Just as Allen's father finished his sentence, he pulled into the airport.
"You flying Southwest airlines back home?"
"Yes."
"Well here we are."
"Pop,"
Allen began and was then cut off by his father.
"Son, you will be the first to know, we will call you as soon as we get
the news, now please go and catch your plane."
Allen reached across and embraced his father as they sat in the car,
and thanked him for the ride and headed for the plane.
The four-hour plane ride home seemed endless as Allen clutched the
idea of his mother having cancer. What, he wondered, should he do? As
he thought of his mother's life, her possibly living or dying with cancer,
he reflected on what she had told him as a youth. He remembered the
many times she told him no matter what happens in her life, his father's
life or his life, he must always live his life with faith, because no one
would be able to live his life but him. With faith in his heart he smiled
and realized, what he must do is be strong.
Allen reached the airport to find his best friend Charles, a short, bald,
dark skinned brother, waiting near the baggage claim.
"What up?"
Charles asked Allen in a jovial manner as he playfully hit
him on the arm.
"Not much man, how long have you been here?"
"Long enough to see the many thoroughbreds galloping through the
airport."
"Man you never amaze me, but just once I wish you would."
"You know what they say about wishing?"
"No what?"
"Be careful what you wish for, it just might come true."
"Bruh, the day that wish comes true I will probably be too old to
appreciate its worth."
"I hope not," Charles said as Allen reached for his luggage.
The ride home started out to be a silent one, until Charles reminded
Allen of the plans they made to watch the football game with the rest of
the fellas.
"Where are we meeting this week?"
Allen asked Charles as though he
had enough game watching with the fellas.
"Everyone is scheduled to meet at Calorie's house at 2:00pm, but you
know how them niggas never on time?"