by Tina J
“Mrs. Banks please bring my son to the hospital.” VJ asked and you could see a few tears leaving his eyes.
“What the fuck is wrong with you nigga? Huh? You knocked my sister out over your ass being petty. I swear if we weren’t related, I’d shoot your ass between the eyes.”
“Colby Jr.” His father called out. He was just as mad and so was everyone else in the house. Haven fucked up this time and they were letting him know.
“FUCK THAT POPS.” He went in the other room and grabbed his stuff.
“Armonie is his favorite cousin so I know it was an accident but so the hell what. He ain’t have no reason to bother VJ. Now look. She back in the hospital and my nephew has to be checked out.” He stormed out the house with his father, sister and brother. Mrs. Banks was in the car waiting.
“Let’s go.” Haven grabbed my arm and I snatched it away.
“What? You mad too?” Did he really just ask me that?
“Hell yea I’m mad. The shit ain’t funny Haven.” He wasn’t laughing and I was referring to him bothering VJ. It’s like he gets a kick outta messing with him and I think we’re all over it.
“How would you feel if he treated me like that, punched me by accident and I dropped our baby?” He remained quiet.
“Exactly! You had no right to cause all this trouble.” I picked my things up and asked his aunt Venus if I could ride with them to the hospital.
“We’re over Haven. We can co-parent and I’ll call you to go with me to the doctors but that’s it.”
“Well fuck you too Ariel.” I stopped and turned around.
“What do you want me to do Haven? Huh? She’s my best friend and has been before you. He’s my cousin and I’m not gonna walk on eggshells or not be around him because of you.”
“What the fuck ever. Bounce then bitch.” Everyone in the house was at a loss for words like me. I walked up on him.
“I’m sorry you feel that way about me, but I won’t let you stress me out. I wanted this baby regardless of what you believe. I hope by the time it’s born you have a different attitude.”
“Get rid of it.”
WHAP! I smacked the fuck outta him. I’ve never in my life put my hands on a man. When he mentioned terminating my child, I snapped.
“How fucking dare you? You fucked this up, not me.” I started punching him in the chest over and over.
“Let’s go Ariel.” His uncle Jax pulled me away and led me to the car. He told Venus to take me to check on Armonie and then home. As they spoke, Haven came out the house, hopped in his car and sped off. I don’t even have the energy to care if he crashes or not.
VJ
I paced the hospital floor a million times waiting on them to tell me if my son and girl were ok. When Monie hit the wall and passed out, all I saw was her ex abusing her again.
I jumped on her cousin and didn’t give a fuck who got in it. I was over the childish shit he said and did. It’s obvious he was testing me and even with my arm losing feeling every now and then, it didn’t stop me from getting his ass.
The gun went off and I immediately ran over to her and my son. Legend was crying and he seemed to be ok but Monie was still knocked out, which broke my heart. She’s been through so much and her own cousin accidentally hit her.
Even I know it wasn’t on purpose, but he had no business swinging off anyway. Then, if my son weren’t strapped in, he would’ve fallen out the seat and that had me hot.
I don’t know who told them what happened but my parents, Ariel’s and some of my cousins were pulling in at the same time we did. They all loved Armonie and stalked me for Legend to come over.
“Mr. Davis.” The pediatrician came in to give me the results of the tests.
“Yes.” She smiled and put her index finger in between my sons’ hand.
“Legend here is going to be fine. He has a tiny scratch on his forehead which can possibly be from the tag on the seat or he may have done it. All the tests were normal and he’s ok to go home.” My mom stood and rubbed my back.
“Thanks. Is his mom ok?”
“Go check on her VJ. I’ll stay with Legend and we’ll be over when she gives me his discharge papers.” My mom said.
“A’ight and pops don’t hold him the whole time.” He told me to leave. Him and Armonie were spoiling the shit outta my son. I thought it would be my mom, but my father can’t seem to get enough. I mean he comes over everyday if we don’t bring him by.
I told the doctor my mother could sign the paper work and thanked her for taking care of my son. I went into the regular emergency department and requested for them to buzz me in the back.
At first, they asked my name. I didn’t know why until the receptionist said her mom has a name written down of a person who she didn’t want to visit her. I had no doubt it was Haven.
“Where is she?” I asked her father who was sitting there with her siblings.
“My mom took her to the bathroom.” Her sister told me.
“Is she ok? What are they saying?”
“She has a slight concussion and a busted lip.” My fist balled up as her dad continued telling me what the doctor said. I leaned against the wall.
“Nobody blames you VJ. You had enough and did what you had to for your family.” Her pops said.
“We good bro.” Colby Jr said and gave me a man hug with his other brother. Her younger sister smiled and said I need to give Monie more kids because everybody being stingy with Legend.
“VJ?” Monie ran to me and I picked her up.
“You ok? You need anything?” She shook her head no and cried on my neck. Her family stepped out.
“Legend is with my parents. They’re discharging him soon.”
“Is be ok? Did he fall out the seat?” I closed the door and laid her in the bed.
“No. He has a scratch on his forehead. She said he may have done it himself; otherwise he’s fine. Let me see.” I moved the hair out her face and got mad all over again seeing her lip and the knot on her forehead.
