by Deja King
"In my heart I knew what you told me was true, but..."
"You weren't totally convinced," I said, completing Supreme's thought. "I knew that. That's why you still haven't touched me, because part of you believes that all this time I've been having this fling with Nico, that I left you and Aaliyah to be with him. I do pray that you find that necklace so you can put your mind at ease and have some sort of proof that I'm telling you the truth."
"I know that you are," Supreme disclosed as he moved his arm from behind his back and lifted up the necklace. "It was in a satin pouch in the pocket of a coat hanging in a closet I never knew existed. That's what happens when you live in a house that's way too big."
"Baby, I'm so happy you found it," I sighed, feeling for the first time that there was a chance Supreme and I could get back what we once had.
"If you want, I can put it back on for you."
"Of course I want you to." I walked to the hallway where Supreme was standing and turned around. He lifted my hair and latched the necklace around my neck, putting it back in its rightful place. I then felt the softness of his lips on my shoulder, and he began sprinkling kisses up to my neck. A warm shiver shot through my body as it yearned for the touch of my husband.
"Damn, I missed you!" Supreme whispered in my ear before the tip of his tongue stroked my earlobe. He turned me around and pressed my back against the wall, sliding his hand up the loose fitting dress I was wearing. The firm pressure from his hand caressed the flesh of my thigh.
"Baby, I missed you more," I said breathlessly.
My arms were pinned up and my eyes were closed as I gave in to the pleasure I'd been longing for. Supreme's tongue made love to every inch of my body before he even entered inside me. When he lifted his shirt off, the flexing of each muscle reminded me of how secure I felt in his arms. I needed him so badly that it scared me. He clasped his hands around my waist and lifted me up, and then laid me down in the middle of the hallway. I didn't mind, because I couldn't wait any longer and the bedroom seemed too far away. I wrapped my legs around his back and pulled him in closer as our kisses became more intense and our tongues went deeper. Then, when he let his long thick dick massage my clit, I had an orgasm based on the anticipation alone. And once he dipped inside of me, if possible, I fell in love with him all over again. It was clear that emotionally, physically and mentally, we were both trying to make up for all the months of being apart, which made our lovemaking that much more passionate, and let me know that I was finally home.
When the private jet landed at Teterboro Airport, I was anxious to go to Supreme's parents' house and get Aaliyah. I missed my baby so much that it hurt.
"Listen, I have some business I need to handle. The car will take you to my parents' house, and I'll be there later on when I'm done."
"I don't want to be away from you. Can we go get Aaliyah and then we come with you?"
"Precious, this is business, not pleasure. I'll be back as soon as I can," Supreme promised, kissing my hand.
"Okay, baby." I watched as he got into the other awaiting limousine. I speculated about what business was so important that he had to go directly from the jet to handle. But I also understood that the lifestyle we lived required more money than I ever thought was possible to even make. Maintaining this standard of living required a lot of work from Supreme. So, if he had to go and handle business, then I had no choice but to understand no matter how much I wanted to spend time with him.
After Supreme's limo drove off, I got into the other one. Before I could even get comfortable, my cell started ringing and saw it was Nico calling. "Hey you!"
"Hey you back. I hadn't heard from you since your flight landed and wanted to make sure you were straight."
"Everything's good. I actually just got to New Jersey."
"Jersey, what you doing there?"
"Supreme and I came to pick up Aaliyah. She was here visiting his parents."
"Well, let me let you go, `cause I know he doesn't want you talking to me."
"I'm alone. He had to go handle some business, so he's gonna meet up with us later."
"Cool. I know you can't wait to see your daughter."
"Nico, with all the bullshit I've been through these last few months, holding Aaliyah again will make it all worthwhile. But I'm still gonna stick it to Maya's ass. Speaking of Maya, have you gotten any new leads?"
"I was gonna wait until I got more facts before telling you, but since you brought her name up-"
"Tell me!" I insisted, cutting Nico off.
