The next day, Neron was excited to get to have Mag back since it was Sunday. We were packing for our move and were done with the living room and bedroom. We just had to tackle the kitchen, bathroom, and nursery.
“You’ve been giddy and cheesing all day! I know you can’t wait to see Mag.” I was happy that he was happy.
“Yeah, I can’t wait to see her bad little butt. I texted crazy lady from hell an hour ago asking when she was ready to meet up, so I can get Mag and she hasn’t responded,” Neron said, bubble wrapping some picture frames.
“Well, just give her another thirty minutes and call her. She has to obey the custody order, so I’m sure she’ll come around,” I replied as I taped off a box.
“I just hate having any type of communication with her stupid ass. I don’t even want to text her, let alone call her, but I guess I will, for Magdalena’s sake.”
I watched Neron grab his cell phone and speed dial, Gaby. After four rings, she sent him to voicemail. He called once again, no answer.
“Call her private in about ten minutes,” I suggested.
Neron sat down on the sofa and I could tell that he was getting agitated. I didn’t want to flip out, so I stayed calm, so he would too.
I sat next to him and took a deep breath. “I’m sure Mag is fine. Just call her in ten minutes, baby.”
Neron nodded and I went back to packing. Right at ten minutes later, Neron called her, blocking his number.
“Hello,” said Gabriela.
This bitch answered all chipper and shit.
“Mannnn, it’s Neron. I’ve tried calling you twice. It’s seven thirty. Mag is due back at my place,” Neron said firmly.
I stopped packing and stood in place as I listened to the conversation that he had on speakerphone.
“Oh yeah, I was just about to call your ass. Meet me at the Wal-Mart on Beach Boulevard. I’m doing some shopping in there right now.”
“Alright, I’m leaving out now and will text you when I’m five minutes away,” he said.
I was so proud of my baby being so cordial.
After Neron had hung up, I decided I needed a few things at Wal-Mart, so Junior and I were going to tag along. Five minutes away from Wal-Mart, I texted Gabriela from Neron’s phone, pretending to be him. I told her that he was up the street. I, then, sent another text asking where she was at so we would know where to find them.
“She hasn’t responded,” I said.
Neron shook his head as he pulled into the Wal-Mart parking lot. The place was crowded as usual. Everybody loved Wal-Mart. I decided to wait until we spotted Gabriela to go inside to shop, so Neron could get out and get Mag. I didn’t want any problems with her ass. I really wanted to move forward.
Ten minutes had passed and Neron had called Gabriela over seven times. She wasn’t answering. Neron decided to go inside to look for her while I sat in the car with our son.
“I’ll be right back. She better pray that her ass is inside this damn store.”
I could see the frustration on his face. I hoped Gabriela wasn’t on any bullshit because we drove all the way over here to meet her ass. Once Neron got out of the car, Junior started getting fussy, so I got out of the car and sat in the backseat to feed him. When Junior finished eating, Neron approached the car, unsuccessful.
He slid into the car and hit the steering wheel. “Fuck!” he yelled out.
“I guess she wasn’t in there?” I asked.
“Hell nah she wasn’t. I even had the manager page her ass. I don’t think she was ever in there!”
He grabbed his phone and called Gabriela. He placed the call on speakerphone and finally, she answered.
“Hello,” she said.
“Where da fuck are you at?”
“First of all, don’t be calling me questioning me. I just left Wal-Mart. I waited for you and you were a no show, so where the hell are you?” Gabriela replied.
“Cut that shit out. I texted you telling you when I was up the street. You never replied. I went inside Wal-Mart looking for you and even had the manager page your childish ass and you were still nowhere to be found, so stop bullshitting me, dawg,” Neron roared.
Junior started crying so Neron lowered his tone.
“Where the hell are you? I need my daughter.”
“I’m not home. I’ll bring her to you soon,” she replied.
“Nah, that’s not the agreement. I need my fuckin’ daughter now,” Neron said boiling with anger.
Neron was fed up! He always tried to be mature, respectful and cordial with Gabriela and he was over her games. It was nice to see him speak up for once.
“She hung up!” I said in disbelief. “Call the police.”
Neron called the cops and told them how he and Gabriela have a custody order and Gabriela is only allowed to have their daughter on the weekends. They said someone would be on their way to us shortly.
We sat in the car for about thirty minutes when an officer pulled up. Neron jumped out of the car while I stayed back. They talked for about ten minutes when Neron came walking back towards our car. Of course, bystanders were looking on and standing around, trying to see what was happening and just being nosey.
“What happened?” I asked eagerly.
“He said he couldn’t do anything because technically she has custody as well, so he wrote out a police report. I will show it to the judge, and hopefully, he will see why I wanted full custody in the first place because she can’t even follow a simple order. I’m tired of putting up with this shit.”
He was so frustrated and worried about Mag, which was entirely understandable, but I didn’t know what to say. Neron cranked the car and started driving and I thought we were going home, but instead, surprisingly, we were going to Gabriela’s house.
