Cycleofchances-ff - Cycle Of Chances

Ch. 5 pt. 1| Want To Come Over?

Cheri

Fort Tilden Beach

3:02 a.m.

*2 weeks later*

I took a deep pull of the Raspberry Kush and let it hit me. The whole ambiance got me feeling nice. The sound of Lauryn riding the beat and the waves crashing against the sand was just what I needed right now.

“Why you smoke so much?” I heard his deep voice ask full of intrigue and curiosity.

I completely forget he was sitting there once we got here we made small talk, but when I decided to roll up he got quiet. I asked him if he wanted to burn and he declined.

“Does it bother you?” I asked matching his tone.

“How you gon’ answer a question wit a question?” he side eyed.

“Does it?”

“Nah you just too pretty for all that,” he said like he was really saying something.

I smirked at him and turned my attention back to the waves crashing against the sand. We’ve been kicking it for about a month now and it’s cool for what it is.

In the short time that I’ve known Jay I’ve come to realize that he has no filter. The first thing that comes to his mind is what comes out his mouth first.

I can’t lie most of the time this nigga is as basic as they come, but just when I’m ready to ditch him he ceases to surprise me.

“So you not gon’ answer me?”

“My business is my business and yours is yours. If it doesn’t bother you then we shouldn’t have any problems. I appreciate your inquisition though.”

He looked at me like I was crazy, “Deadass?”

“Yeah.”

“Coldblooded man,” he chuckled and shook his head.

I looked out at the waves and began to get lost in thought.

“So you said it’s only you and your older brother?” he asked once again.

I let out a deep sigh; “Yeah it’s been just us since I was 13 and he was 16. Nas has always and will be everything to me. His lemon head ass gets on my nerves most of the time, but I wouldn’t be who I am today without.”

He nodded his head taking in what I said.

I didn’t want to think about Nas at the moment, but his words found their way back into my head.

**Hours ago**

“Where ya been running off too lately?” he asked as he made his way around the kitchen making dinner for Dutch and himself. I sat on the counter watching him shuffle around making sure everything was perfect.

Having Dutch here has completely brought out a different side of him. I haven’t seen him smile this much. I can’t lie and say I’m not happy just seeing him happy. Dutch got this nigga doing all kind of shit, she told him she wanted to go to the aquarium. You would think he’d take her to Coney Island like a normal person would right?

No, this fool made me help him plan a whole weekend for him and Dutch to go to Georgia aquarium because he said he wanted her to have the best. I’ve never seen him put so much effort into making someone smile. He went all out getting them the best suite, going out to the best restaurants, going shopping the whole nine.

It’s also probably to keep her mind off Nami. That bitch ain’t shit and Dutch just can’t see that.

I honestly feel bad, Dutch calls and text, but they go unanswered or they’re cryptic. Then when she comes over it’s solely to bring clothes. I asked Dutch to let me drag her ass one time, but she told me to chill.

I have my reasons to drag that grimey bitch and I just need Dutch to see for herself how dirty that hoe really is.

It’s crazy though because Nas is slowly taking her mind off Nami and I don’t even think Dutch realizes that.

“I’m going to hang out with my homeboy Jay, we’ve been kicking it for about a month now,” I told him honestly.

He nodded his head taking in what I said while checking his greens.

“So when do I get to meet tha nigga?” he asked not distracting himself from his greens adjusting the heat.

Shit I knew this was coming sooner or later, but not this fast, “Soon Nas.”

“Soon like…tomorrow night for dinner,” he said with finality to his tone. Meaning it wasn’t up for much discussion, his mind was made up he wanted Jay over tonight.

“Dammit Nasir can’t that decision be my own?! What if I’m not ready for you to meet’em yet?” I said letting out an exasperated sigh hopping off the counter.

“What if you invited some of your girls over and he brought some of his boys would that be better for you?” I heard Dutch’s soft voice interject before Nas could respond. I didn’t even hear her come in, but I’m glad she did. Having another female around to be an ally makes dealing with Nas much easier.

“This way it won’t be too tense we can eat dinner and maybe watch some movies. After dinner if you don’t want to stay you guys can go do something else. You’re grown,” she continued on while Nas looked at her like she had eight eyes.

“Deal!” I enthusiastically agreed.

“Ha! Then it’s settled,” she said rolling her wheelchair over to Nas.

“But,” he began.

“Sorry I’m on my way out, Jay and I are going to catch a movie,” I took that as my cue to make an exit before he could protest.

