Chapter 56 - going back to the hood (Final) - Thank god I found you and farewell

The morning after the chaotic party, I stepped into the serene atmosphere of the house, where the remnants of last night's festivities still lingered. Mariam and Amin were peacefully slumbering in my bed, exhausted from the previous night's escapades.

As I began packing my belongings, the sound of sizzling breakfast and gentle chatter wafted from the kitchen. Mika and Naomi, now transformed back into their usual selves, were busy preparing a hearty meal. Xavier, determined to see us off, had taken the day off work to escort us to the airport.

My gaze wandered around the house, and I felt a pang of nostalgia. I had considered leaving this place behind, but Naomi's words halted my thoughts.

"Hey, Alex... about this crib... don't even think about selling or giving it away. This can be your second home," she said, her eyes sparkling with a hint of desperation.

I tried to brush it off, "It's going to collect dust, you know…"

Naomi's smile was unwavering, "Then it'll be just like the usual homestay I used to visit."

The truth dawned on me - she wanted to ensure I wouldn't abandon them permanently.

"Fine... as long as it's put to good use," I relented.

Mariam and Amin, now ready to depart, waited outside with Damien and Kaia. I couldn't help but wonder if Damien's protective nature towards Kaia was purely brotherly or something more.

As we set off for the airport, I was taken aback by the sheer number of people gathered outside. The entire crew was present, including Leonardo's family, Ying's family, Luis' family, and even members of the rival gang. But that wasn't all - the police and national guards were also in attendance, their vehicles lining the streets. What was going on?

Mika, ever the rebel, hopped on my bike, and we led the convoy towards the airport. The procession was like something out of a movie, with gang members flanking us on all sides. I felt like I was in the middle of a high-stakes parade, with the whole city watching.

The atmosphere was electric, with a mix of excitement and tension hanging in the air. I had no idea what to expect, but one thing was certain - this was no ordinary farewell. The entourage was a testament to the bonds we had formed, and the impact our presence had on the community.

As we approached the airport, the convoy grew even larger, with more people joining the procession. It was clear that this was more than just a goodbye - it was a celebration of our time together, and the memories we had created.

I handed Mika the keys to my trusty Cagiva Mito, and she gave me a sly grin. "I'll look after the bike... got it?" She was making sure I'd come back, or else!

As we entered the airport, Damien greeted us with a flourish. "Hey, homie! Thanks for everything!" He was beaming like a proud parent.

The Compton crew and Hardware chimed in, "Don't forget about us, got it?!" They were acting like we were abandoning them forever.

Isabella and Ying suddenly pounced on me, hugging me tightly and giving me a hard time. "Don't leave us, Alex! Who'll save us from Mika's cooking?!”

Meanwhile, Mariam was busy snapping photos like a paparazzo. I wondered what she was up to, until I saw her slip a small folder to Naomi. Was it a secret mission briefing? A love letter? Or just a recipe for Mika's infamous "burnt-to-a-crisp" cookies?

The farewell was turning into a comedic free-for-all, with everyone trying to outdo each other in a display of drama and hilarity. I laughed, feeling grateful for this eccentric group of friends who had become my family.

As we entered the departure terminal, we were greeted by a sea of familiar faces, all gathered in the futuristic terminal. The air was electric, pulsing with the beat of hip-hop music. Mika, ever the wild child, was dancing with abandon, signaling me to check my pocket. I reached in, and my heart skipped a beat as I pulled out a pair of sexy blue lace panties!

Mariam's grin and Amin's teasing remark, "Same old lady killer playboy, eh?" only added to my shock. But we didn't let it faze us, launching into a synchronized dance routine that left the crowd cheering.

Detective Tracy, Damien, and even the police and national guard were getting down to the music, their faces alight with joy. It was a moment of pure freedom, our spirits soaring in perfect harmony.

But amidst the revelry, I couldn't shake off the feeling that something was missing. Nat, the one person I longed to see, was nowhere to be found.

Just as I thought the moment couldn't get any more surreal, Mika's expression turned icy, her eyes flashing with anger. And then, she was in my arms, her long French curls enveloping me in a sweet embrace. I felt my heart melt, my surroundings fading into the background.

But just as our lips were about to meet, she pulled back, a sly smile spreading across her face. With a swift motion, she snatched the panties from my pocket and tossed them into the trash, her eyes never leaving mine.

