Turned Out by His Hood Mentality 1

by Diamond D Johnson

  “You allow Khari to break your pockets, with her little spoiled butt,” I joked to him.

  Billion laughed because he knew it was true.

  We eventually made it inside, where he went to the front of the line and paid for all the activities and things that Dream told him she wanted to do. In less than five minutes, we were walking into the room where the fun was. Dream spotted her cousins, Lil Bill and Khari, and she ran over to them.

  “How you feeling today, though? It’s good to see you out the house,” Billion said as he looked down at me.

  “I’m better. I’m much better. Am I to a point where I’m fully recovered mentally from what happened? Nah, not at all. In fact, I had a break down this morning in the shower, but I’m nowhere near as bad as I was last week, so that’s all that matters. Between you calling to check up on me, my mama, and Normani, you all have been keeping me sane. Normani comes over to the house, bringing me dinner and stuff, and she calls every day, just to see how I’m feeling. I tried calling her this morning because I wanted to know how the two of you enjoyed your date last night. So, how was it?” I asked with a big smile on my face.

  When Normani told me that she was going to dinner last night with Billion, I was so happy. I had been trying to get the two of them together long before they were even attracted to each other. Now, look at them. They complemented each other well, and I knew that if they ever got into a relationship, they would definitely be goals for a lot of people.

  “Shit, right when I was about to walk out the door, she canceled on a nigga. For good reason, though, because she told me that her sister was in labor and about to have the baby. I invited her to come to grandma’s surprise party in two weeks. She said she’s gonna come,” he told me.

  “Oh, wow, so it’s serious then. Please talk to your crazy ass baby mamas before the party. I know how simple-minded the two of them are, and I can see them trying to say something to Normani to scare her and run her off. I’m sure you already know that Normani lives a peaceful life, no drama. If your baby mothers start with Normani at that party, I wouldn’t want something to end before it even has the chance to begin,” I told Billion, and he nodded.

  “Yeah, I’m already on it. Denim and Sidnesha pretty much already know that I’m entertaining somebody. They probably don’t think it’s serious, though. On some real shit, Twink, I fuck with Normani, like on some real shit. She’s so different from a nigga, and that’s one of the things that I actually like, which is so crazy because, in the beginning, I ain’t wanna fuck with her. I felt like she was too different, and she wouldn’t be able to relate.

  “With the business that I’m in right now, with two baby mamas that keep me stressed the fuck out, I feel like I go to her, and that’s where I find my peace. I already know that when I come to her, I gotta come correct, which is why it’s so important that I have a sit down with them both. I ain’t about to let the two of them fuck up what I’m trying to build,” he told me.

  I nodded, agreeing with everything he said. When it came to my cousin’s baby mamas, it was just a hi and bye thing. I was never really close to either of them. At one point in time, you could say that Sidnesha and I were somewhat cordial, especially when Billion brought her around. But when they broke up for good, and Khari came from Denim, she pretty much just started acting funny toward the whole family.

  “Are you going to her book signing next week? You know it’s a big deal for her, right? I went to the one that she had last year, and so many people came out to support her. Make sure you get there early, too, because I know last year, the line was wrapped around the building. Cherish her, Billion, because she’s definitely a catch,” I told him.

  “Shit, don’t I know it! I’ll be there to support. I was kind of contemplating if I wanted to go or not because I know her folks are going to be there. The way she talks about her daddy, I know that nigga is going to hate me,” he said and let out a chuckle.

  “Prove him wrong. That’s all you have to do. Let me find out that Mr. Bad Ass is scared of somebody’s daddy,” I joked.

  “Fuck no! That nigga better be scared of me,” he boasted.

  All I could do was laugh and pray that next week, nothing crazy happened between Normani’s father and Billion. For at least two hours, we stayed at the arcade with the kids. We let them tire themselves out, which was a good thing because I was sure that Dream would get back to the house, take herself a good nap, and I would be able to take one as well.

  “It’s only 11:30, Normani. The line is already wrapped around the building. Last year, it didn’t really get like this until the event was starting. We still have thirty minutes before the doors open and look at the number of people out there. I’m going to take a video of the crowd, then come back and send it to you,” Twinkle said in excitement.

  Yes, I was happy that so many people came out to celebrate the launch of my new book, Jesus’ Princesses and Princes, and purchase copies of some of my older work. At the same time, I was trying to make sure that I had everything in order, so I was feeling a little nervous. I had been planning for this big day for months. This was my third annual book signing, and each year, the goal was for me to outdo myself compared to the previous year. I was hosting this year’s event at a beautiful ballroom in downtown Miami. The space was big enough to hold at least five hundred people.

  I was selling hardcover copies of my books today, audiobooks, t-shirts with my books on them, bookbags, notebooks, and I even had little goodie bags for the kids. Last night, I got two and a half hours of sleep at the most, so the only thing keeping me up and alert was this coffee that I had been drinking. I was so thankful for Twinkle because she’d come over last night and helped me prepare for the event. So far, everything was running smoothly, so I could just calm down and let everything flow, but it wasn’t like me to not overthink something.

