Chapter IX: New Sky (The Final-Final Chapter)
"Man, I can't believe I'm here seeing the day that my boy Tyrone has graduated from high school." Jodi joked as the two perused through the swap meet in town. It was officially last days for Jodi. After announcing his commitment to Georgia Tech, Jodi had spent time saying his goodbyes to the faces he grew up with.
"I can say the same for you, especially with that company you keep." Tyrone shot back.
"Shit, I'm sorry, nobody told me they weren't smart enough. I figured with that inflated head of yours, you was building a rocket in there, now we know they're nothing but pennies rattling around."
"Screw you." Tyrone playfully mushing Jodi out of arm's reach. "Hey, I can't believe we both did it. All the shit we got for the all trouble we caused growing up. Surprised neither one of us got expelled."
"Man, my mom would have killed me before she handed me back to the orphanage. I'm not even trying to find out what kind of catastrophic actions she would have taken. I've seen enough murder docuseries on A&E."
"Damn, and I thought I had it bad. But look at us, we did it homie." Tyrone says dapping up Jodi. "Now look at you, from state champ to big man on campus. New shave and everything. Can't believe you're going all the way across country to Georgia."
"Trust fam, it wasn't my first option, but it grew on me like a calling."
"Nah, it was the right call. I'm happy for you. Get out of Danville, hell, get out of California. Ain't nothing here but misery, wealth and bad drivers."
"I guess one of three isn't bad. Not to mention Prisha, it's definitely best I get out of here, I'm done with that."
"For real this time? I guess some people never learn their lesson. Ay', I'm happy for you my dude. Put all this behind you and move on to the next chapter in your life. Just make sure you put on for the people that's been behind you from day one."
"So, basically, you?"
"Well, if that's all you could muster, I guess so. Not my problem you can't get no investors besides me."
"I'm starting to think you may have something to do with that."
"By jolly, what could you ever mean?" Tyrone rebutted sarcastically. "I don't care how many people you got supporting you, I'll be your biggest fan outside your mom. You've been my road dog since day one without question and that kind of loyalty don't go unnoticed here. I'll always back you, bro, can't nothing waiver that."
"I appreciate it fam. That's one thing I never questioned. You already know if I make it big, we gonna run it up, for sure."
"Nah bro, when, not if. Gotta be on that type of time to get yours and put feet on necks if you have to. Ain't nobody here or anywhere in this world is going to give you handouts and take care of your responsibilities as a man. Do what you have to do to make a name for your-self, Jodi. You did it here, don't stop doing it anywhere else."
Jodi proceeds to give Tyrone a hug, taking his words to heart. "I love you like a brother, Ty. Nah, you are my brother. Couldn't ask for a better friend than you."
"And I'm my brother's keeper, til the end of time my dude."
Jodi and Tyrone went on about their day, bonding, joking around, enjoying the last day they'll probably spend together for a lengthy period of time. One thing was for certain with Jodi, he'll always have a ace in the hole when it comes to Tyrone. He may not be any good influence beyond their friendship, but his respect meant a lot to him.
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Later That Night
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As the night crept in with moon light, the home of the Montes and Rogue was filled with banter and laughter. When it comes to his mother, Cassia, Jodi always enjoyed being silly around her, making her laugh as much as possible when the time called for it. For him, it was nothing like having a parental relationship friendly enough to allow the convivial chemistry between them excel. A part of him was going to greatly miss it.
"The food was excellent, Ma." Jodi complimented as he finished up his plate. It was one of Jodi's favorite: shrimp fried rice, smoked salmon, garlic-buttered asparagus and fish cakes with kimchi. "Shout out to the Asians who came up with this stuff. But I think if they ever found out you was laying it down like that, they'd holed you up in a dark cell and interrogate what you know." Jodi joked.
"That's why it stays between us. A true chef never reveals their secrets." Cassia winked at Jodi in confidence of culinary skills. "All in all, they're simple ingredients, but in the right hands, simple food can be something exquisite."
"And that's why I'm kind of regretting leaving here."
"Having second thoughts?" Cassia asked Jodi, who sat there staring into his plate in front of him.