“Nah, baby, let the judge handle it. This won’t solve anything, trust me,” I said sternly. “You don’t want to do anything that could give her the upper hand in court. Just keep calling her. Show your phone records and the police report in court and hopefully the judge will grant you full custody.”
He blew air out of his lips and didn’t bother to reply as he lit a Black N Mild. I silently prayed that he wasn’t about to do anything stupid. Neron was a block away from her apartment complex when he decided to turn around and head home. I couldn’t believe Gabriela was withholding Magdalena. Even worse, we didn’t know if she was okay.
*
A week had passed and it was moving day. Neron was still on edge and beyond pissed off that Gabriela hadn’t contacted him. The police couldn’t do shit because she technically had custody, so it wasn’t like she was kidnapping her own child. I hated Gabriela with a fucking passion.
Since it was moving day, we hired movers. Once every single box was brought into our new home, we went to work on unpacking and making our house feel like a home. Neron’s parents watched Junior, so he wouldn’t be in the way and slow us down.
“Baby, you haven’t said too much these past few days. Do you want to talk?” I asked. I unwrapped the bubble wrapped dishes and placed them on my beautiful island.
“Nah, not really,” he replied nonchalantly.
“Well, I think you should talk about it, instead of holding it all in.”
“Damn it, Kimora, I said I don’t want to talk about it okay,” he screamed.
I jumped and dropped some kitchen utensils. When he noticed my tense demeanor, his shoulders dropped and he looked remorseful. He approached me slowly.
“I’m sorry, baby. I didn’t mean to yell at you. I know you looking out for your boy. I just miss my fuckin’ daughter, though,” Neron said, pulling me into him.
I inhaled his scent and exhaled. I hated seeing my man stressed out. I prayed all day, asking God to keep Magdalena safe. The way she caused so much drama and created such childish antics in my relationship with Neron, we just worried about the safety of Mag.
Chapter 13
Kimora
Today I was having lunch with my mom. She and I were stil
l on shaky ground, but I was trying to reconnect and build a stronger relationship with her. When I spoke to her last week, she was practically smiling through the phone about some new guy she was dating. It sounded like it was getting pretty serious. I was actually quite excited to see her, though.
After my shower, I decided to put on a white, Guess, short flare dress. The dress stopped right above my knees. On my feet were some simple black flip-flops. I fingered my curls and added a coat of lip-gloss. I was cute, yet simple. Besides, we were just going to lunch.
I pulled into the parking lot of LongHorn Steakhouse. I sent my mother a text, letting her that I was outside the restaurant. She replied that she was already inside and had a table for us. I slid out of my car and made sure my dress was pulled down in the back. I strutted towards the entrance. The greeter led me to my table and my mother stood up. She was looking good. She’d gained a few pounds in the right places and her short hair was in a pixie cut with bangs. She had on a pair of seven jeans with a red tank and some matching flats.
“Hey baby,” she said. She stood up to greet me and we hugged.
“You’re looking good,” I replied.
We took our seat at our booth.
“Thank you. I’m eating well, dieting and exercising. You’re not looking too bad yourself,” she said smiling at me.
“Eating well, dieting, exercising and fooling around,” I said laughing. I winked at her.
“Girl, you ain’t never lied,” she replied grinning as we high-fived each other.
“So, tell me about him,” I said.
We picked up our menus and began scanning them.
“Well, he’s younger than me. We’ve been out on more than twenty dates and it’s getting serious. I feel like Stella because I’ve gotten my groove back,” she replied.
“Hi, may I take you orders?” said the bubbly Caucasian waitress, interrupting us. She had a smile that lit up the place.
“Yes, um—I’ll have the sweet chili calamari and the shrimp and lobster chowder,” I replied with a smile.
“Okay, great choice and for you madam,” the waitress asked, turning her attention to my mother.
“Yes, I’ll have the seven pepper sirloin salad, please.”
“Excellent choice,” said the waitress.
We then rattled off our drinks to her and she left to put in our orders.
“So, how much younger is this man?” I said giving my mother the side eye.
“Well, he’s in his early thirties. He’s a good guy, though. He just moved here not too long ago. He’s moving in with me,” she tried to say rather quickly.
“Moving in,” I said slightly loud.
The waitress returned with our drinks and when she left, I gave her my opinion.
“Mom, moving in, though? Isn’t that a tad bit early?” I said, sipping my Pepsi.
“I don’t tell you how to live your life, so don’t do that to me, baby. I’m really happy,” she said, getting in her feelings.
I decided not to press the issue anymore because we were working on building our relationship and besides, she was a grown ass woman.
“So, when can I meet him?”
“Soon, baby, soon. You’ll love him. I promise,” she said beaming.
I was happy to see her happy. I couldn’t wait to see the man that was putting a smile on her face.
Chapter 14
Neron
A week had passed and we were officially settled into our new home. Things at the Barbershop were doing well too. I was counting down the days until court because I was ready to show the judge how Gabriela couldn’t and wouldn’t follow the custody order. I was going to be more than prepared for our next court date.
Kimora was out doing some final touches on opening up her realty company, so I went to court alone. Donald Jackson was present and we walked in like a straight up boss. Last time, I was unprepared because I figured the restraining order would show that Gabriela was unfit, but I didn’t have anything to back it up. Nah, I was ready this time around.
