by Tynessa
“Don’t forget to change your pad when you get there,” Cornell yelled out. Ronny just flicked him off but continued his stroll to the car, he didn’t even look back. Cornell thought it was good that Ronny had changed, and the family man that he’d became looked damn good on him. Back in the days when Ronny was running the streets, Cornell could never picture him having a house full of kids, let alone being married; and the way he and Shaniqua were breaking up and making up, Cornell would’ve never thought they would actually get their shit together. One thing he can say about those two, their love was definitely one of a kind.
*****
“Yeah, that’s what I’m talking about. That’s my baby right there! Ray’Shun! Congratulations baby! Ray’Shun!” Ray’Shun heard his mother yelling out his name, but just like all the other times, he chose to ignore her. It was so damn embarrassing the way she would come to his basketball games screaming and yelling his name out. It was okay that she wanted everyone to know that he was her son, and to show her support, but she was so darn loud. And always calling him baby, like he was still nine years old or something.
“Be quiet Shan! Damn, can’t you see your big mouth embarrassing him,” Ronny let her know. Their kids laughed as well as Trinity.
“I don’t give a fuck! Shit,” Shaniqua responded as she took a seat back on the bleachers. “That’s my damn son. If I wanna go out there and give him a hug and a kiss I can. You know why Ronny?”
Ronny shook his head. He wasn’t about to entertain her ignorance. Every game they went to they would have the same argument.
“Because that’s your son mama Shan and you can do that,” Trinity egged her on.
“That’s right baby! And don’t care who likes it,” Shaniqua cut her eyes at Ronny and said.
“Aight, keep on encouraging her lil girl, you and her both gon be walking home together,” Ronny let both them know. He was only playing and though Shaniqua knew he was, it didn’t stop her from replying to his joke.
She smacked her lips and rolled her eyes. “You’ll be walking before me,” she said with a roll of her neck, knowing damn well Ronny hated that. Before he could check her for it they heard a group of Ray’Shun’s groupies yelling his name.
“Hmm, congratulations Ray.” Trinity knew the voice very well, and when she turned around, Monae was standing there with lustful eyes. Trinity might’ve been naïve but Shan knew that look all too well, and so did Ronny. Ray’Shun just threw his head in the air and said ‘preciate it. He didn’t pay Monae or the other girls in her clique any attention.
“You see how that lil bitch looking at him?” said Shaniqua through clenched teeth. She didn’t have anything against Monae, and had spoken to her a few times when she came to the games but Shaniqua didn’t like females like her. She saw right through her little ass.
“Man, I ain’t seen nothing.” Ronny looked the other way as he adjusted sleeping RJ in his arms. He wasn’t about to get into shit those kids have going on. Besides, Ray’Shun was young and attractive so who was Ronny to interfere with him talking to other women.
“Yeah, I bet you didn’t. I’m going to have a talk with him when we get home.” Ronny frowned at what his wife had just said.
“You ain’t about to talk to him. Shan leave that mess alone. What you going to do, ask him why she was looking at him like that? You need to chill out with your shit.”
“Fine! Ugh,” Shaniqua rolled her eyes and said nothing else. Ronny knew what he said had went in one ear and out the other. At the end of the day, Shaniqua was going to do her. She felt that Trinity was the perfect young lady for her son and he could do without these other thots running around. Trinity was pretty, smart and a sweetheart; but most of all, she was a virgin. That was a plus in Shaniqua’s book because she wouldn’t have to worry about any grandkids no time soon.
“Ma, ya’ll can go ahead on home. Me and Trinity going out to eat once I change,” Ray’Shun informed his parents. Ronny said okay as he congratulated his son on their win, but Shaniqua looked over at Monae that was still standing there with envious eyes and smirked.
“That’s good baby. Ya’ll have fun and make sure you treat my daughter in law to a nice dinner.” Just as the last words escaped her lips Ronny pulled her away. Shaniqua could be so childish to him sometimes.
Ray’Shun shook his head as he watched his father pull his mother away. She could never just act right out in public. It wouldn’t be right if Shaniqua didn’t show her ass. Nonetheless, he loved her more than anyone or anything in this world.
