Falling For A Hood King

by Shvonne Latrice

  "What? Why? Your mom got a new job?" I asked in disbelief.

  "Nah, I'm going with my man –he’s got a new job.," she smirked.

  "Who is your man?" I asked, and Victoria laughed. Come on, we all knew Lucy got around. She had a new boo constantly.

  "Menzo!" she replied, and rolled her eyes.

  "Y'all that serious to where you moving to another state with him? South Carolina is a nice ways from here. Not like it's Illinois or Ohio," Victoria stated.

  "Yes, we are super serious," Lucy smiled.

  "What kind of work?" I asked.

  "I don't know, but I know he finna be paid. He's gon’ be working for Julius," Lucy nodded.

  "Julius? Julius is moving to South Carolina?!" I frowned.

  "Uh, yeah. I thought you knew!" Lucy frowned.

  "I would've told you, don't you think?" I raised a brow.

  "Well yes, Julius is moving. Him, his brother, Menzo, a couple other cats, and now me," she smiled.

  I couldn't believe Julius was moving away and didn't say anything. Knowing him, he probably planned to just skip town and never speak to me again. I hated that I fell in love with him sometimes.

  "When you moving?" Victoria asked.

  "Our flight leaves at the very end of November," Lucy replied.

  "What about senior year?" I inquired.

  "Menzo brought up me taking my GED. So I'm just gon’ do that and be done with that shit. School ain't about to hold me back from being with my man," Lucy replied.

  "You don't want to experience senior year?" I frowned. I couldn't believe Lucy and Julius.

  "Not really, for what? Prom? Please!" Lucy waved it off.

  Me: You're moving?

  I shot a text to Julius.

  "Your mom cool with you skipping town?" Victoria asked.

  "I ain't telling her. I'm gon’ leave one morning, the morning of the flight, and never come back," Lucy replied.

  We continued to talk until our food came. Once we finished eating, I cut our girls’ night short, because I needed to go talk to Julius. He still hadn't responded to my text, and I needed to know what he was thinking.

  Chapter 24: Julius

  I was tired as hell from working all damn day. I had been running the streets constantly to check on the traps Hugo had set up, as well as conducting business regarding my move to South Carolina. I was so excited to move over there, and start making more bread than I could count. I had just gotten a nice little condo out there, and was more than ready to go. In five months, I would be on my way. I just needed to tell Natalia.

  I pulled into my driveway and exhaled heavily. All I wanted to do was shower and take my ass to bed. I was thinking of calling Natalia over, but I knew we'd be up all night, and I needed to be up bright and early.

  TAP!

  TAP!

  TAP!

  I looked over, and saw Daphne tapping on my passenger side window. I hit the unlock button, and she slid in.

  "I missed you," she smiled.

  "You saw me two days ago," I said non-chalantly

  "So, I can't get enough of you," she said, rubbing her hands over my crotch.

  I shook my head, and pulled out my phone. I checked my notifications, as Daphne leaned down and took me into her mouth. She took in all eleven inches, and didn't gag as usual. I continued checking my texts as she went to work.

  Baby Girl Nat: You're moving?

  Me: Come over so we can talk.

  I locked my phone up, and continued to enjoy Daphne slobbing me up. Natalia would be here in about 15 minutes, and my nut would be busted by then. Just as I felt my nut rising, I saw Natalia walking up to my door. Fuck! Shit!

  "Get up!" I yelled to Daphne, and she sat up.

  "What Julius?!" she frowned, wiping the spit from her mouth. Her eyes darted to Natalia at my door. "Wow, so you really claiming this bitch?"

  "Shut the fuck up," I said as my phone started to ring. My ringtone was loud as hell, and Natalia followed it to my car. This was not happening right now.

  TAP!

  TAP!

  TAP!

  "Hey ma," I said, as I opened the door.

  "Hi, Naomi?" Daphne played dumb.

  "Julius, I need to talk to you abo-" Natalia stopped mid sentence, as her eyes locked onto my pelvis. Fuck, forgot to zip my damn pants up.

  "Nat-" I tried grabbing her arm.

  "No, let me go," she said calmly, as her eyes became glazed over.

  I hopped out and jogged after her, but she was already in her car. I snatched open her passenger door, and got in while fixing my pants.

