Black and Ugly as Ever (The Cartel Publications Presents)

by Styles, T.

  “What?” Keith repeated as if he didn’t hear me correctly. Guilt was written all over his face.

  “I said yous a lyin’, mothafucka! Daffany would never lust after yo ass when she knows how much this man loves you! If she did come on to you, it woulda been for money but not straight off some I want some dick type shit!”

  Miss Wayne looked at me and then at him. I could tell in his face he got where I was going with it too.

  “Exactly what happened?” Miss Wayne said his mood going from hurt to anger. He fixed his eyes on Keith and waited for his response.

  Keith looked at me and fiddled around with the remote. When I looked at the TV I noticed it wasn’t even on. Yeah! He’s as guilty as sin! He was shook and couldn’t conceal his nervousness. He was a rookie at this shit.

  “I came home early lookin’ for you,” he started slowly looking at the floor and back at Miss Wayne. “And I noticed she was home. The first thing she said to me was do you want something to eat? In a seductive tone.” I could tell he was thinking of his story as he went along. “I was like naw I’m good. And then she said something about eating something else instead.”

  Eating something else instead? Is he serious? Daffany don’t even like her pussy ate! And what was she going to eat from him? His ass? This was some bullshit and I knew it! Me and Miss Wayne use to clown her on how bad she hated oral sex back in the day. And with her having HIV, she’da never put Miss Wayne into harms way like that. Drug cravings and all, I knew she’d reach down deep somewhere to prevent from putting him in that kind of jeopardy.

  “You lyin’!” I felt like breaking his jaw. “Daffany don’t even get down like that! And yous a, bitch ass nigga for sayin’ that shit too!”

  “I’m tellin’ the truth!” he pleaded with me. “I told her I wasn’t feeling what she was givin’ and she got upset.”

  “Yo I’m ‘bout to go upside this bamma head, Miss Wayne! This dude is trippin’! That don’t even sound like Daffany!”

  It was pissing me off because he was a cop and here he was straight lying on Daffany. He wasn’t even that cute. Keith was skinny, extra red and had a goofy laugh. Daffany went for the smooth Usher types. Don’t get me wrong, she’s not herself right now, but she’s not the person he’s describing either.

  “I want you out of here!” Miss Wayne yelled pointing his finger in Keith’s frightened face. I could tell by the look in his eyes that he was aware of what Miss Wayne was capable of when provoked. Dude turned from police officer to scared little bitch in fifteen seconds flat.

  “Baby…please…this is not my fault!” His hands were out in front of him trying to avoid any future slaps. “She’s the one to blame not me.”

  “How long has she been gone?!” I yelled in the midst of him begging for forgiveness. This was making me sick and I was trying to find Daffany. I ain’t have time for his lyin’ bullshit!

  “About thirty minutes ago. I can help you look for her if you want.” He advised hoping that would win him some points. “It ain’t even been that long since she left.”

  “Your, bitch ass, did enough!,” I yelled pointing at him. “I’ll be back Miss Wayne.” I was preparing to leave. “But if I was you, I’d put this punk ass, nigga out your crib. But that’s just me.”

  I jotted down the stairs as quickly as possible. Once I got in my car I sped off and looked up and down the street for Daffany. Sweets woke up asking me something but I couldn’t hear her. I was seeing red and I was liable to kirk out on somebody right now. I hate how people use people weaker than them and I’d be damned if I was gonna let Keith get away with this shit! He probably tried to rape her or something and she fought back.

  I was starting to worry when I couldn’t find her. This was a quiet neighborhood so somebody walking up and down the streets would be out of place. Sweets must’ve figured I was looking for somebody and said, “Is that who you’re lookin’ for?”

  Daffany was barefoot and walking slowly with her arms folded in front of her. For the first time since I left Miss Wayne’s I could breathe. I pulled up on her slowly and said, “Get in.”

  She stopped, looked at me and than hopped in the front seat. Daffany looked back at Sweets and then at me. She remained silent. No words passed between us until I pulled off.

  “He gone yet?” She finally asked looking at the road ahead of us.

