A Hood Chick's Story pt. 3: The Final Chapter

by LaShonda DeVaughn

  “Hey boo.” He greeted.

  “I wasn’t expecting you until tomorrow.” I told him.

  “I know. I wanted to surprise you.” He said.

  “What’s up big head?” He said pushing Ebony’s head.

  “Stop Tony.” She said with a semi-attitude.

  “Damn what’s wrong with you?” he questioned.

  “Nothing, I’m just not in the mood to play.”

  She rolled her eyes, and then put on her sunglasses. “Is that Tiara’s name on your neck? Wow.” She said with intense sarcasm. Tony brushed her off and went to place his luggage upstairs.

  “Girl I gotta go, I’ll call you later.”

  “You gonna help me right?” I asked.

  “With what?” she questioned before heading out.

  “With the wedding, I need help Eb. It’s gonna be some small shit with just your family out here and Tony’s mom but I can’t do this shit by myself. I need you. You’re my maid of honor.” I revealed.

  Finally she let out a smile. “Come on T, you know I got you.”

  “Aiight cool.”

  I could still sense some reluctance in Ebony’s tone. She desired a good man for me and felt her cousin wasn’t the one. All the shit that I been through with Tony was almost unforgiveable to some people. But I didn’t give a fuck, he was mine and I was his and we were going to make it work.

  Chapter 15

  The small wedding chapel was dainty and quaint. I left Ebony in charge of inviting her family and setting everything up. All I had to do was show up. The little bulge in my stomach was hidden behind my princess style corset top wedding gown. My hair was swept up in a neat bun with pin curls surrounding it. I sat nervously at the vanity in the back room. I couldn’t believe that I was getting married. It hurt that I didn’t have any of my family there to help support such a special occasion. I was marrying my life partner and I would never feel alone again. Plus, Tony accepted me for who I was; flaws and all.

  I couldn’t believe we had really made our wedding come to fruition. Ebony was great with managing everything. The white flowers on all the pews and the white carpet that led up to the altar was hot. She put her all into the coordination and I really felt for Ebony. All she wanted to do was to marry Jonathan. She was forced to get rid of him because of Sheena’s trifling ass and she hadn’t dated since. It bothered me because I wanted her happy. But it was my day. I had to put my emotions for Eb’s situation aside and finally focus on Tiara. This was my day and I was the blushing bride.

  I tried not to ruin my make-up sitting at the vanity looking at myself. I was a total emotional wreck.

  I dismissed all of Tony’s family to talk just to Ebony. She needed to know how much she means to me. Everyone in my life had always done something to make me regret befriending them, but Eb set the bar high. I now knew that there were genuine people in the world that loved hard like I did.

  I sat her down on the small vanity bench next to me.

  “You look beautiful Tiara.” She said.

  I pursed my lips together, smudging the pink lipstick that matched her pink fitted maid of honor dress. “Thank you Ebony. Listen.” I started. “I just wanted to let you know that I never had a friend like you in my life. For the first time Tiara James can actually say she has found a real friend. I was scared of getting close to you because everyone I’ve ever been close to has done me wrong in one form or another. I just wanted to thank you for everything you’ve done for me. You had my back since day one. As soon as I arrived here, you were right there. You are my girl for life, thank you and I love you.” I was sentimental as shit. We both hugged each other while we smiled through our tears. Then Ebony started fanning both my eyes and hers.

  “Girl you better stop before you mess up all that pretty make-up.” She joked as we both laughed through our tears. “I can honestly say that you’re the realest person that I’ve ever met. Your heart is always in the right place. You break your back for other people and now you’re finally doing something for you. You found your king, and on behalf of myself, everyone in Boston and in the DMV, Tiara James you are the QUEEN!”

  “Aww, you’re so sweet.” I told her. Then I reached over and pulled out a framed picture of Sharod from my bag. His picture made my stomach weak, I had missed him so much and I would give anything in the world to have him back to witness this day.

  “Eb, I need a moment. Can you shut the door?” I asked her.

  I rubbed my fingers over Sharod’s face in the picture. “Hey baby brother.” I inhaled, then exhaled deeply. “I’m trying not to cry right now, I’ve already messed up my make-up enough.” I sniffed. “Your big sister is doing it. I’m getting married to the man of my dreams.” I smiled, “I’m so glad that you got to know Tony and that you loved him when you were here.” I tucked in my lips and tried to fight the streaming tears that wanted to run out. I felt the baby kicking and I touched my belly and smiled. “I hope it’s a boy and if it is, I’m going to name your nephew Sharod.” I said. I took a deep breath and nodded. “I wish you were here to walk down the aisle with Tony and his family. You woulda been so handsome in your tux Sharod.” I turned my head away from the picture because I was about to saturate my face with tears. “I’m riding Sharod, till the day I die. I’m riding, for us.” Ebony knocked on the door. “Five minutes Tiara, we need you.” I kissed the frame. “Here we go, baby brother.” I opened the door and handed Sharod’s picture to Ebony so that she could give it to the first groomsman to hold facing the crowd while he walked down the aisle.

