by A'zayler
Their behavior kept me laughing, but I still wished they would just get it together and live like a family should.
“I will not play with you and Egypt today, Azayna.”
“You never do, but you know I don’t need your help. I can pick with his fine ass all by myself.”
“Jesus.” I tossed all of my things into my car and got in. “I’ll be ready when you get to my house.”
Once she told me she would meet me there, we ended our call, and I dialed my husband. BB picked up after the first ring.
“What’s popping, beautiful?”
“I’m headed home. You there?”
There was so much noise in the background that I honestly could have saved that question because it was clear that he wasn’t.
“I’m at the park already.”
“I should have known. I’m on the way out there with Azayna.” I held my breath.
He didn’t say anything right away, but I heard movement as his end of the line got quieter. “You said what now?”
“I’m about to come see you. Azayna is bringing me.”
“Come on now, Breen, you know I heard you the first time. I asked again because I was looking for a different answer.”
“Beeeee, please, baby? I don’t want to just sit at home. It’s just a park. How bad can it be?”
“Bad enough. It’s already too many people out here. You don’t need to be in the mix of this shit.”
I drove quietly because as bad as I didn’t want to go against what BB was telling me, I was going to that park. It was a beautiful day, and I’d been inside all day. I needed some fresh air.
“Zebrina?”
“Hmm,” I half answered him.
“So, you mad?”
“No.”
He chuckled. “Yeah, you are, but it’s my fault. I got you too spoiled.”
I didn’t know what he expected me to say, so I said nothing. He was telling the truth. I was spoiled, and it was indeed his fault. I was accustomed to getting my way when it came to BB. He’d been allowing me to do any and everything since the moment we’d met, never having to beg or ask twice, so of course that’s what I was used to now. No point in trying to pretend it was something that it wasn’t.
“Come on out here, man. You ain’t staying long, though, and make sure you look like you belong to me.”
I smiled extra hard because BB loved when I upstaged other women. It was like his own personal high that he got off on. Anytime he could, he’d go overboard just to make sure I outshined everyone. I personally didn’t really care for that because everyone was beautiful in their own way, but what my husband wanted, he got.
“Thank you, baby! Just for a little while, I promise,” I told him as I turned into our driveway.
“Just hurry up and come so you can go home before it gets too late. You know niggas can’t control themselves once the sun goes down.”
BB was such an old man. He was always talking about people like he wasn’t part of the same things they were. It was comical because let him tell it, he wasn’t. Which I agreed on to a certain extent. BB was a banger, a good one at that, but he was also smart. Never allowed himself to be sucked into unnecessary street issues, but the fact still remained, he was who he was. A blood, an OG gang member with too much hood clout to be considered anything other than a thug. My thug.
“See you soon, handsome.”
“Don’t be talking sweet now because I let you have your way.”
I was back laughing again because he was right. “I still love you, though.”
“Love you too. Come straight to me when you get here.”
I told him I would and headed inside to get dressed. There was a large kickball game going on, supposedly a fundraiser for little league sports in the city, but if the bloods were out there, then I was more than positive it was more to it than that. It would probably be other gang members there as well, which was probably why BB was so bent on me staying home. Thanks to his big heart and the love it had for me, that wasn’t happening.
It wasn’t long before I was dressed in a red sundress that gripped every asset that drove BB crazy, gold accessories, and my gold Dior sandals. I combed through my bone straight sew in that I kept parted down the middle and left the house.
Azayna had already texted me to let me know she was outside waiting for me, and I hurried so she wouldn’t have to wait too long. With my gold purse thrown over my shoulder, I locked up and slid my sunglasses over my face. Before I could even get to her truck, she hopped her little pregnant self out, holding her phone up in front of her face.
