CheckMate (Play At Your Own Risk)

by Mickens, Tiece

  Monica walked in the bathroom while Monty was in the shower and peeked in on him to make sure he was busy washing. She then walked out and looked through his cell phone, which was in his pants pocket on the floor. She had been trying to keep tabs on him, but he started erasing all of his messages and phone calls so she hadn’t seen anything else since the first time she looked through his phone. However, unlike the recent times before, that time when she picked it up and quietly strolled through it, she saw the sonogram pictures and the text message that Monty sent Candy. She put the phone back in his pocket and sat on the side of her bed. She wondered if what Monty needed to tell her had something to do with the Candy chick.

  So, is that what he wants to talk to me about? I wonder how long he’s known he got a baby on the way. I can’t believe this shit. I’m supposed to be the one having Monty’s baby. And, I just might be, because I’m ovulating right now and I got just what I needed from him tonight. I’m glad he gave me what I wanted. But, just in case he didn’t, I got a plan B. Then, maybe my chances of being with him will be stronger than this Candy chick. I know he can’t deny the feelings he has for me. I just hope that he’s not trying to end things with me. But, if that’s the case, he’s got another thing coming, Monica thought while trying her best to figure something out.

  Monty walked out the bathroom and picked up his Sean John jeans off the floor and pulled his boxers out of them as he put them on. He put his shirt on, walked over to the bed, and sat next to Monica with his head hung low. “I’m sorry I wasn’t up front with you from the beginning, but I have a baby on the way,” Monty said as he looked into Monica’s watery eyes.

  “Well, that’s okay, Monty. We can work through this,” Monica responded as she didn’t want to lose him like that.

  “No, I’m sorry, Monica, but we can’t.” He felt bad from seeing the tears fall from her eyes.

  “Why, Monty, please, tell me why? We have a second chance here to make things right, and what? You just gonna leave me like that? If it’s the baby, then I can accept that. But, don’t do this to us.”

  “It’s more than just the baby, Monica. It’s the baby’s mother. I really wanna be with her, too. Just recently have I truly realized that she’s the one who I want to be with, but things got outta control one night and I ended up here with you. To make a longer story short, she left me. But, she’s coming back soon and I’ve decided to give this all up and do right by her and my child. Please, forgive me. But, what we had was in the past and I don’t see no future with us,” Monty said as he watched Monica break down emotionally. Monica cried as she was in shock. He’d just made love to her and it was so good. What does Candy have that I don’t? she wondered.

  “Just leave my house!” she yelled out. “Get the fuck out, Monty! I don’t wanna ever see your face again.” She continued to cry.

  Monty got up, placed the house key on top of the chess board next to the chilled bottle of wine, and walked out. He didn’t even turn to look back at her as she slammed the door behind him.

  Monty then got in his car and turned up Jay Z’s Song Cry, the MTV unplugged version. He backed out of Monica’s driveway while knowing that their relationship was over. He hated how it had to end. He continued to listen to his music as he drove home.

  “H

  Chapter Twenty

  “Hey, gurl, what’s up?” Mona asked as she answered her cell phone.

  “Nothing much, honey. How’s it been going?” Candy questioned as she smacked on some bubble gum.

  “I’ve been chilling out and catching up on some reading. I bought that book that you told me to check out,” Mona said as she laid across her bed watching Belly on DVD.

  “Which one did you get, Venesha’s Mistress Me or Nikki Turner’s Black Widow? I told you those were some good books,” said Candy.

  “Yeah, I did get Mistress Me, but I also grabbed Brenda Hampton’s Naughty. Mistress Me is a very good book and I haven’t gotten past chapter two in Naughty. But, so far, it’s super good. Thank you for putting me down on reading novels because it really does take my mind off of other things. I really enjoy relaxing while reading something good.”

  “Yeah, I told you I’ve read about ten different novels since I’ve been gone. I’ll let you get them when I come home. They do relax me and take my mind off of not being around Monty. But, guess what?” Candy asked with excitement.

  “What?” Mona sat up.

  “I’ll be home the day after tomorrow,” Candy said.

