A Hood Dilemma is Still Bittersweet: A Naptown Triangle (A Bittersweet Hood Dilemma Book 3)

by Natavia

  “Cut the bullshit, what do you want?” I asked No Hands.

  “We need to talk. I’m serious, Kyree. I know you are still seeing that blue-eyed crazy nigga. I don’t care about that, I just need you. I’m begging you like Keith Sweat. Whhhooooo can love like me? Nobody. Who can give you what you need? Nobody,” No Hands sang into the phone. I started laughing.

  “It’s too early for this, why are you so happy?” I asked him.

  “I’m happy you answered the phone. About damn time, Kyree. Can we go to lunch? We can go walking through the park. A nigga can feed the ducks now,” he said.

  “I’m at work now. I’m back at the Baltimore location. I will stop by when I get off if I’m not too tired,” I said to him.

  “Okay, I can deal with that. Wait, motherfucker, don’t you see I’m on the phone?” No Hands said to someone in the background.

  “Who is that?” I asked him.

  “The driving instructor. I’m driving while I’m talking to you and this nigga all up in my face,” No Hands said.

  “Sir, you cannot talk on your cell phone while driving,” the man said in the background.

  “Nigga, if I can’t talk then give me my damn money back. Wasn’t you just on the phone? Aren’t your feet supposed to be on the brakes, too? Yeah, nigga, I know now be quiet. I went through hell to get my woman on the phone,” he said. I shook my head because he still doesn’t care what he says.

  “Pernell, stop that foolishness. Do what he says so you can get your license,” I said to him.

  “Nigga, I’m going to chill out because my woman told me too,” he said to the man.

  “Sir, do I need to call the cops? I feel threatened,” the man replied.

  “Threatened? Motherfucker, how? I can barely move my damn fingers. Matter of fact, get yo’ fat ass out of this car,” No Hands said.

  “That’s it. Pull over,” the man said.

  “Kyree, let me holla at you in a few,” No Hands said, then hung up.

  I worked until it was time for me to get off. After I clocked out, I checked my cell phone for any missed calls. A few of them were from Shimmy. I called her back.

  “About time, I need you to do my hair real quick. I have a date tonight,” Shimmy said, coughing into the phone. I rolled my eyes because she was smoking something that was probably too strong.

  “A date with who?” I asked her.

  “Armory,” she said.

  “Who the hell is that? I don’t even like his name, Shimmy,” I said to her.

  “I met him about a month ago and I’m finally going out with him. His conversations are mind-blowing, bitch. Oh, and the nigga is older than us. No wife or kids,” she said to me.

  “How old is he?” I asked her.

  “Twenty-five if I can remember,” she said giggling.

  “You are only nineteen, Shimmy. That grown ass man don’t want a virgin. Where is Dez? I like Dez even though he gets on my nerves. He is around your age and he won’t expect much from you,” I said to her.

  “Last time Shimmy checked, Shimmy was fucking grown. Dez ain’t shit. I’ve had enough of his lies. Armory is older and more mature. At least I won’t have to worry about the drama. He is not even from around here which is a plus.” Shimmy said.

  “Well, I want to meet him. I don’t understand what he wants with a nineteen-year-old,” I said to her.

  “Are you going to do my hair or not?” she asked me.

  “If he picks you up from my home I would. I need to see what he is about,” I said to her.

  “Yes, ma’am, I will meet you there,” she said, hanging up. I wished I didn’t have to take on the role as the mother at times, but being as though Shimmy and I don’t have one has been hard. Our family didn’t want anything to do with us. When I turned eighteen my aunt told me to leave and take Shimmy with me. I have been out on my own since then, raising my sister and dealing with No Hands’s cheating ways. I just want to live my life and enjoy it. Seeing Tokyo and Kauzie together opened my eyes to many things. I deserve to be happy and I deserve to have what everyone else around me has.

  Seeing Osari with Tassana pained me. I don’t know if it was because it was her or it was the fact that I loved him. But I ask myself everyday if I really do love Osari. Maybe it’s a phase but he seems so perfect for me.

