On My Way..

Ch. 5 Pt. 2 | Damn, It's Like That?

Beau

Cheri’s House

8:14 p.m.

I’ve never had someone look at me with so much hatred and malice before until I met this man who I now know to be Nasir. And it’s crazy because it’s misguided hatred; I wasn’t the one driving the car nor was I the one to give Riley the alcohol. He’s ready to go to war with the wrong one.

 I watched his every move, mannerism and gesture, as he got ready to charge at me. This nigga got me fucked up, I didn’t earn my Golden Gloves and spend countless hours training to get my ass whooped by some cornball ass nigga. He thought he was big jumping me at the hospital, but fuck it we can get even now.

 Before either of us could swing I heard her voice firmly speak up,

“Yo I swear to God if either one of y’all swing I’m bodying both of y’all and ya mans too,” she said coldly and calmly making everybody stop dead in their tracks.She had our undivided attention and she didn’t have to raise her voice or make a scene to get it.

 Hearing her thick Brooklyn accent flow effortlessly along with the bass added in her voice had me ready to get her up out that chair.

A woman that isn’t afraid to speak up when need be is sexy and by the look radiating in eyes she knew the power she had.

“You have no plausible reason to want to scrap with him other than being in your feelings?” she looked at him with a raised eyebrow. I analyzed her every move and mentally stored away everything she said.

“You serious right na?!” Nas growled at her.

He was literally fuming, “This nigga took so much from you, from everyone around you and I’m not bout to have him up in my house, eating my shit up and his mans damn sure ain’t bout to be fucking with my sister,” he spat.

 She stared at him for a good two minutes before she did the last thing any of us expected her to do. She laughed, laughed right in his face. She laughed so hard her side hurt and tears came to her eyes.

“Fuck is so funny Dutch!” he said genuinely upset I could even see a hit on the hurt written on his face.

She wiped her eyes, “You, because clearly you have lost your cotton picking ass mind if you think you’re gonna stand here and tell me what has been taken from me,” she growled.

“You damn right something was taken from me, but he wasn’t necessarily the one who took it. You’re stupid ass can’t even get the full story because you’re so blinded by anger that you can’t even see who’s really at fault,” she giving Riley her full attention.

 Her glare was so intense he immediately dropped his eyes from contact. He looked like a scared child being put on trial. Unfortunately for him, Dutchess was the only judge and jury for his case.

“I’m well aware of what was taken from me and no mothafucka in this room can tell me otherwise. I need to know why it was taken and there are only two people in this room that can give me those answers. I’ll be damned if you lose your black ass mind and end up doing something stupid, yet” she added with a beautiful, mischievous smile. Her filthy mouth turned me on; baby girl could cuss like a sailor and still be sexy.

 “Do you know what it’s like to have the one you love act like you don’t exist?!” she continued her rant.

 “Huh?! Got mothafuckas looking at me like I’m a fucking leper or some cripple! Gotta fucking rely on you to do simple shit for me like wash my ass?! Do you have any idea how fucking embarrassing that shit is?

Never in my life have I ever needed to rely on anything or anyone and now look at me!” she barked dejected and hurt.

“Now get your shit together AK and Autumn are going to be here any minute, I don’t need both of y’all acting like y’all have no sense,” she said somewhat dismissing him. He looked at her like she was crazy.

 He wanted to fuck her up so bad, I could see it, she could see it, but what I didn’t see was fear. His body language was telling us that he wanted to rip her apart piece-by-piece by her eyes read “Nigga please try it”. She wasn’t backing down from his hard stare.

 “Whateva man,” he huffed out salty as fuck and went into another room slamming the door shut. So hard that the doorframe rattled making Cheri jump.

 I watched her let out a deep breath, probably one she had been holding for sometime. She looked down before raising her head and shot me a beautiful apologetic smile.

 I was taken back by everything that transpired and this woman before me, I never expected her to hold me down and fully understand that I wasn’t responsible for putting the wheelchair, but seeing her genuinely smile meant everything to me. I couldn’t ask for more.

 She didn’t have to say anything more to me because I knew from then that she somewhat understood my position. I couldn’t help but return my own toothy grin.

 “I’m gonna go check on him, Dutch you okay out here for a sec?” Cheri asked flustered as she walked towards his room. I feel like shit for ruining her dinner before it even got started.

 “Yeah, I’ll be fine” she said never taking her eyes off Riley.

 Since we got here for some reason she hasn’t taken her eyes off him. It’s like she instantly knew he was the driver and once it was confirmed she locked on to her target. He was prey and she was prepared to feed. It was a little unsettling.

 She studied his movements and seemed to enjoy watching him falter under her microscope. 

“So how’s the recovery process?” Jay asked Dutchess trying to make small talk to lighten the mood.

