Thug Matrimony

by Wahida Clark

  “Arrrgh,” he screamed, balling up into a knot.

  She then turned to a surprised Kaylin. The whole room was looking at her as if she had lost her mind.

  “This is my fuckin’ wedding day!” she screamed as she looked down at the blood on her hand, and the smudges on her gown made her even angrier. “Nigga, you are going to marry me … sometime today. Do you hear me, Kaylin? Call the cleaners, get my dress cleaned again.” She sobbed.

  “Yo, get the fuck out!” Kaylin yelled. He was waving his gun at Snake and his crew. Bullet and the white boy went to help Snake up.

  “Angel, tell this nigga who you really want to be with!” he taunted, while laughing at Kaylin. “Go ahead and tell him you want me. Tell him you will always love me and I’ll never stop loving—”

  “Keenan, shut the hell up! What I do want is for you to get the fuck outta here so that I can marry my husband! I hate you!” she screamed.

  “I love you, baby. You know you don’t mean what you just said. You know it. I know it. Why you tryna marry that nigga? I came back for you,” he yelled as they dragged him out the side door.

  Kaylin stared at Angel shaking his head. He stuffed his gat into his waistband and turned to walk away.

  “Nigga, don’t walk away from me. I didn’t do anything,” she pleaded, then grabbed him. “I want to get married today, Kaylin … right now. Okay, baby? Let’s get married.”

  He yanked away from her. “I don’t think so, Ma.”

  “What?” she yelled in disbelief. She picked up another one of the candleholders off the table and threw it at his back.

  He stopped and turned around. All of Kaylin’s crew quickly filed out of the ballroom, leaving them alone.

  “You heard me. I’m not marrying you today. I gotta sort some things out.”

  “I know you ain’t let that fake-ass pimp take you off your square like that.” She sucked her teeth and then let out a loud, disgusted sigh. “I don’t believe this shit!” She got up in his face. “What! You actually think I want that nigga? Huh, Kaylin? Is that what you’re thinking? Go ahead and say it so I can bust you in your fuckin’ mouth. Say it, nigga! You think I want him?”

  Kaylin smirked as he turned to walk away. “Red, chill out. Like I said, ain’t nobody getting married today.”

  “Nigga, fuck you,” Angel spat. “You punk muthafucka.” She hurried and got in front of him, blocking his path.

  “Red, you better go ‘head. I ain’t in the fuckin’ mood. My man got shot. It ain’t just about you today. And I damn sure ain’t feelin’ you all up in my face talking to me like I’m some fuckin’ busta.”

  “That’s what the fuck you are if you are gonna let that nigga come between us. All the shit we’ve been through. All the shit you took me through and now you’re accusing me of wanting some other nigga who I said to hell with a long time ago? You’re questioning my love for you all of a sudden? I should be questioning your love for me, nigga, seeing how quick you are to bitch up and flip the script on me.”

  “I never gave you a reason to even question my love.” He stormed out of the ballroom, leaving her standing there in the middle of the floor.

  When Kaylin stepped out of the ballroom Kajuan and Bo were waiting on him.

  “That’s fucked up, yo,” Kajuan told him. “How you gonna not marry Shorty? What the fuck is the matter with you?”

  “Nigga, I’ma ask you to mind your business. Now ain’t the time.”

  “You kiddin’ me, right? You’re not gonna marry Red?”

  “I said no, man. Not until I kill that fuckin’ fake pimp-ass faggot.”

  “That’s fucked up.” Bo shot Kaylin a look of disgust.

  “Let me go check on Shorty,” Kajuan said.

  When he went inside the ballroom Angel was sitting at the table with her head down, crying.

  “Yo, sis,” Kajuan called out to her.

  “Leave me alone. I’ma be all right. Just leave me alone, okay?” He handed her a handkerchief and she pushed it away. “Please, just leave me alone. I’ll be fine.”

  Kajuan stood there gazing at the beautiful bride to be. Despite her disheveled hair, smudges on her gown, and puffy eyes, she was still beautiful and glowing. He made a mental note to find out what was wrong with his brother. He had to be on some other shit. What? He didn’t know but needed to find out.

  “Aiight, sis, if you need me, just call my moms. My brother’s ego is crushed. He’ll eventually put it back together again and come to his senses.”

