by Tina J
“How long have I been here?”
“It happened Friday night and its Sunday. The medication had you in and out.” He said and asked me to look at him.
“When did you lose it?” He inquired about something.
“Lose what?”
“Your virginity?” I shifted a little.
“I’m not comfortable talking to you about this.”
“Armonie please. I broke your mothers and I’m the only man she’s ever been with. I’m happy you waited as long as she did.”
“She told me about you being the only man she’s ever been with and I was hoping whoever my first was, it would be the same.”
“Well Freddy isn’t who I would’ve chosen to be your first.”
“Freddy? No daddy, it was Ariel’s cousin.” He looked down at me.
“He saved me from Freddy a few times, we ran into each other at the bar and we’ve been around one another ever since. I wouldn’t dare let Freddy touch me.”
“So it’s his baby and save you from what?”
“Baby?” I felt my stomach and there was a monitor on it. He pointed to a machine that I never paid attention to.
“You’re twelve weeks.” All the blood had to drain from my face. VJ and I never used condoms; yet it never dawned on me I could get pregnant. I didn’t have any pregnancy signs and my stomach is the same.
“What am I gonna do with a baby?” I started crying.
“Well you have six months to figure it out.” He kissed my forehead.
“What if he doesn’t want it?”
“I’m gonna tell you like I told your mom. Your family is too big for you to worry about if a man is gonna stick around. This baby won’t want for anything.” Grams said when she barged in.
“My second great, great grandchild.” She kissed my cheek.
“Why did he save you from Freddy?” By this time my mom, uncles, aunts, brother and a few of my cousins walked in. How did they all get here fast, but then again, they may have been waiting for me to get up.
“Where’s Ariel?” I continued ignoring my father’s question.
“She’ll be up here tomorrow.” Haven told me.
“Excuse me. It’s way too many people here. I’m gonna ask everyone to leave except two.” The nurse said.
“What was he saving you from Armonie?” My father badgered me with the same question.
“One second.” My uncle Wolf said. They all looked at me and the pressure to speak was overwhelming.
“HE WAS BEATING ON ME OK.” Its like the entire room went silent.
“I didn’t tell y’all because I don’t want anyone to kill him.” All the men had their face turned up.
“Is that why VJ beat his ass at my club?” Haven questioned and I nodded.
“He punched me in the face and threw me against the wall. I lost consciousness for a few minutes. I woke up and Freddy was on the ground. You walked in on VJ waking me up.”
“That’s what he had to tell me at the restaurant and Ariel stopped him. Wait a got damn minute. Did she know?” Haven cursed.
“Yes. I begged her not to tell. She told me if I didn’t say anything by today, she was telling because she was scared he’d kill me. Don’t be mad at her.” No one said a word.
“I don’t know why I was scared to tell you. Please don’t kill him. His mom is going to be hurt and...”
“And I don’t give a fuck. He’s a dead man walking Armonie.” Colby barked and stormed out the room. My mom and aunts had tears coming down their face.
“You absolutely can not save him Armonie.” My grams said and took my hand in hers.
“How many times?” My father asked. I didn’t answer.
“How many times?” He asked again.
“Too many to count.” I started crying and my father hugged me. Even with the pain, he made me feel safe and the weight was lifted.
“Go find Colby Jr. and handle what needs to be handled.” My uncle spoke in a calm tone to Jax and Haven.
“They’re gonna blame me. Please.” I was hysterical crying.
“Stop crying honey. You’re gonna stress the baby out.” My mom climbed on the other side of the bed.
“We’ll be up here tomorrow.” My uncle Jax said and everyone stepped out the room but my parents and grams.
“I’m sorry daddy.” He had his head back with his eyes closed.
“You should’ve told us.” I could hear frustration and sadness in his voice.
“Who is the guy you’re pregnant by?” My mother asked because she wasn’t in the room when I mentioned VJ to my dad.
“He used to live down here years ago until his parents move to Virginia. I’m surprised he’s not here because he was on the phone with me when I got attacked. He’s very protective of me.” My mom smiled and wiped my eyes.
“You love him?” I nodded and laid my head on her shoulder.
“Do you know who did this to you?” My father spoke.
“No. It was dark and after they yanked me out the car, I hit my head. I don’t really remember anything but screaming for VJ to help me.” I gasped.
“I have to tell him I’m ok. He probably called my cell.” Grams gave me a look and my parents stared at her too.
“What?” I questioned her look.
“Nothing. You’re gonna be fine. I’m sure he’ll be here soon.” Grams asked my dad to meet her in the hallway.
“Did you throw it on him?” My mom asked and I couldn’t do anything but laugh.
“I don’t know ma. He doesn’t want me with anyone else and he got mad when I said he only taught me how to please him.” She started cracking up.
“You may have been a virgin but if he taught you and saying that, I’d say you did.”
“He’s so gentle with me and he makes sure I’m done before him. I never knew making love could be that good.” My mom put the covers over her legs.
“You’re lucky. Some girls get the wham, bam, thank you ma’am first time sex.”
“That means rough and fast right?” She shook her head yes.
“Your father taught me a lot in the bedroom but then I turned him out.” I looked at her.
