Tyrant

by Tiana Laveen

  “There’s just some shit you don’t do. It’s a matter of honor. It’s a matter of keeping your word. Drew broke several rules and nobody gave a shit, man. Nobody cared as long as they benefited from what he did. I granted a dying wish. I needed to even the playing field and send a message. You don’t fuck with my friend, Noah. You don’t fuck with my brother, Justin. You don’t fuck with my grandparents. You don’t fuck with my woman and her girls, either. This isn’t rocket science. It’s just that simple…”

  She’d just wanted something small, but got so much more.

  Yet, it was magically beautiful. Nita’s backyard was decorated with beautiful shiny blue ribbons and white streamers. Touches of silver here and there offered the perfect accent. The pastor stood beneath an arch, between a couple of pillars set up for the occasion, holding his Bible. People were still showing up and taking their seats in lovely white chairs with blue satin sashes. Olive and Tisha had done all the decorating, upon their insistence, and with the help of their aunt and a few friends, they did an excellent job. She looked out from her bedroom window watching it all, finding it so hard to believe that today was the day…

  She was getting married.

  It was a lovely afternoon in July, and her stomach rumbled from nerves. She hadn’t seen or heard from Hunter all day, but her new brother-in-law, Justin, had promised to keep tabs on him that week, though she knew that was a damn lie. Justin looked up to Hunter, practically worshiped him. He’d never rat him out. The man, along with some of Hunter’s crazy friends, had given him a bachelor party the evening prior and she prayed he wasn’t too hung over to stand straight at the altar. The thought of them standing side by side, waiting for her to show up, made her smile. Justin had been so happy when Hunter had told him he wanted him to be his best man.

  Justin had recently proposed to his longtime girlfriend, Miranda, and she seemed to be such a beautiful and nice woman. She had her hands full with all of those children, too. She’d just given birth to their son and it seemed life was going on for them.

  Nita sat down at her vanity and looked over her makeup. Mama did a good job. Her mother prided herself on such things, and Nita was typically just a lipstick and mascara kind of girl, but today, she had on a full face and setting spray to boot. A knock sounded at her door.

  “Yes?”

  “Hey, baby, it’s me.” Hunter’s deep voice sent sensual shivers through her. Even after all this time, she felt giddy when he came around. “I know I can’t see you right now, but uh… just wanted to say hi.”

  He sounded a bit nervous. How cute!

  “Hi.” She smiled and waved, even though he couldn’t see her. “I love you.”

  “I love you, too. Looks like everyone is almost here.” He cleared his throat. “The caterers are here, too, and the kitchen is full of pans and shit. The house is crowded. I saw your friends dressed up in their blue and white dresses. They look pretty.”

  “They do, don’t they? They just left me to go downstairs. I wanted to sit here and pray, get my thoughts together… Did you have fun last night?”

  “Yeah. There were some strippers, but I didn’t do anything. Didn’t touch shit. Rub any titties or nothin’ like that. I got a lap dance, but I didn’t grind on her or anything, promise. I just watched and tucked some money in the G-strings. I got drunk last night, too, baby, but I’m okay now. I feel fine.”

  She burst out laughing at his honesty.

  “Okay, that’s good, Hunter. You’re a mess, but I love you all the same.”

  “I know you do…”

  “Hunter, get away from that door,” someone called out. It sounded like her sister, Naomi, but she wasn’t a hundred percent sure.

  “I gotta go, baby! Bye!” He scampered off, leaving her in a fit of giggles.

  She got to her feet to take a final glance at her getup. Her cream gown was shaped like a bell, form fitting at the hips and a heart-shaped lace bodice. So delicate and feminine. A teardrop diamond pendant Hunter had bought her for her birthday hung around her neck. She’d also borrowed the small diamond earrings her mother had worn on her own wedding day. She had on blue lace panties and a white and blue garter belt. Her hair was pulled in a high, glossy braided bun with baby breath flowers around it, and a veil hung from the back, flowing to her waist.

  “Mama.” Tisha rapped at the door. “Hunter is outside now. Can we come in?”

  “Yes, baby.”

