Epilogue
One week later…
“Myles! I can’t find my cap!” Josephine called from her room.
“It’s on the kitchen table!” he called out, wincing as Adrienne tightened his tie a bit too tight. “Damn, babe. I know I was bit rough last night, but you don’t have to try to strangle me as payback.”
She smirked as she loosened it a little. “Better?”
“Much,” he said, kissing her on the lips and moving over to the mirror. “Looking good, looking good.”
“Yes, you do,” she said, coming up behind him and wrapping her arms around his waist. He smiled at her in the mirror.
“You think so?”
“Of course. I thought you were sexy in your uniform, but seeing you dressed up is giving me some ideas,” she said with a mischievous smirk. He turned around and wrapped his arms around her, kissing her lips gently.
“Oh yeah? What kind of ideas?” he murmured against her lips before kissing her again.
“I hope they include taking me to graduation,” Josephine interrupted from doorway. Ghost looked up at his sister as she posed. “So how do I look?”
He smiled at her. “You look like you’re ready to take on the world,” he answered. Josephine playfully rolled her eyes.
“Yeah, that’s fine and dandy, but do I look okay? I am trying to impress people, you know.”
“You look beautiful, Josephine,” Adrienne said as she walked over to her, giving her a tight squeeze. “You’re graduating!”
“I know! I don’t think it’s necessarily hit me yet though,” she said, her smile slightly fading. “I’m kind of scared of what happens next.”
Ghost moved over to her and put his arm around her shoulders. “We’ve talked about this. No matter what happens next, I’ll always be here,” he said.
“I’ll be here as well,” Adrienne added. Josephine looked between the two of them and put an arm around each of their waist, hugging them close to her.
“Thanks, guys. I’m glad I have you two,” she said.
“Always,” Ghost replied. “We’re all we got.”
“Right,” Josephine beamed.
“Do you have everything? Your speech?” Adrienne asked.
“Shoot! Thanks for reminding me. I left it on my bed,” she said, dashing out the bedroom. Today was bitter sweet for Ghost. He was glad to see his sister walk across the stage, but he was also nervous about what would happen next. He’d gotten so used to her being around all the time that his place would feel weird without her in it. In the few years that she lived with him, they’d created a bond that made them nearly inseparable. He was pretty sure she wouldn’t be the only one with the waterworks when it was time to take her to college.
“Looks like big brother is sad,” Adrienne said as she moved to stand next to him, rubbing his back.
He sighed and ran a hand over his head. “It’ll just be weird when she goes off to college. No one to fuss at for letting their hair clog the shower drain or hearing her complain about taking the last Gatorade or using all the hot water.” He chuckled. “I’ll miss her, that’s all.”
“She won’t be gone forever, babe,” Adrienne said. “I’m sure it’ll be hard for the both of you at first, but you have each other to lean on. Everything will be fine.”
He looked over at her and nodded. “You’re right,” he said, just as someone knocked on the front door. “I’ll get it.”
“It may be Pia and her parents!” Josephine called from her room.
“Yeah, yeah,” Ghost muttered as he crossed the living room. Once at the door, he looked through the peep hole and his heart immediately jumped into his throat. His palms became sweaty in an instant as his heart rate rose.
“Myles? Everything okay?” Adrienne asked from the hallway.
“Y-yeah, it’s fine,” he stammered, swallowing the lump that formed in his throat as he opened the door.
His mother stood before him, looking healthier than she’d looked in a long time. Her brown skin glowed and her face had very little makeup, just enough to accentuate her beautiful features. Her jet black hair hung in curls around her shoulders and her flower-printed dress slightly moved with the light wind.
She smiled at him. “Hello, baby,” she said, her voice like a soothing balm on the never-healing hurt she’d caused when she’d left. Unable to find the words, he hugged her tight, tears streaming down his face. He’d forced himself to be strong for so long to pick up her slack and just hearing her voice and seeing her the way she used to look sent all of his protective walls crashing down. He’d missed her and who she was. She still smelled of cocoa butter as she did when he went have her hold him for comfort. Each time she rubbed his back, more and more layers he’d covered himself with slipped away, leaving him vulnerable before her. Nothing hurt him more than to lose his mother and to have her back, no matter how temporary, meant everything to him.
