King of The Hood 3

by Kendra Sumter

  Ignoring him, I moved towards the stairs. He pushed me into the banister, before running down the stairs chuckling.

  “I’mma kick yo ass,” I hissed, following him.

  “Yo, lil’ ass ain’t gonna do shit,” he taunted.

  He hit the bottom step. I dived on his ass, causing him to stumble forward.

  “Whoa! Damn, girl, yo ass tryin’ to kill me. Heavy ass!” He shouted.

  Ignoring that shit, I attempted to put my arms round his neck.

  “Daddy! Neesha beatin’ you up!” Lil’ D exclaimed, running into the room.

  “Lil’ D, get her ass. She trying’ to take me out,” he insisted.

  “No, Lil’ D, he pushed me,” I argued.

  “Daddy, you don’t push Neesha,” Lil’ D spat, running full speed into Banks’ legs.

  “Damn, boy,” Banks grunted.

  “Arrgghhhh,” Lil’ D growled, trying to take Banks down.

  We tussling, and his ass ain’t even tired.

  “Aye, aye, stop that. Come eat, y’all. D, quit acting up,” Mama Daffany called out.

  “Ma, how you blaming me? You don’t see these two attacking me?” He questioned, in disbelief, while turning to face her.

  “That’s cuz I know you, you did something, you always doing something,” she argued, while eyeing him.

  “Neesha, get yo ass off me, getting me in trouble and shit,” he grumbled, shaking me off.

  Dropping to the floor, I giggled as he picked Lil’ D up.

  “How yo lil ass gonna flip on me? I’m yo Pops,” he fussed, holding Lil’ D by the shirt, as he dangled in the air.

  Lil’ D laughed like he was having the time of his life. Moving to the large dinning room. A spread that rivals the last supper took up the tables that’s lining the walls.

  “Damn, Gramps, who you feeding?” Banks called out, upon walking in the dining room.

  “Shut yo ass up, speak, sit, eat, in that order. Good morning, lovely Neesha. How you doing?” Gramps spat, then spoke.

  Banks eyed him, grumbling something.

  “Good morning, Gramps. You look well rested. I’m good, thanks for asking,” I greeted, causing him to smile.

  Looking around the table, I noticed Kimmy, Racks, Stone, and Smooth, chilling, while looking aggravated.

  “It’s nice of y’all slaw asses to join us. I’m hungry than a mutha,” Stone barked.

  “Dayumm, the at.ti. tude. Yah ass is cranky fa’ no damn reason,” I teased.

  “Hey, Racks, Kimmy, y’all look…. Rested,” I greeted.

  “Un huh,” they answered in unison.

  “Y’all sit down, we’re waiting on one more guest,” Gramps advised.

  I looked at him funny, as I took my seat beside Seaqual.

  “How you feeling, Bubba?” I questioned.

  “I’m good. Can you take me to see Preshus before we go home?” He responded, with a question of his own.

  “Of course, plus, you gotta get checked out,” I agreed, causing him to groan.

  “I’m good, Neesha,” he argued.

  “Yeah, you say that now, but you haven’t had yah breathing machine in almost three days. Yah lungs gotta be tested,” I fussed.

  I hate reminding him of shit, but it’s important in keeping him healthy. He sighed loudly, while sulking in his seat.

  “Sea, I’ll go with you. I missed you. You gotta be okay. You promised to teach me how to draw,” Lil’ D spoke up, causing Seaqual to smile.

  “Yeah, big man, you’re right. I gotcha,” he agreed, causing Lil’ D to smile.

  “Gramps, who we waiting on? I hope it ain’t no brawd,” Stone grumbled.

  THAWACK! THAWACK!

  “Man, got damn! I’m taking my ass to get checked out too. This old man trying to beat my ass to death. Gramps, that’s a damn weapon,” Stone complained, while rubbing his leg.

  We hollered, Gramps and that damn stick is the truth. We settled down and started talking. There’s a question that’s nagging at me. I don’t think this it the best time to ask it though.

  “Excuse me, Mr. Brickwood, do you want me to get the door?” Gramps’ nurse asked.

  “No, sweetheart. You can take the day off, you’ll still get paid,” he responded.

  She smiled, then turned, walking back out the dinning room.

  “That’s what nurses look like in the private sector? I need to switch up,” Seaqual blurted out, while staring after her retreating figure.

