by Deja King
"No. This is what I want you to do. Spend some time with your mother, pack up your belongings, get your car, and meet me at home. We can talk then. But if you need me, you know how to reach me."
"I'll see you later on tonight then." Nichelle got out of the car and briefly watched as Renny drove off before going inside the building. She decided to stop and see Tierra first, and then go to her mother's place.
Nichelle knocked on Tierra's door, and part of her didn't want her to be home because she knew an interrogation would be in the works. She could hear somebody walk up to the door and not say anything, so she knew they were probably looking through the peephole.
When the door opened, at first Tierra didn't say a word. She just gave Nichelle a hug.
"Girl, I have missed you so much! I'm glad you're home... come on in," Tierra said, letting Nichelle go after hugging her for a good minute.
"I missed you too. I'm sorry-"
"You don't have to apologize to me," Tierra put her hand up, cutting Nichelle off. "I heard about what happened with Lerrick, and I completely understand you wanting to stay on the low. But you ain't gonna have to worry about the triflin' bitch no more."
"How did you hear about what happened to her?"
"I was at the beauty salon last week, and her silly ass sister was in there tryna spread lies about you. But I shut that bitch down. She tried to make it seem that you slashed Lerrick's face because you were jealous of her ugly ass... as if!"
"Yeah, I did slash her face, but she deserved it! She made me lose my baby... Carmelo's baby!" Nichelle couldn't hold back the tears and broke down crying, not over the pain.
"Omigod, Nichelle! I had no idea you lost the baby! Come here." Tierra held her again, this time even tighter, and Nichelle balled like a newborn baby.
"It's been so hard for me. I've never hated anybody as much as I hate Lerrick. I'm glad she's dead."
"Lerrick is dead? When this happen?" Tierra stood back, looking at Nichelle in shock and wanting all the details.
"I heard some girls talking about it today after school in the bathroom. It happened last week. Lerrick, Kyla and Cinthia all got killed. I don't know anymore information other than that. But all three of them played a role in killing my baby. Kyla and Cinthia held me while Lerrick beat the shit out of me in the bathroom at school. I even told that heffa I was pregnant, and she didn't give a fuck! She was straight evil."
Tierra shook her head in disgust. "I wish I would've got to that bitch first and killed her. I know how much you wanted that baby. I'm so sorry, Nichelle."
"Yeah, but I have to let go. I'll always love Carmelo, but he's my past. I have to move on, especially now that I'm no longer carrying his baby."
"So, where have you been? I was worried about you."
"I know, and I should'a called, but I needed some time alone. I've been staying wit' a friend in jersey."
"Word, what part of Jersey? `Cause I'ma be doing some house-sitting in Jersey."
"Edgewater."
"I'm in Jersey City. I don't know how far that is from Edgewater. Are you gonna still be staying there? `Cause if not, you can come stay wit' me. `Cause I know you don't want to go back to yo' mama's house. I damn sure can't wait to get the fuck outta here. Let's go to my room. I'm packing now. I don't need nothing holding up my progress."
"Actually, I am going back to stay in Edgewater for a little longer. I came to get my clothes, some other stuff, and my car, then I'm going right back."
Tierra was staring at Nichelle strangely. "Did you meet somebody? Don't be holding back on me neither."
"I wasn't gonna say nothing, but eventually you would find out anyway so I might as well tell you."
"Girl, would you say it? You got me all anxious wanting to know who this mystery guy is."
"Actually, you know him."
"I do? Who is it?"
"Renny O'Neal."
"You talkin' `bout Radric's friend that we saw at Carmelo's funeral?"
"Yes, can you believe it?"
"No! How the fuck did that happen?"
"I ran into him on my way home after that fight wit' Lerrick. I was fucked up and I started bleeding. He was the one that took me to the hospital. He saved my life."
"I can't believe you're living wit' Renny!" Tierra said, sitting down on her bed with confusion written all over her face.
"I know. I can't believe it either."
"I hope you not falling for him."
