"Don't ask me... that looks like something she learned all that time alone when she was with her mother! Oh my goodness." Sylvia muttered.
Crystal was howling with laughter, and then went out on the floor joining them, dancing up a storm as well, soon DJ was there with her and the floor was taken over by youth until Mundo put on 'Beyonce's, Baby Boy.'
"Ah shit now... my turn, now I'm goin' out there." Vivian said. Once again that red dress demanded attention while she worked her body as that song called for a body like hers to do. The beat had her hips moving like a dying mans last wishes. Hearing all the cheering and gasps, Jake slowly moved toward the main hall, and then stood frozen as his eyes fell on the red dress from Kwik Trip! He couldn't believe his eyes! She was there! Moving on the floor like sex on legs, she was definitely a goddess from another world.
"WOOO-WE! Look at her ass move!" Sheila laughed... because not a man there could take his eyes off of her.
Even Derricks son's were howling. DJ bit into his knuckles, "Mother..." He moaned.
Jake stared as she moved in a controlled gyration, looking as if there were no bones in her body, turning slowly feeling every single beat, until finally she faced him and then saw him. Her eyes grew momentarily wider, until she brought her surprised expression under control smoothing back out her exotic features. Mundo piggy backed both versions of the song, anything he could do to keep her on the floor and moving that way.
Vivian could not believe it - standing not twelve feet away, she saw him and with her heart beating she moved like she'd never moved before, turning like hot creamy liquid to give him a view of her back as she moved going low, her arms moving graceful like coiled snakes capable of striking any moment.
Gert looked in the doorway and saw Jake standing there frozen, his eyes on the red dress.
Gert smiled... all was good.
Next person to see him was his older brother, Shawn stared at him, a sudden rash of heat swept over his body as if someone had poured scolding water on him. Although he'd discarded Sylvia's words the previous night, he hadn't lived 42 years without learning a few things. There was a reason for everything under the sun. Including a reason why his brother went from happily greeting him the day of the sap rush - to suddenly finding no reason to attend his wedding. Yet... there he was.
The songs changed and Vivian laughed after that one, she felt good. She wasn't about to turn and look at him, she couldn't believe her luck, that the guy from the Kwik Trip would be there! She walked toward Sheila with wide eyes giving her head a light tilt towards the door so she could see him. With keen perception, Sheila looked that way and her eyes too grew huge. Ellen and Edwina followed suit.
Jake stood eyeing his brother, who was doing the same. He was wearing black dress pants and a silk olive/sage green long sleeve shirt.
Sylvia glanced toward Jake, and then away, unsure of what to do because Shawn wouldn't take his eyes off of him. Suddenly he was walking away from her toward Jake. Sylvia thought she would faint. Gert saw it, Derrick saw it, and Bart saw it. All of them moved toward them, Sylvia felt herself shaking and went to stand with her friends.
"Oh my God oh by God oh my God." She muttered in a whimper almost cry.
"Who is that?! And what's wrong with you?" Sheila asked.
"That... is Shawn's younger brother." She said.
All four women looked over at them and then at each other.
"You gotta be kidding me." Vivian said.
"Nope... that's Jake... and right now, I feel ill."
"Why?" Sheila asked.
"Because Jake and Shawn don't get along well."
"Ah hell... are we talkin' sibling rivalry shit?!"
"Big time." Sylvia muttered, unable to look back at them.
"Well look'ah here, lil'brother, fancy meeting you here. You showin' up kind'ah late aren't you?" Shawn started, the alcohol going to his head.
"Better late than never right?" Jake answered back.
"Well... no congratulations for your brother?!" Shawn asked.
"Congratulations... brother." Jake returned.
"Hmm, there's something there... that gives me that sensation... that you just don't mean it... why is that?" Shawn asked walking directly in front of Jake, who stood a few noticeable inches taller, especially with his black polished boots on.
"I don't know... why don't you tell me." Jake answered, looking down at his brother.
"All right you two... no nonsense tonight, not tonight." Bart walked beside them both.
"I didn't step into his face, he stepped into mine." Jake defended.
"Uh Jake, come this way son... someone I want you to meet." Gert said, pulling his arm to get him away from Shawn. He let himself be led away by his mother, but kept his eyes on his brother, thinking, 'Well dear brother, so be it ... you'll be sorry you just did that. Should have left me the fuck alone.'