  “Fuck your punk-ass brother and his ego. Now, can you just leave me alone please?”

  “Aiight. You got that. I’ma give you your space.” He backed out of the double doors and headed up to the suite.

  Kaylin was washing up and changing clothes. “What the fuck happened to Trae? Where was he?” he yelled.

  “I just hung up. He said he got shot three, four times. He was in the operating room and that’s all the info he had.”

  “Fuck!” Kaylin spat as he looked for some keys, forgetting that they took a limo to the hotel. “We gotta get to the hospital.”

  “We’re just waiting on you. There’s a car for us already out front,” Bo told him.

  “Let’s roll, then,” Kaylin answered, ready to go.

  Chapter 3

  Angel honestly and truly couldn’t believe this shit. Words couldn’t explain what she was feeling. They say everything happens for a reason, and she was looking for the lesson in this whole scenario and didn’t see shit. She had no understanding.

  She could see if it was her fault. But it wasn’t. She didn’t invite Keenan to the fuckin’ wedding. The nigga was dead as far as she was concerned. So she moved on. Her feelings for him were long gone. Of course she was shocked when she was told that he was on the premises. What the fuck would Kaylin expect? Hell, so was he. Here a nigga shows up whom she was gonna marry, and who she thought was dead, and she wasn’t supposed to be shocked?

  Kaylin obviously was losing his mind. She’d never, ever saw him act like that. He instantly transformed into a totally different person. She didn’t know who that man was who flipped the script on her. He acted as if he didn’t know her and like she wanted to run and jump in the nigga’s arms. She didn’t want Snake. She had who she wanted. Kaylin. Shit, she loved the nigga to a fault. But know what? Her attitude was, fuck it! If he don’t know that by now the nigga was blind.

  But right now she was tired. Tired, tired, tired. Tired of niggas putting their hands on her. Tired of having to prove her love to these niggas. How about that shit?

  What about when he decided to do his little disappearing act? What did she do? She waited for his ass. Not only waited for his ass, but held on to his money, oversaw his recycling business and record label, which she had to learn as she went along. They both were new to her. Then when Kaylin finally resurfaced, she jeopardized her freedom and her career by remaining in a relationship with a convicted felon. She moved into his house, kept it up for him, and took his son, not their son, to visit him every week. And he had the nerve to question her love? And on top of that she was carrying his seed?

  Hell to the nah! She was so tired of these niggas she didn’t know what to do. And her mouth. She never cussed this much in her entire lifetime!

  Just then Angel’s mother busted through the double doors.

  “There you are. Oh, my baby. Look at you,” she cried as she rushed over to Angel.

  “Ma …” Angel sobbed, unable to get any more words out.

  “It’ll be okay, baby.” Her mother was on her knees hugging and trying to soothe her daughter. “Go ahead, let it all out.” Angel was crying uncontrollably. They remained hugged up for at least ten minutes.

  “Mommy … it … it wasn’t even my fault. He … he … just walked … Oh G-God … walked out on me.” Angel still couldn’t believe it.

  “Why did he walk away, baby? You’re not telling me enough.”

  “Be … because Keenan came ask … asking for me,” she got
out, in between sobs.

  “Keenan?” Mrs. Smith inquired. “Chile, what on earth are you talking about? But I thought…” Mrs. Smith covered her mouth. She was now in shock.

  “Yeah, Mom. Me too. The nigga is alive and kicking, Mommy. He was here. I saw him.”

  “Oh my God. Where is he now?”

  “He left. Kaylin beat him up and he left.”

  Angel’s mother stood up, hands on her hips. “Where is that boy Kaylin?”

  “He left,” Angel groaned.

  “Well, where did he go, Angel?”

  “To the hospital. Trae got shot. Oh, shit!”

  Angel gasped. Tasha! “Mommy, I can’t believe I’m sitting here drowning in my tears, and Tasha! O my God!” Angel stood up. “Mommy, I gotta go check on Tasha.”

  “Trae got shot?” Mrs. Smith was still stuck on that. “Who shot him? Well, where are the police? Is he all right? Oh my Jesus! Y’all children need help. This is just too much for me.”

  “For me too, Mom. Please. I need you, Mommy. To tell the wedding coordinators the wedding is off. Tell them to dismiss everyone with style. Tell them Kaylin will pay them extra. I’ll go and explain everything to Reverend Run, then I gotta get to the hospital.” Tasha, I am so sorry, girl.