 “I’m curious what were you drinking that night?” she kept her focus on Riley completely disregarding Jay’s question and his presence.

 “Damn, coldblooded," I heard him mumble and I shook my head, chuckling. Dutchess has made it very clear that she had no problems holding her own.

 “151 and Henny,” Riley said bluntly, coldly even. I could tell all the attention on him had him edge. He had a bad habit of getting out of pocket and saying slick shit, but I can tell he’s met his match with Dutch.

 She solemnly nodded her head letting what he said register in her mind. She wanted answers and I can tell we’re not leaving until she gets them.

 “Was it worth it?” she asked Riley.

 He scrunched up his face perplexed, “What?”

“You ruined my fucking life you little piece of shit! You damn near took everything from me, but couldn’t take my life! You’re selfish as fuck and karma is a bitch. Not only did you put my life in the crosshairs of death, but you put two other lives in danger being a bitch,” she barked at him only for him to cower away.

“I honestly hope and pray to God that you get everything coming to your punk ass because I don’t believe that you genuinely had a reason to be so careless with our lives,” she pointed to herself and me.

 “I think that you’re selfish, narcissistic asshole who needs to learn the value of life and it’s true meaning because you’re a lost soul.

 So when I asked you if it was worth it? And you had that dumb ass look on your face you gave me all the confirmation I needed. I hope you rot,” she said harshly and blunt shocking us all.

Before he could respond she rolled herself into the kitchen leaving us to consume her words and commit them to memory. 

 Dutch

At the dinner table

9:00 p.m.

By the time AK, Autumn and Cheri’s homegirl, Lauryn arrived Nas dragged his sorry out his room, but he has yet to look my way or address me and to be honest I’m glad he hasn’t I don’t have the time or energy to put up with his piss ass attitude. I completely understand the concern he’s feeling. Shit I’m scared too.

Riley excused himself after I ripped him a new asshole, he called himself a cab and dipped out before we even had a chance to say grace. But I can guarantee we’ll cross paths again.

 What if he has no plausible explanation though? What if he was just driving drunk for the thrill and I just happened to get hit because of his careless and self-centered nature?

 “Ayo Dutch you heard me?” I heard AK ask me snapping me from my thoughts.

 “Nah I didn’t actually, wassup?” I said nodding my head at Nas indicating that he had put enough food on my plate and I was good. As much as I can’t stand him he did his thing with these oxtails, would have thought his country bumpkin ass was West Indian or some shit. 

“I asked if you seen Nami lately?” he asked curiously and my body tensed up. Just hearing her name brought butterflies to my stomach and my head began to swirl. And effect only she seemed to have.

“Nope, she was over earlier this week to drop off some clothes and hygiene supplies, but other than that no. She said that Aaron has been asking her to make runs at crazy hours so she hasn’t really had much time for herself,” I said as I spooned some rice into my mouth.

I heard Cheri’s friend scoff before shoveling an oxtail in her mouth, “Lauryn, right?” I said catching onto her shady antics.

 “Yeah,” she said plastering a fake ass smile on her face.

 “You seem like you have something to say or have a lot on your mind, do you know Nami?” I asked giving her my full attention. I could feel Nas’ stare damn near burning a hole into the side of my face.

 Beau and Jay look confused as hell. Cheri on the other hand she looked pissed, like her friend spilled the beans and shit was about to hit the fan.

“Nah I don’t know her personally, but I met her when she came into the hospital two weeks ago,” she said matter of factly. She knew she hit a nerve.

Why would she be in the hospital, is she okay? Did something happen? My mind was on a thousand, Nami wouldn’t keep something like that from me, but it seems like I don’t know her anymore.

“Hospital? Why would she be there?” I said trying to down play my curiosity.

“Lauryn can I uh, talk to you in the kitchen real quick?” Cheri interjected before she could respond. I could tell whatever it was Cheri knew and had known for two weeks now.

“Nah fuck that one of y’all better start fucking talking I know that much,” I threatened as I threw my napkin on my plate. My appetite now gone.

 Cheri looked at me with eyes full of pity and regret. Lauryn just looked confused and spaced out.

 “She came in for a pregnancy test. She should be about…14 weeks now,” Lauryn said as she counted the weeks on her fingers making sure she was accurate.

 That shit literally took all the wind out of my sail. Pregnant? Nah it can’t be, not my baby. Having a baby? Damn, it’s like that?

 “Dutch….Dutch…DUTCHESS!” Cheri said snapping her fingers in my face.

“Don’t say nothing to me,” I barked at her.

 My face instantly became to sour, when I realized she knew all this time and had me looking like a fucking fool. “You knew didn’t you?”

