Page 84 of Still Made For You

twenty-two

December 23rd

“Here’stolove,happiness,and as much coochie as a real nigga can stand!” Loyal cheered as he held up his glass for a toast. I smiled hard as his drunk ass stood up from his seat. We were currently at Vibez celebrating my bachelor party, and I can’t lie. It was lit as hell.

“I’m proud of you, Bro. You might have been the youngest, but you’ve set an example for all of us. You’ve accomplished so much at your age, and as you walk into this next phase in your life, know that I’ll always be in your corner. You are an inspiration, and I know Mama would be proud as hell of you.” I discreetly brushed the tear away from the mentioning of our Queen. Never did I believe I’d be going on this journey without her. She’d played a tremendous role in the man I am today, and I prayed she was truly proud of the man I’ve become. Her presence, her wisdom and her love were things that were unable to be replaced in our lives. She’ll be forever missed until we’re reunited again.

“Man, sit your drunk ass down,” Dreaux shouted before taking his place. I smiled, watching the two of them play fight like old times. “Anyways, bro, you know what it is with us. You’ve been my homie from the sandbox days. I always knew your ass would settle and get married because you’ve always been a lover boy.”

“Naw, foreal, you’ve taught me how to be a real man. Even when we don’t see eye to eye, I know you have my best interest at heart. You’re my brother, and it’s an honor to be able to stand beside you as your best man. You and Ciyani deserve all the happiness in this world and the next. Congratulations, Just!” We did a few more toasts before we really started turning up. It felt good to have all of them here with me. Marriage has always been a goal of mine, and I wouldn’t want to celebrate this milestone without them.

“I can’t believe y’all got Uncle Prosper and Uncle Truth’s old asses out the house. Unc! What you over there drinking on? It better be some water because we don’t have time to be taking you to the emergency room.” Messiah called out to Uncle Prosper. Seeing him and my father together reminded me of the old days.

“It’s your mama’s pussy juice, mothafucka. Quiet as it’s kept, I was supposed to be your daddy. Your father knew I had a thing for Elantra’s thick, fine ass, but he swooped in and took her from me. You’d better be lucky I ain’t introduce her to a real playa, instead she got my protege. Put some respect on my name!” Unc’s revelation had the section in an uproar. Unc’s health had declined over the last year, but his personality hadn’t changed a bit. If anything, he’s quicker with his clapback.

“Unc, you ain’t have to come for my brother like that. You know my momma dropped him on his head a few times growing up.” Rule interjected. We laughed as Messiah sat there with his face twisted up.

“You should have left that man alone. This is the same uncle who stole his supplier’s wife and then had a baby with her. He’s petty as hell.” Loyal replied. Unc’s reputation precedes him so there wasn’t too much that shocks us.

“You better ask about me. As a matter of fact, where is that pretty wife of yours? Tell her Unc loves the kids, and I don’t mind playing stepdaddy.” Uncle Prosper winked at Messiah teasingly.

“Yeah, keep playing, Unc. I love you to death, but I’ll be wearing your picture on a t-shirt, if you even breathe in her direction.”

“Pussy whipped ass. You youngbloods are too sensitive for me. I’ll leave her alone, though. Her momma is the one I really want anyway. I’m trying to figure out a way to send a love letter to her in the pen. I’ll put a couple of dollars on her books because I sho’ nuff miss that juicy booty of hers.” I damn near spit my drink out hearing that.

“Unc, you used to mess around with Meesha?” Loyal instigated.

“Meesha used to be my bottom bitch. She was a set-up chick for me way back in the day. Her body had the men hypnotized, and I can admit that a real OG slipped up in her web a few times. Shoot, you might want to make sure y’all aren’t cousins." Messiah’s face reflected nothing, but pure horror as he processed Uncle Prosper’s words.

“Unc, please tell us you’re joking.” Rule implored. Unc, as well as my father were cracking up laughing while Messiah appeared to be sweating bullets.

“I’m just playin’ with you, youngblood. Next time save the old man jokes because I can still pull em’ and my dick is still hanging down my thigh. Ain’t shit old about me besides my money.” The smirk on his face reminded me of our Uncle Knowledge when he used to prank us as kids. Man, what I wouldn’t give to have more of those memories.

“It wouldn’t have mattered anyway because I’m too gone off of Miyana, and I’m not coming up off of her. Cousin or not!” These are the moments I’d cherish forever. Where the problems in our life cease momentarily, and it’s just love.

The rest of the night went off without a hitch as we celebrated love and life. Nothing about life was perfect, but when you focus on the blessings in it, all you can do is be grateful. Our family was still intact, and life was only going to get better from here.

Pulling my phone from my pocket, I sent a message to my future Wifey to make sure she was enjoying her night as well. Really, I just missed her little butt.

Me: You miss me? You didn’t send me a pic of your outfit or anything. You’on love your man anymore?

Spoiled Lil Baby: *Four Attachments*

Spoiled Lil Baby: I always miss you, Baby. Don’t be like that, Eugene. I can’t wait to meet you at the altar and become your wife. You’re my person and one of my best friends forever.

Shit like this warmed my heart. Her love for me was felt through the phone and I’d do anything to make sure it never depleted. I knew marriage wasn’t some cakewalk, but I’d spend my life making sure she never regretted giving her heart to me forever. Even on our bad days, we’ll be reminded of the love we have for one another.

Me: I miss you and I can’t wait to see your beautiful ass in that white dress. One more day, and you’ll be Mrs. Justice Graham.

Spoiled Lil Baby: I’m gonna “My husband” these hoes to death! I’m flashing my big old diamond everywhere I go.

Me: Silly ass. Are you and the ladies enjoying yourselves? If you get too drunk, you already know you need to call me.

Spoiled Lil Baby: We’re in this hotel suite doing bald-headed activities and having a ball. Janae got us a nice suite; my bed feels almost as good as the one we have at home.

My face twisted up because I hadn’t fully processed the fact that I wouldn’t be going to bed with her lying next to me. I’d packed my bag and everything yet, for some reason, a part of me still thought we would be sleeping together tonight.

Me: You and Sis got me all fucked up. I thought this was just for the celebration!

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