by Tina J
“Right before one of them penetrated her, an old man came by yelling someone was being raped and scared them off. By then, she was fully naked. He called the cops, and the ambulance drove her to the hospital. Evidently, Vanity must’ve woken up and tried fighting them off because she had DNA under her nails.” Her father said and stopped but her mom kept going.
“She was beaten really bad and they couldn’t identify her at first. It wasn’t until we weren’t able to reach her that we called the cops. They informed us a teenager was brought in and it could be her.” I saw her mom wiping her eyes.
“We get there and my daughters face is so swollen, you could barely tell it was her. Had it not been for the necklace her dad gave her, we probably wouldn’t have known right away.”
“Damn.”
“Yea. It was bad.” Her mom walked closer to me.
“We love all our kids the same Antoine, but we tend to cater more to Vanity because of what she’s been through. Her panic attacks aren’t as bad anymore and she’s doing very well for herself. If you’re going to marry her, we need to know you’re gonna keep her safe. She has all of us and we’re very close, but we also know she’s grown. We can’t stop her life because we’re scared to let go.”
“I’m gonna keep her safe and I promise not to hurt her. I think she’ll kill me if I did.” They both laughed which eased the tension.
“I’m serious.”
“Just don’t hurt her and you have our blessing.” Her mother said.
“Hold up Maylan. He’s supposed to smoke a blunt with me or something before we say yes.”
“Vernon, VJ just dropped Legend off an hour ago and you smoked with him.”
“Maylan sometimes it’s ok not to talk.” He told her and she picked Legend up from his high chair.
“Anyway. Do you have the ring?”
“Yea. I’m gonna propose tomorrow at my party.”
“Congratulations and I have no doubt in my mind that she’ll say yes.” Her mom gave me a hug and Legend reached for my necklace. Vanity had him a lot too and we wanted kids. We just decided to wait until we’re married.
“Thanks for y’all blessing. Gotta go Lil man. I’ll see you at aunties house.” I kissed his cheek. Now let me prepare my speech.
************************
“I think your girl is gonna do what her brother’s wife did at his party.” Marco Jr said at the club. He threw me this big ass birthday bash and it was packed.
“Why you say that?”
“Look at all these bitches dressed alike.” He pointed to women dressed in all black. Vanity asked if I liked what Armonie did and I told her yes but didn’t see much.
As a man we definitely appreciated seeing the women before her but once Armonie stepped out, all of us went to the back to smoke. What we look like watching his woman dance for him?
“Well if she does, these niggas gotta go.” Marco laughed.
“Where’s Harlow?” I asked about his girlfriend.
“No clue.” He searched the club for her. I actually liked her for him and so did everyone else. She’s the exact opposite of what he’s used to and she doesn’t let him walk all over her.
“Ok y’all. We in for a treat.” Armonie said on the microphone. Her stomach was starting to show so whatever’s going on, I knew she wasn’t partaking in it.
I looked for VJ and he was standing directly next to her.
“Antoine you come to the front and Marco, Brayden, Colby Jr., Jax and Valley make sure you’re close.” She smirked and they looked at me.
“Security make sure the doors are locked. We don’t need any commotion.” We turned and saw them blocking the doors.
“What the hell going on?” I asked.
Look back at it, she said she never made love but she good at it, I get goosebumps when I look at it
A Boogie song played and just like Marco said, those women dressed alike formed a circle and started dancing. They had on short black jumpsuits, black hoodies and black heels. Don’t ask me how they moving the way they are but I’m not mad.
The song went off and an old school one came on by Mya. I think it’s called all about me. The women were doing the damn thing to the beat. The introduction to the song was long as hell.
All of a sudden out walked, Harlow, Brayden’s fiancé, Colby’s side chick, Jax and Valley’s women and a few others. Those niggas were shocked. They started dancing and when Vanity walked out, I had to do a double take.
It’s all about me tonight, I can’t stop loving you, cause you’re still my boo, but you gotta see, it’s all about me.
I could hear the music but my girl had my full attention. She had on an all silver bodysuit with those strands or tassels hanging around the waist area. The strap up heels and glitter on her skin had my dick hard as fuck. The minute she stood in front of me, I couldn’t take my eyes off. I didn’t want anyone watching her but shit, I couldn’t stop the show either.
Once the song ended, I lifted her up and carried her over to the stage. I could see Marco and Harlow about to fuck on the dance floor and ain’t no telling where the other ones went. Shit, Armonie and VJ were damn near about to have sex next to the DJ booth.
“Can I have your attention?” The music stopped and everyone looked in our direction.
“First, let me thank my girl for the best birthday present ever.” I kissed her lips and heard people clapping and a few whistles.
“Don’t get fucked up in here.”
“Antoine.” Vanity laughed.
“Anyway, Vanity Davis you are a rare diamond, and if I had to pick you outta crowd just to make sure I could keep you in my life, I would.” She smiled.
“You are more than I ever thought I deserved in a woman and I wanna know if you’ll marry me?” She let my hand go as I got on one knee and covered her mouth. The ring was humongous, and I could see it shining off the lights in the club.
