by Mercy B
“It’s cutting your time in half because after you tell me whatever it is you need to, I’m gone.” Reed joked, but she was serious.
“You’d leave me for real?”
“Hell yeah.” Reed shook her head.
Standing up, she made her way to an empty washing machine. Being that it was late night, the laundry mat was pretty empty. Besides one other student and the worker, Reed and KinZu were the only ones inside.
Reed dumped the entire bag of white clothes into the huge machine. She poured a tad bit of bleach inside before placing the quarters into their slots. The machine started and Reed adjusted the controls. Soon after, she was all set. Sitting down in the chair nearest the dryers, Reed waited for KinZu to finish up.
It wasn’t long before KinZu was joining her. “Now, what’s the secret?”
“Dang. Can I please catch a breath before I start talking?” KinZu laughed, nervously.
“Not really.” Reed answered.
“I went to the doctor.” KinZu cleared her throat.
“When?” Reed asked.
“Just two days ago. You were out with Keem.” She reminded Reed. “It was on Monday.”
“Oh yeah, we’ve been working with a client all week in New York.”
“Yeah. That’s where you said you guys were headed.” KinZu remembered.
“You went to the doctor and…”
As KinZu begin to, the door bell chimed –alerting everyone that someone had just entered the laundry mat. Reed looked up, out of curiosity. She had to do a double take when she saw what looked like a familiar article of clothing.
Upon further examination, she saw that the girl who’d just entered the laundry mat was wearing a shirt just like the one Keem had worn the day prior. Reed couldn’t forget it, because she’d been the one to purchase it for him. The Armani tee was black in color and had hints of red splatter throughout it’s design.
Reed stared on, wondering. She didn’t know what to think, so she chalked her thoughts up. She had to have been tripping. Besides, anyone could’ve purchased a shirt just like it. The young lady probably had her boyfriend shirt on. Humping her shoulders, Reed turned her attention back to her friend, who was still talking.
“Did you hear me?” KinZu asked.
“Sorry. No. Uh. What did you say?” she asked. She was completely thrown off of her square. Looking back over towards the young lady who’d just entered the laundry mat, she tried to remember where she’d saw her before. More than anything, she wished she’d known how the hell she happened to be wearing the exact same shirt that Keem had on the day before.
“I said that Jonathan gave me something.” KinZu tried whispering.
“Gave you something?” Reed said out loud –catching everyone’s attention. “What the hell you mean?” she calmed down and whispered. Looking at the two strangers looking her way, Reed rolled her eyes and snapped her neck. Both women turned quickly.
“He gave me an STD.” KinZu sighed.
“And you think that shit between you two are getting better. What the hell is your problem?” Reed hissed.
“I don’t know.”
“Have you spoken to his sorry ass about this?” Reed was ready to march right over to Jonathan’s place and beat him to a pulp.
“Yeah.”
“And what did he have to say?”
“He first accused me of sleeping with someone.”
“He did what?” Reed was in utter shock.
“But then he quickly recanted. Then, he admitted to sleeping with Rachel. Apparently, she gave his roommate Chlamydia as well.”
“Bullshit.” Reed covered her mouth with her hand.
“And this is what you wanted to tell me. You acted as if this was a good secret.”
“I’m trying not to be too sad about it. I didn’t want to seem all down, because I would’ve been in the room crying to you instead of just telling you. Besides, there’s more.”
“I’m not sure if I’m ready to hear the rest.” Reed sat back in her chair.
Her eyes trailed the girl who had just come in as she moved about. Reed stared intently as she emptied her clothing into the washing machine. “You know her?” Reed asked KinZu.
“Not really.” KinZu shrugged. “Why?”
“Just asking. What’s her name?”
“Danity, I think.”
“Where have I seen her?” Reed tried to place her face.
“She lives above us.” KinZu shed light.
“That’s where I’ve seen her.”
