Life After A Balla

by Jackie D.

  “I can’t believe I actually fell in love with your old ass. My mother was right about you!”

  Just the thought of her betraying him caused Kareem to suddenly throw another punch. He then grabbed Felicia by the hair and pulled her badly beaten body over to the toilet.

  “You shady bitch. Let’s see if you like using people after this,” Kareem said, lifting the seat with one hand while pushing her face inside the bowl with the other. Felicia desperately tried to keep from drowning, but she was no match against the strong hold he held on the back of her head.

  “I should kill your ass for playing with my fucking emotions, Felicia Mitchell!”’

  Hearing Kareem call her by her real name, Felicia finally realized he’d found out who she really was.

  He continued to push her head back and forth in the toilet water until suddenly she heard a male voice say, “Get your fuckin’ hands off her nigga before I kill yo’ ass.”

  Kareem instantly released his grip and turned around looking into the barrel of a gun. Dre had rushed over after hearing the entire incident over the phone. It was him Felicia was talking to when Kareem stormed in the bathroom.

  Felicia coughed and cried uncontrollably.

  Dre reached down and helped Felicia off the floor. “Are you okay?” he asked, still pointing the gun at Kareem.

  “No…I’m…not,” she said, coughing in between words. “What…are we going to do now? He knows who we are.”

  “Don’t worry about that. Just let me handle it. Here, hold this and keep it pointed on his ass,” Dre said, passing Felicia his Glock 17.

  I shoulda took over a long time ago instead of wastin’ time waitin’ on Felicia’s ass to make somethin’ happen, Dre thought. He walked over to Kareem and got in his face.

  “Instead of beatin’ on woman why don’t you fight a man,” he said, pushing Kareem against the wall. “I guess you inherited beatin’ on women from your bitch ass father. I should crack your fuckin’ head open right now.”

  Kareem looked at Dre wondering how he knew his father. But more or less he didn’t ever want to be like him.

  “I was locked up wit’ your father and now I see you’re just as heartless as that nigga was,” Dre continued.

  “Man, fuck you and him!” Kareem yelled.

  Dre took the gun from Felicia’s hand and told her to leave.

  “No, wait Dre, don’t do anything stupid,” Felicia cried.

  “Felicia, I said leave!” Dre roared. “Now!”

  As soon as she closed the bathroom door, Dre took the butt of the gun and pistol whipped Kareem across his face. Blood spattered everywhere and it wasn’t long before Kareem broke down crying.

  “Shut your bitch ass up!” Dre yelled. “Let me hear you talk shit now!”

  “Please don’t kill me. I’ll do whatever you need me to do,” Kareem responded.

  “Now that’s what I want to hear. Did you kill my brother, Justice?” When Kareem didn’t respond, Dre got in his face again. “Muthafucka, I asked you a question. Did you kill my brother?”

  “No, I didn’t!”

  “Well, I suggest you tell me what happened. What about your mother? I don’t wanna have to hurt your family, but I will if I don’t get the information I need,” Dre informed.

  “Leave my family out of this.”

  “Then start talkin’! Where is Justice? Is he dead?” As soon as Kareem nodded his head, Dre’s excitement escalated. “Where is his body?”

  “I don’t know, but I know someone who does,” Kareem snitched.

  “I knew it. I knew y’all muthafuckas were involved. Who killed him? Who got rid of his body?” Dre pointed the gun at Kareem again to show him he meant business.

  “My mother’s boyfriend. Cruze.” Kareem felt bad, but throwing Cruze under the bus seemed like the right thing to do.

  “Call that muthafucka right now. I need to see him,” Dre responded. “I don’t even wanna know how shit went down. I just wanna know where my brother is.”

  “But I don’t have his number. I…” When Kareem saw the seriousness in Dre’s face, he took the cell phone out of his pocket and quickly called his mother. He prayed she’d answer.

  “Hey, Kareem,” Skye said when she answered the call. She sounded so excited to hear from him.

  “Hey, Ma. How are things going?” Kareem, on the other hand sounded nervous.

