C2 Episode 1

(August 15 2023)

(8:00 am, Los Angeles )

(2 years later)

"Come on sweetheart, we're going to be late for first service," my mom called from the kitchen, dressed in her perfect Sunday outfit fit for a deaconess.

I grabbed my bag and car keys, my phone chiming as I stared at it. It was a message from Ivy, who had been trending nonstop ever since she got featured in a celebrity game. I guess all of her efforts had finally paid off. I remembered how she stayed up all night making countless videos.

"Don't tell me you're wearing that," my mom questioned my choice of attire as I glanced at myself in the mirror. It seemed heavenly enough to me. "Please, mama, not now," I added, feeling exhausted as I walked out the door, heading towards the car parked outside.

"Seriously, young lady, what's wrong with you? I've noticed this recent behavior and I won't tolerate it, especially not from you," she added, her voice filled with warning.

"Seriously, Mom?" I rolled my eyes, unlocking the car doors as we both stepped inside.

The drive was quiet, with "Touch of Heaven" by Xtiian playing over the radio. I listened silently as the song resonated with my being, but my mom sang along, her horrible voice giving me a headache.

"Mom, please just stop," I begged her.

"You should be grateful and blessed by my voice," she chimed in.

"I'm sure your patients at the hospital are," I teased her. Despite everything, I admired my relationship with my mom. It was more than I could ask for. With my dad, it was different.

I pulled up in front of the church, and my mom fixed her appearance in the rearview mirror, making sure she looked perfect.

"I still don't like that dress you're wearing," she insisted.

"Mom, can we just get through today without all of this?" I pleaded, stepping out of the car. My eyes caught sight of Mrs. Molly, the church Accountant, sitting outside with her desk and chair.

"What's going on?" I asked my mom as we walked over to her.

"Sister Molly, what a lovely surprise," Mom said carefully choosing her words. Mrs. Molly was known for her quick tongue and gossip. "May I ask what all this is about?" Mama asked, looking at the pamphlets on the table.

"Well, deaconess, I'm sure you're aware that our women's annual Thanksgiving will be starting next week, that is, if you've ever made the effort to attend any of the meetings," she said, her voice dripping with contempt as she shot a menacing glare at my mother.

I struggled to hold back my laughter, finding it amusing, but my mother shot me a deathly stare as she ushered me into the church.

"What's that woman's problem?" my mother fumed as we made our way to the empty seats at the front. All eyes were on me as I scanned the crowd, feeling suffocated. I quickly took my seat next to my mom.

~~~~~****~~~~~~

The service lasted for an hour, and I stood beside my parents as they greeted each member of the church. My ankle throbbed with pain.

"Today's service was beautiful. The Holy Spirit truly resides in your home and this house of worship," Mrs. Daveed complimented.

I fought back a laugh as my mom pinched me, bringing me back to reality.

"Keisha has grown even more beautiful since the last time I saw her. She must be causing quite a stir with her looks," she continued, my parents beaming at her.

"Her body is dedicated to God before any mortal being," my dad replied, surprising me. "How is Mikel? He wasn't in service today," he inquired.

"You know how busy resident doctors are, but I'm sure he'll be eager to attend next Sunday," she replied.

"Please do. There's nothing like being in the presence of God," my dad said, his voice filled with righteousness.

"Thank you, pastor," she added before walking away.

With Mrs. Daveed out of earshot, my dad's gaze shifted to my dress, giving me a disapproving look as he walked away.

"I did tell you to change. Why are you so stubborn?" my mother scolded before following him, leaving me standing alone at the front of the church.

~~~~~~~~*******~~~~~~~~

With my eyes glued to the laptop, I anxiously awaited some good news. Feeling the need for support, I reached for my phone and dialed Ivy and Pete's numbers.

"Hey guys," I greeted them, hoping for some positive energy.

"Let me guess, you got rejected again," Ivy's voice came through on the other end.

"Oh, come on, Ivy, let's be more positive," Pete chimed in.

"What? Is this your fifth rejection this year or something?" Ivy asked, skeptically.

"Third, actually," I corrected her, trying to downplay the disappointment that weighed on me.

While Ivy and Pete had moved on to university after missing a year of school, I had experienced setbacks and only had one option left - UCLA (University of California). I missed having them around, so I applied as soon as I was discharged from the hospital.

"Did you check the mail yet?" Pete asked, his curiosity evident.

"No, I'm too scared," I admitted, fear creeping into my voice.

"Come on, Keisha, as a pastor's daughter, you shouldn't be afraid. The Lord is your strength. Now, check that damn mail! You're giving me anxiety," Pete urged, trying to encourage me.

"Okay, okay, here goes nothing," I muttered, clicking on the mail icon. My eyes scanned the words on the screen, and time seemed to stand still as I stumbled upon the result.

