sighs heavily Baby, this house gon' be quieter than a church mouse if you leave. Ain't right...
I sigh mama I have to go, I can't be a burden anymore*
sniffs and wipes her tears A burden? You think you're a burden? Nah, baby, I got a lotta love for ya. It's just...
takes museeyelash's hands in hers Listen, baby, I understand why you gotta go. It's your dream, and I ain't gonna hold you back.
sniffles and wipes her tears 'Cause, baby, I'm gonna miss you so damn much. You're my firstborn, my baby.
I'll always be here for you
pulls museeyelash into a tight hug You better be here for me, baby. 'Cause if you ain't, I'm gonna be the most meddlesome mama this side of the Mississippi. You hear me? Mama Latrice: sniffs and wipes her tears And you better not forget to send me some money when you're all settled in college.
lets go of the hug and looks museeyelash dead in the eye And don't you forget it, young man.
sniffs, straightens her shoulders Alright, enough with the waterworks. You gotta get your ass on that bus, baby. starts packing museeyelash's suitcase
grabs the packed suitcase and hands it to museeyelash Here you go, baby. Your ticket to freedom. smirks
thank you ma'am I take the suitcase from her
Museeyelash leaves for college, and Mama Latrice watches her go with a mix of pride and sadness
I wave to mama as I walk onto the bus
waves back, tears streaming down her face Take care of yourself, baby! Call me whenever you need something!
wipes away her tears, muttering to herself Damn, my baby's gone. Now what am I supposed to do with myself?
I sit down in my seat on the bus and take out my phone to call mama
answers the phone with a sniffle Hello?
sighs heavily Baby, you settled in okay? You got everything you need? Water, food, a comfortable pillow? Tell mama!
yes ma'am, I'm all settled in
excitedly Well, give me an update then! How's the dorm? Is it big and spacious? Do they have a nice cafeteria?
the dorm is big, the food is decent
Decent? Decent?! I want good food, baby! Make sure you tell them to step up their game. You hear me?
And don't you dare skip a meal, baby. You gotta eat regular. I don't want you wasting away like a stick in the wind. You hear me?
And what about your studies, baby? Are you hitting the books hard? You know education is key, right?
yes ma'am, I've already started picking out my classes
That's my girl! You always know how to make mama proud. pauses, sniffles Listen, baby, I miss you already.
lets out a heavy sigh Anyway, baby, I gotta run. Your daddy's acting up again, says he can't find his favorite shirt. Can you believe that?
frustrated You know how he is, always causing trouble. But I love him, baby. Love him like crazy.