“I love myself some mama Shan,” Trinity giggled as she tugged on Ray’Shun’s arm. Leaning down, he planted at peck on her lips and smiled.
“Believe me, she loves you too. Check this, I’m about to go get cleaned up. Here, wait for me in the car. I’m tired than a mothafucka so you gon’ have to drive,” Ray’Shun let her know. If Monae and the other girls weren’t jealous before they were damn sure jealous now.
“But Ray’Shun you already know,” Trinity whined but was cut off when Ray’Shun lifted her chin with his index finger and gave her another peck.
“You good baby,” he assured her. Trinity smiled and nodded her head up and down. Just the thought of driving made her nervous as shit. She’d only driven a few times and that was around an old Wal-Mart parking lot when Ray’Shun was trying to teach her. She thought she did good but obvious not good enough to get her license.
“Biiitch,” Monae squealed. “So you whipping the challenger now and shit? You ain’t even got a mothafuckin’ driver’s license.” The other girls standing nearby laughed as if Monae had told the funniest joke of all times. No matter where they were, Monae would always try to be the center of attention, and thought ever guy wanted her. That was one thing Trinity disliked about her bestie.
“Let me find out you hating. Besides, I have my learners, so I’m good. Come on and sit outside with me until Ray’Shun comes out,” Trinity said as she yanked Monae’s arm towards the exit. Monae wanted to object but then again, she needed a ride home. She would usually catch one of the hood dudes at the game, but this was the closest she’ll get to riding in Ray’Shun’s car and she wasn’t about to pass up this offer.
“You think he’ll let you drop me off at home?” She asked as they sat in the car waiting for Ray’Shun. Trinity knew Ray’Shun attitude could be wishy washy sometimes towards Monae, but she was her best friend so how could she leave her stranded.
“I’m pretty sure he wouldn’t mind,” answered Trinity.
“Who wouldn’t mind what?” Ray’Shun leaned in the window and asked. They were sitting inside with the window rolled down when he walked up to the passenger door.
“Oh, baby you scared me.” Trinity hand went to her chest as she said. It was too dark for his ass to be creeping up on somebody.
“Ya’ll must was talking about something ya’ll ain’t have no business talking about? Get yo’ ass out. You see me standing here with the door open,” Ray’Shun fussed at Monae. He really couldn’t understand for the life of him why Trinity insisted on hanging with that girl. They were the total opposite.
Trinity rolled her eyes and dwelled on asking Ray’Shun could Monae catch a ride. He was in one of his little moods.
Smacking her lips, Monae took it upon herself to ask. She could care less about Ray’Shun’s funky ass attitude towards her. “Um, can I catch a ride home? I rode here with somebody and he left early.” It was indeed true that she’d rode there with one of her fuck-buddies, but he let her know before he got there that he wasn’t going to be responsible for her getting back home. She assured him that she would have a way and he let her catch that ride.
“Man we have plans,” Ray’Shun simply said. He just didn’t like Monae’s sneaky ass and wished Trinity would quit being so damn naïve and see that her friend ain’t shit. He couldn’t stand sneaky hos.
“Come on bae. We can drop her off on the way to get dinner. It’s not like it’s going to be out the way. She only lives right down th
e street,” Trinity whined. Ray’Shun shook his head and finally gave in. Monae had to thank Trinity for that because had he not loved her ass so much, Monae would’ve definitely been walking her ass home.
“Man get your big ass head on in. This ain’t no damn taxi so this is your first and last ride in my car,” he promised her. Monae rolled her eyes and smirked.
“I hear you talking,” she said as she climbed in the backseat, making sure her ass was tooted extra high, giving Ray’Shun the perfect view. Because Trinity trusted her bestie, she was always blinded to her flirtatious ways towards Ray’Shun.
Chapter 7
“You know I don’t like yo’ friend, right?” Ray’Shun said as he sat across from Trinity. They’d just dropped Monae off and was enjoying the rest of their night having dinner before it was time for curfew. Ray’Shun was tired of Trinity acting as if she couldn’t see that her best friend wanted him. The shit was right there in her face but she acted so dumb and he was getting sick of it.
“I don’t know why. You used to be cool with her when we first started dating. Why the sudden change?” she asked as she eyed him suspiciously.
