by Tiece
“Sounds scary,” Bianca responded.
“Noooooo,” Lauren intercepted. “What’s scary is getting these damn fifteen-hundred thousand dollar child support checks I get every month for your nephew. I have not heard from Jamal since that night I slapped his lying ass, but I’m still getting these checks every month.”
“That is scary,” Janay said.
“Scary?” Bianca said with a frown. “Weeeell, I’ll be taking my scared ass to the bank every month when they come.” They laughed.
“I’ve gotten four of them, but I’m scared to cash the bitches. Jamal’s wife is so fucking Psycho till I don’t know what to think.”
Janay raised an eyebrow. “Hell, the bitch told you to keep the car and that he’ll take care of his kid, right? Well, at least she’s keeping up that part of the bargain.”
Bianca laughed. “Janay, your ass crazy,” she said.
“Well, I made sure that she wasn’t coming back to get my car. That’s why we’re riding in a new Nissan Maxima. I traded that bitch in.”
“He must’ve loved you though, because he got the car in your name so she couldn’t take it anyway.” Janay said.
Lauren frowned. “But, I still didn’t want anything that he bought me with his lying ass.”
“Can’t blame you there,” Bianca said. “So, what’s going on with Kerry?”
“Kerry has been busy working long hours and juggling time with the kids between her and Justin. It’s funny how we’d just spoke about spending more time with each other and now the distance kicks in.”
“Well, she still talks to all of y’all. She just doesn’t talk to me.” Bianca sadly said. “I reached out to apologize for saying what I said to her that night at the house and then I apologized for my actions with Justin.”
“And what did she say?” Lauren nosily asked because Kerry hadn’t mentioned anything like that to her.
“She said that I was making up excuses about Justin and that I’ve always wanted him. She thinks that night I only did that to really hurt her, but y’all know that it wasn’t like that. I promise to God it wasn’t.” She sincerely said. “I just wanted her to come to my wedding this weekend even if she didn’t want to be in it.”
“I know,” Janay said feeling bad for Bianca. “Well, I won’t miss it for the world. I must admit it, I didn’t see this happening and so soon. I’m happy for you Sis.”
Bianca smiled. “Thanks, that means the world to me. I’m marrying a man that I absolutely adore. He makes me want to be a better person and I’m learning so much just being around my kids all the time. I won’t even let them go stay the night with Mommy now and she’s getting jealous.” They laughed. “They are just so smart and sweet. I don’t know what I could’ve been thinking about. Just throwing my life away,” she said disappointedly shaking her head.
“The good thing is that it’s never too late to change.” Lauren said then poured up three shots. They each picked up their shot glass. “To our lil sister B who is tying the knot in four days,” Lauren said.
“And may God bless their new home, their family, and I pray that they are happy and prosper together forever,” Janay added.
Bianca had tears in her eyes. “Aww, I love y’all.” She said as they turned up their drinks. It did feel good to have them there, because they’d stood by her. She wished that Kerry and ShaKita would forgive her, but don’t look like that was going to happen anytime soon.
**********
Lauren sat in the house with Mrs. Ware as she watched her whip up the mixing for Bianca’s favorite Red Velvet cake. She had a fit to have three of them at her wedding and she was definitely going to get them.
“You know that Bianca was hoping that Kerry would’ve helped you bake these cakes.” Lauren said.
“I know, but Kerry is being so stubborn right now. She’s pissing me off so bad until I just can’t say anything to her. She’ll bring her butt right in here and see Bianca and all she’ll do is speak to her. Even if Bianca tries to carry on a conversation with her she doesn’t respond.”
“She’s acting real childish, her and Kita,” Lauren said.
“My po’ baby has lost her mind,” Mrs. Ware said speaking of ShaKita. “I just don’t know what’s wrong with her. She can’t be that embarrassed about liking girls. I never thought she would turn out that way, but she’s my child and I love her all the same.”
“I know,” Lauren chimed in. “Well, have you tried to talk to them and make them come to the wedding tomorrow? This is a big day for Bianca. Her and Tory really are doing it big and I’d hate for them to miss it; more so because it’ll break B’s heart. And if that happens they may have to worry about her never saying anything to them again.”
“Lolo,” Mrs. Ware said. “Kita and Kerry are both grown women. I can’t make them do anything. I tried to talk to them, but they’re just alike; very stubborn. If they come they come and if they don’t then I can only pray that one day they find it in their hearts to get past it.”
“Me, too but something is going to have to give,” Lauren said. “I’ll be damn if my sister gets married and her sisters don’t come because of something so childish. We should be able to get past things. We’re blood sisters and nothing should come between us. Don’t worry, I’ll handle this.”
“If you can I’d be so grateful,” Mrs. Ware said.
**********
Lauren sat on the front porch of their family home and decided to call ShaKita and Kerry on three-way. She was really fed up with their shit.
“Yeah,” ShaKita answered.
“Well hey to you too, you lil ratchet ass heifa,” Lauren said. “I haven’t heard from you since the other day.”