 She sighed and nodded her head, “Fuck you Cheri, that’s messed up all this time you knew she was playing me, but you just let me go looking for love in the wrong fucking places. That’s foul son.”

“Dutch I don’t think now is the time to discuss this, I really didn’t want you to find out this way. I wanted Nami to be the one to tell you her dirty secret. It wasn’t my place or anyone else’s for that matter,” she pleaded looking around at everyone at the table mugging Lauryn.

"I didn't want to be the one to hurt you."

When I looked around everyone’s face read concern. But fuck that I don’t need their concern. As right as she was forgiveness wasn’t something I could give her.

 “Yeah, well you succeeded. Like I said, Fuck you Cheri,” I coldly spat before rolling myself away from the table my mind full of emotions and my chest tight from the pain I felt

Nasir

10:45 p.m.

I can’t front both those niggas Beau and Jay ain’t too bad, I admit it I prejudged them.

 But their mans though once I see him it’s on sight. Now that they both clarified what happened and the fact that Beau just happened to be in the wrong car at the wrong time I kinda feel like shit for jumping the nigga.

“Damn son, Cheri dropped a bomb my nigga,” AK said taking a long drag from the blunt. After those niggas and Cheri’s bumb ass friend left we decided to roll up. Autumn caught the itis and fell asleep in the room Cheri’s room.

 She felt like shit keeping that secret so she decided to go spend a night at her nigga house for the night. Talkin’ bout she can’t face Dutch, but she could face her when she knew that foul ass secret. Fuck outta hea’ man.

 “I know nigga and something is telling me that it’s that nigga A’s baby,” I said taking the blunt from him and letting all of the interactions between A and Nami replay in my mind.

 I knew the nigga was foul, but I also know he got a wife and kids at home. I never thought he would get himself caught up like that. I also know in my heart that Nami is a trick ass bitch, but I put my feelings to the side for Dutch’s sake.

 All bets are off na.

 Dutch has always looked out for him and held him down; they have literally made millions together over the years. Why fuck up your business relations and money over some pussy?

 This shit is low and dumb even for his greedy ass. I know Dutch is going to get money regardless because she’s been in the business longer and has more connects. Why cut off the hand that helps feed you and your family?

 “Why you say that son?” AK asked sparking up another blunt, I chuckled because we haven’t even finished the one in rotation.

 “About a month ago, just after the accident we were at Dutch’s crib Nami ran out saying she had to make a run, but it didn’t make sense. Your girl just got in car accident and is hella fucked up yet you’re finding a way to make runs instead of being by her side?” I stated as I went through my mental rolodex.

“Yeah my nigga, but that don’t mean it’s A’s though?”

“But check it that night I brought Dutch to the crib on our way to the car I pepped Nami hopping out of a black truck, Aaron’s truck. When I honked the horn at her she was shook. Ain’t nobody out at those hours unless they hoein’ or partyin’,” I told him and he threw his head back laughing.

“You a fool man, but yo I’m about to go carry Autumn’s greedy ass home, but we should link up with that nigga A and get his side of the story,” he said and I nodded my head.

“Iigh bet, but if the nigga gets outta pocket I’m hooking his shit,” I told him with no remorse him heart.

 If it is his baby than he’s flaw as fuck and I have no business breaking bread with a greasy nigga like dat.

 __

“Bae?” I said cautiously walking into my room.

After our blow up earlier and then the bomb dropped on her I was a little uneasy going into the situation.

 When she didn’t respond I peeped her sitting in her chair staring out at the city below, spaced out. She looked so defeated when my eyes met hers, my heart damn near shattered into a billion pieces. She looked worn and disheveled.

 Her beautiful brown skin stained with dry tears,

 Her nose rosy red,

 Those light brown orbs that I’ve grown to love staring into, normally so full of life are now dull, dark and lifeless. They looked like dark empty pits void and incapable of feeling and it scared me.

“Hey, “ she said weakly before dropping her head in shame.

I was by her side in an instant; I didn’t care about our blow up earlier or Nami’s foul ass. She couldn't handle a woman like Dutch anyway. My baby needed me and that’s all that matters at this point.

 I didn’t know what to say or what I could do to pacify the situation because there was no way that I could possibly rectify it at this point. The damage was already done.

“Baby you wanna take a bath? The cuddle up for some good sleep,” I asked as I stroked her cheek with my thumb.

 She swiftly nodded her head never bringing her eyes up to meet mine; I scooped her up and held her close. The connection was what she needed because her body instantly melted into mine nuzzling her face into my neck.

 I sat her in her chair; we kept a chair in the tub just to make her shower process easier. I even had my plumber come by and install a special shower head just for her to make sure she was as comfortable as possible.

 I helped her slip out her clothes and tossed them somewhere in the bathroom. I lifted her so she could ease out of her thong before gingerly sitting her back down.