Derrick could tell, he needed to stay close to them for the rest of the night, looking to his father, "Dad... I'll stick with Shawn." He said.
"Why?! I'm fine... I don't need a keeper. My brother, I don't need a keeper."
"I know Shawn, but lets just keep everything cool okay? He's here, lets all continue to have a good time alright?"
"Hell with that! Why the fuck does he show up here - instead of at my wedding? Why show up now? Huh?"
"Calm down son... you hear? Find your wife... and calm down." Bart spoke to him.
"Shawn, I also think you maybe have had enough to drink." Derrick stated with his father beside him.
"Look... I hardly ever drink! But tonight is my night... I married the woman of my dreams! I'm on top of the world! I'm celebrating... is that okay?!"
"Of course it is... just keep it under control Shawn."
"I'm always under control! I'm going to find my wife! Where's my wife?" Shawn turned from them to see Sylvia talking to Crystal and DJ. He made his way to her.
"WIFE! How you doing baby... you okay?" He asked walking up to her and taking her into his arms, kissing her temple, taking her chin in hand and turning her head for a kiss.
Sylvia couldn't believe the night she was having, Shawn was getting drunk, and she knew that he and Jake already had one brief confrontation. The moment she looked up and saw Gert bringing him over to meet her friends, she made her way to her daughter. She was stunned once again, Crystal... was drunk and starting to act out. A day that began so beautifully, was starting to deteriorate right before her eyes. She prayed and prayed, 'God please... just get us through this night... please.' Then her husband bellowed for her. She turned to him and accepted whatever way he behaved as long as he stayed away from Jake.
"Shawn... Crystal's had too much to drink." She stated right away as he was kissing her.
"Crystal? You okay baby?" He stood erect to ask.
"I'm fine... I'm fine... mama... mama... I'm fine... I'm fine Shawn... serus'ly I'm fine." She slurred, her eyes half open.
DJ was laughing, "She's fine you all."
"You my brotha' man. We got the same - no a'count - good fo'shit daddy! Different mama... but same - ma'fuckin' daddy!"
"CRYSTAL!!" Sylvia yelled at her.
"SORRY MAMA! I'm sorry mama... oops... oops mama... I'm so sorry... f'give me mama... I'ain' mean it mama! I'ain' mean it Shawn... serus'ly. 'Cause... cause Shawn... you m'daddy now... you m'daddy... 'kay... is that okay?" She asked swaying forward and back, struggling to keep her head up.
"You damn right i's okay. In my heart... you my ga'damn daughter! YOU baby... and that boy up there... playin' that music... too gad'damn loud... mine! I don't give a fuck what no body says! Understand lil'girl? Papah-Shawn take care of you baby!"
Crystal got emotional and went to Shawn hugging him, they stood a moment holding each other. Sylvia would've been touched if it wasn't for the fact that both were deep in the cups. Suddenly Crystal leaned back from Shawn making a face, looking at her brother then at Shawn and started laughing, "That shit is LOUD! BOY! TURN THAT SHIT DOWN... WHERE YOU THINK YOU
AT?" She yelled and then started laughing.
Shawn was holding onto her, she was swaying. He knew he was feeling numb, but he wasn't swaying yet. He still knew what was going on. "Baby... you've had too much to drink. You gone be sick." He said to her.
"Shawn... she needs to go home."
"Me and Marcus'll take her home Tia Sylvie... don't worry about her." DJ stated, laughing at his sister. They had spent a great deal of time talking and getting to know one another, he'd been sipping light, she'd been drinking down one vodka and cranberry juice after the other.
"Will you do that for us... thank you... you're a good son DJ... good son!" Shawn patted his nephew on the shoulder. "Go home and go to bed darlin' - your mom and I'll see you in the morning."
"I'm fine... I'm fine... I'm okay..." She announced leaning to the left more and more. DJ got under her left side and pulled her arm over his head and across his shoulders, his other arm around her waist. "Come on sis... you'll be fine at home once we get you there and to bed." DJ commented gently. Marcus was there with his keys.