  “He’s on his way out now.”

  “You know he tried to rape me right?”

  “Yeah. I figured as much.”

  “It’s not my fault, Parade. I wasn’t tryin’ to do what he wanted me to.” She said convincingly.

  “I know. Why you think I’m out here lookin’ for you? But I still think you’re to blame for a lot of what’s happening to you. You fell off, Daffany and hard too. I don’t think I could ever forgive you for what you’re doing to us right now. Still…,” I continued pulling into Miss Wayne’s parking complex. “You’re not a sheisty person and don’t deserve this.”

  “Thanks.” She said looking at me before getting out the car. “P…Parade?” she said as if my name were a question.

  “What’s up?”

  “I’m sorry about our fight. I didn’t mean half of the shit I said to you. Sky getting killed hurts me. Everyday. I can’t stop thinking about her. We argued before she was killed and I didn’t get a chance to tell her how much I loved her.”

  “She knows,” I said feeling the same way as Daffany. “We argued the last time I saw her too. But let’s not talk about that right now.” I remembered Sweets was in the car and I didn’t want to talk about Sky being murdered, especially since she knew Smokes..

  “But I am tryin’ to change. I really am. I just need your help. Will you help me? Please?”

  Silence.

  “I don’t know right now, Daffany. I got a lot to deal with in my own life. Maybe we’ll talk later about your situation.”

  With that she took one last at me, got out the car and walked into the building.

  Five minutes later while driving down the beltway thinking about everything that had happened, Miss Wayne called.

  “Did you get her?”

  “What you talkin’ about?” I asked sleepily, the sounds of Sweets snores in my ear.

  “I said did you find Miss Daffany?

  His statement although simple terrified me. Why was he asking me if I found Daffany when I’d dropped her off a while ago? When I glanced down, I saw Daffany’s keys on my car seat. She never had no intentions on going back. As much as I hated lying to him, I couldn’t hurt him anymore with the truth either. Daffany was a lost cause. And I couldn’t participate in this massacre of his heart any longer.

  “No. I never found her.”

  I stayed on the phone and listened to him cry, until I pulled up in my driveway.

  Jay Present Day

  Jay and Zeeway were in Georgetown in D.C., getting some custom made jewelry at his regular spot. The place was jumping with dealers and people who just had an obsession for jewelry. Although Jay was with Zeeway, his mind was on Parade and he couldn’t wait to see her later on that night. And he hoped she wouldn’t call him with any bullshit.

  “Listen…I want fifteen diamonds around the bezel of this Gucci watch. And don’t fuck it up!” Zeeway yelled to the Asian attendant. “I know how ya’ll mothafuckas be some time.”

  “I hear you the first time,” the Asian woman said. “Easy, man,” Jay interrupted. “You gonna fuck up my relationship with these peoples. They gonna look out. I always come here. Chill out.”

  “Yeah whatever,” Zeeway said waving him off and dismissing the attendant after reluctantly handing over his watch. “So what’s up with that bitch? You hit yet?”

  “What bitch?”

  “The broad I saw you with last night. You hittin’ that or what?”

  “Nigga, don’t worry about it,” Jay laughed brushing his dumb ass off. “I got this.”

  “I bet.”

  “But what’s up wit you and Smokes? You get wit hi
m about your money yet?”

  “Yeah…but this nigga on some other shit B,” Zeeway said scratching his head. “Yo doing some other shit I ain’t with. Peep this,” he said looking around. “I think he about to put his bitch on to the game. At one point I thought he was wifin’ her but now I see that nigga grimier than me!” he laughed. “but fuck these hoes out here! Put em all to work for all I give a fuck!”

  Jay was heated. His feelings for Parade had grown solid ever since she cut him off for treating her like shit back in the day and he didn’t want to see anything bad happen to her. Or good for that matter if he wasn’t involved.

  “What you mean?” Jay asked his nostrils flaring.

  Zeeway saw his expression and figured he said too much. Smokes had told him time after time to watch his tongue, yet it constantly hung out of his face.