  Nita patted her eyes dry with a tissue as the bedroom door opened. There stood her daughters, both dressed in gorgeous blue gowns with white sashes. Olive approached and took one arm, while Tisha took the other. They walked her out and down the steps. People oohed and ahhed, and her cheeks warmed as she smiled. As soon as she got to the bottom of the steps, her father hugged her tight. When he pulled back, his eyes were misty.

  “You look beautiful!” His voice was choppy, full of emotion.

  “Daddy, stop!” She smiled. “You’re going to make me cry.”

  Olive and Tisha took her arms once again and strode to the back of the house.

  Beautiful jazz music played while the aromas of barbecued chicken, steak, chicken kebabs and assorted decadent side dishes filled the house. As she drew closer to the back door, she hesitated. Tears stung her eyes at the sight of Hunter standing with his brother and friends, all dressed in black tuxedos with blue ties, looking amazing. His hair was cut in his typical short Caesar, his beard trimmed to perfection. ‘Memories’ by Maroon 5 was currently playing, the rhythm soulful. Hunter was laughing, the sound full of love, life… and wonder.

  Olive broke free, exited the door, and called everyone to order. All the bridesmaids lined up with her at the door and it proved so difficult to not turn into a puddle as emotions flooded her hard!

  “Girl!” her friend whispered as she rubbed her back. “Nita, calm down, baby. Don’t you ruin your makeup cryin’. Ruin it making love tonight.” This was followed by girlish giggles all around.

  Frank Sinatra’s, ‘The Way You Look Tonight’ drifted from the speakers as the door opened. Nita stood off to the side as her bridesmaids filed out, each escorted by one of Hunter’s groomsmen. Her heartbeat was frantic as she waited, gripping her bouquet that her mother had just placed in her hands. Mama was looking at her, smiling from ear to ear, but didn’t say one word. She knew it would send her into a tailspin of emotions all over again.

  “I didn’t think I’d be this nervous!” Nita whispered to the woman.

  “You’re in love. This is a big day! It happens.” Mama tapped her hand, tears in her eyes. Soon, Justin came to the door and offered the older lady his arm, then escorted her to her seat in the front row. Daddy came to stand to her right, smelling of cigars and heavenly cologne. She loved the way he smelled. When she rested her head on his shoulder, he kissed the top of her bun.

  The door opened, and Tisha, crying her damn self now, spoke into a microphone, “Please stand for the bride.”

  Everyone got to their feet as Nita and her father made their way out into the small garden, past the bench, up to the white runner covered in blue flower petals. She chanced a glance at Hunter.

  If intensity had a name, it would be his. His eyes practically glowed, fixed on her as if she were the only woman in the entire world. Norah Jones’, ‘Come Away with Me’ now drifted from the outside speakers wired by Justin several days prior. As she drew closer, Hunter offered a sexy smile. The minister spoke up, and the music was toned down a few notches.

  “Who gives this woman to be married to this man?”

  “I do,” Daddy choked out, a tear streaming down his face. He shook hands with her man then took his seat next to her mother and Hunter’s grandparents. The music faded and the vows began.

  They went with the flow, just as rehearsed a couple days ago, but Hunter turned around at one point, surprising her, then said to the minister, “I know we didn’t talk about this during rehearsal, but can I say something?”

  The older man nodded.

&nbs
p; “Of course. Follow your heart.”

  Hunter turned her so she could have a view of the guests, who were now murmuring amongst themselves.

  “… Anita is incredible.” Many nodded in agreement. “She deserves a wonderful husband. Evidently though, something crazy has happened and she lowered her standards, so I’m not going to rest until I find out why the hell she settled for me. Someone’s got to get to the bottom of this!” The place erupted in laughter, including the minister, and Nita slapped his shoulder as she giggled. “I knew I wanted this woman from the first day I saw her.” He took her hands and held them, growing serious. “But, as I was standing here, looking at this beautiful woman, I was thinking, ya know? None of this woulda happened without Noah… my best friend.” She smiled.