The crowd gasped, Mariam and Amin exchanged a knowing glance, and Mr. Hawk beamed with pride. Natalie, the mysterious beauty, appeared out of nowhere, her lips crashing onto mine in a passionate kiss.

"I'm proud of you," she whispered, her voice husky with emotion. "I won't hold back my words – I'll make sure you come looking for me.”

As we stepped into the airplane, the emotional farewells reached a heart-wrenching crescendo. Natalie's hands grasped my arms, her eyes burning with a poignant mix of sadness and longing. I glanced back, and from a distance, I saw Naomi restraining Mika, holding her back from rushing towards the departure terminals with a desperate expression.

Mika's face was a picture of anguish, her eyes fixed on me with a pleading gaze. Naomi's firm yet gentle grip and soothing whispers seemed to be the only things holding her back from breaking free and sprinting towards us.

Natalie's whisper sent shivers down my spine: "Just be yourself... got it? That's why I'm crazy for you." Her words echoed in my mind as I gazed into her eyes, searching for a glimmer of hope.

The scene was forever etched in my mind - Natalie's tender touch, Mika's frantic struggle, and Naomi's calm yet firm intervention. It was a bittersweet moment, a poignant conclusion to our time together. As the airplane door closed behind us, I felt a deep pang of sorrow, leaving behind the people and memories that had become an integral part of my being.

As we settled into our first-class seats, Mariam and Amin looked utterly drained, their exhaustion etched on their faces. I couldn't blame them - the past few days had been a whirlwind of emotions, and I felt the weight of fatigue myself. But instead of surrendering to sadness, I felt a surge of determination coursing through my veins. This wasn't the end of the world; it was merely a new chapter waiting to be written.

As the plane took off, the breathtaking view of LA slowly receded into the distance. I gazed out the window, watching the city's sprawl give way to the endless expanse of ocean and sky. The roar of the engines hummed a gentle lullaby, and I felt my eyelids growing heavy.

Once we finally touched down in Sabah, I knew that a warm welcome awaited me. My family would be there, eager to envelop me in their loving arms. My old friends would be grinning from ear to ear, ready to swap stories and laughter. And then there was Sylvia - strong, resilient Sylvia, who had been a rock for me in times past. Knowing that she was waiting for me, her presence a steady beacon of hope, filled me with a sense of comfort and belonging.

As I stepped into the warm embrace of my family, a month's worth of stories and memories flooded my heart. Mom, Hana, and Sam enveloped me in a tight hug, their love and excitement palpable.

"Did you meet them?" Mom asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

I smiled, "Yeah, all good." But before I could elaborate, Hana's tiny feet began to kick me playfully.

"Big brother! Were you behaving well?" she teased, her kicks growing more energetic by the second.

Sam, not wanting to be left out, jumped into my arms, his big brown eyes gazing up at me with an unspoken request to be carried.

As I scooped up Sam and twirled him around, Hana's kicks turned into giggles, and Mom's eyes shone with happiness. In this moment, surrounded by the people I loved most, I knew that I was home.

Mr. Faruq's warm smile and heartfelt thanks for looking after Mariam and Amin touched my heart. As we bid each other farewell, Mariam and Amin waved goodbye, their faces still etched with the memories of our time together.

But then, my gaze met Sylvia's, and her eyes sparkled with a mix of emotions. "Darling... it's been a while," she whispered, her voice husky with feeling. Before I could respond, she enveloped me in a tight hug, holding me close as if she'd never let me go.

Priscilla, never one to be left out, flung herself into the hug, tears streaming down her face. "Babe!!! You know what!!! WAA!!!" she sobbed, her body shaking with uncontrollable emotion. I wondered what had triggered this outburst, but before I could ask, she pulled back, her eyes red-rimmed but shining with love.

As we sat down together, sharing stories and laughter, I realized that they too had faced their own struggles while I was away. Sylvia spoke of her challenges at work, Priscilla of her fears and doubts, and I listened, mesmerized by their strength and resilience.

In that moment, surrounded by the people I loved, I knew that I was home. The memories of LA, of Natalie, Mika, and the rest, would stay with me forever, but for now, I was content in the warmth of their embrace. As I settled into the comfort of being back home, I smiled to myself, knowing that this wasn't the end of an adventure, but merely the beginning of a new chapter, one filled with the promise of love, laughter, and tears.