  Mrs. Smith and the wedding coordinators had a heck of a time explaining that the wedding and the reception were off. It was almost two hours before they saw the last guest out the door.

  Angel apologized to Reverend Run and did her best to explain the main details of what happened. He was very compassionate as he listened, then insisted that he take her to the hospital. He told her that everyone could always use some prayer. He waited in the lobby while she went to go change out of her wedding gown and take a quick shower. She threw on the outfit she was to wear on the private jet to Hawaii, a pair of Seven jeans, a top, and crocodile loafers. Looking in the mirror, she saw her eyes were red and swollen, and so was her nose. Her neck was red from where Kaylin choked her.

  “No more!” she said into the mirror. “No more!”

  When they arrived at the hospital, Trae’s father was in the lobby with the twins, Kareem and Shaheem.

  “Mr. Macklin.” Angel embraced the older version of Trae. “You already know Reverend Run.” The two men shook hands. The reverend assured him that Trae was in the Lord’s hands.

  Angel kissed the twins. “How is he?” Her heart went out to the twins. “Trae is like a brother to me, Mr. Macklin. I would never forgive myself if …” Angel didn’t want to say it and burst out crying instead.

  “Baby girl, you know that hard-headed, stubborn boy is going to be all right. I bet you he scared the bullets away. Get on up there while you got the chance. They are ready to put us out. Too many of us up there.” He handed her his visiting pass.

  Even though Mr. Macklin was trying to sound strong, she could see the worry lines around his eyes.

  Angel said a prayer as she and the reverend rode the elevator to the ICU. What did God want her to get out of today’s events? she wondered as she stole a glance over at the reverend. Nothing but bad things had happened this day.

  As she mentally tried to figure it all out, the elevator doors came open. The first person she saw was Kaylin. He was staring out the window. Angel’s stomach knotted up with butterflies at the sight of him. I hate that I love that nigga so much, she thought to herself. Sitting in the chairs against the wall were Omar, Kajuan, Mrs. Macklin, Kyra, Marvin, Jaz, and Faheem. No wonder they were trying to put them out. The whole family was there. Reverend Run headed over toward Kaylin.

  Before Angel could ask where Tasha was, she spotted her coming out of the bathroom blowing her nose. She had someone’s jacket on over her bridesmaid’s dress. The dress had dried blood all over the front of it.

  When she looked up and saw Angel she broke down crying. Angel went over, hugged her, and led her back into the bathroom. Angel, seeing how distraught her girl was, knew that she had to be strong for her.

  “Angel … what … I don’t want to … live without him,” Tasha barely got out between sobs.

  “You won’t have to. You know that nigga is a fighter,” Angel assured her.

  “Then what’s taking them so long? I’m going crazy.” She ran both of her hands through her hair and turned in a circle. “They won’t even tell me anything, Angel. I can’t take it.”

  “They’re doing all they can, Tasha. He’s a fighter. We got the money for the best doctors, so I promise you that nigga will be aiight. You know he is not leaving you and his boys. His family is everything to him. Am I right?” Tasha nodded yes. “I know I am. We just have to have a little more patience.”

  “Roz.” Trina was knocking on the bathroom door. She eased it open, looking from Tasha to Angel, and decided to hand Angel a large travel bag.

  “Look at you, Ma. Let’s see what we got in here.” Angel opened the bag and pulled out a baby-blue and white Baby Phat sweatsuit, underwear, and a pair of white Baby Phat sneakers. There was also a toothbrush, lotion, washcloth, and a towel. At the bottom of the bag were magazines: KING, FEDS, Don Diva, and Essence. She took everything out of the bag except for the magazines.

  Angel wet the washcloth with warm water and dabbed Tasha’s face. She then helped her out of the suit jacket and peeled off the bloody bridesmaid’s dress. She gently washed Tasha off before helping her get into the clean clothes. She then brushed her hair and put it into a ponytail.

  “Tasha, I never imagined that a wedding day could turn into such a disaster. Today was supposed to be a happy day for everybody. I am so sorry, Tasha. If I could go back and do things different, I swear I would.”

  Tasha gave Angel a hug. “We’ll get through this … I hope.”

