“Always.”
Noble was processed out of the prison and headed toward his AMG truck where he got inside. Starting the engine, he opted to listen to Nas’King’s Diseasealbum for the two-hour drive ahead. When he got back on St. Parklynn soil, Noble drove straight to his son’s school to pick him up. Waiting fifteen minutes in the car rider line, he spotted Kenji coming out the door.
Noble got out the car, trekking toward his son while turning the heads of a few mothers.
“Dad!” Kenji gasped, running toward him.
His son was one of the few people who could make him grin.
“What’s up, G?” He picked him up and kissed his cheek. “You ain’t think I was coming today, huh?”
“Yeah, I did. You always come, Dad.”
“You better had.” He tickled him, inciting a fit of giggles. “You know, Daddy gon’ show up for his boy.”
“Oh, Mr. St. Anthony!”
Noble spun around at the mention of his last name. Ms. Johnson approached him, wearing a grin that showcased every single tooth in her mouth. She adjusted her shirt, making sure to showcase a peek of cleavage to entice him.
“Hey, we have a field trip coming up, and I was wondering if you’d be willing to chaperone?” She licked her lips, sealing the covert invitation.
Noble looked at Kenji who was still in his arms. “A field trip, huh?”
“Yeah, Dad, we’re going to the Malcolm X Center.”
He nodded. “Then, I’ll be there.”
“Oh, that’s great,” she chirped, clasping her hands together. “Just send the permission slip back with your signature. Thanks so much, Mr. St. Anthony. I’m looking forward to your presence.”
Yeah, I bet…
“No problem.”
Noble ambled back to his truck and secured Kenji inside. He then got in and drove out of the parking lot.
“You hungry, G?”
“Yes, can we go to Juicy’s? Please.”
Noble glanced at him in the rearview mirror. “You know your mama don’t like for you to eat Juicy’s like that. She likes for you to eat healthy.”
“Aw, but Dad, one burger won’t hurt. We don’t have to tell Mama. Please, it’ll be our secret.”
Noble was tickled that his six-year-old already had the gift of gab.
Chuckling, he answered, “You a lil’ con artist but I got you. Juicy’s it is.”
“Yesss!” he celebrated.
Noble drove to the popular burger spot in the heart of St. Parklynn. It was a staple in the community that had been around for fifty years. When he arrived, he got out along with Kenji and they entered. After ordering their food, Noble found a booth, and they took a seat.
“Dad, do you know how to play soccer?”
Shaking his head, Noble answered, “Soccer wasn’t really my thing. I was more of a basketball and football guy. Why? You wanna learn how to play?”
“Yeah, me and my friends were playing it at school, and it was fun.”
Nodding, Noble confirmed, “A’ight then we’ll find a camp so you can learn how to play.”