  The DJ that I’d hired for the event was off to the side, testing the levels to make sure the sound and everything was working. I had this event catered, so people could come in, shop, and even have something to eat.

  To the right of me was the step and repeat where I would take pictures with all my supporters once they started coming through. It was only right that I represented my sorority, as the theme for the decorations was pink and green. I was dressed in a hot pink pants suit, and it fit my body perfectly. I wore nude heels with the outfit, which had me standing up a little bit taller. Because this event was so huge for me, I wanted to do something different with my hair, so I woke up extra early this morning to flat iron my hair myself. I hadn’t worn my hair straightened in almost a year, so I was shocked to see how much my hair had grown. It was almost to my butt. My make-up was done perfectly. I felt so pretty, but I was a nervous wreck.

  One of the biggest things that I was worried about was whether my father was going to show up at this very important event. He knew today was my book signing. I mean, it’s been in the church program for months, and he actually came with me when I picked out the venue, so he knew. He and I hadn’t talked since last week at the hospital. I hadn’t attempted to reach out to him, and he hadn’t attempted to reach me either. Of course, I still attended church on Sundays, and I even taught bible study last Wednesday and this Wednesday, but we didn’t say anything to each other.

  I couldn’t believe my father would fall out with me over who I wanted to date. What annoyed me is that in private, my mom was on my side, telling me that I should date who I wanted, but when he was around, she never kept that same energy. She needed to speak up when he was around and tell him that he was wrong. He wasn’t supposed to force me to choose. Me choosing not to reach out to my father wasn’t choosing Billion over him. It was basically my way of saying that I wasn’t choosing, and my father could support me or not.

  “While they wait, take this out there with you,” I said and handed her a roll of raffle tickets.

  “Make sure that everyone gets one. This is for the giveaway,” I told Twinkle since she was so anxious to get
outside.

  She took the items and left. My section was already set up, so I took the time to walk over to the window in the ballroom and looked out. Twinkle was definitely right about there being so many people waiting outside. I couldn’t even find the words to express how thankful I was for this moment.

  Growing up, my mother would either read the bible to Naomi and me, or she would read Christian stories to us. I used to love those books because they always had some sort of message. By the time I was in college, I knew that I wanted to become an author as well, but my major was so demanding that it would be impossible to find time to write. I promised myself that once I got settled into my career and everything, I would write my first book, and I made very good on that promise. My books did so well on Amazon. Not only that, but they were also in libraries, schools, and churches around the world.

  The time was nearing 12:00 P.M., and I was just getting ready to pull out my phone to ask my mom if they were still coming. A few seconds later, the door opened, and it was my mom. Surprisingly, my father was right behind her, dressed sharp, like he always was. He even wore a hat, but he quickly removed it the second he made it into the building. I was trying to read him, but honestly, it was hard to tell. He didn’t look happy, but at the same time, he didn’t look angry either.

  My mother was smiling from ear to ear as she walked in a hurry to reach me. She caught up with me and wrapped her arms around me, telling me how proud she was of me.

  “I’m so happy right now, Normani. All those people are standing outside these doors to support you. This moment makes me so proud to be your mother,” she told me, and she even teared up a little bit.

  I thanked her as I lifted my hands up and wiped a tear that fell from her eyes. After she and I had our moment, my father came over and hugged me as well.

  “Although you and I are nowhere near being on the best of terms, I have to admit that I am happy for you. I know how hard you worked for this. Will he be here this afternoon? If so, your mother and I have come, we’ve witnessed what a success this is, but we will gladly leave right now,” my father spat.

  The second I was about to respond, the doors opened again. This time, Twinkle walked in, and Billion was right behind her. My heart started beating a mile per minute because I had no idea how this moment would turn out.

  My father’s head whipped around, and he saw Billion in the flesh. I watched as he sucked his teeth. My mother was smiling from ear to ear as she looked at Billion. When I saw Billionaire’s shirt, I had to admit that it got a smile out of me. This man was a mess, and he always did things that shocked the heck out of me. He wore a white V-neck shirt, which fit him perfectly. In black writing, the shirt read, The Pretty A$$ Author is My Girl. I knew my father probably wanted to kill him because of his shirt. It was pretty much rubbed in his face that even if he didn’t like it, I was still going to continue seeing him.

  Billion wore black jeans, but they weren’t hanging as low as his jeans would usually hang. Black Nike Air Max sneakers were on his feet, a couple of Cuban link chains were around his neck, plus a watch was on his wrist. His waves were perfect like they always were, and his beard was nice and full. Billion was constantly surprising me; he always came with flowers, and each time, the flowers would be more beautiful than the previous time. He walked with that perfect swagger as he made his way over to me, not even caring that my father was staring a hole through him like he wanted to kill him.

  “I’m trying to figure out why you’re here!” was the first thing that daddy said to Billionaire.

  “Daddy. Come on. Don’t do this. My event is getting ready to start,” I said, looking at the time on my watch and seeing that it would be twelve o’clock in the next two minutes.

