by Chunichi
“Don’t worry, Judah. I believe everything you’re saying. Trust me, I know how Ceazia gets down. I got your back as long as you got mine, baby,” I said, confident that I’d made the right decision.
“Good to go?”
“Excuse me?” I said, confused by his Jamaican slang.
“Everything straight?” he stated in between laughs at my ignorance.
“Oh yeah, everything good to go.”
“We’re gonna have to work on your patois I see. Lata.”
“Bye.” I felt relieved as I hung up the phone. It felt so refreshing to talk with Judah. It was like he was my sunray during the storm. Every time I was down, I could count on him to lift me up.
As I prepared a hot bath and got my clothes out for the day, I thought of that bitch, C. I owed her, and I owed her big time. I had to get revenge, but it had to be sweet. It had to be something that would make that bitch think twice the next time she did some fucked up shit.
While in the tub, I thought long and hard, but I couldn’t think of anything. I figured I’d have to start hanging out with her more. I needed to find out her deepest secrets then use them to destroy her. Once I got out of the tub, I was ready to begin my journey to the sweetest revenge. I called her up. “Hey, big sis!” I said full of fake enthusiasm.
“What’s up, Li’l Momma? You sound much better,” she responded in a tone that I was sure was just as fake as my own.
“Nothing, just ready to get out the house and do some things; go shopping, get my nails and hair done, you know, girl stuff.”
“Okay, well, you know I’m always down for a girl’s day out, so why don’t I come by and scoop you and we can go out together?” she offered.
Normally, I would be skeptical, but this time I had my own agenda, so I readily accepted her offer.
“Okay, come by in an hour.”
“Cool. See ya then,” she stated then hung up the phone.
Once I hung up, I realized I didn’t have any money for a girl’s day out.
“Let me think ... let me think ... Judah! Nah, I can’t call him for money already. Duke! Nah, just left him a Dear John letter.”
I had no one to call. I grabbed my purse to see just how much money I had. Then it hit me. Snake! He said if I ever needed anything to just call. Well, I needed something, and I needed it fast. I wasted no time calling him up.
“Hello?” a deep voice said from the other end of the phone.
“Hi, Snake. This is BJ,” I said timidly.
“Oh, shit. What up, li’l shortie?” He seemed excited to hear from me.
“Well, I called because you said to call if I needed anything. I’m sorta in a bind. Do you think you could help me out?” I forced the words out.
“No problem. Just come check me. I’m in the area right now. Meet me at the barber shop on Granby. You know the spot.”
“Okay, I’m on my way,” I said before hanging up the phone. “Thank God for that nigga,” I said aloud as I grabbed my purse and headed out the door.
The barber shop was only around the corner, so it took me no time to get there. I parked my car right in front and took my time strutting up to the door. All eyes were on me as I pranced inside to the barber chair.
“Damn, li’l shortie, that was fast,” Snake said, surprised that I’d arrived so quickly.
“Oh, I was already on my way out when I called,” I lied, trying to make it seem like I wasn’t as desperate as I looked.
“Right, right,” he said while digging in his pocket then handing me a wad of money.
I didn’t bother to count it. I thought that would be quite tacky. “Thank you. I really appreciate it,” I said then gave him a tight hug and little flirtatious look.
“Anytime, sweetie,” he responded as I rushed out.
Now back to the crib to wait for shiesty C’s arrival. So far everything had fallen right in place and I hoped my day with her would go just as smoothly.
I could hear the horn of C’s 745 from my upstairs window. Like always, she was right on time. I put on my phony face, grabbed my Marc Jacob bag, and once again ran out the front door.
“Hey, girl!” I yelled while waving my hand in the air.
“What’s up, Li’l Momma?” she asked while opening the passenger door from the inside of the car. She seemed pretty happy to see me. I figured she was better at being fake than anyone, but when you’re as devious as that bitch I guess you have to be that way.
“So, what’s on the agenda for today?” I asked as I plopped down on the leather seat and put on my seatbelt.
