The Neighborhood I Once Knew

Chapter 11

I woke up with such a headache and fatigue. It was my fault from all the drinking I did yesterday. I had set an alarm for 6am in the morning since we had to leave early. Atleast it was going to take  hour's  before we got to New Orleans and that means I can take naps in the plane. We both got up at the same time and took a shower and did our hygiene. Since I'm  travelling I wore confortable clothes. A simple long sleeved shirt with black and white stripes will do. With boyfriend jeans and a pair of vans. I wore a necklace and a watch to complete the look. And went for a more natural look with make up. Our bags were already packed.
"Who's taking us to the airport?"
"Tee should be here in a few minutes to drop us off"
"Ok"
He carried our bags downstairs and I made sure I took everything I was going to need.
A few minutes later Tee came inside the house.
"Yo what's up bro" they dabbed each other.
"Hey Lryric looking cute as always"
"Hey watch it" August jokingly said to him.
"First of all we were friends before y'all got together so you can't tell me that my Nigga". He came to me and we hugged.
"Hey Tee"
They both carried the bags inside the truck and I got in at the back and August sat in the front seat. And we left.
"So August when are you planning on coming back, I mean the crew doesn't even know you're leaving"
"Just let them know I'll be gone for a few days there are things I first have to take care of that's all they need to know. You and Tre have to make sure things run smoothly while I'm gone and do what I told you"
"Ya sure boss"
"So Tee are you getting a girlfriend anytime soon?" I asked
He still doesn't  know that I know that he hooked up with Simmy. But I'll keep quiet about it, it's non of my business after all.
"Nah not yet I haven't met anyone I want to be serious with"
"Mmm ok"
I sat at the back in silence and let them speak to each other. I decided to call my dad since I didn't get the chance to say my goodbyes yesterday. After a few rings he picked up he's phone.
Dad-Hey sweetheart how are You?
Me-hey dad I'm doing good. How's everything back at home ?
Dad-Just the usual, I miss you so much
Me- I miss you too. I called to tell you that I'm headed to New Orleans to meet Augusts family they have a gathering.
Dad-Oh ok be safe and greet August for me.
Me-Ok dad bye
I dropped the call after that and also texted my mom letting her know. She was actually  cool about it. A few minutes later we  finally arrived at the airport.

I've been sleeping the whole time and I feel so much better. I was able to brush my teeth and freshen up in the plane. August was busy on he's laptop.
"So how are you feeling now?" He said looking at me.
"I'm much better babe..I'm  actually getting really nervous"
"Don't be they going to like you "
He took my hand and rubbed it with he's thumb. I felt good knowing he had my back.
"My brother and I used to be so close, he was my bestfriend...that nigga was my everything"
Was he about to open up about him right now. I held he's hand tightly and looked at him showing that he had my full attention.
"He would always tell me that I'm going to be somebody one day, that I was way too smart for the streets....when we was younger we didn't have much. I wouldn't say my mom did her best but she did what she could at that time." He said with a soft voice
He paused for a moment thinking deeply about what to say next. All I did was nod my head showing him that I'm listening.
"My bro was like my father man, he made sure I had what I needed. It was not much but it got me through. He started selling drugs not because he wanted to but there was no other way out. He would bring the money back to my mom's to make the situation better back at home...but he got in too deep. Some Niggas wanted him gone" he's voice was breaking at this point and he's eyes were turning red. I could tell he was reliving the memory. I moved in closer and rubbed he's thigh with my hand. I just wanted to calm he's nerves.
"I gotchu baby...I'm here for you" I said reassuring him.
"They killed my brother Lyric....they shot him. They killed my nigga. It killed man. The day he died he took a piece of me with him" tears were falling down and he was having a break down. I tried to hold him but our seats were making it difficult. He just laid he's head on my shoulder And I  just continued to rub he's leg. I didn't want to go deeper into it. This was a huge step for him. We both ended up taking a nap.

We had landed and August had rented us a  convertible BMW, trust him to be extra. We got all our baggages,packed them in the car and we headed to he's home. When we got thete I noticed that the outside of the house looked nice and homy not too big but just the right size. He parked the car on the side of the rode and took out all our things. He carried the heavy ones and I just took the remaining things. He knocked on the door and a few seconds later a young beautiful woman opened the door.
"August! Oh my gosh I've missed you" she went in for a hug and August had to drop what he was carrying.
"Hey sis how have you been"
"Well I'm great now that you're  here...its so great to see you"
Just then an older woman came by the door.
"My son is back home" she hugged him with so much joy. Before you know it the whole family was outside including the children overwhelming him with love. It was so beautiful to watch.
"August who's this beautiful woman you have with you ?" The younger lady asked
"Well every one I want you to meet Lyric my girl.. don't be asking her a million questions"
"Welcome Lyric what a beautiful name you have " he's mom said as she was hugging me. I ended up hugging every one and introducing myself. After all that they helped us carry our things inside into August old room. I sat on top of he's bed taking in my surroundings.
"You have such a beautiful family August" I said smiling to him.
"They are...they seem to like you but even if they didn't I'de still love you"
"Come on they waiting for us in the sitting room"
We got out of he's  room and everyone was sitting and talking having a great time.
"Lyric come sit next to me " her sister said.
I sat next to her on the sofa.
"My name is Shiela by the way, I married  August brother...I'm  sure he has told you about him"
"Oh yes he has. And I am truly sorry about losing your husband it must of been a heart  breaking experience"
"Thank you...it really was. I'm just glad you're here with him. We're all just excited to meet you"
"Come on everyone we all eating dinner  together" August mom announced.
We all moved to the dining and started feasting on the food that was prepared. August and I went to bed early because we were just too exhausted from travelling and needed some sleep.