  POP!

  “Oooaawww, what’s that foe?” He whined, while holding the back of his head.

  Ignoring him, I eyed the guys.

  “What?” They spat, in unison.

  Smacking’ my teeth, I refuse to feed into their thinking.

  “I got the door,” Mama Daffnay called out.

  “No, lovely, I got it,” Smooth called out, stopping her.

  She blushed. “Thanks, handsome,” she flirted.

  “This nigga,” Banks grumbled.

  “Mr. Smooth Maw-Maw’s man. He okay wit me,” Lil’ D added, causing everyone but Banks, to holler.

  The clearing of a throat caused us to get ourselves together. Looking at the entrance to the dinning room, I damn near choked on my spit. Turning slightly, I eyed Gramps, he mouthed, ‘Trust me.’

  “Hey, Timothy, I’m glad you could join us. Pull up a seat. We were waiting on you before we indulged in this wonderful meal Chef prepared fa’ us,” Gramps greeted, standing from his seat.

  “Thank you for having me, I greatly appreciate the invitation,” Timothy accepted, taking a seat.

  Everyone just sat, looking on, I know they are just waiting to see how this plays out. Gramps went ahead, introducing Timothy to everyone before saying grace. Once Amen’s were spoken, everyone stood to fix their plates, since the food is set up in buffet style. Everything looked great. My appetite wasn’t strong, but I know I need to eat something. Plus, if I don’t, Seaqual will pick up on it. I’m not in the mood for his lecture, or two hundred questions.

  Everyone retook their seats and started grubbing. The guys were eating like it’s their last meal. Big muthafuckas put away two plates before I made it through my first one.

  “Kimmy, Neesha, well, Kimmy, I hope you can cook. I know Neesha can,” Mama Daffany blurted out, while shaking her head, most likely thinking the same thing that I am.

  Kimmy looked up from her plate, focusing her eyes on Mama Daffany.

  “Yes, ma’am, I can cook. I haven’t done it often. My grandmother taught me before she got sick,” she answered, with a soft smile.

  “Good, cuz, baybee, these hungry negros will eat you outta a house and home. They aren’t huge on eating out. Don’t even let the thought fester in your brain,” Mama Daffany advised.

  Kimmy giggled, while shaking her head.

  “Neesha, who’s this man?” Seaqual whispered to me.

  I knew it was coming, Timothy has been staring at him since he entered the room. Seaqual got a complex about people staring at him. He always thought they were eyeing his three fingers on his left hand.

  Everyone stopped eating.

  “Did I say something wrong?” He questioned, upon noticing everyone’s reaction.

  “No, Bubba, you remembered what we talked about last night?” I questioned, facing him.

  His eyes rolled back like he was thinking.

  “Un huh,” he hummed, eyeing me.

  Taking a deep breath.

  “Aiight, Bubba, through everything that has taken place in the last couple of days, we met Timothy. He’s-” I began.

  “I’m your father, Seaqual,” Timothy interrupted.

  Seaqual turned slightly in his seat.

  “My father? How I know that? How you know that? Where you been? You believe him, Neesha?” Seaqual fired off, looking between Timothy and me.

  Leaning over, I placed my arm around his shoulder in a comforting manner.

  “Yes, I believe him. He didn’t know anything about you ‘til six months ago. He’s been i
n Germany. Um, your AAP math teacher, Mr. Sampson, is his best friend. Mr. Timmons, who volunteers at the Engineering Science center, is his cousin. They informed him of you once he landed on American soil. He, um, wanted to meet you, but then all this happened. He, um, ran into Ocean on accident,” I began explaining.

  “Ocean? She got something to do wit this?” He snapped, interrupting me.

  “In a manner of speaking,” I added.

  He continued to stare at me, reading what I didn’t say. Slowly, he moved his head towards Timothy. Who hasn’t stopped staring at Seaqual. Then, with calculated movements, he reached up, removing his shades. Seaqual’s eyes widened, as he gasped hard. His breathing became labored. The shock of seeing a man he has never met before, but looks like his twin, was too much for him.

  “Calm down, Seaqual. Where’s your inhaler?” I questioned.

  Everyone was now standing to their feet.

  “Haaahhhh, haaaahhh, haaahhhh,” was all that came from him.

