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Mickey, and Nigel walk down the aisle and sit in the back. I wave at Nigel and he nods “what’s up” to me. He looks good, aside from the sling his arm is in. I wonder if his parents know he’s here. I guess if they did, Mickey wouldn’t be right behind him like she is now. This is going to be an interesting reunion for us all.

      “Lord, we gather here today to send this young brother home to you,” Daddy begins. With all of the wailing going on I can tell this is going to be a long afternoon.

      The services went on without too much drama. There was a brief moment of tension when Tre’s fellow gang members filed into the sanctuary like soldiers in an army, but Daddy’s used to presiding over funerals in the hood and knows they mean no harm. Everyone has a right to mourn. Daddy even allowed them to speak their peace, bringing everyone in the place to tears.

      “Would anyone else like to say a few words before we depart?” Daddy asks. I look around and see no one’s hands raised and figure there’s no time like the present to represent Mama.

      “I would, Daddy,” I say, taking the small Mason jar half full of water out of my purse and walking up to the altar where Tre’s picture is. The floral arrangement is stunning and provides the perfect place for me to pour the libation. When I reach the front of the main sanctuary, I begin pouring and praying, not worried about the many eyes on me, including Misty’s. She looks like she wants to kill me right here and now.

      “Omi tutu, ona tutu, ile tutu, tutu Laroye, tutu egun. Mo juba Queen Califia, mo juba Maman Marie, mo juba to all of the ancestors whose names are known and unknown, mo juba Trevon,” I say, reciting the prayers just like Mama would if she were here.

      At the mention of Tre’s name, three of his boys take out their bottles of Vodka, beer, and Hennessey and pour out a little liquor with me, the rest of their crew following suit. If they only knew how far back this tradition goes. As they salute with me I continue my prayers.

      “We thank you for your protection, your blessings, and your love. Ashe, ashe, ashe o.” I pour the remaining water into the flowers and end the prayer. I look up at Daddy, who gives me a stern smile. On one hand I’m sure he’s proud of me. But I know he wishes I would come back to the church. I close the jar tightly and walk back down the aisle of the quiet church with all eyes on me.

      Rah smiles at me when I reach our row. He hugs me tightly when I return to my seat next to him. I’m not sure if it’s because of the service or what, but he’s got tears in his eyes and so do I. I love that we feel each other, no matter how much it hurts sometimes. True love is worth all of the pain that comes with it, and so is our friendship.

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