Playing With Fire & Ice

41

Sean's pov

It's been a week since pops funeral and Effie was having a hard time with it. I couldn't say that I understood because both my parents are still alive. But I was helping her.

Everday I would make it a point to bring up a memory about pops so Effie can start talling about him. We've grown closer over these last couple of weeks.  Of course we haven't made much progress as a couple but I don't want to push her.

"Sean I think I'm ready." I hear making me turn around to See Effie standing at the kitchen entrance in a sweatsuit wringing her hand. "What are you ready for?" I ask her. "To go in dads room." She said softly and I nodded. Walling to Effie I take her hands before slowing guideing her to the room she avoided with a passion.

Stopping before the door I kiss her forehead looking into her eyes. "I'll be right there with you." I whisper and she nods in reply. Turning the door handle, the pure smell of pops enters our noses, a feeling of nostalgia washing over me. Pulling Effie into the room leaving the door cracked I watched as she went to his closet touching his clothes.

"He used to love wearing this shirt. Mama hated it though." Effie chuckled as she brought out a shirt that said 'Dad Joke Loading'. "I remember that shirt moms almost threw away but pops would always slip it from her and wear it in spite of her." I chuckle lightly.

"Remember those times dad came to pick is up from school and would play those obnoxious songs way to loud. God I was so embarrassed those times." Effie said as she shook her head.

Standing up from the bed, I walk over to Effie hugging her from ground. "You know he was doing it to get a reaction. Pops loved seeing you embarassed." I chuckle lightly. Effie hugged the shirt to her chest.

"C'mon Effie you can do this." I say supportively as I kiss her cheek. She nodded as she handed me the shirt before she bent down seeing pops shoes. "You remember these Sean." She said as she handed me a pair of light blue tennis shoes.

"Oh wow. He kept these." I said as I took the shoes.
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"I'm sorry Sean but I'm not going to be able to bring your track shoes to you." Dad said over the phone. "But dad this is a important track meet." I say. "I just said I can't Sean!" Dad yelled before I hung up.

Angrily I threw my phone as I hold my head in my hand. He always misses my track meet. Mom can't come because she's taking care of grandma. I should go tell coach I can't do the meet. Hearing running towards the locker room door, I look up seeing pops running into the room with my shoes. "Did you start yet? Am I to late?" He said as he handed me the shoes. "No your right on time actually. Thanks pops." I smile as I take my shoes putting them on.

"Get me a medal champ." Pops said as I ran out to the track. "Sean there you are the 100 meter sprint is about to start. Show 'em who's boss." Coach said to me as he patted me on the back. Jogging to the starting line, I glance at the crowd seeing pops, Effie, and Jazzy sitting at the bleachers.

I waved at them and they all waved. Effie cheering me on as she smile. God she was so beautiful. The gun went off and we started.

I won the race and I smiled as I jogged over to my family away from family. "You did so good out there Sean." Effie said as she hugged me tight. "Thanks Ef. Hey Jazzy." I say pulling away from Effie hugging Jazzy.

"Good run out there. I could of did better though." Jazzy smirks at me. "Oh really I'd like to see you try short stuff." I joke with her. She playfully shoves me and pops claps his hand on my shoulder.

"You did me proud. To celebrate lets go get pizza and pick up your mama from work and lets go." Pops smiled as we made our way to the car.

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"Pops was so proud of me he kept these old things." I chuckle.

"Yeah, I remember that. You loved to run." Effie sighed witha slight smile. Getting to her knees she dug im the closet some more before she uncovered a small metal box with 'Tackle' written on it. Opening it I cough a little at the dust as I watch Effie pull out a piece of paper.

"What is it?" I ask. "A note I think. Dad wrote it for sure." Effie says softly. "Whoever is reading this, I'm mostly likely dead of some illness. I have two beautiful daughters Effie and Jazzy. And one son that I claim Sean." I smile softly "I'm not sure how old they will be when they find this. I don't have much but I want alql my kids to know I love them. You all have made me proud. I wish the best for all of you." Effie read softly. Wrapping my arm around her I rub her shoulder.

"You okay Effie?" I ask softly. "Yeah I'm okay. Actually I'm thinking maybe that maybe we can give away some of his clothes. Not right now but maybe down the road. Give it to a homeless shelter." Effie said softly and I nodded.

"Lets get out of this apartment for the night lets invite Jazzy and go to a club have some fun." I suggest. "Yeah that'll be great." She says