"Maya might be in New York. One of the investigators on the case said they believe she was spotted in her old neighborhood. He's had someone watching her mother's house for some time, but hadn't seen any activity. But supposedly yesterday she was seen in the area. This hasn't been verified vet, so I don't want you getting amped just yet."
"So, when do you think you'll know for sure?"
"I can't say; maybe in the next few hours, maybe not until tomorrow. But of course I'll call you the moment I get the facts."
"Are you still in Philly?"
"Yeah, but me and Genesis are heading that way now.
"You and Genesis?'
"Yeah. I told him I wanted to already be in New York in case what the investigator told me turned out to be accurate. He said he had some business to handle that way, so he would take the ride with me."
"I really do appreciate you staying on top of this for me. With everything I got going on, I don't want Maya to slip through the cracks."
"And she won't! You need time to reconnect with your family, so I'ma hold this shit down for you...no worries.
"I gotta feeling Maya might really be in New York. She knows I'm with Supreme, so she can't go back to Miami, and-"
"Hold up! Maya knows you're back with Supreme?"
"I've been so occupied tryna' get shit right with my husband that I forgot to tell you. I spoke to her."
"When?"
"The other day. She called Supreme and I answered. At first she was on some juvenile bullshit, playing on the phone. You know, hanging up then calling back. Finally, I called her ass out and she spoke up."
"What did she say?"
"Nothing much. She basically listened. I told her ass to enjoy her little freedom, because I was gon' tap that ass when I saw her. She tried to act like she wasn't shook, but I could tell I had the hussy nervous."
"I bet."
"That's why I believe she probably is in New York. She knows she can't come back to Supreme. With Devon dead, there's no need for her to stay in Philly, so why not go back to her comfort zone in New York to come up with a master plan?"
"True... but before you even told me about your conversation with Maya, I felt the same way. That's why I decided to head to New York. But now, with what you just told me, basically confirms it."
"Well, we're pulling up to Supreme's parents' house. Call me when you get to New York or find out anything else ... whichever comes first."
"Got you. And I know she's never met me, but please give Aaliyah a hug and kiss for me."
"That's so sweet, and I will. Bye."
I couldn't get out of the limo fast enough. By the time the driver got out to open my door, I was about to ring the bell. Mr. Mills must've heard the limo pull up, because he came out with open arms before I reached the entrance.
"It's wonderful to see you, Precious!" He said, giving me a hug.
"It's great to see you too. Where's Aaliyah?"
"With Grandma," Mr. Mills said affectionately. "They went to the park earlier, and they're on their way back now. I know how excited you must be."
"I am. I miss her like crazy."
"She misses you too. We told her yesterday that Mommy was coming to get her, and she's been smiling ever since."
I followed Mr. Mills inside the house, anxious for my baby to come home. "I see Aaliyah has her toys everywhere," I commented, looking around.
"Yeah, that's one of the beautiful things about having grandchildren. T
hey're so full of life. With their toys and curiosity, they can't help but keep us old folks full of life too."
"I know you all were planning on having Aaliyah much longer, and I apologize for cutting her visit so short, but..."
"You don't have to apologize for wanting your child to go home with you. I know that you, Supreme and the baby have been through hell. I'm just pleased you all have come back together and are trying to work things out."
"I am too."
"We've been married for over thirty-five years, and it hasn't been easy. I know it's hard work, but my son loves you, and I can look into your eyes and see that you love him a hell of a lot too."
"I do...I really, really do. I just hope our marriage can last as long as you and Mrs. Mills' has."
"Stay faithful and in prayer, and it will ...hold on, let me answer the phone. Have a seat and get comfortable. They'll be home soon," Mr. Mills continued before leaving the room.
A big smile crossed my face, and I sat down on the couch with an enormous amount of happiness consuming every part of me. For months, I didn't think I would ever feel this sort of contentment again. But here I was, sitting in the living room of my husband's parents' house, waiting for the arrival of my daughter. Growing up, I never experienced this sort of normalcy, and I had to admit, it was one of the most gratifying feelings in the world. My daydreaming of feeling on top of the world was interrupted when Mr. Mills came back into the living room.