“I’m ok babe. What about you?” She said her mom mentioned me and Haven fighting.
“Never worry about me. I’m good as long as you and my son good.”
“I’m always gonna worry about my fiancé.” She smiled and I couldn’t help but do the same.
Last night after making love to her, I proposed. Yup, she had my son six weeks ago and I damn sure nut all in her so we could have another one.
She was lying on her side in front of me when I decided to pop the question.
“Monie, what you doing for the rest of your life?” She turned around and her mouth fell open. She lifted herself on her elbows and then sat all the way up. I opened the box and showed her the 10-carat princess cut, yellow diamond I purchased her two weeks ago. I got her the Tesla as a push gift, but I had yet to give her a gift of my own.
“It’s been a long and crazy year, but I’d do it all over again if you’re the woman it’s with. In this short time, you had me fall in love with you, delivered my son and made me the happiest man alive. Would you do me the honors of being my wife?” She nodded and allowed the tears to fall.
“I won’t mess up baby.” I told her and put the ring on.
“I want to tell them at dinner tomorrow. Is that ok?” She asked staring at the ring.
“Anything you wanna do, I’m down.” I kissed her and the two of us fell asleep holding each other.
She was supposed to mention it tonight but decided to wait when Ariel announced her pregnancy. She didn’t wanna ruin the moment.
As of right now, my family are the only ones who knew and that’s because my mom and aunt helped me pick the ring. I couldn’t tell Ariel because she would’ve told.
“Do you still wanna marry me?” She looked up and wiped her tears.
“Monie that man don’t dictate our relationship. Shit, if you wanted to get married right now, I’d go get the reverend guy who works here and do it. I love you Monie.”
“I’m so sorry you’r
e dealing with my cousin. I don’t know what’s wrong with him.” I put both of my hands on her face.
“You can’t worry about him; I’m not.” She nodded and wrapped her arms around my neck.
“Here.” I took the ring out my pocket and placed it back on her finger. She had it in the baby bag at her parents’ house but again, she never got the chance to mention it.
“You got something to tell me?” Her father came through the door.
“I said yes.” She smiled real big and flashed her ring.
“Oh my God. Sweetie you’re getting married?” Her mom and sister ran over.
“You did good son in law.” He and I had a discussion before I brought the ring. He voiced his concerns and I answered everyone truthfully. He gave me his blessing and now his daughter is about to be my wife.
“Treat her right.” Colby Jr said and hugged her.
“Where’s Legend?” Monie asked and we looked at the door. Ariel was walking him in.
“I’m sorry Armonie. I didn’t know he was gonna act up.” She started tearing up and handed my son to Colby Jr.
“What’s wrong?”
“He told me to get rid of the baby because I said we were over.” I felt Monie squeeze my hand and look at me. She mouthed the words please don’t leave. Brayden had an aggravated look on his face as well. Haven is his best friend, I’m his cousin and Ariel’s his sister. I’m sure it’s a lot for him to deal with.
“Ok Ms. Banks. I’m going to discharge you.” The doctor scooted his way through everyone and gave her the aftercare instructions. They all stepped out while she got dressed.
“I’m gonna talk to him.” I knew she meant her cousin.
“Not right now you’re not.” Her eyes met mine.
“He needs to cool off and accident or not, he needs to apologize to you Monie.” She nodded.
“I’m serious. Not only did he hit you but he’s making it uncomfortable for you when I’m there.” I could care less but she didn’t like the tension.
“You’re right. Do you feel like taking a bath with me at home?” I knew it relaxed her.
“After I put Legend to bed, I’ll do whatever you want.” I smirked when she removed the gown and her breasts were bare. I loved sucking on her tities.
“Don’t play Monie. You know I’ll fuck you right here.” She was massaging her own breasts and making soft moans. I lifted her on the table and was about to give her what she wanted. We heard the door open and stopped.
“You done?” Ariel asked.
“Yea. VJ helping me with my bra.” After she put her shirt on, I opened the curtain and we stepped out. Once we got outside, it’s like both of our families were there and we were having a party. The good thing is no one held a grudge toward the other over Haven.
“You ok honey?” Her aunt Passion ran over to her.
“I’m fine. Where’s uncle Wolf?” She looked around.
“Him and your uncle Jax went to find Haven. When you left, he said some mean things to Ariel too.” She looked at me.
“Don’t even think about apologizing for him.”
“I don’t know why he’s so angry.”
“It’s not for any of us to know but I don’t blame you or anyone else and I don’t want you blaming yourself.”
“I’m trying not to but he’s my son and...” She cried.
“Get your dramatic ass over here. The whole world knows Haven crazy so don’t try and figure him out.” Another woman said.
“Who’s that?” I asked Monie. When I say it was a lot of people out here, it really was.
“My aunt Darlene. She’s off the hook. Come on.” I tried to carry her, but she said she’s fine. Everyone ended up at my house drinking and having a good time. It made my fiancé smile and it’s all I ever want for her. When they left, we put Legend to bed and took a bath like she requested.
************************
“What the fuck you mean someone broke into the office?” I lifted Monie off my chest and sat up. We had Legend lying with us and I didn’t wanna scare him.