“What you over there thinking about?” Jay asked breaking me from my thoughts.

“You want to come over my place tomorrow night? My brother wants to me meet you. You can bring your boys since some of my homegirls are coming over too,” I blurted out.

He looked at me puzzled before breaking out into a toothy grin, “I’d love to.”

I let out a deep sigh. Now that the easy part is over, I hope all goes well.

Dutchess

Nas’ bed

The next day

Lying in bed all day isn’t supposed to feel so good especially when it’s not my bed. I haven’t felt this much relaxation in…ever? To make matters worse I feel way to comfortable lying next to someone who isn’t Nami. Granted it’s Nas, one of my best friends, but still he’s not mine and I’m not his.

But to be honest Nami hasn’t even acted like I’m hers. Ever since the accident she’s been distant. Treating me like I’m either infected or a piece of glass. There’s no middle ground with her. I get it my current condition is a transition, but my legs won’t always be broken.

“Bae what ya thinking about?” Nas said tightening his grip on my waist sliding my body closer to his and putting his face in the back of my neck.

Here he goes with this name-calling business again ignoring him, “is there something wrong with me?”

His head shot up to examine my face, “Nah baby why ya ask dat?” he said stroking my cheek with his thumb.

I sighed “because Nami is acting like I don’t mean anything to her. I’ve been basically living with you and Cheri for a month now. I’m truly grateful for everything you’ve done for me, but shouldn’t Nami be the one doing all this?” I asked looking him in he eyes.

He smiled and nodded his head, “she absolutely should, but that's her choice bae. If she can’t see how important your health is and doesn’t want to be there for you during every step of your recovery than maybe she’s not worth it and doesn’t care like she says she does.”

Even though it’s the truth it doesn’t hurt any less. My eyes began to tear up and my lip started quivering.

“Nah bae don’t waste one tear for her, you’re where you’re supposed to be,” he said pulling my body close to him kissing away tears as they fell.

I nodded my head and let him hold me. I didn’t want to argue or fight I craved comfort and he was giving just what I needed. Feeling him rub circles on my back and his Guilty by Gucci cologne invading my nostrils put my body at ease almost instantly.

“Nas! Jay and them are gonna be here any minute you want me to help you start dinner?” Cheri asked as she burst through his door.

“Oh shit, ma fault,” she said once she saw the scene before her.

He sucked his teeth, “Dammit C, you don’t knock? I could have been tongue or balls deep in bae.”

My face read one of embarrassment and shock, hers was one of disgust

“Uh ew nigga and no, you know damn well my boo ain’t giving you no play so…back to dinner nigga. What’s it gon’ be?” she asked putting her hands on her thick hips making me giggle.

“Oh so that’s funny?” he said turning his attention back to me. I couldn’t help but laugh at his seriousness. My giggles only intensified when he began tickling me.

“Stop! GO COOK!” I said in between giggles while trying my best to scoot away.

“Y’all are too cute,” Cheri said giving an all too knowing look as she examined our exchange. I could only blush and turn my face into his neck making them both laugh.

“Bae what ya want ta eat?” Nas asked bringing his mouth close to my ear. Hearing his deep voice all in my ear got me feeling a way.

“Uhh umm I-I” I stuttered and he let out a hearty laugh.

Cheri rolled her eyes, “I’ll be in the kitchen, y’all niggas get it together,” she said as she walked out.

“Nah seriously bae what ya want ta eat?” he said poking my side to get my full attention.

“Ummmm I want oxtails,” I said absentmindedly.

“That’s all you want Phatty?” He side eyed me.

“Nah gimme the works, go all out,” I said giving him a full smile, that he returned.

“Iigh just because it’s you. I’m do it up bae,” he pecked my cheek and made his was out of bed.

I couldn’t help by smile, “why have you always been so good to me?” I blurted out and slapped my hand over my mouth once I realized I said it out loud.

In all of the years that I’ve known him, he’s always found a way to go above and beyond just to make me smile. Often times I’ve questioned how he really feels.

He smirked “because I love seeing you smile. You’re a great person and a good woman you really do deserve the best. So while you’re with me I plan on giving you just that and then some.”

He said before making his way into his closet to throw on some clothes leaving me to think about what he said.

He ceases to amaze me.

“Bae, Cheri and I gonna run to the store to pick up some more food. I told Autumn and A.K. to come over too and you know them niggas can eat and take food home, you want me to bring anything back?” he asked sweetly as he came and sat on “my side” of the bed.