He finally pulled back and looked at her. Her own face was streaked with tears as she reached up to wipe his away. “It’s so good to see you,” he finally said once he pulled himself together.
“I wouldn’t miss this for anything in the world,” she said with a smile.
“Mommy!” Josephine screamed from the hallway, dashing across the living room to hug her. “Oh mommy!” Josephine sobbed in her arms as their mother held her tight. Seeing them together made him even more emotional. Even though Ghost was hurt by his mother’s actions, his pain was nothing compared to Josephine’s. Josephine was devastated when she’d first moved here, refusing to eat or listen to him because all she wanted was to go back home to their mother. She didn’t understand that their mom had a drug problem back then and demanded that he take her to her. He knew she missed her dearly and after everything she’d been through lately, he was glad that their mom came through for her.
“Look at you! You’re so beautiful and you’ve gotten so big!” their mom exclaimed as she looked at Josephine.
“And you look so good, mom. Are you feeling better?” she asked.
“I feel great, baby,” she replied, fixing Josephine’s cap on her head. Adrienne slowly stepped into the living room, catching the attention of their mom. “Oh, I’m sorry. Hello, dear.”
“Oh mom, this is Adrienne, my girlfriend,” Ghost said, wrapping an arm around her waist and pulling her closer to him. “Adrienne, this is my mom.”
“It’s so nice to meet you,” Adrienne said, holding out her hand.
“Oh nonsense.” His mom pulled her into a hug. “It’s nice to meet you too. You can call me Denise.”
“I can’t believe you’re actually here,” Josephine exclaimed, hugging Denise again.
“Jojo, finish getting ready so we can get out of here,” Ghost said to her. She nodded and headed back toward her room. Denise watched her until she disappeared before turning back to Ghost.
“I can never thank you enough for what you’ve done for her,” she said, her eyes glossing over once more. “She was very lucky to have you.”
“We’re family. I’d do anything for her,” he replied. “So how are you?”
“I’m doing well. I went back to rehab a few days after I left and fought through it. I’ve been clean almost three months now,” she said proudly.
“That’s great, ma. I’m so proud of you,” he said with a smile. “I’m glad you were able to make it. Jojo really missed you.”
She looked toward the empty hallway with a sigh. “I know. I promise to be more present in her life,” she said and turned her eyes back to his. “Myles…I know I can’t take away the hurt I’ve caused you over the years, but I want you to know that I’m sorry. I know it may take time, but I’d love to be a part of your life if you’ll have me.”
Ghost gave her a small smile. Of course it would take time to rebuild their trust and relationship, but he was willing to try if she was. “Of course, ma,” he murmured.
Josephine appeared back in the living room, holding a sheet of paper in the air. “Okay, gang!” she exclaimed. “I’m ready to graduate!”
***
The gym was packed and stuffy, the summer air battling with the AC as the gym doors stood open. Denise fanned herself with the program. “Goodness, I hope we don’t all get heat stroke before the ceremony even starts,” she muttered.
“Tell me about it,” Adrienne agreed. Ghost leaned over to Adrienne.
“It’ll just give us plenty of reason to jump in the shower together as soon as we get out of here,” he whispered in her ear. She giggled and swatted him with the program.
“Don’t you start,” she said, giving him a faux glare. He chuckled and turned his attention to the older man moving up to the podium.
“Will everyone please stand to welcome the class of 2016,” he said. Music blared out of the speakers on the floor as the graduates strolled into the gym. Ghost’s heart swelled with pride as he watched his sister enter the gym. Throughout everything she’d been through, she still managed to get past it and excel in her studies. She never allowed anything to keep her down for too long. Even though she still occasionally had nightmares about what happened in Paris, she now wasn’t afraid to go out and have fun with her friends. She was excited about starting college and was looking forward to her future. If he knew one thing, he knew that the Richardsons were strong and could overcome anything. He glanced over at his smiling mom, a small grin forming on his lips. She was living proof of that.
After the National Anthem, the principal gave a short opening speech and then cleared his throat. “And now we’ll have the valedictory speech by our valedictorian, Josephine Richardson.”
The gym fills with applause as she makes her way on stage and to the podium. She waits until the gym is quiet again before taking a deep breath and looking out at the crowd.
