“I’ll leave you two so you can talk” my mom said as she began to walk outside.
For five minutes, the only thing that could be heard was Lupe Fiasco’s “He Say, She Say” audibly playing on my computer. “I don’t deserve to get used to that” I whispered to myself, singing along with Lupe, for this man–this stranger– in front of me to hear the words–to feel my pain.
I remember when he used to drive pass me on the dirty streets and didn’t stop to say hello. I remember how I used to say to my friends: “Guys, that man in that cool car is my Dad.” But those were my only memories of you: driving pass me as if I didn’t exist in your fancy car like a superstar while I, your own flesh and blood, was stepping in hot tar.
“So how’s school?” he nervously inquired. He was about my height and my stature; however, that was where our similarities ended. I barely resembled him–”maybe that’s why you were never around”, I thought, “but what about the ones that looked like you?” My palms began by sweating by now and I could feel little droplets begin to permeate through my pores, creating perspiration: I was nervous, but so was he.
“Its good” I simply replied, ” I have quite a few awards. Do you want to see them?”
“Sure.” he said .
We got up and went to my room. I show him my wall of prices.
“Impressive” he said apathetically. “Did you know that I have many awards from my work as a police officer.” he asked.
“No” I said–how was I supposed to know.
We went back to the living room and I was feeling a little bit better now. I kept on repeating to myself, “Remember what mom said: Akeem, love and forgive him”
We sat across from each other.
“So when is your birthday?” he inquired.
“December 25th. Christmas day” I retorted–you don’t even know that.
“Well I’m going to see if I can come up again for your birthday, then, so we can spend more time together and get to know each other”
“Sounds good.” My heart felt warm, but my skin felt cooler as I started realizing that he cared.
“I have a question.” I asserted.
“Ask away.”
“I heard you got killed by some guy you were trying to arrest a few years ago, and I almost cried when I heard you died, but I was relieved when I heard you just got shot in the hand.”
“Yeah. The bullet entered through here and exited through here” He showed me.
“Oh. So what happened?”
“I killed him” he responded solemnly
“How did you feel afterwards”
“Its my job.” he said, sitting back on the couch. “That why I am so successful”
He seemed arrogant just like I thought I was. Sure of his superiority; sure he was a god among men” I just prayed he’d notice me after all those years.
Looking at his watch, he said “Well, my flight is leaving in an hour. I have to go.”
I stood up and shook.
“I hope to see you soon”
“You too”
I stay sitting and watch his silhouette disappear from out my door and prayed he come back soon as he promised.
****
Five minutes later, my mom came inside.
“So how was it?” she entreated. She had always thought that I had a void in my heart with him not ever being there, and hoped that me meeting him would change things.
“It was OK” I replied. “I am happy though because he said he was going to come up for my birthday in December.
Her eyes became spotted with sorrow and her brow reflected what was in her heart. “He won’t come back, Akeem. Your father is a selfish man”
I really like the little details.
Nice vocab, but that’s typical of you Javaughn
But very well written.
I know I could never write anything like this.
Hope it doesn’t reflect true life,
The only people that matter are the ones that care about you and stick by you through everything.
Keep writing, I’d love to see more (:
this story is really touching. I’ve heard that every man wants approval from his father. But I’ve also heard that every man has his own destiny, no matter what his father has done. So, for the boy in this story, whether real or fictional, he should know that he isn’t going to be like his father. He’s going to be the type of father that knows his son’s birthday, and is going to be there for every one of them. Most importantly, his son is going to know that his father loves him. That’s all that matters. =]
Hey man, your writing skills have gotten really good. I love the way you were able to captivate my attention, and just keep me reading. It flowed really well, and you did very well at helping the reader see from the main characters point of view. I was a little confused with the ending, but otherwise I thought it was really good. Keep writing bro, and like Casey said hope it doesn’t reflect true life. If it does, remember your heavenly father is always there, even when it doesn’t seem like it. Go to him when you need a father and there is no one else to fill that position. God Bless you man.
- Gabe
Very nicely written and a very touching story, although a bit depressing. Reading through it, I think there are a couple mistakes in spelling, but otherwise a very interesting and captivating story. The use of vocabulary and the flow of sentences help you to connect with the narrator. You really grabbed my attention immediately and sucked me in. I really enjoyed it and was left wanting more. Keep on writing, Javaughn.
Shit’s deep son.
Good work.
wow, you never told me this story. it amazes me how different you and your dad are, even from just this little excerpt of him. i can’t imagine you not knowing something like your son’s birthday, someone who should be of the utmost importance to any decent person. he doesn’t deserve you javaughn, and quite frankly, i’m astounded you two are related. like everyone else said though, very well written – though the writing wasn’t really what i was concentrating on when i read it. it’s ridiculous how your dad tries to outdo you with his awards, rather than congratulating you – a day in your life is worth more to the people around you, who care about you, than a decade of his would be to anyone. i’m glad you realize how vastly arrogant he is, even within only a small meeting like this one b/c you would never say any of this stuff.. yet it’s obvious to everyone that you have nothing but good intentions for anyone. truly, though, your mother is quite the hero in this story for showing you a moral & well supported path without the help of your not-quite-as-helpful father. thank her javaughn, and be greatful for her, as i know you are, because she has really sacrificed everything. aaaaaannnnnyyyyyyywwwwwwaaaaaayyyyyyy i got really into that. that was my 2 cents and feel free to disregard, but i meant it. ily, like more than i love sleep. only u would know how much that rly is.
stay strong bruh you got dis in a way your dad would never be able to figure out.