That Girl: Bre

by Amber Monroe

  “Come on. My dad wants to meet you.” She said.

  “Your dad? For what?” I slightly yelled. She tilted her head to the side and looked at me.

  “He always meets my boyfriends.”

  “I thought you were kidding about that boyfriend shit. We haven’t known each other long.”

  “I know we haven’t, but whatever I want - I just claim.” She said nonchalantly. She started to walk away, and I quickly rolled the window back up, cut the car off, and followed her into the house. As we walked in, four guards walked up to me and patted me down. Tiffany stood off to the side and patiently waited for them to be done. I was lost for words and nervous.

  “Eric Allen? Son of Kingsley Allen.” An older Latino man said as he approached me. Although he looked to be in his late thirties, he still had this older vibe to him. He was dressed in a white button-up, black slacks, and expensive Ferragamo shoes. His hair was brown and curly, and he had a scruffy dark brown beard and mustache. He had a slender build but definitely looked like he stayed in the gym.

  “Yes, sir,” I answered as his team patted me down, then two retreated behind me while the other two stood behind him. Although I didn’t see any weapons, I had a feeling there were plenty of them around the house. And speaking of the house, just from being in the foyer, I could tell the home was decked out in nothing but the most expensive and luxurious furniture.

  “This should cover the shoes, wait, and travel.” He said as he handed me a wad of money. Although I was scared, I wasn’t trying to let them see it. I took the money and counted $500.

  “$500?” I asked. I wasn’t dumb at all and knew that accepting this amount for $200 worth of shoes wasn’t going to be an even exchange.

  “Yes, is that not enough? Money is no issue for us.” He smirked.

  “No, it’s actually more than enough. No disrespect, I’d rather just take what is owed, and that’s it.” I said most respectfully.

  “He’s a different kind, princess.” He said to Tiffany. She just smirked.

  “I told you.” She replied, then walked over to me and grabbed my hand. I was so confused.

  “You’re right about it being more than enough. I just thought the money would’ve been accommodating for this long travel here.” He said.

  “It’s nothing. I used my friend’s car.” I said, and don’t know why. I just turned down an extra $300 and admitted that I didn’t have my own ride.

  “Friend’s car, huh? How would you like your own car?”

  “I plan on getting that soon. I just need to save a little more.”

  “I admit your aura of struggle is annoying, but I admire your desire to earn your wealth and work hard for it. That’s how I was when I was much younger than you. By your age now, I already had about three cars and endless wealth.”

  “Dad, you said you were going to be nice.” Tiffany said, finally releasing my hand.

  “I am nice, I’m just talking to the young man. If this is the boy you choose to be with for the moment, I need to get to know him. No boy dating my princess is going to ride around with you in his friend’s car!”

  “Look, sir, if I’m not good enough for your daughter, I understand because I have three sisters and a mother, and I’m very protective of them.”

  “Must not be that much protective if you let two of them get pregnant by my stupid ass nephew and brother.” He spewed out as if he was disgusted.

  “Nephew? Brother?”

  “We’re not talking about that waste of a good nut. Tiffany obviously likes you, and I respect my daughter’s wishes. It’s too late to want to pull away, Tiffany always gets what she wants even if it’s not best for her or our legacy. So you’ll be around until….”

  “Dad!” Tiffany interuppted.

  “Sorry, princess. Anywho, take the money as an early payment from your new job.”

  “New job?” I asked.

  “Yes, you work for me now. I hope you didn’t think you could keep that part-time sneaker job while dating my daughter.” He smirked then walked away. I looked at Tiffany, who just smirked too, then grabbed my hand and pulled me down the hall behind her father. I don’t know what I just got myself into. Who was this man? Who were his nephew and brother? And who got pregnant by them? One was obviously Bre, but who else? And what kind of job did he hire me for? Was this my karma?

  24. Bre

  *Trigger Warning Chapter*

  After learning that Keisha was placing her baby up for adoption, I was at a loss for words. I didn’t know what to say because I honestly didn’t agree with her decision. When I first discovered I was pregnant, I was scared, but I knew I wanted to keep this baby. My baby. However, after she shared with me her reason, I definitely understood. It wasn’t too late for me to do the same, but I’ve bonded with my baby and looked forward to welcoming her into my life.

