Secrets of a Kept Chick Saga

by Ambria Davis

  Walking through the frame where the door was supposed to be, I stepped on a pile of broken glass. Grabbing Kayla’s hand tightly, I pulled her closer. I didn’t want her to slip or fall and hurt herself. Walking farther into the salon, I felt like I was about to pass the fuck out. I had to grab hold of one of the chairs on my way—well, the one that wasn’t fucked up. My head began to hurt as I looked at all the hard work that my girl had put into this shop—all fucked up. Every station was fucked up, the mirrors and countertops were all broken, the chairs were ripped, the white walls had red paint on them, and the drapes were all finished. The couches in the sitting area had paint on them, and they were ripped. The floors were completely flooded. Every painting that they had on the walls was ripped into pieces and thrown all over. All of Mimi’s certifications were fucked up. They had the nerve to open every hair product, rinse, perm, hair spray, and poured that shit all over the place. “I can’t stay here. I can’t see no more of this shit,” I said out loud. Grabbing Kayla, I made my way toward the exit.

  “Excuse me, ma’am, but you can’t leave. We’re going to need you here while we write the incident report,” the officer said.

  “I’m not going anywhere. I just can’t be in here. I just can’t take seeing all of my girl’s hard work gone down the drain. I can’t believe someone could be this fucking bold to do some shit like this. Please, by all means, do what you have to do. I’ll be waiting outside when you’re done,” I replied, turning on my heels. Hell, I didn’t give the poor man a chance to respond. I just needed to clear my head, because too much shit was happening all at once.

  When I got outside, I spotted Candy and a couple of the other stylists hanging by the curb. I tried not to show how frustrated I was, but people already knew I’m not good at hiding my feelings.

  “How bad is it?” Candy asked as I neared her.

  “It’s fucked up, yo. It’s completely fucked. They ain’t leave shit untouched. They fucked the spot completely up. Had shit all over the fucking place. There ain’t shit in there we could save. We gonna have to pack up what little we can and move everyone down to the other salon.” I choked up as tears streamed down my face. Shit, I didn’t care who saw me crying. This shit was just too much for me, man. Every time I think that I’m getting a break, something else pops up.

  “Don’t worry, Mimi, we’ll fix it,” she replied, trying to console me.

  Pulling away from her, I looked directly into her eyes so she would understand what I was about to say. “That’s the fucking point, Candy. Mimi can’t fix anything when she’s lying on someone’s morgue all cold and shit. So tell me how she’s gonna fix this shit. Unless you’re able to bring someone back from the dead, then that shit there ain’t going to be happening at all.”

  She said nothing. I guess she was letting what I said sink in her head. Not waiting for her to respond, I continued, “Have someone come and board the shop up until I’m able to come and clean this shit up. In the meantime, tell everyone that they all have the next few days off. If they don’t know that Mimi’s dead, then fill them in, because I want everyone that works for her at the funeral. Right now, I have so much on my plate, and without Mimi being here, I don’t even know how I’m going to make it.”

  Shaking her head, she replied, “Will do, and I’m sorry for your loss.”

  “Yeah, me too; I’m going to holla at y’all later,” I said to her. Taking Kayla’s hand, I began walking to my car. Placing Kayla in the backseat, I was about to get in my car when someone called out my name.

  “Troy, wait.”

  “What now?” I huffed.

  Turning around, I noticed that it was the dude who owned the barbershop next door.

  “Yeah, what’s up?” I asked with an attitude. I wasn’t feeling any small talk right now. I just wanted to get as far away from this place as possible.

  “I know you’ve been through a lot in the past few days, but I wanted to say that I heard about Mimi, and I’m sorry to hear that. She was a real cool chick.”

  “Yeah, she was, and thank you,” I said, turning to get in my car.

  “Wait!” he hollered, stopping me in my tracks again.

  “What!” I snarled, full of attitude because dude was really getting on my nerves. Fuck, if he had something to say, I wish he’d hurry the hell up and say the shit already, because I had places to be and things to do.