“On your down time always search porn sites. They have a lotta ideas a couple can use.” She lifted my face.
“Explore one another regularly and switch things up. He’ll appreciate it.” I listened to my mom give me a sex talk.
My father and grams walked in asking what we were discussing. When I mentioned sex, grams tried to tell me things to do and my father covered my ears.
“She fucking now Colby. She may as well learn how to turn him out.” My dad rolled his eyes. After a while, I ended up falling back to sleep shortly after.
**************************
“Here are your discharge papers and the prescription for your prenatal vitamins. Don’t forget to follow up with a gyn doctor.” The doctor said and wished me good luck.
I’ve been in the hospital for three days and a bitch was happy she could finally go home. Well the first two days, I was in and outta sleep but still, I didn’t wanna be here. Once the results came back I was healthy, there was no need to stay any longer.
The doctor requested for me to stay a few more days but I refused. Plus, I wanted to call VJ and tell him I was ok. I hadn’t heard from him and no one said a word. I don’t even know where my cell phone is now that I think about it.
“Thank you.” The nurse pushed me downstairs to the front door and my father helped me in the car.
“You hungry?” My mom asked and turned to me in the back seat.
“A little. Grams said she cooked for me.”
“Spoiled.” My dad said and drove to their house. Years ago, my father had our house built from the ground up and my grandmother has been staying there ever since.
“Like my mommy.” She turned around and smiled.
“Whatever. Your mom don’t run nothing.”
“I don’t?” She folded her arms.
“Why you alway
s starting Monie?” Those two playfully argued all the way home. When we got there Colby Jr. was standing there with his girlfriend Jacinta who I really don’t care for. She’s a bitch and always complaining.
“How you doing sis?” He hugged me and walked with me to the door.
“I’m ok. I just want to eat and lay down.”
“Grams been cooking since earlier. I’m sure your food is ready.” He placed his hand on my stomach.
“I can’t wait to have a kid. Until then I’m gonna spoil the hell out this one. I bet it’s a boy.”
“I want a girl.”
“What does he want?” I put my head down.
“He doesn’t know yet.” He made me look at him.
“I may not know dude, but you trusted him enough to be your first and give you a baby. Make sure you tell him soon.”
“I will.” He looked at my parents and I turned around in time to see my mother shaking her head no.
“Why you shaking your head?”
“No reason. Let’s eat.” My mom walked in the house with my dad following like a lost puppy. When they disappeared upstairs, I knew what was up.
“Grams you didn’t have to make all this.” There was fried chicken, collard greens, mashed potatoes, biscuits, string beans, yams and a whole lot more. You would think it was thanksgiving.
“You’re gonna have a long ride. And I’m sure you’ll be there for a few days. This will hold you over.” I had no clue what she was talking about.
“She doesn’t know yet Grams.” Colby Jr. said coming in with Jacinta on his heels.
“What y’all waiting on to tell her?”
“Tell me what?” I asked my grandmother because my brother wasn’t saying anything.
“VJ is in a coma. He hasn’t woken up yet.”
“What? A coma?” I fell back on the chair and started crying. They explained how someone stabbed him and he may lose feeling in one arm. However; he hit his head so hard there was bleeding on the brain.
“You ok?”
“I’m fine. Colby are you taking me?” I started pulling out Tupperware to pack my plates.
“Eat first and well discuss everything else.” He kissed my cheek and left me at the table. I was about to tear this food up and then go check on my man.
Ariel
“Why are you here Haven?” I woke up and he was sitting on the edge of my bed.
“You missed a lot during your beauty sleep.”
“Whatever.” I tossed the covers off my leg and looked at my phone. It was twelve in the afternoon. I can’t believe I slept this long.
I went in the bathroom to handle my hygiene, then wrapped a bag around my arm to wash up. It was hard trying to maneuver with one limb. You never really know how much you need a body part until it’s not accessible.
The soap fell on the floor and when I picked it up, Haven stood there naked. He stepped in, took the soap and helped me.
“I’m sorry.” I stared at him. Never in my life of knowing him has those words ever left his mouth.
“It doesn’t change anything. I walked in on you... His lips crashed on mine and before I knew it, we were in a full fledge make out session.
“Haven this isn’t going to... got dammit.” I used my good hand to grab the railing as he bent me over and assaulted my pussy from behind with his mouth.
“Here I cummmmmm.” I yelled and felt my juices gushing out.
“Sexy Ariel.” He smacked my ass.
“Ok now we can… FUCKKKK!” I shouted when he pushed himself inside. I was tryna say, we can talk when I get out. My pussy gripped his dick and I felt his fingertips digging in my ass. He loved squeezing it.
“I apologize Ariel. I swear it won’t happen again. Mmm. You not about to keep this banging ass pussy away from me.” He pounded harder and dug deeper. If I wanted to fight him off I couldn’t. The euphoric feeling had me on cloud nine.
“Yea. Just like that.” I threw my ass back and he caught it. I felt his hand scrunching up my hair and my body flew back to his.
“You still fucking with me Ariel?” He asked and stuck his tongue in my mouth. How did he expect me to speak?