  “I’ll be up as soon after I finish this call.” My dad said as soon as we pulled up to Jemar’s building. I finally decided to move out of Jemar’s apartment and move in with my dad until I could afford my own place. My dad didn’t really press me, I just came up with the decision on my own. Keisha really inspired me to want to do better and make life better for my daughter. She gave up so much for a child that she wasn’t even keeping but wanted to give him everything that felt like he deserved. I know it’s going to be hard for her to give him away, but I trust that she’s doing what she thinks is best, just like me. I had a plan to stay with Jemar for as long as I can, but after our last altercation, my plans changed. I couldn’t bring my baby into an environment like that and have her witness abuse and possibly grow up thinking that it was okay. She deserved better. I deserved better.

  ∞∞∞

  When I got into the apartment, I noticed that it was quiet. I didn’t see Jemar’s car outside, and I did try to call him before I just showed up. I honestly didn’t want to see him because I wasn’t sure where his head was or how he would react to seeing me pack up and leave him. Would he care? Would he stop me? Would he be concerned about his child? Probably not. Ever since I left, he didn’t call once, and that also played a part in my decision.

  “Jemar?” I said as I walked in. Nobody responded. I was surprised to not see any of his friends; however, the place was a mess. The trash can was overfilled with trash, sink overplied with dishes, empty red solo cups were all around, clothes scattered on the floor, and contents of weed crumbs were on the coffee table. It seemed like there was a party here at some point. I just wanted to hurry up and get up out of here. And once I leave, I don’t have any plans on returning. I don’t know if Jemar is going to be in our daughter’s life, and I don’t care. She needs a reliable, loving, and protecting father figure.

  I made my way to the second bedroom to grab some baby stuff. Keisha was so kind as to donate her baby’s gifts to me, and all of it was gender-neutral. My baby girl was going to be set. Besides the stuff Keisha gave me, Chianne and my dad have been spoiling her already. Chianne was always ordering stuff and shipping it to my dad’s house. And my dad was already stocking the house up with diapers. I never knew babies needed so many pampers. Anywho, I started to bring some stuff to the front so my dad could take them to the car whenever he came up. As I was assorting the things I wanted to take from what I was leaving, I saw an area on the floor that looked to be coming up. Curiosity was getting the best of me, so I quietly walked over and kneeled down. I picked up the floorboard, and my eyes instantly got wide. There a large quantity of white power wrapped in saran plastic, weed, and cash. CASH! I wasn’t really desperate for it since my dad took care of my basic needs, but this money would help me get on my feet faster after I give birth. However, I’m not sure if Jemar would notice or if he would assume it was me. I’m not afraid of Jemar, but I know he didn’t get this on his own, and I don’t want no problems with whoever owns this stuff. I wanted to look out for my daughter’s future, but this doesn’t seem worth it.

  “Get your ass up and clean up or something.” I heard someone say as I
walked through the hallway to take more stuff to the living room. I slowed down when I came close to Jemar’s bedroom door that was closed. I put my ear up to the door and just listened.

  “I’m not your baby mama!” I heard a female say and instantly rolled my eyes.

  “Why you always bringing that bitch up? You jealous or something?” Jemar said. I could picture the smirk on his face.

  “Fuck I gotta be jealous of that bitch for?”

  “You seem to be bothered that she was living here.”

  “Please. She was only living here because I turned down your offer to stay here first. If I would’ve said yes, her and your bastard would’ve been on the streets. You’re wasn't dumb enough to have us both living under the same roof.”

  “It’s not like I didn’t have space.” He laughed.

  “Me and you in here while she and that baby in the little ass room. You would’ve had them in the room with your work and cash?”

