by Jazmyne
Chapter 6
It had been a week since Ace and his crew had made a move. J’vion not retaliating wasn’t good but that didn’t stop Ace from continuing to do what he had to do. Ace was pissed at the fact that J’vion kept slipping through the fucking cracks. He was slicker than a damn snake, which pissed Ace off the most. It was as if he kept getting a pass from death.
Ace hadn’t spoken to Aaliyah or his daughters; and that wasn’t something he could get adjust to. Ace had become restless. Lately, he hadn’t gotten much sleep; he kept having a reoccurring dream where he couldn’t make out the names or voices. He always woke up right after a shot was fired then a gut wrenching scream in a cold sweat, trying to figure out what was going on.
“Daddy!” The small voices yelled grabbing Ace’s attention. He smiled as he got up off the bench. Ace snatched them up into his massive arms and hugged both his baby girls tightly.
“We’ve missed you,” Savanna said.
“Yes, we miss you daddy,” Serenity added. “I’m having fun but I wanna go home daddy. I want all of us home together,” she informed him.
“We’ll all be home together real soon. I promise,” Ace guaranteed both girls as they wiggled to get out of his arms. “Aren’t you ladies going to tell me how your day has been?” Ace asked as he put them down.
“Daddy, we can talk later. I wanna get on the swing,” Savanna said as she took off running. Ace laughed as he turned his attention to Aaliyah.
Ace grabbed her then pulled her close. He inhaled her scent before kissing her soft lips. “I wanna thank you,” he whispered onto her lips.
“Amir, there’s no reason to thank me,” Aaliyah replied as she wrapped her arms around his waist and hugged him again. She had been so worried about him it wasn’t funny. Aaliyah was certain Ace could handle himself in the streets. However, that didn’t stop her from worrying her heart out. It was always easier said than done.
“How’s work going for you?” Ace asked as they took a seat on the bench while keeping a watchful eye on the girls, who appeared to be having the time of their lives.
“Stressful, but it’s nothing I can’t handle,” Aaliyah replied laying her head on his chest. Ace wrapped his arm around her, pulled her closer as he listened to her talk, and watched his girls run around.
This was the type of life Ace had always wanted. Not the one he was living on a daily basis.
Aaliyah and Ace talked, laughed, and joked while enjoying their family outing with the girls.
Serenity and Savanna never ceased to amaze neither Aaliyah nor Ace. They were smart beyond their years.
Aaliyah and Ace chased the girls around the park. Watching the smiles on their faces was priceless. Aaliyah realized fighting for happiness was something she would never mind doing. She’d fight until she couldn’t fight anymore.
Aaliyah encircled herself with her arms. There was a smile on her face but tears in her eyes. She didn’t know she had zoned out until Ace wrapped his strong arms around her and whispered in her ear, “What are you over here thinking about?” He asked.
“To tell you the truth, my mind is racing. I’m thinking about everything,” Aaliyah answered.
“Do you mind letting me in?” Ace asked.
“Amir, my life has been one battle after another since I lost my father. As soon as I think I have something figured out or I find true love, I’m proved wrong,” Aaliyah acknowledged. “Honestly, it hurts more than I’m willing to admit.” I have you, the twins, and the ladies. But at times, I still feel as if I’m alone,” Aaliyah smiled through her tears.
Aaliyah didn’t realize it but she and Ace had more in common than they knew. Ace felt the same way. On the contrary, being the man he was, he couldn’t stop searching for his wife. Ever since his father had died, he had been and still was looking out for everyone but himself. It was part of his DNA. Ace didn’t know the outcome of his current situation. However, Aaliyah could bet her last dollar that if he survived, she would never have to worry about anything.
Ace didn’t respond because he was thinking of the right words to say. Aaliyah had come into his life unexpectedly and won his heart. He thanked God for her every day and didn’t know where he would be if she hadn’t come when she did. She had reopened his heart when he felt he could never love again.
“I know for a fact you’re not alone; and as long as I’m breathing, you never will be,” Ace finally spoke. “I promise, we can and will figure this out.” He stated while holding her securely.
“Amir, don’t promise me anything if you can’t keep it,” Aaliyah said.
“Aaliyah, my word is the only thing I have. So when I make a promise to anyone, I tend to keep it,” Ace assured her.
Ace turned Aaliyah around to face him. “You trust me?” He asked. She nodded her head. “Do you trust me?” He asked again.
“Yes Amir, I trust you,” Aaliyah answered looking into his eyes.
“I needed to hear that,” he stated as they shared a kiss.
Ace wanted Aaliyah to be happy. She deserved happiness and so much more. It didn’t matter what happened, he would make sure she was happy if he couldn’t offer her anything else.
“Daddy, I’m hungry.” Serenity said as she ran up to him and Aaliyah, rubbing her sleepy eyes.
“What do you wanna eat?” Ace asked.
“McDonald’s,” she answered jumping up and down. “Please can we go to McDonald’s, please daddy,” she pleaded.