“Your ribs are healing nicely,” I commented as I carefully removed the bandage from around her torso examining the skin before lightly kissing the area making her jump then sigh.

She just nodded her head not bothering to look at me as she toyed with her fingernails, something she did when nervous.

I put on Pandora to lighten the mood a bit, I could tell that her mind was going into overdrive right na and I just wanted to soothe her in an any way.

I wet her body from her head down and her body instantly began to relax as she let out a ragged sigh.

I massaged shampoo into her scalp taking my time to really let my fingers go to work. I wanted to tonight to really be about her and put her body at ease. If I could absorb any of her pain or heartache I’d gladly take it.

“You want to talk about it?” I cautiously asked her.

“Not yet, I haven’t processed it all myself. I don’t know how I’m supposed to feel about it,” she said finally making eye contact. I could see the torment in her eyes and I felt something I can’t explain.

I nodded my head, continuing my ministrations on her scalp as I began to rinse the shampoo from her hair watching it run down her back. She tilted her head back with her eyes closed to assist me.

I brought the shower head and began to wet the rest of her body. I watched the water splash and pool around her plump thighs and felt my dick twitch. Nami really had to be bat shit crazy to let such a beautiful specimen go.

It was like God himself took the sweetest, richest chocolate he could find and carefully wrapped her body in it. He really took his time with her, I couldn’t see a flaw on her body. Everything about her sat just right, how could someone in their right mind let this go?

“Let me make you feel better for a little while.”

I took a chance and moved the shower head directly between her thighs. Her eyes shot open and her hand moved on top of mine. Once I felt the warmth between her thighs there was no way I was moving my hand, my body wouldn’t allow it. It was almost intoxicating.

 “Naaass” her breath came out ragged and choppy as I started moving the shower head in a slow circular motion making sure the water flow was in direct contact with her clit at all times.

“Talk ta me, wassup babe?” I asked her, my eyes glued to her body watching  everything it was telling me do.

 “Shiiit” she gripped my hand like a vice. I saw lust, confusion and apprehension in her eyes as shit bit down on her bottom lip to stifle her voice.

“Tell me what you want,” I needed to hear her.

 As soon as my lips came into contact with warm, wet skin her head dropped back and a low, sultry moan involuntarily left her lips. And my dick instantly came to full attention.

I took my time kissing up her shoulder and chest taking the time to kiss in between her chest underneath her soft, plentiful breast before latching my mouth onto her nipple suckling it. You would have thought her breast was giving me some milk.

She gave in and her hand found the back of my head massaging my curls egging me on. I adjusted the shower head increasing the pace of my motions. Her grip of my hair instantly tightened and her moans got deeper when she felt the water flow intensify.

I kissed in between her breast making sure to leave my mark every place my lips met. I latched my lips onto her other nipple and instantly knew this was my favorite. It was a bit smaller than the other and fit perfectly in my mouth.

I let my tongue toy with the tip of her nipple making her squirm. Her legs began to twitch and she tried pulling my hand away.

“That’s that spot?” I asked her making my way up her collarbone. I felt her whole body begin to shake underneath me.

It was like her collarbone and clit were connected. The strong flow pumping out of the shower head and my lips licking off the water on her body became too much.

She caught me completely off guard when I felt her grip my head and bring my face to hers. When her soft, plump lips met mine, my mind went blank and my whole body became numb.

I recuperated and kissed her with all the need and want my body could produce. At this moment I needed her to need me, she matched my fervor and introduced her tongue to my mouth.

“Cum for me,” I said against her lips.

She shook her head no.

I smirked against her lips, “Pleease?” I coaxed letting my raspy voice draw out.

She shook her head no again. Trying to hold out on giving me what I wanted.

“Okay,” I simply said while adjusting the shower head to the highest setting. I pulled the hair at the nape of her neck and began to savor every inch of her mouth.

She was like putty in my hands once her orgasm finally hit her. Her hips began to roll and whine in the same motion of my hand. Her hips and my hand were in perfect synchronization working together to get her body to that peak.

 She tried to pull away, but I held her close feeling her shake and twitch in my arms succumbing to everything I was giving her.

 Once she came down from her high her whole body went limp in my arms, she would have teetered off the chair if my body weren’t here supporting her frame.

“You okay?” I softly asked her as I continued lightly kissing her body making sure that no part of her that I could kiss went unkissed while bringing the showerhead away from her now sensitive area.

She nodded her head then bringing her lips to mine. I don’t think I could ever get tired of this. Her lips fit mine perfectly and her mouth was sweet. A deadly combination, now I don’t think I can stop kissing her.

“Bae…let…me…wash…ya,” I said in between pecks to her lips.