“Stop being so damn stupid Trinity. If you don’t know why then you a lot dumber than I thought you was.” Ray’Shun shook his head and said. Trinity looked at him as if he’d just lost his damn mind. His choice of words were uncalled for. Ray’Shun was every bit of his father; a ticking time bomb ready to exploded.
“Really, Ray’Shun? All I did was ask why you don’t like her anymore. Calling me stupid and dumb wasn’t even necessary. Maybe you don’t like her because she’s not all over your dick like the rest of these hoes.” As soon as the words left Trinity’s lips, Ray’Shun threw his head back and let out an irritating laugh.
“Oh, that’s what it is?” he asked with a cocky smirk. Trinity knew just as well as him that he could easily get Monae out her panties if he wanted to. Yeah, Ray’Shun might fuck around on his girl, but he wouldn’t stick his dick in her homegirl. Now, receiving head was still up in the air. If she didn’t run her mouth so much, he would definitely let her slob on his knob.
“I mean, ya’ll haven’t slept together, right?” Trinity stared at him through narrowed eyes as he sat there still with the same cocky smirk upon his face. “Right, Ray’Shun?” she asked with a raised brow.
Though Ray’Shun wanted to burst her bubbles and let her know that Monae wasn’t her friend, he didn’t want to see his girl hurt and feeling betrayed. He needed for Trinity to open her eyes and see the shit for herself. At the moment, when he brought it up, he wanted to tell Trinity that she needed to dead that bullshit ass friendship, but the question she’d just asked caused him to have second thoughts. Hell, she knew her friend was a hoe and would fuck any and everything walking, what made her think Ray’Shun wasn’t an exception.
“Come on. You ready to go? I don’t want your grandma to start tripping,” said Ray’Shun as he adjusted his hat. He then stood and began adjusting his clothes. Trinity was still seated with her arms folded across her chest. She already knew her grandmother didn’t play that staying out late. She had a ten-thirty curfew and couldn’t be a minute late. “Why the fuck you still sitting there? Get yo’ ass up and come on before I have to curse your old ass grandma out.” He wouldn’t actually curse her out but it felt good saying that.
Grandma Mary, Trinity’s grandmother, wasn’t shit like his grandmothers. Though, Samantha, Shan mother didn’t play, she was way nicer and sweeter than Grandma Mary. Debbie on the other hand; who wouldn’t want to have her for a grandmother. She was so down to earth, and you couldn’t tell her she wasn’t young.
“Have you ever slept with Monae, Ray’Shun?” Trinity asked through compressed teeth. Ray’Shun licked his lips and frowned.
“Nawl I ain’t never slept with that damn girl,” he assured her. That didn’t stop Trinity though.
“Would you, if she ever came on to you? I know she likes to flirt but I also know that it’s harmless. I don’t think she would cross that line.”
“Well why you asking me that question then? If you don’t think she would cross that line, why does it matters if I would or not?” Ray’Shun shot back. He knew Monae’s flirting wasn’t harmless and that’s the shit Ray’Shun hated. She had Trinity wrapped around her little finger.
“I mean, I’m not giving you any sex. Monae is very attracted, experienced and all the guys want her,” Trinity stated serious. She would probably die if Ray’Shun ever cheated on her with Monae. Trinity wasn’t at all ugly, but because she didn’t have the big butt, big boobs and wore a pile of make-up she felt wasn’t attracted enough. That wasn’t true.
“Everybody but me!” Ray’Shun lean down and kissed Trinity on her soft lips. “I’ll be a damn fool to ruin what we have for a thot bitch like your homegirl.” He meant every word he’d just said.
“Don’t talk about her like that. You ruin our relationship when you fuck all those other hoes.” It was just like Trinity to ruin the moment by bringing up old shit. She knew about him fucking Be-Be and two other chicks that attended their schools. Ray’Shun really hated that he ever cheated on her because she made it a point to throw the shit in his face. But, how could she really blame him when she wasn’t ready for sex. How long do she really expect for him to wait.
Ray’Shun smacked his lips and stood up straight. “Man come on so I can drop you off.” He walked off because he was not about to go back down that road with Trinity. She got up to follow him out the restaurant because she was nowhere near done with the conversation. Once inside the car and Ray’Shun had pulled off, Trinity positioned herself in her seat so that she was facing him.
