by Mz. Toni
“Ok, I’ll be there. Thank you again, Cherish.”
“No problem,” she said, before hanging up.
“Can you drop me off?”
“Naw,” he said, surprising me.
“Oh, you have something to do?”
“No,” he said, before getting up and walking towards the garage door. Following behind him, I was curious as hell. When I walked into the garage, right beside his 2015 Dodge Charger was an all-white Audi. When I looked at him for confirmation that this was mine, he simply tossed me the keys. I wasn't sure how he could afford this car on a cop's salary, but in that moment, that was the last thing on my mind.
“You didn't have to do this, but thank you so much babe!” I screamed, jumping into his arms.
“Man, I was tired of being ya chauffeur,” he said laughing.
“Whatever!” I said, still hugging him. After checking out my car, I went to take a shower and get dressed. When I was done, I kissed my man and headed out to meet my baby. With my music blasting, I drove to the nail salon. When I pulled up, I watched as Jasmine and Cherish hopped out of her all black Lexus GX truck. She was definitely a bad bitch and I could most definitely see what Mega saw in her. She looked confident, she was beautiful and she had a nice little petite body.
“Hey Mama Ashley,” Jasmine said, hugging me.
“Hey baby, and hey Cherish.”
“What’s up, I see you pushing that Audi girl, that thing hot,” Cherish said sincerely. Me and Cherish had an understanding, which allowed us to be cool. We weren't friends, but we respected each other and no longer had any bad blood, our main objective was Jasmine. I had been by her house to play with Jasmine a few times when she was with her and not Mega, and she always treated me nicely.
“Thank you,” I said, blushing. It had been so long since a female actually gave me a genuine compliment about anything. It was hard for me to even accept it because I was so used to bitches hating me, but with Cherish, she was a bad bitch herself, so she had no reason to hate. Walking into the salon, we waited until it was our turn and when it was, we sat in the pedi chair and let the massager relax us. They even had a little cute Hello Kitty chair for Jasmine to sit in, and she really felt like she was a big kid because of it.
“I think it’s time for acrylic,” she said seriously.
“Pshhh, little girl you thought wrong,” Cherish said, serious as a heart attack.
“Yeah, leave the thinking to us adults,” I said laughing.
“Well it was worth a try,” Jasmine said with a shrug.
“Yeah, you tried it alright,” Cherish said, laughing hard. As the three of us got our toes done, we talked with Jasmine about school, a boy she liked, and how her grades needed to be her main focus.
“Daddy says I don't need a boyfriend because I got him, but that’s nasty, I heard he can go to jail for that.”
“For what?” I asked, nervous as hell.
“You know.”
“Hell naw we don't know.”
“If you marry your daughter or son you can go to jail,” she said, causing me and Cherish to let out a sigh of relief.
“Yeah, you can't do that,” I said, shaking my head. I was so happy with how things were going. Yeah, I got to see her every weekend, but she still wasn't comfortable with me. We talked, but not about the good mommy daughter stuff like boys and mean girls. It seems like with Cherish here, she was coming out of her shell.
“So this what the fuck you been up to?” I heard someone say from behind me. When I turned around, sure enough it was Jayda’s ass.
“Jayda, I know you see me with my daughter, please go away.”
“Man, fuck that. I’ve been calling you for weeks, so you can imagine how surprised I was to get a phone call talking bout my Ashley is driving a brand new Audi and hanging in the nail place with my man’s baby mama!”
“Lawd, you still fucking crazy and delusional, huh? Jasmine, baby, let’s go,” Cherish said, getting up from the drying machine and walking out with Jasmine.
“I can't believe you hanging with the fucking enemy!”
“She’s your enemy, not mine. I don't have a problem with her. Shit, I feel bad for even playing a part in your crazy plans!” I snapped, before turning to leave.
“So you really ain't fucking with me no more?” she asked, actually sounding hurt. Instead of answering her, I continued to my car. When I got outside, Cherish had just finished putting Jasmine in the car.
“You good Ashley?” Cherish asked.
“I'm ok, just get Jasmine home, please. I don't want her seeing this crazy shit,” I said.
“Alright, please call me when you get home,” she said, before rolling her eyes at Jayda and pulling off.
“Look, I'm sorry for putting my hands on you.”
“Which time?”
“Every time. Seriously, I'm sorry,” she said.
“I accept your apology, but I have to go,” I said, before jumping in my car. As I started the ignition, Jayda walked away. I guess for once in her life, she finally got the hint and understood when she was no longer wanted. When I got home, I told Tyler about what went down. He was certain that it wasn't over and to be honest, I felt like he was right.