She nodded, but didn’t move away and I laughed.

“I like your lips,” she finally said pulling away to let me continue washing her body.

“Yeah?” I said chuckling, “Well I like you.”

 I told her truthfully looking at her to make sure she heard and understood me clearly.

“Maybe, I like you too” she said shyly looking down, playing with her nails.

I laughed at how cute she could be. One minute she’s ready to box with tha god, the next she’s this shy, innocent beautiful person before me.

 “I can take that,” I said turning off the showerhead and preparing the towel for her.

 Gingerly patting her body dry, apply fresh bandages to her torso then wrapping towel around her head, “You ready?” I asked her before lifting her body into mine carrying into my room.

I felt her soft lips kissing my chest and neck.

Everywhere her lips touched the skin began to tingle it was addicting, exhilarating even.

 I laid her on her side and went to go get her night clothes when she reached to grab my hand, “No, I’m sleeping in just a towel tonight. I don’t feel like wearing clothes.”

 I nodded and kneeled on her side, ”Babe I’mma go hop in tha shower real quick, I know you haven’t been sleeping. Try and get some. I’ll be right back,” I said before kissing her forehead, cheek and finally lingering on her full lips.

"We can figure out everything else in the mornin'."

 “Okay,” she said tirelessly yawning.

Before I could even get out of the room I could hear her light snores behind me and I chuckled to myself as I turned off the light.

I walked into the kitchen to wrap up any leftovers and clear any dishes, but I kept hearing this annoying ass buzzin’ coming from the kitchen table. Dutch’s phone.

 I wasn’t trying to be nosey…okay; yeah I was trying to be nosey. When I saw the name “That Boy,” pop up I got curious. And it wasn’t like I was unlocking her phone because the message popped up clear as day on the screen. So TECHNICALLY this is fair game.

             From That Boy:

Hey, I had no idea tonight was going to turn out how it did. I’m really sorry if I added to any of the stress you’re already feeling. That wasn’t my intention. I was wondering if you wanted to meet up at Lotus Blue for lunch tomorrow? Chinese on me =).

-B 

I immediately put two and two together. That little fuck! Just when I thought the lil’ nigga was cool here he go trying to fuck my shit up. Now that I can’t have.

Prologue: Make It Home

Dutchess

E 101st & 3rd Ave

2:56 a.m

“Where you at?” Nami asked on the other line. Her voice was raspy and I could tell she was fighting sleep.

“I’m almost home, I just made my last run and I’m a few blocks away I’ll be there in no time babe.”

“Well shit, pedal faster I’m about to heat up this cheesecake and I already set up The Golden Girls on Netflix.” She said with urgency.

“Who heats up cheesecake? Country bumpkin ass” I chuckled as I rode through the avenues completely oblivious to my city around me. I had one mission in mind; get to my bed in record time. I’ve been running without good sleep for two weeks and I’m ready to crash. The thought of my bed caused me to pedal a bit harder.

“I do!” She said giggled, “Don’t try me.” She said her thick Memphis accent coming through.

“Alright, alright let me go so I can pay attention,” I said with all seriousness.

“Gotchu see you soon baby.” She said hanging up as I came up to a red light I slowed my pedaling to a halt. 

Taking time to look at the city around me. So alive and active, bodies shifting quickly across the street trying to get to the other side before the red hand popped up. The taxi cab next to me so in a hurry for the light to change to get to his next fare. Even at such a late hour everyone was in such a hurry and had somewhere to be.

I saw an opening and I took it, having a bike as opposed to a car makes maneuvering through NY traffic a breeze. Us bike riders have our own community, albeit underground it’s a community nonetheless.  We’ve carved out our own lane in traffic it’s the quickest way to get around the city completely undetected. Need something delivered?

My crew or I can have it delivered to wherever you need it to go in a time friendly and discreet manner. You wouldn’t believe the type of shit have delivered and how much they’ll pay just to have it brought to them in the fashion that we bring it. Business has been great, quite lucrative and we’ve managed to stay below the radar for years. We took the streets by storm and we did it in an unconventional manner.

 I increased my speed as I pedaled through past the red light and instantly saw a blaring set of headlights coming towards me from my right side. There was no was I could avoid them, whoever was behind the wheel was swerving between lanes recklessly. They were coming too fast. I saw them, but it was like they didn’t see me and had no intentions of slowing down.

Beau

I looked out the passenger window as Harlem whipped past me in a flash. Street signs began to blur with red lights. Intersections and crosswalks all looked the same. This nigga had lead in his foot and liquor in his veins.

“Yo Boogz son chill! You keep this shit up and you’re either gonna hurt us or someone else!” I yelled over A$AP F3RG blaring through the speakers while clinging to the dashboard as he swerved through lanes. I could here the other drivers on the road honking their horns around us.

