It is What it is: A Hood Love Story

by B. , Ivory

  When Ty emerged from the bathroom she heard her phone ringing crazy. She looked at the screen and noticed it was Douglas “Shit,” she spat. Nice knew who was blowing her phone up from her reaction. She grabbed her clothing and got dressed. The only thing she couldn’t put on were her panties because they were soaking wet. Ty went to stuff them in her purse “I don’t get a souvenir?” Ty looked up at Nice with evil eyes “To hell with you.” Nice chuckled. As she bent over to slip her sneakers on Nice stepped in back of her and started to palm and grind on her ass. “Damn Ty, I see you getting ya thickness back.” “Boy stop!” Ty yelled while swiping his hands away. Ty stood up looking up at Nice as he towered over her. “Ty when I’ma see you again?” “I don’t know, I can’t make any promises,” Ty’s eyes started to water. She really didn’t want to leave him but she knew she had to. Nice just stared at her for a second “A’ight, I understand your man got you on a short leash. I can’t blame him, with wet wet like that he better keep you in arms reach,” With that comment he winked at Ty. As vulgar as his comment was Ty couldn’t help but blush and be turned on. “Whateva ain’t no one got me on no leash,” Ty said while making fast steps towards the door. Nice gave her a look that said yeah right. “Ty hold up, let me walk you out.” “Nah I’m good.” “Ty I’ll walk you out, Let me get my jeans on right quic...” Before he could even finish his statement Ty was out the door, walking briskly down the hall of shame. That damn food server had told everyone on call that night what went down. Ty could’ve died as she walked past the nurses’ station she heard a nurse say “Umm umm umm these young women don’t have no respect nowadays.” Every time Ty looked up someone had a smirk plastered on their face or was shaking their head in disgust. Remy Ma’s mini me was the worst “Ohhhh unh, unh let me find out bitches coming up in Mercy hospital to get smashed. Wait till I tell my peoples about this.” The worst thing of it all was that they knew her whole government too. Damn you Nice Ty said to herself.

  “Keeeema.” Ty squealed while lying on her back with her legs in the air. I swear that nigga fucked me so good I had to pat myself for two days after I used the bathroom girl. I couldn’t even wipe I had to do the dab, dab joint.” Keema was cracking up. “Damn my boy don’t fuck around. Laid up in the hospital, the whole nine and still gettin it in.” “And my damn nipples still hurt,” Ty whined as she lay on Keema’s living room couch. “Girl I ain’t had no good dick like that in a little over a year. Since the last time me and Nice were together. “Good I hope it was worth it cause you know y’all the hot topic all up in Mercy,” Keema laughed while thinking about how one of the Anesthesiologist ran up on her with the hot gossip the day after Ty’s visit. “Oh my god Keema my business gon be all out in the streets. This is all Douglas’s fault. This whole shit his fault. I wouldn’t have gotten caught out in no hospital doing what I did if he was handling his business. That noodle dick mutherfucka!” Keema fell over with laughter “Oh no you did not call this dude noodle dick; from now on we gon call his ass oddles and noodles! No, no, we gon call this nigga Romen hahahaha!” Keema cracked up at her own joke. “Keem,” Ty said in a serious tone. Keema looked over at Ty she could hear the seriousness in Ty’s voice. “I fucked up; Keem this dude didn’t use shit. He came up in me too.” “What?! Ty get the fuck outta here.” “No girl I’m dead ass.” “Okay was it the first time he came or second? Only because the second be weaker sometimes cause all the potent shit came out the first time.” Ty frowned her face up. “It was the first time he busted. And listen this nigga had me in a position that my ass can def get pregnant, for real. I had my leg on his shoulder so he was all up in there.” “Hahahaha girl it’s a baby Nice growing up in that shit right now. One of them sperms swam up and snatched one of them eggs.” “Keema shut the fuck up! Stop scaring me like that.” “No I’m not scaring you, I’m for real.” “Well I took the morning after pill that gotta work.” “That pill ain’t full proof, but we’ll see, I guess,” Keema responded. At that very moment Keema’s house phone rang.

