CPR

43

Aaliyah - Two months later
June 2nd, 2018

"So how come you don't talk about your family much?" I asked eating some popcorn.

"I don't really have family I guess D'angelo is the only person I would consider family. Oh and of course you now too." Jay said wrapping his arm around my shoulder.

We're at my place watching a movie and just chilling since we both had the day off. I enjoyed doing small things like this compared to always going out. I wasn't a homebody but I also wasn't always in the mood to go out.

Jay and I made it official last month and I've been nothing but happy ever since. He's the most sweetest, kind, and thoughtful person ever. He's helped me grow and become a better person in ways I would've never ever thought was possible. He's helped me be able to love myself more and ultimately be able to love him better.

At first I questioned if this was real and was I deserving of him. After Carti to gain someone like him felt impossible. He wasn't just a friend and a partner to me but he was my guidance. I never ever second guessed things with him from the start. This felt like a dream and I didn't want to wake up.

"You don't have any parents or any siblings?" I asked looking up at him.

"Well you know I'm puerto rican and black but I've never met my dad and my mom left puerto rico to come here while pregnant. Her family didn't approve of her being a teen mom or having a child with a black man. So she left and never turned back so I never met any of my family. She never had any other kids either."

"Awww Jay that's so sad I'm sorry." I grabbed his hand.

"Yeah that's why I look at D'angelo as my brother for real. He always treated me like family and never switched on me since day one." He smiled.

"He's so sweet and I hate how he gets treated but I'm glad he has people like us around. So where is your mom now?" I inquired.

"She passed away from breast cancer about a year ago. So I've really just been thuggin it out on my own."

It's crazy that we've never talked about family much until now but I could see why. I know I was sensitive about talking about my dad and him not being around. I knew this had to be even harder for him though.

"Wow if I lost my mom I wouldn't know what to do she's my best friend. That's really amazing how strong you are I applaud you for that." I smiled.

"Yeah but what's crazy is you remind me of my mom a lot. Like your energy and the way you're so outgoing and strong. I felt like my mom kinda guided me to you and the more I spend time with you I find more comfort in you."

"Jason, come here." I pulled him into a hug.

I could still hear and feel how much he missed his mom and for her to be his only family I could tell that's something he still struggles with. I've never experienced a man be so vulnerable like this and it was powerful.

"I know one thing I want a family of my own one day soon. I've always wanted a family since I was little. I just can't settle for anything though that's why I'm picky with who I date."

"So what does that mean for me?" I smirked.

"That means you're special I don't waste my time on just anybody." He smiled.

"So you would start your family with me?" I asked nervously.

"Hell yeah but that's something we would both have to be ready for. I don't want to rush anything on you plus our relationship is still new. I don't want you to think I'm crazy or anything either. He laughed.