Love Was the Case That They Gave Me

by Mz. Lady P

  I had been walking on eggshells around my father. He had me scared to even breathe wrong around him. I always knew that he would be pissed about me dealing with Tech, I just didn’t know he would try to kill him with his bare hands. My daddy was a beast with them hands. My baby, Tech, was hanging in there though. He made me proud of him for standing up to my father. I’m a grown woman but to my daddy and my brother, I’m just a little girl with pig tails.

  My mother and father were staying in a Villa not too far from where Jayceon lived at. I loved that they had rekindled their relationship. I was surprised that my mother was helping my father find his other daughter. My mother is the epitome of a forgiving woman. I don’t know if I could do it. Tech wanted to spend some time with Trinity so I headed over to eat breakfast with my parents. Hopefully, my father was out of his feelings and ready to talk to me. I didn’t know how much more I could take of him not talking to me.

  It was eight in the morning and Marvin Gaye’s “Sexual Healing” was blasting. I should have walked out of the door when I heard the music playing. I walked in the kitchen and my mother was wearing an apron and was naked as the day she was born underneath.

  “Ma!”

  “Didn’t you get my text telling you not to come over here?”

  “No. I wish I did though. Y’all in here cutting up. Give me my breakfast to go.”

  “I didn’t cook shit for you. Take your butt back over there with Tristan. I can’t believe you left him to come over here and fuck up my groove.”

  “Dang. I’m sorry. I just wanted to talk to Daddy about this situation with Tristan.”

  “We cool baby girl. Gone head now. Your momma about to twerk something for your Daddy. I love you Sky!” my Daddy yelled from the back and all I could do was shake my head.

  “Love you too, Daddy!”

  “Now that all that is over, bye Felicia,” my mother said as she walked past me with a plate. It had a big ass steak, eggs, and cheese grits. I was too mad she didn’t cook me nothing.

  “Bye to you too.” I grabbed my purse and I left to go back to Tech’s house. Dubai was such a beautiful and calming place. I took in all the sights on the drive back. Tech’s home was huge and I could get used to staying in it, but I didn’t want to get ahead of myself just yet. I wasn’t going to put it all out there. I’ll wait to see where this thing is going. One thing for sure and two for certain, I refuse to be just a baby momma.

  Chapter 30- Bella

  As soon as I opened my eyes I felt the urge to vomit. I jumped up from the bed and raced into the bathroom. My head was damn near inside of the toilet as I vomited all the damn wine I had drank. I had the worst headache in the world. Once I was able to stand up, I washed my face and brushed my teeth. I was in no condition to do anything. I went right back and laid down in the bed. My heart pummeled into my stomach as I saw Jayceon lying in the bed in a wife beater and gym shorts. All the events from yesterday came back full force to my mind. My stomach and my head were in no condition to even think about the shit. Once I climbed in bed I realized our son was on the other side of him asleep. I reached over and put him in between us. I didn’t want the nigga’s skin even touching me. I looked down and realized that all I had on was my bra and panties. I became so ashamed because I knew that he saw all of the bruises on me. I wasn’t ready to talk about the things that happened to me. However, I know that he wanted to know who had done the shit to me. I looked at him and wondered if we were ever really meant to be. Just knowing that he had shared something with another woman really hurt me. Besides Fatima, I was supposed to be the only other woman that shared a child with him. Call me selfish but it’s just my way of thinking. It’s sad that the love I have for him won’t even allow me to hate him, even though I know that I really should. Right now this headache wasn’t even allowing me to think straight. I needed to sleep this hangover off. I needed to be very coherent when I talked with Jayceon.

  *****

  When I woke up it was nighttime. I had literally slept the entire day away. I got out of bed and took a shower and I went to find Jayceon. I walked in the living room and he was on the phone. I stood back so that I could hear his conversation.

  “I told you I was over making sure Bella is good. Stop calling me Sahara. I’ll be there when I get there. As a matter fact I’m not coming back tonight either. I need to spend some time with my son.” He hung up and threw his phone on the couch. I just shook my head. This nigga had a lot of nerve to even be talking to the bitch while I’m here.

