Nicole walked up to the door just as calm as she could and politely knocked on the door. When G’Mama answered, Nicole smiled and said, “Well, hello! How are you?”
G’Mama smiled back and answered, “How may I help you, sweetie?”
“Oh, G’Mama! Remember I came down with Trent the last time, and, since I’m out here visiting my cousin, I thought I would stop by and tell you hi,” Nicole answered sweetly, hoping to win G’Mama over.
“Oh, how sweet of you. Come in. Would you like anything to drink?”
“No, thank you,” Nicole replied. She took a seat on the old ottoman. “Is Brandy around?”
“No, dear. She’s out with my daughter. They won’t be back until tomorrow. They went to Big Bear.” As G’Mama rambled on and on, Nicole knew she had hit a soft spot.
“Any word from Treniyah yet?” she asked.
G’Mama’s eyes watered as she answered, “Nothing yet, sweetheart, but it’s nothing that the good Lord can’t handle. Well, darling. Thanks for stopping by, but G’Mama is late for her bingo. Hope to see you more often.”
Looking through the sliding glass door, Nicole thought of something quick.
“Oh, those roses are beautiful. Did you grow them yourself?” Nicole asked.
Delighted that someone had noticed her handiwork, G’Mama nodded and answered,
“Yes, I did, honey. Took about six months for them to grow,” she answered.
“Do you mind if I take a few home?” Nicole asked.
G’Mama nodded proudly as she escorted Nicole to the backyard. Then, she went back in the house to finish getting ready to go to bingo. Nicole scanned the backyard. She saw some bow cutters by the shed. She also saw that the gate that led to the backyard didn’t have a lock on it, which was good because she didn’t plan on hopping a gate. After cutting a few roses, Nicole went back inside the house and said her goodbyes to Trent’s grandmother. Then, she exited out the house and got back in the car. She advised the smoker to circle the block until Trent’s grandmother left. In five minutes, they watched G’Mama pull off. As soon as she was out of sight, Nicole and the smoker made their way back to the house.
Nicole had the smoker come with her because she didn’t know how to pick locks. She guaranteed him another hot fifty to seal the deal. She looked around, making sure the coast was clear. Once it was okay, they exited the car. Nicole walked around to where the gate led into the backyard. She tried opening it, but it wouldn’t budge. Frantic, Nicole started to sweat. It poured from her forehead as she tried to pry the gate open, but she didn’t have any luck.
“Damn, I could’ve sworn the gate was unlocked,” she said to herself.
The smoker looked at her like she was crazy. Nicole picked up on it instantly.
“I know you want that dope, so why don’t you hop the fence?” she said. “And hurry! Shit!”
The smoker hopped the gate. Then, he tried opening it, but it wouldn’t budge from the inside either. He told Nicole to step away from the gate, so he could kick it open. He kicked the gate one time. It flew open and almost knocked Nicole to the ground. Nicole showed the smoker where the bow cutters were. After he grabbed them, they went inside the shed. Although Trent never told her that he had put money there, she just had a hunch about it.
As they entered the shed, Nicole didn’t know where to begin to look, but she knew time was against her, so she had to think fast. There was just way too much stuff in there: lawn equipment, old furniture, and boxes of different sizes. Nicole scanned the dark shed until she set her eyes on the big trunk with a lock.
“Bingo!” she stated.
She climbed over the debris, helped the smoker over, and told him to break the lock. After several attempts at the chess, the lock finally broke loose. Nicole opened it up, and their eyes widened. It had so much money and dope in it. She picked up one brick and handed it to the smoker.
“Thank you for your time and help. Don’t smoke it all up,” she laughed, knowing that the smoker was going to overdose as soon as he got back to city limits. “Help me put this money in here.”
The smoker did as he was he told. He had never seen that much money or dope in his life. He licked his lips when he saw all the pure white.
“So, what are you gonna do with all this dope?” the smoker asked.
“We’re leaving it. I didn’t come here for that,” she explained.
The smoker looked at her like she was crazy, so he tried his hand with her.