  "Natalia let me explain," I said as tears ran down her face. "Daphne is just some hoe baby, you my girl," I said. She didn't respond; she only sniffled.

  "I love you Julius, why do you have to treat me this way?" she cried.

  "I love you too, Natalia," I said, and rubbed her hand. I grabbed it and kissed the back of it. I leaned over and kissed her soft lips. "I love you ma," I said in between kisses. I wiped her tears with my thumbs as they fell.

  "Julius, I want to go home," she said.

  "Fine, fuck it! Take your ass home!" I snatched the keys out the ignition. "But leave the fucking car so I can give it to my new bitch," I spat.

  "Julius, it's 9 p.m.," she whined.

  "You better start walking then," I frowned.

  "Julius, I'm sorry. I-"

  I hopped out the car and slammed the door. She got out as well, and I hit the alarm to lock the car. When I walked up, Daphne was at my door smiling at me. I took her in the house, fucked, and sent her home immediately. If Natalia couldn't get with the program, I'm sure there were plenty bitches in South Carolina that would.

  Chapter 25: Natalia

  I finally got home around 10:30 p.m., and I was exhausted. I couldn't believe Julius turned everything on me. I tried calling him a couple times, but he didn't answer once.

  I walked into my apartment, and headed straight to the shower. As soon as I got out, I hurled all the contents of my stomach into the toilet. God no, I thought. I rinsed my mouth out, and drank a bottle of water. I looked at all the food in the fridge, knowing I needed to cherish it being there since Julius was done with me. I put a hot pocket in the microwave, and then went to brush my teeth. I ate my food, and then put a big t-shirt on to go to sleep. I thought about the pregnancy test that I had stolen from my job a while ago. I decided not to take it tonight, so I could sleep peacefully.

  ***

  I woke up the next morning, and checked my phone. I still had no texts from Julius, and I saw some from Lucy, Victoria, and Frank. I replied to Lucy and Victoria, and then opened the one from Frank.

  Frank: You still taken? Come over.

  I didn't respond, and locked my phone. I got out of bed, and immediately felt my throat jump. I ran to the bathroom, and threw up violently. My stomach was in so much pain. I flushed it, then went to get the pregnancy test I had in my room. I walked it back to the bathroom, and let out a sigh of relief at the fact that my mother was still sleep. I cleaned my throw up off the toilet with some wipes, and then peed on the stick. As I waited, I saw the door was unlocked, so I quickly locked it.

  After 5 minutes, I looked at the stick and saw the two deadly pink lines. I blew out hot air, then proceeded to brush my teeth and shower. I wrapped myself in a towel once I was done, grabbed the positive test, and then headed out the bathroom. I ran dead smack into my mother, and accidentally dropped the stick. She bent down and snatched it up before I could.

  "I thought you wasn't fucking?" she said, and slapped the shit out of me.

  "Wait let me-"

  "Get the fuck out Natalia! Pack whatever you can, and go! I told you no damn babies!" she yelled as she rained blows on the back of my head and back.

  "Okay! Okay!" I yelled, and sprinted to my room.

  I stuffed as much as I could into my duffle bag, and then threw on some skinny jeans, a tube top, and flip-flops. My hair was still wet and curly, so I threw it up in a bun. I grabb
ed my phone to send some texts. Where could I go? Lucy's mom couldn't afford me.

  Me: Julius, I need you.

  I sent it, then grabbed my bag and left. I covered my ears as my mom called me all kinds of bitches and hoes for everyone to hear.

  Me: Julius please, I'm sorry.

  I waited outside my complex for half an hour, and still got no response from Julius. My phone buzzed, and I hurriedly pulled it out.

  Frank: You gon’ come through or you still not fucking with me?

  Me: Yeah. Come get me.

  I blew out hot air and bounced my leg nervously, as I waited for Frank's response.

  Frank: Almost there.

  I half smiled, hoping he would let me sleep on his couch at least. It was hot as hell, and I could really go for a cold water, but I had no way to get one right now. Ten minutes later, Frank pulled up and leaned over to open his passenger door. I jogged over, and then put my duffle bag in his back seat.

  "Can I spend the night? Just for tonight, I have nowhere else to go," I said.