  “Baby momma issues, huh?” I said as I walked into the kitchen to look for something to cook. Surprisingly, he had already cooked tilapia, steamed broccoli, and mashed potatoes. I was happy as hell because my stomach was in my back. I made a big stupid ass plate and stood behind the counter to eat.

  “When you get finished eating we need to talk,” he said as he lit a cigar and drunk a shot of D’usse. I rolled my eyes at his ass because he was cockier than ever. Not to mention fine as fuck. I had to close my eyes and remember how his dick looked. I hate to admit it but I really missed everything about him. I felt myself getting weak but I knew I had to remain firm. It was imperative that we get down to the business at hand.

  “We don’t need to wait until I’m finished. We can talk now Blockka.” I said that to get under his skin but he just laughed it off. I could see his jaw twitching. If he thought I was going to be stupid in love ass Bella, he had another motherfucking thing coming. I’ve been stupid as hell over him. I don’t doubt his love for me but he has taken me for granted as a woman. Yes, I’m younger than him, but I’ve always carried myself like a woman that’s the same age as him or better. For some reason, after seeing him with another woman and crying my heart out, it made me have a different outlook on shit. I swear I woke up a different Bella than I was yesterday.

  I was finished eating so I went and sat on the sofa across from him. I could tell that he thought that he was about to dominate this conversation but I needed to get some shit off my chest first.

  “The fact that you thought it was okay to keep me in the dark about being a fucking thief was real fucked up. For over a year you lied to me about who you really were. I admit that sometimes there were clues right in front of me, but I chose to give you the benefit of doubt. After all, I loved you and you loved me. I was under the impression that we could conquer anything together. Imagine my surprise on my motherfucking wedding day when I got left at the altar. To top it off I find the ring that I purchased for you, wrapped up in the exact same clothes the robber wore at the jewelry store. All along it was you. You had a damn gun pointed in my face. At any point in time you could have come clean about the shit. You of all people know how that shit affected me. Yet, your black ass said nothing.” I was trying my best not to cry. I was so done with this weak ass shit I didn’t know what the fuck to do. Jayceon had no idea about me knowing about the jewelry store heist.

  “I know what I did was fucked up Bella. I had to get the fuck out of the city. If I didn’t I would be in jail for the next twenty-five years. As far as the heist goes, that shit was planned months prior. Do you actually think we would have ran up in that bitch knowing you were in there? It was you who decided to go and do the shit without telling me.

  “So, what you’re saying is it’s my fault for trying buy you a fucking ring.” I had to pour me a shot of his D’usse to calm down because he was blowing the shit out of me.

  “You know I’m not saying that Bella. Stop trying to twist shit all around.” He hit the glass table shattering it. I didn’t even flinch.

  “I’m not twisting shit.”

  “Contrary to what the fuck you might believe, I love the fuck out of your ass. Every decision I’ve made was for you.” I couldn’t do shit but laugh at his ass.

  “Let’s make some shit real clear. I know you think I’m all green to a lot of shit but it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see through the bullshit you spitting right now. Everything you did was to cover your own ass. Sinc
e you keep spitting this shit about loving me, did you love me when you were out here fucking that bitch? Building a fucking family with her ass. Did you forget you abandoned me and our son nigga?” I got up and muffed his ass. He immediately jumped up and literally choke slammed me on the couch. Shocked was an understatement. I was getting a glimpse of Blockka. I swear I saw his damn eyes change.

  “Let’s get some shit straight. I never abandoned you. I’ve made sure you and my son has been straight since the day I left. Fuck outta here with that bullshit. Don’t take your anger out on me because you started fucking with that police ass nigga and he was whooping on that ass. Don’t even fix your mouth to say shit about what I was doing when your ass was doing the same thing.” The sound of Baby Jay crying made him let me up off the couch and I rushed to get my baby. I grabbed him and I sat down on the bed. As I rocked him I wondered how Jayceon knew about Tyrin. Baby Jay was on his way back to sleep when I heard shouting in the living room. I rushed out the room to see what the hell was going on. It was Sahara and her baby.