"Why you say it like that?"
"Because, Nichelle, he is way out of your league. I'm your girl. I ain't gon' steer you wrong."
"I remember when you were dating Radric, and when Simone was alive, you wanted her to get wit' Renny. You didn't say she was out of his league."
"You know Simone was my girl and I loved her, but she was a trick bitch. She knew how the game rocked. It was about getting as much as you can out a nigga, `cause you knew that shit wasn't gon' last anyway. I know you, Nichelle. Shit, I practically raised you. You're gonna fall in love wit' him."
"And what's wrong wit' that?"
"See, the fact that you asked me that question lets me know you ain't ready for a nigga like Renny. A nigga like him don't know what love is."
"You're wrong. I'm not saying that he ain't complicated, but he's a good guy."
Tierra put her head down and covered her face with her hand in frustration. "There is nothing good about a man like Renny. I've been around him. I know how he and Radric used to roll. They were heartless."
"Then why did he help me, why has he been so good to me. He hasn't even tried to fuck me."
"Man, that nigga is doin' a number on you. Don't you see it's all calculated? For some reason, Renny has decided that he wants you. If you were a thirsty bitch with nothing to offer but your pussy, I would tell you to ride that gravy train until the wheels fall off. Hell, I would even help you push the shit and make sure you didn't fall until you got everything you could out that nigga. But then, if you were that type of chick, Renny probably wouldn't give you the time of day. So my advice to you is run, Nichelle. Run as fast as you can and don't look back."
"I know you tryna look out for me, and I appreciate that, but I think your wrong about him. Look what Carmelo did to me. Renny couldn't do anything worse than that."
"Chi-i-i-i-ld, compared to Renny, Carmelo was a choir boy. Unfortunately, if you stick around long enough, you'll see. But by then it'll be too late. Because once Renny gets a hold of your heart, even when you see what a monster he is and you want to leave, you won't."
"Tierra, I have to go. My mom is waiting for me. I'll call you later on," Nichelle said abruptly, not wanting to listen to Tierra's warnings about Renny.
"Okay. We have to hang out soon though."
"Of course, especially now that'll we'll both be in jersey."
Tierra walked Nichelle to the door and gave her a hug goodbye. "Don't be a stranger."
"I won't. We're best friends, that'll never change," Nichelle smiled, and walked out.
Tierra wasn't so sure of that. Out of all the men for Nichelle to get involved with, she hated that it had to be Renny O'Neal. She always felt protective of Nichelle because she wasn't as tough as her and the rest of the girls around the way. But Nichelle would have to learn for herself, and all Tierra could do was be there for her when Renny fucked up, because there was no doubt in her mind that he would.
When Nichelle got back to Jersey, she was surprised but happy that Renny was already home.
"How did everything go with your mom?" Renny asked, putting down the book he was reading.
"Good. She was disappointed that she wasn't able to meet you, but I told her it would happen soon."
"And it will. It was a crazy day for me. There was no way I could've made it happen. But what did you want to talk to me about earlier?"
"Oh yeah, it was a crazy day for me too. I found out that the girls who were responsible for me losing my baby were killed last week."
"I already knew that."
"I found out right after it happened, from Kasaun, one of my workers."
"What? How did Kasaun know?"
"Because after he killed them, he informed me that it had been done, since it was me who gave him the order to do it."
Nichelle almost lost her balance and reached for the couch to hold herself up. She got a little dizzy, thinking she wasn't hearing things correctly.
"What did you say?"
"You heard me. Why don't you sit down? You seem a little shaky."
"You just told me you had one of your workers murder three girls! Don't you think I should be a little shaky?"
"If you say so. Do you want me to get you some water or anything to drink?"
"How can you be so calm? You act like what happened is no big deal!"
"Because to me, it's not. I've known innocent people that have been killed. Do you really believe I gave a second thought to havin' three worthless lives taken out of this world? Plus, you would'a never been able to focus on going to school every day knowing those girls could try to hurt you at any moment. I did everybody a favor by having them erased!" he said, diverting from his normally calm demeanor and getting hyped.