  "Yeah ma, you lucky I got my own shit," he replied.

  "Thank you," I smiled back.

  He pulled off from the curb, and we headed towards his house. I was so happy when he decided to stop at Burger King, because I was starving and thirsty. I tried to pay for my own, but he stopped me. I was glad, because I had ordered a meal, plus a pie, which all came to $8. We pulled up to his apartment complex, and it was really nice. We walked through the door, and immediately sat down to eat.

  "What do you do to be able to afford all this? You just graduated?" I frowned as I bit my burger.

  "I have my ways," he smiled. He must've been a dope boy like Julius.

  "I'm gonna to try to be out of your place ASAP," I said, sipping my strawberry soda.

  "Don't trip ma, stay as long as you want. I been waiting to spend time with you for the longest," he smiled, and so did I. "So why you need to stay with me?" he asked.

  "My sister and I had an argument," I said.

  "She can just kick you out like that?" he frowned.

  "It's her place," I replied.

  "And what about old boy that snatched you out my whip?" he chuckled. "Why he not helping you? You his lady, right?" he raised a brow. I shook my head no, as I balled up the burger paper.

  "No, we are over," I smiled as if I didn't care, but deep down I was hurt. I was pregnant yet again, and Julius was MIA on me yet again, but this time I wasn't getting an abortion–whether he liked it or not.

  "Damn, well maybe I have a chance," Frank smirked.

  "Frank, I-I'd like that," I smiled. I was gonna tell him I was pregnant, but he may have kicked my ass out, and I didn't need that.

  "Cool, cool," he nodded.

  We watched TV, and talked for the rest of the night. I realized Frank wasn't as thirsty as I thought he was; he just really liked me. He didn't push up on me at all tonight, and I was happy. His apartment had two bedrooms, so he allowed me to stay in the other room.

  "Unpack and make yourself comfortable," he said as he leaned in the doorway.

  "Thank you. I will," I smiled, and he closed the door.

  I unpacked my belongings, and then grabbed my shower gel to get clean. I stayed up all night listening to Tamia, and thinking about my horrible situation. This arrangement was not permanent, and I needed to figure out what I was gonna do.

  Chapter 26: Natalia

  I had been staying with Frank for a couple weeks now, with no texts or calls from Julius. As much as I tried to tell myself I didn't care, I did. I thought about him all day long. I didn't even want to watch anything that had to do with relationships, because it made me sad. I never saw him around the city, and it upset me even more.

  My morning sickness had gotten worse, and I could barely keep my food down. Frank started to get suspicious, but I just told him I had a stomach bug. He wasn't no damn doctor, so he believed me.

  Lucy Bff: Have fun tonight.

  Me: Yeah right.

  Tonight, or this evening, I was letting Frank take me out. It was the least I could do, since he'd taken me in for free. I wasn't used to watching TV, and using the house phone for free. I made sure to cook for him almost every night, so that I wouldn't feel too bad though. I also knew that him taking me out would keep my mind off Julius.

  "You ready?" Frank peeked into my room.

  He wore a black button up shirt, dark jeans, and Air Forces. His hair was freshly cut, and his cologne was intoxicating. I was slowly realizing I had a thing for guys who smelled good but as I said before, Frank was fine as hell.

  "Ye-yeah I am," I slightly stammered, as I took in his flawless mocha complexion.

  "Aight cool, you like Cheesecake Factory?" he asked, flashing his perfect smile.

  "I'm not sure, I've never been," I shrugged.

  "You haven't? What kind of nigga was you fucking with?" Frank frowned.

  "Clearly not a good one," I smiled. I was talking a good game, but deep down Julius consumed my thoughts. It hurt to know he hadn't thought about me once.

  "Well, hopefully we can change all that. And you look good as hell," he smiled, looking me up and down. I had on that same burgundy, sleeveless, turtleneck dress that I wore to Menzo's party awhile back. I wore some black sandals, and my hair was straightened, with a part down the middle.

  "Thank you," I replied. Frank reached his arm out, and took my hand in his.

  We listened to a bunch of different Problem songs the whole way there. Frank held my hand the whole way, and I can't say that I didn't like it. I was slightly paranoid that Julius would pop up like last time, but I knew that was slightly wishful thinking on my part; minus the little ass whooping he delivered. I just wanted to see him, regardless of the reason.