  “See, he asked me on his death bed to go find his daughter. He gave me Nita’s address.” They both turned to throw Olive a brief glance. The girl’s cheeks gained a dark pink hue as she smiled. “So, I did just that. I figured I’d talk to Olive, give her what her father wanted her to have, and be on my way. But that’s not what happened. Someone, God many would say, had other plans. Behind that front door, much to my surprise, lived the love of my life.” More tears welled and crept down her cheeks. “When I looked at Nita, I saw a woman so beautiful, so graceful. She was the polar opposite of me.” The crowd burst out laughing. Hunter grinned. “She was so real. She was… honest. But she was loving, too. She is a mother, the type we all wanna have.”

  Olive and Tisha held hands, visibly emotional.

  “Olive, thank you for being the reason I walked through that door. Tisha, thank you for giving me your mother… because I know her love for you came first. If you didn’t feel I was a good man for her, you woulda told her, and we wouldn’t be here right now. Tisha, you helped make Nita who she is today. She was young when you came into the world, but you were nothing short of a blessing to her and she stepped up to the challenge. She told me that the day you were born, she was so in love with you, it hurt.” Tisha dabbed at her eyes with her knuckle. “She let me know that you and Olive were her main priorities in life, and I loved that. It made me want her even more. Thank you for letting me be a part of your family, because that’s what we are. A family. Noah had made me Olive’s Godfather before he died, but even if he hadn’t, he knew I’d step up to the plate. I have a wife and two daughters now. And that’s just the way it is.”

  Hunter cleared his throat as some people could be heard crying. “I just, uh, wanted to say that.”

  The minister smiled and patted his shoulder, then continued with the rest of the vows. When it was time to receive the wedding band, Nita almost got weak at the knees.

  Hunter pulled out two double bands, each wrapped in sparkling diamonds. He removed her engagement ring, slid on one band, then put the engagement ring back on, and the second band last. What a beautiful surprise. Nita hadn’t expected such a thing. Her sister handed her the wedding band she’d purchased for him and she slid it on his finger. It was well crafted, with small diamonds lining the edges. His initials and their wedding date were carved on the underside.

  “Forasmuch as bride and groom have consented together in holy matrimony, and have pledged their love and loyalty to each other, and have declared the same by the joining and the giving of rings, by the power vested in me, and as witnessed by friends and family, I now pronounce you husband and wife!”

  Hunter placed his hands on her cheeks, delicately framing her face. Leaning to her, he sealed their love with a kiss. Her laughter broke their oral embrace as people started to clap and cheer. He looked at her like she was in charge of the existence of the universe. His eyes stared deeply into hers, and he pulled her close once again, administering another delicious kiss.

  “I love you so much, Hunter!” She squeezed him tight.

  “I’m so lucky to be able to spend the rest of my life with you, baby,” he whispered in her ear. You aren’t just my best friend and lover. You’re half of my soul…”

  …Two years later

  Today is Noah’s birthday…I hope you’re proud of me, man.

  He’d never gotten used to seeing his name light up on a marquee, but he loved it.

  He’d never gotten tired of fighting, either. It was his nature, his calling. So much so, he’d turned Drew’s ass into a bed-ridden vegetable. All within four minutes. How fitting. Now he too could be in debilitating pain for the rest of his life, unable to piss and shit on his own, just like he’d done to Noah by backstabbing the man, setting him up, selling him out and throwing him under the bus. Costing him his life. The bastard couldn’t walk. Talk. Barely knew his name. That brought a smile to Hunter’s face often. It was relayed to those who needed to know, that Drew had gotten into a physical altercation with another inmate. That wasn’t a complete lie…

  Happy birthday, Noah… He was slated to be the next heavyweight champion by many professional sports reporters and boxing organizations. Life was good.