“I don’t hear you.” He pulled out and pushed in so deep, I screamed.
“Say you’re still fucking with me.”
“Ahhhhh. Haven.” He did it again and I came hard as hell.
“You want me to ask again.” He swung my body around.
“You hurt me Haven. I can’t keep going through this all the time. I want someone who’s only for me.” He lifted me up and I winced in pain because my arm hit the wall.
“You ok?” I nodded and stared down at him.
“From this moment on, I’m only for you Ariel.” He plunged inside me again and my head went back.
“I swear on my parents, this is your last chance. I don’t care if we’re not a couple, it’s only us.” I popped up and down.
“Shit Ariel.” His finger went in my ass and that was it. My body jerked and I could feel him twitching.
“Fuck me harder.” He smiled, grabbed my waist and fucked me good and hard.
“I’m about to nut. Shit.” I tried to wiggle out since we weren’t using protection, but he held me tight.
“Haven I’m not on birth control.” He smirked.
“I know. Fuckkkk.” He came at the same time. My head was between his neck and shoulder
“Let me wash you up. We gotta be on the road soon.” He let me down and handed me a towel after washing us.
“Haven you have to stop and get a pill from the pharmacy.” I said walking out the bathroom.
“Not a chance.”
“What?” I had my one hand on my hip.
“You’re best friend pregnant. You may as well be at the same time.”
“I only have one best friend and she’s a virgin, which reminds me, I haven’t spoken to her in a few days.” My arm was in so much pain these last couple days, all I did was eat, sleep and take medicine to make the pain go away. I sat on the bed and pulled my jeans up.
“Yea well, a lot went down when you were high on drugs.” I threw the pillow at him.
“Come to find out she’s pregnant and guess by who?”
“Only person I can assume is Freddy. Can you button these for me?” He walked around the bed and did it for me, then helped with my shirt.
“VJ.” He smirked.
“My cousin? Nah. They’ve never even...” I thought back to the conversation when he asked about her and how he’d grin when I mentioned her name. Then he went in her room to talk, I walk in and she was upset about something; yet neither mentioned why.
“Those sneaky motherfuckers.” I laughed.
“You really didn’t know?”
“Ugh no. Between me working, going to school and being under you, I didn’t have time to ask or investigate. I thought he was with Mecca.”
“Did you know the other nigga was beating on her?” He sat on the edge of the bed staring into space.
“Please don’t tell me he got her again.”
“No but somebody did. She was attacked at the hospital trying to go back and get you. She told us about it when she woke up. Why didn’t you tell me?” I sat next to him.
“She begged me and Haven, I told her to tell you and Colby a bunch of times. All she was worried about is y’all killing him. She didn’t want his death on her hands.”
“He could’ve killed her.”
“Which is why after the last time, I told her if she didn’t say anything I was. Haven, I thought she told because I didn’t hear her speaking about him anymore.”
“Because she let your cousin bust it wide open. Her ass was occupied.” I punched him on the arm.
“I’m serious. You had to see our face when the doctor said she was pregnant.” I thought about the time I had to pull over because she threw up. She’ll get worked up and vomit, but I never thought about her being pregnant because she was still a virgin. At least I thought she was.
“Was her
mom mad?”
“Hell no. She wants to know why Monie making her a grandmother early.” I laughed. He pushed me back on the bed and climbed on top. He was careful with my arm.
“You’re my girl now.” He told me instead of asking.
“I have to think about it.”
“Think all you want. Ain’t shit changing. It’s what I say.” He pressed his lips on mine and had his phone not rang, we probably would’ve had more sex.
“Yea. We about to pick Monie up and hit the road.” Haven said.
“Nah. I’m gonna tell her on the way. A’ight see you soon.” He hung up and I looked at him.
“Who is that and where are we going?”
“Where’s your sneakers?” I pointed to the closet and told him which ones I wanted to wear.
“You need anything else?”
“Haven what’s going on?” He helped me off the bed, walked me down the steps and straight to the car. After he started it, he looked at me.
“Somebody attacked your cousin. He’s in a coma and there’s bleeding on his brain.” I broke down. He had to hold my hand in order for me to relax.
“We’re picking up Armonie. Jax and Colby Jr. are coming too.” I nodded and grabbed tissue out his glove box. It’s gonna be a long ride.
******************************
“Oh my God. How is he?” I ran straight to my parents when I got in. VJ was in ICU so they were in the waiting room.
“They took him into surgery last night and stopped the bleeding. There’s some swelling and they want to make sure the stab wounds don’t get infected.”
“Stab wounds?” Haven didn’t give me the full details of VJ’s attack and Armonie slept the entire ride.
“How are you Armonie?” My dad asked.
“Ok considering.” She hugged him and my mom.
“Honey its only been a few days. You should be home resting.” My mom told her.
“I couldn’t stay home knowing he was here.” I saw Monie getting ready to cry. Damn, they really were together.
“Are you in pain?” My mom asked.
“A lot but again, I can’t sit at home. I’ll rest here.” The doors opened and my brother walked out with Vanity and my aunt and uncle. I gave each of them a hug.
