Page 171 of The Love of Priest

Britain released a sigh, encouraging herself to get onto the bike. Priest turned around, assisting Britain with putting on her helmet. "Where's yours?" Britain asked Priest once her helmet was secured.

Priest chuckled with a shake of his head. "I don't need one." He winked at her.

"P, don't kill me," she whined as she locked her arms around his torso.

"Love you too much to ever do that," he told her before revving the engine of the bike. Kaymen pulled off with Jadey before J'Ru followed. The revving of the bikes caused Britain to jump a little, and her heart completely fell to her stomach once Priest took off at full speed.

Behind them was a rally of bike riders who were going just as fast as they were. After being petrified for a second, Britain couldn't deny the fact that riding on the bike was thrilling and fun. She could barely hear anything past the wind brushing against them.

Seeing Priest in his element of pure joy was so astonishing and honestly arousing to Britain. Priest went shirtless as he rode the bike. His diamond chains and flooded watch glistened against the illumination of the streetlights that towered above them. Whenever he passed anyone who was riding slower than him, he would laugh arrogantly and tell them to catch up.

Everything he did, he did with some sort of finesse and a whole lot of fucking style. He was irresistible. Kaymen, J'Ru and Priest rushed through the streets, leading a great abundance of bike riders through the route of remembrance for Jamari. Britain clung to Priest for dear life whenever his inner daredevil was triggered and he hit a sharp turn or pushed his luck by standing up while riding. The sight of the line of bikes and four wheelers brought smiles to the faces of the many people they passed. It was just an overall great energy surrounding everyone.

As they approached the park where Jamari's life was taken, the sadness was trumped with jubilation and excitement. Despite the reason for this whole occasion, they were making the best of it. "Son, hit that shit!" J'Ru urged Priest with a wide smile on his face.

Priest did as he was told, hiking the front half of his four-wheeler up into the air in a wheelie. Britain screamed in fear of falling, which caused Priest to laugh. He decided not to torture her any longer, bringing the bike back down and leveling it on the road.

"You good back there?!" Priest shouted over the wind so Britain could hear him.

She gave him a shaky thumbs up, evoking some more laughter out of him. With her confirmation that she was okay, Priest brought the bike up into the air once more, this time going higher and lowering Britain closer to the ground. Britain could hear the excitement and shouting from everyone as they praised Priest for the risky trick. Britain decided not to be so afraid and simply enjoyed the ride. Priest leveled them back onto the ground once more, allowing her to let out a sigh of relief.

While riding through the park, everyone shouted prayers and well wishes up to Jamari who was now looking down from Heaven.

"I hope you banging up there in heaven, little homie! I love you always!" Priest called out to Jamari, which put a smile on Britain's face. Priest truly loved Jamari like he was his own. Britain was happy that Priest was coping with the traumatic loss of Jamari in a much more positive way, rather than channeling his anger out into the streets.

They drifted through the streets, heading toward Jamari's house. The heavy feeling that weighed on Priest's heart was beginning to alleviate itself. He had prayed hard for some type of relief, and Jamari listened.

"You're a real gem, P." Britain rested her head on his shoulder as she continued to hang onto him.

"‘Preciate it, Gioia," he thanked her.

Eventually, they arrived at Jamari's house. The neighborhood was fairly quiet, and the intrusion caused multiple homeowners to peek out their windows and step out of their homes.

"Yo Tash!” J’Ru cupped his hands around his mouth, calling for Tasha to come out.

Their bikes could be heard a block down. Tasha didn't think they would be stopping at her house. With her sons, Jaden and King, Tasha peeked out the window. Her eyes scorched with tears at the sight of so many people gathering outside for her son. Jamari really had that effect on everyone. She had taught him to be kind, loving, and open. His charm and smooth talk were attained as he grew up, and Priest, J'Ru and Remy had played a huge role in that.

At the sight of Priest, J'Ru and Kaymen, King and Jaden rushed outside. Priest got off his bike, squatting down with open arms so he and the boys could share an embrace. "We're out here ‘cause Mari wouldn't want us to leave y'all hanging," he told them, ruffling their low curls.

Tasha had finally emerged from the house. She was still broken, and it was evident. Her long dreads were piled sloppily on top of her head, showcasing her drained face. She had visible bags underneath her eyes that had come from long nights of simply crying. Priest had managed to check in with Tasha earlier that week, and she still managed to be wearing the same set of black sweats paired with a regular oversized tee. She was depressed and going through the woes of losing someone who meant the world to her, someone who belonged to her. She had the right to not want to do anything. That was her grieving process, and everyone accepted it.

As she descended the short steps with her furry night slippers that Jamari would occasionally lounge in around the house, everyone cheered her on for encouragement. Even if she went back to feeling low, right now, they wanted her to feel as high as ever. Jamari's spirit was with them at that very moment, and they wanted to share that great feeling with her.

Overwhelmed by the amount of love she was receiving, she resorted to falling into J'Ru's arms and burying her head in his chest. For the first time, she wasn't crying because she missed her son dearly. She was crying because her son had been a blessing to everyone within his lifetime.

Britain took her helmet off, smoothing down her hair in the process. Her heart filled with warmth at the sight of Tasha receiving the comfort and support she needed. Britain wrapped her arms around Priest's waist, a smile etched on her face.

Tasha was eventually able to gather her emotions. She lifted her head from J'Ru's chest, wiping her tears. "Thank you," she croaked to everyone. "This really means so much to me, and I know it means the world to Mari. I'm so glad that each and every one of you got to experience his greatness. He made everyone smile, and that was what people loved about him most. With all of you being here, I now know I'm not alone in this grieving process. He was everybody's little man," she laughed lightly though her tears that were still cascading down her face.

Britain removed her arms from around Priest to allow him to comfort Tasha. Priest wrapped his arms around Tasha, consoling her through the pain.

"Jamari promised he was gonna take care of you when he got older. I'm gonna fulfill that promise," Priest spoke to her in a low tone. Jamari was his mother’s everything. He helped out with the kids, ran the household while she was at work, and most importantly, saved her the stress of constantly thinking about him getting into the wrong things. Jamari always bragged about how he was going to have his family living good when he got older. It was a shame that he wasn't here to fulfill that promise.

Priest always promised Jamari he would look out for him. This was the only way he knew how. As far as Priest was concerned, Tasha, King, and Jaden were going to be good with absolutely no worries at all.

Itwas three in the morning when Britain and Priest got back to the apartment. They drove in a comfortable silence, still basking in the love and unity they were able to experience for Tasha's sake.

Priest locked the doors behind them once they were inside. "I've been doing it all wrong," Britain murmured as she plopped down on the couch.

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