  He’d never gotten tired of his beautiful wife and family, but he had a wish. He wanted more…

  Hunter lounged in his man cave, the gray leather couch home to his tired ass, while a classic mafia movie played on his big screen television mounted above a marble fireplace. On the glossy black table before him burned his cigar in an ashtray, set next to a bottle of beer he was working on nursing. His thoughts wandered about like fish in a bowl. Working full time as a boxer kept Hunter extremely busy, which he rather enjoyed. The money was particularly good, so good in fact that Nita could quit her job if she wanted, though she refused to do that. She was a manager now, and truly adored it. He loved supplying her with nice clothing, shoes, a new car, expensive perfumes and jewelry. He could get her whatever her heart desired. She rarely asked for anything, but he loved spoiling the shit out of her. Tisha had left for college, but visited often. He and Nita missed her.

  He missed her laughter, her humor, her easygoing ways. Olive was about to move to New York to start a modeling gig. He’d checked it out because fuckers were crazy and it seemed like every five minutes, some pretty girl was offered that sort of job only to find out later it was a bunch of bullshit. He was happy to discover after speaking with the agency and the scout, and doing a bit of research, that this was in fact legit. The girl was going to be in magazines. She really wanted to be an actress, but figured this may be a good stepping stone toward achieving her goals.

  She’d use some of her inheritance money from Noah to move out there. Nita had stressed that she still wanted her to go to school so she’d have something to fall back on, but there was something alluring about those big city lights. He set her up in a nice apartment, paid her rent for the year which was expensive as hell since she desired to be in the heart of Manhattan. He also made her promise to be street smart, never ride an Uber alone, especially at night, and to be careful or he’d have to come out there and kick someone’s ass if they hurt her. The girl knew he meant it.

  “Baby!” he called out as he leaned forward and grabbed the remote. “Hurry up. I’m waiting. Besides, I’m going to be on ESPN soon!”

  “I’m coming! Damn!” she hollered from the second floor of their new house. They’d recently sold the one he’d purchased her and got one with all the bells and whistles. It even had a pool.

  “Nita!”

  “Stop calling me! I heard you the first time!”

  He rolled his eyes. Nita was slow as molasses sometimes. It drove him crazy when they had someplace to go.

  Moments later, she came down the steps and joined him on the couch. She sat close, crossing her beautiful legs that were partly covered by her white satin robe, and looked at the screen. He waited… and waited some more. Nothing.

  “Woman, don’t play with me!” he spat angrily as she grinned, as if nothing was going on.

  “What?” She smirked.

  “Nita! What did the pregnancy test say? I’ve been trying to knock you up, put a baby in you, for six months now! You were supposed to be up there taking tha
t test. Stop it.”

  Giggling, she pulled the pee stick out of her robe pocket and handed it to him. He looked down at it and swallowed, then broke into guffaws.

  “SHIT! I’m going to be father! Well, I already am, but you know what I mean!” He hugged her tight. She laughed and rocked with him. “I’m so fucking happy! Oh my God!” While he sat grinning so hard his face hurt, Nita began to call people and share the news. He chuckled when he heard her mother speak.

  “Girl, you’ve done it now! You’re starting all over! Your daughter is out of the house and here you go again, about to buy some damn diapers. You must be a glutton for punishment. I’m happy though! Somebody else I can spoil!”

  And so the calls continued, getting people overjoyed and giving congratulations. He grabbed his cellphone and dialed his grandparents, putting them on speakerphone.

  “Grandma, guess what?” he blurted before the woman could answer the phone properly.

  “What, honey?”

  “Put me on speakerphone so Grandpa can hear.”

  “Wait a minute… Hey! Hunter is on the phone!” He and Nita stifled laughter as the old woman yelled for his grandfather’s attention. His health had been failing lately, so hopefully this news would put a smile on his face. “Okay, we’re both here. What is it, Hunter?”

  “Nita’s pregnant. We’re having a baby.”

  “Ohhhhhh! Oh, my goodness!” The next few minutes were spent with the grandparents laughing and full of excitement. “This is wonderful news! Oh! I can’t wait!”

  Hunter continued to speak to them for a few minutes then ended the call. They then took a few moments to process, both on cloud nine as they watched his opponent talk shit about him on ESPN. It was the usual mess, just part of the sport. He rubbed Nita’s leg and thought about how much his life was about to change, how the missing piece he wanted was slated to arrive. Nita was finally carrying his child… He kept saying the words over and over in his mind. It seemed so surreal.