“Lil ma, you know you only have to ask for something once and it’s yours,” Ace responded.
The four of them rode in Aaliyah’s car to McDonald’s which was only a few blocks away from the park. Ace sat back and admired the friendship and bond Aaliyah and his daughters shared. To Ace, it was priceless.
“Will you excuse us? We’re gonna run to the ladies’ room,” Aaliyah said as she helped Serenity up from the table. “Savanna, do you have to use the restroom?” She asked. Savanna shook her head no.
Serenity leaned over and whispered in her sister’s ear, “don’t forget to ask daddy,” she said smiling.
“What are you two up to?” Aaliyah asked laughing.
“Nothing,” both girls sang.
“Yeah I bet,” Aaliyah said grasping Serenity’s hand then headed toward the restroom.
Savanna looked over her shoulder to make sure Aaliyah and Serenity were gone. “Daddy, can we go to the mall so we can buy Aaliyah something nice?” Savanna asked; Ace smiled.
“Daddy she deserves it. Please can we?” She asked again.
“We can go to the mall tomorrow and pick her something nice,” Ace agreed.
“Daddy, Aaliyah doesn’t ask for anything. Everything we ask for she gets it for us,” Savanna maintained. “The least we can do is surprise her with something.” She said looking into Ace’s eyes. “Maybe you can take her out to eat and to see a movie,” she added. Ace laughed. It amazed him how smart his daughters were. Ace knew Aaliyah could afford anything her heart desired; money wasn’t an issue with her.
As of late, Ace knew he had been neglecting not only his fatherly duties but those of Aaliyah’s man–to spend quality time with the ones he still had left.
“What did daddy say?” Serenity asked as she ran back to the table.
“He said we can go tomorrow,” Savanna answered her sister’s question.
“Yay, we going to the mall tomorrow,” she said dancing in her seat. Ace and Aaliyah laughed.
“What did daddy say that has you girls this excited?” Aaliyah asked retaking her seat.
“We can’t tell you because it’s a surprise,” Savanna replied.
“Is that so?” Aaliyah asked looking at Ace. Both girls pumped their heads up and down.
*
A short while later, Ace pulled up to the park. He put the car in park and looked over his shoulder to find Serenity and Savanna knocked out. He chuckled as he gazed at a smiling Aaliyah. “I know you say there’s no reason to thank you, but I have to,” Ace declared. Aaliyah
shook her head from side to side.
“I want you to know that I really appreciate you,” Ace told her. “Drive safely and call me when you make it home,” he finished as he leaned over and pecked her on the lips.
“You be safe also,” Aaliyah said as she opened the door then climbed out. Ace did the same as he held the door open for her. He didn’t close the door until she was safely inside.
Ace deactivated his car alarm.
BOOM!
His car exploded.
Aaliyah’s car shook as Ace’s body flew a few feet away. The explosion woke the twins up.
“AMIR!” Aaliyah called out as she jumped out of the car to check on him.
Attempting to pick himself up from the ground, Ace was dazed from the unexpected explosion.
“Amir; baby please answer me! Are you okay?” Aaliyah asked as she helped him up. He stumbled as he attempted to balance himself. His head was spinning; he was seeing double. Ace could hear Aaliyah. However, she sounded far away. “Amir!” Aaliyah screamed again with tears in her eyes. She knew she had to get him out of there. She struggled to help him to the car; she managed to get him into the passenger seat. When she got into the driver’s seat, she heard the twins screaming their lungs out. She wanted to break down as well but it wasn’t the time or place.
“Fuck!” Ace said holding his head.
As soon as Aaliyah put the car in gear and began to pull off, a bullet shattered her back window.
“Get out of your car seats and get down,” Aaliyah shouted as she stepped on the gas pedal.
“Aaliyah, what’s wrong with daddy?” Savanna asked crying.
“Aaliyah, I’m scared,” Serenity whined as both girls followed instructions.
Aaliyah’s mind was all over the place. She couldn’t think straight with Ace on the side of her grunting in pain, the twins screaming and crying, and bullets whistling past her head.
“How could a great day end so badly?” She thought as she merged onto the interstate.
*
Adam and J’vion had been going back and forth on the phone for the last thirty minutes.
“Mothafucka, I told you if you waited too long he was gonna strike first,” Adam yelled incensed. “I don’t understand why you niggas keep underestimating Ace.” He huffed, pacing back and forth.
“Shut the fuck up!” J’vion shouted in the phone. “I don’t see you doing a damn thing to take his ass out. So you don’t have shit to say about nothing I do,” he howled. “Have that bitch ready to go,” J’vion said before disconnecting the call.
Adam was annoyed and sick and tired of the entire ordeal with Ace. Everyone wanted Ace gone but didn’t have an inkling as to how to take him out. They were moving recklessly, while all of Ace’s moves were calculated. Adam knew it wouldn’t be easy taking Ace out. Yet, he didn’t anticipate it being as complicated as it was. Ace had shown him the ropes of the game. Like every master, Ace never revealed all of his moves. That would have been stupid on his part.
