“In about how long? A few months? Another year?”
“Hell no. More like a few days. With everything I have, this is open and shut. It also helps that aside from a few altercations when you first arrived, your behavior is good and you’ve participated in programs. Once I take care of business, you’ll be home with your family.”
Elaina said a few more things before packing her briefcase and leaving, but I didn’t hear anything after she stated my father would be coming home in a matter of days. I wanted to killDennis after finding out he had been a wolf in sheep’s clothing, but I couldn’t get over the fact that I’d have my dad on the outside.
“Did you hear what she said?”
“Yeah, Pops. You gettin’ out this bitch in a few days.”
“After that,” he stated with a chuckle.
“I didn’t. What she say?”
“She said not to contact Dennis. I’m assuming that means he’ll be getting a call or arrested soon. Be cool and don’t tell anyone about this meeting. Not even your mother. I’m in dire need of a haircut and a fresh fit. I’m not goin’ to my lady with anything that has to do with this fuck ass place.”
“I got you, Pops. All you need to do is tell me when you’ll be released and me and Tripp will come get you. I’ll take you to my crib and have my guy come by to give you a cut. I would take you to the barbershop, but Moms not gon’ take it too well if she finds out you’re out after you’ve been seen in the streets.”
“Yeah, let’s do that. I don’t wanna come home to a pissed wife.”
Before I could respond, a guard came in and let my dad know our time was up. When he was shackled and yanked away this time, it didn’t feel as heavy. Knowing he would be home was a relief I couldn’t explain.
“It’s good to have you home, Bob,” Tripp said to my dad as we drove away from the prison for the last time.
True to her word, Elaina had been able to get my father processed out of prison within a week. When I pulled up to the prison and saw him already standing outside, I felt like I was dreaming. My dad was home and I felt more complete than ever.It took a few hours to get him together, but now he was ready to go home to my mother. She’d been the only thing he talked about since he’d gotten in my truck. My mother had truly been holding my father down all these years and I couldn’t wait to see her reaction after seeing him.
“Tripp, don’t start with me, lil nigga. My nickname is Big Rob, not no damn Bob,” my dad countered before laughing.
“I know, old man. I’m just fuckin’ with you.”
When I pulled into the driveway, I felt my dad’s energy shift. He was nervous and I couldn’t understand why. I knew for sure my mother would never entertain any other man, let alone have them in her home.
“Pops, come on. This your wife that you’re second guessing. She ain’t doin’ shit but makin’ them infused ass drinks. She probably higher than Snoop Dogg right now,” I joked.
“I know, son, but it’s been a long time. Maybe I should’ve called and told her I was comin’ home.”
“It’s too late now, man. We’re at the front door. If you want me to, I’ll walk in first.”
“Yeah…do that.”
Silently, the three of us walked to the door. As soon as the lock disengaged, my dad released an audible breath before I pushed the door open.
“Shane…have you talked to your dad? He hasn’t called me in two days. I think the prison may be on lockdown,” my mother stated, all in one breath.
Her back faced me while she cleared items from the dining room table.
“Hey, Momma, and yes, I’ve talked to him.”
She turned to face me after my statement. When she saw my dad step inside behind me, her mouth dropped to the floor and so did the items she held. My dad walked around me and headed straight toward my mother. The hesitation he had only momentsago seemed to vanish and I was glad. Light sniffles came from my mother once she was wrapped in his arms.
“I missed the shit out of you, Lynn.”
“I can’t believe you’re here…how are you here right now? I’m so confused.”
“We got all day to talk about that. Just know I’m home and I’m never leaving you again.”
While my parents shared a well needed moment, Tripp and I walked into the kitchen and headed straight for the refrigerator. I knew my mother well enough to know I’d find leftovers. I’d just put my plate into the microwave when my phone rang with a call from Celeste.
“What’s up, baby? How’s your day goin’?”