  “Oh, I’m so glad. I can’t wait to see you. I bet my nephew has that stomach all big and shit. I can’t believe you’re eight months pregnant now. That time really flies by.”

  “Yeah, I gained quite a few pounds since you last saw me, but I’m glad to be coming back. I gotta wait until the day after tomorrow because Aunt Linda has a big baby shower planned for me.”

  “I hate I’m going to miss that,” Mona said. “But, I already got his lil’ butt about ten outfits, five packs of pampers, some bottles, and wipes. You name it, he has it. And, let’s not mention what his grandma done loaded up on.”

  “Well, I do appreciate all y’all have gotten this little fella of mine. He’s going to be so spoiled and rotten. I can see him now, looking all handsome like his daddy,” Candy said in a low tone. “How is his daddy, anyway?”

  “He’s doing well under the circumstances. He really misses you a lot and the baby’s room is full of things he’s gotten him. I just told him earlier this morning that he needs to chill out buying the baby gifts. He gets him something new every day.”

  “I tried to tell Monty when I first got pregnant to not over do it, but he’ll never listen to anyone, especially not me.”

  “I feel like he’s changed a lot, Candy, in the last few weeks. He stays home more now. He doesn’t go out as much at night as he used to. He doesn’t mope around or anything, but I can tell he’s missing something, you.”

  “How I wish that was true,” Candy said. She smiled while missing Monty so much. “I gotta say I really do miss him, too.”

  “I’m glad to know that you’re coming home, though. I know that, once he finds out, he’s going to be the happiest man alive. He has been looking so forward to you coming home.”

  “I can’t lie to you, Mona, I love Monty and that is the reason why I left him the way that I did. He has to know that there are consequences to the actions he take. He can’t just go around and hurt people’s feelings, especially mine. Because, I cared for him before he even acknowledged me like that. I’ve always had a thing for Monty and, now, I’m gonna be having his son soon. I pray he has wised up and decided to choose us over the women that he lay up with. Because I truly do want to be with him.”

  “Well, I can’t read Monty’s mind, but I do know he’s going to choose his family any day over those skanks. Mama had a good long talk with him and it was something he needed. It’s like he had a wakeup call or something, and he’s ready for you to come home.”

  “Well, I’m so glad to hear that. But, don’t tell him that I’m coming home because I want to surprise him by just showing up. Hopefully, he won’t be doing anything that will make me change my mind about how I truly feel about him,” Candy stated.

  “He won’t do anything else to push you away, Candy Gurl. He loves you. Even I can tell that.” Mona got up and took the disk out of the player. “Just hurry up and get here. I miss you, gurl.”

  “I will. I’m about to go now because Aunt Linda is begging me to walk around the mall with her. She wants me to go into labor so bad here in Atlanta, but she just doesn’t know. This little one ain’t coming until he knows his daddy is watching his arrival. I’ll make her happy by going with her.”

  “Well, enjoy yourself and call me later. I love you and I can’t wait to see you,” said Mona.

  “Yeah, I love you, too, and make sure Monty stays out of trouble until I get there,” Candy responded.

  Monty and Rico pulled into the car wash so Monty could clean his Tahoe. �
�Have you talked to Candy yet?” Rico asked as he got out of the SUV.

  “Naw, I haven’t spoken to her at all. Mona said they had a conversation last week, and even though she didn’t say it, I believe she’s coming home soon. She doesn’t have but a couple more weeks to go and she’ll be having our son.”

  “I know you’re excited, huh? I’m happy for you. I can’t wait until he gets here. I’m going to spoil him just as much as you.”

  “I know, man. It’s gonna be real cool being a daddy. I can’t wait.” Monty changed the subject. “Why don’t you stop standing there and help me wash my whip.”

  “Hey, man, I don’t mind helping you wash your vehicle. But, you don’t help me wash mine,” Rico jokingly said.

  Monty put the quarters in the machine and began to wet his vehicle with the water shoot. Rico stood there as he looked a little sad. “Are you alright, man?” Monty asked.