Adam looked over at Brenda who was lost in her thoughts. The apprehension she tried to hide was all over her face. He didn’t have time to comfort nor make her feel better about a decision they both were beginning to regret. The damage had already been done; the only thing left to do was deal with the consequences.
“Suck that shit up and come help me,” Adam said heading for the room where Sunshine was.
Brenda sighed intensely, sucked in as much air as she could, slowly released it into the atmosphere, and then got up to help Adam.
*
Brenda walked into the room to find Adam dragging Sunshine from the bed by her hair. She knew they should have killed her years ago. Sadly, there wasn’t anything she could do about it now. Yes, Sunshine was her baby sister but she was under the impression that she brought this situation on herself. Brenda felt Sunshine had no business starting a relationship with him in the first place. Everyone knew how she felt about him. Sunshine slipped in like the sneaky snake she was and stole her happiness, her love, her joy, and her family. Serenity and Savanna were supposed to be her and Ace’s children, not Sunshine’s. It might sound coldhearted but she didn’t give a fuck if Sunshine lived or died; it made her no never mind. She would continue living her life as she had been doing.
Sunshine locked eyes with Brenda. She was pleading for her help. The only thing Brenda did was roll her eyes and cross her arms across her chest. The pain displayed in Sunshine’s eyes would cause anyone else to feel sorry for her, but not Brenda.
“I’ll see you in hell, bitch,” Brenda barked as she spat in Sunshine’s face.
“Grab the duct tape and start tying her up.” Adam directed as he exited the room to find something to blindfold Sunshine with.
Brenda snatched the duct tape and began wrapping it tightly around her ankles. “You would’ve been better off dead,” Brenda snarled with hatred in her voice.
“What did I do to you that caused you to hate me this much?” Sunshine murmured.
“First things first, you were born. Secondly, you stole my happiness,” Brenda answered. “You should have simply killed yourself then none of us would be experiencing this.” Brenda concluded as she wrapped the tape around her wrists.
Sunshine attempted to speak. “Bitch, please save whatever it is you have to say for someone who cares to hear it because I don’t.” Brenda informed her as she covered her mouth with tape. Sunshine still tried to speak but nothing came out due to her mouth being taped shut. Adam walked in, flipped Sunshine onto her stomach with his left foot, and tied the blindfold around her eyes. Trying to get free, she twisted and squirmed. Any fight she had left in her stopped when Adam brutally placed his knee in the middle of her back.
“Why don’t they just kill me?” She thought as tears poured down her cheeks. Sunshine had never given up on anything in life. However, with each passing day, the fight was becoming harder and harder. She felt it was time to let go and allow Ace to be free.
Chapter 7
As soon as Aaliyah pulled up to the house, she quickly got out and took the twins inside. They were still crying and asking questions she didn’t know how to answer. She ran them a bubble bath hoping it would help to soothe them. After safely securing them in the bathtub, she rushed back downstairs to help Ace out of the car, only to find him pacing the kitchen floor with his phone glued to his ear.
“Jay, I tried to play nice; now I don’t give a fuck. Nothing is off limits. There isn’t a soul safe,” he splurted. “This is the third time they’ve violated my fucking babies!” He yelled into the phone.
“Whoa, slow down and explain exactly what happened.” Jay told him as he got out of bed and walked to the closet.
“What’s going on?” Neisha asked. Jay held his hand up as he listened to Ace.
“My nigga, these mothafuckas done blew up my car. My fucking daughters could have been inside,” Ace acknowledged, pissed off.
“They did what?!” Jay asked surprised then started pulling his guns out.
“Jay, that nice guy shit is gone,” Ace stated as he continued to pace back and forth.
“Where are you?” Jay inquired.
Ace provided his location then disconnected the call. His head was throbbing. He had minor scratches and bruises on his face, neck, and arms but that was nothing compared to what he was about to do. In all the years Ace had been in the game, he had never went after anyone’s family. Sorry to say, that was about to change. Mothafuckas had disrespected his daughters too many times for him to give a fuck about the next man’s family. The gloves had come off and Ace hoped mothafuckas were ready for the hits he was about to bring.
*
Adam was doubtful when it came to anything dealing with Ace. He didn’t understand the logic of releasing Sunshine. It didn’t matter how many times J’vion explained it. To him, it just wasn’t a good idea. Nevertheless, he would take his chances. After all, he didn’t have anything to lose.
“Hurry up,” J’vion said standing over Adam as
he picked the lock. His nerves were on edge. Popping an E pill before linking up with Adam didn’t help matters.
“I need you to back up off me. Give me some fucking room so I can work,” Adam spat looking over his shoulder. It was dark outside and the light from his phone wasn’t much help.
J’vion took a step back to allow Adam to work but he couldn’t stay still.
“Got it,” Adam said as the door eased open. Adam and J’vion looked at one another wondering who would take the first step inside.