by Twyla T
“He didn’t pay in the back?” Joe asked.
“Hell naw! I thought he paid up front. If that nigga got me for my money, I’ma bout to be pissed the fuck off,” Ki spat angrily.
“Punk mu’fucka! I shoulda stopped his ass before he flew out the door,” Joe said while fuming. He took his job seriously and he felt like a failure when something of that nature happened. “He gon’ get his… you best believe that, he gon’ get his,” Joe retorted.
Ki was pissed off thinking about the four hundred dollars she just lost. Her thoughts of getting mu’fuckas before they got her came back full force because that made the third time a nigga played her.
Chapter 18
“When I say this girl a mu’fuckin beast… I mean that shit cuz! I’m low-key pissed the fuck off because I almost got caught slipping. I didn’t even have my shit on me,” Babyface told Vice while they were on their way to the mall to do a little shopping.
“Damn! Bringing her on was a good idea. I gotta give you that!” Vice replied. “You better not ever fuck over her though,” Vice said while laughing. Babyface laughed before he replied.
“But, on some real shit. This the second time someone done tried to hit our spot. They expect us to move, but I say we all take turns staying there and have one person there at a time. I know each of us go through often, but we need to stay there and make it look like no one is there. If we gotta body a mu’fucka every day, we gon’ do the shit,” he said.
“I feel you my nigga and that’ll work. Vinny and Sean won’t have a problem with that at all I know,” Vice said.
“I figured they wouldn’t. We gotta set up a meeting with them later. We gotta expand our team too because shit is really popping. We gotta be extra careful, but we need more men,” Babyface said while rubbing his chin.
“Yeah, I knew you was gon’ bring that up soon. It’s needed, but mu’fuckas so shady these days,” Vice replied.
“True, but we gon’ stay on top of shit,” Babyface assured his cousin. “So, wit how everything looking, we need at least three or four more men as soon as possible. I doubled the next order and it’s coming faster,” Babyface continued.
“Let’s get it then!” Vice happily responded.
“Oh yeah, I told Corey we all need to link up soon. I been hearing bout Black Diamond a lot so we can hit that shit up,” Babyface said as he was parking at North Park.
“That’s what’s up! We can make it happen. He seems cool as hell and he bout his mu’fuckin business,” Vice replied.
They got out of the car and headed inside. Babyface’s phone rang and it was Sasha Face Timing him. She flipped out the day she texted and the messages turned blue, asking why he didn’t tell her he had an iPhone. He didn’t understand why she was still trying to maintain a relationship. He confronted her about the rumors of her messing around with one of his homies, but she denied it. “What up?” he said after he answered the call.
“Hey bae! What you doing?” she asked him.
“Bout to head in the mall,” he replied dryly.
“Why you ain’t call me back. Why I gotta do all the calling and shit?” she asked, feeling irritated.
“Damn, you went from sugar to shit just that fast. I been busy girl. Don’t act like you don’t know,” he replied.
“You still tripping on that Derrick shit? You talking all dry and shit!” Sasha spitefully said.
“I ain’t tripping on a muthafuckin thang… did you see me fall or some shit?” Babyface snidely replied.
“When you coming to visit?” Sasha asked sweetly, trying her best to try and steer the conversation in a different direction.
“I don’t know! You know I’m in school and shit… oh, but I forgot, you think it’s a joke,” he told her.
“Babyface, I told you I was sorry about that. Look, we just need to see each other soon. We’re both just frustrated, but you know I can make it up to you,” she said and licked her lips. Babyface thought about the dope head she always gave him and his mood changed instantly. He didn’t need Sasha but, in his mind, Chyna still had Pete, so it was fair game in his eyes, especially since Sasha was all the way in Chicago and he knew she would never move down south.
“Make it happen Sasha! I’m bout to go inside though,” he told her and hung up, not bothering to wait on her to reply and not thinking she would make her way to Mississippi.
“Now, what the fuck you gon’ do when her crazy ass pop up? You don’t want her to meet Chyna, I know,” Vice said to his cousin.