  When I arrived home, Shimmy was standing outside of my home arguing with Dez. Shimmy had her hands on her thick hips, cursing him out and mushing his forehead.

  “Leave me the hell alone, Dez. What, Latifa’s ass ain’t doing it for you anymore? Why do you keep doing this to me?” she screamed.

  “I keep apologizing to you, what you want me to do, Shimmy? I get hard when I’m around you. My damn dick be ready to fall off and I can’t do shit about it. I’m trying to be patient, but it gets hard. Then, you can’t suck dick all that good either,” he said to her. My hands covered my mouth because of how blunt Dez was. I wasn’t into oral sex myself, but Shimmy told me she wasn’t doing nothing sexually.

  “Well, that’s why I’m talking to an older nigga who can teach me,” she fired back.

  Dez bit his bottom lip then nodded his head,

  “So, that’s why you been ignoring me, huh? You moved on that fast? You probably already fucking, aren’t you? Well, let that nigga teach you then hit me up, because you owe me one,” he said, pulling his pants up then bopped down the sidewalk. Shimmy stormed after him.

  “I hate you, Dez. I hate you,” Shimmy screamed at him.

  He turned around then mushed her as hard as he could. “I’m staying right here and we can wait for this fuck nigga together. You think this is a game? I been told you what it was and you better pipe the fuck down, shorty. Now, how long this nigga said he was going to be?” Dez asked Shimmy.

  “I wish you two would cut it out,” I said to them.

  “I’m tired of him, Kyree. All he does is lie to me. He had me spending the night with him then had the nerve to leave to fuck another bitch. A hoodrat at that, then lied to me about it. Then I heard he is still fucking Keosha,” Shimmy said.

  “Hold up, shorty. I don’t fuck with rumors, so if you hearing shit then that means I ain’t hearing shit. Now, what nigga is supposed to be picking you up? Why can’t I meet him? He a lame, ain’t he? Be honest,” Dez said laughing.

  “Are you two going to go in the house or are you two going to stand out here and fuss? This shit is embarrassin,” I said to the both of them.

  “That’s all you had to say. Unlock the door because Shimmy’s ratchet ass ain’t trying to let me come in,” Dez said.

  I unlocked my door letting Dez and Shimmy inside. “Why are you taking his side?” Shimmy asked me.

  “Just talk to him, Shimmy. Y’all two are still young,” I said to her. I just don’t want Shimmy dating an older guy. I don’t trust that situation and it’s eating at my gut.

  My phone rang and it was No Hands telling me he was in my hood. A few seconds later, my doorbell rang. I opened it and there he was standing in front of me looking better than ever. His waves were spinning and his cologne filled my nostrils.

  “Hey, baby,” he said, walking in then kissing my lips.

  “Look at what we have here,” Shimmy said to him.

  “Yeah, fuck with me now, Shimmy. I got my burner in my pants pocket. I got enough strength in my hands to shoot your ass. Kyree, get your sister,” No Hands said.

  Dez gave No Hands dap. “Nigga, I’m still mad your cousin was fucking my shorty,” No Hands said chuckling.

  “I’m focused on my own problems, nigga. That ain’t my business. Pussy comes and goes,” Dez said.

  “Really Dez?” I asked him.

  “My bad, I didn’t mean to say it like that,” he said.

  “Let me get ready for my date,” Shimmy said, walking up the stairs. Dez followed behind her, smacking her ass cheeks. She slapped him then he smirked.

  “Hit me baby one more time,” he mocked Brittany Spears. I chuckled because Dez and Shimmy reminded me
of No Hands and me when we were that age.

  “So, you just pop up on me?” I asked Pernell.

  “We need to talk and I can’t wait any longer. There are some things I need to get off my chest and I want to do it now while I have the courage to. Sit down so we can talk,” he said.

  “What do you want?” I asked him.