  “I got it,” Banks called out, pulling the inhaler from Seaqual’s sleep pants pocket.

  Handing it to me, I shook it, before placing it to his mouth. He inhaled, once, twice, three times, before his breathing slowed.

  “Feel better?” I quizzed, while rubbing his back.

  He nodded, with his eyes closed. He inhaled and exhaled, over, and over, until his breaths came out easier. Opening his eyes slowly, he eyed everyone, until his eyes landed on Timothy, who was kneeling beside him.

  “Are you sure you’re okay? I didn’t mean to cause you any discomfort. That was never my intention. I’m so blessed to be looking into the face of my son. I just learned of you, and now I can’t image my life without you in it. I know this is sudden, and a lot to digest. I would love to get to know you, and you get to know me. I’m sorry you loss your mother. Anything you need from me, you got it,” Timothy declared.

  “A hug,” Seaqual whispered.

  “A hug?” Timothy countered.

  Seaqual nodded.

  “Yes, I always thought that if I ever met my father, if he really existed, I would want a hug, only if he wasn’t a deadbeat. I don’t get a bad vibe from you. I know you have told the truth to my sister and the guys,” Seaqual explained.

  “How do you know that?” Timothy questioned, sounding a tad bit skeptical.

  “You’re still alive,” Seaqual deadpanned.

  Timothy simply nodded in understanding.

  “It may be a minute before I can call you daddy. I want to believe you, I do, and will. Right now tho, my hug,” Seaqual added.

  Timothy smiled brightly, before leaning forward to embrace him. Seaqual met him halfway. I physically saw Seaqual exhale. Timothy closed his eyes, as tears flowed down his cheeks.

  “You know how yo throak get all tight and choked up?” Banks chocked out.

  “The hell?” Stone and Racks snapped.

  Ignoring them, I let my tears flow freely. This moment was beyond touching. Seaqual’s been through a lot in his young life. I’m grateful he has at least one parent left on this Earth to love him unconditionally. Prayers truly are answered when one never loses faith.

  Two days later…….

  ‘Antioch Baptist Church’

  “Today, we are here to remember a sweet woman, a mother, a sister, an aunt, a God fearing woman. She has touched many. She met her end too quick, in the worst way. We know she’s in a better place now. Can I get an Amen?” Pastor Anders preached.

  “Amen.”

  “Preach Pastor.”

  “She will truly be missed.”

  “You know they going to Hell, right? Lying in the house of the Lord,” Banks grumbled.

  “Ssshhh,” I hissed, cutting my eyes at him.

  He sighed, pouting with a shrug. Shaking my head at his big baby ass, I had to threaten his life to get him to come to the damn funeral. Talmbout he don’t do church like buildings. Like, what the what?

  “I won’t be before you long. Sister Miller’s eldest daughter informed me that this is to be a short and sweet program. So, in those regards, we will first have words from Sister Miller’s sister, Sister Godwin. Then Sister Miller’s only son, Seaqual. Let the church say Amen.

  “Amen.”

  “Amen, take your time. Let’em use you.”

  “Who is them people? You know them? That ain’t family, is it? They some unsavory individuals,” Banks whispered, causing me to bite my lip to keep from laughing.

  Racks chuckled, along with Kimmy giggling. Stone helped Auntie to the podium.

  “Hell done froze over while the devil building snowmen,” Banks grumbled, while eyeing Stone.

  As if Stone knew he said something about him, he pinned Banks with a look before…

  “Shut yo ass up,” he barked.

  That did it, Banks hollered, along with Racks. I dropped my head to my lap, to keep from laughing out loud. People started whispering, none too softly. Then, like they got the same memo, the church fell silent. Lifting my head, I understood why. Stone’s ass was giving them the look of death. Now, they are nervous in the house of the Lord.

  I was beyond shocked when Stone agreed to be here for Auntie. He said,

  “Stallion can’t be here to be her rock. I can do that foe her. I know loss. No one deserves to lose their family, well, the good people don’t.”

  That was about the second sweetest thing I’ve ever heard Stone say.

  “Afternoon, everyone, there isn’t much I need to say. Thank you, Pastor, for your words. Sprinkle will be missed. She was my baby sister. I’ve felt for years I failed her. She was stronger than she knew, but at the same time, she was weak. Either way, I love her. Her death was too quick, too soon, and not deserved. May she rest in peace. I love you, Sprinkle, you will forever live in my heart,” Auntie spoke strongly, as she stepped from the podium with the support of Stone.

  Wilbur hadn’t been around, due to the fight between Stone and his son, Andre. He feels like she chose Stone over his son. He wanted to press charges on Stone for the way he beat Andre’s ass. He doesn’t see the wrong in what his son did and said. Auntie has been standing her ground with him. So now, they are at an impasse, from my understanding.

  Po’ Pastor Anders looked too afraid to move. Almost like he’s waiting on permission. Stone helped Auntie to sit, then focused his eyes on the pastor. With a nod, he retook his seat. I saw the pastor exhale.

  “This nigga ain’t got no manners. How you gonna intimidate a man of the cloth? He musta didn’t put on all his armor this morning,” Banks stated, while shaking his head.

  Throwing my head back in utter disbelief of his ass.

  “Thank you, Sister Godwin, may God continue to strengthen you. Seaqual, son, come on up, young man,” Pastor urged, with a shaky voice.

  Seaqual stood, smoothing down his silk shirt. He told me he could talk alone. He’s maturing, turning into an awesome young man. He just turned thirteen last month. He didn’t want a party. He just wanted to hang with his friends. Banks made sure he was able to do that in the most outlandish way.

  “Take your time, young man.”

  Pastor’s voice pulled my focus in time to see Seaqual eye him. He didn’t respond verbally, there’s really no need for him too, I know that look.

  “Seaqual finna say something real ignit. Somebody finna get they feelings hurt,” Banks grumbled.

  Stone and Racks set up straighter at his words.

  “No, he’s not,” I hissed, knowing what he just said is the truth.

  “Umph,” he grunted, with a shrug of his shoulder, while Racks and Stone nodded their heads in agreeance.

  Shaking my head slowly at his actions. Banks has told me because of Seaqual’s high intellect, he’s gonna always speak his mind, and in a lot of instances, he will speak, and not understand he’s said something offensive. I had to agree with him. Seaqual gives new meaning to speaking the truth, and saying what’s on your mind.

  Seaqual stepped to the podium, and tilted the mic slightly.


  “I’ve always been a thinker, but I never had to think about why people do the things that they do. I love my mother. I hate that she is dead. I hate that she was murdered for absolutely no reason. My only relief in that aspect is the persons involved got what they deserved. The time she has spent with me, I will always cherish. There’s something I want to say, it won’t take me long. See, I made peace with my mother’s death. I knew the woman that others didn’t.

  She wasn’t perfect, and never claimed to be. But there’s some hypocritical people sitting in here who is claiming to be perfect, and know they lying. I’ve heard the whispered words, the down putting, and disrespectful comments, all aimed towards my mother. I let y’all slide at the moment. Don’t think because I’m thirteen, you will disrespect the woman who gave me life.

  I never understood how people, guilty people, can point fingers like they are right. I learned that when you point one finger, there’s three pointing back at you. Now, let that marinate. How can you speak on what she did, when you were doing it with her? Don’t look shocked, Sister Shelia, Sister Mary, Sister Reggie, Brother Snook, Sister Anna Mae, and Brother Heaththrow-”

  “No, he didn’t,” I whispered.

  “Yes, the hell he did,” Banks gloated.

  “Y’all are in the same boat my mother was in, but got the nerve to talk about my mother. She was a fighter. She loved me. When she wanted help and asked for it, the good pastor here, turned her away. I don’t knock anyone and the things that they do. Just don’t act like you’re better than just because your evil truths aren’t out for everyone to see.

  Sprinkle Miller, I love you, I miss you, and I thank you. Whether you tried to do it or not, you’ve blessed me in more ways than one. You have left me in awesome hands. I will forever be grateful to you. Now, to all of you judgmental people, check yo self, yo time is coming too,” he finished, to a silent church before…

  CLAP, CLAP, CLAP, CLAP, CLAP.

  Banks, Stone, Racks, Auntie, Kimmy, Timothy, and me, stood, giving him a standing ovation.

  “Please, be seated. This is not the time or place for such inappropriate behavior,” Pastor Anders spoke into the mic, over the fussing and whispering.

  “Man, do the benediction so we can go. Yo ass been inappropriate,” Racks snapped, as we continued to stand.