“You know you can make much more money than you have, or I can just take some off your hands,” he said.
Nicole thought for the moment. Then, she grabbed a couple packs and all the money.
“Stop being greedy, muthafucka. You already have one,” she said as she gave him another. “Now, your ass really gonna od off this shit. Let’s get on up outta here.”
Nicole made sure she closed the trunk back and closed the shed up, leaving it the same way they had found it. Then, they left the backyard the same way they had entered. The smoker had to try his hand, at least, once more. He said, “I dropped the keys in the shed.”
Now, Nicole looked at him like he was stupid. She pulled out her baby .22 and threatened, “Nigga, try me if you want, dumb ass. I got the keys. Now, get yo smoked out ass in the car, passenger side bitch.”
One neighbor saw the commotion and yelled out, “I’m going to call the police! You don’t belong there!”
“So what, bitch? Call them,” Nicole yelled back as she put the keys in the ignition. The car stalled. “Ah, ain’t this ‘bout a bitch.” She tried it again, but it wouldn’t start. The old, nosey neighbor had grabbed a few others to try to corner them in.
“Ain’t no fucking way I’mma get caught up by some grandmas and grandpas.”
Nicole pumped her foot on the gas and turned the key. This time, the car started without any problem. She blew her horn and yelled out the window, “I run old folks over, too.” As she sped away from G’Mama’s house, she threw up the middle finger. She had to ditch the car somewhere because the police were going to be hot on their tail. They drove down the back streets to the city of Fontana. She parked the car at the Metrolink train station. Then, she grabbed the bags and, with the smoker in tow, rushed to pay their fares. Afterwards, all they could do was wait on the train to come.
*****
After the fight with Trent, Kendra had all the locks changed on the house and decided to rent it out. She and her sister split the money. The very next day, Kendra looked for another place to stay. She didn’t want to stay with Nia because Marcos still had ties to Trent, and she wasn’t expecting him to cut that loose just ‘cause she had decided not to deal with him any longer. Since she was already over at Wiz’s house all the time, there was no need to keep moving around. She packed all her belongings and put them in storage. She also drove by her old residence with Trent just to make sure nothing was left behind. Kendra saw Trent’s car parked out front, so she just kept driving by.
Back at Wiz’s place, she thought she would cook him a nice, hearty meal because he had been nothing but a gentleman to her, and she wanted to show him how thankful she was for him. Kendra baked loaded potatoes, steak with smothered onions, broccoli with cheese, and a peach cobbler.
Afterwards, she lit a few candles and put on a slow jam mix. Next, Kendra put on some brand new crotchless lingerie and her six inch stilettos. She was happy when Wiz made it home earlier than usual.
“Mmm, mama, what smells so good?” Wiz said, sneaking up behind her and kissing her on the neck.
“Oh, baby! That’s me,” Kendra smiled, popping her imaginary collar.
Wiz laughed, “Nah, baby. I’m talking bought the food.”
Kendra playfully punched him in the stomach.
“Ok, baby. You know I’m talking ‘bout my pretty woman,” he said with his hands in the air for surrender.
“Well, good. I hope you’re hungry because dinner’s ready. Afterwards, I want to bathe you in the tub. I’m gonna fill
it with bubbles and roses.”
Kendra grabbed Wiz by the hand and led him to the dining room table. She sat on his lap. Sensually, Kendra blindfolded Wiz. Then, she fed his food to him and asked him to guess what it was that he was eating. After she fed him, she guided him to the bathroom and slowly undressed him. Once inside the tub, she took a huge loofa from under the water and, using both hands, squeezed the water over his head.
“You sure know how to please your man,” he said with a big smile on his face.
Kendra fed him strawberries dipped in chocolate while she bathed him. “Well, there’s plenty more where that came from.”
Wiz pulled Kendra into the tub with him. They shared a wet, passionate kiss. Kendra straddled Wiz in the tub and guided his tool inside of her canal. Their lovemaking was so intense that each and every stroke from their bodies caused a small tidal wave. They made love for hours. Kendra forgot about Trent, and Wiz forgot about the killings that he had done earlier.
*****
They were so in sync with each other. They became inseparable instantly. One particular evening after shopping at the Topanga Canyon Mall, Wiz had overheard Kendra tell her sister Nia that she wanted to go to Medieval Times in Buena Park. She had always wanted to experience it, so he surprised her by taking her there. They enjoyed a nice dinner and even participated in the tournament. Kendra enjoyed the evening. It was one of the best days of her life.
“Thank you, baby. I’m having so much fun. Too bad it has to end,” Kendra spoke softly.
Wiz pulled her into him as he gazed in her eyes and said, “Baby girl, this don’t never have to end. I can give you all that you ever wanted and more. I can be your protector, your provider. I feel that you are my soul mate.” Then, he got down on one knee and pulled out a small blue box from Tiffany’s. Kendra covered her mouth with one hand and placed the other on his shoulders. “I guess what I’m trying to say is, Ken, I’ve never met any woman like you. You do things to me that I love, and I can’t get enough of you. You know my mom always told me if I ever met a woman with good qualities, beauty, and brains that I should never let her go.” Wiz took a deep breath and continued, “Kendra LaSalle, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
A single tear fell out of Kendra’s eye. It rolled down her check and on to Wiz’s hand. He gently placed her hand to his lips and kissed it.
“I will never hurt you,” he stated.
Still in shock, Kendra replied, “I…I don’t know what to say.”
“I love you, baby girl. Please say yes.”
Kendra looked back into Wiz’s eyes. Then, she screamed out, “Yes, Gabriel! I will marry you!”
This was the happiest day of her life. She was convinced that this was how her life was supposed to be. She had dated and shacked up with a man for six years, and he hadn’t proposed once, nor had he ever brought marriage up. Her momma had always said, “Why buy the whole cow, when you can get the milk free?” She understood what her mother had meant now. She’d been seeing Wiz a little under three months. They had just started living together a few weeks ago, and he was already proposing. That made her fall for him more. She was really sure that she and Trent would never be again.
Wiz picked Kendra up and twirled her around in circles. He screamed out, “She said yes y’all! She said yes!”
Passersby clapped for them and cheered them on.
“Wait! I have to call my sister,” Kendra said.
Wiz put her back on the ground. Kendra took her cell phone out of her purse to call Nia. As soon as she picked up, Kendra screamed, “I’m getting married!”
“Oh! So, you and Trent finally made up?” Nia asked.
“Hell, no! I wouldn’t get back with that nigga if he was the last dude on earth, but Wiz just proposed to me, and I said yes,” Kendra said, smiling and looking down at her seven carat yellow diamond Princess cut ring.
“Well, look at Mr. Wiz now. He ain’t even been in the picture long, and he already making you his wife. I’m all for it, sis,” Nia said.
“Just one thing. Please don’t tell Marcos cuz I don’t want Trent to know shit.”
“Fuck Trent,” Nia spat. “That nigga ain’t shit, but you have my word. I won’t say anything to Marcos. I promise. Once again, I’m happy for you, little sis,” Nia said, giving her sister a kiss through the phone.
Kendra turned her attention back to her new fiancé. They walked hand in hand. This was a real dream come true for Kendra, and nothing could destroy her moment.
*****
“Trenton!” Mrs. Moore yelled from her bedroom. His mother had confined herself to her bedroom ever since Treniyah had called, hoping that she would call again.
“Yeah, Mom. What’s up?” Trent asked.
“Has your sister called your phone?”
It was driving Trent crazy that his mother asked him every twenty minutes if his sister had called. He didn’t know what to say or to do.
“Nah, Mom. She hasn’t called, but I’m quite sure she’s gonna be calling soon.”
Trent couldn’t bear to look his mother in the eyes again. He knew it was his fault, and he had to make it right.
“Baby, why don’t you have Kendra come by a little later? I want her to help me cook for this search party tonight,” his mother suggested.
A search party?, he thought. His mom was taking this way overboard. He wasn’t for the law being in his business. He believed in street justice. That was the code he chose to live by.
“Mom, me and Kendra are not together anymore, and I don’t think we will be getting back together, so please don’t say her name around me anymore.”
His mother looked up at him and said, “She finally had the courage to leave you. That’s why your face looks like that, huh?”
Trent was just about to say something, but he stopped as soon as he realized who he was talking to, so he just let her words bypass him.
As Trent paced the floor back and forth, worry grew on his face. He felt like it was two thousand all over again, and the tables had turned. He so desperately needed to find his sister like yesterday. His mom was driving him crazy, and he was at his breaking point. Trent wished his father would hurry and get home, so he could help him deal with the stress from his mother. Trent’s father never showed signs of hurt. He dealt with things differently than his mother. He made sure he stayed working around the clock. It wasn’t that he didn’t care about his family, but he knew being idle would cause him to do some things that he had vowed not to do anymore. He was a recovering alcoholic. He had been sober for five years, and he had promised himself to keep it that way.
*****
Nicole started to panic when she saw the sheriff’s car patrolling the lot of the train station. He stopped by the smoker. Her heart almost sank when she saw the officer get out the car, but, as quickly he got out, he got back in and took off. Nicole wiped her forehead as she sighed with relief.
“Oh, good. Here comes the train,” Nicole said to the smoker, who was now smiling from ear to ear. He couldn’t wait to get back, so he could get his smoke on. They boarded the train and went straight to the top. The train was quite crowded, and Nicole didn’t feel like sharing seats with anyone, but she had to sit next to this white chick who tried to talk her to death, but Nicole wasn’t having it. At first, she tried acting like she was asleep, but that didn’t work. Next, she tried tuning the chick out, but that didn’t work either. Finally, Nicole was so irritated that she cursed the poor girl out, saying, “Look, bitch. Can you please shut the fuck up? Fuck! A bitch can’t get no peace and quiet!”
The white girl looked like she wanted to cry. The other passengers laughed.
“What the fuck are y’all laughing at?” Nicole screamed at them.
Everyone turned away like she wasn’t talking to them. She closed her eyes for the duration of the ride back to L.A. Once they were back in the city, Nicole and the smoker split up and went their separate ways.
“Look, nigga. You haven’t seen me if anyon
e asks you, and, if you do tell them, I’mma cut yo balls off,” Nicole threatened.
“Yeah, I hear you,” the smoker replied.
Then, he turned and walked away at full speed. He never looked back. Once he found an alley, he dipped into it. He took out some dope from his bag, found a stick on the ground, and poked at the package until it opened. He stuck one of his fingers inside. Then, he rubbed it against his gums, so he could get that numb feeling.
*****
Another week had passed since Mrs. Moore had received a call from her only daughter, and it was driving her insane. She had heard no word from the police either. They wanted the family to hold a press conference and to give a reward for anyone who knew of her whereabouts. Trent didn’t agree with it because he believed it showed weakness.
“Trent, what’s wrong with you? It seems like you don’t want your sister to come back, and, if your drug antics have anything to with Treniyah’s disappearance…Lord, I don’t even want to think about that,” his mother stated.
Trent took it as his cue to leave the house. He called up Marcos and Marquise and told them to meet him at the spot. He didn’t understand why he had a gut feeling that his sister was dead. He tried to shake the feeling, but the haunting image played constantly in his mind.
“’Sup, big dawg?” Marcos said as he dapped Trent’s and Marquise’s fists.
“Aye! I can’t call it, but I know I’m ready to get at this nigga Wiz in a real way,” Trent said.
He dropped his head. Marcos ensured him that it would get handled. He said, “That nigga is gonna die today.”
The room fell silent for what it seemed like eternity. “My nigga, I don’t know why I feel this way, but I think my little sister’s gone. That nigga Wiz don’t have it all upstairs,” Trent said, breaking the silence. Neither Marcos nor Marquise knew what to say, so they just kept quiet and let Trent vent.
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