"What happened? Don't keep us in suspense," Ivy's voice sounded impatient over the line.

"I... I got in, guys! I did it!" I yelled, unable to contain my excitement. I danced around my bedroom, the euphoria of success overwhelming me. In the background, I could hear Pete and Ivy screaming in celebration.

"Oh my God, my love, I'm so happy for you. You deserve it, baby boo," Pete expressed his joy.

"Thank you so much, Pete," I gushed, feeling incredibly fortunate to have these amazing friends by my side. Despite the haunting memories of the horrible incident that had shaken me to the core, I pushed those thoughts aside and embraced the overwhelming sense of accomplishment.

Despite the past rejections, I reminded myself to focus on the present and be grateful. My mom's encouraging words always came to mind whenever I received those letters. "So, let me fill you in, UCLA is amazing. You're going to love every moment," Ivy said excitedly. "I'll come over to help you pack."

Pete chimed in, teasingly saying, "Someone seems excited. Too bad I'm here alone."

I laughed and replied, "How's Connor?"

Pete acted ignorant, asking, "Who?"

I pressed further, "Connor. Pete, what happened?" Remembering how he had called Connor his knight in shining armor.

Pete quickly retorted, "I was too good for him. He couldn't meet my standards."

Ivy, at the other end of the call, interjected, "Just say you messed up, Pete. It's obvious you did."

"That's why, my lovely Ivy, you're still single," he replied with annoyance in his voice.

"We all are," Ivy reminded us of our current relationship statuses.

After Marcus, I had sworn off boys and relationships. I just couldn't handle it anymore.

"Keisha, are you okay?" Pete asked, genuine concern evident in his voice.

I replied with a quiet "Hmm hmm."

"Anyway, I'll be at your place by 10 tomorrow. We can do a little shopping and have the best day of your life," Ivy squeaked with excitement. "I have to go. My fans crave my attention," she added before ending the call.

"She seems to be living her best life," I observed.

"Oh, please. You know how much she loves attention. She's like an attention whore," Pete said, and we both chuckled.

"I miss you so much, Pete," I whispered.

"Me too, boo"

**************

Carefully, I set the plates down on the table, assisting my mom as she placed the food alongside them.

"So, what's all that giggling and squeaking I heard earlier?" she asked, her curiosity evident in her voice.

I smiled warmly at her, shifting my gaze to my dad seated at the dining table, engrossed in the daily news.

As we began our meal, we said grace together. My mom reached for the salad from inside and asked me to pass it to her. Clearing my throat, I shifted uncomfortably, noticing my dad's intense gaze fixed on me.

"I got accepted into UCLA," I finally announced.

"Oh my God, really? Darling, that's amazing!" My mom's voice filled with excitement as she beamed with joy. She grabbed my hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.

"When does orientation start?" My dad's voice was cold, his tone hinting at disapproval.

"Next week Wednesday," I replied. Ever since the bonfire incident at my senior night hangout, my dad's attitude had changed. It felt like I was constantly walking on eggshells, trying not to disappoint him again.

"So soon?" he replied dismissively.

"I suppose that's how they do things," I replied, my attention returning to the plate in front of me as I quietly savored my meal.

As I lay on my bed later that night, my favorite book in hand, I reflected on the day. Before long, a knock on my door interrupted my thoughts.

"Yes?" I called out.

"Hello, sweetheart," my mom greeted, stepping into my room and locking the door behind her. I knew I was in for a lecture, so I braced myself.

"What did I do this time?" I asked, my curiosity getting the better of me.

She gave me a stern look, silently asking if I was serious. "I'm sorry," I whispered, realizing my words upset her.

My Mom sat down on my bed, her eyes fixated on the picture frame containing a picture of Pete, Ivy, and me. A smile slowly formed on her face.

"You know, Keisha, there's something admirable about you," my mom said, her gaze now focused on me. "You're strong, despite everything. Sometimes, I worry that you might break if I don't hold on tight. I guess I worry too much." She gently held my hands in hers.

"Mom," I began, my voice filled with concern.

"And now my baby girl is going off to college. I've dreaded this day, but now it's actually happening," she confessed, her hand caressing my face as she wiped away a tear.

"Don't you think you're too old to cry? College isn't the end of the world, Mother," I tried to lighten the mood, while secretly fighting back tears of my own.

"But I'm scared, darling," she whispered, tears streaming down her cheeks.

I pulled her into a tight embrace, holding her close. "It's going to be okay, Mom. I'm scared too, but we'll get through it together," I reassured her, my voice filled with conviction.

We stayed like that for a while, finding solace in each other's arms, before finally letting go. As we wiped away our tears, a sense of strength and determination filled the room. We were ready to face whatever challenges awaited us, both in my journey to college and in my mom's journey of letting go.