“Yes Antoine. Yes baby.” She let me slide the ring on and kissed me with so much passion, I had to place her in front of me again because I had bricked up. I handed the DJ back the microphone and stepped down with my new fiancé.
We were congratulated for the rest of the night, but something felt off. Not with Vanity but with the vibe. I observed everyone in our area, down on the dance floor and nothing. It wasn’t until I went to say something to VJ, when I noticed the person. I took off down the steps and to the door.
“Yo! What the fuck?” Marco yelled behind me.
“There’s no way in hell my ex showed up here.” Marco and I searched the parking lot twice and she was nowhere to be found.
“You sure you saw her?” He asked on the way back in.
“No but since I’m not, I wanted a closer look.”
“I doubt she’ll be back but I’ll keep my eyes open too.” I nodded and kept turning around to see if the person returned.
“Yo! I’m about to get Harlow ass pregnant off that dance she did for me.” I started laughing.
“I’m serious. She’s about to be my stripper when I get home and she don’t even know it.”
“Vanity already promised to do the same for me.” He laughed.
“You better lock Harlow down before someone else does.” I told him because if he knows like I know, she’s not gonna stick around if his secrets start spilling out.
“She ain’t going no fucking where.” I shook my head.
“It’s time you let that baggage go.”
“I’m trying but it’s hard.” He said staring at Harlow.
“If you wanna keep her you better try harder.” I told him and went to get my fiancé.
“I can’t wait to get you home.” Vanity whispered in my ear.
“And I can’t wait to...” I was cut off when VJ and Armonie stepped in the section.
“Ok sis in law. You did that.” Armonie gave both of us a hug.
“Told you I was copying. You didn’t tell me how fun it was.”
“Fun or not, Monie ain’t doing that in front o
f nobody else.” He and I gave each other a fist bump because neither is Vanity. Her body is for my eyes only.
One year later…
Vanity
“Damn his dick is huge. It has to be fake.” Harlow joked about the stripper dancing in front of me. We were at my bachelorette party inside my sister in laws hotel. We were in the ball room that she had decorated beautifully. There was tons of food and drinks to serve a homeless shelter. Between my family, hers who we’ve become close with and Antoine’s, there was enough people to serve.
“Even if it is, I wouldn’t want anything like that in me. I’m saying, does the whole thing fit in a woman?” Brielle asked. She’s Antoine’s cousin and Marco Jr. sister.
“If you watch porn, you’ll know barely half fits and it doesn’t look comfortable at all. However; my husband is pretty big and...”
“That’s enough Armonie. I don’t wanna hear about my brother.” I stepped away and joined the other women going crazy over the strippers. I noticed the door open and Antoine gestured for me to come here.
“Baby, you’re not supposed to see me until tomorrow.”
“Fuck that. We need to talk.” He grabbed my hand and escorted me out the room.
“Is everything ok? You having cold feet?” My heart was beating fast and my stomach began to form knots. He pressed the elevator button and gripped my hand tighter.
“You’re scaring me Antoine.” The doors opened and he made me get on with him. His silence was killing me and all of a sudden vomit filled my throat. I regurgitated it and watched as he tapped away on his phone.
“What the...” I looked at him when the doors opened, and he had the biggest smile on his face. We were on the roof and he had a whole candlelight dinner set up. Two guys were playing a violin and the full moon topped it off.
“Antoine why would you do this? And why you make it seem like something was wrong?” I pushed him.
“You always jumping to conclusions. I told you, I’d never hurt you and to ride no matter what.”
“I did, didn’t I?”
“Not without yo ass about to throw up.” He joked.
“Whatever. How you take me away from my party?”
“Fuck them steroid strippers.” I started laughing as he pulled the chair out for me. I had him text Armonie and tell her I’ll be back shortly.
“We could’ve done this after the honeymoon.”
“Nah. I wanted to take my fiancé out on one more date before she became the Mrs.” I smiled because him saying and doing the smallest things kept me falling in love over and over. He pulled his chair closer to me and turned mine, so I was facing him.
“Vanity since you came in my life, there hadn’t been another woman who could get me to see them. Not a stripper, ho, teacher or anyone else who tried to fuck.” I folded my arms across my chest.
“I’m not saying it to annoy you. I’m saying it because growing up I’ve been with many women and not one of them has ever captivated or made my heart skip a beat like you do.” I felt my eyes beginning to water.
“Vanity Davis, I’m sitting here right now asking, no begging you to always be there for me. Never let another woman make you question our foundation and continuing being the woman I fell in love with.”
“Antoine.”
“I don’t know what the future brings but I’ll go crazy if you’re not in it.” He leaned in to kiss me and the music started playing. It was not only romantic but something I’d never think a ruthless man like him would be able to put together. I know he’s sentimental when it comes to me, but this is beautiful.
“One thing you don’t ever have to worry about is me building anything without you. I promise not to allow anyone to question your love for me. I love you too much to let anyone destroy us.” He smiled
“As corny as it sounds, you had my heart on the second date. I don’t know if it were the flowers or the fact you drove from Jersey to Virginia to see me, just because or what.”