  “Nothin’, nigga,” he responded trying to get out of his blunder. “Enough talkin’ bout bullshit. I’m trying to get somethin’ to eat.”

  Right before the conversation continued, a beautiful specimen with long black hair walked into the shop. Her beauty was stunning and Zeeway immediately took notice. She favored Megan Goode greatly.

  “Yo look at shawty,” Zeeway said looking tapping Jay’s arm while looking at her. “I’m bout to go holla.”

  “Hold fast on that shit,” Jay stopped him. “What did you mean about Smokes putting his bitch on?”

  “Nothin’, nigga,” Zeeway barked. “Relax!” he had a feeling he was fucking Smoke’s chick for sure and wondered if that was the female he saw in the car the other day. “I was just talkin’ shit.”

  Jay was enraged. He couldn’t even pretend like he wasn’t. He decided to bounce on his dumb ass. But before leaving he made an observation about the female he was sweating. “Aight, yo! I’m out,” he smiled devilishly while Zeeway was rapping to the girl. “But just so you know,” he said looking at the chick. “That bitch you talkin’ to is a dude!”

  The smile was wiped clean from Zeeway’s face. And just like that, Jay was out.

  Parade

  Current Day

  I was inside of the shower nervously wondering if Zeeway would come over today and blast my shit wide open. Would he recognize me even if he didn’t see my face? He finally made contact with Smokes and I was scared to meet him in person. Then I wondered if I could get away with seeing Jay again today unnoticed. Why did I agree to meet him at his house? Hell…I already knew the answer. I was addicted. I was thirsty. And only Jay could quench my thirst.

  “Parade! Parade!” I heard Smokes yell while the water flooded my ears. I turned off the faucet and wiped my soapy eyes to be sure he was calling me. “Parade! You hear me?!”

  “Yeah, baby! What’s up?” I said with my hands resting on the faucets ready to turn the water back on once I found out what he wanted.

  “When you get out of the shower get dressed and come to the living room, I got somebody I want you to meet.”

  Oh shit! I know its Zeeway. This is crazy! He’s gonna see my car from last night and then remember. What was I thinking? Why was I taking such a risk on a man who never loved me to begin with? Jay was already proving to be more trouble than he was worth. I was about to lose my mind until I remembered I parked the car in the garage, instead of the curb like I usually did. So unless they went in there, it would be impossible for him to see it. Thank God! Now all I was gonna have to do is get out of the house.

  “Okay, baby.” I turned on the water to cause a diversion in case I started talking to myself out loud.

  I got out of the shower and the soap suds from my shower clung to my body. I dried myself off and eased on my panties. Wiping the steam from the mirror with my hands I was able to look at myself.

  Pushing irrelevant thoughts out of my mind, I thought about Zeeway again. I wasn’t sure but something told me things were getting ready to get out of hand. I’m getting ready to lose everything. I just know it.

  Smokes

  Can I talk to you please?” Sweets asked as she entered Smoke’s house.

  “I got company.” He advised opening the door. His muscular chest was visible despite the white wifebeater t-shirt he was wearing.

  “Please,” she insisted. “It’ll only take a moment.”

  He wiped his bald head with his hands and slid in the living room with his O.Dawg slippers on his size 13 feet. Letting out a heavy sigh he said, “Make it quick.”

  Sweets ’s eyes met Zeeway’s as she followed behind Smokes. He stopped in the living room within listening distance from his company.

  “Can I talk to you in private?” she added looking at Zeeway who was looking her up and down. The hairs on the back of her neck stood up when he rubbed his dick and licked his lips as he eyed her in the doorway.

  “Aight…let me talk to him right quick. You go wait in the den.”

  She did as she was told and Smokes walked over to Zeeway.

  “I see you got a lot of shit goin’ on around here. You sure you can handle both of them? Or do you need my help?”

  “I know you betta keep your voice down before that bitch comes out and hears you.”

  “My bad.”

  “Now what did you have to tell me?”