  “Why the fuck would you bring her out in the air?”

  “Please Jayceon, you don’t give a damn about her. Ever since your precious Bella and your son came here, you’ve basically said fuck us. Let me know what it is right now. It’s either them or us. Trust and believe we’ll be straight.”

  “Let’s get some shit straight Sahara. Obviously, you got me fucked up. You can get the fuck out of here throwing around ultimatums and shit. When it comes down to my seeds. I’m choosing them each and every time, whether I’m with the mother or not. I’ll tell you this again, I’ll be home when I finish this shit with Bella. If you choose to leave or stay that’s your choice.” I wanted to say something but instead I decided to get the fuck out of there. Why are they even here arguing in my fucking villa? This is some straight bullshit. I didn’t have time for him or his baby momma drama. I didn’t come out here for all of this. I needed to be back home getting my shit together. Jayceon was so busy arguing with his baby momma he never saw me slip out of the door. I didn’t even pack a thing. I called Ms. Tina and let her know that we were on our way over. I wanted to go be with Sky but I wanted to give her and Tech some time to themselves.

  Chapter 31- Jayceon

  Sahara was really trying me. She knew full and well I wasn’t for none of that bullshit she was talking about. Far as I’m concerned she can leave my daughter and go on ahead about her business. Her ass knew not to fuck with me so she left. I was already pissed that she felt the need to bring my newborn daughter out of the house. What the fuck was she thinking? That alone made me curse her stupid ass out. I wasn’t trying to be disrespectful to her but she had no business coming over here anyway. Once she left I went to find Bella so that we could finish talking things out. I needed to get shit right with us. With her is where I wanted to be. I just needed Bella to understand that I loved the fuck out of her. I know I have flaws and I’m trying to work through my issues. All I need is Bella to see that I’m still the same nigga that she fell in love with.

  Searching the house and finding out that Bella was gone had me mad as fuck. I knew she didn’t go anywhere but either to Tech’s crib, or over to the crib my parents were at. Bella is going to make me kick her ass. I swear she was making me mad as fuck. I was trying my best to make shit right but she wasn’t even giving a nigga a chance. I was on my way to Tech’s crib when I got a call from my Pops saying that Bella was over there.

  *****

  “Don’t come in here hollering and acting ignorant Jayceon. You and Bella need to stop this shit. We’ll keep the baby. Y’all need some time alone to work this shit out.” Bella had locked herself in the room. I was trying my best to get her to come out but she wouldn’t. I got so fucking mad that I punched a hole in the wall.

  “That’s what I’m trying to do but her ass acting all extra and shit. She can take her ass back to Miami for all the fuck I care. I’m done trying to talk to her ass.” I grabbed my son from my mother’s arms and kissed him on his chubby cheeks. At this moment he is the only thing keeping a nigga calm.

  “You don’t have to worry Jayceon, that’s exactly what I’m going to do. You ain’t never got to worry about Isabella Santos nigga. You better believe that. Give me my son and take your ass on home with that bitch and her daughter.” She tried reaching for my son but I pushed her ass away.

  “Is that the reason why you won’t let me make shit right? You pressed about a bitch that I’m not even in love with. I admit I had a baby on you but I’m not going to apologize about that. Jasmine is here and I love her Bella. The only thing I’m sorry about is deceiving you. That’s my one and only regret. I love the shit out of you Bella and with you is where I want to be. If you can’t get past this situation with Sahara then so be it. Just please give me the opportunity to be in my son’s life.”

  “When we met and I fell in love with you, I never in a million years thought that you would be so fucking selfish and arrogant. You keep saying that you love and want to be with me, yet your actions show me different. You make me feel like I’m not supposed to be upset or hurt. You’re a fucking thief. Nigga, you rob people for a living. How could you fucking leave me alone? We needed you and you weren’t here. It’s more to it than just me being mad about you fucking some Arabic bitch and getting her pregnant. That bitch ain’t no threat to me. She could never love you like I do, her or any other bitch for that matter. I lost everything just to be with you. My parents, my business, and my life. You were my life Jayceon!” Bella was crying and that’s the shit I hated to see. I handed our son to my mother and I pulled her into my embrace.

