by Tina Marie
I laughed. “Street thug,” I said rubbing my hands together. “Is that all you got to for your only son?” I quizzed.
“Nope, but that’s all I have time to offer.”
I walked all the way into his office, uninvited, shut the door and then took a seat.
“Dominic I truly and honestly don’t have time to entertain your visit. I have God’s work to do and I’m sure Satan has gotten your name written on a few things that he’d love for you to be doing right about now,” he said.
I laughed. “You know what dad, you are absolutely correct. Some product came in this morning that was less than what was initially discussed. A couple of my clubs need to be visited because the numbers aren’t what they should be and my biggest headache is two of my top generals, muthafucka’s I trusted are going to be toe tagged soon, because it took Chaos to discover that they are responsible for Reese’s death pop! Chaos and I have to weed out all that are loyal to those muthafucka’s and deal with them too, yet I have to pay your ass a visit,” I explained. “Do you have any idea of how urgent that shit is to me right now?” I said trying to maintain my composure.
My father put down his pen. “So, if you have so much pressing thug shit to handle why are you here in my fuckin’ office?”
“There the fuck he is,” I smirked. “You sit yo’ holier than thou ass up in here with your tailor-made suites and leather engraved bibles, crucifixes and perfect image, but you are no different than me.”
“Oh son, I’m nothing like you,” he said with annoyance.
“Oh, but you are.” I leaned in close. “I’ve done some evil and shitty things in my day, but I’m loyal to the ones that I love. I couldn’t give a shit about the nameless muthafucka’s I’ve crossed, but my family will never be on the receiving end of my shit and you have the superciliousness to sit here in my face when you know you are betraying my mother makes me want to lay yo’ ass to rest.”
“You gon’ believe the words of some ho’ and street nigga’s kid? That little boy needs an old fashion ass whippin’ for lying on folks,” he laughed.
It took everything inside of me to keep from leaping over my father’s desk and choking the life out of him. “My God son is not a liar and if you want to walk around in fear for your life dad, I’ll tell your favorite nephew Ca’Shon that you called his woman a ho’,” I said, stood and then placed my palms on his father’s desk. By the time I made it to the hospital the good reverend had left. They waited a week to even fill me in on how he showed up when Mrs. Thomas and not her own fucking husband. How convenient to be at Rita’s house that early when Mr. Thomas was at the church working on a task that my father had given him.
“End it with that whore and get back to trying to be a descent husband to my mother. I love you dad, I do, but for my mother, I will end your life, so shut it down with Cay’s mom. If my mother shed’s one tear over this you will be sorry,” I said and moved towards the door.
“It’s like that son. I’m your father and I’m only human,” he said and I could hear the fear in his voice
“As am I, but that didn’t stop you from disowning me. You have your nerve to judge when you are living foul. I have forgiven you and when you shut it down all will be good, if you don’t, my mother will bury her husband,” I declared and then exited my father’s office. I had no intentions of taking my father’s life, but the fact that my words made him tremble was satisfying enough and I knew for sure that he’d heed my warning.
I was going to head to Chaos place to discuss the matters of executing Juice, eliminating Narvelle, Dizzy and whoever else had dirty hands, but as soon as I put my truck in gear Tam texted me asking me if I had time to swing by. It was urgent that I get with my cousin so I texted, CAN IT WAIT?
Tam – NOT REALLY, IT’S IMPORTANT AND SINCE ASH HATES MY GUTS
Me – I’LL STOP THROUGH AFTER I WRAP UP SOME THINGS WITH CHAOS & SHIT WIT U & ASH WILL WORK OUT
Tam – NOT AFTER WHT U TOLD HER I SAID
Me – I HAD 2, U KNO THAT SHIT WAS FOUL
Tam – I DO, & I’M SORRY … JUST STOP BY
Me – I WILL HOLD TIGHT
Tam – THANKS NICCO
I headed to my cousin’s and before we could get down to business Cay and Kah walked in. We decided to talk business the next day so our discussion would not be overhead, and I headed out.
Me – WAT UP, WHAT U NEED SIS? U STILL NEED ME 2 COME THRU?