  “I actually can’t complain. I’m on my way to Payton’s doctor. She’s recovering well and Jordan is doing great. How are you? We miss you.”

  “I miss you all, too. Hey Ma, is Cruze still in Georgia or did he come to Miami?”

  “Can you believe he’s in Miami now? Why?”

  “Just wondering. Hey, I’m coming back to Miami. Things with Le Le didn’t work out. I’ll tell you about it when I see you,” he informed her.

  Skye smiled from ear to ear. Not only was Kareem moving back home, but it sounded like he was done with his girlfriend. I knew it wouldn’t last with that bitch.

  “Can you text me Cruze’s number?”

  “Yes, but why are you trying to reach Cruze? I thought you didn’t like him.”

  Dre started waving the gun at Kareem telling him to cut his call short.

  “I just need to talk to him about something, so text me the number as soon as we hang up please.”

  “I hope you’re not planning on doing anything illegal with him Kareem,” Skye replied.

  “No Ma, I just need to talk to him about something man to man. Since I don’t have a father in my life Cruze is the closest thing to that right now.”

  “Yeah, alright. This still sounds a little fishy to me but I’ll text you his number. I love you.”

  “I love you, too,” Kareem said before ending the call. He tried his best to keep his voice from trembling.

  While holding the gun on Kareem, Dre’s mind drifted. I wonder if the same person who killed Justice had something to do with Mercedes murder, too. It’s just ironic that they died around the same time, he thought.

  When Kareem noticed Dre’s blank expression, he decided to it was time to make his move. He dove over and rustled for the gun. When the gun suddenly went off, Felicia ran back into the bathroom.

  “Oh my God!” she screamed.

  CHAPTER 21

  Skye stood beside the table holding Payton’s hand as she was examined by the chiropractor. Payton whimpered, clenching Skye as the doctor held her tiny little leg up in the air feeling around the bones.

  “Its okay baby girl, he just wants to look at your leg to make sure it’s all better,” Skye said, trying to reassure her daughter. She could see in Payton’s eyes that she was terrified and about to start screaming at any minute.

  “I’m almost finished, Payton. You’re being such a big girl,” the doctor said in his thick Indian accent.

  When Skye was able to get Payton to calm down, a few seconds later the exam was over. The doctor sat Payton up on the table, removed his rubber gloves, grabbed her file and wrote down some notes.

  “Give this to the young lady at the desk on your way out. I need to see Payton back next week,” he said, passing Skye a billing invoice. “Payton’s first round of Physical therapy went well today. She’s healing a lot faster than expected. This is remarkable progress being that she just got her cast removed two days ago. I hope she isn’t afraid of water because her second round of therapy will be Aquatic. This type of therapy will reduce the stress placed on her joints while walking on her leg again. Also, this aspect of aquatic therapy is especially useful for healing fractured bones and increasing flexibility and strength back in her leg.”

  “Payton loves the water. She’s been swimming since she was a baby. My kids had a personal swimming instructor for years,” Skye informed him.

  “That’s great. Did they attend some type of program at the Miami city pool?” he questioned.

  Skye immediately frowned and gave him the look of death. “City Pool? My kids have never been in a city swimming pool. I have a custo
mized swimming pool at my Palm Island Estate. Thank you very much,” Skye said, putting on Payton’s shoes. She was pissed that the doctor had insulted her like she was some project chick.

  “I didn’t mean to offend you, Mrs. Washington. I just assumed that…”

  Skye cut him off, “You just assumed that my kids were some o’ poor black kids, huh? Well, sorry to disappoint you, but that’s far from the case. And by the way I asked you once before not to call me Mrs. Washington,” she said, picking up Payton and walking out of the room.

  Skye was fuming as she approached the check out desk and handed Payton’s form to the pale skinny receptionist.

  “Okay, Mrs. Washington, I see that the Dr. Chopra would like me to schedule Payton’s weekly physical therapy appointments for the remainder of the month. But I don’t see where we have your insurance information on file.”

  “I can see none of you listen around here. You can call me Skye and no you aren’t gonna be able to find it because the insurance I applied for is still in underwriting.”