  “Hello, what up boy? How you feeling? No he not here. Who Ty?” Ty’s eyes bulged. “Who that?” Ty mouthed. Keema humped in the air. Ty started waving her hands no. “Nah I ain’t seen her in a little bit. “Uh hunh alright. I’ll tell her, okay bye,” Keema hung up the phone and frowned up her face. “Girl when you gon quit playing hide and seek with that man? He sounded so sad looking for you.” “Keem you just don’t understand. I just can’t be with him; it’s just too much at stake.”

  Keema & Jah

  Keema could barley believe it, for once in her lifetime she was truly and really happy. All she went through in life, the hardships and heartache was worth it. She would do it all over again if it would lead her where she was today with the love of her life. She was blessed enough to have her first love back in her life and ever since they reunited things could not have been better. The sex was amazing, they sexed like rabbits, and that was just fine with Keema because Jah was hung like a horse and knew what to do with what he was blessed with. He was the man that she always wanted him to be in the past loving, protective, committed to just her and a earner. There was nothing that he didn’t provide for Keema. They had an unbreakable bond and she felt that their past history together definitely had a lot to do with it.

  “Baby what’s wrong?” Keema shook Jah as he lay flat on his stomach with a pillow over his head trying to block out the blinding morning sun. “Hmmm, Meema damn ma I’m tryna sleep,” Jah mumbled grumpily. Keema was extra excited for some reason and she had been up for the last hour bothering Jah trying to vie for some attention. He had made it in late the night before she couldn’t confirm what time because she was sleep by the time he came home. Keema had noticed that Jah had been preoccupied in deep thought lately, not at all like his usual self for the last two weeks. She figured it was the stress at work, business deals and stuff so she didn’t press too much. If this was the old Jah they would’ve been play fighting under covers then sexing, but lately he just hadn’t been himself.

  Keema however, was extra giddy and too happy; she had an appointment in a few hours that she hadn’t told Jah about. Usually he accompanied her to all her doctor’s appointments. But she intentionally didn’t tell him about this one. She didn’t want to get both their hopes up but she was almost certain she was pregnant. She just wanted to hear her doctor confirm it. Keema planned on telling Jah in a special way, maybe over a candlelit dinner or schedule a vacation to get his mind off of work and tell him then. This would be a new chapter in their relationship and it would take them to a whole new level of commitment; them actually sharing flesh and blood. This wasn’t a planned pregnancy, she had really wanted them to get married before they started a family but she knew Jah would be ecstatic. Before she told him she wanted to be sure herself.

  “Jah, Jah,” Keema said while straddling his muscular back. “Baby what’s wrong talk to me what’s on your mind.” Fuck! I really hate that she knows me that well. Keema got no answer Jah just continued to lie there motionless. Keema felt slighted but she knew something was bothering her man and she hated to see Jah so tense and rigid. Knowing if it were vice versa Jah would do anything in his power to remove any problem or stress she was experiencing. She removed the pillow from his head and he grumbled. She placed both her hands on either of his shoulders and started to massage him starting at his shoulders then working her hands to the small of his back the way she knew he liked it. Keema bent down and traced her tongue over his ear biting on his earlobe gently. Jah’s manz shot up immediately threatening to poke a hole through their mattress. Keema continued to kiss and suck on his neck as he laid there. “Baby I don’t know what’s been stressing you but I’ma try to ease your mind,” Keema purred. And as if Jah had just saw a naked man standing in front of him his dick deflated. His worries kicked in again. I can’t hurt her, I can’t lose her he stressed in his head for the zillionth time.

  When Keema noticed he wasn’t reacting to her sexual advances she got extremely frustra
ted, this wasn’t like Jah at all and Keema wanted some. Keema pushed her body down further so that she was now straddling his butt and started to grind on his ass then she took her hand and acted as if she was going for his asshole. Jah jumped as if someone poured hot grease on him. “Ayo! Keema what the fuck I tell you about tryna pull that faggot shit on me?!” Keema landed on her back from Jah jumping up all crazy. He lay on his side looking at Keema as if she had lost her mind. He was pissed and all Keema could think was damn that nigga was fine, especially when he mad. Keema just laid there laughing at Jah’s reaction, she knew what to do to get a reaction out of him, that’s exactly why she did that. “Meema this not a fuckin game!” Jah barked. Keema stopped laughing immediately hearing the tone of his voice and seeing the seriousness of his facial expression. “I know this not a game Jah, now that I finally got your attention will you tell me what’s wrong baby?” Jah gave her a look of frustration “Yo I already told you Keem it’s nothing.” Keema stared at him for a few unnaturally long seconds of silence as if she could see right through him. “Okay baby,” she said in an even tone. Keema reached over kissed him gently on the lips then on the cheek. “I love you baby,” she whispered in his ear before pulling away and looking at the clock on the nightstand.