"Mr. Mills, what's wrong?" His once jovial face now appeared to be cracked and broken.
"We have to go to the hospital."
"What happened?" I jumped up. "Say something!"
"My wife has a minor concussion, and Aaliyah's gone." Mr. Mills' voice was calm, but his hands were shaking and fear consumed his face.
"What do you mean Aaliyah is gone?"
"I don't know what happened yet. The police officer didn't know all the details."
"The police! Oh Dear God, this can't be happening to me, not again! Let's go, now!" I screamed, rushing out of the house.
When we got to Mrs. Mills' hospital room, she was sitting up in the bed and incoherent. Tears welled up in her eyes when she saw my face.
"Precious, I'm so sorry! I'll never forgive myself if anything happens to Aaliyah!" Tears were now streaming down her face, and I swear to you, I honestly didn't care. Her tears meant nothing to me.
"It's okay," Mr. Mills said, trying to console his wife.
"No, it's not okay! What happened to my daughter?"
"After we were finished playing at the park, we walked to the car, and when I was buckling her in the car seat, somebody snuck up behind me and knocked me on the back of my head. I must've loss consciousness, because when I woke up I was in the hospital bed."
"Thank God you're alright!" Mr. Mills said, rubbing his wife's shoulders. "It wasn't your fault," he continued, and then he turned to look at me, wanting confirmation that I didn't blame Mrs. Mills. He was right, it wasn't her fault, but it didn't change how fucked up I felt at this very moment.
Are you the missing little girl's mother?" a police officer entered the room and asked.
"Yes I am, but can you wait one moment? I need to take this call." I sprinted out the room, wanting some privacy.
"Nico, somebody took Aaliyah, and I put it on everything that Maya's motherfuckin' ass had something to do with it!"
"Get the fuck outta here! When did this happen?"
"It couldn't have been no more than an hour or so ago. She was at the park with Supreme's mother, and somebody rolled up on her from behind and knocked her out. Then, they took Aaliyah. That sounds like a Maya move."
"Fuckin' right! She's desperate. She knows you're holding all the cards, so what can she do but revert back to the only thing that gives her leverage ... Aaliyah! I might have to kill that bitch myself!" Nico roared. "Wait, hold on one second, that's the P.I. beeping in on the other line."
I wanted to leap out of my skin as I paced the hospital floor. Fuckin' around with Maya's demented ass was gon' have me with a head full of gray hair before I even knocked on thirty.
"He got something!" Were the first words Nico said when he clicked back over.
"What did he say?"
"Early this morning, Maya rented a car over at Enterprise."
"Which one?"
"The one in Englewood."
"She must've stopped there before she took Aaliyah, because Supreme's parents live in Teaneck which isn't far from Englewood at all."
"Yeah, because the dude that helped her said she didn't have a baby with her. But she did ask him if he could recommend a hotel in the area, and he suggested the Crown Plaza on South Van Brunt Street. She even asked him for directions and he wrote them down for her."
"I'm on my way over there."
"Precious, why don't you wait for me? We just passed Exit 13 on the turnpike."
"I'll see you there. I gotta go get my daughter!" I rushed back to Mrs. Mills' hospital room on a mission.
"Mr. Mills, I need your car keys."
"Why, you're leaving? You should stay here. Supreme is on his way."
"I'll call Supreme when I get in the car, but I need your car keys, now!" Mr. Mills just stood there staring at me like he didn't hear what the fuck I said. "Am I speaking a foreign language? I need your car keys, now!"
"Give her the keys." Mrs. Mills smacked her husband's arm, and he reluctantly handed over the keys to me.
"Thanks!" I said, snatching them out of his hand and rushing out. I heard the officer calling out, trying to get my attention, but I ignored him, because for what I was about to do, the police would only be in the way. I know I had agreed with Nico that our first option was to let the legal system work and let Maya rot in jail, but that option was now off the table. Maya was now officially a dead bitch!
