Saturday, March 17, 2012

along for the ride



Leon drove Jared and Jazmin to Chicago when Vanessa passed away. They knew it was coming, Leon guessed. Still, it was hard for Jared. Especially, with Vanessa's family. Of course, they all wanted to see Nan.

Yet, Leon guessed her family was OK with Jazmin. They embraced Leon and Tyra, as well. They'd stayed the entire weekend for the funeral and other rituals that came along with it. Leon hadn't expected it to be such a long ordeal.

"This is my best friend, here." Jared had his arm around Leon as if they were old buddies. "He's the godfather to my Nan." As he slapped Leon's back harder, Leon thought he might break in too. He glared at Jared with this revelation. Naturally, Jared never spoke of it before.

"Are you sure, about this?" Leon winced later as they were packed and ready to go back.

"Yeah, I'm sure." Jared smiled. "I want to keep this in the family. And you are as much family to Jazmin and Tyra as I am."

Leon nodded as if he guessed it felt right to be included. He never thought about actually being anyone's father.

Jared leaned against the car now as the girls went back into the brownstone for one more haul.

"I suspect I'll be marrying Jazmin, any day now." Jared looked at Leon. Another shock Leon wasn't expecting.

"You move fast." Leon shook his head.

"Hell yeah, gotta get on with it. Don't know what tomorrow will bring." He made a quick step up the porch then. "Get inside before someone pierces us in a drive by."

Leon almost chuckled. He thought this was a pretty nice neighborhood.

"Hey, can't take any chances. Hadn't your Momma ever warned you? Folks like you and me, do not have it easy on the street. No matter where you go." Jared motioned him in, as if time were wasting.

"But you're a cop." Leon winced.

"Speaking of which, I don't know why I can't get you interested in joining the force." He put his hand on Leon's shoulder. Leon smiled. He really wasn't looking to be a cop. He'd rather be teaching third grade.

10 comments:

  1. Leon is so sweet. I'm not sure about Jared.

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  2. Jared might not be the best person to be mixed up with.

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  3. Leon would be a great teacher! He is too sweet to be a cop.

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  4. i just gave your blog an award

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  5. Leon is amazing

    xx

    www.sickbytrend.com

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  6. Aww I like Leon :)he seems like he might be taken advantage of by Jared though. He comes across sensitive and naive - which is something he shouldn't let people be aware of!

    Hailes<3

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  7. Leon is so sweet.

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