Page 19

“The prodigal daughter returns!” Prosper grinned as I entered the kitchen with his goodies in tow.

“How are you, Pops?” Kissing him on the cheek as he sat at the table.

“Aren’t you a sight for sore eyes? How’ve you been?” He questioned with a mysterious grin on his face.

“I should be asking you that question, seeing as though you still have your hospital wristband on.” He may have been sick, but he was still a handsome older gentleman. I understood why the ladies used to go so crazy over him.

“I’m built for it. You can’t keep a real G down. Now, back to my question. How’ve you been? It’s been a long time since I’ve seen your pretty face. Even longer for my son.”

“I’ve been trying to piece my life back together. You know how that goes.” I uttered, taking a seat next to him.

“That I do. Well, I’m glad you’ve decided to rejoin the family. You’ve been greatly missed.” Prosper always had a way with words, so I expected nothing less from him.

“Here’s your food, daddy. I’m texting Yaya right now, and she said they should be back by six, so you need to make sure this food is gone by then. I’m already helping you break the rules, I’m not trying to hear my brother’s mouths. Here, I brought you two extra cups of blue cheese. Although I don’t know who in God’s name would purposely choose blue cheese over ranch.” River pretended to be sick.

“Gone on, silly girl.” He playfully nudged her out of the way. People could say what they wanted about him, but he was a damn good father.

“Why didn’t you come by here to pick up your money? I thought you said your tuition was due next week?”

“Well, you gave us quite a scare, so my tuition sort of slipped my mind. I talked to my advisor, and they gave me an extension.” River explained.

“Okay, baby, make sure you go in my room and get your check. I can’t have you being late. I need you to get your degree so you can make the big bucks.” He teased. On the outside looking in, you’d never know his health was declining.

“Do you need anything else before I head out? Triniti stopped by our place to grab her overnight bag, so she’ll be here in the next hour.” Prosper rolled his eyes.

“I don’t need a damn babysitter. Y’all are treating me like an invalid. I have enough energy to fuck two bitches at the same time, if I wanted to. The doctors don’t know what they’re talking about.” He spat.

“First of all, eww. Secondly, you need to slow it down before you have another woman trying to pen a baby on you.” River sassed. I’d overheard them talking about the nurse who faked a DNA test on her daughter because she wanted him to be with her.

“Man, I don’t even want to think about that crazy chick. They sent me a letter telling me my restraining order against her had officially been approved. In all of my days, I’ve never gone through anything like this.” He rubbed his bald head.

“You need to be trying to find a nice, wholesome Christian woman to settle down with instead of running through all these crazy women.” River fussed, cleaning off his kitchen counter.

“They’re much worse. The last church lady I messed around with keyed my car after leaving bible study. She wrote “burn in hell” on my windshield with a scripture at the bottom. Every time I see her people, I turn the other way.” I burst into a fit of giggles.

“Pops, what are you doing to these women to make them so crazy?” It’s been this way for as long as I can remember and I still didn’t understand. Yes, he’s handsome with money, but he literally played in these women’s faces.

“It’s the curse of the curve.” He shrugged his shoulders. River and I glanced over at each other before it finally clicked in my head. My mouth dropped open in shock.

“Daddy! What the heck? I could have lived the rest of my days not knowing that piece of information.”

“She asked a question, and I answered it. It’s a Graham family curse. Why do you think Elantra stayed with Knowledge for so long? It damn sure wasn’t because he was a good man.” His revelation made a lot of sense because Lord knows Renegade had a third arm between his legs.

“See now you’re being messy. It makes sense because there isn't enough love in the world to make me put up with the shit y’all put these poor women through.” River added. She made a good point. Out of all of the men, Pops and Knowledge were the worse ones.

“The Lord didn’t give me this dick to only give it to one woman. Now, if I could get these women on the same page, it could all work out.”

“Nobody in their right mind will agree to any of that. You might as well be single if you know you can’t be monogamous.” River suggested. It amazed me at times how different his sons were when it came to dating. Law has player tendencies, but Renegade believes in monogamy. Well, he used to. I couldn’t speak on what he’d done the last few years.

“Don’t you want a step-mama?”

“I already have one. Tammy’s been a second mother to me since I was born. She’s probably the reason you’ll never be able to settle down. That’s your karma for fumbling the realest woman you’ve ever had.”

“If I hadn’t done what I did, you and your sister wouldn’t be here.” He reasoned.