Tam – YEAH IF U CAN
Me – ON MY WAY
I headed her spot wondering what she needed now. Since I had told Ashlee about what she said things had been crazy and I’d been spending every free moment with Ashlee, sexing her working on our baby and keeping her from paying Tam a visit. She wanted to go and put hands on her, but I knew Tam was just on some bullshit and I didn’t want her and Ashlee to be enemies.
Me – STOPPIN’ BY TAM’S BABY DO U NEED ANYTHING
Ash – WHAT THE FUCK FOR NICCO, U KNOW I DON’T WANT U HANGING OUT WITH TAM, THAT LIL BITCH IS NOT TO BE TRUSTED
Me – KILL THAT SHIT ASH, SHE IS STILL YO’ BABY SIS & U KNOW I KNOW BETTER. SHE SAID IT WAS IMPORTANT
Ash – I DON’T GIVE A FUCK ABOUT THAT NICCO
Me – I KNOW U DON’T, BUT I DO NEED TO CHECK ON HER. U MAD, BUT SHE NEEDS U ASH, TAM JUS YOUNG & DUMB
Ash – WHATEVERE BAE JUST HURRY HOME
Shaking my head, I texted – WILL DO
12
Tam
I looked down at the three tests that were looking at me. All positive and I couldn’t comprehend how the fuck I was pregnant when I had been on the pill. I didn’t remember missing or skipping, so how in the world did I end up pregnant, I wondered. I didn’t know what to feel. I mean, I wasn’t happy, sad, or excited, I was numb and wondered how in the hell I was going to be able to raise a kid alone. Hell, no way would I. I didn’t make that baby alone, so I wasn’t going to raise it alone. I texted Juice – HEY U BUSY?
Juice – NAW BOO, WAT UP?
Tam – I NEED TO SEE U
Juice – U KNW SHIT HOT WIT THEM CRAZY ASS NIGGA’S YO’ WAY, SO U GON’ HAVE TO MEET ME
Tam – HOW ABOUT YO’ PLACE
Juice – U KNO MY PLACE IS OFF LIMITS
Tam – OUR SPOT THEN
Juice – IN ABOUT 2 HOURS
Tam – BET. I dressed and headed out. Since things had been crazy with Ashlee and me, and O’s stupid ass getting the brakes beat off her ass, I was pretty much alone. Ash even had Nikki on her team, and although Nicco hadn’t shut me out completely, we weren’t cool and close like we used to be. I knew that Ashlee’s bitch ass wanted him to disowned me too, like she had, but I thanked God that Nicco was his own man and didn’t stop talking to me. Yes I was out of line for what I had said, and deep down inside I thought I meant it at the time, but as soon as I said it I wished I could have taken those words right back. Even though he promised me that he’d never tell Ashlee what I said, he did. I guessed their bond was stronger than our so-called bond, because he told her anyway.
I pulled up to the hotel and the valet opened my door for me. I went inside and texted Juice and he texted that there was a key waiting for me at the desk. I got the key and made it up to the room and when I walked in his ass was already butt ass naked. I hadn’t gone for sex, but a little dick never hurt, so I threw back the glass of champagne that was on the night table by the bed and then stripped out of my clothes. Juice rocked me well as always and we laid there listening to Pandora, while he enjoyed his blunt.
“Nah, I’m good on that,” I said when he tried to pass it to me.
“What, yo’ ass don’t want none of this fire?” he asked and then took a long pull.
“Nah, baby, I shouldn’t,” I said.
“Why, you on some kinda medications,” he joked.
I laughed. “Nah, nigga, at least not yet?”
He blew out the smoke and then he asked, “What the fuck does that mean Tam-Tam?”
I lifted my head from his chest. I had to tell hi
m what was up, so I didn’t prolong the news any longer. “Ummm, well, I have something to tell you,” I said nervously.
“Something like what,” he questioned.
I thought beating around the bush would be pointless, so I blurted, “I’m pregnant!”
“Congrats,” he said and took another pull.
Congrats I thought. Was this motherfucker being funny? “Okay, well congrats back at ya’,” I said.
He chuckled and then took another pull. “I know your dizzy ass didn’t just congratulate me and you betta not be trying to say this baby is mine. I’ve never fucked you raw!”
“You have and Juice I was on the pill that is the only reason why I’ve let you hit it raw nigga!” I snapped back.