“So, what’s the difference in fucking Monae and all those other thot bitches as you called her?” Trinity asked. She was damn sure getting on his nerves at the moment.
“Damn, do you want me to fuck that bitch? Cause if you do, I’ll make it happen and you can watch if you want to,” Ray’Shun stated out of anger. Trinity didn’t like it one bit and slapped the shit out of his ass. Good there wasn’t any cars out at the time because the slap caused him to swerve into the other lane.
“No I don’t want you to fuck her or those other girls you be cheating on me with!” As Trinity was yelling that, Ray’Shun was politely pulling his car into a gas station. Throwing it in park, he unfastened his seat belt and reached over and grabbed a fist full of Trinity’s hair, bringing her face closer to his.
“If you ever put your hands on me again, I’ll pull all this shit out your fucking head. I ain’t your punching bag! And don’t keep asking me questions about that bitch or no other fucking hoe. I’m trying to be good and wait until you ready but you making it hard with all this bitching.” The pain Trinity was feeling was unbearable. But even that didn’t stop her from trying to get her point across.
“You the one that’s cheating on me so how is my bitching making it hard? Nigga you do it because you wanna fucking do it. Now move and let go of my damn hair Ray’Shun!” That wasn’t weave in her hair so imagine the pain she was going through at the moment. As if he didn’t already have a death grip on her hair, he gripped it tighter.
“You heard what I said. Don’t keep asking me questions about your ugly ass friend! You getting on my nerves with that bullshit. How fucking long do you expect me to wait for your ass?”
If Trinity wasn’t trying to pry his hand from her head, she would’ve slapped the shit out of him for asked that dumb ass question. “Nigga, you’re my man so you should wait until I’m ready,” is what she wanted to say. Because of the pain she was feeling, she didn’t even respond.
“It don’t even matter Ray’Shun. Can you just let go of my hair, please?!” she said. Ray’Shun could tell at how her voice cracked when she spoke that she was either crying or on the verge of it. He hated to see her hurt because of him, but shit, his fucking face was still stinging from the slap she gave his ass. He let her hair go as he pushed her head to the side causing it to hit the window.
“Make be that your last time putting your hands on me,” he said to her as he pulled off.
“Fuck you! And I mean that from the bottom of my heart,” Trinity said as she wiped her eyes with shaky hands. Oh, how she wanted to fight Ray’Shun, but she knew she wouldn’t win so she decided to push that thought out her head.
“Yeah, I been trying to get your scary ass to fuck me for years now and you won’t.” Ray’Shun fired up the blunt. He usually wouldn’t smoke around Trinity because her grandma would nut up if she smelled it on her but he needed it in the worse way. Trinity didn’t even ask him to put it out. She didn’t even respond to his comment and the rest of the ride was a quite one.
*****
Shaniyah and Destiny had just walked out their parent’s room flashing their new cell phone Ronny had just got them early that day. They always have had him wrapped around their little fingers and Shaniqua didn’t like that one bit. They were only fourteen and thirteen years old, so what could their young asses possibly need with a phone? However, Shaniqua didn’t even waist her breath arguing with Ronny about it because she knew he would get it anyways. It didn’t make any sense how spoiled he had those kids.
“Mama, why I couldn’t get a phone?” asked Ni-Ni. That’s where Shaniqua drew the line. Her little ten year old ass wasn’t getting no phone.
“Because you’re not old enough sweet pea. Besides, you don’t even have anyone to call,” Shaniqua answered her question. Shaniyah and Destiny thought they were slick. Shaniqua knew they were at that age where they had interests in boys, they just better not let her found out.
“I can call you, daddy and both of my grandmas. Oh and all my cousins, Uncle Nell and Uncle Bino and Auntie Star and Auntie Brooke,” Ni-Ni named everyone as she counted on her fingers. Shaniqua smiled as she continued to comb her hair.
“Baby, you’re not getting a phone. I tell you what though, when you get Niyah’s age you can get one. Deal?” Shaniqua promised her. Shit, might as well get her one then. That wasn’t good enough for Ni-Ni.
