When A Hood Legend Claims It All 3

by Belleza

  An hour and a half later we were stuffed and sleepy as hell in my living room after eating. Kent and Kenia insisted we watch a movie, but they fell asleep half way through along with Rita. I wasn’t about to fall asleep on no damn couch, so I woke Rita up and she got Kenia while I carried Kent to his room.

  As she was leaving out of Kenia’s room, I lifted her up in my arms and brought her into my room placing her in my bed after throwing the covers back.

  “Is this where I’m sleeping tonight?” she had the nerve to ask as if she hadn't been in my bed since she’s been welcomed here.

  After I got comfortable on my bed, I pulled her into my body and circled my arms around her.

  “Did their mom call?” she asked.

  “Yeah, asking for money because her gas cut off. I aired her the fuck out. She got hers coming for her.”

  “I told you I would beat her ass.”

  “If I ain’t care about you, trust me, I would’ve paid you a pretty penny to do that, but my girl ain’t about to be out here rumbling.”

  I got quiet realizing what I just said and shook my head.

  “It’s okay, Kenton, I like you too,” she joked, kissing my cheek.

  “Chill with that,” I groaned.

  Rita shifted her body with the same grin on her face. She placed her body on my legs circling her arms around my neck.

  “I don’t know why you insist on fighting it. You don’t gotta be hard all the time. At least not with me. You welcomed me into your world and showed me a different side of you. A side I actually like.”

  “A side you like more than this?” I asked grinding her into my dick.

  She grinned hard. “Possibly.”

  “Yeah, a’ight,” I laughed.

  “Seriously, you have what it takes to be great and I hate for you to limit yourself. I was wondering...” She was looking down at her fingertips that were trailing the outside of my white beater. “What’s your plan once you leave that street shit behind? I know you can’t possibly stay in it forever.”

  “How you figure?”

  “Because you have two kids. It doesn’t last forever.”

  In her eyes it was apparent that she actually cared about me. No female ever asked me my plans outside of hustling. They never really asked me shit because they were so focused on getting dick.

  “I know, which is why I went half with Mar on our trucking business and I’m thinking about getting into real estate. I want to eventually get a big ass building and make that a foster home for kids that doesn’t actually get a family to go home to. I’m going to hire the best fucking staff my damn self and make sure it’s state of the art. Shit, while I’m at it, I might as well open up a school. I want to give other kids the chance at the best life possible even if the muhfuckas that bring them into this world can’t love them enough to make sure it happens.”

  I stopped talking when I noticed Rita staring with a gleam in her eyes.

  “What?”

  “That shit is deep. I never heard a man speak so passionately and deeply.”

  “Just because you sell weight you think I wouldn’t want no shit like that?”

  She nodded her head. “Honestly, yes,” she giggled.

  “Man get out of here,” I told her pushing her off me.

  She laughed balling a fist full of my shirt in her hand, pulling me towards her. I wedged my body between her legs and delivered a kiss to her lips.

  “You never cease to amaze me. Just when I see a side to you, I learn there’s more. You remind me of an onion.”

  The expression I had on my face had her rolling. “Yes, an onion. There’s layers to you.”

  “Nah, you gotta come up with something better than that. Don’t compare me to no stinking ass onion.”

  My dick was hard as a missile and the conversation was long gone from my head as I delivered kisses to her neck and down to her stomach. Once I had her bottoms off and my face buried between her legs her giggles were turned into whispers as she held onto my head.

  CoCo

  “Nine dollars and seventy cents,” the cashier told me after she placed the pregnancy test, box of crackers, and a pack of gum in the bag.

  Handing her the ten-dollar bill, she accepted it and pushed a few buttons on the screen before the drawer popped open. She handed me back my thirty cents change and shut the drawer before thanking me. I took the bag and proceeded out the store and to my car nearly shaking.

  These past couple of days have been the worse for me. I’ve been nauseous around the clock and my period was officially a week late. What made me actually go take the test is when I threw up this morning when nothing was on my stomach. Thankfully, Mar was up and gone, so I wouldn’t have to hear his mouth about the pregnancy test.

  After all these occurrences I actually figured it was best for me to get a test. My salon didn’t open until ten, so I had an hour before I had to open my doors. I parked at the closest spot which was right next to a police car.

  “Good morning,” I spoke just to be polite and the woman looked at me and backed out of the spot racing out of the lot.

  It was odd, but I shook it off and grabbed my belongings out of the car and went to my shop. I unlocked the gates and went inside of the salon locking the door behind me.

  The first thing I did was go to the bathroom in my office with the pregnancy test in hand. After skimming the instructions and getting a few paper towels for the test I opened up the box and sat on the toilet. As instructed, I held the tip of the test under my stream for a few seconds before placing it on the paper towel.

  I finished emptying my bladder and then wiped, flushed, and washed my hands. The entire time I had my eyes on the test anticipating the results. My anxiety was killing me, so I left out of my office and began to set up for the day. Ten minutes passed before I went back to the bathroom with my heart beating rapidly.

  With a trembling hand, I lifted the test and saw that there were two pink lines in the window. My stomach bubbled from the mixed emotions. Was I ready to be a mother? I had no idea. I went from talking about opening up new locations, to being engaged and now a mother to be.

