Page 63 of So I Know it's Real

I cut my eyes at the smart ass. “Boy! If I tell you to watch your mouth one more time, I’m going to slap you in it. Show respect.”

“Yes, ma’am.” He sulked.

“Now, back to what I was saying,” I muttered. “I love the name Lucky. I tease you about it, but I love the idea of my babybeing named after me. I think it’s a testament to the way we feel about her—our good luck charm.”

We vibed to music and laughed at the banter between the boys until we pulled into the cemetery. The silence that swept through the car made me reach for Durk’s hand. This was the first time I visited the sacred place since I met the man I would love until my final day. I liked to believe Calvin would be happy that I found a man who loved me and his kids, but knowing how possessive he used to be, I knew it was wishful thinking.

“Durk, I know I said it before, but I really appreciate you for doing this. I know this may be awkward,” I commented while clutching his hand.

“If I had a problem with it, I wouldn’t be here. I know it’s important to Snoop and Dre, so I’m with it. I know my place in your life.” He unbuckled my seatbelt. “Go do your thang, and come back to me. Your hellraisers left Nerf bullets all over my yard, so we’re going to my spot after this.”

Pierce sucked his teeth. “Don’t blame us. Those belong to you!”

“It doesn’t matter. We shoot together; we pick up together.”

I gently slapped his shoulder amidst their back and forth. “Listen to you. You’re putting your foot down instead of letting them do whatever they want.”

“I mean, they can still do what they want. They just have to clean up behind themselves.”

Durk

Mama Jo would have a fit if she saw me smoking at a graveyard, but I had to calm my nerves. Though I played it cool about bringing Clover and the twins to visit her baby daddy, I felt uneasy and needed a stress reliever.

From afar, I watched the trio add flowers on the nigga’s grave. They didn’t appear sad, which made me feel better about the visit. Today was supposed to be about celebrating our family, not mourning.

My phone vibrated in my pocket, and I smiled at seeing my twin’s name on the screen.

“What’s up, Mercy?”

“Don’t play. You know why I’m calling!”

“Damn, you not going to ask me how I’m doing first?” I joked before saying, “It’s a girl.”

The words left my lips, instantly making my heart swell. Deep down, I believed God was giving me a second chance at being a girl dadafter being played.

“I know you’re happy, Durk. Mama and Mama Jo are going to be hyped! Are you going to name her Durkisha?”

“You know it!” I clowned.

“Oh, Lord. Where are you now? I want to rub Clover’s belly.”

“That’s weird, and we’re at the cemetery.”

“What the hell? For what?”

I sighed. “Every year, Clover brings the twins here on their daddy’s birthday and Father’s Day.”

“And you went with them? Talk about maturing. You’re putting your family before your pride. I’m proud of you. For a second, I thought you lost it all after you went up to that church showing your ass.”

I smiled, recalling how the incident happened months ago, yet Mama Jo mentioned it every time we spoke. She banned me from her house until I called the pastor and apologized, and even then, my grandmother gave me a hard time.

“What’s going on at the good church?” I asked just to make conversation.

“Well, it came out you weren’t the only young tender Barbara was sleeping with. I don’t think her husband cares enough. He’s still with her.”

“An old ho.” I scoffed. “I’m not surprised. Her husband called, asking questions about my time with his wife. I told his lovesick ass to ask his bitch.”

I tossed my half-smoked blunt onto a patch of gravel then turned my attention to my family. My knees got weak, and my vision got blurry seeing a familiar woman talking to Clover.

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