“Relax!” he cackled, “I got this, you know I’m the MCLAREN KING NIGGA!!!” He yelled at the top of his lungs and pushed his foot on the gas pedal. “I whip shit like this on the regular” he slurred.

“Bullshit! I just got this shit today you whip Fiats on a regular nigga. Now slow down!”  He was two seconds away from kissing a tree or a lamppost, I knew I shouldn’t have let him drive my shit, my new shit. My dude has been going through some shit lately so I thought maybe letting him take the whip out for a bit would lift his spirits. It wasn’t supposed to turn out this way, but isn’t that how it always works out when some shit is about to go down?

“You just sit back and enjoy the ride son,” He said as he hiccupped from the Henny he had been sipping earlier “I got you” he said patting my shoulder confidently. Why do drunk niggas always swear they got everything under control.

“I hear you son I really do, but you’re doing 120 on the dash right now. You need to slow down.” I said as calmly as possibly, almost reasoning with him. Seeing that the light up ahead was turning yellow I figured he’d slow down and I could talk him into letting me drive. For a hot second I almost got through to him.

“How much you wanna bet I can make it before the light turns red?” He turned and looked at me with blood shot red eyes and an impish grin. Before I could respond he floored it, throwing my body back into my seat. I saw a figure moving up ahead, but I didn’t want to believe that it was in the directly in front of our lane.

“YO BOOGZ CHILL MY NIGGA YOU GONNA HIT THE BIKE?!” I yelled trying to get him to slow down.

“What?” He said turning his head for a second. 

Moments later I felt the airbag smashing into my face. Signaling the worst, what has my nigga just done.

ugh, I don't know who side to stand on when it comes to Nami and Aaron. I feel like this kid will bring an even bigger wedge between Aaron and his marriage and cause more conflict, especially if he's not willing to be apart of his kid's life, which is sad. But, it wouldn't be fair for Nami to raise it on her own either. ugh, Jesus fix it! What is the coincidence that they're all at the same restaurant!?!

Another child outside of Aaron’s marriage is definitely a big problem. This could possibly have an affect on his divorce proceedings. If and when Gabby finds out who knows how she’ll respond. I’m gonna play devil’s advocate and say did they have a prenup? You know and I both know she’s an intelligent woman and  I would hope she wouldn’t let Aaron do her like that. But, 

Aaron deserves all the bullshit coming his way. If he had priorities straight from jump he wouldn’t be in this predicament. Regardless of the circumstances he should definitely step up and be a man for his child. The child is innocent in all of this there is no reason why she should suffer from this. He should, but that doesn’t mean he will though. 

Dutch did say Lotus Blue was her favorite Chinese spot. Thanks for the feedback! Much appreciated. 

Girl where are you!? I need this update.

Hey love I'm back! My man and I took a mini vacay for a few days and I only took my ipad so I couldn't type like I wanted to. I will be updating tonight though. I'm glad you're enjoying the story!

Justin Combs 😍

Ch. 4| I Got This

Aaron

Our Gabby’s House

2:06 p.m

“Smile for mommy Tori!” I heard Gabby say to Tori as she snapped a few photos with her phone while we waited for Trey to come out of his room. Hearing my baby laugh and giggle made me laugh with her. It’s infectious.

Looking at the smile on Gabby’s face as she took pictures of Tori warmed my heart. I haven’t seen that Gabby in a while.

“Daddy I’m ready!!” Trey yelled as he raced out of his room sneakers in tow “Can we go to the park now!” he said as he damn near ran out the front door.

“Aye where you going with no shoes on!” Gabby yelled as she laughed at his antics.

“Mommy I can put them on in the car! I don’t want to miss the ice cream truck!” he said as he hopped in the back seat and buckling his seat belt impatiently waiting for us to follow his lead.

“Daddy put me down!” Tori said trying to wiggle from grip.

“I wonder where they get that from” Gabby said mugging me as she grabbed a few snacks for the kids and her purse.

 “Shit me too!” I said while kissing Tori’s cheek then putting her down so she could run to the car to follow her brother’s lead.

Those two are attached at the hip being that she’s 3 and he’s 4 everything he does she has to do and she tries to do it better.

 My baby is gonna be something.

____

 “Watch out for your sister Trey!” Gabby yelled behind them as they both sped off to go play.

 And instantly the awkward silence slowly crept it’s way between us.  The ever too familiar awkward silence we’ve both grown to know very well.

 “So how have you been? I see that your business has taken off well” I said trying to make conversation and to take note of how well her company has taken off.

 She started her own hair product line about a year ago and business is booming. I remember when she was in the kitchen playing mixtress, using me and Nas as guinea pigs to test her products.