Chapter Twenty-One
Cherish
As I walked through my outreach center, I couldn't help but fall in love with it. Everything was finished. It was furnished and I even had a few teenagers that were anticipating it opening. I had just hired my last residential supervisor, who was a nice middle aged lady with her masters in social work. All together I had hired sixteen employees, but most of them were volunteers, who jumped at the chance to work for me. I had been handing out fliers everywhere for over a month and in less than thirty minutes, my grand opening party will be starting. I had so many people from the city of Camden coming out to support me that I’d never even heard of until now.
“It’s beautiful in here boo!” Camille said, hugging me.
“Yeah, it is. Thank you so much for all your help.”
“No problem, so did you invite Mega?”
“Yeah, I sent him and his crazy fiancé an invite, but you know I ain't fucking with him like that.”
“Damn, still?”
“Hell yeah, he pissed me off, stepping to me on some bullshit.”
“Yeah, he was wrong for that shit. I mean it ain't ya fault we don't like the bitch and it ain't shit you or him can do about it.”
“Exactly, but me sending them the invite was basically a peace offering, so he better show the fuck up.”
“You know he wouldn't miss your big night.”
“I guess.”
“Anyways, we’ll have drinks, finger food and music. It will start outside and when you cut the ribbon, everyone will come inside and the party will begin,” she said excitedly.
“Alright and did everyone rsvp?”
“Just about everyone did, so it will be pretty packed.”
“I'm nervous as hell.”
“Don't be, this is a huge accomplishment and the community is proud of you. Oh, plus you look too good to be nervous,” she said, hugging me.
“Thank you, you look beautiful too.”
“Alright, now that we got that out the way, you need to get out of here so I can finish. Go home and touch up your make-up,” she said. When I got back home, the kids were already dressed and ready. They looked so adorable in their dresses and Jr. in his little suit. After touching up my make-up, I was ready to head back with the kids. As soon as I opened the door, I saw a beautiful black limo waiting for me. I couldn't believe that Camille would do this for me, but before I could get overly excited, the window rolled down and there sat Peter.
“What are you doing here?”
“I couldn't miss this,” he said with a smile.
“Thank you, but….”
“No buts, please get in the limo,” he begged.
“Yeah mommy, I wanna ride in the limo too.”
“Uh huh girl, you come on in the car wi
th me and the twins,” the nanny said.
“But I wanted to go,” Jasmine pouted. Walking away, she got into the car with the nanny.
“You heard what she said, so get in,” Peter said laughing. Getting into the limo, I refused to be mad at Peter for his little pop up act. Tonight was my night. I wasn't gonna let anyone ruin it, so I sat back and enjoyed the ride. The closer we got to the center, the more nervous I became. However, when we pulled up, I got the surprise of a lifetime. Outside, in front of the center, stood about two hundred people.
“Oh my God, is that NBC news!” I screamed. When the limo pulled up in front of the center, Peter got out and opened my door. Peter held my hand and helped me out. Taking a deep breath, I climbed out of the limo. As soon as I was out the limo, everyone began to clap and cheer. As I looked around at the people I loved most surrounding me, I couldn't help but smile.
“Ms. Daniels, what inspired you to open this outreach program?” a reporter asked.
“Not too long ago, I was a child in need of saving, but at the end of the day, I had no one to turn to. Your teachers say the they can help you, but the minute you let them know of anything happening, they call DYFS, and nine times out of ten, you end up worst off than you were originally. I was scared because I heard all the stories about foster care and foster homes. Well this place right here is for the girl being abused who doesn't want to go home, this place is for the boy who doesn't want to join a gang, or who doesn't want to go home to an abusive father.”
“So did you go into foster care, because you turned out great?” the reporter said with a smile.
“Thank you, but no I didn't, I had someone that loved me enough to save me, and I will always be grateful to him,” I said, while looking at Mega with a smile.
“Well, let's cut this ribbon, shall we?” the mayor said. Walking over to the entrance of my building, Camille handed me some massive sized scissors and after posing for a few pictures, I cut the ribbon. As soon as we were inside, the party started. The music was low and nice. All I had to do now was ditch Peter’s ass, then everything would be perfect.
“Congratulations Lil Mama,” I heard Mega say.
“Thank you,” I said, turning around, facing him. It was like I was stuck; he was so damn fine in his little cardigan.
“Hmmmmmm,” Peter said, clearing his throat.
“Jason, you remember Peter.”
“Yeah, what’s up, but I wanted to know if I could have this dance?”
“Yes, you can,” I said with a smile, before walking away with him. As we began to slow dance, we continued to talk.
“You looked like you needed saving.”
“Yeah, I did. I didn't even invite his ass.”