  “Yeah, man, I still think about that shit that happened to Paris, ya know? Even since then, I’ve done some crazy ass things while trying to forget about her, but I’m truly gonna have to slow this shit down and get a woman I can settle down with. I want me a baby, too, ya know? I want a family like you’re going to have and I ain’t gonna get it this way. It seems like I’m always following in your footsteps, but I’m the one that gets caught up. You know how to get in and out of the game. I don’t.” Rico shook his head from side to side.

  “Man, what you saying? You’re talking crazy now. You don’t do shit now. You slowed down a lot with selling drugs. I don’t know how you’ve still been making money the way you have. Hell, I just figured you got money saved up like I do,” said Monty as he was rinsing the suds off.

  “Well, I do. I can’t complain about the money, but I have been doing some things I haven’t been quite up front with you about lately. I think you should know,” Rico responded just as Bruce pulled up to the vacuum cleaners and got out of his brand new Benz. Monty stopped rinsing his Tahoe off, and then looked over at Bruce getting out his nice Mercedes.

  “I see that nigga still doing it big, huh?” Monty asked as he started to rinse his vehicle off again. Rico looked back at Bruce as Bruce stood there eyeballing them. “What the fuck is he looking at?” Monty questioned when he noticed Bruce’s stare.

  “I don’t know, man. You know how Big Bruce be trippin’,” said Rico. He was trying not to pay him any attention. “Man, just don’t even look at him. You got too much to lose.”

  “It ain’t that serious, anyway. I ain’t fucked with his ole lady in several months. So, he need not be looking this way like he’s fucking stupid or something. I’ll wipe that smug look right off of that punk’s face.” Monty stared Bruce down. Bruce just shook his head as if to say, I will get you one day. He then got back in his car and left while Monty stared at him until his car disappeared.

  “You know, I’ma have to watch his punk ass. He’s really trippin’ and shit. I wonder what the hell he came here for if all he was going to do was pull up and stare us down,” said Monty just as he received a text message.

  “Yeah, you and me both.” Rico continued to make sure Bruce was out of sight. “I need to keep Roscoe with me at all times now, I see.”

  “I got mine right under my seat. So, his bitch ass can act crazy if he wants to. I got something for his big ass.”

  Monty looked down at his text message.

  Please get home ASAP… Mona

  What’s up? Mo Money

  Just get your ass here… NOW! Mona

  I’m on the way… Mo Money

  “I don’t know what’s going on at the crib, but I’ma have to get there quickly,” Monty stated, and then put the water shoot back in its slot and got in his vehicle. “Come on, man. Get in!” Rico jumped in the Tahoe, curious to know what was going on. “Do you want me to drop you off on the way or you going with me to my crib?”

  “I’ma ride with you. I wanna know what the hell is going on, too. You might need me, man. You know I’ve always had your back.” Rico prepared himself for whatever.

  “That’s cool with me, man. But, I don’t think it’s that serious or Mona would’ve called instead of text messaging me. But, it’s still all good. She better really want something or I’ma be pissed.”

  They pulled up to his house and immediately noticed a brand new black Range Rover parked in the driveway. Monty looked over at Rico, who appeared confused. “I wonder who the hell this is over here?” Monty asked.

  “Hell, I don’t know. Maybe it’s Candy. She’s probably gotten a new whip. You know she got back a lot of money off of her daddy,” Rico responded, smiling a little as he was just as confused as Monty.

  Monty began to smile a little bit, too. “Yeah, maybe my baby has come home to surprise me.” Monty and Rico walked up to the door and entered.

  “Monty, is that you?” Mona yelled out from the kitchen. “I think you need to get in here. Someone is here to see you.”

  Monty really began to smile as he and Rico headed toward the kitchen. Monty walked in and was immediately greeted by a very familiar voice. “Hey, Monty, long time no see,” Monica spoke, then stood up from the seat at the kitchen table.

  Monty’s mouth dropped open. He was stunned to see Monica in his house. Then, Rico looked over at Monica. What the hell is she doing here? he thought.

  “Hey, Monica. What’s up? What can I do for you today?” Monty asked as he was totally caught off guard.

  “I think it’s more like what you’ve already done for her,” Mona replied in a sarcastic tone.