“Yessss, best friend, pop your muthafucking shit, boo! You fine as fuck!” Azayna was yelling while recording me on her phone. I knew this because she did it all the time. I didn’t have social media, but I was more than positive her followers knew me like I did. “I told y’all my best friend was gon’ step! Niggas, don’t get no ideas. My baby a ruby out this bitch. Her nigga a boss, not a worker nigga. He’ll shoot y’all ass!”
I laughed, covering my face as I neared her. “Stop, Zayyyy.”
“You stop, girl. You out here, ma.” She finally put her phone away and smiled while looking me over. “BB about to throw that calm ass mood out the window today.”
Stuff like that was why she was my best friend like no other. People loved to insult her because of her past, but Azayna was a real female with not an ounce of hate in her blood. I’d been pretty all of my life, so I’d dealt with jealous women who pretended to be my friend until I went somewhere and got more attention than them. Never had I ever experienced that with Azayna.
“You talking about BB, at least me and him are on good terms. Men hate when you look sexy and y’all aren’t speaking. Egypt is going to blast you away today. He’s not healing no more either. That Mac he’s always carrying is going to rip today, Zay. This the first time the city is really seeing you too. Oh, it’s about to get crazy.”
The little blue halter top dress she was wearing hugged her body in the craziest ways. She’d always had a cute shape, but thanks to my godie, she was really packing on the pounds. My girl was thicker than a milkshake. Her hips had spread more, and that butt was a sight for sore eyes. Her mommy milk was finally kicking in and had the rack on one hundred. To add to her beauty, she sported two shiny gold necklaces. One with the letter E and the other with Queen Nefertiti on it. Li’l mama was blazing.
I snickered as I looked at her necklaces and thought about Egypt. He was going to kill her, especially since her little stomach was now poking out. Men loved to clown about their kids, even if they did pretend not to want them.
“Pregnancy looks so good on you, Azayna.” I rubbed her small belly as she drove.
Her skin was bright, and her blonde and red locs were all down and curly. They’d gotten so long, again thanks to my godson. Ever since she’d been pregnant, she’d embraced her natural beauty, and it made me so happy. Now, everybody could see the show-stopping part of her that she’d been hiding for years.
“Thanks, sis. I’m so ready for Egypt to see me. You know I’ve been in hiding since I been knocked up. That morning sickness was kicking my ass, but I’m over that shit now. I’m about to stunt,” she screamed with a smile on her face. “I’m finna switch right past his ass. Watch me. I’ma throw this ass all up in his face. He gon’ be mad as shit.”
“Stunt sis, you deserve it. The whole hood has been sleeping on you. You’re about to show them what I’ve loved for years.”
“You know I am.”
Azayna and I continued laughing and playing the whole drive there, complimenting each other in some way or another. All types of vehicles lined the street as soon as we rounded the corner. The parking area was packed to the max as we crept in. Like it always did, her truck came in handy. It was so big, and with those huge tires and her crazy driving self, we had absolutely no problem finding a space to park.
My best friend had always been extra, but she was even worse today since she was feeling herself
. Without a second thought, she drove straight over the curb and onto the grass. People watched us all the way until she stopped near the back of the football field away from everyone and cut the engine.
“Girllllll, look at everybody hating. I bet they’re trying to see who’s in here.” I got excited when I noticed all eyes were on us as Azayna turned down her music. It had been blasting since we’d entered the park. Another ploy for her to get attention, I’m sure. “Look, Zay, there goes BB and Egypt. Egypt already looks mad.”
“Where bitch? Show me!”
“Look over there by that building where the grill is. BB has on all black. Egypt is right next to him with that darn bandana around his neck as always,” I told her as her head followed discreetly. Just like we’d said, as soon as her eyes landed on him, he was looking. “You know I’ll spot my baby B anywhere.”
“You have some good ass eyes because I never would have seen them. This baby is making my vision bad.” She puckered her lips, smoothing the gloss she’d just slid over them. “I’m finna make this nigga here so mad.” She clapped her hands happily. “He thinks he’s going to just give me his baby, forget I ever loved him, and nothing is done about it. He got me fucked up. Watch this.”