  As Ebony helped me touch up my make-up, Tony’s voice came through her walkie-talkie. It was the only contact we had since the day before. We wanted to be traditional and not see each other or speak on the day of the wedding.

  “Ebony, tell my wife-to-be that I have a surprise for her.” He said as I slipped on my lace heels.

  “Ebony, tell my husband-to-be that I don't like surprises."

  “You heard what she said Tony?" She asked taking the walkie-talkie away from my mouth.

  I wondered what Tony’s surprise was, but it didn’t matter. Nothing could compare to what was actually taking place at that moment, I was really about to become his wife. I took a deep breath and prepared to walk down the aisle.

  Shayonna strolled in her pink flower girl dress, spreading rose petals down the aisle.

  I took a nervous breath preparing for my walk. I couldn’t even look into the crowd because I was still shocked that this was actually happening. I could tell it was about a good fifty people in attendance, all of which were Tony’s family.

  I stood at the foot of the long silk carpet. My veil was over my face and Tony’s uncle had my arm cuffed. Here comes the bride resounded off the piano and I strolled down the aisle with my heart beating uncontrollably. I saw my husband-to-be waiting for me at the altar looking handsome as the day we met and I couldn’t wait to be his wife. I had a new respect for Tony. This was real love. I couldn’t believe he accepted me knowing that I was pregnant with someone else’s child. All I could do was respect him. He really loved me and he proved it in more ways than one. He knew my flaws, my weaknesses and he would kill for me if he had to. Most of all, he would protect his daughter with his life. This was it. I was marrying the man of my dreams.

  Once I reached the front of the church and Tony removed my veil, I courageously faced the crowd. Instantly my heart stopped when I spotted a familiar face peering at me from the front pew. Tears rushed out of my eyes and I couldn’t hold it together. “Mommy?” I mouthed silently welling up with tears. I peeked back at Tony and he was cheesing hard. “I told you I had a surprise for you, baby.” He whispered taking me by the hand.

  I placed my free hand over my face because tears were falling and I couldn’t stop them. The one person in the world who turned her back on me for years was sitting there, at my wedding. The one person who I wished could witness this day with me was actually at my wedding. I had no idea how Tony pulled it off but it meant the world t
o me.

  We recited our vows and the pastor pronounced us man and wife. The crowd’s claps and whistles filled the church. I kissed my new husband and it was then that we officially became one.

  I looked forward to the reception because I wanted to chat it up with my mom. I couldn’t wait to talk to her and tell her how much I missed her.

  I spotted her in the entrance of the reception hall and I didn’t hear or see anyone else but her.

  “Tiara, you look absolutely beautiful.” She said.

  I couldn’t speak. I just dove into her arms hugging her tight. I shut my eyes and indulged in my mom’s embrace. I wanted to feel my mom again, to get to know her again. I wanted to know if she still loved me and I yearned for her sincerity. I had so many questions. I needed to know if she still blamed me for Sharod’s death and if she would ever leave me again. I squeezed her tight and lived in the moment, hoping that she was back in my life for good.

  “I love you Mommy. You have no idea what all I’ve been through since you’ve been gone. All I wanted was to see you and hear your voice, I’ve missed you more than words can express.” I felt like a little girl seeking her mom’s love.

  We stood in a lingering hug and I could hear her crying on my shoulder. “I’ve missed you too, my princess. I’m so sorry for leaving you baby, I’m sorry.” She kept repeating. “I’m clean now Tiara, I haven’t picked up a drink in a little over a year.”

  “Congratulations, Ma.” It warmed my heart to hear that she got herself together. It was all that I used to wish for when I was younger. She was so beautiful but the alcohol was fuckin’ her up. Her clean appearance and beautiful clear caramel face was confirmation that she got herself together.

  She couldn’t stop apologizing and I couldn’t let go of her.

  “It’s okay Mommy, we can start all over. I forgive you, I just need you back around. I missed you so much.

  We let go of each other to wipe our tears.

  “I showed up at court for Tre’s appeal. They ended up dropping most of the charges and giving him two more years.”

  “Wow, that’s what’s up Mom!” I said. Things couldn’t be more perfect. I was overwhelmed with how great everything was going. Tre’s news was the icing on the cake because I sent him money every month but hadn’t heard from him in a while. It was dope knowing that he was finally getting a second chance at freedom.

  “Who is this, Mommy?” Shayonna asked walking up to us.

  I smiled and bent to talk to her. “Baby this is your grandmother, this is my mom.”

  “Hi.” Shayonna waved shyly.

  My mom bit the insides of her lips and then said, “Tiara she’s beautiful.” She took Shayonna and squeezed her tight. “We have some catching up to do baby girl. I can’t wait to hang out with you. Can we do that?”

  “Yes.” Shayonna said smiling.

  As I beamed at my mom and Shayonna, I felt a tap on my shoulder. I spun around and there stood Ke-Ke, Renee and Karen. They all reached in and hugged me. “Congratulations.” They each said.