We were on the phone after having our first date and I hung up because it was getting late and I had to work the next day. A few hours later, he was at my door saying he missed me. We slept on the couch together that night. Him on one end and me at the other. No sex or foreplay took place and we’ve been rocking ever since.
“You’re all I’ll ever need Antoine.” We kissed again and he pulled me on his lap.
“I can’t wait for you to say I do.” He said and I fed him some of the food.
“I’ll be there with bells on to shout it.” He laughed and the two of us stayed there for an hour.
Armonie brought her newly pregnant ass up yelling at him for taking me away. He playfully plucked her and ran off.
“How you leave your party?” She asked looking around.
“Please. If VJ came right now, your ass would bounce.”
“I’ll have you know, he is here.” I looked at her.
“What? He’s in the room and I’ll see you later.” She sashayed away and gave me the finger.
For the rest of the night, I enjoyed the company of everyone. Once the strippers left, some of the ladies handed me more gifts and we all retreated to our rooms around two in the morning. I locked my door, showered, climbed in bed and sent my fiancé a text.
Me: Meet you at the altar.
My life: You better or I’m coming to find you. I sent back a kissy face emoji, placed my phone on the bed and went to sleep. Tomorrow’s gonna be a good day.
*********************
“You look beautiful Vanity.” My dad said as we stepped on the elevator to get in the limo.
“I’m nervous daddy. What if something goes wrong? You’re not supposed to see the groom before the wedding, and we saw each other. I feel like we jinxed it.” I told him.
“Stop panicking Vanity before you’re sitting in the hospital instead of standing at the altar.” I nodded and tried to keep my nerves in check.
In the past, I was almost raped coming home from school by two guys. Had it not been for some old man walking by and scaring them off, I would’ve been a statistic. My father, brother, uncles and cousins all went back to find the guys, but they were gone.
From that day on, my parents wouldn’t allow me to walk home. Every now and then I have panic attacks if my nerves get bad, which is why I reacted the way I did with Antoine.
“Ok. I’m fine.” The limo driver opened the door and once I got in, the smile wouldn’t go away as I stared at the Tiffany’s bag and card. I slid over carefully and opened the card.
Stop panicking Vanity. I know you’re superstitious, but nothing is going to ruin our day. I love you and see you at the altar.
I pressed the card against my chest and opened the box in the bag. There was a sterling silver heart keychain with a graving that read, Antoine and Vanity forever.
“And you were worried over nothing.” My dad said laughing.
“Thanks daddy.” I rested my head on his shoulder.
Twenty minutes later the limo stopped in front of the church. My bridesmaids and maid of honor, who was Armonie stood outside the church waiting for me. My brother VJ came over and opened the door.
“You look beautiful sis.” He kissed my cheek.
“He’s about to cry sis.” My other brother Valley said and kissed my cheek too.
“Gorgeous.” My mom said and slipped a tennis bracelet on my wrist.
“Your dad gave this to me after I had you. He said one day you’ll get married and this will be the borrowed item. He also said you had to return it because it cost a lotta money and he wants me to keep it.” I laughed because my dad was head over heels in love with my mom.
“Look at you.” My aunt Isa came over, kissed my cheek and fixed my veil. She pulled the lace in the front and everyone got in place.
“This is it.” My dad said and swooped my arm in his.
“I’m ready.” I smiled and waited for the bridal party to enter. We walked to the door and I heard someone call my name. Me and my father turned but no on
e was there.
The church doors closed and the ones leading into the room opened. My cousin Ariel, who refused to me in my wedding because Haven knocked her up again, fixed my train in the back.
You bring me joy, when I’m down, so much joy, when I lose my way, your love comes smiling on me.
Anita Bakers song played in the background as I took a step down the aisle. I loved this song because everything about it, is how I felt towards Antoine.
Everyone stood and I saw phones recording and flashes going from the picture people. Once my eyes met Antoine’s, I noticed a few tears falling down his face, which made me cry.
When we reached the front, I stood there staring at my future husband. I loved everything about him and nothing or no one could take me away. As the music played, he reached under my veil to wipe my eyes and I used my thumb to wipe his. The music stopped and my dad waited for Pastor Burns to ask who gave me away. He placed my hand in Antoine’s and we turned.
As the pastor spoke, I felt eyes burning a hole in my back; yet, I couldn’t turn around. My hands started to sweat and my need to see who it was, had me going crazy. Antoine stared at me and asked quietly if I were ok. I told him yes and waited for the pastor to finish. Whoever it is will have to wait for me to address them, but I am gonna say something.
“Is there anyone here who feels this couple shouldn’t be married. Speak now or forever hold your peace.” It was silent for a minute.
“You’re just gonna marry this bitch and not take care of your kid?” It’s like the wind was knocked outta me. I turned around and saw this woman with a smirk on her face and then turned to Antoine. His face was like nothing I’ve ever seen.
“I fucking knew it. I thought the kid looked familiar as hell.” I heard my brother VJ say. Did he know Antoine had a kid and didn’t mention it on purpose?
“Antoine do you have a kid?” Before I could get an answer, he was charging towards the woman.
“ANTOINE NOOOOOOO!” Someone screamed out but I was still in a zone.
