by Lexi Reign
"Yeah, but that was before he found out that it was his brother in law. Now that this is happening, shit is really starting to make sense" he said.
"What you mean," I asked.
"I just remember when I was a kid when I used to stay with my auntie, I'd always feel closer to her and Unc. I loved my pops and I always will, but we had so much shit going on at home that I just felt comfortable whenever I was at auntie's house" he said. I kissed his cheek.
"I really think you and your mom need counseling," I said to him. He chuckled.
"Ain't no way I go to therapy nor sit in a damn room trapped with her ass," he said. I know that he's hurting, but this would really help him.
"Lorenzo" I whined.
"Lorenzo, my ass. I'll go to therapy if you do" he said as my face dropped. He chuckled.
"See there. How you gone tell me to go and you don't want to yourself? You haven't talked to your mom since the dinner that night" he said.
I sighed and scrunched up my nose.
"I have to pee and you stink," I said as he laughed.
"I ain't did nothing," he said.
"I'm getting in the shower," I said as I took his oversized t-shirt off. He stood up quickly.
"Really? Now you want to get up" I asked.
"Let's fuck. Let's have a lil seccccc" he said, cheesing and imitating that dude on that meme. I laughed.
"No," I said laughing. He turned the faucet on and started to brush his teeth.
I think about my mama and this shit with Naomi a lot. It's really bothering me, but I don't have anything to say to my mom. She knew how much I love Lorenzo and she tried to take him away from me and our child's life. She basically said fuck me and my baby.
"Lorenzo, I really don't have anything to say to her. She gave me up when I was born and then she tried to set you up. Why would I want to talk to her" I asked?
"I thought that we were past the fact that she gave you up. Y'all were bettering y'all selves until I found out she set me up" he said as he rinsed his mouth. I rolled my eyes.
"I will never be passed that and her setting you up was all that I needed to cut her ass off," I said.
"But baby, you remember she came over and she was anxious and shit, she probably was scared. Somebody was in that car rushing her. Ain't no telling what has happened in that house between her and him" Lorenzo said.
"Oh, so now you're on her side," I asked. He chuckled.
"Nah, you know I'll always be on your side, but I just want you to see what I think could have possibly happened," he said shrugging. I sighed.
"Says the person who pointed a gun at her," I said. His smile quickly faded away.
"I was angry. The bi-" he started to say as he quickly stopped himself.
"She set me up. I don't know. Hell, she barely has told us anything about her life. You don't know where she stays nor anything about her life" he said as I quickly started to think. It's true. I met a few of her family members on Thanksgiving, but it wasn't enough for me.
"I just hope it wasn't a mistake to bring her into your life," he said. I could see the worry all in his face.
"Just think about it and maybe talk to Naomi," he said. I rolled my eyes as I stepped into the shower. He smacked my ass.
"I'll be back" he called out as I started to bathe my body.
Lorenzo's POV
I walked down the hall and down the stairs. CJ, Vedo, and Lucky were downstairs playing Madden. CJ stood up and quickly pushed me out of the door.
"Why are you pushing me," I asked as we sat down on the porch swing.
He was looking at me angrily.
"Because you fucking up," he said. I frowned at him.
"Man, I know you fucking around on that Nia," he said which made me sigh.
"CJ" I warned.
"Nah, hear me out. You know you wrong and that girl was worried about you" he said. I don't get why his ass is so mad.
"CJ, it's my business," I said to him.
"And we are all family, which makes it my business, too" he retorted. I chuckled.
"Family? Family doesn't fuck around with each other's females" I added back and his face softened.
"Oh, so we are not family? Bet, Lo. You are selfish, a hothead, and you think you know everything" he said.
"CJ, I don't know why the fuck you coming at me, right now. But let it go" I said to him as I stood up. He pushed me back down. I quickly balled up my fist.
"See, you a hothead. All you do is think with your fucking anger. You are really quick to make moves when you are mad. You don't even know what went down last night because your dumb ass went to fuck some hoe that doesn't give a damn about you" he spat at me. I chuckled.
"CJ, you're pissing me off. If you know what's good for you, then back up" I said stepping in his face. I don't know why he's so worried about me and Nia's relationship.
"DID YOU HEAR ME? You were too busy trying to retaliate at me that you didn't even just hear what I said" he yelled angrily as his nose flared.
"What, CJ? What do you have to get off your chest?" I asked.
"Last night, yo girl nearly lost herself, but you were too busy running away to a hoe like a bitch" he spat at me. I quickly drew my fist back and punched his ass. He spat out blood.
"You know what? Fuck it. Ima let that go cause I know you dealing with shit but you got one more time to hit me and ima show you wassup, on God, Lo" he said as he stepped around me. I grabbed his arm.
"What happened," I asked.
"She almost took the drugs she had. She was a wreck, and like once again, I was a shoulder for her to cry on" he said smirking as he walked into the house. I could feel my anger rising. I quickly went back inside the house to find Nia.