"A little bit, but not really... I guess, I'm just nervous being out on my own."
"The world can be a scary place sometimes, but I'm sure you got things under control once you get your-self situated there. All your fears are probably just laughable nonsense."
"You think so?"
"Sure, but I guess you can always de-commit and go elsewhere, somewhere closer to home. Is that something you want to do?"
"For the sake of being close to you in case of emergency, yeah. But as I said, I'm just nervous. I'm not really interested in going back on my word. Besides, I don't want to risk a year of eligibility."
"Then, you can always transfer after a year, kids do it all the time. But don't do it because of me, I'll be fine, sweety. I'm a big girl, I can take care of my-self. Don't let these gray strands fool you."
"Yeah, true. But we'll see how things go first for year one. Maybe you're right, probably just jitters."
"Hey, look at me." Cassia commanded as Jodi complied. "You're an awesome kid, you know that. And you're going to grow into a incredible man very soon. But now are the times you need to get out there and find your-self, discover who you truly are. You won't get answers sticking around here. I can see it in your eyes that it's too safe for you. So chin up, swallow that fear, move forward. You're going to excel and do great things, I promise you that."
"I wouldn't be the man I'm trying to be without you, Ma."
"No, sweety, that man was always in you. You just needed some guidance and room to bring him out to become him. I gave you all the tools you need to be successful. All I want as repayment is results. Be it good or bad, I need you to go out there and show me that you tried, 100% effort."
"I will, Ma. That's something I won't fail you on."
"That's my boy. You're going to knock them dead out there, and I'll be watching all your games."
"Maybe you should think about coming to Georgia with me, aren't you tired of working? Give your-self some new digs, enjoy some retirement, go to some spas or resorts."
Cassia sat quietly shaking her head slowly, declining that suggestion. "No sir, this is your time, my son. I'll always be in your corner, but you have to make this journey yours. This is your life. Show me what you can do with it." Cassia then proceeds to stand up, hovering over Jodi as she leaned in to hug him. "I love you so much, Jodi. I'm so proud of you."
"I love you too, Ma."
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The Next Early Morning
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After both getting a few hours of sleep, Jodi's phone alarm went off, signifying his time in Danville, California has come to an end. It was time for him to prepare for his journey to the Concord airport. It was an 11 1/2 mile drive and Jodi needed to catch the only flight going out to Georgia there today. As he gathered his things and loaded up in the car that he now relinquished over to Cassia, Cassia sped off to Concord to follow up with "goodbyes"...
After spending what felt like forever at the gate, waiting to board, the flight was ready to consume it's passengers. Jodi was one of them, taking his last look out the windows of the airport to the view that it held. He turns his attention back to the boarding corridor, disappearing as the line filed inwards. It wasn't long until Jodi found his seat, 13-A, a window seat. Jodi didn't mind, as he was able to rest his head against the panel and see outside from an angle. Although Jodi's body was ready to head to Atlanta, his mind wasn't. The last thoughts he wanted to have came to fruition; Prisha. Despite the turmoil and differences, Prisha was Jodi's first love, whether he was ready to admit it or not. And leaving without saying goodbye, it was hard to tell if the damage was as permanent as the shut door, or if he had left a spare key somewhere for her to find. It was a tug-o'-war between Jodi's heart and mind. But as things on the plane settled accordingly, the pilot was ready to take off. And with his seatbelt on, Jodi replaced his headphones back over his ears and pressed play on his playlist...
"A conversation that we never had//Replaying in my head//
I say the right thing and you smile just like you used to//Took me way back to when I knew you//
This time, I don't make the same mistakes, I don't ever break your heart//
You don't have all you can take, and we don't fall apart//
Oh, this can't be real, already made my escape//
Some things you can't run away from, I wanted to weather the change//
Tried my best to outrun the rain, only way I deal with the pain//
I know you feel the same//I know you feel the same//
New sky, new sky//Won't you let the clouds go by?//
Too soon, blue moon, don't need you around//
Bringing me back down, bringing me back//"
![[img]https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51066730087_8f014a0403_o.gif[/img]](./images/smilies/51066730087_8f014a0403_o.gif "Jonesy")