  After snapping a few pictures, I wrapped the test in paper towel and washed my hands again. I took the test back to my desk and put it in a draw until I figured out what to do or more so what to tell Mar.

  By the time ten came there was a line outside of the door with appointments and a few walk-ins. I loved my staff because everyone arrived on time and ready to work. With the help of the crackers, water, and chewing on gum I was able to control the nausea I was feeling.

  During our slow time, Amena came to get started on my inventory. I told her she didn’t have to help me out but come to find out everything was a mess thanks to Trina’s negligence.

  I waved and smiled, but the look on her face made me concerned.

  “What’s wrong with you?”

  She held up the baby shower invitation Mar showed me that Wesley invited us to.

  “Should I be mad?”

  Rita and I exchanged looks as I processed what I wanted to say to Amena. She was in a tough ass spot being in a secret relationship with Wesley while he was having a child. I wanted to tread lightly because I didn’t want to hurt her feelings.

  “No, you shouldn’t be upset. It’s expected. He’s having a baby and they’re having a shower. It doesn’t mean they’re getting married,” I told her.

  Amena sighed as she looked down at the invite, plucking it with her finger. “I feel terrible that I’m upset another woman is pregnant with his baby.”

  “We get it Amena. Maybe you should reevaluate what you want to do. If you can’t accept the fact he’s having a baby by another woman a relationship might not be the best thing to do,” Sharita told her.

  “Where did you get the invite?” I quizzed. “I know Wesley ain’t give it to you.”

  She shook her head. “No, he didn’t. Mar gave it to me telling me I was going with y’all. I’m not though, y’all just go an
d make sure y’all keep an eye out on Wes.”

  “You know I got you!” Rita told her and I shook my head because she was on go at all times.

  “Awww a baby shower? Are you pregnant CoCo?” Ms. Margaret walked in, glanced at Amena’s hand and then at me.

  My entire body got hot, feeling all eyes were now on me. I couldn’t lie and say I wasn’t pregnant. I actually had intentions on telling the girls but not like this with Ms. Margaret in my face.

  “It’s not my baby shower,” I informed her, and she smiled.

  “Oh okay,” she responded looking at my stomach as if she was going to get a sign from there that I was pregnant. “I know I’m early. I’m wondering if I could get my nails done early.”

  I glanced at the clock and saw she was over a half hour early. I had intentions on getting started with Amena.

  “Sure, I have to go over something with these ladies and I will be right with you.”

  Ms. Margaret walked off and sat in the seating area for customers.

  “What’s wrong with that lady?” Amena asked. “She’s so weird.”

  “I always say the same thing every time I see her. It’s like she got a weird obsession with CoCo.”

  “I think so too. I try to write it off as her being a great customer, but she only wants me doing her nails and talks my head off. She sometimes comes in twice a week for a manicure and leaves a big ass tip.”

  “Shit, as long as she’s paying, who cares,” Amna said.

  “But I gotta tell you guys something.” I took my phone out of the side pocket of my leggings and went to my photos to show them the picture of the pregnancy test. They both got quiet and faced me with smiles spread a mile wide.

  “First a ring and now a baby!” Amena cheered and I shushed her looking over at the waiting area where Ms. Margaret was seated.

  “Not too loud. I just found out.”

  “Sorry, but I’m excited. I get a niece or nephew!” she whispered.

  “Congrats boo,” Rita said hugging me. “You’re finally getting everything you deserve. A good man, a union and baby.”

  I stared at the picture still in shock. “Y’all don’t think this is too much at once?”

  “Hell no!” Amena exclaimed. “Do you know how many women wishing they had a man like Amare? I can tell my brother loves you and y’all both deserve each other.”

  “Exactly. You deserve everything you got coming your way CoCo. You’re going to be an amazing mother and wife.”

  “Does Amare know?”

  “Not yet, I gotta figure out how to break the news to him. He’s been telling me I was pregnant since he proposed, but I wasn’t trying to hear that.”

  “My brother knows you better than you think. Don’t take forever to tell him. I know he will be happy.”

  “I won’t.”

  Sharita and Amena both hugged me and discreetly rubbed my stomach saying how they were going to be aunties. Meanwhile I was trying to figure out how I was going to deal with being sick and getting big for the next couple of months.

  ***

  “Mom!” I called out as I stepped through the front door.

  “I’m in the kitchen,” I heard her respond.

  Closing the door behind me, I locked it and went to the kitchen. I haven’t seen my mother since the first time she met Amare and figured it was the best time to let her know what was new in my life. I’m sure she’ll be upset that I didn’t come sooner, but it was whatever.

  “You’re always in the kitchen,” I told her.

  She turned around and faced me before her eyes dropped to my hand making her frown.

  “What the hell is that?” she questioned me more than likely referring to my ring.

  “A ring,” I beamed taking a seat at the round table.

  Wiping her hands on the towel hanging from the cabinet under the sink she walked over to me holding out her hand to get a good look. I placed my hand in hers. “I know it’s a ring smart ass. When did this happen?”

