Page 67 of Hood Legacy

“She wrote you and Legacy a letter,” Pop said, then handed me three envelopes. One was addressed to Legacy, one to me, and the last to us. “She wrote more than that, but she asked me to give them to you at different points in your life. This one is for now.” I nodded. “I’ll give you a minute.”

I waited until he left and then opened the letter.

Dear Aceyn,

I want you to know I love and am proud of you. When I found out I was pregnant all those years ago, I knew that the baby I carried in my womb would be amazing. You are that and so much more. I remember the first time I heard you cry, laugh, talk, and sing like it was yesterday. I thought I knew love but realized I didn’t understand it until those moments.

You gave me hell, son (lol), but I know you did it because it was your destiny, and as your mother, I am honored to have watched you for as long as I have. Please don’t be sad that I am no longer here. I can’t be here physically but will always be with you.

There will be moments in your life that I can’t be here for, and as much as I cry, I know it will be okay. You picked the right partner. You and Legacy are equally yoked. She is the only person that will be able to calm the storm that is brewing in you.

Son, listen to her when she speaks because there is no doubt in me that she would never steer you wrong. I’ve watched you two for the last few months. The love that you share is one for the books. Nourish it, each other, and grow as a couple as well as individually. Be the man that your father and I raised you to be.

Speaking of your father, be there for Bowlin. He’s not as strong as he pretends to be. Trust me, I have loved him longer than you’ve been alive. He is going to try to be strong for you. Allow him to be weak and mourn the years that we lost and can never get back.

Back to you: mourn, baby, but don’t stay angry. I am at peace because I know you are being appropriately loved, and that is my greatest joy as your mama.

Smile, Aceyn. Laugh, joke, enjoy life, and most importantly, love. Love that woman that God made for you to love. I know your daddy probably already told you that I have other letters. He knows when to give them to you. I tried to think of all the moments I wouldn’t be here for, but you’d think you still need me.

I love you, son,

-Mommy.

“Where is Aceyn?”I asked Pyrite as he walked me to Aceyn’s car. He handed me the keys and stuffed his hands in his pocket. “What’s with the look?”

“He went to his parents’ house,” Pyrite answered, and I nodded. He took a deep breath, blew it out, and ran his hand over his beard. “What do you know about Mrs. Arlene’s health?”

“Nothing,” I answered and gave me a single nod. “Why?”

“When’s the last time you saw her?” he questioned.

“A month ago,” I said after I thought about it. “We texted almost daily up until a week ago. I’ve been busy and haven’t gotten a chance to check in, but she knew that my schedule would be busy with practice, so she told me not to stress about it.”

Pyrite crossed his arms over his chest and looked around before returning his attention to me. “What did Hood tell you about her health when he was a kid?”

“That she was sick a lot,” I replied, and he kissed his teeth in annoyance. “Pyrite, just say whatever you need and stop beating around the bush.”

“She’s dying,” he said, and I stepped back in surprise.

“Wait, what?” I said, shaking my head. “Hold on, what do you mean, she’s dying? I was just out of the country with her. We talked daily until recently. She never mentioned she was sick. Aceyn never said she was sick, either. And now you’re telling me that she’s dying?” My eyes filled with tears. “What do you mean, she’s dying? From what?”

“Cancer,” he answered, then stuffed his hands into his pocket. “She decided not to do chemo this time and just enjoy the time she had left. Hood–”

“This time?”

“This is like her fifth battle,” he sighed. “I don’t know the full details of where it is, but she’s been fighting for a while. Hood’s daddy called when y’all were dealing with that shit with Michael; that’s why Givens and Yeti came and got him. It ain’t looking good.”

“And you let me stay!” I yelled. “Why didn’t you tell me?” I turned around and pulled the door open.

“I didn’t want you to panic, you were already dealing with that shit with Michael, and I didn’t know where your head was.”

“That wasn’t your decision to make, Pyrite!” I yelled at him as I threw my purse into the car. “That man is the love of my fucking life, and you made the executive decision to keep me in the dark about what he was going through.”

“If he wanted you to know, he would’ve called you,” Pyrite replied, and I laughed.

“I have his fucking phone, Pyrite!” I grabbed my purse from the driver's seat, dug into it, and pulled Aceyn’s phone from inside to show him. “He must’ve dropped it when Givens and Yeti dragged him out! He couldn’t call me! And honestly, he shouldn’t have had to call me; I should’ve been there!”

“Shit, my bad,” he sighed and wiped his hands over his face. “I didn’t know! My mind has been on dealing with the fucking Baker and what we got going, so I’m trippin’.”

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