  “Oh shit! I’m about to be late for my appointment,” she spat. Keema was almost off the bed when she felt Jah’s strong arm hook around her waist “What appointment ma? You need me to go?” Keema thought fast on her feet “Oh nah, boo it’s an appointment at the spa, for a Pedi, mani, facial, and waxing your more than welcomed to come.” Jah made a face like hell nah. “See baby I figured you wouldn’t want to come,” Keema laughed. Jah released his arm from around her waist and Keema went rushing off to get ready for her appointment.

  While Keema was getting ready to leave Jah laid there in bed thinking to himself. He had received some earth shattering news two weeks ago that was weighing on his brain something heavy. “Damn I don’t like lying to Keema. I already put her through enough bullshit. That’s exactly why I gotta keep this on the low; I don’t want to hurt her.” He knew Keema would take it hard she would without a doubt flip and spaz out on him. They were so happy, Keema was busy trying to lock down dates and places for their wedding. She needed a whole year to plan because she wanted a grand wedding and although that shit didn’t really matter to Jah, he would have been cool with going down to the justice of peace, all that mattered to him is that he was marrying the woman he always loved. Keema was his heart though, and she wanted a big wedding so a big wedding is what she was going to get. If she was still willing to marry him after this shit hit the fan.

  Keema rushed out of their walk in closet fully dressed. She had on a pair of Armani skinny jeans, a semi sheer high low shirt, that came to her waist in the front but flowed down long in the back and a pair of Jimmy Choo pumps. “Alright baby.” she said while walking over to the side of the bed to kiss him goodbye. “Damn Keem, you sure you just going to a spa appointment?” Jah asked with his face screwed up. “Yes jealous ass,” Keema said with a smile on her face. “Oh yeah I’m taking the Porsche.” Keema called over her shoulder with a smile on her face. She was waiting for Jah to protest or give instructions on how to park the car near a curb without fucking up his rims. To her surprise he said nothing. Now she knew for sure something was definitely bothering him.

  40 minutes later Keema was lying on her back looking on the monitor with tears rolling down her face. Yup she was indeed preggers and she couldn’t be happier. Keema had totally blocked out what her doctor was saying her mind was working in overdrive as she smiled and looked at the screen. She was thinking of different ways she could tell Jah about their baby. She really just wanted to take him away, Jah looked like he needed a vacation but if things were as hectic as they seemed she knew she would never get him to leave on vacation for a couple of days. So then she decided on a Plan B cater to him, try to erase some of the stress with his favorite meal, run him a bath, get her shit off, and then tell him. Bingo! Keema thought as her doctor rambled on pointing out different organs on the monitor inside Keema that were empirical for the baby’s growth. Keema only heard what she considered important, she was 10 weeks pregnant, the baby looked healthy and that’s all that mattered.

  “Shakeema, Shakeema,” Dr. Lynn called. Keema zoned out of her own thoughts. “Oh yes, what was that?” Keema said acting as if she were paying attention “We’re done for today, here you go.” she said pulling a wad of soft Kleenex out of the box and placing them on Keema’s lower stomach. Keema sat up and started to wipe the warm jelly off of her stomach. Dr. Lynn looked over her glasses with a smile “Again congratulations.” “Thanks,” Keema beamed. “Oh and where is soon to be daddy?” Dr. Lynn asked with concern. She was Keema’s doctor for over three years now. She was introduced to Jah a little over a year ago when they started dating again. Keema and Jah had come in together for HIV tests since that day any time Keema had an appointment Jah came along, he even took an active part in choosing which birth control method would be best for Keema. They came in faithfully together every 6 months to get updated HIV tests. She really liked the fact that they were so responsible, and did things as a couple. She commended their intimacy, they seemed really close and she commended Jah for being so involved. She thought more men in this world could take note

