by Tiana Laveen
She could have miscarried when the doctor removed the IUD once her pregnancy was confirmed during the first office visit. That risk had to be taken, but she’d cried so much about it, wanting that baby more than ever. The real possibility that all would be lost before it was gained had hung heavily over her head. Everything had turned out fine in the end, and though she had to be monitored, Phoenix Jr. had thrived during the pregnancy and she was the happiest she’d ever been.
The Washington music store, which she’d named ‘Butterflies and Dragons’, was flourishing with local artists who performed there on Saturday nights, the sale of second hand instruments, and classes for the youth to learn how to play guitar, drums, and piano. One more year of probation and she could move forward with a few other ventures, such as getting her liquor license so she could attract an even larger crowd, and plans for expansion. Phoenix entered the baby’s room, his button-down shirt open and falling loose over his work slacks. He made a beeline towards his son. Handing him over, she let the guys bond a little. The man cradled him in the football position and smiled so big, it seemed his face would split at any moment.
“You’re a good father,” she said, a bit choked up with the thought of how affectionate and attentive Phoenix had been.
“You’re a great mother.” He winked at her as he rocked the baby slowly in his arms. “I gotta leave tonight.”
“I know.” She crossed her arms over her chest. This is what she’d signed up for; she knew who this man was, and she accepted it—bumps, bruises, and all. He got close and planted a kiss on her lips.
“I’ll be back in time for his checkup.”
“You just make sure you do good on our bet that you lost.” She smirked.
“What bet?” he asked sheepishly.
“Don’t play with me, boy. You lost our basketball game. If I won, then you had to get a butterfly tattoo. If I lost, then I had to get a dragon tattoo.”
“I’m not getting a fu—” He paused and looked down at the baby. “I’m not getting a freaking butterfly tattoo, Tiffany.”
“You can get it somewhere inconspicuous, like your ass.” She chuckled so hard, she nearly choked. When she glanced at him through eyes that had glossed over, he wasn’t laughing. This amused her even more.
“Okay, what about a moth?”
“No.”
“An eagle?”
“No way. You’d actually like that.”
“How about a bat? Bats and butterflies kinda look alike!”
“You tried it, didn’t you?” She laughed, taking the baby from his arms, then making her way to the rocking chair. “You are supposed to get a black butterfly. I expect you to be a man of your word.” She threw him a mischievous look.
He rolled his eyes, kissed the baby on the top of his head, and tucked his shirt in his pants.
“Mom is coming over for dinner.”
“Great. I can give her that new cookbook I picked up for her.” He turned to walk out of the baby’s room, then paused. Resting his hand against the doorframe, he looked over his shoulder at her.
“I love you so damn much, Tiffany. I should say that more often. You’re the love of my life, my whole world. You gave my life new meaning. You gave me unconditional love and you let me be the man that I am… You … gave me a son.” His voice shook. “You keep me going.” Not waiting for a response, he made a mad dash out the door.
She sat there, holding Phoenix Jr., her eyes watering. After a while, she batted the emotion away, tossed on a big, happy smile, and looked at their baby, seeing so much of his father in him already.
“When you grow up, you’re going to make a difference in this world, aren’t you, baby? You might even change it completely around. You come from a long line of hustlers, way-makers, goal-diggers, go-getters, honey. We keep receipts!” She cackled as she began to rock about in the chair. Her smile slowly dissipated as she stared out into their vast backyard. In the distance, she spotted a butterfly land on a cherry tree branch.
I miss you, Aunt Shirley … but I know you’re with me, watching over me. You helped this butterfly find her wings. I flew away and landed on the back of a dragon, and he engulfed me in his flames. It didn’t kill me; it made me stronger, and I came out brand new.
CHASING THE DRAGON
Give me that white powder that turns to gold sand
Give me those flames, so I can do a hellish dance
Give me that fierceness, so I can survive
Give me that dragon milk, so I can thrive
I don’t fit into your box and I never will
I can breathe life and I can inhale a kill
Cocaine, heroin, meth and crack
There’s not a high that I can’t supply or lack
Give me that crown made of black roses
Give me that death, snorted up noses
Give me that machine gun, government sanctioned
Give me that blood pact, for the nation
I am still standing, rinse and repeat
A hellish little butterfly that keeps receipts
I’m still cutting through bullshit with a knife
But now I’m a businesswoman, mommy and wife
Give me that challenge, to run this race
Give me that second chance, to plan my escape
Give me that new start, to hold and embrace
Give me that dragon, so I can give chase…
-Written by Tiana Laveen on behalf of Phoenix and Tiffany.
‘All Hale’ to the Dragon King and Butterfly Queen
~THE END~
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About the Author
Tiana Laveen was born in Cincinnati, Ohio though her soul resides in New York. She lives inside her mind, but her heart is occupied with her family and twisted imagination. She enjoys a fulfilling and enriching life that includes writing books, public speaking, drawing, painting, listening to music, cooking, and spending time with loved ones.
Tiana Laveen is a uniquely creative and innovative author whose fiction novels are geared towards those who not only want to temporarily escape from the daily routines of life, but also became pleasantly caught up in the well-developed journeys of her unique characters. Tiana creates a painting with words as she guides her reader into the lives of each and every main character. Her dedication to detail and staying true to her characters is evident in each novel that she writes.
If you wish to communicate with Tiana Laveen, please contact her on Facebook.
www.tianalaveen.com