  “Tony paid for us all to come here.” Ke-Ke said.

  I searched the crowded reception hall for Tony and I spotted him smiling at me while talking to his uncle. He had really made my wedding day a day to remember.

  “Thank y’all for coming.” I said.

  “We are all happy for you. You look beautiful.” Karen said.

  Renee’s face appeared sad. “Did you hear the news? Shavon died two weeks ago, she lost her battle with cancer. We didn’t have a number to contact you for the funeral.”

  I shook my head as memories of my old roll dog surfaced and then noticed everyone’s eyes glossing up. These chicks were my dogs and although Shavon moved away, she was still a part of the crew. We all hugged each other and shed some tears. We stated that in honor of Shavon we would squash all our past beef and always stick by each other through thick and thin. Those crazy bitches were my sisters and it felt natural to have them be a part of my day. I introduced them to Ebony and considered them all my family.

  The wedding was like one big reunion. We danced and drank the night away. Before we parted ways, I exchanged phone numbers with my mom and my old friends. We all promised to stay in touch.

  Six months later, I had the baby. Tony didn’t want to take a paternity test, but I had to know if Jeff was the father. As fate would have it, Jeff was actually the father and I thanked God that it wasn’t K.D’s. Tony promised that he would relish the role of his father and take care of him as if he was his own. I even named him Tony.

  Although our situation was a bit dysfunctional, we were actually sitting pretty. The checks from the NBA kicked in every month, on time and we were able to purchase our dream home in Maryland where no one knew us. It was just us as a family, no worries, no enemies and no troubles. Finally, it felt good to be Tiara James. I was living good now and I'm out the hood now...

  Shit was official back in Boston too. I opened up a recreational center in the hood in Sharod’s memory. I had to give back to the streets that raised me. My mom proved that her act was cleaned up too. No traces of alcohol were in her system and she used her new found energy to run the rec center for us. She took pride in helping young people get off the streets and I was truly proud of her. Although she lived in Boston and I stayed in MD, we kept in touch often. Tony and I put our business minds together and thought of an out-of-the box business we could open up in the DMV. We adored our kids so much and figured that the area needed more children’s activities. There was only one Chuck E Cheese in Alexandria and two in Maryland. We put our hustling minds to use and developed a new kid’s place that would kill em’. And that’s exactly what the business did, it boomed right away. There were little mani’s and pedi’s for little girl’s, play stations and X-Boxes for little boys. It stayed packed during the week and especially on weekends. Shit was all the way official for us. We didn’t have to do shit but check on our businesses and collect money.

  Eb and I had grown distant since I now had my own family and I missed her. I kept trying to contact her and couldn’t get in touch with her. That’s why when I heard my doorbell ringing off the hook, I just knew that it was her. Me, Tony, Shayonna and the baby were nesting on the couch relaxing.

  “Who is that?” Tony asked.

  “I don’t know, probably Eb.” I said.

  He followed me to the door. He was touching my ass and joking about putting the kids to sleep so he could get some pussy. I hit his hand and teased him, “stop touching me boo.”

  We opened the door and three white detectives flashed their badges.

  “Tony Stevens?” the chubby officer with black shades on asked.

  “Yeah.” Tony said hesitantly.

  “You are under arrest for the murder of Paul Sigman.”

  “What?” I asked. I didn’t understand where all of this was coming from. There was no one that could’ve known anything about what he had done.

  They immediately cuffed him and took him away.

  “Noooo, he didn’t do anything.” I cried defending him. “Noooo!” I screamed.

  “Maam, calm down.” The officer said.

  Shayonna must’ve heard my cries and she ran to the door and watched them take her daddy away.

  “Why are they taking Daddy, Mommy? Dadddyyyyyyy???” she yelled out for him.

  “Go to your room baby.” I pushed her inside the door. I didn’t want her to see her daddy being taken to jail.

  “Don’t worry about it baby, I’ll be back home soon. I didn’t do nothing, I’ll be home, I promise.” He said before they bent him into the police car.

  “I’m coming to get you babe. I got you.” I promised.

  Unfortunately I was wrong. They were charging Tony with first degree murder and every attorney that I called reviewed the case and said that it was an open and shut case and I didn’t understand why.

  Before his first court date, I got a phone call from Ebony. I had been hitting her up for moral support and leaving her
messages just about every day since they took Tony away.

  “Hey Eb, you going to court? I need you there?” I asked.

  She sighed, “No. I won’t be there, and-.” She paused.

  “And what?” I asked wondering what the fuck her deal was.

  “Tiara, I’m the one that told the police what my cousin did. I’m sorry.”

  I almost crashed the car. The entire world was paused at that moment. I hoped that what I was hearing wasn’t true. I started breathing heavy and it evoked so much emotion that I felt like I was about to have a heart attack. This was some shit that an enemy would do to me. She was supposed to be my ace, why the fuck would she want to hurt me like that?