“So, I should be grateful my daddy’s a hoe?” We both cackled as he glared at her.

“Yeah, it’s time for you to go. Ain’t your little boyfriend looking for you?” The two of them cracked me up. It reminded me of when I used to have family dinners with them.

“Oh, now you want me to go. What’s wrong, twin? You can dish it out, but can’t take it, huh?” These two really were twins in looks, which is funny because none of his other children resembled him at all. All of them look different from the others.

I’m not worried about you. I’m gonna say what I want, and I know you are too. Make sure you text me when you make it home.” River’s jaw dropped at his insistence. I chuckled at their interaction.

“Fine, I’ve been put out of better places anyways.” River pretended to pout, moving to towards her father to kiss him on the cheek.

“I love you, daddy. Please take care of yourself.” Prosper shooed her away with his hand.

“I’ve been managing all this time, y’all worry too much.”

“You heard what I said, old man. Either you do right, or you’re gonna be in someone’s nursing home scarfing down oatmeal.” She teased. Prosper glared at her before flipping her the bird. River gripped her chest in mock surprise.

“I think the dementia is setting in already. I’ll be sure to bring some diapers on my way over here tomorrow.”

“Baby girl, play with something safe. I may be your father, but I’m a gangsta, too. Bring some damn diapers to my house and see what happens.” He warned.

“Lighten up, Pops.” River chortled, trying her best to conceal the grin covering her face. Her and Triniti kissed his cheek before walking out of the house.

“So, how are you really?” His eyes held the concern of a parent, warming my heart. I fiddled with my hair, avoiding all eye contact.

“You know I’ve kept tabs on you since you left. I gave you enough space to live your life, while assuring your safety. I’m proud of you. Even with everything you’ve been through, you’ve done well for yourself. I knew you were a true warrior.” He nodded, then reached for a bottle of what appeared to be whisky.

“I still have most of the money you’ve sent me.” I blurted out. Prosper poured the potent liquid into his glass before extending the bottle towards me.

“No, thank you.” I declined, even though a stiff drink may have quieted my intrusive thoughts.

“Fine, more for me.” Shrugging his shoulders, he held his newspaper in his left hand as if it contained some juicy tea in it.

“Did you hear what I said?” Prosper’s a complex character. However, his heart remained unwavering.

“I’ll tell you the same thing I’ve told my family. My mind functions like a well-oiled machine. The money in question belongs to you, not me. What you choose to do with it, is your business.”

“You’re not obligated to take care of me. I owe you, not the other way around.” I suggested. Of course, I stated the obvious. Prosper took a sip from his glass before addressing me.

“If you know anything about me, then you’re aware I never do anything against my will. I’m a man who values money, so I’ll never invest where there’s no value.” I gulped, sitting there hanging on his every word.

“Gee has always been the most like me, even though he’ll tell you differently. He’s been a natural-born protector since the day he learned how to walk. It’s a family trait, if I am being honest. My father taught us to stand on our word and to protect the ones we love at all costs.” Prosper refilled his glass before continuing.

“The moment Gee brought you into our lives, I accepted you as my own. You became my obligation, as you put it. My children hold my heart in the palm of their hands even though they may not see it that way. When I found out what happened, I jumped into action because I knew how much my son loved you. Renegade wouldn’t have been able to handle the details of your assault while locked in that hell hole, so I decided to do my part to protect you until you were better. I hadn’t anticipated you staying away this long, but it wasn’t my call to make. You were an extension of my child, so I did what any father would do. It’s not my place to question you or pass judgment on you. My son’s smile has returned, so I know the two of you will be okay.”

“Thank you,” I uttered. Prosper’s always been a man of few words, but when he did speak, you felt it.

“The doctors are telling me my days are numbered if this treatment doesn’t take, so while I’m still here, you’ll have me in your corner.” My breathing faltered as I processed his words. It’s the first time he’s acknowledged his failing health.

“Don’t speak like that. You’re going to beat this. You have to. Who else will keep us on our toes.” We both chuckled, he stared into the distance for a moment.

“I’m not afraid of death,” He hissed from the burn of the alcohol he’d consumed.

“I’ve lived a good life. My children will be set financially for the remainder of their lives, and I’ve enjoyed more pleasures in my life than most men my age. Every dream or goal I’ve ever manifested in my mind, I’ve accomplished. My legacy holds weight in this world; what more could any man ask for?” My eyes pricked with tears as the reality settled in.