I dramatically turned in my seat and looked at her. “So, you loved him?”
She paused and sat quietly for a minute before shrugging. “Yeah, it was quick, but I’d already been quietly loving him for so many years, that when I finally got him, it sent me over the edge with feelings. I thought he’d felt the same, but he showed me that he really didn’t, so on to the next.”
Azayna looked away, but I didn’t miss the sheen of tears in her eyes. I knew how emotional she’d been with my godie, so I didn’t press her to say more. Red eyes would ruin her beautiful image.
“Well, show him what he’s missing out on, baby.”
Her smile returned. “These folks probably ain’t gon’ even know who I am.”
“Everybody except Blue. He’s gon’ know for sure.”
Azayna smiled. “Hell yeah he is, but that’s it. I’m new to everybody else.”
I winked at her. “My best kept secret. Come on, let’s show out.”
We traded loving smiles before getting out of the truck. Of course, I had to jump, being that it was so high off the ground. I fixed my dress in a hurry and got around to her side to help her down. I’d watched the way she’d jumped out earlier at my house, and it had worried me to death.
“Let me help you, so you don’t shake my baby up.” I held her hand as she slowly slid out of the truck. “You good?” I asked while looking down at her once she was on her feet.
“Yeah, move. We probably look gay.”
I was laughing again. “Man, I hate you.” She joined me in laughter. “I don’t care what these people think. All I care about is him.” I rubbed her stomach as she pulled at the bottom of her dress so that it was fitting right again.
When we were both satisfied with our appearance, we took off walking. People were everywhere. From adults to little kids. It was a beautiful, sunny day, and the perfect weather for a community function. Smoke from the barbeque grill wafted through the air while music and conversation buzzed in the background. Balloons of all colors were in various sized bouquets around the gates, while streamers and hand-painted signs coordinated with them. I smiled at all of the little boys on the football field with flags around their tiny waists.
“Aww, I can’t wait to put Zon in football.” Azayna swooned with her hand on her belly.
I frowned. “He’s not playing that dangerous sport. Let him play soccer, run track, or baseball or something. Football is too dangerous.”
“He can do all of that too, but I love football, so he’ll be playing.”
I looked off toward where BB and the rest of the Blood nation was. “I already hate co-parenting with you.”
There was an array of red, black, and white clothing decorating the spot where BB was. There were a few bandanas here and there, informing everyone who didn’t know that they were bangers. In black jeans, a black V-neck shirt, and a bright red fitted cap, BB leaned against a car sipping coolly from a red plastic cup. His beautiful skin and thick eyebrows had the sway in my hip getting deeper.
My baby had it. I swear he did. He was so fine, he made me want to look good too. Over the top of his cup, his eyes had found mine and hadn’t left me since. The way he watched me would never get old.
“BB loves you, Brina. Look at how he’s watching you.”
I smiled. “Girl, I know. He makes me want to have sex.” I sighed. “Every time I see him, it’s crazy.” I touched her shoulder. “I’m nasty for my man, Zay.”
“As you should be, bitch.” She giggled.
“Ooh, Azayna, look at Egypt, he’s staring you down.”
“I don’t see him. I’m looking the other way.”
I looked down at her, and she wasn’t lying. Her eyes were across the field on all of the little boys playing football. I fell out laughing. I couldn’t stand her. I could already see this was about to be a good day. The closer we got, the more heads turned our way. Pretty much all of the men were watching us approach them. I smiled and waved at Egypt, who was on BB’s right side.
He too wore black jeans, but his shirt was white, and he had a black bulletproof vest on, but it was open so that you could see his gun beneath his arm. His signature bandana was around his neck, and he had a fresh line up. His gold teeth glistened beneath the sun when he smiled back, while his dreads were pulled up into a large ponytail. Egypt was mad cute, with his little self. I couldn’t wait to see Zon; I bet he was going to be Egypt’s twin.