“So are you ready to hear the rest?” KinZu asked, happy to have delivered the bad news first.
“Go ahead Kin.”
“I’m pregnant.”
“You what?” Reed asked, incredulously. The things that were coming from KinZu’s lips were just much too hard to believe.
“I’m pregnant.” KinZu slummed her shoulders.
“Did you tell him that?” Reed asked.
“I didn’t know how!” KinZu admitted. “Everything has been so crazy with us lately. I’m just waiting for the right time.”
“When you told him about the rest of it, you should’ve been telling him about this.”
“We were both very hostile, so I didn’t want to ruin the moment. When I tell him, I want for us both to be in a good mood.”
“I understand, Kin, but damn it. I would’ve told him about the pregnancy first.”
“I wasn’t thinking. I was so upset, that it just came out.”
“How are you feeling?” Reed asked. “Are you having any symptoms?”
“No. None at all. Thank God. My first appointment is next week. I think that’s when I’ll tell Jonathan.”
“Did they tell you how far along you are?”
“Four weeks.” KinZu smiled.
“And you’re happy about this, I see.”
“Well, yeah. I wasn’t planning it, but it happened. I wonder how my kid will look.” KinZu stared off into space, wondering who their child would favor. Either way the tables turned, it would be a heartbreaker. Both parents were catches.
“Jonathan if he continues to get on your nerves. They say that the baby comes out to look like the person that you hate the most during pregnancy. For some strange reason, I see that being Jonathan.” Reed burst into laughter.
“I heard that, too.” KinZu chuckled.
“So, I’m gong to be an aunt.”
“And I’m going to be a mother.” KinZu smiled.
Giggling from the girl KinZu had identified as Danity caused Reed to look over in her direction. She was on the phone with someone, cracking up. An uneasy feeling came over Reed as she turned away. Grabbing her cell from inside of her hoodie, she dialed up Keem’s cell. On the second ring, he answered.
“What’s up, Reed?” RaKeem asked, still holding his other cell to his ear.
“Nothing. Just calling to see what you’re doing.”
“Shit. I’m about to get in the shower, go over a few documents, and then call it a night.”
He informed her. “You missing me?”
“As always.” She blushed.
“What are you doing?”
“I’m at the laundry mat with KinZu.” She told him.
Immediately alarmed, Keem disconnected his other cell, giving Reed his undivided attention. “Y’all not down there by yourselves are you. I don’t want nothing happening to y’all. It’s late.” He sounded concerned. “Who’s with you two?”
“It’s just KinZu and I. Besides that, it’s a worker and another student.” Reed told him.
“Okay cool. As long as you two aren’t by yourselves.”
“No. There are others in here.”
“Aight. Hit me up when you get back to the room.”
“Okay.”
The couple ended the call, and Keem powered off his other cell. Danity was calling back to back, but he didn’t answer. He was a lot of things, but disrespectful wasn’t one. Dainty hadn’t thought to mention the fact that she was in the same sp
ace as his girl. Had he known, he wouldn’t have been carrying on a conversation with her.
“So are you planning to get Jonathan to the doctor with you?” Reed still couldn’t believe the news that she’d just received.
“That’s the plan. I was sure to schedule it on the day that he only has a late practice. It’s in the morning, so hopefully that works out.”
“It will.” Reed gave a bit of encouragement.
Danity stood from her seat to place another load into the washer. She’d waited until the water and bleach had spent around a bit before placing her whites inside. Unlike many other girls, Danity wasn’t at all messy. She was completely aware of the feelings that Keem shared for Reed, and she wasn’t trying to come in between the two. In fact, she adored Reed. It was just a simple case of two women being involved with the same man.
Keem was dreamy, and every girl knew that he was off limits. So the chances of him approaching another girl were slim to none. The moment that he stepped to Danity, her entire world stopped. His masculinity exuded as he ran down his play to her. Danity didn’t really give a damn what he was saying. All that mattered was that he was speaking to her. She remembered the day as if it was just the one prior.
