"Baby sometimes I feel so naive
Thinking you would come back to me
Say I fucked up, I'd have to agree
But second chances I do believe in."
-Bryson Tiller
O M N I S C I E N T :
"No, thank you. I have to get going. I have work tomorrow." Noriah politely declined Heather's offer to join them for dinner.
Her shift had just ended before her encounter with Odell. She already felt like she'd been here longer than she intended.
"Please? It's on us." Heather clutched Nori's small hands keenly.
"Um...I- sure. I guess it wouldn't hurt." Noriah shrugged hesitantly.
"Great! Come on." Heather dragged the two back inside.
Nori became overwhelmed as the entire family ceased what they were doing and she became the core of attention.
"She looks familiar." She heard someone whisper.
"You guys remember Noriah, right?" Heather announced.
"OH YEAH! HEY!" They exclaimed simultaneously.
"Look atchu', lookin' all grown an' pretty." Odell's grandmother complimented.
"Thank you, Granny." Noriah smiled, accepting her warm southern hug and kiss on the cheek.
"Hey, baby girl. Good to see you again." Senior rose to his feet to hug her.
"Good to see you, too, Mr. Beckham."
"You know you can call me Pops. You family." He reminded, genuinely.
After greeting everyone, freeing her anxiety, she took a seat next to Odell.
"O, he's been cryin' for you." Kordell handed a little boy to Odell.
"Hey, bubba. You mish me?" He cooed to the infant.
Noriah began having a coughing fit, choking on her raspberry lemonade.
Instinctively Odell patted her back until it ceased.
"You ight?" He rubbed her back, wondering what had come over her.
"You have a son?" Noriah queried heartbrokenly, placing her hand over her heart.
"Nah, he's my brother." Odell answered. "Say hey Nori." Odell helped the baby wave his hand.
At his words, the pace of her heart instantly decelerated.
"Oh, he's handsome."
"I know, he get it from me." Odell boasted, showing his narcissistic side.
"Uh, whatever." She chuckled, playfully rolling her eyes. "What's his name?"
"Sonny Odell Beckham."
"That's adorable." Nori grinned, twiddling with Sonny's tiny fingers.
O D E L L:
