I sat on the couch and made myself comfortable while Kairee walked into the kitchen to fetch us both some henny to sip on.
“So what did you want to talk to me about?” I said as I took the glass into my hand, knocking the drink back like it was a shot of water.
Kairee sat in the couch adjacent to me and he too knocked back the drink before setting the glass on the coffee table before him.
“Well, we have a nuisance. The Killer Bees tried to steal some supply and killed a couple of our guys. I’m sick of these dudes. They just came up and are def the runts in this game. They figured that if they crept around some of our guys while they were intoxicated, they would take the chance to come in and try some smart shit and kill them, hoping they would have something on them. Lucky for us, they didn’t.”
I shrugged my shoulders and rolled my eyes. Damn man, they were petty as hell for doing some lame shit like that. I guess this only meant one thing.
“Well then. Looks like we’re going to have to put an end to this before it gets too outta hand. I mean shit, they weak as fuck and I ain’t wanna hang around to see what else they got. I already can tell they the ones who like to do petty shit like lurking on our guys when they know they asses out drinking. Now, if they want to do somethin’ real, they would’ve came up on us and did some real damage. I ain’t about this. Let’s go ahead and start planning to fuck their shit up and get some supply off of them while we can. Find they spot and where they leader sits pretty. He prolly one of them niggas who sits all nice behind a desk smokin’ dope while his boys carry out real dumb ass missions to try to gain some recognition. That shit ain’t cool. You know what to do.”
I stood up and felt good about this next move we were about to make. Kairee looked at me and smiled before he also got up and patted me on my shoulder. Man, I loved this nigga. He was for real a rider and he was def down for this business.
Just as I was about to say something else, my phone rang. I smiled as I looked down at the screen to see Tangie’s name on it.
“Hey, girl! What’s up? You good?”
“Yeah, just busy with all this studying. Can you like, come through and study with me tomorrow or something? Anatomy is kicking my ass and I don’t wanna confuse myself more than I already am. How does studying over lunch or something sound?”
She was so precious to me, there was no denying that I had the feels for this girl. It wasn’t just her caramel skin, hazel eyes, long black hair, or fit body that caught my attention. Well, that was all a plus but man, she was just the one for me. I loved her. Her spirit and smarts had me wanting her from day one but I valued our friendship too much. As much as I wanted her and that fat ass, I kept all my feels at bay so I could just get to know the girl and appreciate her for who she was. Hence, whenever a nigga be feelin’ like he needs to fuck a bitch, I find myself sleepin’ with several others. I don’t want her feeling like she is just another hoe on the street. Nah, I value her way more than that. I’d known her almost as long as I had known Kairee, we met sometime during my freshman year and we just bonded as friends. People always kidded that we should just be something; I never doubted that though. I felt maybe we would someday, but for now, I was content being her friend.
“Yeah, I’ll catch you tomorrow.”
Click
I smiled back at my phone and just remembered all what we had been through. School and just enjoying life together. What if something did come from this?
Chapter 2
Tangie
“Damn it, Kaleo! How did you explain that so easily? This is why I need you in my life,” I said as I hit Kaleo’s arm.
This pre-med school was kicking my ass, but I really wanted my BSN versus just my RN. I was making decent money, but I wanted to have my bachelors so I could move up when my time came. It so hasn’t been easy. We decided to ditch going out for lunch and parked it over at my place to study. My place ain’t too shabby if we’re not comparing it to his. I also have a fancy house on a hill, but I worked my ass off for this shit. I’ve been working since I was thirteen and decided that I was going to escape the hell I was living in. Man, I was one determined little girl, let me tell you. Opposite to Kaleo, I grew up in a not-so-happy-and-lavish home. I suppose you can say opposites attract. I’ll shamefully admit that his family life and confidence attracted me to him and he has just been motivational. I only have two family members who actually keep in contact with me, my cousin, Jayla, and my brother, Travis. Unfortunately, they are both involved in gangs. They respect and love me, though, and they give me comfort whenever I need it.
I stared at Kaleo while he sat across from me, focusing on his book and writing some notes. His peanut butter complexion was so lovely. He had the most sincere dark brown eyes that matched the smooth dark waves that swam on his head. He was just so kind and man, did he have the body of Adonis. I would know, I accidentally walked in on him changing and saw him butt naked. Mmmm, it was so worth it. He still doesn’t know I’ve seen him like that and we can just keep it that way. As much as I wanted to be something with him, I just have so much going on that I can’t afford a relationship at this time. I want to focus on my career and getting through school. Is it sad to say that money was the motive? I really wanted to make something of myself so I could live the life I had always wanted, lavish and worry free. Yeah, I have a wonderful home, but I want more. At the same time, though, I wouldn’t mind fucking Kaleo real quick. That sounded so bad, I know it did. Hey, if he asked me to be with him, I just might consider it.
Bzzzz.
“Hello?”
“Hey girl! It’s Jayla. Uh, this be my new numbah. I know it been hard keepin’ up with my numbahs cause they stay changin’ but uh, this is the one I should be usin’ for some time so. Uh, lemme go ahead and get to it. Baby girl, I wanna meet up witchu. I’m headin’ over to yo place right now”
“Alright, well I’ll see you in a bit then..?”
“Yeah, yeah!”
Click
Well then. She never really was one to ask if we could meet up, more like just came over on her own accord.
Kaleo saw me place my face into my hands and he laughed out loud. He got up and sat on my chair, basically sitting on me as he wrapped his arm around me.
“Hey, I’ll let you go. Seems like your loud ass cousin has something important to tell you. Yes, I was able to hear her from way over there on the other side of wonderland. I’m just glad you understand the material now; can’t have you failing. I’ll catch you later, Tangie.”
He hugged me tightly and kissed me on my forehead before he headed out the door. I watched him walk out and wished that he would have planted a nice wet one on my lips. That was dangerous wishing though. Had he kissed me on the lips, I would have forced the man onto the bed and had my way with him. I couldn’t do that really, he was more than a one-night stand and I just needed to suppress my lustful needs.
Jayla scared the shit out of me. I was too busy thinking about Kaleo that I didn’t even see her roll up to my spot and walk up to my door, letting herself in. She looked like a hot ass mess in a tight little black dress that exaggerated her God-given curves. Shit, they were something to envy. She also stomped in with some nice ass Red Bottoms and a cute Michael Kors bag. Although she was a triflin’ mess, she looked good. Always had her nails and her long black weave looking on point.
“Hey girlllll! How I look?” She yelled as she did a fancy twirl, whipping her weave before she sauntered over to sit on the couch.
I chuckled and shrugged my shoulders before I sat right beside her.
“You look good! How in the hell did you afford those shoes? They are so fucking wonderful. Hey! We wear the same size, give them here. I know you have more at yo crib,” I said as I reached over to try to take off the heels.
She laughed out loud and smacked my hand hard enough for me to flinch and pull back my hand. I too laughed out loud and sat back onto the couch.
“Well, you already know I stay rockin’ with Tr
avis’ gang. Shit girl, it’s easy money. Why don’t you give up going to school and come wit us? The money is so good and you’ll be able to rock these expensive ass shoes and you can afford a nicer car. That Toyota of yours will last you, but damn girl, don’t you wanna roll in somethin’ like a Benz? My Masi is the center of attention, and I love how I can afford to feed myself steak and lobster after a busy day of shopping for bags and Versace dresses. Come on now.”
I loved the idea, but I wasn’t down to join the cartel. I wasn’t about that shit and Jayla knew that. I mean, I guess it wouldn’t hurt to give it a shot. Ugh, what am I thinking? The money is so good but I want a career and I’m already so close to being finished.
She must have seen how in thought I was because she snapped her fingers right in front of my face, startling me enough that I flinched violently.
“Girl, I can see you thinking about it. Ain’t no shame in that. Money definitely talks. Just give it some time to sink into that pretty little head of yours. I’m just looking out for you cuh.”
I looked at her and then quickly looked away. Was I really starting to consider joining something I honestly wanted nothing to do with?
“Mhm, them wheels are gonna stay turnin’, Tangie. That’s all I came here for anyway. I know your brother loves and misses you, but he been stayin’ out yo way cause he knows how much you want to finish school. He respects you. Maybe you should give it a second thought and then hit him up or me. Shit ain’t hard. I just run a couple of missions, make a couple drops, and get paid. Well, I’ma dip the fuck out of here. Love ya, cuh.”
Just like that, she left me to sink into my thoughts. Ugh, I hated her for that. Just when I was about to launch mission Save Jayla from the cartel and show her that school is a necessity. she comes up in here and tries to pull that shit on me. It was working though. My wheels were definitely churning, considering how much income I could make.
I thought about it all day and into the night. I crawled into my bed and tried to put myself to sleep. I made myself focus on what was going on for the next day. I had a big test coming up in anatomy. It was all those ugly big terms and whatnots that Kaleo and I just spent the past few hours working on. Yeah, that’s good. I forced myself to think on those big terms and on Kaleo. It failed me though. No matter how many times I tried to steer from the idea, the thought of easy money slowly crept its way into my mind. Great.
Chapter 3:
Tangie
“Shit, I fucking passed!” I yelled out loud as the professor handed out the results of the exam. What? I was fucking excited and this shit wasn’t easy. He was the only one to throw me shade, everyone else who passed basically did the same thing.
I walked out of class and made my way over to the cafe on campus where I bumped into Kaleo. We hugged one another and I showed him my test.
“Oooooh! Look at you, you little smartie. I’m so proud of you!” he screamed as he brought me into another warm embrace.
Before I could tell him another thing, his phone rang and he rushed to answer it, mouthing to me that he was so sorry. He kissed me on my forehead before making his escape. Again, my mind went to thinking dangerously, wishing that he would just plant his lips on mine. This whole kissing on my forehead thing had me feeling like he was treating me like a little sister. That wasn’t a bad thing, deterred me from making moves is all. Good.
