Page 3 of Scribbled Excellence

A smile finally broke through the judge’s expression. She glanced down at the papers that lay before her. She flipped through them as she spoke. “I have reviewed all the reports ad nauseam. Your teachers, social workers, members in your community, employers, and your siblings hold you in the highest regard. With all of that, you know what hit me the most? August and Tuesday see you as home. You are not their guardian . . . You are their light.”

That did it. Tears flowed down Tomorrow’s face willingly. Years of sacrifice, exhaustion, late nights, early mornings, and fear of the unknown had culminated to this very moment. This moment meant everything to her. It was an outward and legal acknowledgment that it all had not been for naught.

The judge allowed her to sit in her emotions. The fact was whether Tomorrow knew it or not, she sat in excellence–an excellence that would carry her, her brother, and sister far. Judge Black saw it clear as day. It was time to encourage and uplift the excellence of the future generation.

“Tomorrow, you are about to take on a responsibility that no one your age should have to. You did all the things to not becomea statistic in today’s time, which is commendable. Yet here we are with you willing to take on the custody of not one but two children. I know with all confidence that you can and will do this with excellence.

“Let me tell you something about excellence, Miss Bennett. It is not perfect. Excellence is filled with trials and tribulations. In those times, you grow and learn how to adapt and, most importantly, pivot. One of your teachers said that you are a gifted painter. I want you to think about it like this. When you begin a project, I imagine that you tend to do a lot of scribbling until you get your full thoughts out.”

It wasn’t a question, per se, but Tomorrow still answered with a chuckle and a nod. That was all the truth. There were countless scraps of paper in Tomorrow’s little section in the apartment that they lived in that she carved out for her art passion.

Judge Black smiled. “Well, in all that scribbling is excellence. None of it is a waste . . . It is all the buildup to something great. That’s how excellence works. It continues to be a work in progress. It is not required to be perfect. That is the same when it comes to being a guardian. You will not be perfect, but your excellence will push you through. Even in those moments, learn from it and push forward.

“I want to give you some advice. Don’t waste time or effort trying to be what you think your brother and sister lost. You need to continue being what they have and need.”

Tomorrow took in her advice. It was simple advice yet complex. She was guilty of overcompensating. It felt like she was just given permission to not have to.

Now it was time to address August and Tuesday. They sat there still as they listened to the judge speak to their sister. This woman held their future in her hands. The bang of her gaveldetermined if they stayed with their sister or became wards of the State of Georgia.

“August and Tuesday, I want you to listen and hear me well.” She pointed at Tomorrow. “Your sister has chosen you out of love, not obligation. There are many people who share the same blood but lack the willingness to sacrifice for that blood. You have been blessed with a sister that loves you enough to put her life aside to ensure that yours is stable, safe, and happy.”

Both of their eyes filled with tears. Tuesday snuggled into her sister a little more from where she sat. They both loved their sister more than even their young minds could comprehend.

The judge took a moment to allow them to sit in their emotions before she continued. “I want you two to always choose her. When you have the split second before you make a decision to act up, talk back, or do things that you have no business doing, I want you to remember this day at this moment. Remember that she chose you, so always choose her.”

Both nodded and swore that they would. Yes, the normalcy of teenage behavior would hit them like all teens, but they had a bigger obligation. She needed them to know that.

There was a final piece of advice that she wanted to bestow upon Tomorrow. “Miss Bennett, one day your brother and sister will grow up and leave the nest that you are protecting, nurturing, and preparing for them. When that day comes, you, too, need to have a life. I implore you to not lose yourself in the raising of these children. Pursue your happiness and passion. I want you to continue to walk in the scribbled excellence that is who you are. Do you understand me?”

“Yes, Your Honor. I understand.” Tears still cascaded down her flushed cheeks. Her brown skin appeared to glow in the moment.

“It is the order of this court that legal guardianship of August Jason Bennett and Tuesday Jillian Bennett be grantedto Tomorrow Jayla Bennett.” The gavel rose then dropped. The decision had been made. They would stay together.

Tomorrow, August, and Tuesday embraced each other tightly. Smiles broke out all over the courtroom. Many had taken extra steps to ensure that this would be the outcome of the day. Connections were made, assistance was provided, and encouragement was given.

Judge Black gathered her papers, stood, then turned to leave the bench. Before she did, she turned her head to glance at the family that had a chance. Her eyes locked with Tomorrow’s. It was a silent conversation.

“You are stronger than you can even imagine.”

She knew she was. Tomorrow would spend every day showing everyone that she was. Her scribbled excellence would show the world.

A DecadeLater

Stand On Business . . .

Yeah, I’m gonna have to hire a female tat artist in the shop. This is the last time I give a tat this close to anyone’s snapper pussy unless it’s my woman.I was annoyed that I even agreed to do this tattoo. I should have rejected the project when she bounced her ditzy ass in here and changed shit on a design that she’d already approved.

When she booked the appointment and sent the design that she wanted, she said that she wanted it on the upper outside thigh. The design was a dragon that started right above the crease of her leg and went up her thigh. The flames from the fire that came from his mouth were supposed to go up her side andaround the front of her stomach. The concept overall was dope as fuck, so I was down to do it.

When I gave her the $1,200 price tag, she didn’t blink. I liked that shit. There was nothing that I hated more than a muthafucka who came into my shop and tried to negotiate my prices. They would say stupid shit like,this shouldn’t even take that long,orthis doesn’t even look that complicated.My favorite was when they said,well so-and-so said that they will do it for x amount of dollars.

Well carry your cheap ass to so-and-so. If you wanted them to do that tat, then you wouldn’t be here. I didn’t give a fuck how long a tat took. The client paid for more than my time. They paid for my creative property.

Many times, they didn’t come to me with a design that was complete. They came with a concept that they wanted me to sketch. Oh, and that shit was extra too. My dopest designs, I copyrighted. Fucking right I did. If I saw my exact design on anyone that I didn’t do, I sued. People could call it what they wanted. I made it known that my custom artwork was copyrighted. It was no secret to the tat artists in the area and around the country.

My social media following was extensive with over three million followers across all my platforms. I had brand and endorsement deals. When I posted my customs on social media and my website, they were watermarked, and there was a disclaimer about the copyright.

Back to this ho. When she came in, she stared at me for a good twenty minutes while I finished with another client. I had a private room for tatting, but I normally used it when I had tattoos in risqué areas of the body. When I introduced myself to her, the first thing her ignorant ass said was,I heard you were Blasian, but I thought it was like a little bit. Your mixed ass is fine.