Page 68 of Hood Legacy

“You’re damn right, you are!” I replied, then threw everything back into the car. “I know you’re dealing with whatever, but please don’t get fucked up because you’re holding onto information that has to do with my man.” I got into the car and started it. “Now, move the fuck out of my way so I can be there for my nigga!”

Pyrite stepped out of the way just as I put the truck in gear and pulled off. I would’ve hit his ass if he didn’t move, and he knew it. I sped out of the parking lot and headed toward Ms. Arlene’s house.

Ten minutes later, I pulled into Ms. Arlene’s driveway, shut off the car, and got out. When I reached the front door, Pop opened it and hugged me.

“I didn’t know,” I said as tears filled my eyes.

“I know, she didn’t want you to,” he said, then kissed my forehead. “She wanted you to experience her as the mother of the man you love and not the dying mother of the man you love.”

“Pop, I’m so sorry,” I sighed as I wiped my eyes. “If I’d known, I would’ve been here.”

“It’s okay,” he nodded as he closed the door. “We got to say goodbye, and she went peacefully.”

“Where is Aceyn?” I asked, looking around.

“He’s in his room.”

I hugged him, holding him tight so he would know he was loved, and then I let him go to find Aceyn. His room door was closed but unlocked; I pushed it open, stepped inside, and closed it behind me. Aceyn was staring at the ceiling in the middle of his bed. I leaned against the door, bent down, unlaced my shoes, and stepped out of them. Only using the moonlight coming through the window, I went to Aceyn and climbed into the king-sized bed. I rested my back against the headboard, and Aceyn put his head on my lap and wrapped his arms around my waist.

“My mama is gone,” he mumbled. “My fucking mama is gone.”

“I know, baby.” I kissed his head and prayed my voice didn’t crack. Aceyn needed me to be strong for him right now so he could mourn his mother properly. I ran my hand between his shoulders, and we sat in the dark, lost in our thoughts. When the warmth of his tears hit my pants, I had to bite my lip to keep from crying out loud. This man, this strong-ass, crazy, loving man, was broken, but he trusted me enough to freely show his emotions without the fear of me seeing him as weak. My heart slammed into my chest at the thought of how powerful that was. I was his safe space as much as he was mine. He’d already vowed to protect me, and he had without hesitation. Now, it was my turn to protect him.

Sometime during the night, he’d fallen asleep, but I’d stayed awake to make sure I would hear him if he needed me. The sun shone through the window, and I noticed a letter on the bed next to us with my name on it. I picked it up and opened it.

Legacy,

First, let me say I am sorry. Sorry you had to find out like this, but I asked Bowlin and Hood not to tell you I was dying. Hood told me about your biological mother and how not knowing her but knowing she was sick affected you. He also told me how fucked up your other mother is. I will say this: the visit that me, Mary DeCorte and Nadine Elders paid to her was well worth it. And before you ask, no, they won’t tell you anything; being a dying woman has its perks, and I’ve sworn them to secrecy. Just know that as your mother-in-law, I handled that light work.

From here on out, if you need motherly advice and love, look to those two women. Nadine will step in where I can’t as your mother, and Mary will as your grandmother. Mercy and Xoey are your sisters; add Bright to that list, too. She might be bossy, but she is loyal and loves you just like them. You are not alone in this world. You have family and have for a while.

Now, on to my son; he is going to mourn my death hard. Allow him, love him as only you can. Remember, he is spoiled, but his love knows no bounds, especially his love for you. He’s going to mess up a few times because he’s hardheaded, but understand, baby, he loves you so fiercely that even I’m in awe of it and am a little sad that I won’t be here physically to witness it.

If I had to pick a woman to love my son, you would have always been who it was. Even before I met you, it would've been you if I had to describe someone. Watching you the last few months so effortlessly be you and get to know you has been my blessing. You are perfect, Legacy. Every flaw, quirk, and mishap you’ve faced has shaped you into an amazing woman that I am honored to know will carry on my family.

Please take care of Bowlin for me, too. I’ve already told Hood, but I’m also telling you this. Bowlin isn’t as strong as he pretends to be and will need you both to help guide him through this. Allow both my babies to cry, hold their hands, make sure they eat, and don’t stay angry at God for this. It was my time. I am ready. And I will be watching over you all.

One more thing, this won’t be your last letter from me. I wrote you, Hood, and even Bowlin’s ass letters for every moment I could think you would need one. I may not be with you physically, but I will be with you forever.

I love you,

Mommy.

I put the letter on the bed and bit into my hand to keep from crying out loud and waking Aceyn. My heart broke again as I stared down at Aceyn as he slept. Arlene’s love shaped him into the man he was, and even though I’d only known her for a few months, I’d gotten the opportunity to experience that love and knew it was powerful, and she’d be eternally missed.

* * *

“You okay?” Vine asked as she sat on the bench next to me. I nodded, not trusting my voice yet, and took a deep breath. “You know it’s okay to admit if you aren’t. We get it.”

“I’m good for right now,” I answered as I unlaced my shoes. Pyrite had given me a few days off to help Aceyn and Pop plan the funeral for Ms. Arlene, and today was my first day back at practice. When I walked into the gym, the ladies rallied around me, hugged me, and told me they would do whatever I needed. “But thank you for checking on me.”

“I would’ve done it sooner, but Mercy threatened everyone,” she smiled, and I laughed softly. “Straight out pulled her gun out and said that she would end not only our season but our lives if we stressed you out.”

“I’m sorry about that,” I said, shaking my head. I wasn’t even surprised by Mercy’s behavior, nor did I have it in me to be upset. “I’ll talk to her about that.”

“Don’t,” Vine laughed. “I have a brother who acts just like her, so I completely understand it.” she gently bumped her shoulder into mine. “Just know that we got you. If you aren’t ready to step on that court in a few weeks, we will completely understand, and if you are, know that we will play our hearts out.”

“Right,” Mercy said, sitting on my other side. She threw her arm over my shoulder and pulled me to her. “Vine, you cool, but she’s my best friend; find you someone else.”

---