  We arrived to Cheesecake Factory in no time, and I hoped there was something I would like. What the hell kind of restaurant is named after only dessert? I at least liked a hint on what you sold, like Red Lobster.

  Frank hopped out, and opened my door. I smiled as he assisted me out, and we headed into the restaurant. We were seated immediately, because his homeboy was the hostess there. Thank God, cause my pregnant ass was starved.

  "So what do you think so far?" Frank smiled.

  I looked around the restaurant, and nodded my head. "It's cool, I judge by the food though," I chuckled.

  "Well then you gon’ love this place, especially when you taste the cheesecake." he winked. Damn he was fine.

  "I hope so," I replied, opening the menu. "The cheapest thing is $15!" I yelped, surprised.

  "You get what you pay for, ma. Get whatever you want though, this is date," Frank replied, looking over his menu.

  I decided to get the Steak Diane and Salmon dish, because I hadn't had steak in so many years. I was hesitant on the salmon, but Frank assured me that it was good.

  "This is probably the best strawberry lemonade, I've ever had," I smiled.

  "Yeah, I think so too," he replied.

  Our food arrived, and I was happy that I listened to Frank, because it was so damn good. Everything from the steak, to the potatoes, to the asparagus, and the salmon was bomb. I even ate the mushrooms, which I hated, that were mixed in with some sauce, and poured over the steak.

  "You were so right about this, Frank," I beamed as I scooped same potatoes into my mouth.

  "See, you gotta trust ya boy," he chuckled, and so did I.

  "I'm happy you finally stopped playing me to the left, Natalia," he said.

  "Me too. I just been dealing with a lot, I'm sorry," I replied.

  "Nah, it's cool. I would've waited as long as I had to, just for this moment right here," he nodded. He grabbed my hand, and kissed the back of it.

  We finished our meals, and then I got the cookie dough cheesecake to go. I wanted to eat it right then but since Frank said he was stuffed, I decided against it.

  "Thank you for tonight Frank, I needed that," I said as we walked into his apartment.

  "Me too," he said as he pulled me clos
e.

  He placed soft kisses on my neck, as his hands rubbed down my small back to touch my ass. I let out a soft moan as I melted in his embrace. He kissed up my neck, to my chin, and then my lips. His mouth felt so good against mine as we sucked each other’s lips. We headed to the bedroom I slept in, and he laid me down on the bed.

  "Wait Frank, I can't," I said, remembering the baby growing inside of me, and the love that I had for its father.

  "What, why?" he asked out of breath. I opened and closed my mouth, looking for the words to say. "Don't do this Natalia, you know how I feel about you. We belong together ma," he said, kneeling down in front of me. He kissed my inner thighs, as his hands roamed up my dress. I closed my eyes and let out a soft moan as he kissed all the way up to my love box. He kissed the fabric of my panties, but it felt like I had none on.

  "Frank, I can't," I said, pushing his head away. He threw his head back in irritation, and exhaled heavily. He stood up and placed his hands on his hips. "I'm sorry I-I just-"

  "It's cool Natalia, you ain't ready. I can wait," he said. I nodded, because I couldn't tell him that I was pregnant by another guy. "Goodnight ma," he said as he kissed my forehead, and then walked out.

  I fell back on my bed and sighed. I wish I had've dated Frank before Julius. He cared about me, and that's what I needed. Now I was 17 years old, and pregnant by and in love with a man who didn't give two shits about me; pregnant for the second time at that.

  I finally got up, showered, and brushed my teeth. I turned on Aaliyah's Pandora station, and then drifted off to sleep. This couldn't be life.

  Chapter 27: Bianca

  Today was gon’ be a good ass day for me. I hopped in my car, and rolled my window down all the way. I sped down the street, letting my hair blow in the wind. "All My Love" by Cassie blasted through my speakers, as I bobbed my head.

  I know you wanna bad girl, give em all of that. Take his heart, won't give it back. I know you want all my love, give you all of that. I sang along with Cassie.

  I finally arrived at my destination, with a huge ass smile on my face. I saw his car in the driveway, and text his phone.