Chapter 35: Family Ties (Part 2)
Lorenzo's POV
I walked up the stairs and into the room.
"NIA" I yelled as I bust open the bathroom door.
"What, Lorenzo," she asked looking worried. She was putting on her bra and panties. I looked at her stomach and it was huge. It's like she has gotten bigger overnight.
"I'm so sick of you going to my homeboy every time some shit ain't going right for you. What about me" I asked, beating on my chest. She looked at me with a hurt look on her face.
"Lorenzo, a lot of times you are never here when I need you. I called you several times last night and you didn't pick up. You are trying to point fingers at me, but you are always out doing shit. Last night, I was just in my head and I needed to talk, but you were out with another bitch. I'm not stupid, Lorenzo" she said as she slid her laced panties up. I sighed.
"Baby, I'm sorry I wasn't here, but I needed to clear my head. I wasn't with no bitch" I said to her as she stared at me. I could see the disappointment all in her face.
"You are only giving me 50% and I'm tired," she said.
"You tired? I'm tired of having to look over my shoulder about what you and CJ got going on" I said, spatting at her. She laughed.
"Is the baby even mine?" I asked. Her mouth flew open and she started to laugh all crazily.
"You fucking asshole. How dare you ask me that? You know this is your child, but now you don't think so? After all the cheating you did last night. All last night and all day you've been lying to me and I know you cheated on me. I'm tired" she said as she started to get her suitcase.
"I'm sorry," I said quickly.
"Baby, what are you doing," I asked as she started to fill her bags up.
"I'm leaving. I'm just tired. I'm better off alone. I'll raise my child alone. I don't need you" she said as she started to zip it up. I grabbed her arm and she pulled away from me.
"MOVE, LORENZO" she yelled.
"Baby" I pleaded.
"FUCK YOU. THE LEAST YOU CAN DO IS RESPECT ME. YOU DON'T GIVE A DAMN ABOUT ME. I'VE PUT UP WITH YOUR SHIT AND YOUR CRAZY ASS FAMILY'S SHIT, I AM DONE" she said quickly grabbing all her bags.
"Let me help you. You're pregnant" I said to her as she pulled away and struggled to pick them all up.
"Now, you care? Get the fuck back" she said as I tried to grab a bag, but she slapped the hell out of me. She shoved past me and started to walk down the stairs.
I heard something hit the wall hard and I quickly ran out of the room. Nia was laid out on the floor. My heart instantly dropped. I quickly ran down the stairs, but CJ beat me to her. We both helped her up and she had tears running down her face.
"DON'T TOUCH ME" she yelled at me.
"What's going on?" CJ and Vedo asked simultaneously.
"I'm leaving," Nia said.
"No, you're not. We don't suppose to leave until tomorrow" I said to her as she groaned in pain and grabbed her back.
"You okay? We need to go to a hospital" I said to her.
"I AM FINE. I didn't fall on my stomach" she said yelling.
"What's going on," my auntie asked walking down the steps. Nia tried to push past me but I blocked her.
"Please, Lorenzo," she begged.
"What did you do, boy," my auntie asked as she punched me in the chest. Nia quickly walked around me and walked on the porch. I tried to follow her, but my auntie stopped me.
"Just let her breathe. What did you do" my auntie asked?
"I fucked up," I said to my auntie as she stared at all of us waiting on an answer.
"He cheated on her, that's the reason why he's feeling so guilty, right now. He knows it's his fault" CJ said.
"Shut up, you don't know shit" I spat at him as I stepped into his face.
"CUT THAT OUT" my auntie yelled as Vedo pushed us apart.
"What's going on with y'all two," my auntie asked looking in between me and CJ.
"The same thing that's always going on" CJ spat.
"I wonder why. You should've not fucked around with my girl" I said to him as his face softened. My auntie didn't look shocked.
"You know what? EVERYBODY IN THE KITCHEN, NOW" my auntie yelled through the house.
"What are you doing, auntie," I asked.
"Don't "auntie" me. I'm sick of everybody with all these damn secrets and shit. We are a family, and we're going to resolve all this shit, TODAY" she yelled as Olivia, Lauryn, Lucky, Naomi, my parents, Terry, and Maurice came down.
"Let me get Nia," my auntie said as she walked onto the porch.
"What's going on," my pops asked. I sighed as Nia walked back in with her bags. My auntie had her arm around her.
"Where are you going," Liv asked Nia, but she stayed quiet.
"I want everybody to be honest. This is the time to fix this shit. If I can forgive, so can everybody else" my auntie said.
"Well, I'll go first. I don't like how this bitch fucked my man, but everybody walks around and treats her like she's Beyoncé or some shit" Lauryn spat while looking at Nia.
"It doesn't take all that shit" CJ spat at her.
"Fuck you, CJ. You just love that hoe" Lauryn spat while staring at me smirking. I truly don't know how to feel. I feel guilty for cheating on Nia, and the more I stand here the angrier I get with CJ. I can't help but feel like he and Nia have feelings for each other.