“Maannn, you know that girl ain’t gon’ bring her ass down here. I ain’t worried,” Babyface replied confidently.
“Okay… you know better than to underestimate a crazy ass selfish broad,” Vice retorted. They made their way inside the mall and got stopped several time by different chicks trying to push up on them. Vice collected every number he could, while Babyface tried his best to dodge all of them. He had Sasha and Ki that he couldn’t get rid of and Chyna who he was really digging, but still mad that he was on the back burner for a lame ass nigga. They finally made their way to City Gear, Crisp, and Belk, where they bought a mixture of Polo, True Religion, and a few other pieces, along with some Polo Red and Giorgio Armani cologne.
They walked out of Belk and, five seconds later, the security alarm sounded. They both stopped and looked back and two females ran right into them. “Get the fuck outta the way!” one of them screamed.
“Bitch, if you don’t watch where the fuck you going!” Babyface fumed after dropping his bag. Security came running next, but the girls were turning the corner. One of them kept going, but one of them stopped and asked to see their receipts. “You gotta be fucking kidding me! I know you saw them bitches running away. We ain’t stole a got damn thang,” Babyface spat angrily.
“It’s just proper protocol to check everyone who was near the door when the security alarm sounds,” the security guard explained.
“Why your partner keep going then?” Vice chimed in and asked.
“They were at my counter and paid for their things,” a voice said from behind them. It was the white sales lady who had just sold them the cologne and checked them out. She eyed both of them with lust the entire time. The security guard seemed pissed off that she intervened. His partner started calling him on his walkie talkie and he took off running.
“Good looking out,” Babyface told the girl before they turned to walk off.
“No problem. Be sure to ask for Amy when you guys come back,” she said sweetly.
Vice turned around and went back towards the girl. “Go on and put your number in my phone,” he told her and she eagerly met his request. “I’ll be in touch,” he said while smiling and walking off.
“Man, if you don’t leave these white folks alone. They already don’t like our black asses,” Babyface told his cousin after he caught up.
“I don’t like they asses either, but she look like she’ll suck the skin off my dick, so I need to see,” Vice said and they both burst out laughing.
On the way out of the mall, they bumped into Chyna and Pete. “Hey baby,” Babyface said and Chyna smiled.
“What the hell? Why you calling my girl baby? Haven’t I seen you before?” Pete said to Babyface.
“You know who the fuck I am, you lame ass nigga and ask her why I’m calling her baby,” Babyface said. Vice couldn’t control his laughter. “Let me holla at you for a minute Chyna,” Babyface said and grabbed her arm and pulled her to the side. Pete was about to object until Vice told him that it would be best if he just chilled out. His skin turned red as a stop sign, but he didn’t move.
“When you gon’ get rid of this lame mu’fucka?” Babyface sarcastically asked Chyna.
“Soon. I’m here to get the last things for my parents’ anniversary party next weekend. My mom expects him to be there, Jaleel. I at least have to wait until after next weekend,” she pleaded with him.
“That’s some straight bullshit and you know it Chyna,” Babyface nastily replied.
>
“Let’s not act like you don’t have other women, but I promise I’m getting rid of him very soon. You don’t have to worry,” she furiously said, then looked over a fuming Pete. “I need to go and handle this business. You wrong as hell for this, but I get it,” Chyna continued.
“Nah, you wrong… I saw them punk ass pictures you posted on Instagram and Facebook of that nigga,” Babyface said with hurt in his voice.
“We’ll talk soon Babyface. Let me go and finish this up before my mom starts blowing me up please,” she said while trying to keep her tears at bay.
“I don’t get a hug?” Babyface spitefully asked.
Chyna turned around and hugged him. “You really done threw gasoline on open flames,” she told him, then turned and left.
“You know what to do if you have any problems!” he called behind her.
“Nigga, you stupid as fuck,” Vice said to his cousin while laughing. “If looks could kill, yo ass would be dead,” he continued.
“Fuck that pussy ass nigga,” Babyface said as they headed for the car.