Nichelle couldn't help but think back to her earlier conversation with Tierra. She warned her that Renny was heartless... a monster. But Nichelle rationalized that Renny having Lerrick and her friends killed was him looking out for her, because he cared about her wellbeing. Because he was so calm and unfazed by what happened didn't mean he was heartless, it meant he did what he thought he had to do to protect her.
"I understand why you did it. You've done so much for me. I want to do something for you."
"You are. By going to school, getting good grades and graduating is showing all the gratitude I need."
"I wanna do more."
"Do more, like what?"
"I wanna give you one." Nichelle's eyes widened, wondering if what she said touched Renny in any sort of way.
"I already have you," he stated with confidence.
"We've never had sex."
"In your mind we have, and all I need is your mind, and I've been had that."
Nichelle winced inside knowing Renny was hundred percent right. That's why it didn't matter how much Tierra warned her to stay away from him, it was already too late. Her mind was gone. Nichelle needed to be intimate with Renny much more than he needed to be with her, because her mind wouldn't be satisfied until she connected with him on a physical level.
"You're right. I have had sex with you in my mind. But, I want more. I want to feel you inside of me."
"Are you ready for that? Because once we go there, there's no going back. No more talk about Carmelo, or the baby you lost... all that is done. It's about me and us, nothing else. You ready for that?"
Run Nichelle! Run as fast as-you can and don't look back! Tierra's warning screamed in her head over and over again, but instead of listening, she ignored it.
"I'm ready. No more looking back. It's all about us," Nichelle said, making it clear that she was down for whatever Renny wanted.
Renny sat back on the couch and reached out his hand without saying a word. But no words were needed. Nichelle knew what was up, and she was dying for Renny to break her off. She stood up, taking off her clothes before going to him.
Renny held her hand and with the other one he glided his finger, outlining every curve on Nichelle's body. He then pulled her down to straddle his lap, and he cupped her breasts as his tongue played with her hardened nipples. Nichelle moaned in satisfaction, and her head went back as the moistness from each kiss brought such gratification to her body.
Renny then slithered his finger inside her pussy until finding the right spot on her clit that had her begging for more. Nichelle grinded her wide hips, her juices drenching his finger. She called out his name in pleasure, reaching an orgasm without even getting a taste of the dick. Her body shivered, and Renny held her close, trying to get her to relax. He then lifted her body, carrying her into his bedroom. When he laid her down, Nichelle thought about the numerous times she dreamed of lying in the bed next to him with her body wrapped around his. Now, it was finally happening.
Nichelle gazed up at Renny as he made love to her with his eyes. When he came out of his clothes, she was about to catch another orgasm from staring at his damn near perfectly crafted body. It looked as if it was hand carved to meet every woman's ideal specifications, all the way down to his massively hung manhood.
When he finally entered her, Nichelle knew it was a complete wrap. He owned her mind, body and soul, but the way his tool filled up her insides, she didn't care. In fact, she welcomed it.
W oloql
They say it's a thin line between love and hate, but I believe the line just becomes blurry, depending on whether the person in your life is bringing you joy or pain. But, sometimes the love and hate can be so equally powerful they become one in the same. That's when you know you're sprung, and there is no coming back from that.
"Tierra, this crib is official, and the view is beautiful!" Nichelle said, standing in front of the huge bay window in Tierra's bedroom.
"Yeah, it's hot! I'm so fuckin' happy to be out my mom's crib and back to ballin' like I'm supposed to be."
"How long is this house-sitting job supposed to last?"
"I know the lease is paid up for the first year. Hopefully, by the time it's up, my shit will be so lovely, that how I'ma pay for the next year won't even be a stress for me."
"So, who is this new guy that got you living so good-rent paid up, nice ass furniture, cute drop top BMW? All this shit seemed to have fallen from the sky. Is it that guy you met at the bowling alley a few months back? Did you hit the jackpot wit' him?"