“Well, we can start by grabbing lunch then we’ll head to the spa then to the mall. How does that sound?”
She’d said exactly what I wanted to hear. That would give us the perfect opportunity to chat and hopefully pull some skeletons out of the closet.
“Sounds good,” I quickly agreed.
Ceazia picked my favorite spot: The Cheesecake Factory. Once we were seated, I quickly started the chat circle. So that I didn’t seem too obvious, I started the conversation by talking about my problems. I knew that was all it took to get that girl to talking. From previous conversation, I’d learned that stories about men mistreating women really burned her up. At times, she would get so upset that you’d think she was the one actually involved. So, I began the conversation by telling her how depressed I’d been the past couple of weeks because of Gina’s death and because of issues with Duke. Of course, she was more concerned with the issues I had with Duke, and she encouraged me to elaborate. And that I did—elaborate and exaggerate!
With tears in my eyes, I spoke. “I feel like Duke doesn’t appreciate me. He treats me like shit. I’ve been nothing but good to this guy, C. Why can’t he treat me right?” I begged her for the answer.
“BJ, like I’ve told you many times before, the answer is simple. You are too good for him,” she stated as though that was the answer to all my problems.
“I understand what you’re saying, C, but it’s not that simple. I just can’t tell myself I’m too good and walk away. Duke is the only thing I have. I’ve lost the two other people that were close to me. Gina is gone and Ray-Ray is gone. And the sad part about it is the reason the both of them are gone is because of Duke. He took them away from me. Hell, he’s even taken my virginity. I’ve given so much to keep this guy happy. All I ask in return is that he does the same.”
“Well, what exactly is he doing? Whatever it is, it must not be that bad because it’s not enough to make you leave him,” C inquired.
“Well, I found out that he’s cheating on me. I’m not really sure with who, but I know for a fact he is. I really don’t want to get into it because it makes me so mad. I mean to the point like, if I find out who it is, I may just do something crazy.”
“Umph! I know what you mean, girl. Niggas will make you snap and lose your mind. It seems like Duke just can’t help himself, Li’l Momma. It’s in his blood. All those damn Jackson men are alike. God cursed the man that made them.”
“Well, why you say that? From what I hear on the streets, you had the good life when Duke’s Uncle Vegas was alive. I hear he loved you to death and did everything for you,” I stated, hoping Ceazia would elaborate.
I knew from the animosity she had toward men and the constant warnings Duke would give me about her, that something terrible had to have happened with her and Vegas.
“Yeah, he did. But things aren’t always as they seem. You see, a guy can do and say anything, but the true test is what goes on when you’re not watching. Trust me, honey, everything between me and Vegas wasn’t always peaches and cream. As a matter of fact, just like you, I’ve made a hell of a lot of sacrifices for that man. You’d be surprised at the things I did for him.” C’s face became saddened and she put her head down.
I was sure I’d hit a soft spot. I’d never seen the strong, spirited, “fuck niggas and get money” Ceazia so distressed. I kept the conversation going in hopes she’d tell me more.
“So, what d
id he do that was so bad?”
“The ultimate, BJ. The ultimate,” she stated while shaking her head left and right.
“Well, like you told me, it must have not been that bad because you didn’t leave him,” I said sarcastically.
“And how would you know?” Ceazia responded in an angry tone. Obviously my statement had offended her.
“Well, because you all were together until his death. If you had left him, y’all would not have been together when he died.”
My cell phone rang, interrupting our conversation. I glanced down at the caller ID and it read: SNAKE.
I wondered what he wanted but I couldn’t risk losing this conversation, so I hit the end button on top of the phone and sent him to voice mail.
“Sorry about that. Now, where were we?”
“We were at the part where you assumed that I did not have the strength to leave Vegas after he’d deceived me in the most tormenting way.”
“Oh yeah. So, what did he do and how did you handle it?” I asked.
“I really don’t want to get into it, Li’l Momma. But just know that I handled mine, and now you need to get the strength to handle yours. Hopefully, one day Snake’s little princess will get some strength and handle hers too.”