Chapter 19
“You been acting real foul Chyna and I’m getting sick of it. How you just gonna play me like that in front of some thugs?” Pete spat.
“He is not a thug,” Chyna wickedly said.
“Oh, so you’re defending him? Incredible,” Pete said while shaking his head.
“You’re acting like I haven’t tried to take a break Pete. And you’re also acting like you’re so innocent,” Chyna emotionally stated.
“Chyna, I’m the best man for you, and you’re gonna miss me when someone else snatches me up,” Pete said, then his phone started ringing. He looked at the screen and silenced the call, only for it to ring again a few seconds later. The guilty look on Pete’s face didn’t go unnoticed, so Chyna spoke up.
“Answer your phone Pete! It must be really important,” she told him.
“It’s not important,” he replied. “I can’t wait to get to your mom’s house and eat,” he said, trying to change the subject. His phone started ringing again and Chyna reached and snatched it out of his hand. The number wasn’t saved, but she answered anyway.
“Hello,” she said. The caller hung up. Pete snatched the phone away from her before she could log the phone number into her memory. “Who’s your girlfriend?” Chyna maliciously asked.
“You,” he answered while opening the door to enter the mall.
“If you say so,” Chyna said, while rolling her eyes.
They went to the three stores Mrs. Patterson instructed them to go to and grabbed the various items, which included décor for the party next weekend. Pete’s whole vibe changed and Chyna knew that he was up to no good. He was very helpful and even offered to pay, but Chyna declined. She had saved up for this event, as well as Corey, and they wanted certain things to be from them. Damn, I hate I couldn’t get that number before he snatched the phone. It would be so much easier to dump his ass if I could catch him on some bullshit, she thought to herself.
After purchasing everything, they left and headed to Byram, where Chyna’s mom was cooking Sunday dinner. The ride was quiet. Pete tried to grab Chyna’s hand, but she politely snatched it away from him. “I love you, Chyna, and we are going to make this work,” Pete told her and turned the radio up.
Chyna sighed, leaned her head back on the seat, and closed her eyes. She knew there was no need for her to reply, so she didn’t. I just need to get through next weekend, since mom wants Corey and I to bring our significant others to the anniversary party. Corey has gotten away with not bringing a woman home for the past few years, but mom isn’t having it anymore. Next weekend just needs to come and go quickly.
“We’re here,” Pete said as he pulled into the driveway, jerking Chyna away from her thoughts.
Chyna and Pete took the bags to the storage room, then headed inside. Mrs. Patterson was in the kitchen, so Chyna stopped to help her, while Pete went and found Mr. Patterson in the living room. “Did you find everything dear?” Victoria asked.
“Yes, mother. It’s going to turn out very nice. You’ll be happy,” Chyna replied.
“Are you okay?” her mom asked. Chyna was a bit shocked because her mom rarely asked others about their feelings.
“Not really, but I’m sure you wouldn’t understand where I’m coming from,” Chyna replied sadly.
“Honey, I’m sure I would. What’s going on?” Mrs. Patterson asked.
“I’ve outgrown Pete. I feel like I’m just going through the motions and wasting my time,” Chyna replied.
“Pete is a great man, Chyna. I’m sure it’s just a phase you’re going through. Just don’t do anything stupid or fall in love with another man. It’s okay to explore your options and play the fields, but don’t fall in love or get caught,” Victoria told her daughter.
“Why are you always defending Pete? It’s not like you really know the real Pete. He’s quite selfish and very stuck on himself. He tries to be controlling, but he’s really a pushover. I have no emotional connection with him,” Chyna opened up to her mom.
“He’s a great man Chyna. You will see and appreciate him more in the future. Whoever you’ve fallen for, get rid of him. Trust me, he’s no good,” Mrs. Patterson said.
“I knew you wouldn’t understand. I don’t even know why I tried,” Chyna said before making a dramatic exit from the kitchen.
She walked into the living room and headed for the stairs without saying a word to her dad or Pete, who were both all into the Saints and Falcons NFL game. “You need help with anything?” Pete called behind her when she made it to the second step.