“I’ve been busy,” ShaKita nonchalantly responded.
“So you say,” Lauren stated. “Well, hold on and don’t hang up,” she said then she called Kerry.
“What’s up Lolo,” Kerry spoke.
“Hey Sis,” Lauren spoke back. “Hold on,” she said then joined the two calls. “ShaKita?” she called out.
“Yeah,” ShaKita said.
“Kerry?” she called out.
“What’s this about?” Kerry quickly asked.
“It’s about y’all two ratchet bitches.” Lauren quickly said and before they could respond she kept talking. “How in the hell are y’all gonna miss out on B’s wedding because y’all got a fucking attitude. I’m just straight sick of this shit. Yes, Bianca said some things and well, did some crazy things,” she said thinking about the kiss with her and Justin. “But, that’s y’all sister and blood is thicker than water any day.”
“I’m not in the mood for this,” Kerry said.
“Well, I tell you what, everybody knew that Justin had left you for another woman. Hell, that wasn’t no secret and he has even tried to tell you that the kiss between him and Bianca was harmless. Yet, you’re still holding on to a grudge and for what? Your sister explained that shit to me and so did Tory. It all added up and I believe her when she said that’s how it happened.”
“I’m ‘bout to hang up,” ShaKita said.
“No the hell you’re not,” Lauren stated with authority. “If you wanna eat a bitch pussy then that’s your business. Bianca didn’t have bad intentions in the beginning when asking Coco to come over but AGAIN you started that shit and she just beat you to the finish line. Get over it!” Lauren demanded. “Neither one of y’all have to say another thing, but if y’all don’t come to that wedding tomorrow then consider yourself having one less sister. I promise to God that I will never speak to y’all selfish asses again. This girl has been through hell and back and y’all bitches can’t see that? She’s finally happy with a good guy and y’all can’t even be happy for her. You can’t possibly have any Ware blood in you because this ain’t the way we act. We learn how to fight and get over it because we love each other. Life is too short to be holding on to these stupid ass grudges. Now with that being said, I’m DONE! But try me if you wanna.” She said then hung up in both t
heir faces.
**********
Bianca stood in the mirror admiring how pretty she was in her wedding gown. Her make-up was flawless as usual and the Faddish/Trumpet mermaid one shoulder, floor length, all white tiered dress looked stunning on her. She primped from the back thinking that it was going to be a great day.
Janay walked in the room holding Brison. “My gosh, you look beautiful Sis,” she said with tears in her eyes. She walked over and kissed her on the cheek then Bianca leaned over and kissed Brison.
“Hey auntie baby,” she said, kissing him around his neck. “We just had to come show you some love and I can’t wait to walk down the isle as your Matron of Honor.” She smiled. “What an honor.”
“Thanks Sis,” Bianca said trying not to get teary eyed. “Now get outta here before you make me cry. That’s why I put Mommy out.” They laughed.
“Okaaaay,” Janay said and made her exit.
“Bye Brice, lil Cutey,” Bianca said then turning from the mirror to see Royce who had walked in holding Jewel. She was so pretty in her little white ruffled baby doll dress.
“Mom, you are beautiful,” he said kissing her on the jaw.
“Aww, you and Jewel look so good. That must be that Ware blood in y’all.” She teased as they shared a sweet moment of laughter. “Son, you look so handsome. I just wanted to say that I’m very proud of you. I know that I’ve not been the best mom in the world, but I wanna make that up to you.” She said.
“And I know you will. I’ve always had faith in you.” He said almost causing her to cry as she batted her eyes. “Give mommy kiss,” she said kissing on Jewel’s face then kissing Royce on the cheek. “Now go make sure that your other sister’s are dressed the part and ready to walk the isle.”
“Your flower girl almost got chocolate on her dress,” he said speaking of his five year old little sister.”
Bianca smiled. “That girl is just like her aunt Kita with her lil greedy butt.” Royce laughed at her comment. “Speaking of sister, please go find Lauren for me. She should be here by now.”
“Okay mom,” Royce said then exited the room. Bianca smiled. She was proud of herself. She’d stopped taking pills, smoking weed, and she’d even cut back on drinking only during special occasions. Tory was a big factor in that. He was like heaven sent or Kory sent. She smiled because it was easy to fall so head over heels in love with Tory. He was definitely spontaneous, family oriented and he’d always said that it was love at first sight.
She smiled looking back in the mirror and smoothing the edges on her hair that led to her pin up. Kissing the kids and seeing Royce look so good and them both feeling proud of each other was something she’d always prayed for. It felt like a mommy moment for her. She’d always wanted to be like her mom and marry a guy like her dad.
Chapter16
Lauren got out of her car running late, but she was dressed and ready to walk the isle as the Maid of Honor. She hadn’t heard anything from her stubborn sisters and even though it hurt her that they’d act so childish; she was going to act just like them if they didn’t show.
She headed up to the church from the parking lot and was instantly blindsided as Jamal rode up on her out of nowhere. She jumped as he let the window down because she didn’t recognize the black Range Rover that he was driving.