“Well you better figure some shit out,” he said getting up. He put out the blunt.
“What the fuck does that mean Juice?”
He went over to his jeans and snatched them up from the floor. He went into his pocket and pulled out a wad and peeled off a few bills and tossed them at me. “Handle that shit. I got heat just fuckin’ wit yo’ ass and shit with me and yo’ people already fucked, so make an appointment and get that shit handled.”
“No!” I yelled. I mean hadn’t thought about what I’d do, but didn’t expect for him to react like that. I was stunned. I knew that nigga didn’t love me, but the way he broke me off cash and that good ass pipe had me on some ignorant shit, because I thought we were better than that.
“No, fuck you mean no. Tam, you betta gon’ wit that shit. You ho’s kill me. Y’all think having a fucking kid gon’ make me wife y’all asses. Wrong fuckin’ answer, now get dress and move the fuck around!” he blasted.
“You bastard!” I yelled and jumped up. “You just gon’ fuck me and then say fuck me and this baby!”
“Welcome to the real world youn’gin. Yo’ pussy tight, you look good as fuck and that mouth of yours is fucking grade A, but this was just about fun. I got enough kids!”
“Yes, by all them ho’s and you right, I need to terminate his bastard because I know what a nigga like you capable of,” I spat and then I felt a punch to my mouth. I flew back onto the bed and I couldn’t believe that motherfucker had put his hands on me.
“Yeah, bitch, whatcha fucking mouth,” he growled standing over the bed. I didn’t hesitate. I scrambled for my clothes, purse and cellphone. I knew of Juice and I knew that nigga was mad crazy too, so I had to get the fuck up outta there.
“You are a fucking lunatic,” I cried as I tried to grab everything that belonged to me.
“Yeah bitch and you ain’t shit like them other bitches,” he blasted and I didn’t argue. I would dress in the hall. I just had to get the fuck away from him. I wanted to cuss and threaten that nigga, but getting away was my only goal. I made it out of that room and got onto the elevator. I pressed the button and hurried into my clothes. My mouth was throbbing and I thanked God all I had was busted lip, because that nigga hit me so hard, I should have been spitting out teeth. I got the valet ticket from my purse and as soon as I got into my car I peeled the fuck out of there.
My mind and heart was racing and I wanted to just get home. I got inside and after I set my alarm, I called Ashlee, and of course see didn’t answer. I texted her and after ten minutes of nothing I texted Nicco. I knew our relationship was strained, but I needed someone and after how that bitch ass Juice treated me I no longer gave a fuck what they did to his sorry ass. When Nicco finally agreed that he’d come, I showered and since I knew I wasn’t keeping that little bastard inside of me, I went for the Patron. I threw back a few shots and when I heard a knock on my door I jumped.
I went and peeped out the curtains before going to the door. When I saw Nicco’s truck I ran and snatched the door opened. I was so relieved he was there. “Nicco, thanks so much for coming,” I cried.
He walked in and then I shut the door. When he looked at my tears and my lip, he asked. “Tam, what in the fuck is going on? Who did this to you?”
Without hesitation I cried, “Juice, that muthafucka did this to me.”
13
Ashlee
When Nicco called and said Tam would be coming to our house I said, “Absolutely fucking not,” and of course he argued that she was coming anyway. I was fuming and wondered what was going on with her stupid ass this time and why she needed to stay with us, but I hung up the damn phone and just waited. This would be my opportunity to address that shit she had said to my husband, so it was all good. I went back to preparing dinner and then Cay called.
“What’s up girl?” I answered.
“Nothing too much, just put Kah down. Chaos had to run out for a bit, and I’m bored.”
“Bored huh?”
“Yes, bored. Chaos doesn’t let me lift finger or let me out of his sight. He chauffer’s me around everywhere even though he bought me a new whip and at this point I’m just bored.”
“Well you are recovering and it has to be nice just taking a break from it all.”
CODE WORD: CHICAGO (SEND BY 11/18/18 @ MIDNIGHT)
“It is, but I’m ready to get back to living. I mean I need to get out of his house and back to work before they fire me. Medical leave only lasts so long. I am grateful as fuck to Chaos for all he has done, but I am ready to move around and make sure me and Kah are straight in the future.”