Meribel stepped before them having spent most of the evening helping Shanna and speaking with all the family, and keeping up with her kids, "Where you going son?" She asked.
"Talking Crystal home."
"Okay... do me a favor son, take the van and leave your car with us, and take the kids home please? Its getting late."
"No problem... will do." DJ answered.
He left with his brothers and sisters and Angela, who kissed Sylvia and her dad goodbye. His friend and his girlfriend following behind so that Marcus and Louie could ride with them back to the house.
After they departed, Meribel turned to Shawn and Sylvia. Sylvia stood with Shawn's arm over her shoulder, she held his one hand dangling there, trying to keep him from fondling her breast, her other one around his waist. He was constantly pulling her head to his lips, kissing her temples and whispering that he loved her in her ear.
"You guys okay? Sylvia?" Meribel asked, clear concern on her features.
"We're fine. Aren't we baby... come on lets slow dance..." Shawn lifted his arm and waved to Mundo, he knew the signal... a slow song.
He put on 'Brook Benton & Dinah Washington's, You got what it takes'
Sylvia turned with Shawn, but looked back at Meribel mouthing, 'Keep Jake away from him.' Meribel nodded that she understood.
Chapter 75
In L. A....
For the fourth time, Jeremiah walked back out of the dinning room checking his watch, looking for Deidre's car, or some sign of her. She should have been there over an hour ago. Even her friend was starting to worry. He'd gotten there and waited out front for her, thought after a while maybe she had already come and went inside looking for her. He crossed paths with her friend twice before they realized they were looking for the same person and introduced themselves.
"It's not like Deidre to be late. She knew what time the ceremony was to start. She would have been here early. This is not like her, I'm really getting scared now."
"I'll stay on the look out. I've tried her phone, keep getting the network message. I can't imagine what's going on. You go back in with your family, I'll continue to look for her."
"I think we need to call the police." Terra stated, her stomach nervous and giddy.
"Unfortunately, she'd have to be missing much longer for the police to do anything about it. Go back inside, I'll stay on the watch."
Jeremiah stood outside pacing, it was going on two hours now. He agreed with her friend, they needed the police. Because he couldn't imagine where she was between there and home.
Crenshaw was crowded and jumping. Vehicles ranging from Chevy's to Mercedes Benz's were decked out, laid up, customized, suped up and blasting loud with the most advanced, stereo equipment. Some equipment obtained by dubious means of dubious quality, others sporting that which was obtained legally and at high cost. It was a car show, every weekend. They didn't need to attend some big car rally or new release event, they made their own style and quality of ride, to bring out and wow those standing by looking. Nor was the gathering just about men and their rides, there were women in their midst too. A few hardcore, masculine women, looking for a woman. Quick to defend their chosen lifestyle as if lack or reaction made them less a woman acting like a man. So there they stood as well, laughing, loud talking - alert - watching the rides roll by, careful to any change or wave in the air that said, something was going down. Being in the hood meant constant readiness - period. It was the life. Too many accepted that it was how they lived, and how they would die. They were especially alert this week, because of the noted activity in the hood from strangers snooping around. Max once again, letting them know - be ready for whatever. They didn't need to be told that - not with drive by's happening unpredictably for whatever reason the initiator deemed it necessary. The mind set was, with all they did to themselves, no one was going to come and add to it.
Maxwell stood laughing at something one of his boys said, trying to chill - sipping a forty-ounce, laughing and talking loud.
"HEY Young blood! Eighty-six that bullshit! Ain't nobody wanna hear that!"
Maxwell received a finger from the young blood, a young woman of twenty-four, sporting her mustang as she played, 'Frank Sinatra - Young at Heart' for his efforts as everyone around him laughed, including himself. She didn't care, she loved Frank Sinatra, of course it clashed with the heavy beat of rap dominating the scene.
"Shorty - won't you take yo' young ass home! Get the hell out these streets! You got nothing better to do?" He asked, winking at her.
"Yo'ass jealous! Like my shit?"
"lil'Hoo Ride! Please girl... take it home!"
"It'ah smoke that wet-back merc'! Ova' the water shit! Mine home brewed - cook the shit out'ah that coffin you got!" She joked hanging out the window to holler at him.
Suddenly there was a commotion, a car speeded up, one of his boys.