  “What do you mean?” Monty inquired, confused by Monica’s visit and by Mona’s remark.

  “Come on, Rico. Let’s get outta here. My brother and his so-called ex have some things to discuss. I think they need a little time alone together.” Mona grabbed Rico by the hand and pulled him out of the kitchen.

  “Naw, hold up,” Rico said. “Maybe I need to stick around for this.”

  “Why? You ain’t got shit to do with it. So, let’s go!” Mona demanded, and then snatched Rico on out of the kitchen.

  “Well, well, well…” Monica said while looking into Monty’s eyes. “I have some pretty good news to tell you.”

  “What kind of news could that be, Monica. I haven’t seen you since that night I left your house. I thought we were just going to let this thing be. How could you show up to my house like this?”

  “Well, I didn’t want to, but I got a new ride today and I thought you should see it. Plus, I got some other good news that you should see.” Monica opened up her expensive Dooney & Bourke purse and pulled out a paper that she practically slapped Monty in the face with.

  “What the hell is this?” Monty grabbed the paper from her and read it. Monica stood there with her hands on her hip as if she was overjoyed about the look on Monty’s face. “What! I know this ain’t what I’m reading. You’re pregnant? But, not by me! There is no way, babe, I used a condom every time.” Monty threw the paper back in her face.

  “Yeah, well, condoms ain’t always baby proof, ya know,” said Monica with a smirk on her face. “Do you remember the last time we got together? You didn’t use a condom then, did you? Go ahead be mad about it, but, when our child is born, I’ll immediately ask for a blood test. So, don’t you worry, Monty, I got you.”

  Monty stood there, shocked. He thought quickly on if he’d gotten drunk one night and forgot to put his condom on. Nah, he thought. He then remembered the last night he was with her, but even then, he jacked in the shower after sex. He scratched his head. “I didn’t bust in you, Monica. I waited until I got in the shower. This baby ain’t mine.”

  “Well, I don’t know how you’ll tell your other baby’s mama the news. But, hell, just break her heart like you did mine and we’ll call it even. You ain’t gotta be here for me. But, you will be a part of our child’s life, and I mean that on everything I love.” Monica replied while Monty stood there silently.

  “Get the hell outta my house, Monica. And, don’t bring your ass over
here no more! I mean it. Get the fuck outta here! Oh, and trust this, bitch, I will be getting a DNA test done ASAP because this is some bullshit here.” Monty snatched Monica by the arm and drug her to the front door. He pushed her out. Mona and Rico look surprised. “Get the fuck outta my yard, you psycho bitch!”

  “Monty, what is wrong with you?” Mona asked as she looked at Monica getting in her car. She quickly started it up and left out of the driveway, spinning wheels.

  “That bitch in my house telling me she’s pregnant with my child. That bitch is lying! I used a condom every time I fucked her,” Monty yelled before he even realized it.

  “What do you mean, she’s pregnant?” Rico asked as he looked concerned. “She can’t be pregnant, man. Is she really pregnant?”

  “Well, that’s what that paper says. But, it ain’t my kid. You gotta believe me, man. The paper shows that she’s seven and a half weeks pregnant. That’s not my kid.” Monty looked over at Mona who was shaking her head from side to side.

  “Damn, Monty. Don’t tell Candy this shit. It’s gonna kill her. I didn’t even know that Monica was back in town and for that long. Why didn’t you tell me she was back?”

  “For what? So you can run your big mouth to Candy? Hell naw!” Monty was clearly upset about Monica’s visit and her surprising news.

  “Damn, man, take me home,” said Rico. “I don’t know what the hell is going on. But, if you say that baby ain’t yours, then I believe you. I just need to go home and lay down for awhile, my damn head hurts from all this drama.”

  “Rico, you act like you got somebody pregnant,” Mona stated.

  “Are you pregnant?” Rico asked as he looked over at Mona.

  “Hell naw!” Mona said loudly.

  “Then, I ain’t got nobody pregnant,” said Rico with a smirk on his face as he walked out to the Tahoe and got in. “Come on, man. I gotta go.”