  “Hey, hey, don’t bite my head off,” he replied, throwing his hands up as if he surrendered. “I only came to tell you that I seen a chick by the shop this morning when the cops first came here, and she said for me to give this to you,” he said, pulling a white envelope out of his back pocket. “It has your name on it. I was going to give this to the police, but since I know this shit is prolly personal, I decided to give this to you instead. Take care and stay out of trouble.” He handed it to me and walked off.

  I stood there holding the envelope in my hand like it was a disease or something. What the fuck is this shit? I thought as I began to open it.

  My mouth fell open as I read the contents of the letter. Looking up, I called out to him and asked, “Can you describe the chick who gave you this?”

  “Hmmm, she was about five foot five maybe, caramel complexion with short hair. Hell, she looked crazy as fuck, as if she ain’t slept in days or some shit.”

  I stood there speechless. Hell, I didn’t know anyone that fitted that description. I quickly looked around to see if anyone stood out of place, but everyone out here was basically the people who worked at the salon, a couple of clients, and a shitload of policemen. There was not one person who stood out to me or remotely fit that description.

  “Fuck,” I screamed aloud as I passed a hand through my hair. This shit was beginning to take a toll on me. I started pacing back and forth as I tried to think about my next move.

  “Uhh, shorty, are you all right?” dude asked, looking concerned.

  “Shit, I forgot you was right there, but, yeah, I’m straight.”

  “All right, cool,” he said as he turned to leave.

  “Hold up, do you see the chick who gave you this?” I asked, waving the note back and forth in the air. “Could you possibly describe her to me again?”

  “Well, I don’t remember much about her. All I could really tell you is that shorty was about five foot five, caramel complexion, big doelike eyes, with a beauty mark on the right side of her upper lip. Umm, she was kind of skinny, with a bad weave that needed a major touch-up. That’s why I thought she left you that letter and shit, but by the look on your face, I can tell that my assumption was wrong, and there was nothing nice written on that note.”

  “Oh, okay, cool. Thank you so much, but I have to go,” I sighed, turning to get in my car, totally ignoring what he said about the note.

  “Ma, hold up,” he yelled out.

  I turned to see what he wanted this time. “Yes?”

  “Look, ma, I don’t know what’s going on, and I don’t care to know, because that’s your business, not mine. But what I do know is that you and Mimi were some really cool chicks. So be careful, ma. There are some grimy-ass people out here. Female or not, they wouldn’t hesitate to body anyone. I know Mimi is gone and shit, but you’re always welcome to stop by if you need anything,” he murmured as he walked away.

  I took a minute to collect my thoughts as I sat there in the car. Hell, the description he gave me wasn’t helpful at all. I had no idea who had left that note for me. For all I know, this could be any bitch living in Atlanta. Who knows how many bitches we came across that was hating for no reason. Hell, who knows how many bitches Kaylin done fucked, ducked, and misled.

  Then a thought came to my mind. It could be either Star or that crazy bitch Jade. I mean, who else could have a score to settle with us? We did whoop both of their asses—well, Mimi never touched ole crazy-ass Jade—she was about to, and she let the shit go down. So why wouldn’t they come for us? I know one thing . . . If that was us who had gotten our asses whooped, we wouldn’t s
top until we settled the score. We would’ve made it our business to get back at whoever it was, but those bitches weren’t that bold . . . or were they? Nah, they wasn’t made like that. Why wait until after all this time to come for us, when the shit done died? Shit, but we always did say, “Beef don’t die . . . That shit just die down for a while.” Best believe you was gonna get dealt with when you least expected it. Nah, these hoes are green as fuck. They ain’t ’bout that life. Them hoes ain’t built for that shit, because if they was, they would’ve handled that shit the same fucking night.

  Pushing that thought to the back of my mind, I started my car and pulled off. I didn’t care if I was supposed to remain at the scene. Occasionally, I would steal a couple of glances at Kayla, who was busy playing with my iPad in the backseat. Poor child just didn’t know the shit that was going on around her.