“Well your leave of absence from school is almost over, you need to forget about work girl, Chaos got you and as long as you tell him what you need, he’ll take care of it.”
“You’re right about that, do you know his ass be leaving money wit me damn near every day. I mean all the stuff he bought and he is still giving me bread. And wouldn’t you know some of my clothes and shit feels tight already, eventually I’m going to need new stuff, but I don’t want to be using his money.”
“And you will be showing soon, so you need to tell him Cay and hell you should use his money it’s his baby making you fat,” I insisted. I didn’t understand why she was not saying anything or what she was waiting on. I knew this was going to blow up in her face at some point.
“I will Ash, I’m just not ready. I mean I’m just getting used to us being us.”
“I get that and not saying anything will not help.”
“Ash, fuck! I know. I didn’t plan any of this and once I tell him he’s never going to let me move. I didn’t plan on us living together this soon and the time is just not right Ash,” she said. I disagreed, but I learned to just let Cay do what she wanted to do. She never wanted to do things any other way than her own way. We continued to chat, while I cooked dinner. I wasn’t as upset about her pregnancy anymore and I just figured we’d eventually get pregnant through treatment, at least I hoped. When the alarm chimed, I knew my husband and my little sister were home, so I got off with Cay.
“Hey, babe,” Nicco said and gave me a quick kiss.
“Hey,” I returned and the evil one walked in and went straight for the sofa in the family room. She flopped down without a word. “You can’t speak Tam?”
“Hey,” she said dryly.
“Don’t fucking hey me,” I spat.
“Ash!” Nicco said. Always the fucking peace maker and that was making me angry.
“No Nicco, she walks up in my house, after the bullshit she said to you and can’t even greet me, or even apologize.”
She stood and turned to me and I noticed her mouth was swollen. “What the hell,” I said.
“I tried to tell you,” Nicco said.
“What in the hell happened to your face?” I demanded.
She said nothing.
“Tam!”
Still nothing and then a tear fell.
“Juice is what happened to her face,” Nicco said.
“You still hanging with that crazy ass nigga Tam? What in the fuck is wrong with you?”
“Ash calm down and just talk to her,” Nicco suggested.
I put the spoon down, because I was close to giving Tam’s ass an ole school ass whippin’ with it.
“No fuck that! Tam ain’t no got-damn baby, and you need to stop defending her ass Nicco.”
He rubbed a hand over his head and then let out a breath. “You are right Ash and I brought Tam here so she can talk to you face to face. The bullshit that has been going on with her and Juice is all the way fucked up and I’m done taking up for Tam’s foolishness. We got a fucked up situation on our hands and I gotta go get up with Chaos, so we can take care of Juice’s bitch ass forever,” he said and then he walked away. He paused to address Tam, “Wipe those tears and talk to Ash. She is yo’ fam and you fucked up lil girl. You wanna play grown and do grown-up shit, this is the outcome. Now Im’ma go handle this bullshit with that nigga, so you talk to yo’ sista, so you both can figure out how to handle yo’ damn situation!” Nicco said and his tone and demeanor was as serious as fuck. Not like before when he’d defend, downplay Tam’s behavior and take up for her ass. All kinds of thoughts ran through my head when my husband exited the room.
I was happy to see him finally say something to Tam and call her on her shit. I eyed Tam, and she stood in one spot and the tears continued to flow. “You heard him Autumn,” I said and gestured to a stool at the island. She walked over and sat. I handed her a napkin and she dried her eyes.
“So, what’s going on now? What fucked up shit have you gotten yourself into that me and my husband have to pull you out of,” I said and she laughed. I didn’t find my question amusing. “So, you think this is a joke Autumn?”
“No it’s not. I mean you always say we, and we and we, but you don’t give a damn about me Ash!”
“What, how can you say something so crazy.”
“Oh my God listen to your high and mighty ass.”
“Watch it!” I warned, holding up a finger. “I’m two point two seconds, from finishing what Juice started.”
She let out a breath. “You are never there for me Ash. You took on this role as my mother and we never had a sisterhood. It’s always been about you and Cay and the bond you have with Cay, you’ve never given that to me,” she said.