"This baby is so cute! Whose little girl is this?" Tashawn asked me while she looked at a sleeping Aaliyah.
"She's my niece."
"I didn't know Mike had a baby."
"Yeah, he found out about her while he was locked up. And before he got killed, he always told me that if anything happened to him to make sure I took care of her."
"She is such a cutie. She do kinda look like him."
"I think so too."
"So, where's the little girl's mom at?"
"She fell on hard times and she ain't really got no family. She called me yesterday asking if I could keep her for awhile, you know, until she got back on her feet. That's my niece so I couldn't say no."
"True. That's real big of you though, Maya. Kids ain't no joke. They're a big responsibility. My sister got one, and she stays struggling."
"Exactly. I'm just glad I was in New York, which made it easy for me to go pick Aaliyah up from her."
"Yeah, that worked out good. So, how long are you staying? I mean, a hotel ain't exactly the best place for a baby."
"I know, and I need to get her so much stuff. I mean homegirl didn't even give me no clothes or nothing."
"Damn, she must've fell on real hard times. But I guess she was doing the best she could, because the baby looks like she was well cared for."
"Yeah, but I need to get her some stuff before we hit the road. That's why I asked you to meet me here. I was hoping you could watch Aaliyah while I went to the store and got some stuff for her."
"Oh, you need me to baby-sit? Girl, that ain't no problem, and she's asleep."
"Tashawn, you my girl. This is the second time you've come through for me. Here, take this," I said, going in my wallet and pulling out some money.
"This is five hundred dollars! What you want, for me to babysit her for the month!"
"Tashawn, you so silly!"
"You don't have to give me all this money."
"What, you don't want it?" I said, reaching out my hand.
"I ain't say all that," she laughed, tightly gripping the money and pulling her hand back. "I ain't crazy. If you want me to have it, I won't turn it down. I was just sayin' it wasn't
necessary to give me this much."
"Girl, don't worry about it. I appreciate you helping me out at the last minute like this. I shouldn't be gone that long, because I really want to hit the road tonight."
"Where you going?'
"We have to stop through Philly for a minute before we go to our new home."
"You bought a house?"
"Yep, it's in Miami, and it's beautiful."
"Damn girl, you doing good for yourself. Your money must be right-or should I say his money!"
"No, it's all mine. Mike had a huge insurance policy, and when he died all the money came to me."
"He didn't leave none for his daughter?"
"Well, he wasn't sure how stable her mother was, and he didn't want her to splurge all the money on herself and then his baby end up with nothing anyway. He knew I would make sure that if need be, my niece would be taken care of."
"You proved him right. Well, girl, when ya' get situated, you need to let me come visit you in Miami. I ain't never been there before, and I heard it's the shit!"
"Yeah, you'll love it. I'll definitely send for you so we can ball out and pop some bottles and shit."
"That's what's up!"
"Girl, let me head out and handle my shit before Aaliyah wakes up."
"Take your time. I know how to care for a baby. I baby-sit my nephew all the time. I got this."
"Thanks, girl. Hit me on my cell if you need anything."
"Will do."
As I rode the elevator down, I thought about how perfectly shit was coming together for me. Overhearing the conversation between Supreme and Arnez while we were in the car made the bullshit I had to deal with from that maniac Arnez worth it. I would've never known Aaliyah was with Supreme's parents, and my window of opportunity to snatch her up was a small one. I had to move swiftly if I wanted to get the job done.
From the months of living with Supreme and Aaliyah visiting his parents during that time, I knew their address, which was a serious plus point. After I had a cab drop me off at the rental car place not far from their house, and once I got the vehicle, all I had to do was park in an inconspicuous place and wait for the right opening to make my move. When I saw Supreme's mother come out of the house with Aaliyah, I knew the opportunity had come knocking. Once I followed them to the park and let grandma wear her little granddaughter's ass out, it was too easy to knock the defenseless old lady to the ground and take Aaliyah.