“Nope,” Chyna replied and jogged the rest of the way up. She laid across the bed and closed her eyes briefly. Babyface took over her thoughts, so she pulled her iPhone out of her pocket and texted her girls, so she could have a distraction. They all chimed in right away.
Chyna: My life is so complicated!
Leah: What’s wrong sweetie?
Ashley: I can’t believe you’re texting us. You haven’t replied back to us in ages.
Chyna: I’ve been busy Ash; I haven’t heard from you much anyways. It’s a two-way street
Alyssa: What’s wrong Chyna Doll?
Chyna: Do y’all think it’s possible to be in love with two people at the same time?
Ashley: Are you REALLY falling for the thug? Let’s be for real Chyna!
Leah: Love is complicated girl. It seems like anything is possible, but it’s probably not the same type of love.
Leah: Why you always coming so hard at people Ashley? You act like you’re perfect
Alyssa: There are different levels of love. You’ll be able to tell which one is real
Chyna: I didn’t message you to argue Ashley. Let’s not forget we know about your secrets.
Ashely: Really Chyna? You know that’s a sensitive subject and you decide to throw it in my face. Some friend you are.
Leah: Ash, you’re always judging people like you’re so perfect. We only want you to treat us with the same respect we treat you with, damn!
Chyna: UGH! I’M CHANGING THE SUBJECT!! Don’t forget about my parents’ anniversary party next weekend. If you’re bringing anyone, let me know by Wednesday
Leah: I’ll be there
Alyssa: Me too
Ashley: I’m coming, but I doubt Trevor can make it
Chyna: Great! Let me head back downstairs for dinner
Chyna got up off of her bed and headed back downstairs. When she made it to the bottom, she found her mom and Pete talking, and it appeared that her mom was up to no good. “I was just about to come up and get you, darling. Come on, let’s set the table. Dinner will be ready in less than five minutes,” Mrs. Patterson said. Chyna headed towards the dining room, but Pete stopped her and stole a kiss. She was about to say something until she noticed her mom looking and smiling. I knew she was up to no good, Chyna thought to herself.
Mrs. Patterson prepared roasted potatoes, lemon peppered chicken, pot
roast, mixed vegetables, yeast rolls, and a pineapple upside down cake. Since Victoria didn’t work, she mastered cooking in her spare time by taking different culinary arts classes. After the table was set and the food was in the middle, Mrs. Patterson called her husband and had Chyna call Pete. Just as they sat down, the door knob started turning and in walked Corey.
“Hey baby! I didn’t think you were going to make it,” Mrs. Patterson said as she got up to give her son a hug.
“I lost track of time, but I’m starving, so I was coming no matter what time it was,” Corey replied, then spoke to everyone and playfully hit Chyna on top of her head.
“Don’t get hurt big head,” she told her brother playfully.
“You’ve been putting in extra hours I noticed son,” Mr. Patterson said to Corey.
“Yeah, the orders have been huge pops. The overtime is gonna pay off big time though,” Corey replied. “They mentioned a promotion, but I’m not sure if that’ll be the best move for the time being,” Corey continued.
“You just have to weigh your options son,” Mr. Patterson said, then turned to Chyna. “How’s school baby girl?” he asked her. Victoria made a funny noise and Chuck gave her a look and got her together right away.
“It’s going great daddy! I’ll be glad when I start on my classes for my major. That’s going to be so much more interesting,” Chyna replied with a genuine smile.
“Sounds great baby girl! As long as you’re happy, I’m happy,” her dad replied.
“I’ve been looking at some apartments. And I’ve been saving my own money; plus, I start a part time job this week,” Chyna informed her family.
“I thought you were going to move in with me,” Pete finally spoke up and said.
“You know we’ll help with expenses. You don’t have to work and go to school.” Chyna looked over at her mom before replying.
“No, I need to become more independent, but I appreciate the offer,” Chyna said.
“Look at you tryna grow up and shit… I mean tryna grow up,” Corey said.