“Hello, everyone.” I waved at everyone while keeping my eyes on BB. I didn’t stop walking until I was between his legs. “Hey, you.” I tapped the tip of his hat with my fingernail.
His free arm circled my waist when he lowered the cup from his mouth. His juicy lips were wet from whatever he was drinking and making my stomach jump. I wasted no time kissing him, making sure to close my eyes and moan. When he pulled away first, I snatched him right back, placing two more pecks on his mouth.
“When I said come, you came, huh?” He rendered his own form of a compliment while looking me up and down and smiling appreciatively.
I stepped back and playfully modeled for him. “Well, you know how I do.”
He smiled again, but this time it didn’t reach his eyes. I squinted and looked at him closer. The circles around his eyes were darker than normal, and he was slumped over a tad. Now I saw why he was leaning on the car. I was right back on him, close enough to talk where only we could hear.
“How you feeling?”
He smiled lazily. “Don’t start, I’m straight.” He pecked my forehead. “Especially since you’re here.”
“Stop playing with me, Blaze. You’re not feeling good, are you?”
“Baby, you know this ain’t nothing to me.”
I shook my head and looked back at Azayna. She was standing right behind us with her back turned. Her attention was on the park and all of the festivities. I would have joked on her for how hard she was ignoring Egypt, but I didn’t have time right then.
“Azayna, come here real quick, boo.”
“What you doing?” BB pinched my cheek, making me look back at him.
I ignored him and looked at Egypt instead. “How long has he been looking tired like this?”
Egypt’s eyes sympathetically went to BB’s as if letting him know he was about to spill the beans. I could see BB shaking his head beside me, but I wasn’t stunting him.
“Egypt?”
When he looked back at me, he twisted his mouth to the side before answering. “Since we’ve been here. He was straight this morning, but ever since we got here, he really just been chilling.”
BB sucked his teeth, and I looked at him then popped his forehead, positive that I was the only person on this side of the world who could do that and get away with it.
“Don’t be a child,”
I scolded him.
“What’s up, BB?” Azayna gave him a friendly hug before looking at me. “What you need, baby?”
BB’s large hand covered her stomach, showing just how big it really wasn’t. “How’s my li’l blood today?”
“Active,” she finished just as BB’s face lit up from his smile. “Told you.” She giggled at BB’s happiness.
BB was still smiling as he held his hand on her belly while looking at me. “Yo, he kicking hard as shit. Feel it, bae.”
As bad as I wanted to focus on BB, I couldn’t ruin his excitement. On top of that, I wanted to feel baby Zon kick too.
“Awwwww,” I squealed when I felt the movement against my open palm. “He loves us.”
Azayna looked between BB and me, shaking her head with a bright smile. “I hate to see y’all when he actually gets here.”
“I knowwww. I’m going to kidnap him so me and BB can play house.”
BB chuckled. “Hell yeah, every weekend.”
Once the baby dramatics subsided, I looked back at Egypt. I had my mouth open to say something but stopped. His eyes were on Azayna’s stomach, and he actually looked a little sad. Me being extra sensitive and head over heels for him and Azayna’s love affair, I immediately felt sorry for him.
“You want to feel him kick, Egypt?”
My question got all four of our attention, but Azayna’s response kept it.
“Fuck no.” She stepped back, making sure she was out of his reach.
I gasped while BB laughed. I looked at him because absolutely nothing was funny right then. Azayna shouldn’t have done that.
“I wasn’t about to touch you anyway,” Egypt fired at her.
“Sure in the fuck wasn’t.” She tooted her lips up and looked at me. “What you needed me for?”
I smiled still, stuck on her actions. “I might end up leaving early. B isn’t feeling well.”
Her attention went right to him. I could see her trying to assess his current state empathetically. “You know that’s no problem, just let me know. I’m about to walk over here and get me something to eat real quick. You want something?”
“Nah, I’m good. You want me to go with you?”