  “Last week.”

  “And I’m just finding out?!” she retorted.

  I knew the attitude was coming. “Yes, mom. I’ve been busy.”

  “We text every day. You could’ve told me.”

  “No, I couldn’t,” I responded with an eye roll. “Had I called or texted I would’ve gotten a text message about not coming to you so you can see it for yourself which explains why I’m here now telling you face to face.”

  “Shit! I’m mad Amare didn’t ask for my permission.”

  Here we go.

  Nothing was really good enough for my mother unless it was ok’d by her.

  “Mom, men usually ask the father for permission.”

  “Exactly! I’ve been your mother and father for the past twenty-five years. That boy lucky I like him and this sure is a nice ring,”

  She continued to examine it as she sat down in the chair next to me.

  “What size is it?”

  “Not your size,” I chortled snatching my hand out of hers. “Don’t be trying to steal my ring!”

  “Shit! I raised your hard headed behind. I deserve one too.”

  “Why my father never gave you one?” I asked remembering that she told me they were together but he up and left once he found out she was pregnant.

  She sucked her teeth. “That man doesn’t love anyone more than he loves himself. I’d be damn to accept a ring from him. How he ran from his responsibilities of being a father, I’d be a goddamn fool.”

  It was the same exact story and I felt the tension in the room getting thick. My mom always went off when we talked about my father, so I changed the subject.

  “How do you feel about being a grandmother?”

  Her eyes got wide before she looked at my stomach the same way Ms. Margaret did earlier.

  “A grandmother?” She asked back. “Lord, this girl is trying to kill me.”

  “It ain’t that bad,” I laughed.

  “It is when my daughter whom I haven’t seen in a while pops up with so much news. You finna raise my blood pressure.”

  “Mom are you happy?” I asked with a pout and she finally smiled.

  “Of course, I am. I’m so proud of you baby. I know I haven’t said it much, but I really am. You turned out to be better than me.”

  “Mom, you did a great job. Don’t forget you did it alone and that counts for something.”

  There was a faraway look in her eyes that tugged at my heart. My mother was loud and more times than some obnoxious, but I knew it was just her way of hiding whatever it is she was keeping away.

  Growing up, she always said she loved me but had a hard way of showing it. Instead of allowing it to break me down, I told myself it was only because she probably wasn’t shown how to love. Either way my mom meant so much to me no matter how annoying she could be.

  “It would be nice if you had twins so I could spoil them both.”

  “Alright now mom, you’re pushing it. I’m trying to wrap my mind around one. I don’t need two babies in my life at once.”

  “Fine,” she cackled. “How does Amare feel?”

  “He doesn’t know yet. I gotta figure out how to tell him.”

  “Tell him. Y’all generation kills me. Y’all make a big spectacle of anything.”

  My mom got up from her chair and went over to the cabinet taking out a few pots from underneath.

  “What are you about to do?”

  “Make my grand babies some food. I gotta make sure they grow strong and the only way is making sure your ass eat.”

  I rolled my eyes. “Mom, it’s a baby. One baby. Not even a baby matter of a fact. I’m only two seconds pregnant.”

  “Whatever, I want twins,” she said waving her hand at me as if she was carrying them. That was my mother for you. She often said the first thing on her mind and expected things her way, but I knew she only meant well. I wouldn’t change her for the world.

  Wes

  “When will you be back?” The frown on Kesha’s face
could be heard from the tone in her voice.

  She begged me not to let her be alone during the rest of the pregnancy and I was cool with it, especially since I missed out on a big period of it.

  Since she was no longer taking any jobs in preparation for the baby, she’s been in Philly and found every reason for me to be around. She was at the stage of going to her prenatal appointments twice a week and I didn’t miss any of them, even if they were just to check the heartbeat and measure her stomach.

  Juggling spending time with her and making sure all my businesses were straight I haven’t had seen Amena and she transitioned back into that frustrated stage again.

  As of late I’ve been with Kesha getting everything in order for this extravagant baby shower. Her and her mom went big with everything, so it was running into almost ten grand. I didn’t understand why they were even having a baby shower to begin with since they had everything he would need.

  “In a couple of days.”

  “A couple of days?!” she shot back as if that was too long, after I’ve seen her every day since I found out the sex of the baby.

  “Yes. You’ll be alright.”

  “How you figure. We gonna miss you.”

  I laughed it off instead of responding that I was going to miss my baby. I didn’t want to hurt her feelings.

  “I’ll hit you up when I can,” I promised her ending the call.

  Once I had her off my line, I proceeded into Amena’s community entering after I pushed in the code. After parking my car, I got out and headed towards her front door. She came to the door shortly after I answered it, with her pretty face balled up.

  “Are you going to let me in?”

  “Why should I? I could be having company right now. What makes you think it’s okay just to pop up?”

  That had me glaring at her thinking she was around some other nigga. “Mena, don’t fucking play with me.” I pushed the door open snatching my gun from my waist. I went through her house like a madman ready to put a bullet in whoever she was spending time with.

  After checking every room upstairs, I returned back downstairs to her placing my gun on the coffee table where she stood with her arms crossed under her breasts.