“Each and every one of us had to start somewhere,” she started. “We all started as freshman walking the halls of this school and now we’re all sitting here, prepare to enter the next phase of our lives. Some of us may be going off to college or going straight into the work force, but no matter the path, as long as you have a goal and a plan to reach it, you’re bound for success, no matter your circumstances.” She paused for a brief moment. “People look at me and think I have it all together. I got good grades, had a lot of friends, and was very active in school. I had my own demons to battle. At a young age, I was separated from my mother as she battled with drug addiction and as a result, I was sent to live with my older brother. Had I let my circumstances drive me, I wouldn’t be standing here as your valedictorian today.”
Ghost looked over at his mother, noticing the sadness and guilt etched into her features. He reached over and gave her hand a gentle squeeze. She looked at him with wet eyes, returning his small smile and squeezing his hand back.
“Instead of letting that situation deter me from my goals and aspirations, I used that as fuel. They always say what doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger, and I refused to be a victim of my circumstances. Just because you grew up in a bad part of town, it doesn’t mean you aren’t destined to be great. Coming from a split home doesn’t make you any less than a person who had both of your parents. No matter where we come from or what we’ve been through, we’re all here today because we share a common goal: the desire for a successful future.” She stopped again and cleared her throat. “At this time, I’d like my brother Myles to stand please.”
Ghost looked around as Adrienne and Denise looked at him. “She wants you to stand,” Adrienne whispered.
“But do I really have to?” he whined. She gave him a light jab in the ribs with her elbow. He sighed and stood to his feet. Josephine scanned the audience in the bleachers, a small smile on her lips when her eyes found him.
“Another reason why I’m able to stand here today is because of my big brother,” she said. Ghost’s heart hammered in his chest in anticipation of what she’d say. “Since I’ve been under his care, he’s taught me so many things. He taught me discipline, compassion, responsibility, trust, courage, and loyalty. I was one of those little sisters that just thought my brother was being over-protective until his over-protective nature saved my life.” She released a shaky breath. “During our spring trip in Paris, myself along with another student were kidnapped to be sold in a sex trafficking ring. Without my brother’s quick thinking and courage, I wouldn’t be standing before you today. Myles, I wanted to thank you for everything you’ve ever done and what you’ve done for me during my recovery over the last couple of months. I wouldn’t be the person I am today if I didn’t have you in my life. I love you and thank you,” she said, looking up from her paper. The gym burst into applause, everyone suddenly standing and looking toward him. The people near him patted him on the shoulder to praise him for what he’d done. He met Josephine’s gaze and smiled at her, seeing that she smiled back at him. Once everyone calmed down, she continued.
“As we start this new journey in our lives, know that it’s okay to make mistakes as long as you learn from them. We aren’t perfect; all you can do is do your best. Remember to cherish the people close to you and never forget how to laugh. Appreciate the small things and remain humble when great things come your way. Take advantage of your good days and reflect when you’re feeling low. Most of all, remain true to yourself and your values. No matter where you are or how far you go, we’ll always be together as one. Now it’s time to move on to a new chapter in life; class of 2016, our job here is done. Thank you.”
Everyone stood and clapped as she walked off the stage. Just when he didn’t think he could feel anymore proud of his sister, she goes and surprises him again. As the rest of the graduation ceremony went on, he looked around him. A few months ago, he didn’t believe that he’d have the woman of his dreams on his arm and he didn’t expect his mother to be sober and at the graduation. He had everything he could ever want and for the first time in a while, he finally felt like he could relax a little.
“You okay?” Adrienne whispered, rubbing his back. He leaned over and placed a soft kiss on her lips.
“Never better,” he whispered back. She smiled at him and rested her head on his shoulder, lacing their fingers together. A smile settled on his lips as he watched his sister walked across the stage to receive her diploma. There were multiple times in the years that Josephine had been with him when he thought he wasn’t a good enough guardian. He’d go to bed multiple nights second-guessing a punishment he’d given her after they’d have an argument or just wondering if he wasn’t cut out to be in charge of another human. But seeing her walk across the stage made him feel that he at least did something right. Hearing her tell him all the things he’d taught her in her speech showed that his lectures and lessons weren’t in vain. He didn’t know what the future held, but nothing was impossible to achieve with his woman, little sister, and mother by his side.
And he couldn’t think of any better team to have.