  “I’m a dog ass nigga, I know that. I have hurt you a lot and even had a baby outside of our relationship. I did some messed up things to you, but I did it because I wasn’t happy with you, but I couldn’t let you go,” he said to me. I sat down on the couch, taking my Bartenura bottle to the head.

  “You wasn’t happy? I been with you for ten damn years, Pernell, and now you are telling me you wasn’t happy. After I asked you over and over again what was wrong with us and you always said nothing. You think this is a fucking joke? Do you take my feelings as a joke? I want to bust you upside the head with this bottle. What’s next? Are you ready to tell me you are happy with a man? Are you gay or something and that’s why you don’t care about women? Why weren’t you happy?” I asked him, taking a sip out of my bottle. I needed something stronger.

  “This is why I wasn’t happy with you. You fuss all the damn time, you are always moody and sometimes you don’t shut the fuck up and listen. Stop fucking yelling at me and talk to me for once. Don’t you think I’m tired of hearing about my problems all the damn time. Shorty, you aint perfect. You think because you had to raise Shimmy that you can go around acting like other motherfuckers’ mamas. I was your man, Kyree, not your damn child. That’s why I wasn’t happy. You think I like to be reminded every time I turn around that I’m fucking handicapped?

  “Those other bitches I was fucking didn’t even care about that. They made me feel like me. I had to look at my hands every fucking day. I knew who I was and you didn’t have to remind me. Then you was putting your hands on me. You made me feel like being with you was an accomplishment. You used to always tell me that I was lucky a bad bitch like you wanted a nigga like me. What you think that shit wasn’t going to hurt me?” he asked, his eyes turning red.

  Shimmy stood at the bottom of the steps looking at us. Dez looked at me like he was disgusted. Shimmy actually looked like she felt sorry for No Hands.

  The doorbell rang and Dez snatched it open. I hurriedly got up then went to the door. It was the guy that I saw Tassana with at the mall. He for damn sure isn’t taking her anywhere.

  Armory looked pass everyone. “You ready, shorty?” he asked Shimmy, making her blush.

  Dez grilled Armory. “Nigga, no she ain’t ready and she ain’t going to be ready. What are you going to do, Shimmy? You rocking with this nigga or what?” Dez asked, reaching behind him. He must be strapped.

  Armory smirked at Dez. “I see you, blood,” he said to him. It’s not a secret that Dez is a blood.

  “Shimmy always got some shit with her,” No Hands said, shaking his head.

  “Shut your ass up,” Shimmy said to No Hands.

  “Dez, this neighborhood is filled with nosey ass people. My neighbors are Jehovah’s Witness so you know they will tell on you. Just think because it’s not worth getting in trouble,” I said to him. Armory stood in the doorway smirking and I wanted to slap him.

  Shimmy stepped out of the house with Armory. No Hands and I looked at Dez because we knew he wanted to do more. “Don’t do it, Dez,” No Hands said to him. I felt sorry for Dez because you could see the anger in his eyes. I’m sure he has deep feelings for Shimmy, but being young and in love isn’t easy.

  Shimmy walked into the house. “Are you happy now, Dez? I had to cancel my plans.”

  “Fuck you. Move the fuck out of my way,” Dez said, pushing Shimmy away from the door then walking outside, and of course, she followed behind him.

  “WOW,” No Hands said aloud. His phone rang then I sucked my teeth. I just knew it was one of his many women calling him. “This is my son’s mother,” he said, answering. I still have not seen his son and I don’t think I can. I know he is an innocent child, but I’m not up for that. I can deal with it as long as it’s out of sight, out of mind.

  “What do you want, Rica? Why do you keep calling me? I told you to drop him off tomorrow. What the fuck? You getting on my damn nerves calling me for simple shit,” he said then paused.

  “I don’t care about that, Rica. Well, put me on child support then,” he fussed. My day has been hectic since this morning. At first it was Osari and his hoe-ass baby mama then it was Shimmy and Dez, now it’s Pernell and his baby mama. I just needed to sleep. When I was around Osari, I didn’t have to deal with this. It was peaceful.