“Oh, he’s one of those persistent types, huh?”
“I guess so, but speaking of persistent, where’s Kaliah?”
“She’s home. This is your night and I didn't want any problems.”
“Oh ok, well I'm glad you came.”
“I wouldn't have missed this Cherish. My bad for getting mad at you for what they were doing, and I understand that their loyalty lies with you.”
“It’s cool. Their men are forcing them to go to the wedding, so you don't have to worry about that,” I said laughing. When the song was over, I kissed him on the cheek and thanked him for the dance. As the night went on, it was actually perfect. A few kids around the neighborhood even stopped by, they were so excited that they would have a place to come to.
“Cherish, the kids are tired. I'm going to take them home now,” the nanny said.
“Ok, thank you so much for coming,” I said, hugging her. After placing kisses all over their faces, Mega came over and did the same exact thing, before grabbing the car seats and walking out. When he came back in, he looked as if he wanted to cry.
“Mega, what’s wrong?” I asked.
“Ashley.”
“What about Ashley?”
“She’s gone.”
“She left again?”
“No, she’s dead.”
“What, how?”
“I don't know everything, but Tyler just called me crying and shit.”
“What are we supposed to tell Jasmine?”
“I don't know. Just when they start to really bond, this happens.”
“Look, you go and find out more. I’ll be there after I get rid of these people,” I said.
“Are you trying to make me jealous!” Peter screamed from behind me.
“What are you talking about and lower ya voice.”
“You danced with him, and now y'all having private conversations.”
“Is this muthafucka serious? Didn't she dump ya ass anyways?” Mega said laughing.
“You told him our business?”
“Mega, just go, and call me when you know more,” I said, ignoring Peter.
“Aight, but you sure you good?” he said, while grilling Peter.
“Yes, I'm good, now go,” I said. After hugging me, he walked out of the center and I focused my attention on Peter.
“You really got some damn nerve, snapping on me like some neglected wounded dog, when I ain't even invite you here Peter, you just showed up,” I said. Before Peter could speak, the mayor walked up to say his goodbyes. Looking down at my watch, I realized the party was over and everyone was leaving.
“Hey boo, you want us to wait for you?” Camille said.
“No, you go on home to your babies.”
“Alright, love you,” she said, before leaving. Soon everybody had gone and it was just me and Peter.
“Look, I'm not one of those men that's gonna just sit around waiting in the dark for you to come to your senses,” he had the nerve to say.
“Me come to my senses? How about you come to yours and understand when someone is done!” I snapped.
“Just come on, let’s leave and talk about this, you aren't thinking right.”
“I'm thinking right, and I'm not going anywhere with you.”
“Stop behaving like a child, you rode here with me.”
“And I’ll find a way home, believe that!”
“You know what, fuck this, I'm leaving!”
“Bye!” I snapped. Looking at me one last time, he turned and walked out of the building. Grabbing my phone, I called Mega and when he didn't answer, I called Camille, only for her phone to go straight to voicemail. Instead of trying to call anyone else, I googled a cab number and called it. After locking up the building, I headed outside to wait for the cab. As I stood outside on my phone, the last thing I remembered was everything going black.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Mega
Pulling up to the address that Tyler texted me, I hopped out the car and there were cops everywhere. In the midst of all the chaos, I spotted the nigga Tyler in his blue uniform. Pushing past all the reporters, I walked up to him and he looked to be really going through it.
“What the fuck happened?” I asked.
“Man, this shit is crazy, come in the house,” he said. Following behind him, we walked into a nice sized house, that I assumed was his.
“Now start from the beginning.”
“Before I say anything, I want you to look at something for me,” he said, before grabbing a DVD and placing it inside the DVD player. As soon as it started, I wasn't sure what I was looking at, until I saw a car pull up in front of the camera. I watched as Ashley got out the car and argued with someone I couldn't see. It all looked pretty innocent, until I watched someone hit her so hard, her body came crashing onto the hood of the car. As the figure beat Ashley unmercifully, the shit was so gruesome, I had to turn my head a few times.
“No, keep looking!” he snapped. Looking up at the camera, I watched as Ashley’s body fell to the ground. What surprised me most was seeing Jayda’s face as she wiped Ashley’s blood off of her. Picking up Ashley’s body, she got inside of Ashley’s car and drove off.
“Where was Ashley found?” I asked.
“Parked in front of my fucking house, in
the driver's side of the car, slumped over,” he said, as tears fell from his eyes.
“I’mma kill that bitch nigga!” I snapped.
“Naw, I'm handling that bitch as we speak!”
“You found her?”
“Hell yeah I found her. I wasn't always a cop, I'm a street nigga, and this bitch gotta go!”