We walked in and I was shocked like a motherfucker that Gabriela wasn't there. I knew this was going to work in my favor.
“Good afternoon,” the judge said dully.
“Good afternoon,” Donald and I said in unison.
“I see Ms. Hernandez isn’t present,” said the judge, looking down at what I assumed was paperwork.
“Your honor, I’ve presented you with a police report. It confirms that Gabriela hasn’t returned the child after her weekend visit. Also, my client was able to get written testimonies from some of the people at his fiancé’s baby shower that confirmed Gabriela’s violent tendencies and ways. Mr. Lopez even managed to find an old Facebook posting of Ms. Hernandez bashing my client for defamation of character,” said Donald sternly, but professionally.
Donald was able to wing my case and show how angry and violent Gabriela was. He spun it to show that our daughter was at risk for neglect because of her previous antics. It didn’t help her case that she was a no-show to defend herself.
Donald had advised me that I could take Gabriela to a small claims court to sue her for deformation, but I didn’t want to go through that process. Besides, her fuckin’ ass didn’t have any coins for me to take when I was forking over child support. Shit, I’d be suing her to give me my own damn money back. I just wanted my daughter.
“Well, this is a no-brainer. I’m awarding you, Mr. Lopez, full custody of Magdalena. It’s clear that the child lacks structure and this causes the court to question the mother’s maturity and judgment. I will have a police officer go by Ms. Hernandez’s residence with you present to pick up the child. I will also re-enforce the restraining order against her. I’m going to contact child support services and let them know that you’re now the primary parent of the child. Court is adjourned,” said the judge, banging his gavel down.
Boy, oh boy, a nigga was happy as hell to know that I was going to have my daughter back finally. I’d missed her like crazy. I gave Donald some dap and thanked him for being on his P’s and Q’s. To know that my restraining order against Gaby was going to be reinforced made me feel like I was on top of the world. I didn’t give a damn about the child support, I was just happy as fuck to have my family under our new roof. Plus, Gabriela didn’t know where our new house was located.
After I had parted ways with Donald, I rode to Gabriela’s house and waited for a patrol officer to meet me there so we could get Magdalena without any drama. I decided to call Kimora while I waited to tell her the good news.
“Hello,” she answered sweetly.
The sound of her voice made me feel even more elated.
“I won, baby! Mag is coming home to us! Gabriela’s wasn’t even present boo,” I replied, smiling in the phone.
“Yessss!” she screamed. “I’m so happy, baby!”
“Me too, baby. Well, I’m waiting for an officer to walk with me to her apartment to get Mag. I see her car out front, so I know she’s home.” I eyed the clock on my dashboard.
“Why do you need an officer?” she asked.
I could tell she was walking to her car because I heard cars honking and passing by.
“To keep the peace down baby and plus, the judge reinforced the restraining order and he threw out my child support case,” I said.
“Wow! Man, I’m so happy! Now, we can finally live our lives in peace,” she said.
“You damn right, baby. Well, listen, the officer just pulled up. I’ll call you back and keep you posted,” I said, cutting off my car and getting out.
“Okay baby, I love you,” she said sweetly.
“I love you too, baby,” I said sincerely.
I hung up the phone and approached the officer who looked like he didn’t take any shit. Hell, I was legit, but I was nervous as hell standing next to him. I didn’t do too well with the law. I always got uneasy. You know the feeling you get when an officer gets behind you while you’re driving, and you know you’ve done nothing wrong, but you s
till get that weird ass feeling? Yeah, that’s how a nigga was feeling right now.
“Hello, sir, I’m Neron. I need to get my daughter. She wasn’t in court today and lost custody,” I said, looking him directly in his eyes, but I couldn’t see shit because his sunglasses were tinted very darkly.
“Okay. I got the information. Lead me to the apartment,” said the officer in a military voice. He stepped to the side to allow me to walk passed him.
I walked up the nasty stairs, one at a time and led the way to Gaby’s apartment. I could never get used to these apartments. I felt sorry for her brothers having to live in these conditions. I rung the door a few times and stepped back so the officer could stand in front of me.
Gabriela answered. To say she looked a hot mess would be an understatement. Her hair was in disarray and her clothes looked like she’d worn them a week straight. I tried to get a glimpse of her house, but her nigga that was in court with her the other day, walked up.
“Mrs. Hernandez, I’m Officer Willington and you weren’t in court today. Therefore, your rights have been relinquished. I need you to bring me the child so the child can be placed in the father's care,” he said strictly.
“What? Noooooo! That was today? I forgot. I would’ve never missed the court date,” she said, looking high. She was on the verge of tears and she glanced from me to the officer. She quickly tried shutting the front door when the office hastily placed his foot in between the door and the frame to keep it open.
“Open the door, Gaby,” yelled the male.
“Nooooo, they can’t take my baby! They can’t take her! I can’t live without her. I didn’t know that court was today. I forgot,” she yelled as the officer used all her strength and pushed the door open with his shoulder.
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