“You know you don’t have to do this,” My dad said as he parked his car. I took a deep breath because I was nervous.
“I know, but I want to. I need to figure some stuff out, and I need this time away to really get my stuff together.”
“You can do that here. You know you could move in with Bre and me and work for one of my companies. Probably the car detailing spot since you love cars so much.”
“I know. I’ve thought about that, but this is for me. Just make sure you take care of my baby while I’m gone.” I was speaking of my car.
“You know, I will. I’m very proud of you, but I want you to do this for you and not him.” He looked at me. I knew nothing could get past him. My dad may not have been in the streets, but he was aware of everything that went on. I never knew how, but that’s Kingsley Allen for you; he was the jack of all trades.
“It’s not because of him. It’s because of me and my becoming of a man. I’m handling things dad and hoping to become a man like you one day.”
“Okay, son. Do what you have to do and bring your ass back home in one piece.” He reached over and put me into a playful headlock. I laughed, then straightened up and looked at him. For some reason, tears just fell from my eyes.
“It’s okay, son. I know. I know.” He said, getting teary-eyed himself. I just nodded then got out of the car to get my bags. I wish things were different, I wish I never met Tiffany or broke Chianne’s heart. My dad came around the car with one of my bags then hugged me.
“I love you, Eric!” He said then kissed my forehead. I wasn’t embarrassed because I was grateful to have a dad like him.
“Love you too, dad. See you soon.” I smiled as I wiped my eyes with the sleeve of my shirt. He just nodded then stood by his car as I walked away. I felt like I was walking with cement in my shoes as I got closer to the building. I felt my phone vibrating in my pocket and took it out. It was from Tiffany. I ignored the call because I already gave her my goodbye yesterday. That’s another reason I was late to dinner. She wanted to throw me a little dinner with her parents even though I already told her I had plans with my family. I told her to live her life while I was gone and not to wait for me. I was really hoping that she would meet someone else and drive that nigga crazy. He could deal with her and her dad, and they could leave me the hell alone. If there was one person’s voice I wanted to hear before I departed, it was Chianne. So I decided to try one more time because something in my heart told me to. I listened to the phone ring and was disappointed, but not surprised that the voicemail picked up. I could’ve hung up, but wanted her to hear my voice just in case this would be the last time. After my fifth attempt to reach her, I just decided to leave a voicemail.
“Hey, Chi. It’s been a while……”
34. Chianne
I probably ignored Eric’s call for the fifth time in a row. I had just landed at BWI and was headed to the baggage claim area. I honestly thought I would be open to talking to him by now, but I was always reminded about how he hurt me. I wasn’t even in DC anymore, and I was still annoyed by everything about him. I don’t even know why he was calling me anyway since it’s been over a year since I last saw him. I thought about blocking his number, but I hoped he was hurting whenever I ignored his calls. I wonder if Bre told him I was coming back into town to visit? I don’t think she would do that, but maybe she slipped up and said something?
Anywho, I was getting homesick, and I was over Cali. Life with my dad was very complicated, and I needed a break. Of course, I didn’t tell him that, but I was planning to stay longer than I told him. I needed to be around my family and friends while I try to figure life out. I haven’t even told him I withdrew from college, and I know it would be something we would bump heads about. Moving to Cali was supposed to be my fresh start, but once he got a girlfriend, our arrangement changed, and I wasn’t feeling it. I know it seems like I was running away from my responsibilities, but I never wanted this life and was forced to have it. I wasn’t the same Chianne from before, a lot had changed, and my