“No tears, beauty. I’ve made peace with my fate. I have no regrets in my life outside of not being the man I wanted my sons to emulate. I raised them to be what I knew I couldn’t; I’m proud to say it worked.”

“Do you wish you could have experienced real love?” I’m not even sure what made me ask. I guess because of all of the stories I’ve heard about his harem of women.

“Naw, I’ve experienced real love many times over. I’ve loved and have been loved. It may not have been in the traditional sense, but it was real nonetheless.” He proclaimed.

“What about Ms. Tammy?” Everyone knew she held a special place in his heart even though they were no longer together.

He grinned, downing the remnants of liquor. “Tammy came into my life at a time when I needed purpose. My father assigned us positions within his organization. However, I needed more. Our friendship developed into a love I’ll cherish for the rest of my days. We may have been slightly toxic, but our dynamic worked for us.” We gave each other a knowing look. Growing up, the two of them used to fight like cats and dogs. However, when it came to spending family time, they were my favorite family to hang out with.

“Do you regret not settling down with her?”

“What’s with you and all of these questions, girl?” Prosper chuckled, running his hands down his bald head.

“To answer your question, no, I don’t. When Tammie gave birth to Tip, we tried the whole family thing. Although. I’ve never been the most faithful man, but I wanted to be there for them. We were good until we weren’t. There are no regrets on my end, though. Tammy taught me a lot about being a man. To this day, if I need her, I know she’ll come to my aid. The love we created will never be destroyed, regardless of our past. Truthfully, I want her to find love and get married someday. Preferably, after I’m dead and gone.” His answer surprised me because I hadn’t expected him to be so transparent. Most men never took accountability for their actions. Especially when it came to the role they played in a relationship ending.

It gave me comfort to know he’d made peace with the decisions he’s made in life. He’s one of the realest men I’ve ever met in my life.

“So, what’s the deal with you and my son?” I knew he’d ask eventually.

“You’re our main focus right now. Anything else can wait.” It was the truth. Since the hospital scare, the only thing we’ve been discussing were the next steps to make sure he got back on track.

“I don’t know what for. I’m a grown-ass man who doesn’t need a bunch of people fussing over him. I’ve managed to care for myself all this time, and not much has changed.” Stubborn as an ox.

“Well, your family and children see things differently, and quite frankly, I’m on their side. It would do you good to listen to them instead of being so hardheaded.” I fussed. He grinned, then shook his head.

“I knew I liked you for a reason. You don’t hold back. Renegade needs that. He acts like me in a lot of ways. He believes he has to take care of everything and everyone. I don’t want y’all making a fuss over me, because fate remains in the hands of the creator. I could eat right, exercise, follow all of these godforsaken instructions, but when it’s my time, I’m out of here.” He informed me, twisting the cap back on the liquor bottle.

I knew Renegade wouldn’t be happy knowing he was drinking like this. At the same time, I understood Prosper’s perspective. It’s an adjustment to have your choices stripped from you. He was trying to hold on to anything he could to feel as though he was still in control.

“I understand what you mean. However, you can’t blame them for wanting to do what they believe is best. We only get one set of parents, so what may seem as overbearing to you is simply them showing you how much they love you.” I reasoned. We stared at each other for a while.

“Can I show you something without you freaking out?” My eyebrows rose.

“Can you go in my hall closet and grab the box on the top shelf?” I hesitated for a moment. I felt like this would be something I wasn’t prepared for, yet I wanted to honor his request.

“What’s in this?” I ran my hands across the engravings on the back of this wooden chest. There was a scripture on it, and I made a mental note to look up the actual scripture when I left.

“I need you to keep this in a safe space until the time is right. Can you do that for me?” My heart dropped to my stomach. My gut told me the contents would destroy the people I loved. I ran my finger along the initials on the top. I recognized them all.

“I don’t like the idea of keeping secrets from Renegade. We may not be together, but I owe him my loyalty.” I’m sure his trust in me had already deteriorated from my disappearance. I knew if and when the contents of this box came out, I’d have to deal with the aftermath. Maybe I’m overthinking, but the look in his eyes told me I wasn’t.

“I’m not much of a praying man, but I asked God to cover my children in the event things don’t go in my favor. My girls have each other, but my boys are different. They hold their pain in order to be strong for everyone around them. It’s what I taught them.” He stared into the distance.

“I asked him to release Law so I could have time with him, and my prayer was answered. Then, I asked Him to bring happiness back into Gee’s life. I think it’s safe to say the Lord does answer a sinner’s prayers,” My eyes welled with tears. I shook my head to ward off the emotions.