  I was about to say something to her when this black Altima caught my attention as we were leaving. Any other time I wouldn’t have noticed it, but with everything that’s been going on, I’ve been on high alert. There was something about this car that totally creeped me out. Shit, it was just sitting there with the engine still running. It was parked just a few blocks down from the salon. I knew for a fact that there was someone sitting inside, because one of the windows was cracked, and there was a cloud coming from out of it. If they were trying to be incognito, it wasn’t working very well.

  I slowed down as I tried to get a peek at the person inside, but the heavy tint on the windows prevented me from doing so. I wanted to turn around, but I didn’t want to make it obvious. I’m pretty damn sure that I’ll be seeing this car again real soon. Only time will tell who was sitting in that car, spying.

  Speeding up, I headed in the direction of the mall. I wasn’t about to let no one intimidate me or spoil my day. If they really wanted me, they were going to have to work real hard to get me, because I ain’t the bitch they think I am. I’m going to give them a taste of their own medicine. What they don’t know is that I was born and raised in New Orleans. I don’t scare easily. It’s going to have to take a bunch of hardcore shit to scare a bitch like me. Being from NOLA had taught me one thing . . . I’m a bitch who knows how to hold her own—with or without a nigga’s help.

  Kaylin

  We’ve been on the road all night trying to put as much distance between Atlanta and us as fast as possible. To be honest, I really didn’t have a destination in mind. I just knew that I had to get the fuck up out of Georgia, and fast. I wasn’t trying to get caught. I had more than enough money to live my life on the run before I’d spend the rest of my life in a four-by-four prison cell. Besides, I needed to be there for my kids since I knew for sure that Mimi wasn’t going to be there for them. There was no way I was going to let anybody else raise my kids, and I damn sure wasn’t about to let the state get ahold of them. I heard about how people in those foster homes be doing those children wrong. I’d never let that happen to one of mine.

  “Kaylin, you’re going to have to find a rest stop soon. We’re almost out of gas, and the kids have to use the restroom,” Stacy said, pulling me from my thoughts. I’d been tuning her ass out the whole ride. I don’t know what in my right mind would make me bring her ass with me in the first place. I should’ve left her ass to fend for herself. Only reason I took her was that she had my son. If it weren’t for him, I would’ve been got ghost on her ass.

  “Kaylin,” she yelled, “yo’ ass over there daydreaming and shit. I know you hear me talking to you!”

  “Bruh, why the fuck you gotta be so fucking loud? I can hear yo’ stupid ass just fine!” I yelled back. This bitch was touching my nigga nerve.

  “Because you over there acting like you can’t hear me, and I know you can. I ain’t stupid. You’ve been ignoring me this whole fucking time.”

  “Bruh, look, go ’head with all that dumb shit. Right now is not the time for you to be fuckin’ trippin’ and shit. I got other things to worry about!” I waved her off.

  “What other things could you possibly have to worry about, huh? The new chick that’s supposed to be having ya baby? That’s what you over there worrying about?” she yelled, a little too loud for me.

  I was really starting to regret the mistake I made by killing Mimi and taking this bitch. Hell, I could’ve charged it to the game, but no, I let my anger get the best of me. Now I’ve lost the only girl I’ve ever really loved, and I’m stuck with this nagging bitch. I really didn’t want to leave her behind, because I didn’t wanna leave no witnesses. Yeah, I know I left behind Kailay’s supposed-to-be twin sister, but that was a child. Believe it or not, I’m not a monster. I didn’t kill her because she was a part of Mimi, and I’d already killed her parents. I didn’t want to kill her too. Hell, it was me who started this whole fucking thing. If I hadn’t fucked with Stacy’s ass from the beginning, we mighta been married right now. I would’ve had my family and great life—but I don’t—and I have no one to blame but myself.

  “Oh, so you don’t have anything to say now, huh?” she asked, getting even more ignorant.

  “Bruh, I’m telling you to chill out and leave me the fuck alone. I already told you, right now ain’t the fucking time for your bullshit!” I growled. I spotted a service station to my right and decided to pull in to get some gas and a couple of things out of the store. I also wanted the kids to get out and stretch their legs. They’ve been cramped in this van for hours. I know they need a good stretch.

