Flashback 3 years ago
"Girl thank you for squeezing me in today." I said to the hairstylist.
"Yea no problem. You're my favorite customer." She patted the chair, gesturing for me to sit.
"Alright let's get started."
She pulled out the hair and got to work.
About 30 minutes in she said she had to use the bathroom. So, I went on my phone and flipped through Insta. As I was doing that I began to hear gunshots outside her apartment.
Since we were on the first floor, I quickly ran over to the window to close the blinds. Right when I was about to I recognized a car and a few people outside.
It was my eldest brother Akari. Him, a few of friends, had guns pointed at people I'd never seen before that also had their guns pointed. They were literally having a shootout.
The window was open and I could hear what sounded like a baby crying coming from somewhere near my brother's car.
That's when I saw through the back window, Kamil.
He had a two year old in the back of his car in the middle of commotion. I could not believe it.
The looks on Akari's and his friend's faces became worried. All of them but Akari and one of his friends got in one car. Akari and his friend scrambled to get in another car and left Akari's and drove off.
When I saw the streets were clear. I hurriedly slid on my sandals and ran out to Akari's car. He had left Kamil in his car while he cried so loudly.
"Hey what's going on outside? Where are you going?" My hairstylist, Diara, came out the bathroom.
"I'll be right back." I told her and flew out the door.
Luckily the car was unlocked. I took Kamil out his carseat and brought him inside.
"Um who's kid is that? Wait isn't this your nephew? Was he outside while all that was happening?" She asked.
I answered all her questions while rocking Kamil in my arms.
"Do you need me to call someone?" She asked.
"Yes, use my phone and call my mom. When she answers put her on speaker." I handed her my phone.
Once my mom answered I started speaking, "Mom I just found Kamil left in a car in the middle of a shootout."
My mom was in so much shock she didn't even know what to say. She decided though that I should bring Kamil to her.
"Did you make sure he's not hurt?" My mom asked.
"I've checked already."
I told Diara that I was sorry but I had to go. She was sympathetic and even asked if I needed any help. I told her no and drove to my parent's.
Once I dropped him off I hopped right back in my car.
"Where are you going?" My second older brother, Amari asked.
"I'm going to have a 'talk' with Akari." I told him. I was so angry that he had done this.
"I'm coming with you." He opened the passenger door and got in.
When we got to Akari's house we banged on his door until he opened it.
"What? Oh it's just you two?" He laughed.
We both shoved our way in and slammed the door shut.
"Ain't no laughing here, Akari." I pushed him.
"And what are you so mad for?"
"Aren't you missing something?" I questioned.
"What are you talking ab-" I cut him off.
"Don't play dumb. Let me ask you again. Aren't you missing something?"
"Or someone?" Amari added.
He stood there for a couple of seconds.
He gasped, "Kamil, I left him."
"Who brings a two year old around something like that? Huh Akari, who?" I pushed him again.
"Quit pushing me. I didn't mean to."
"What do you mean?"
"I just had to do that real quick" He looked around for his keys.
"So you're telling me you couldn't have left him with someone? Are you dead serious right now?" Amari asked.
"Look I'd appreciate it if y'all would get out my way. I need to go back." Akari said.
"No need. We have him, as for yo car though. Who knows what might have happened by now." I told him.
Amari and I left the house furious. I knew my brother doesn't think without doing but this right here was not it.
Two days later Akari and two of his friends were arrested for something that had nothing to do with the other night. He ended up getting two and half years.
As much as my parents wanted to take Kamil in I decided to take him in myself. We have this special bond I can't describe it but it's special.
Flashback over
"Yeah sure. I'm leaving, I'm taking Kamil to go visit Kari." Kari is our older brother and Kamil's father.
"Tell him I said hi." Mar said.
"Okay, I'll see you two later." I said before going upstairs to get Kamil.
We arrived and waited for Kari to come out.
"Are you excited Kamil?" I questioned as I saw a huge smile on his face.
"Yep. I'm excited." He swung his feet back and forth since he couldn't reach the ground.
Kari was brought out and he took a seat.
"Wassup Kamil? Desiree, how are you?" Kari said.
"Good, how about you?" I responded.
"Making it through. I have two weeks left." He scratched his head.
"Really! Can you come to my party?" Kamil excitedly asked.
"Party?" Kari looked confused.
"My birthday party. You remember my birthday right?" Kamil looked at his dad.
"Yes it's August 11th?" Kari said.
Wow he doesn't even remember Kamil's birthday. Just sad.
"No, it's August 14th." Kamil laughed.
"Just making sure you remember?" He tried to downplay.
"I do! I'm gonna be five." Kamil put five fingers up.
"Will you come?" Kamil asked again.
"Of course I'll come. I will bring a gift and a balloon." Kari answered.
"It can not be a balloon with regular air." I informed Akari.
Ever since that night any time a balloon pops near Kamil he cries. Even though he was two years old when it happened and doesn't remember. According to his doctor the sound of a balloon popping resembles the sound of a gun shot to him.
Kari looked at me weirdly but didn't say anything.
Kamil and Kari talked until his time was up. This was the part Kamil hated. He hated seeing his father go. And it broke my heart each time I saw the sad look on Kamil's face.
When we got in the car I asked Kamil if he wanted ice cream to cheer him up.
He wanted froyo instead. So I drove to the nearest Sweet Frog.
"Let's have some fun!"
I smiled at Kamil through the rear view mirror and turned up the music.