I ran my hand through my hair. “Y’all are my family, that’s all I need,” I muttered.
Chevy looked over his shoulder and back at me. “There is something I need to show you. Not today, but be ready when I hit you. A’ight?”
“Bet,” I replied.
He nodded slowly. Chevy had gone to walk away, but I stopped him. “Ayo Chev, thank you. It was a hard truth, but if Ihad to choose anyone to make me see the light, I would want it to be you every time. Zoo ova everything,” I told him.
“Zoo ova everything.”
The guys came out of the kitchen and looked at me. “We love you, my nigga,” Monfua said. “Zoo over every fucking thing!” they all said in unison.
I grinned as I embraced my newfound family. It wasn’t what I had picturedas a kid, but it was a place I would much rather be.
SCOOTER
Morgan and I arrived at the cul-de-sac where the Zoo lived. Bishop told me the dinner wasn’t at Chev’s, but at Zu’s. When I pulled up to the curb, Morgan placed her hand on my leg. “You sure you're up for this?”
I leaned over and kissed her. “I’m good, baby, let’s go,” I told her.
Of course, my brother was still on my mind, but I wanted to experience Christmas as I thought he would have wanted me to. I hopped out of my truck, went around, and opened the door for her. It felt good to now have the means to court Morgan and still live. We walked up the driveway toward the loud music and chatter that came from the door. When the door swung open to a cheery Dio, all I could do was laugh. “Merry Christmas, twin!” he yelled.
We dapped each other up as he pulled me in. “For real, my nigga. My condolences,” he whispered in my ear.
Morgan and I stepped further inside and greeted the other guys. “It smells legit in this bih, mayne,” I said to them.
It had been years since I’ve had a true home-cooked meal, let alone a holiday one. Diamond crossed his arms over his chest. “That’s because we’re cheffin’ it up.”
I spotted Mali in the living room, sitting in a wheelchair. He glanced at me as I glanced at him. I hadn’t seen the nigga in a minute, so to see him in this chair kind of fucked me up. I let go of Morgan’s hand as I walked over to him. “Damn,” I mumbled. “I-I wanted to say sorry for everything.”
Mali shrugged. “No need to apologize, it wasn’t just you, but me too. We’re straight. Beans told me he had you in the studio.” He grinned.
I nodded. “Yeah. Got to get back in there, though.”
“Your ass still can’t rap,” he joked.
We both laughed. This moment felt good to me. The way Keith had described them made them seem like monsters. It was kind of sad that he couldn’t see the good side of things, because as much as he hated them, they would have been the perfect family.
Moments later, the women began coming into the house. “Ooo, it smells good in here!” a girl shouted.
Diamond walked up to her, “Yana, baby, that’s the mac and cheese. You know how I do,” he said as he kissed her.
He reached out and picked up the baby Yana was holding. “Daddy’s pretty princess,” he cooed as he began singing.“Silent niiiggghhtt.”
The house began to become packed as all the Zoo women and men stood around. I glanced over at Beans, who seemed out of it. That’s when I noticed Paige wasn’t around.Damn!I leaned in and whispered in Morgan’s ear. “Get her here,” I said.
What was understood didn’t need to be explained. I watched as the Zoo interacted with each other. The way they moved,laughed, joked, and argued was like a family born together. I wasn’t sure of all the trials they’ve been through to get where they are, but I’m sure it was a road to remember. I was happy that, although I wasn’t part of the Zoo, they still let a nigga hang.
I sat in my car, as I wrestled with the idea of driving away. My phone buzzed with a message from Morgan, inviting me to the Zoomas where Samara had also invited me. Little did they know, I was already here. I didn’t want to see Braylen, but my friends insisted I come. Steadying myself, I shook off my nerves, got out of the car, and walked up the driveway. I rang the doorbell and waited for someone to answer, hearing the talking and laughter beyond the door. When it opened, Sasha stood there with a smile on her face. “Paige, I’m happy you made it. Come on, everyone is inside.”
It was nice to see Sasha happy. At one point, I didn’t think she and Pierre could live without each other. Knowing that they both found happiness elsewhere was something I questioned for Braylen and me. As soon as I stepped far enough for people to see me, Alyse, Morgan, and Samara ran up to me. They hugged me tightly, giggled with excitement, and welcomed me with open arms. The house felt full of love, which made it easier for meto relax. When I saw him, my stomach fluttered. Braylen’s eyes landed on me, and he wouldn’t pull them away. I turned to Samara, “Girl, this is nice,” I told her.
“This is what my family looks like on—”
She paused, and so did I. I felt his hand touch mine, and his stature towered behind me. Samara gave a girlish grin as she slowly backed away. I slowly turned around as my eyes rose to his. Braylen stroked my cheek, and I pulled my head away. “Not here,” I whispered.
“I don’t care about them. This is about you and me,” he replied.
“I said not here.”
