Still In

XVIII

Before we start this chapter, I just wanna let y'all know to be safe. This corona situation is getting real, so make sure y'all take this social distancing serious. Wash your hands, stay inside, and be safe!
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Omniscient

Karen stood outside the church staring out into the distance. Her brother's funeral had just ended and everyone around her was hugging and giving their condolences. Her husband, Todd, came next to her and wrapped his arm around her. His other arm held their daughter, Reign.

"How you holding up?" Todd asked.

Karen shrugged. "I've been better."

Karen began looking around again before spotting someone under a tree. She couldn't tell who it was but she could tell they were staring in the direction of the church.

She pushed up her shades and walked over to the person. The closer she got, the clearer the person became. She got close up and realized it was her nephew.

"Hey, baby." She said, hugging him.

"Hey." He mumbled.

"You didn't come to your dad's funeral."

"Couldn't find the strength."

"How's Taylor holding up?

"I don't know. I haven't seen nor spoken to her."

"I think you should. I mean, she's gonna pop in any second and this stress isn't good for her nor the babies."

"I don't feel like talking to her."

"It's not about what you feel like." Karen said. "It's about what's good for her, you, and your siblings."

"I haven't spoken to her in years, Kay."

"Hey, what'd I tell you about built up animosity?"

He sighed. "If it isn't released efficiently, it'll cause me to explode."

"Exactly, you need to talk to her about how she affected you."

"I don't need a therapist. I came to get closure and go back to New York."

"You can't keep running from your problems, Gionni."

"Love you too, Kay." He kissed her cheek and walked away.

Gionni really planned on going back to New York, but he needed to make a stop first. He needed to speak to his favorite girls.

Tanya

"Danny." I said, kissing his cheek. "Danny."

"Mmmm." He groaned, shaking me off him.

"Danny, honey, wake up."

"What's wrong?'"

"Nothing, but guess what?"

"Hmm?"

"It's your birthday!!!"

His eyes shot open with excitement. "Really?"

"Really."

He got up and hopped on me. I laughed and carried him to the kitchen where Dave was making breakfast. Danny loves pancakes and I finally taught Dave how to make them. I put Danny down in the chair next to D'Andre's high chair.

"It's my birthday, Andy." He said to the baby who just babbled back to him.

'Andy' is what Daniel calls D'Andre. After watching Toy Story one night, he associated the name with the baby's name and decided that was his new nickname.