“C, I hope you don’t get upset when I say this, but it seems to me that you have some sort of vendetta against any and every Jackson man,” I stated in an attempt to get the story out.
“Vendetta? That would be too nice of a word. I despise those muthafuckers, and I’m justified to feel that way.” The more Ceazia spoke the angrier she became.
“Well, maybe if you explained things to me, it would give me strength. I’m sorry, but right now I just can’t sympathize with you. You have to explain to me why you’re so angry.”
Ceazia took a deep breath and slowly exhaled. She scooted over closer to me in the booth then grabbed my hand and looked me in the eyes.
“BJ, what I’m about to tell you I have never shared with anyone. But like I’ve said many times before, I consider you my little sister, so I’d trust you with my life. And that’s the only reason I’m telling you this.”
“I understand, C. Your secret is safe with me,” I assured her.
“Okay. After serving time in jail for a crime involving Vegas, I was released and came home unannounced to surprise him. Well, I ended up being the one surprised. I walked in on Vegas, my best friend, and another female in the Jacuzzi getting high and making out.” Ceazia paused to wipe the tears that were streaming down her cheeks then she continued. “BJ, I was numb with hurt when I saw that. I literally blacked out. It was as though I was in a trance as I shot continuously into the tub, killing Vegas and his two counterparts.”
My mouth dropped with disbelief. I was speechless. I had no idea how to respond, so I just did what came naturally. I grabbed her and hugged her.
“I’m sorry, C. I had no idea. I am really sorry,” I said sincerely.
How could I ever deceive this girl? She can’t help her actions. She’s been burned so baldly it’s ruined her completely. Her concept of trust, love, and even her ability to have a stable relationship has been ruined, I thought as I consoled her. I had a total change of heart. I had no idea Ceazia was so disturbed.
As we finished eating, C continued to tell me about the realness behind the relationship that she and Vegas had. As we enjoyed our day at the spa and shopped, she continued to share. By the time I reached home that night, Ceazia had nearly shared her entire life story with me. My heart really went out to her. She had been from extreme highs to extreme lows. The poor girl just wanted that life she’d always dreamed of. After a day with her, I was much more appreciative for my life. I guess what they say is true: Things aren’t always what they seem.
CHAPTER 24
A WOMAN’S INTUITION
DANIELLE
It was midnight, and another night that Snake’s ass wasn’t home. I’d had it with Snake and his bullshit. Duke was right; I was too good for Snake’s cheating ass. It was sad when a young kid like Duke could recognize a good woman before a grown-ass man. But that’s okay, because if Snake wouldn’t love me, there were many men out there who would. And to bring that to his attention, I was going to feed into every little pass his little soldier made at me. Hell, from that phone sex he gave me the other night, Duke didn’t seem so little after all.
I was going to do everything I could to catch Snake’s ass out there, and as soon as it happened, I was gone. Sure, he took care of home, but he was not doing anything that the next man couldn’t do.
Ring ... ring. How amazing, it was Snake calling. Let’s see what lie he has tonight.
“Hello?”
“What up?” he asked as though it was six in the evening and not past midnight.
“Nothing is up, Snake. What do you want?” I asked in an annoyed tone.
“Look, Danielle, I’m really upset right now. I was actually calling because I feel real fucked up and I needed someone to talk to, but I see you’re not that person.”
Click!
Snake hung up on me. I was taken by surprise. I didn’t know how to react—not because he hung up in my ear, because that was the norm, but I was baffled by his tone. Snake really did seem upset. There was really something wrong with him. Everything began to run through my mind.
Maybe it’s Duke. Maybe he’s hurt again. Duke and Snake were just talking about some rumors on the streets. Or maybe Snake’s in trouble. Maybe he got robbed or arrested. Oh my God! I have to call back.
I got myself together then struggled to call Snake back. His phone went straight to voice mail. I dialed the number over and over again. Before I knew it, I’d dialed his number over twenty times and it was still going to voice mail. Then I tried text messaging him. Still no response. I didn’t know what to do next. Then it hit me—Duke! I could call Duke. I figured he would know if there was a problem before anyone.