 “And I see you ain’t wearing your ring,” she said smugly without looking away from Tori playing on the swings.

I let out a deep sigh and ran my hand down my face seeing clearly where this is going.

 “Why you beating around the bush and pussyfootin’ around the real issue at hand?” she continued.

“Come on man, not today shit was going well until you had to come at my jugular,” I said getting irritated.

 “What’s her name Aaron?” she asked simply.

 “What?” my ears perked up because I don’t think I heard her clearly.

 “Nigga you heard me loud and clear. We’ve been married for 6 years and I been with you since I was 15, you think I don’t know the way you move?” she said looking at me like I was stupid.

 “You’re so predictable it’s sad and the fact that I keep falling for it makes me even more foolish and gullible than you to think you'd change” she said almost disgusted with herself.

 "The fact that you said “what” tells me there is someone else,” she said with tears brimming in her eyes, but her pride wouldn’t let them fall.

“I’m tired of this, you won,” she said defeated. I looked at her with furrowed brows.

 “I’m a good woman and I know that. All I asked you to do was not do me dirty, be loyal and hold me down like I’ve done for you all these years. But you couldn’t do that, you take and take and take, but at this point I have nothing left to give,” her voice shook as she spoke.

 She got quiet and looked at me, analyzing my face hoping that I wouldn't confirm her suspicion. I remained quiet knowing that if I said something it would only add fuel to the fire.  We stared at each other both trying to read each other, but for once I couldn’t.

 “I want a divorce,” she said after an eternity in a firm voice.

 I opened my mouth to speak Tori and Trey came racing over to us.

 “Mommy can we have some juice?” they said in unison and out of breath.

 Gabby put her mommy cape back on and handed them their juices as they sat in between us regaining their energy. So focused all her attention on them from that point forward completely ignoring me. Leaving me alone to my thoughts.

 A divorce?

 Is it that bad that she’d go that far?

 Did I push her that far that she’s ready to throw in the towel and throw everything away?

Naaaah.

Dutch

Nasir’s House

4:00 p.m.

“That’s foul son! You have 7 cars in your garage and I can't whip one for the night? Some brother you are,” Cheri said chuckling darkly.

I woke up to the heavy aroma of weed in the air and Cheri and Nas going at it in true sibling form.

“Damn” I mumbled to myself as I licked my lips causing Nas to turn his attention to me.

“You’re finally awake sleepin’ beauty,” he said walking over to me on the couch completely ignoring what his little sister was saying and came over to check on me.

“That’s foul Nas! Come on I had classes and work all week. I just want to  go out for a little while pleaaasssse” she pleaded and made him feel guilty at the same time.

We all know that Nas has a soft spot for his baby sis and she busses her ass every day with school and work. She really is a good girl.

She gave him a pair of doe eyes that made Bambi look like trash and he folded. 

Kissing his teeth,” Fine! And don’t go leaving none of your shit in my car” he said pointing to his car key rack, allowing her to chose any car she wanted for the night.

“Thank you!” she said gleefully and kissed his cheeks as he swatted her away.

 “Come on chill! I don’t want your ugly to rub off go sumwhere man!” he said wiping his face.

 “Boy please! I love you bye,” she as she grabbed the keys and ran out.

 “I spoil her,” he chuckled to himself as he shook his head.

 “She’s a good girl she deserves it,” I told him honestly as I shifted on the couch.

 He looked at me with an unreadable expression and put a stray hair behind my ear “yeah, she does,” he said. I knew that statement had an underlying meaning.

 “I bought you a new phone while you were sleeping I know your phone was finished after the accident,” he said pointing to the box sitting on the table in front of me.

 “You didn’t have to,” I said graciously “Nami could have gotten it for me.”

 As soon as I mentioned Nami he sucked his teeth and his jaw clenched. I know better than anyone that there’s bad blood between the two, but they’ve always been able to be cordial for the most part.

 “Can you not?” I asked him.

 He nodded his head and changed the subject, “AK stopped by with some food that Autumn cooked for you. He said he stopped by your place, but Nami wasn’t there so he figured you were here with me,” he stated smartly as he got up and walked into the kitchen I’m assuming to go heat up the food.

I nodded my head figuring Nami is out making runs, now that I’m out of commission everybody has been picking up double time to make up for my lack of work.

Turning on my new phone I see that I have missed calls, most from customers and a few from the crew.

Going through my text I noticed that I haven’t gotten one from Nami today. Something isn’t right I haven’t seen her since last night and she hasn’t shot a message asking if I’m good. 

To Panda:

Wassup where you at?

 I saw a few messages from the crew and two from an unknown number.

 From 1 646 XXX XXXX:

Hey?

From 1 646 XXX XXXX:

Is this Dutchess?

