After Alex's death, I decided Oakland, California wasn't the place for me. So I packed my bags and flew on a plan to New York. I stayed in a hotel until I could find a place just right for me.
During that period all I did was record music. Today marks six years since Alex died. Being 16 and homeless I didn't have a lot of friends, but Alex always stayed and never left me.
When I found out what happened to her, I had just gotten back from my first tour ever, and I almost quit music altogether seeing I wasn't there for my best friend when she needed me the most.
Knock Knock Knock
I walked down the steps to answer the door.
I was shocked to see a little girl and a slim woman with a briefcase.
" Hi, good afternoon. Are you Kehlani Parrish ?" She asked
" Yes, I am how can I help you?" I said
" This here is Kari. Her Aunt was Alexandria Smith, and she was her last caretaker before she went into the foster care system. I understand that Alexandria is deceased, but Kari is a good kid, and I would like to find her a good home. If you would consider keeping her until I can find one I would appreciate it." She said all at once
" How old are you sweetie?" I asked
" I'm eight years old." She replied
I thought to myself how did I not know Alex was taking care of a kid all by herself at 16 years old. Even though I have a hard time opening up to people, I should do this for Alex. I can't just let her niece stay in the foster care system knowing I could have done something to help her.
" Yes, I'll keep her for you until you can I find her a good home," I said
" Thank you so much. I'll go grab her stuff from the car." She said
(Kari)
" You knew my Auntie Alex?" Asked Kari
"Yeah. She and I were great friends. We were more like sisters." I answered
The lady returned with Kari's things
"What is your name, Miss? " I asked
" Oh, how rude of me. I'm Mrs. Nightingale." She responded
" How did you find me, and know that I knew Alex?" I asked
" Well I may or may not have done an unauthorized background check, and also I follow you on all your social media pages. I'm a big fan." She explained
" Well, I'll leave you two. I'll come back to check on Kari every once in a while." She said
With that, I closed the door, and Kari and I looked at each other.
" So are you hungry? " I asked