“Mr. Davis, we’re not sure how they got in but the office is destroyed and they took everything out the safe.” Ashley said. She’s the woman we left in charge down in VA. She came highly recommended and up until this very moment, we had no issues.
“How did they get in the safe? No one has the combination but me and my sister?” I picked my cell up and sent a message to Vanity.
“You’re not going to believe this but per the security footage, they used some explosive device.
“You gotta be kidding me.”
“I’m sending you the video now. The cops are still here as well. Is there anything you want me to tell them?”
“I’ll be there shortly.” I hung up and answered my cell for Vanity. After I told her what happened she volunteered to ride with me but I cut it short. I hung up with her and called my cousin.
“Yo!” The background was pretty loud.
“Where you at?” It was eight o clock on a Sunday morning, and he sounded as if he were at a club.
“Wifey wanted breakfast. You know these people talk loud as hell at restaurants. What’s up?”
“I told him what happened as I got dressed. He asked if I wanted him to ride and I told him no. Mycah already text back saying he was waiting for me.
“I need you to check on Monie for me, if I’m not back tomorrow.”
“You already know.” I hung up, packed a few things and went downstairs where Monie was.
“I’m coming.” She was packing a bag for Legend.
“Monie you need to stay home with our son.” I appreciated how she had my back.
“What if the bitch sent someone there to do it and they’re waiting for you. VJ you don’t need to go alone.” I stopped her from packing my son bag.
“I’ll be back tomorrow or Tuesday.”
“VJ something’s not right. I mean all these years and you never had a break in. What if it’s a set up?” I couldn’t deny feeling the same way but until it’s confirmed I couldn’t say it’s true.
“I’m gonna be fine. I’ll even talk to you the whole way there.” She was tapping her foot.
“Please let me go with you.” She begged.
“Stop worrying Monie.” I kissed her and fought with her about going, all the way to my car. She wasn’t giving up.
“Go inside. I’m calling you.” I showed her the phone dialing the house number.
“Please be careful.” I kissed her and watched as she took her time walking to the door. We spoke the whole ride and once I got there, I had to hang up and call Mycah. He didn’t answer so I sent him a text and went inside. The cops were gone but Ashley’s car was still there. I walked in and Ashley had tears running down her face.
CLICK!
“Took you long enough to get here.” My hands went up and when I turned around to see who it was, shocked wasn’t the word.
Ariel
“What?” I opened the door for Haven. Neither of us called or sent a text message to the other all week.
“Move.” He walked past me and sat on the couch.
“Is my cousin ok?” I folded my arms and stayed quiet.
“Ariel I’m not in the fucking mood. Is my cousin ok?” He barked.
“I shouldn’t tell you shit but she’s fine. You gave her a concussion and since she hit her face on the wall, her lip busted.” He put his head back on the couch.
“You mean to tell me no one told you this entire time how she was?”
“My phones been off and I haven’t been at work.”
“What’s going on with you Haven? Are you tryna make your family hate you?” He opened his eyes and looked at me.
“I don’t care for him since that night in the restaurant.”
“Haven it was your fault. Look.” I plopped down on the seat across from him.
“VJ loves your cousin. I mean really loves her and she’s not gonna invite you to her wedding if you don’t stop this shit.”
“Wedding?” He questioned.
“He asked her to marry him the night before the dinner and she accepted. Her intention was to tell everyone but you bullied me into taking a test and she didn’t wanna spoil the moment.” I went over to where he sat and lifted his face.
“She’s never going to forgive you if you don’t make it right with VJ.” He didn’t say anything.
“He’s about to be her husband so if your plan was to scare him off because we all know per you and the guys in the family; no one is good enough for the women in your family but, he’s not going anywhere.” He chuckled.
“Mr. Banks gave his blessing. Haven its time you did too.” I kissed his forehead and walked in the kitchen to get my food. I made a small meatloaf with mashed potatoes and string beans.
“Do I have to be his friend?” I jumped because he scared me.
“No. You never have to speak but talking shit and fighting him isn’t the way to go. As you can see Monie will stay away and it’s not fair to the family.” I put some food on my plate and sat down to eat.
“Where’s mine?” I blew on my food and ignored him.
“Ariel?”
“Haven, I didn’t know you were coming and I’m still not speaking to you.” I rolled my eyes.
“How you not speaking to me and we just had a whole conversation?” He went and got a fork out the drawer and started eating off my plate.
“You know what I’m talking about? How could you tell me to abort our baby?” I slammed the fork on the table and waited for him to answer.
“If you weren’t gonna be with me, I wasn’t about to let another nigga be around my kid.” I shook my head because he’s really crazy.
“Did you do it?” I ignored him.
“DID YOU?” He pounded on the table scaring me.
“No and stop doing that.”
“Doing what?”
“Making me fear you. I don’t like that.” I never wanted to be in fear of a man I’m with. Monie went through it with Freddy and my aunt Maylan did with her ex too.
“My bad. Come here.”
“No thanks.” He gave me a look and instead of arguing, I stood in front of him. He lifted my shirt and rubbed my belly.