The sun had settled hours prior, but Danity was determined to finish up her lab assignment before retreating to her room. She hadn’t finished up with her professor until after 8 pm. She dreaded the thought of walking home alone, but it wasn’t the first time she’d done so –and she was sure that it wouldn’t be the last.
As Danity made her way through the school’s courtyard, she saw two dark figures sitting on a lone bench. As she got closer, she picked up speed. Frightened, she didn’t want to run the risk of being a robbery victim, or worst a rape victim. With barely any light around, she was sure that no one would see her. Danity approached the figures, and was instantly relieved. Her shoulders slummed, no longer on high alert. Just as quickly as she slummed, she corrected her posture. At best, was how she wanted to be seen by the most prominent man to ever walk the campus.
She could hear the familiar voice of the one and only RaKeem as he conversed with Mr. Roger, the school’s dean. It was highly unlikely to see the dean in discussion with the students, but RaKeem was of a different caliber. He didn’t even attend the University of Pennsylvania, but he was able to access things and people that were nearly impossible for the attendees. He was simply that guy.
Their conversation came to a halt when she reached their vicinity. Danity could feel their eyes boring hole into her frame. With her head held high, she treaded. It was a daunting task for her not to look, or better stare. Even a feet or two away, she could smell the luscious cologne penetrate the air.
What seemed to be forever as Danity walked by was only a few seconds in reality. She exhaled once she’d passed the men, finally able to breathe properly. Just as her breathing normalized, she heard footsteps behind her. Desperately wanting to turn, she held her ground and continued her stride. The potent cologne attacked her nostrils once more, giving her the inclination that the stars were aligning and tonight was her lucky night.
Before she was able to get much further, she was pulled backwards, and spent around. Had it been any other gremlin, Danity would’ve had a few choice words, but this was no ordinary guy. This was Keem.
“You know; you shouldn’t be walking at this time of night by your lonesome. There’s all different kinds of insane predators waiting to have their chance with a woman as beautiful as yourself.” He rubbed his hands in front of one another.
Danity’s heart stopped, momentarily. It left her to touch herself, wondering if she was dreaming or in some fantasy world. Sure as the night was amongst her, she was in tune with reality. Words caught in her throat, she couldn’t get as much as a sound out.
“I’m RaKeem. RaKeem Jones.” Keem extended his hand, and Danity found the strength to join hers and his. Shaking, he stepped back out of her personal space. “If you don’t mind, I’d like to keep a safe distance and see to it that you get home.” He insisted. “If you don’t mind.”
“I… Uh…” Danity stuttered. “I’m Danity.” She added.
“Nice to meet you Danity. Beautiful name for a beautiful girl. Where do you live?” Keem asked.
“I live in Gregory House.” Danity was a bit mushed that RaKeem hadn’t remembered her. She saw him nearly every day on his way to and from his girlfriend, Reed’s, dormitory. They’d even shared a brief elevator ride once before.
“Oh yeah?” he seemed to be in deep thought.
“Yes.”
“Aight. Well, I wouldn’t want you walking all the way over there alone. I was headed that way, anyway. You can walk with me.” Keem switched up.
“Oh, now I can walk with you?” Danity asked, sarcastically.
“Yeah. Under one condition.” He smiled.
Danity clenched her chest, hoping that she could save her heart from jumping out. RaKeem was so magnifying. His crisp white denim, blue jean shirt, and gold chain meshed so well together. Danity had witnessed him in the most sophisticated and the most thugged out attired. He handled both so well. She adored a man that could switch up.
“What’s that?” Danity nearly whispered. Staring at her feet, shifting her weight from one to the other, she waited for his response.
“Put your number in my phone.” his request was simple, and she was trying to avoid the temptation –being that she was well aware of the relationship that he was heavily involved in.
“I don’t know.”