“Duke!” I yelled into the phone in a panic as soon as he picked up. “What’s up, Danielle? What’s wrong, baby?” he asked, concerned.
“It’s Snake. Where is he? He called and he was really upset. Now his phone is off. I think something is wrong. Have you talked to him?” I spat a thousand questions at him at once.
“Slow down, momma. Slow down. I’m sure Snake is a’ight. He would have called me if some shit went down. Just chill out. I’m gonna check on shit for you and let you know what’s up.”
“Okay, Duke,” I reluctantly agreed before hanging up.
I felt little reassurance after speaking with Duke. I was still afraid something had gone wrong with Snake. I paced the floor back and forth while waiting to hear from Duke. After an hour passed and still no return call, I began to dial Snake’s number again. And just as before, it went straight to voice mail. I could no longer wait for Duke to call me back. An hour was long enough. I grabbed the cordless phone and dialed his number.
“Yeah, Danielle,” he said as soon as he picked up.
“Did you hear from him?” I eagerly asked.
“Nah, but I checked shit out and everybody that saw him out the way say he’s been fine all day, so everything’s cool. Just try to get some rest. I’m sure he’ll be home soon.”
“Okay, Duke,” I reluctantly agreed just as before and hung up.
Again, I found myself pacing the floor. I had to do something to get some rest, so I took a couple of sleeping pills and lay down. I tossed and turned for another hour. It wasn’t happening. I couldn’t think about anything except Snake. That was it. I’d made up my mind. If Duke wouldn’t look for Snake, then I would. I hopped out of bed and got dressed. I called Snake’s phone one final time. Just as all the times before, it went straight to his voice mail. I grabbed my purse, dropped in the gun Snake had given me for emergencies, and headed out the door. My first stop was Park Place in Norfolk. That was where Snake spent most of his time. I drove by the barber shop, and it was closed. Not a person in sight, not even one person on the block. Then I rode past his fam
ily’s house a few blocks away, and there were no signs of Snake there. There was only one other place to check—the strip club. So, that’s where I headed. And lo and behold, that was where I found him.
My first instinct was to run in the club and smack the shit out of him just for making me worry. But I soon snapped back to reality, which was an ass-beatin’ out of this world if I was to ever embarrass Snake in public. Now, in my right state of mind, I began to think of a plan. As I was sitting, Duke drove up. I wondered what the hell was so intriguing about a damn strip club to make these men so devoted to coming every night. I continued to sit in my car, thinking of a master plan, when my phone rang. It was Duke.
I guess he is a man of his word, I thought, assuming he was calling to tell me Snake was okay.
“Hello?” I answered on the first ring.
“I was calling to check on you,” Duke stated.
“Oh, I’m fine.”
“A’ight. Well, hit me if you need anything.” Duke began to wrap up the conversation.
“Well, have you heard from Snake?” I asked, curious to see how Duke would respond.
“Nah, but trust me, he a’ight.”
“Okay. Well, I’m going to bed,” I lied then hung up. I wasn’t really sure why Duke lied to me, but I was determined to find out. I’d always considered him an ally, but now I saw him as a mole.
I waited for Duke to enter the club then I threw my car in drive and sped out of the parking lot.
The entire drive home, my mind raced. I couldn’t believe both Duke and Snake would attempt to pull wool over my eyes. But little did they both know, I would get to the bottom of this shit.
I pulled into the driveway and raced in the house. The first place I headed was the bedroom. I’d never been the one to look for trouble because I was always taught that if you look, you shall find, but this time Snake had pushed me there. I began my search in his nightstand drawer. There I found several napkins with females’ names on them and phone numbers. From the sound of the names, it wouldn’t take a genius to figure out these were numbers he’d collected from the damn strip club. As I searched further, I came across a piece of paper that had the name Ceazia written in Snake’s handwriting, with several phone numbers and an address.