  The receptionist looked up at Skye and turned up her nose then looked back at the computer screen.

  “Well, today’s visit has to be paid before I can set up anymore appointments.”

  “Not a problem. I’m going to pay with cash.”

  “Today’s visit was $700.00,” the receptionist informed. It was almost as if she expected Skye not to have the money.

  Skye threw her brand new Balenciaga purse on the counter, reached inside and pulled out a stack of money. She peeled off some of the bills.

  “Here’s $4000.00. That should cover her bill for today and the next couple therapy sessions. Now schedule her appointments so I can get out of here and go shopping please,” Skye said.

  The receptionist looked at Skye once more before counting the money and passing her a receipt. It felt good to be able to pay her daughter’s bill this time.

  “What time do you prefer, morning or afternoon appointments, Mrs…I mean Skye?” Her entire attitude had changed.

  “Mornings, please. I usually like to schedule my spa appointments in the afternoon,” Skye said, rubbing her new found status in the woman’s face.

  The receptionist continued to look in the computer before printing off Payton’s monthly schedule and handed it to Skye. “Thanks, we’ll see you next week.”

  Skye gave her a fake smile and headed out the door. However, before they could leave the building she was surprised to see Cruze walking toward them.

  “What are you doing here?” Skye asked.

  Payton instantly lit up when she saw Cruze. She smiled and reached out for him.

  He grabbed her from Skye’s arms. “Hey, pretty girl, I missed you,” he said, kissing Payton on the cheek. He looked at Skye. “I’ve missed you, too,” Cruze uttered with a sad appearance.

  Skye rolled her eyes and sucked her teeth. “How did you know where I was… are you stalking me?”

  Cruze chuckled, “No, Jordan told me where you were. I was hoping to take you to lunch so we could talk.”

  I’m going to kill Jordan, she thought. “Hey, I just thought about something. Have you talked to Kareem? He called me about an hour ago and asked for your number.”

  “No, not at all. What did he wanna talk about?”

  “I don’t know, he wouldn’t say.” Skye rubbed the back of her neck where a brick of tension had suddenly formed.

  “I’m not hungry and there’s nothing to talk about.”

  As Cruze stared at her, their eyes locked. Skye could see the regret and knew that another apology was approaching.

  “I’m sorry that I hurt you, Skye. You have no idea the pain I’ve felt over these past few weeks.”

  “Yeah, well you should’ve thought about that before you chose to lie,” Skye countered.

  “So, can you at least go to lunch with me? Haven’t you been avoiding me long enough?”

  Skye took a deep breath. “Look…I gotta go,” she said, grabbing Payton and walking out of the door. She ignored Payton’s cries as she continued to hold her arms out for him.

  Cruze walked behind her checking out her new clothes, new designer purse and the diamonds blinging everywhere as they approached the lobby. When they walked outside and he saw Skye stroll over to her brand new Bentley, jealously quickly consumed him.

  Who am I kidding, I’ll never be ever to compete with Sandino’s money, he thought.

  “Damn, you rolling like that now,” he said, admiring the subtle twenty inch rims.

  “Can you believe that bitch Asia slashed all four of my fucking tires the other day? She even pissed on it. Look.” Skye pointed to a small dent on the hood. “That’s from her standing on it. Now, I gotta get my shit fixed.”

  Cruze seemed shocked. “Pissed on it? Get the fuck outta here. How do you know it was her?”

  “Because Sandino’s nurse saw her from the window. By the time I knew what was going on, that bitch had left. He didn’t know who the woman was, but who else would be crazy enough to do some shit like that? Asia better hope I don’t run into her ass on the street.”

  “Maybe it was one of Sandino’s other women,” Cruze suggested.

  “I seriously doubt it. Did you forget that Sandino is in a wheelchair? All the groupies have moved on. Ain’t nobody thinking about his crippled ass anymore.”

  As they both laughed, Cruze grabbed Skye’s arm and turned her body around to face him. “Can I please get a few hours of your valuable time?”