"MAD MAX! SOME SHIT GOIN' DOWN ON FORTY-EIGHT MAN!!! MOTHA'FUCKIN' SHOOTIN'! SHAY WHITEY - FEMALE - SCREAMIN' HER ASS OFF!!!"
"What the fuck! HELL NAAAW! NOT UP IN THIS MOTHA'FUCKA THEY AIN'T!" Maxwell rushed to his Mercedes and leapt in, making a sharp u-turn with his boys jumping in doing the same heading for 48th street.
Chaka -(Shorty)- backed hers up and turned burning rubber doing the same, pulling her arm rest down, going beneath the flap to pull her gun free.
She clicked on her 2-way radio... "I'M WIT YOU MAD MAX!!!" She announced. She'd do anything for Maxwell, would guard his back to the death.
"TAKE YO' ASS HOME!!!"
"NO... I'M GONE FIND HER!!! I'LL PICK HER UP!!!"
"TAKE YO' ASS HOME!!!"
For Deidre, survival and surrealism went hand in hand.
It only took one moment in time - for ones life to change.
That's all that was needed, just a moment.
One moment could last a lifetime - one hour was an eternity.
One minute, she had been climbing into a taxi cab, giving her destination. Another few passed before she was aware that the direction she was being taken in was opposite to her destination.
"Hello... excuse me?! Where are you taking me?!" She sat forward knocking on the glass panel separating her from the driver.
Deidre's heart took flight when she received no answer.
Suddenly they passed an intersection and low riders in Chevys and Mercedes' suddenly pulled away from curbs coming up behind them. Deidre turned in the back seat to see five of them pull up behind them, she turned back and banged on the glass again. "WHERE ARE YOU TAKING ME!!!" She tossed herself around in her seat watching as the vehicles stayed with them, the windows were blackened making it impossible to see. Deidre turned back breathing hard and deep, hands shaking she fumbled with her purse and pulled out her cell phone. Flicking it open, she quickly dialled 911.
"She's calling 911."
"Let it go through. We're almost there."
"HELP ME PLEASE... I'M IN A TAXI!!! HE'S TAKING ME SOMEWHER
E.... PLEEEEASE, HE'S TAKING ME SOME WHERE!!!"
"Where are you ma'am? What taxi are you in?"
Suddenly the taxi made a sharp turn knocking Deidre to the side and started speeding down a neighborhood street. Firecracker popping sounds blasted close to her and Deidre realized they were being shot at.
"OH MY GOD!!!! HELP ME PLEEEASE!!! HELP ME PLEEEASE!! HELP ME PLEEEASE!!!" Deidre screamed falling to the seat and then to the floor screaming into her cell phone. The driver began swerving and cursing, "WHAT THE FUCK?!!! WAAAIT!!! WAAAIT!!! YOU BASTARDS!!! WAAAIT!!!" He screamed out in panic, driving like a maniac trying to get away as he realized, that he was going to die. If dead, there was no way of collecting the pay he'd been promised to drive the lady into the neighborhood and then force her out of the vehicle to leave her there. He needed to get rid of her, she was going to get him killed. He rammed his foot to the gas and tried to make a turn into a tight alley to escape their pursuers. He almost turned the taxi over, it righted itself after hitting the side of building, bouncing and zig zagging down the alley way to escape. The low riders following, turned the corner to try and cut the taxi off as it would try to come out the other end. Two backed up to cut down the alley after it.
"GET OUT GET OUT GET OUT!!! GET THE FUCK OUT!!!" He shouted picking up his gun and pointing it at Deidre who was screaming in the back seat.
"GET - THE FUCK OUT!!!" He shouted again. Seeing the gun, Deidre scrambled to the door and threw it open. The other cars were coming down the alley, she barely got out before the driver burned rubber, Deidre was dragged by the door, afraid to let go, barely hanging on, she dropped off of it at an adjacent alley screaming at the top of her lungs. Because they'd filled the taxi with bullets, it was standing still, the driver riddled with bullets. It sat blocking off the adjacent alley, buying her little time. They began pushing at it to get to her. She ran for her life screaming just as another vehicle turned into the alley she was running down, a little red and purple mustang raced up to her and the window came down.
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