“What’s there not to know, Danity.” He countered –quick on his toes. He wasn’t going to give her the chance to decline. Especially being that she actually wanted to take him up on the offer. Shit, who didn’t.
“Aren’t you…”
“If I wanted to talk about my engagements and other affairs, I would’ve mentioned them by now. It’s really dark out, and I think that you’d be just the right candidate for some sick motherfucker out here. Don’t risk your life because you’re afraid to play a little.” RaKeem smiled, pulling out his cell, he handed it to Danity. His mother’s picture was set as his lock screen and background.
“She’s beautiful.” Danity stared at the female version of Keem, only Caucasian.
“May her soul rest well.” Keem looked to the sky before focusing back on Danity.
“My condolences.” She was saddened, figuring the woman on the picture was Keem’s mother. She punched her number into his cell and turned to give it back. Danity then started for her dorm again.
“Wait.” Keem laughed. “I’m beginning to think that you were planning on giving the digits without the deal. You just took off on a nigga.”
“Sorry. I’m just tired.” She clenched her lone notebook in her hand, speaking truthfully.
“Well, how about I give you a lift, instead of us walking.”
Keem could see the stress in the worry lines that formed on her forehead. She had a long way to walk, and she seemed like she was just ready to bed. Seeing as though Reed was the same way when she overworked herself, he knew that Danity was much of the same. In that instance, he directly related to her. More often than not, he and Reed both outdid themselves.
“You sure?” Finally, Danity’s shoulders slummed again. She was able to relax.
“Yeah. I don’t say shit that I don’t mean, Danity. If you’re tired, I can help you out. Come on. I’m parked over this way.” He signaled for Danity to follow him. He was parked in the staff parking lot, which was off limits to students. Danity shook her head as she thought about the privileges he was awarded with.
“This is me.” he walked around to the passenger side of a candy apple red Maserati. Danity had already known his car. She seen it around campus often. He’d just upgraded. Each year, he got a new Maserati, along with the other cars that he purchased. However, he drove that one himself. Other than that, he was in the back of a foreign while his driver pushed the pedal.
“Here you are,” he opened the door an
d allowed Danity to sit before closing it back. He, then, rushed to his side of the car and got inside. The engine purred like a little baby kitten when it came to life.
Danity was amazed as she looked around. The peanut butter seats went well with the red trimming. It was pretty clear that he’d had some customization done. RaKeem hiked the volume of her stereo up as he pulled backwards. The sounds of Meek Mill blasted through the speakers, causing vibration in the seats.
The passenger mirror was down, causing Danity to stare up into it. She realized her hair had flattened, mainly due to humidity. Her edge control had served its purpose, and was now pure grease. With her right hand, she tried to smooth her hairs back down as best she could. Looking down at her graphic tee and blue denims, she compared it to RaKeem’s fit. His clothes looked like they cost a fortune. If Dainty had to guess his occupation, she’d sum him up to be a well-groomed drug dealer. However, something inside was telling her that she couldn’t be more incorrect.
Just a few minutes before they made it to the dorm, Keem turned down the music. Pulling out a cell, Danity took note that it was much different from the one that she’d had in her possession just minutes prior. This one had a photo of a beautiful little girl on the front. She had big honey colored eyes, much like Keem. Hurriedly, he dialed a number and placed the phone to his ear.
Keeping quiet, Danity listen on as he begin to speak. From the conversation, she concluded that he was talking to Reed. As much as Danity wanted to reconsider and rethink her decision to give him her number, she knew that she wouldn’t. Even if she told him not to and he called, Danity knew good and well that she’d be picking up. At that very moment, she fell into the roll of a side chick. She kept her mouth closed as the conversation progressed.
“Where you at, yo?” Keem asked.
“Aight, stay put. I’m about to come up. Pulling up in a few. Don’t move.” He stated. If Danity had to guess, he was being sure that she wasn’t outside. Men were the slickest.
“You good?” he asked after hanging up his cell.