“I’m good. Thanks for coming with me.” I said to her. We were now at the repast waiting for folks to come back from the burial. I didn’t want to go and see them lower the casket into the ground. It was already hard attending the funeral. I changed my mind several times, but Keisha encouraged me to come for Jenelle. While we waited, those, who didn’t go to the burial either approached me with their condolences or complimented my singing.
“I cried like a baby when you sang that song. I’m glad I didn’t wear any makeup.”
“Girl, me too. It was a beautiful song that Chasity wanted me to sing.”
“Yeah, it was.” She said as she grabbed my hand and squeezed it. She could see that I was still emotional.
“When Jenelle gets older and starts to ask about her dad, can you talk to her since you can relate,” I said looking into her eyes. My shades were off now, and I didn’t care if people saw my red and puffy eyes.
“Ummmm….sure.” She seemed hesitant.
“You don’t have to, I just thought maybe you could better explain things than me.”
“No, I get it. It’s just not easy for me to talk about my dad still to this day. However, hopefully, by the time Jenelle starts to ask, I will be more than ready and prepared to talk to her.” She half-smiled.
“How was Atlanta?” I asked her since she’s lived there before.
“It was beautiful, motivating, and felt like home during the time I was there.”
“Could you see yourself staying there longterm or starting a new life there?”
“Yeah. I did plan to stay, but you know, things changed.” I knew what she was talking about and just nodded. “Any place can really be a new life for you. You thinking about moving?”
“Yeah. I did make plans to move, but with everything that just happened within a week or so, I don’t know if now is the time to go. My family will probably be worried about me, and they’ll feel like I won’t have anybody to lean on for support.”
“You have me.”
“I know, but-”
“Hey.” A deep voice interrupted us. I looked up and saw Dre walking closer to me. I got up to give him a hug.
“Hey, Dre. I didn’t expect to see you here. I forgot you knew Jemar too.”
“Yeah, I came to pay my respect and give my condolences on behalf of my family.” He said as he hugged me tightly. “Whatever you and your daughter need, don’t hesitate to ask. I got you.”
“Thanks, Dre. We’re good, I promise.” I said as we ended our embrace. He looked over to Keisha, who made it obvious that she was avoiding eye-contact with him.
“Can we talk, Keshia?” He asked as he put his hands in his pockets. I know a lot has transpired between them, but I could still see that the feelings and love were still there. I smirked because Keisha was trying her hardest to avoid eye contact, but her body language was saying something different. It was attentive.
“I don’t want to leave Bre right now.” She said nonchalantly.
“I’m fine. Go talk.” I threw out, and even pushed her up from the chair. She looked like she wanted to smack my head off and probably would’ve if all these people weren’t around. Once she got up, she walked away first towards the foyer of the banquet we were in. Dre followed behind, but winked and smirked at me before he walked away. I just nodded, but gave him a look that said: “make it right.” He knew what I meant and just nodded back.
Now it was just me at the table, so I used this time to check on Jenelle by texting my dad since she was with him. He said she was fine and watching Mickey Mouse ClubHouse. I told him I would be home after I ate and would bring him a plate as well. I placed my phone down on the table and saw Chasity, somewhat exchanging words with a girl who looked familiar. Jemar’s uncles, who I recently met, walked up then escorted the girl out of the building. What was that about? I asked myself. I guess Chasity felt my eyes burning a hole in her head and looked directly at me. Her hardened face softened, and she somewhat smiled. She finished talking to Jemar’s uncles, took an envelope from them then walked over to me.
“Hey.” She said as she approached the table.
“Hey.” I placed my hands in my lap and suddenly got nervous.
“Thanks for being here and singing for me.”
“You don’t have to thank me, I’m here for Jenelle,” I said.
“I know, and I appreciate that. I know you and Jemar didn’t have the best relationship, but you never kept Nelle from him even though he wasn’t around much. May I sit?” She asked and gestured to the chair that was next to me. I nodded. She smiled.
“I know I wasn’t even around Jenelle much like I said I would, but I really want a relationship with her. I know it won’t make up for anything, and I don’t want that to be my intention. However, she is the only piece I have left of my son.”
“I know, and you’re free to see her as much as you want. I just ask that you be consistent in your relationship with her. I said the same thing to Jemar before-” I stopped myself because I realized that was our last conversation.
“I know, and I will pick up where he left off and didn’t get a chance to work on. Look, Bre, now is not the time, but I want you to know that I feel your pain. I have experienced your pain by the hands of my own son. I know what he was capable of, and I tried my best to correct him, but