  Skye laughed and shook her head. “Alright Cruze, follow me to Prime 112.”

  “Bet.”

  Cruze walked to his car hoping he would be able to get Skye to take him back this time. He was trying to give her some space, but he missed her like crazy and needed to make things right between them.

  About fifteen minutes later, they pulled up at the restaurant. He observed as Skye got out of her new whip giving her keys to the valet. She had a different look about her; even the way she walked was different. She definitely had a slight arrogance about herself now

  “I have to admit though, she looks sexy as hell.”

  Skye was wearing a Rachel Roy knit tunic, a pair of jeggings and some sky high Christian Louboutin platform pumps. She certainly wasn’t the same girl he’d been with in the past who constantly rocked oversized t-shirts and fake Ugg boots. Cruze even noticed the new confidence she had about herself, which was such a turn on.

  I love the way her ass is sitting up in those pants. She definitely has lost some weight.

  When Cruze got out of the car, he followed Skye and Payton into the restaurant. As they stood in the front area waiting for the hostess to return, Cruze stared at her the entire time but she purposely looked away in the other direction. When the hostess finally came back, he walked behind the desk and looked down at the list.

  “Sorry for the delay. What’s the name on your reservation?” he inquired.

  “We don’t have a reservation,” Skye replied.

  “Oh, well I’m sorry but we’re only seating reserved guests at this time. The restaurant is packed because of a nearby convention,” the hostess quickly informed.

  Cruze became irritated. “Mannnn, let’s get the fuck up outta here. They probably don’t have shit Payton can eat anyway.”

  “You wanted to go to lunch, and this is where I wanna eat,” Skye demanded.She reached inside her purse. “I know you can make an exception this one time,” she said, slipping him a hundred dollar bill.

  The man looked around before grabbing the money then took his crooked finger and skimmed down the list again.

  “Oh yes, I see your name right here. Follow me this way,” he said, escorting them to a table.

  “Would you like a booster seat for the little one?” he asked.

  “Yes, thank you,” Skye replied.

  Cruze continued to observe Skye. She slung her hair from side to side as they were being seated. Then when the hostess came back, he watched as Skye pulled out more money and passed it to him
.

  Cruze waited for the man to leave. “Damn, Skye how much were you gonna give the muthafucka? That’s his damn job to get the seat. I can understand giving him some money for letting us up in here without a reservation. But the other money wasn’t necessary.”

  “Look Cruze, do I tell you what to do with your money?”

  Cruze shook his head. “No, but it’s not your…” he paused.

  “Then what gives you the right to try and tell me what to do with my damn money? And yes, I said my money!”

  Skye’s new cocky attitude was starting to piss Cruze off. He held his composure as the waiter walked up.

  “Hello, welcome to Prime 112. What can I get you all to drink?”

  “A Hennessey and coke for me,” Cruze said.

  “And a peach Ciroc and mango juice for me,” Skye added

  Cruze was shocked that she was drinking. He could never get her to take a drink with him before.

  “Damn, you drinking now, walking around all fly…jeweled up with your red bottoms on. I see you love being back in Miami,” he joked.

  “I’m doing what I had to do for my family.”

  “So, how is your family? How’s Sandino? I saw the pictures of him on the news and I hear he’s gonna be a new dad.”

  Skye rolled her eyes. “I guess you’re trying to be funny, huh? If you must know, I’m not even gonna get involved with that paternity test shit. Sandino was just swabbed for his DNA a few days ago, so who knows what the results will be. His trifling ass probably got even more women out there claiming to have his baby.”

  “Help me understand something. It’s obvious that you’ve changed now that you have money again. And all that shit you have on is the type of things you deserve, so I get that. But what I don’t get is why the hell you can’t forgive me for trying to go out and make some real money to give you those things?”

  Skye sat there for a minute before speaking. “You just don’t get it do you?”

  “Get what, Skye? I love you. I miss you and the kids. I want us back the way we used to be.”

  “Cruze, it will never be back to the way it used to be. You lied to me. The trust was broken. We vowed to always be honest to one another no matter what. But you fucked it up.”