I tucked the exam into my purse and made my way into the cafe to order myself a macchiato. Feeling like I needed to reward myself, I also ordered a cinnamon roll. Instead of sitting in this place of peace to do some homework, I decided to head on home. I was kind of over being at school, I had been here all day. I took my order and ate the cinnamon roll on the way to my little Camry. I placed the last bit of the roll into my mouth as I tossed my purse into the passenger seat. I diligently sipped on my now cooler coffee before I cranked the ignition and peeled out to head back home.
My mind wandered as I drove through the city. It was beautiful here, always so clean and well kept. It amazed me how there were so many cartels running round here. Well, maybe it was amazing to me because I never really saw them operate. I always believed they did their work at night when it was dark enough to creep and sneak, but I guess they work in daylight, too. I don’t know. All I know is, they make a shit load of money and it’s dangerous as fuck.
“What the fuck?” I muttered as I pulled into my driveway.
Jayla was trying to get into my house and she looked frantic as hell. What was her deal? Was she high on something? Damn, this is why I don’t wanna get myself involved in this shit. I’m too fucking naive for my own good.
She ran over to me and dragged me out of my car, pulling me to the door and muttering something that I couldn’t make out. I was confused but I complied. I hurriedly opened the door and watched her run into my house. I was confused as hell so I just slowly closed my door and watched her continue to freak out. I really thought she’s high off something.
“Y-You. Y-You. P-Please help me. H-He’s going to kill me!” Jayla muttered as she paced back and forth, pointing towards the door.
Yeah, the only logical thing I could come up with was that she was having a bad trip and just needed some rest. She was pointing at my door like she was expecting someone to bust through it. No one was there though. Or maybe they were? Was someone following her? Okay, maybe she isn’t strung off something. What the hell?
“Jayla, what is going on?” I said as I ushered her to sit down on my couch.
She burst into tears and laid her head on my shoulder as she started to explain.
“Well, your brother is going to kill me if I don’t go through with this assassination he handed me. I was going to do it, but like… Shit, I ain’t ready for this. It’s my first kill and I ain’t know. I was acting all hard like I knew what I was gettin’ myself into, but I backed out and now he hot on my trail. Please talk to him. I tried to get some otha niggas to get on his case and try to change his mind but he was dead set. Girl, he will listen to yo ass ‘cause y’all blood and I know he will listen to you. I just know it. Please.”
I felt so bad and she definitely gave me some new insight to think on. If I were to join, I’d have to kill people. I mean, that isn’t me. Then again, this is run by my brother and if I’m able to sway him, I could possibly get away with some shit. Wait, what am I saying?
“I got you girl. I’ll talk to big bro Travis and get this all settled out. Where can I find him?”
Little did I know, she had a smug look on her face before she looked at me with those puppy dog eyes. She handed me a piece of paper that had an address scribbled on it. I took the paper and confidently sauntered back to my car. I was about to face big bro and help out my homegirl.
*
My heart started to race as I pulled up to this gorgeous mansion out in a city I don’t even know. This was his headquarters, his place of living and of work. It was beautiful. I took a deep breath before I exited the car and made my way up to his door, knocking on it a couple of times before taking a step back. I love my brother, but it had been so long since I had seen him. I really didn’t want to put myself back in an environment I swore I would stay away from.
There he was, all six-feet four inches of him. He was well built with muscles all sculpted and perfect. He was still dark as fuck and his eyes looked so cold. I gasped and reluctantly took another step back. I guess although the man that stood before me was my brother, I was scared as if he was a complete stranger. He noticed me stepping back and he took a step forward. I froze. Damn, was he about to kill me with his bare hands? That is definitely what it seemed like. I so was not ready for that to happen to me. I came here to save Jayla from being killed, not walking into death myself.
He reached out to me and wrapped his arms around me. Once I was convinced that he was being friendly and not trying to strangle me, I gently placed my arms around him and hugged him back.
“Aye, lil sis! I missed you. What in the hell is yo lil pretty self doin out hu
r?”
I was so scared, I almost forgot why I had come all this way to see him.
“Yo, we need to talk. It’s about Jayla. You gon’ let me in or nah?”
He smirked at the mention of her name and let me come inside. Maybe he wasn’t smirking at the mention of her name. He was probably making fun of how I was speaking. He knew damn well that was not how I spoke, but for some odd reason, I just felt the need to talk like that. When in Rome do as the Romans? Shit, I don’t fucking know. I just don’t want our cousin dead.
“So. What bout lil homegirl did you wanna talk to me bout?” He said as he sat behind his desk, lighting up a blunt.
I waved the smoke away before I answered, “Why you trynna kill her? She came to my crib boohooin’ bout you tryna kill her ‘cause she ain’t wanna kill some nigga or some shit”
I really did sound silly but it was oddly flowing real nice. I could get used to this.
The Diary of a Side Chick 6 (SCD) Page 37