“Hey,” he said looking at her with a sad expression on his face. Lauren wanted to walk off, but she hadn’t seen him in months and seeing him at that moment had her stuck. “How have you been?” He asked just hoping that she’d talk to him.
“I’m good,” she responded. “And I’m running late. This definitely is not a good time,” she said feeling confused about the mixed feelings that she was having since she hadn’t saw him in a while.
“I just wanted you to know that I’m leaving town for awhile.” He explained.
Lauren disappointedly shook her head. “You could’ve just left, Jamal. We hadn’t seen you in months.” She explained feeling really ready to walk off now.
“I couldn’t leave without saying good-bye,” he said. “I know you hate me, but I just want you to know that I’ve actually left Gail, that’s the reason why I’m moving. I need to find myself. I’ve been so used to living a certain way and telling lies over and over again until it became habit and one day I looked in the mirror and didn’t like the man that I saw.” Lauren just stood there hating this man, but feeling just as bad for him because he was lost. “I’m sorry for all the pain that I’ve caused you and maybe one day you’ll allow me to at least be in my son’s life. Kiss him for me. Tell him daddy does love him regardless of what happened.”
Lauren dropped her head not knowing how to take his sincere confession. “Have a nice life, Jamal. We’ll be good,” she said walking off, but she wasn’t good. This was a man that she loved that took advantage of her in so many ways. How was she ever going to bounce back from that? Trusting a man at that point was not going to be an easy task at all.
Jamal pulled up beside her as she walked. “Cash the checks, Lauren. Make sure you take care of my son. I still love you.” He said but Lauren kept walking with her head down. Jamal pulled off just as she reached the steps to the church.
“Aye Lolo,” a familiar voice called out from across the street. Lauren instantly smiled as she looked back to see ShaKita getting out of her car with Coco.
“You came,” Lauren said hugging her tightly then hugging Coco. She was just happy to see that she showed up and in the bridesmaid’s dress that Bianca had asked her to order if she decided to come. “Oh my God, you look so cute and B is gonna be so happy to see you!”
“I can’t wait to see her,” ShaKita said. “I know she is such a pretty bride.”
“You talk to your sister,” Lauren asked speaking of Kerry then turned as she heard another familiar voice.
“Aye, wait for me,” Kerry called out from the parking lot across the street.
“Well, there she is!” Lauren said with extreme excitement. The smile spread across her face was priceless. She knew that this would make Bianca have the best wedding day ever and she deserved it for making such a positive change in her life.
**********
Mr. Ware walked inside the dressing room of the church that the men were getting dressed in. He wanted to speak to the groom before he walked his daughter down the aisle. He knocked lightly on the door that led to the where they should’ve been getting dressed. He pushed the door open lightly, but didn’t walk in because he heard Tory speaking with his brother.
“So you’ve been in remission for six months, Bro. We have good reason to celebrate.” Tron said as Tory gave him dap.
“Yes, plenty of reasons to celebrate,” Tory agreed.
Mr. Ware couldn’t help but walk in and say something. “Son, did I just hear that you’re in remission?” he bluntly asked.
Tory was stunned to even know that he’d been standing there. “Wow, sir. I didn’t mean for you to hear that.” He admitted.
“Tell me what’s going on,” Mr. Ware said feeling remorseful for his soon to be son-n-law.
“I was diagnosed with testicular cancer about a year and a half ago.”
“Son, I’m sorry to hear that,” Mr. Ware said. “Does Bianca know?”
“No sir and I hope you respect my decision, but I’m not going to tell her.” Mr. Ware didn’t say a word. He wanted to hear him out. “I’d been one of those men that just ran the streets, had beautiful women, lots of cash to blow,” he said. “But, I had no choice but to slow down one day and take it all in. Here I was a thirty-four year old man and had never had any kids and couldn’t settle down because I’d not found the one that would hold my attention. Then one day, I go to the doctor because of a small lump that I’d felt in my testicle. That’s when I found out what I had.”
“Son, I wish you would’ve spoken to me about this,” Mr. Ware said wanting him to feel comfortable talking to him.
“There was no need. After getting the proper treatment I found out in Novem
ber of last year that I was in remission.”
“That’s good news.” Mr. Ware said, but don’t you think your soon to be wife should know about it.
“No sir.” He sincerely said. “After going through exhausting treatments and dealing with overwhelming lonely thoughts; I wanted to get it together. I prayed that if I got through this that I was going to settle down and make someone a great husband. I also prayed for the perfect wife for me.” Mr. Ware nodded, respecting a God fearing man.
“The first day I met your daughter was in Olive Garden. That was the same day that I got the call from my doctor that I was in remission. When I saw her that day I said that she was gonna be my wife. She didn’t even wanna know my name and wouldn’t take my number.” He grinned. “Then we kept running into each other until we had no choice but to talk. It’s been a blessing since. I was told that I’d never have children but now I have five.”
