became an alcohol  and things went out of hand. When I sepreated from your mother I got a wake up call and I needed to change my lifestyle and the way I did things. It wasn't easy but I spent 6 months in rehab trying to get clean. I couldn't see you because I needed to prove to myself that I can stay sober and healthy for you guys.I wanted to be a better man and father to you"
He was getting emotional and his eyes were red.
"I love you Lyric so much and I feel like I've failed you as a parent but I'm on a better path now, hence you are here. I finally spoke to your mother and she agreed that you can come and stay with me since I've  been sober for all these years.I just want to make it right"
" I understand dad, I was just so mad at you for so long and mom tried to explain the situation to me but I wanted to hear it from you, I'm glad that you stopped drinking"
The waitress approached our table with our plate of food and drinks.
" Enjoy your meal, and please let me know if there's anything  you need"
"Thank you" my dad replied back
We ate  in silence and I preferred it like that. I was very hungry and didn't  want to be disturbed.
"Damn Lyric slow down your food is not going anywhere"
"Sorry, I was just really hungry"
"It's ok I get it"

We finished our food and headed to the car.It was only a few minutes till we got home. The neighborhood hasn't really changed, children were still playing games on the side of the road. Old ladies standing next to their gates probably gossiping. And of cause hood Niggas standing by the corner store doing what they do best, selling drugs. A few ladies walking around in their mini dresses,actually very short if you ask me.
"These guys standing around actually drive really nice cars dad"
"I mean this drug business brings in a lot of money for them, they really are poisoning this neighborhood, I want you to stay away from them"
"Yes dad, I'm 20 I know the difference between right and wrong"
After a few minutes we had arrived to the  house that I used to call home, it hasn't changed at all. Dad helped me with my suitcase and carried it to my old room.

" I kept your room the same I didn't  want to change anything"
"I can tell"
"Well get some rest, and umm please be comfortable this is your home after all".

I changed and wore leggings and a huge t-shirt. I dialled my mother's number and called her...it rang a few times before she picked up.

Mom- Hey baby, I miss you already how's everything?
Me- I miss you too. It's good.Its still the same though.Dad didn't change anything in my room.I still have those Justin Bieber  posters on my wall.
Mom- Wow (she laughed so loud) you were really obsessed with that boy.
Me-I know, but I'm grown now I'm not into all that.
Mom-Well enjoy your time with your dad.He's really excited to have you there. Oh and you better start looking for a job.
Me- Yes mom I will...well bye your girl needs some rest.I love you ma.
Mom- I love you to baby now be good
Me-Girl bye...I'm  already good.

I dropped the call and snoozed to sleep.I was really tired and was probably going to sleep until the next day.