"I'm so tired of everybody bringing this shit up between me and Nia. Yes, we fucked around, but we were both fucked up. It was a mistake and you damn right I love her. Not because I fucked around with her, but because she's pregnant with Lo's kid and she's a good soul, she just makes dumb decisions. We family" CJ said, smirking while looking at Nia. She smiled at him.
"Man, fuck that" I spat while charging at him.
"LORENZO, STOP IT" Nia yelled at me.
"This time ima give you what you asking for," CJ said angrily.
"What you want to do then," I asked.
"We can take it outside," he added.
"Shit lets go," I said as he pulled his pants up.
"Ain't nobody going outside. What the hell are y'all fighting for? Lorenzo, you don't need to be with that girl if you insist on having these trust issues cause that's the problem. You can't be with her and see them talking without getting jealous" my auntie said.
"I am not je-" I started to say as she cut me off.
"Boy, I know you and it's written all over your face. You can't stand for him to even look at her for too long. Calvin said it was a mistake and this girl has said it was, too. Let it go or don't be with her" my auntie said shrugging.
"Baby girl, I love you and I know you love Lorenzo. But don't let this happen again. It's taking a toll on all of y'all. It's hurting you, CJ, Lorenzo, Lauryn. You crossed Lauryn, and it hurt her. Y'all were friends, so I heard" my auntie said to Nia.
"And you, Lorenzo. You better stop cheating on this girl. She is pregnant with your child for God's sake, but here you are pointing the blame at her. I saw you on the camera last night and you came in late. I know better and you need to get your shit together. Y'all are bringing a child into this world" my auntie said to me which made my face soften.
"And you, Lauryn. I don't know what the hell has happened to you, but you are a sweet girl. I heard that you wish death on your brother's child. I know you're mad at them, but that's your blood at the end of the day. That child in Nia's stomach is your blood. Whatever happens to that child, happens to them, and this whole family. You have to respect her. Not once have I heard her say anything back to you this whole weekend. You did all the name-calling and shit. I get that they hurt you, but you have to let it go" my auntie spat at Lauryn as her face softened. Lauryn looked at me.
"They hurt me, TT. I trusted all of them. I would have never done any of them like that" she said as tears ran down her face. I heard sniffing and Nia was crying. What the hell? This her first time showing emotions about it. Lauryn looked at Nia, then at me.
"Lorenzo, you are my brother and I trusted you. You betrayed me" she said.
"I didn't betray you. You wanted me to choose between you and my girl. I couldn't do that, Lauryn" I said to her. She looked hurt, but it's the truth.
"She was my best friend and I grew to love her," Lauryn said as she wiped her eyes.
"Tell her," my auntie said to Lauryn. Lauryn walked towards Nia and stood in front of her.
"I'm sorry. I should've never said anything about y'all child. I'm so sorry. I didn't mean it. Lord knows if something happens to you or your child, it'll hurt me" Lauryn said. Nia nodded.
"I'm sorry, too. I never meant to hurt you. I'm so sorry. I'm so embarrassed" Nia said as she wiped her eyes. She started to hyperventilate.
"Baby" I called out as I walked towards her. My auntie pushed me out of the way.
"I got her," Lauryn said as she grabbed Nia's hand and they walked into the kitchen.
"Now, you, Lucky. You are my son, and I love you. But this feud between you and Lorenzo has to stop. Y'all grew up together. What is the problem, honey" my auntie asked Lucky. Lucky stood there and stared at me.
"You and unc both have praised everything Lorenzo has done and put me down. Y'all praised him when he graduated high school and college. I tried to go to college, but pops put me down. The first thing y'all said to me was how was I going to finish some school when I don't even try. That hurt me because y'all was all for Lorenzo going to school when he had his own fucking parents. Y'all were never here for me. Y'all always praise him to everybody like he's some God. He ain't shit, but a street nigga." Lucky spat with tears in his eyes.
"WHAT YOU CALL ME BOY" I yelled at him.
"Boy? Man, I got your boy" Lucky said as he shoved me. My auntie got in between us.
"Son, I love you. I'm sorry if you have felt like we haven't supported you. I am proud of you" my auntie said to him.
"Proud of me for what, mama? Pops just said last week that I've wasted 27 years of my life. That hurt me to know that I'm a waste to him" he said as he wiped his eyes.
"You know what? I'm out. Fuck this family." Lucky said.
"Lucky, where are you going," I asked.
"Fuck you, Lo. Don't try to act like you give a damn. How many times have I called you in Maryland and you never picked up for me. Fuck you. Fuck all of
y'all. I'd be better off dead than deal with any one of y'all" he spat as he grabbed his jacket and flew out of the door. It really hurt me to hear him say that. Lucky is my first cousin and I love him. Despite everything, I've never tried to make him feel that way. I looked at my auntie and she had tears in his eyes.