  “Don’t daddy me! Why is this thug here? There are hundreds of people here from the church, people that I went to school with, so many people that I know. You are a representation of me, and look who you have here! Look at this, Normani! Look at what this fool’s shirt says!” my dad spat.

  He was angry; I could see it in the way his veins were popping out the side of his neck with every word he spoke.

  “Daddy, these people are here to see me, not you! I am a representation of you, but look at me! I make you look good! What does him being here have to do with you? You don’t even know him! You are just finding any reason not to like him. You can dislike him, but you don’t have to be disrespectful!” I said, my voice getting a little louder than it should have because I didn’t like the way my father was talking about Billionaire.

  What’s so crazy is that I knew Billionaire had a temper. I knew that if he wanted to, he could get really disrespectful with my father, but for whatever reason, he chose not to. I was thankful for that because this could get ugly.

  “No! What’s disrespectful is you continuing to entertain this bum after I’ve told you not to!” my dad said, and I knew right then, it was going to go left.

  “Yo, I done let you call me a thug, a fool, and a bum! You call me anything else other than my name, and you’re going to taste the bottom of my foot! I was always taught to respect my elders, so I’ve really been letting you slide, but give me the same respect that I’ve been giving you for the last five minutes. You ain’t see me act a fool yet. I should have acted a fool the first time you called me out of my name, but I fuck with your daughter heavy, so out of respect for her, I’m sparing you. You don’t know shit about me, so watch your mouth, man. An old man ain’t exempt from having to feel me. Normani, congrats on everything today, beautiful. Here, I got this for you. Ima dip because I don’t want to ruin your event,” Billionaire said and handed me the flowers.

  I didn’t want him to leave. In fact, it felt good that he even came to support.

  “No. Don’t leave. I don’t want you to,” I told him.

  “Just go! The event is getting ready to start, and you’re obviously not wanted here!” My father just wouldn’t let up.

  My mom grabbed his arm and tried to usher him out of the building, but he pushed her off him.

  “Not wanted by who? You? The woman of the hour wants me here, and that’s all that matters. Please, listen to your wife, man. I’m really trying to keep my cool, but you’re pushing me,” Billionaire said.

  “Dad, thank you for coming. As much as I would love for you to be here, you have been nothing but negative since the second you walked in. If you can’t genuinely support me and all my hard work, then you can just go,” I said.

  “I just want you to remember this moment. When he’s slamming your head into the wall, don’t you dare call me. When you lose your values on your purity ring, and you begin to carry babies for this man out of wedlock, and he stomps those babies out of you, don’t you remember me then. You chose your side, Normani, and you better stay there. You let this man stand here and threaten me twice, and each time, you didn’t say anything to stop it. You are no longer welcomed into my home or my church. I hope it works out, although I’m wise enough to know that it won’t. Good day.” With that, he turned around to leave.

  My mom mouthed the words, I’m sorry to me, and then she left.

  The second I heard the doors close, I burst into tears, messing up my make-up. Billionaire pulled me into his arms, and his hands went to the back of my head in an attempt to get me to calm down.

  “Twink, entertain the people outside. Let them know that we’re going to open the doors in ten minutes. I got her,” I heard him tell Twinkle.

  “How… how can... can... he just do... doooo me like... ttt... thissss?” I was hysterical as I broke down into his chest, pouring my heart out.

  My father was acting so hateful. This was the second time that I had seen this side of him, and I hated it. He was so disrespectful to not only Billionaire but to me as well. He was a preacher, the head of the church, yet this was how he treated people.

  All my life, I had done everything he wanted me to do. I never snuck around with boys when I was in high school or college. I never attended any parti
es that I was invited to, never made bad grades, never talked back to him or my mother.

  At twenty-six years old, I finally chose to do something for me, something that would make me happy, and the one time he didn’t agree with what I chose to do, he cut me off like it was nothing. Family meant everything to me. My parents were my world, but at the same time, I wasn’t going to allow my father to choose who I dated. There was absolutely nothing wrong with the guy who I was falling deeper for as the days went by.

  “Normani, calm down. You don’t need to be crying over some bullshit like this. You got a gang of people standing outside these doors, and they are all here to see you. At the end of the day, a parent may not always agree with some of the choices that we make, but at the same time, they ain’t supposed to disrespect you like that either and cut you off because you ain’t doing what they want you to do. You’ll address that shit once this is over, but in the meantime, it’s all about you. Stop crying,” he said to me.

  I eventually pulled away from him and used my hands to wipe my face. Billionaire leaned his head down and kissed me a few times on my lips as he continued to tell me that everything was going to be alright. I respected Billionaire, and I appreciated him in so many ways because I knew that two things could have happened. One, he could have tried to fight my father because of the way that my dad kept disrespecting him, and two, he could have just left altogether, letting me know that he didn’t want any parts of this mess. The fact that he didn’t do either said a lot about his character, and it let me know that he really did like me the way he said he did.

  I set the flowers down that he had given to me, and I went over to my purse, which was in one of the chairs. I pulled out my small, compact mirror, which was in my make-up bag and quickly touched up my make-up. It didn’t look as bad as I thought it would.