“Can you bring me the pink pack of Skittles please?” I asked giddily.

“Yeah Phatty I gotchu, anything you want,” he chuckled bending his head to kiss the tip of my nose then my forehead before grabbing his keys.

“We’ll be back soon bae,” he said as he left.

Seeing him leave made me feel lonely. Being damn near bed ridden changes a person.

I’ve always been someone notorious for being independent now that I’m forced to rely on others I crave company and companionship.

Having Nas so close is making me question just how I feel for him. Should I?

I heard my phone vibrating from the nightstand and I instantly reached over to it figuring it was either Nami or Nas.

From This Nigga Here:

Hey, are you okay? How are you feeling?

Sighing I began to type.

To This Nigga Here:

Yeah I’m straight. Thanks for asking.

From This Nigga Here:

I couldn’t help but smile at enthusiasm. Beau and I aren’t on speaking terms, but I don’t ignore him either. He’s persistent as fuck. I just have to come around to him on my own terms.

Jay

En route to Cheri’s Crib

8:00 p.m.

“Y’all niggas bet not embarrass me,” I said to Beau and Boogz giving them the speech my moms always used to give me when we went places as a child.

“Nigga kill all that noise, we got you,” Boogz said waving me off as he blew smoke out the backseat window.

“Nigga put the blunt out, I don’t need to be meeting her bro for the first time and you high as a kite. Kill that shit,” I said sternly.

He mumbled something, but put it out tho.

“You really feeling shorty huh?” Beau said getting my attention.

As soon as I start thinking about Cheri I can’t help, but smile. She got a nigga open.

“Yeah,” I grinned and nodded my head. He chuckled and did the same.

“Niiiggaa you whipped!! Lil’ mama got ya black ass open as fuck” Boogz said with an ugly cackle. I swear I can’t take this nigga nowhere man.

“Yeah whatever nigga all I know is you better not fuck this up for me. I won’t hesitate to fuck you up if need be.”

I shot Cheri a text telling her we’re looking for parking and she immediately responded saying we could park in their building garage in the guest spot and that she’s be down to open the lobby door for us.

“Hey I’m glad you made it,” she said hugging me and kissing my cheek. Having her thick body up against mine made my dick hard.

I pulled back cutting the hug short. I’m not trying to meet her brother with hard wood, but Lil’ mama was looking right tonight I can’t even hold you.

“This is Beau and Riley,” I said introducing them. Beau waved while Riley sucked his teeth.

“You can call me Boogz tho,” he interjected making Cheri let out a genuine laugh.

“Like Boogers?” she said in between laughs and giggles making Beau and I die with laughter with her while Boogz bit his tongue and mean mugged her.

“I like her already,” Beau said wiping his eyes.

“Come on let’s go upstairs,” she finally said.

“I hope y’all like oxtails with peas and rice my brother’s girl, I mean best friend picked the meal tonight so he went in,” she said as we got in the elevator.

“Sounds good,” we all said. I can’t wait for dinner now, shit sound good as fuck.

“You didn’t say your bro had a girl,” I spoke up a little puzzled. She left that part out.

“She’s not his girl, more like his best friend. She was hit by a drunk driver about a month ago, the same day I met you at the hospital actually. He’s been looking after her ever since,” she said nonchalantly.

I instantly felt the mood shift. I know for a fact Boogz and Beau are thinking the exact same thing as I was. Could it be her? I know that Cheri helped me by getting her number, but does she actually know Dutchess?

“Come on,” Cheri said from outside the elevator. Apparently none of us heard the doors open and we were all just stuck in the elevator deep in thought.

“My fault,” I said walking out the elevator with them behind me.

“Fuck you doin’ here?!” I heard a light skin dude bark at Beau as soon as we walked into the apartment.

We all looked confused because he was literally seething with anger. It was as if someone bumped into the DJ booth and the recorded scratched. We were all under a microscope at the moment.

“Nas chill! What’s wrong?” Cheri asked totally confused as a beautiful brown skin girl in a wheelchair rolled up to him and grabbed his hand.

His body tensed the relaxed at her touch, “That nigga has no business being around you or Cheri after what he did to you Dutch,” he spat.

"And he damn sure ain't welcome hea."

“Did to me?” she said with furrowed eyebrows before turning her attention to Beau for answers.

“I was the passenger in the car that hit you and Riley was the driver,” Beau said lowly, but never breaking his eye contact from hers.

That was all it took before this nigga to yank away from her with his fist balled and charge at Beau.

Ahhhh shit.