“Don’t cry for me. I told you I’m at peace. I know in my heart they will be alright. You’ll make sure of it, and so will Tammy.”

“I won’t need to do any of that because you’re not going anywhere.” I needed to tell myself this more than him. It didn’t matter what he said. I refused to believe this would be the end. It couldn’t be.

“I remember when Gee first brought you home. I’d never seen my boy so excited about anyone in his life. When we dropped him off on the campus, he swore he couldn’t wait to get out there and live the true college experience. I remember joking with him, telling him he’d be in a relationship by the end of the year. He denied it, swearing he’d be the ultimate playboy, but I knew better.

My sons are lover boys, so it came as no surprise when he brought you home for Christmas break, grinning like a Cheshire cat. Tammy swore you were the one for him, but I wasn’t convinced. Truthfully, I hoped he would get out there and fuck as many women as possible.” He admitted. My nose turned up from his revelation.

“Then I got to know you better. I witnessed the way you loved my daughters as well as my son. When River got into that car accident after her school dance, you got in your car in the middle of the night to see about my baby. I knew right then, and there you really cared about my family. For that reason, you’ll forever have my love.” His words felt like a goodbye, which made me uncomfortable.

“Yooo!” Law’s voice boomed through the foyer. I wondered if Prosper would try to hide his bottle, but in true fashion, he poured another glass.

“What y’all got going on in here?” The jazz music played in the background.

“What’s up, son?” Prosper used his cane to stand up to hug Law. I snapped a picture on my phone to capture the moment. Prosper wasn’t the most affectionate man, so he rarely gave out hugs unless requested. It made me realize how much this illness had affected him.

“I know your ass isn’t drinking no damn whiskey. You’re hardheaded as hell!” Law hissed.

“Who’s drinking whiskey? I know damn well it’s not pops.” Renegade scolded, rushing over to snatch the bottle from the table. He sauntered over to the sink and poured the remainder of the liquor down the drain. I expected his father to put up more of a fight, but he simply shook his head.

“I’ve gotten my buzz now,” he shrugged, with an unbothered expression on his face.

“What the hell are you doing? The doctor made it abundantly clear you aren’t supposed to consume any liquor. It’s like you don’t give a damn about your own health! Do you understand the seriousness of your prognosis?”

“Do you? I’m not going to get better, son. No matter how many bland meals you force down my throat. No matter how much medicine they try to put into me. Why can’t you see that?” Renegade’s chest heaved up and down. Law appeared visibly upset while Renegade’s face reddened with anger.

“So, this is how you’re going to go out? Huh? Like a bitch!” He yelled. I stood from my seat due to his outburst.

“Aye, little nigga, I may be sick, but don’t you fix your mouth to disrespect me. I may be the person who raised you and your siblings, but I’m also the same mothafucka who held court in the streets behind my respect! Don’t let this sickness get you fucked up!” Both of them were mild-tempered for the most part, so I knew this stemmed from fear and emotions.

“I’m glad you remember who you are because it seems as if you’ve forgotten. My whole life, you taught us to never give up even when it seemed as if we’d lost the battle. You raised us to be warriors and not to allow fear to stop us. What happened to that man? How can you sit here and give up? Are we not worth fighting for? Huh? Tell me something!” Renaged roared. I wiped my tears with the back of my shirt.

“To you, I’m giving up, but I see it as me accepting my fate. I’d much rather enjoy my time with my family than spend my days sick with no energy to even lift my head! I taught you to be strong, which means I can count on you to carry on my legacy with honor.”

“Pops-” Prosper held his hand up, cutting Law off.

“I’m not saying I’m not going to fight I’m simply asking you to respect my wishes. A life with rules and restrictions isn’t a life I desire to live. Stop handling me as if I’m about to crumble where I stand. I’ve given you all the tools I know, so don’t sit here and act as if you won’t be able to survive without me. You will! I’ve made sure of it. I may not have made all of the right choices in life, but I raised some warriors.

Don’t you ever question my love for my children! I’d lay down my life for each one of you with no questions asked. However, you have your own life to live now. I’ve done my job as your father. Now, it’s time for you to create your own families to pour into. I’m going to fight until my last day, but on my terms.” It wasn’t what they wanted to hear, but he spoke his truth. Prosper embraced his sons, whispering in their ears. I discreetly captured it on video in hopes it might bring them comfort one day in the far future.

***