 I read the message and seriously pondered about who it could be, I’m not one to give out my number. Curiosity got the best of me and I replied,

To 1 646 XXX XXXX:

Who’s asking?

 No less than five seconds later the phone buzzed and tinged in my hand,

From 1 646 XXX XXXX:

My name is Beau Wade. I was in the car that hit her and I’d like speak with her.

I looked down at the phone like it was an alien. To be honest I haven’t though about the accident since I left the hospital because I just want to put it behind me and focus on healing. Reliving it put me in a dark place.

I felt it buzz in my hand twice breaking me from my dark thoughts.

From Panda:

 Hey baby, I’ve been making runs all day. A said Nas took the day off to look after you so I’m going to pick you up from his place later on tonight.

From 1 646 XXX XXXX:

 Dutchess? I’m so sorry for everything that happened. I know that you don’t know me and have no reason to believe me, but I really want to help you. I’d like to be there for you in anyway that I can.

 I read the messages and tossed my phone onto another couch. I didn’t want to be bothered with it for a while. Something about Nami’s text rubbed me the wrong way.

 “What you ova there thinkin’ bout so hard?” Nas said breaking me from my thoughts.

 The last thing I want to talk with him about is Nami, his opinions are too biased he never cared for Nami so I can’t expect to get just advice from him. For that I need AK or Autumn.

 “Nothing, but that food in your hand tho,” I said grinning and nodding my head over to the plate in his hand.

 “Chill chubbs I’m coming,” he said setting up trays for us, before going back to the kitchen to get the drinks.

 Being the greedy crumb snatcher that I am I tried to reach for the fork and get some pasta off the plate.

 “Ahh!” I moaned out in pain biting my bottom lip to stifle my moan hoping Nas didn’t hear me.

 “What you doing greedy?” Nas asked amused as he walked over setting the drinks down on the trays.

 “I got hungry,” I pouted like a little kid.

He chuckled as he sat down next to me, he began cutting up the chicken breast on my plate into strips then turned to me, “Let me help,” he said before feeding me the chicken and pasta. 

“Mmmm wait this don’t taste like Autumn’s food,” I said with a raised eyebrow. Yeah my girl Autumn could burn some pans, but not like this. This food had southern feel to it, this food was giving me the warmth that only food from the NOLA can give.

After coming down from the high the food was giving me I took note to the music playing.

“And you know this is my song,” I said mouthing the lyrics.

“You catch everything,” he chuckled and held the fork to my mouth waiting for me to open.

“I put ha food to the side. You eat her food all the time, I wanted to do something special and play chef for a while,” he said wiping pasta sauce from my bottom lip with is thumb before putting it in his mouth and licking it off.

“Did you forget who you dragged to The Roots concert because someone couldn’t make it,” he chuckled licking lips looking at me. He made a point to emphasize the someone in his statement.

 His lips never looked that good before. It’s like I’m seeing them for the first time and I can’t complain about what I see.

I giggled, “I’m not complaining, but you should have some too. It’s good,” I said in between bites and pointing to his untouched plate.

“Don’t worry about me I got this, now eat. I made peach cobbler and fresh ice cream for desert you keep talking and you gon’ miss out” he said before feeding himself from my plate to oblige my request.

“Wait, did you say you made ice cream?” My curiosity was piqued.

 “You ain’t know?” he said pausing to look at me “ya boy got skills in that kitchen baby!”

 “Keep talking like that and you might keep me for good, you know food is the way to my panties” I laughed at my self and slapped my hand over my mouth realized what slipped out my mouth.

“Nah bae I got other ways to get to those, and this is just something to get you wet. Give you a taste of what’s to come,” he said wiggling his eyebrows.

I couldn’t help, but throw my head back and laugh at his silliness. I rarely get a good laugh, but when I do his silly ass is the one to give it to me. 

“I like your laugh,” he said while studying my face and I instantly began to blush and feel a tingle in my loins from the look he was giving me.

 I looked away embarrassed and I didn’t need him to see my flushed face.

He chuckled and rose from the couch, “I’m gonna go check on the ice cream bae.”

Did this nigga just call me bae?

I Updated Late Last Night, Let's Converse

Nami....girl, the fuck? Now  I think she's dead ass wrong, but tell me how you guys feel? You think Autumn knew what was really up? Dutch and Nas? Chile what's going on there, that nigga is acting like he's catching feelings. Could he be or is he reading too much into it? You tell me, check out Ch.3 pts 1 & 2 below,

Ch. 3 Pt. 1 | Noncompliance

Ch. 3 Pt. 2| Disrespectful Compliance

Nicole and Naturi at TCA party 2014

FOX’s “Sleepy Hollow” Los Angeles Special Screening And Q&A