  “Shhhh! Stop crying, Ma. I love the fuck out of you. Just give me a chance to make shit right. I need you like I need air. You got a nigga’s heart Bella.” I lifted her up and wrapped her legs around my waist. I kissed her lips as we walked all the way out to my truck. We needed to get away and get back on the right track. Plus, I needed Bella to do something for me back home. I would never put her in danger intentionally. She is the only one I trust to do this outside of my crew.

  *****

  Cause I know true love ain’t easy

  And girl I know it’s you

  Cause you complete me

  And I just don’t want you to leave me

  Even tho I give you reasons

  Cause baby sometimes

  I can tell just by your face this part

  Of us been gone… For so long

  And I know there ain’t no replacing

  What we got goin on… For so long

  But when it hurts

  I can make it better

  Girl if it works

  Its gone be forever

  We been through the worst

  Make it through the weather

  Our problems and pain

  But, Love Don’t Change

  Jeremih’s “Love Don’t Change” played throughout the penthouse suite at the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah Hotel, one of the best hotels in Dubai. Since we had checked in, Bella had taken a shower and was sitting on the sofa sipping on some champagne. She was doing a damn good job at ignoring me. It was like I wasn’t in the room. I decided to just play the music. The lyrics that Jeremih was singing was the way I felt about Bella. I could tell that she was feeling the shit as well. I really didn’t care for her drinking because it seems like that all she did to cope. That’s not good. People turn into alcoholics that way. For right now I needed to just let her deal with things her way. I was happy she was no longer crying. Although all of my shit had been laid out on the table, Bella still needed to tell me about her and that fuck nigga.

  “I’m sorry I wasn’t there when that nigga was putting his hands on you.” I felt guilty as fuck about her going through that. I could tell she was embarrassed as she put her hands down and started to play with her fingers.

  “It’s not your fault. I should’ve listened to you about Tyrin. He always wanted me. I was just blind to the fact like I am about a lot of things. I was in su
ch a vulnerable state and he took advantage of that. Not to mention my parents think he’s the best thing since sliced bread just because he’s a police officer. I’ll admit he helped me through the pregnancy and I was so thankful for that. The only thing was no matter how good he was to me, he wasn’t you, I think he knew that. In return he would hit me every chance he got. I was scared for Baby Jay. He would always threaten to take him away from me. He didn’t even want me to let Ms. Tina n’em keep him. I blame myself because I should have gotten out of the situation before shit got out of hand. I can’t believe I tried to kill his ass.” Hearing Bella tell me about the way this nigga was treating her had me mad as fuck.

  “What the hell you mean you tried to kill him?”

  “I set the house on fire while he was in a drunken sleep. He had beat me so bad. I knew I couldn’t stay there a minute longer. After I did it I went straight to Ms. Tina and Pops. That’s how we ended up here. I thought I had killed him but his partner has been keeping me up to date on his condition.”

  “I’m going to make some phone calls and see what’s going on out there.” That motherfucker needed to be dead. He didn’t deserve to live after putting his hands on Bella, not to mention hurting her in front of my son.

  “No! You can’t do that. I don’t want you to risk that. Despite being upset with you, the last thing I want is for you to be sitting in prison behind my actions. This is my mess and I need to go back home and fix it.” I lifted Bella up and sat her down on my lap.

  “Do you still love me Bella?”

  “I don’t want to, but my heart feels different.” Bella grabbed the sides of my face and kissed me passionately. It felt good as fuck to have her in my arms again.

  “Just give me another chance Bella. Let me show you that I can be a better man to you and father to my son.” I gently tugged at her nipples that were protruding through the sheer nightgown that she was wearing.

  “No more lies and secrets Jayceon. If taking shit for a living is what you do then so be it. I could never judge you. I don’t even know why you thought you couldn’t tell me from the jump. All this shit could have been avoided if you would have been truthful. I fell in love with you on our first date and I’ve loved you ever since.”