  Angel broke down and cried. “Shit!” she cursed, mad that she caved in. “I’m sorry, girl. And yes, we will get through this.” She tried to stop crying. “I can get married some other time. I’m sorry. Here I am supposed to be here for you and I’m crying on your shoulder.” She smiled.

  “Wait a minute. What do you mean ‘you can get married some other time’? Y’all didn’t get married? Then what were y’all doing all this time?” Tasha was honestly confused.

  “Oh God, Tasha. I thought you knew!” Angel covered her mouth as if she just leaked the biggest secret.

  “Knew what, Angel?”

  “Keenan came to the wedding wanting to speak to me. Of course Kaylin went ballistic and beat his ass. He would have killed him if it wasn’t for it being the wrong place and time,” Angel rattled off before starting to cry hard, like a kid who just got a major ass whipping. “He … Tasha … he wa … walked out. He said he did … didn’t want to marry me. Tasha, I swear it wasn’t my fault.”

  “Keenan? Snake?” Tasha’s mouth was wide open. Angel nodded yes. “I thought he—”

  “We all did.” Angel was tired of saying it.

  “That slimy bastard! How does he look? What did you do?” Tasha was pacing back and forth, not believing what she was hearing. “Damn, that had to be crazy. What a fuckin’ creep!” she spat.

  “It was creepy. I don’t think I’ll ever be the same again. I hope I don’t start having nightmares.”

  “Fuck! What does he look like?”

  “The nigga hasn’t aged a bit. He looks exactly the same except for the eye patch. It took everything I had not to freak out. If I had a gun I would have put out his other eye. I was so damned scared and mad.”

  “I don’t believe Kaylin. Y’all really didn’t get married?”

  “Nooo,” Angel sniveled. “He even choked me. Accused me of wanting to be with the nigga and everything.”

  “Oh, hell no! Fuck that! I told him he better not ever put his hands on you.” Tasha stormed out of the bathroom, temporarily forgetting about Trae.

  Angel was running behind her. “Tasha, I got him.” She grabbed her hand. “I got that nigga, trust me.”

  Tasha yanked away. “I know, but I still need to check his ass. He got shit twisted. Kaylin! Kaylin!” S
he yelled as everyone turned to look at the disheveled sistas.

  “Mrs. Macklin.” The nurse on duty interrupted at the nick of time. This is Dr. Chen. He’s filling in for Dr. Harabi.” Dr. Chen was a tiny, frail Chinese man. He was bald on top, wore huge frames, and had protruding front teeth.

  “Mrs. Macklin. I’m Dr. Chen.” He gave a slight bow and then led her off to the side. Everyone in the waiting area was now standing up, anguish evident all over their faces.

  Trae’s mother was now up and standing next to Tasha. They were holding hands.

  “Dr. Chen, this is my husband’s mother. And these people standing around are all extended family.” She was now squeezing her mother-in-law’s hand. Her voice began to tremble. “Whatever you have to say concerning my husband please say it in front of everyone.”

  “Very well, Mrs. Macklin. The surgery was a success for the most part. We were able to dislodge all four bullets. However, the bullet that lodged in his chest and then hit his spine has triggered a comalike state. He …”

  Tasha fainted.

  Chapter 4

  Seventy-two hours later, Trae was still in a coma. Everyone was going back and forth to the hospital. Tasha was the only one who wouldn’t leave. She stayed by his side night and day. The family was bringing her meals, changes of clothes, and books to read. The twins, she would meet in the lobby every day, thanks to Trae’s parents.

  Angel couldn’t understand how she did it. She didn’t think Tasha ever went to sleep. Between keeping an eye on Trae, dealing with the detectives that came by daily, sometimes two and three times a day, the kids, Trae’s crew, and even Reverend Run, who came by two more times, Angel saw Tasha in a whole new light. On top of that she was keeping Angel’s spirits up. Angel had gone home to get a change of clothes and had been camped out at the hospital ever since.

  Angel was balled up on the small love seat seated in the far corner of Trae’s private hospital room. For privacy Mt. Sinai was the place to be. The room had a large bathroom, a sitting area, and if it wasn’t for his hospital bed and all of the monitors you wouldn’t know that you were in a hospital. It was freezing and Angel had the covers over her head and was trying to go back to sleep, that is until she heard Omar and Bo come in. They were talking low but Angel knew what she had heard.