  “Oh…yeah,” Zeeway said remembering their earlier conversation. “I think Jay’s fuckin’ her for real. I saw your car over his crib last night and at first I wasn’t sure, but when I saw it when we were in the garage, I was certain.”

  Smokes looked irritated but knew all a long she was with him. He was angry because he couldn’t control her, not because she was stepping out on him. He had to make sure she was niave enough to get on the plane that had her name all on it. And if Jay stayed around, it would be difficult for her to do.

  “Let me worry about that,” Smokes said. “You just play him close and keep your ears open. Now let me check her real quick,” he continued referring to Sweets.

  He bounced toward the den.

  “What’s so important it can’t wait?” Smokes asked. “Parade is here so this can’t be too long.”

  “I don’t think you need Parade as much as you think you do.” She said sitting on the grey plush sofa.

  “How many times I gotta tell you,” he said closing the door and than sitting beside her. “We need her. Be patient! Why you trippin?”

  “Smokes this shit is pissin’ me off. If you want to be with me let me help you. Trust me to do whatever it is you say she has to do. Why we got to play games with this bitch while you play me off as her maid? I can handle whatever you need her to do if you would just talk to me.”

  Smokes looked angrily upon her until his facial expression changed. Instead of yelling he planted a passionate kiss on her lips. He knew what she needed. Women always tripped when they didn’t get a good dose of dick and she was no exception. Their tongues danced until he took control and sucked hers softly. She dropped her purse on the floor and fell back onto the couch. His body covered hers as he removed his dick and pulled her skirt up. Her panties cutting against her soft pussy lips hurt at first, until he fucked her like she wanted to be fucked. Her mouth opened and she almost moaned aloud until he covered her lips with his hand.

  Smokes had one thing on his mind. Control. And if he had to fuck this bitch on a regular to get her to chill and stop tripping, he was willing to do what he had to do. Besides, he really did like her and he knew she’d do whatever he needed done when the time was right.

  “Shit! Your pussy good as shit!” he let out as he pulled his dick out and released his semen on her sweaty body. Just when he did, Parade opened the door.

  “Get the fuck out!” he yelled right before she opened it all the way, exposing their indecencies.

  Parade slammed it shut missing their sex scene by seconds. They both hurried up and got themselves together. He didn’t care if Sweets reached a climax or not, he was almost caught and it was all her fault.

  “Now listen. We got to do what we go to do until everything is done. When I’m ready to let you
in on everything you’ll know. Until then, you gotta trust me and keep an eye on this bitch for me,” he said breathing heavily. “Can I count on you or what?”

  “Yes.” she said adjusting her clothes, his sperm and her cum stuck to her skirt. She looked at the door once more to make sure Parade wasn’t coming back in. “You can count on me.”

  “Good…that’s what I want to hear.”

  Parade

  What the fuck was that about? When I walked into the living room, Zeeway told me Smokes was in the den, and when I went to see him, he screamed at me before I could walk in. Something was up and I was uneasy.

  Walking back in the living room, I caught Zeeway’s stares. Wearing a pair of tight fitting blue jeans and a short Juicy top that showcased my fit abs, I put a little extra in my step so he’d continue to look at my body and not my face. He did everything I wanted him to do. His mouth dropped as he saw the flatness of my stomach and the fatness of my ass.

  And seconds later, Smokes walked out. I walked over to Smokes and planted a passionate kiss on him and then I wrapped my arms around his neck. When I did, I saw Sweets standing behind him.

  “Is everything okay?” I asked my eyes fixated on Sweets. “Yeah…Sweets was just leaving,” he said nonchalantly. Without saying a word, she walked out the door. When she was gone, Smokes directed his attention toward me. But I wanted to know what happened in the den. Part of me cared but the part that loved Jay could give a fuck! I just wish if he did want to be with her, that he’d let me go.

  “Zee, this my future wife.” He said changing the subject. “Parade.”

  I extended my hand and he accepted, holding it longer than he should have. My plan had exceeded my expectations. He was so consumed with lust that he didn’t even realize that we’d been in each other’s presence before. Done with my game, I decided to excuse myself.