  “He’s at home. I want to surprise him with the news you know in a special way being that it’s our first baby.” “That’s very nice and how’s the wedding coming along?” she asked looking at the big red diamond on Keema’s finger. “Oh it’s coming, I already have the location, I think. I really have to choose the colors, I’m so indecisive. I really don’t know.” “I’m going to tell you the same thing I told my daughter just go and get married. You have a good one you want to lock him down as soon as possible.” Keema laughed at her doctor’s bluntness.

  “Okay back to the matter at hand. The blood tests show that you have a little bit of anemia.” “Really since when?” Keema was surprised. “Oh it’s perfectly common in pregnancies. However, you know I like to be on top of things so I’m going to prescribe you some iron supplements in addition to prenatal vitamins.” she said as she scribbled on a note pad. “Now the anemia isn’t too bad. But I want you to start eating more iron rich meals, maybe some liver at least twice a week.” Keema screwed up her face as if she smelt something sour with just the mention of liver. Dr. Lynn chuckled “That’s why I asked where Jah was. I know he would be with me one hundred percent in getting you to take these supplements and eating right.” Keema laughed at how spot on Dr. Lynn was about Jah. He would have assured Dr. Lynn that Keema would do what she had to do to get her iron counts up. And would definitely make sure Keema did what she was supposed to.

  Keema left her doctor’s office and went straight to CVS to have her prescriptions filled. She fought back the urge of picking up her phone and calling Jah right then and there while she waited for her prescriptions. Her second stop was to Victoria Secret where she picked out a fly lingerie set and matching sexy slippers with a small heel. She admired her image in the fitting room mirror and looked over at her plump round behind. Jah would love the outfit she thought to herself. Okay Keema next stop grocery store but before she could even do that she had to eat. Her appetite had already picked up and she hoped this wasn’t a sign of how things would be throughout her pregnancy, because she didn’t want to blow up and gain too much weight.

  Keema finally made it back to the apartment hands full of bags. The older guy Ralph who worked as a door man at the apartment rushed to hold the door open for her. She thanked him as he grabbed a few of her bags and helped her to the elevator even though that wasn’t his job. He pushed the elevator button for her and waited until it came down then walked with her all the way to her front door. Ralph then tipped his hat and said “Good day.” Keema laughed. “Good looking Ralph,” She made a mental note to tell Jah what he did. Ralph knew Jah was going to throw him a big tip.

  When Keem
a first moved in with Jah she noticed that people in the building gave them looks as if seeing the young couple living there was a crime. The neighbors only saw the obvious. They were young black and obviously loaded to afford the luxury apartment. They went with the usual stereotypes of young black people. Their thoughts were written all over their faces “Oh my god there goes the property value, I hope they don’t start a lot of trouble, loud rap music, heavy traffic coming in and out, and selling drugs from out the building.” Keema was hurt and upset the neighbors barley spoke, all except about two that she ran into in the mornings while she left for work. Jah told her to chill, and fuck what people thought.

  Eventually the neighbors started to come around and show respect and speak to them. Initially, both Jah and Keema thought that the door man Ralph was the biggest asshole of them all. He never spoke more than two words good day, good evening. Until Jah started to mess with him and he became fond of the young thuggish looking man with his pants sagging at all times. “What up Ralph?” Jah would say as if he knew him from way back and throw up a pound while leaving in and out the lobby. Then Jah started to give him dap and Ralph would dap him out as well. Jah would always pull pranks to loosen the stiff guy up. One day he was coming in the building and he tipped Ralph’s uniform hat to the side stuck two c-notes in the pristine starched and ironed uniform pocket of his blazer and said “Aigh’t pimpin.” Ralph cracked a smile and from then on he was the nicest person. Still extra stiff and took his job way too seriously but if he saw Jah walk in that door he would smile and pound him out. Even strike up a little convo on current events. Which Jah could tell Ralph was surprised at his knowledge of topics from politics to the economy. Keema laughed as she thought about Jah and Ralph’s convo a few days prior.