Forever And Always (HCBTO Sequel)

39

The sun came up and the kids were back at the house, getting ready for school. Jayceone and Imani were both still shocked from what happen a few hours ago.

Lona and Xavier have learned to see Damian as a father figure, so of course they're hurting too. Just not as much as Imani and Jayceone.

"I got Sky ready. She's downstairs eating" Xavier said, walking into Imani's room. She was sitting on the edge of her bed, putting her hoodie on.

"Thank u" she mumbled, standing. Walking towards her room door, he stood in her way "What?"

"I think u should stay here and go back to the hospital with your mom" he said "I'll bring your work back ok?"

She nodded "I can't drive like this. Can u drop me off?"

"Iight, go eat something. And pack something for later for u and your mom" he said, opening the door for her. She walked downstairs and did as told.

Jayceone walked out the bathroom with jeans and no shirt on. His dreads were pulled back as he went through his closet for a shirt.

A knock came at his door and Lona stepped. She had on shorts with a zip up jacket and KDs. "How u feelin?" She asked, watching him as he walked to the bed.

He ignored her question and slipped his shirt on before leaning over and putting on his shoes.

"I'm going to the hospital after school with Xavier. U coming with us?"

Again, she was ignored. Taking that as a sign, she closed the room door and left him alone. Lona walked downstairs to see Sky eat, Imani packing a lunch and Xavier holding her from behind.

" He'll be ok Imani, u know your dad is strong enough to pull through"

She put a few water bottle in the bag then sandwiches. "He wouldn't leave y'all like this, just have faith" he kissed her cheek "I'll be at the hospital right after school ok?"

She nodded her "Ok" turning around, Xavier kissed her softly and wiped her tears.

Grabbing the bag, Xavier picked up Sky and Imani followed him out to the car. He strapped Sky in then put the bag in the passenger seat before walking to the driver "U need to be strong for your mom baby, try and hold it together for her"

"Ok" with one last kiss, she drove off to drop Sky at school first before going to the hospital.

Going back inside, Xavier sighed and locked the four behind him. Lona was sitting at the island eating a bowl of cereal. Taking a seat by her, she looked over "How he doin?" He asked, referring to Jayceone.

"People grieve differently. His way is staying to himself" was all she said. "Can I ride with u to school?"

Grabbing his keys, Xavier nodded. After washing out her bowl, Lona followed Xavier out to his car and got in the passenger side.

"Do u know who that man was? The one Sydney killed" Lona asked.

"No, I didn't get a chance to look. But I have an idea of who it might have been" he thought of his dad, then those missed calls popped into his head.

Turns out, his mom was calling him so late so he made a mental note to stop by after school.

"I hope Damian's ok" Lona mumbled "I've grown so close to this family, I feel like they're my family. Damian's like a dad to me now"

"Yea I understand what u mean. I feel the same way"