"Yep, it's him."
"So, if he's checkin' for you like this, why don't he just move you in wit' him? It would be much cheaper."
"He's married. And you know wit' them types, I always tax them higher."
"Tierra, don't you ever wanna settle down and-"
"And what, get married? Hell no! These niggas out here ain't shit! And the reason why I know is `cause I ain't shit neither, and we be out here not being shit together!"
"Girl, you are a straight fool. Always have been, and I've pretty much accepted you always will be."
"Not foolish, logical. I give you a few more years and you'll be logical like me too."
"Whatever. I want to stay just like I am now, in love."
"That didn't take long. But then, we are talkin' about Renny. I'm hardly surprised."
Nichelle blushed. It had only been a couple of months since the first time they made love, and Nichelle had been floating on clouds ever since. She breathed, slept and ate Renny. He consumed her every thought and move. Everything she did was to please him. Her days consisted of going to school and coming home, waiting for Renny.
The only reason she decided to chill with Tierra was because Renny had to go out of town for a day. Missing him had her in such a slump, she thought being around Tierra would cheer her up. It was helping, but she was counting down the minutes, waiting for him to return. "I never thought I could be this happy."
"Humm, if I'm not mistaken, you were so in love wit' Carmelo," Tierra reminded her.
"I realize now that was puppy love. He never had me open like Renny does."
"Oh, so you are aware that dude got you sprung."
"It's that obvious?"
"Pretty much. I am happy for you, Nichelle. But be careful. Renny is a thoroughbred. His kind is damn near extinct. I would be afraid to fuck wit' a nigga like that... and we know how I gets down."
"Hold up, that's him calling now. Hey, baby!"
"I called the house and you weren't there. Where are you?"
"At Tierra's. I was missing you and I didn't wanna be alone."
"That's cool."
"When are you coming home? I hate when you're gone."
Tierra wanted to vomit, listening to how mushy N
ichelle was being. She didn't know whether to laugh or cry over how far gone Nichelle was.
"I'll be back late tonight, but I have to leave tomorrow again and go to Philly."
"Baby, you leaving me again?" Nichelle was trying not to whine but she couldn't help herself.
"I tell you what. You can come with me."
Nichelle's face instantly lit up.
"During the day, I'll be handling a lot of business. Bring Tierra so she can keep you company."
"Okay, I'll ask if she wants to come. Thanks, baby. I'll see you tonight."
"He's off the phone, so you can take that smile off your face," Tierra groaned.
"Shut up! But listen, can you go to Philly tomorrow morning? Renny has to handle some business there all day, so he suggested I ask you to come and keep me company."
"Now I'm your babysitter?"
"It'll be fun."
"I'm kiddin'. I'm down."
"It's so nice that Renny is cool with our friendship. Carmelo didn't even want you coming through the front door. That shit was so stressful. Now my best friend and my man is cool ...I like that."
"Yeah, Renny ain't a bad nigga. My only concern is you. But if he's making you happy, then fuck it, that's all that matters."
When Nichelle woke up in the morning, the first thing she did was turn around to see if Renny was beside her, and to her relief, he was. She had tried to stay up, waiting for him to come home, but eventually fell asleep. She wanted to wake him, craving to feel him inside of her, but he looked peaceful, so she opted not to.
"I'm starving," she said out loud as she headed to the kitchen. When she opened the refrigerator, there was nothing but the leftover Chinese food she had last night. "Mickey D's still serving breakfast. I'ma go get me something before we head to Philly," she continued, closing the refrigerator door.
Nichelle threw on some jeans and a light sweater. She then grabbed her wallet and house keys, but was confused when she didn't see her car key. Normally she would lay them both on the kitchen counter next to each other. After searching everywhere she thought they could be, she grabbed the keys to one of Renny's cars and went to the garage. Although she figured it was highly unlikely, she was going to peek inside her car to see if she left the key inside.