  No Hands hung up the phone. “So, what’s up? We going out or what?” he asked me.

  “For what? You wasn’t happy and neither was I,” I said to him.

  “We can just be friends for right now, Kyree. I’m willing to wait as long as you want me to. I’m not rushing you to do anything. All I want is your time,” he said.

  I rolled my eyes at him. “Let me take a shower first,” I said then he smirked. “Can I join? I can wash your back,” he said.

  “No,” I said, laughing on my way up the stairs. After I showered, I got dressed then headed downstairs.

  “Let’s go,” I said to No Hands.

  He got up, smiling. “You know how I feel about that pink lipstick, right? What are you trying to do to me?” he asked.

  I laughed at him then all of a sudden I started crying. “Why did you let Aries do that shit to me?” I asked him.

  “I was mad that you was talking to another nigga, Kyree. I honestly didn’t think she was going to go through your purse. I take responsibility for that. That was fucked up,” he said, wiping my tears away.

  “About time you can wipe tears away that you caused to happen,” I said then he smirked.

  “I’m going to let that one slide since you are looking all good and shit,” he said. I locked my door preparing for my night out with my ex. There was no sense in hiding it. I still love him, but was it enough?

  Tassana

  After I dropped the baby off at daycare, I headed straight to work. I was a 911operator and at times it was a hard job, but the pay was decent. Every time I want to forgive Osari, I’m reminded that there is another bitch in his life. Kyree is not letting him go. I can see it in her eyes that she likes him a little too much. I can’t blame her though, Osari can be passionate and loving when he wants to be, but most times he is mean. Osari is one of those guys that will accept you for you long as you don’t cross him over. Well, I’m guilty of that.

  When I arrived at my building a white Navigator was parked in my parking spot. All the employees had assigned parking spaces. “Excuse me, can you move?” I yelled out of my window. The driver opened the door, stepping out. I rolled my eyes at him. “You don’t take rejections well, do you?” I asked Zas, as I got out of my car.

  “No, actually, I don’t. That’s why I am here outside of your job,” he said, staring into my eyes.

  “How much are you paying?” I asked him. “Nigga, you heard me. You don’t know anything about me to be coming to my work place. I could be a prostitute,” I said to him.

  “Well, are you?” he asked.

  “Are you paying if I am?” I asked him. He went into his pocket, pulling out a wad of money.

  “This is just for your time. I don’t want to fuck you right now, although I wouldn’t mind,” he said, handing me the money.

  I pushed his hands away. “I would’ve been in love with you months ago, well, your money, that is,” I said, then he smirked.

  “A woman like you is supposed to want the finer things in life,” he said, licking his lips. I was never into dark-skinned men sexually, but Zas was fine.

  “I got a court date from chasing you. Help a nigga out real quick,” he said, making me blush.

  “Fine. I will go, but move your truck. I’m going to be late for work,” I said to him. He got into his truck then backed up. I got into my car, pulling into my
parking space. When I got out, Zas was still sitting in his truck.

  “Aren’t you going to give me your digits?” he asked me.

  “Nigga, if you can find out where I work, you can find my number, now, you have a nice day,” I said, switching off. I knew he was still looking at my ass. I have been doing squats at the gym with Kanae since she is uncomfortable with her flat butt. My butt has gotten bigger and I wasn’t complaining at all.

  When I arrived at the daycare to pick up my son, they told me he wasn’t there. I was ready to faint.

  “Where the hell is my damn baby?” I yelled at this nappy-headed girl with her nasty cornrolls.

  “His father came to pick him up,” she spat back with an attitude.

  “Excuse me, his father?” I asked her.

  “You don’t know who your baby daddy is?” the girl asked me.

  “Look, bitch, don’t fuck with me. I didn’t give permission for anyone to take my damn child out of daycare. No one even called me to ask if it was okay. I didn’t put his father’s information down. Go and get your director because talking to you isn’t doing it for me. I’ve been in jail this weekend and I don’t mind going back,” I said to her.