  “Oh, so now you want me to chill, huh? Well, guess what? I don’t want to chill. Mimi was right. I started shit over a nigga who was and never will be for me. I should call Atlanta’s police department and turn ya red ass in.”

  I hurriedly threw the van in park and turned toward her. With my right hand, I grabbed her by her throat and spoke through gritted teeth. “Bitch, let me tell you one thing. Yo’ mouth will get you in a world of trouble because you don’t know how to shut it. If you ever threaten my freedom again, I’ll leave ya ghetto ass stinking with the rats, and I won’t think twice about it. I told you to shut the fuck up, but, no, your ho ass don’t know how to do that. You just wanna keep fuckin’ with me and shit, like I give a fuck about you. Bitch, I told yo’ ass once before that you will never be my woman. You ain’t shit—all you will ever be is a piece of pussy to me—nothing more, nothing less!”

  She desperately clawed at my hand, trying to get me to let her go. I wasn’t feeling none of this shit. I was in a zone. I told her ass to leave me alone, but she didn’t. She was only seconds away from passing out when the kids started crying, which made me let her go. I watched as she desperately tried to fill her lungs up with as much air as possible.

  “Bitch, I bet the next time I ask yo’ stupid ass to shut the fuck up, you will. Now, get the kids and take them to the bathroom,” I ordered and got out. I didn’t try to see if that ho was all right, I just needed to get away from her before I killed that bitch and added another thing I gotta worry about.

  Getting out of the car, I made my way to the store. I wasn’t too worried about people seeing me because we were in Mississippi, and I know the shit hadn’t made it that far yet, so I was cool. Making my way into the store, I paid for the gas, and then went to the bathroom.

  Walking into the bathroom, I went straight to the sink. Looking into the mirror, I looked like a maniac who’d aged ten years in the last couple of hours. My eyes were bloodshot red and had bags under them. Turning on the faucet, I splashed water on my face and sighed. Saying a silent prayer to the Lord for forgiveness, I made my way back into the gas station.

  When I walked out of the bathroom, I spotted Stacy and the kids checking out by the counter. Walking over to them, I noticed a boy in blue entering through the front door. Turning my back so he wouldn’t see me, I grabbed her by her arm. “Y’all almost done?” I asked her.

  “Yeah, we were just about to pay for our stuff when you walked over here,” she replied. “Why you looking like you done seen a ghost and shit?”

  I sai
d nothing as I went into my pocket, pulled out three twenty-dollar bills, and handed them to her. I was about to say something when I noticed the blue boy standing behind us. She noticed him too and shot me an Oh, yeah, motherfucker, I see why you acting all spooked and shit. I shot her back a glare that said, Bitch, play with me if you want to.

  “That should be enough for whatever you need. I’ll be waiting in the car,” I snarled and walked off. Once I made it out the door, I picked up my stroll. I wanted to hurry up and pump the gas so as soon Stacy and the kids finished up in there, we could get the fuck away from here. I was already having a bad day. A run-in with the cops was not what I needed right now.

  I started pumping the gas when I noticed a second patrol car pulling up to the gas station. I instantly got a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach as I watched two more uniformed officers walk into the gas station. I pulled my phone out of my pocket to call Stacy when I spotted her still standing by the counter talking to the first officer that was in there. My mind instantly went into panic mode as I put the pump back in its place and hopped in the car, started it, and waited, trying to figure out my next move. The minute I see a police officer walking this way, though, I’m gone. I’m not going to jail, and I most definitely don’t want to lose my kids, but if I get knocked by the police, I can kiss any chance of that good-bye.

  I tapped on the steering wheel as I thought about my next move. If Stacy was indeed ratting on a nigga, it was going to be hard as hell to get away from five-o. “Fuck it,” I screamed and threw the car in drive, prepared to leave them right here.

  Just as I was about to pull off, I spotted them coming out of the store. Placing the car in park, I waited for them to get in.

  “Hurry up and get in,” I nervously said as Stacy opened the door for the kids to enter. Once they were all in the car, I hurriedly pulled off, leaving smoke behind.