  “Fuck, no! I don’t trust that bitch. Never did. I still feel like she trapped my ass. Who gets pregnant off their first time fucking?” He scoffed. Honestly, if my heart wasn’t already broken, it damn sure would've broke this very moment. I know Jemar wasn’t feeling me being pregnant, but it sounded as if he hated my child and me. A child he helped create and make. I told him I wasn’t on birth control, but he insisted we were okay because his pull out game was strong. How could he think that I would trap him? I didn’t know anything about his lifestyle when we first started dating. I honestly didn’t care because I wasn’t with him for his money. I genuinely liked him before I knew how much of an asshole he was. And if he felt like that why did he stay around? He could’ve walked away when I first told him. He could’ve ghosted me and continued on with his life. Hell, even when I left and stayed with Chianne, he came over to make up with me. I didn’t call him nor begged him to be with me. He acted like he wanted to fight for us.

  “I told you she probably did. Hell, she probably wasn’t even a virgin.”

  “Oh, nah, she was definitely a virgin.” He said, and again I could picture the smirk on his face.

  “Her pussy is not better than mine.”

  “Uhhhh….I don’t know about that. She might have you beat there.” He joked.

  “Oh yeah? Let me change your mind about that.”

  “Get a condom.”

  “For what? You didn’t mind fucking that bitch raw.”

  “And for that, she got my ass for eighteen years.”

  “You could’ve put something in her food and drink periodically. It’s not too late for you to push her ass down the stairs.” She joked.

  “I tried when we went to that party back in January. You know when I had to meet up with bitch ass Dwayne to buy some work from me. She was coming out of the bathroom, headed for the stairs, I tried to push her ass, but she grabbed the rail.”

  “Damn. You really don’t care about her, huh?”

  “I did, but she got pregnant. I’ve never really wanted kids or at least not now.”

  “Have you ever told her that?”

  “I thought after all of the hints of me not wanting a baby or how I treated her would’ve told her.”

  “I may not care for the bitch, but you could’ve at least told her. Maybe she was under the impression that you did since you moved her in, bought the baby stuff, and took care of her.”

  “I may sound like the bad guy, but I’m really not. That shit with her mom hit a soft spot with me. I couldn’t do her like that.”

  “So, what are you going to do?”

  “I don’t know. I haven’t reached out since she left. She texted and said she was coming to get her stuff. I was just going to let her get her shit, let her have the baby stuff, and let her go. I’ll contribute financially, but I don’t really want to be in the kid’s life. I’m not really good father material. And I don’t think I can co-parent with somebody I hate.”

  “Well, the feeling is mutual!!!” I yelled when I pushed his bedroom door open. I couldn’t believe what he was saying or what I was hearing. Jemar was pure evil, and I can’t believe he just nonchalantly admitted to wanting to kill my child.

  “Bre, what the fuck?” He screamed as he jumped up from the bed. His little bitch got up to throw a robe on. My robe at that!

  “I can’t believe what I just heard. You’re so disgusting. I can’t believe I felt for you, gave myself to you, and even loved you. I fucking hate you.” I said as I walked over to him and socked him right in the mouth. I looked at his hoe and saw her punk ass backing away to a wall. She was just talking all that shit but was afraid to say something now.

  “Fuck you doing listening to me outside of my bedroom?” He said as blood spilled from his mouth.

  “I came to get my stuff like I told you. I wasn’t waiting around for your response, I came and was planning on leaving for good. I didn’t expect you to stop me since I now know how you really feel. I can’t believe I ruined my life for you. You’re the reason I had to drop out of school, leave my mother’s house, and why I won’t be able to live out my plans and dreams.”

  “I didn’t do shit. I told you I didn’t want a child!”

  “Yeah, you said that, but your actions proved something different.” I threw another punch, but he caught it and got up off the bed. He pushed me so hard I fell and slid to the wall in the hallway.

  “Bitch, you don’t think you ain’t ruin my life! I gotta deal with you for eighteen years for a child I never wanted.”

  “You don’t have to deal with shit. I don’t want you around my child or your money. Live your fucking life, and let us be.” I said, getting up off the floor. My back was in so much pain.

  “Good, now get your shit and leave!” He said in my face with spit hitting me. He backed off me and started walking back to his room.

  “I see why your mother didn’t want you,” I mumbled. I honestly shouldn’t have said that, but I was pissed.

  “What did you say?” He stopped walking then faced me. I didn’t say anything. He walked back up to me.

  “Jemar, just let her go.” His hoe said behind him. She finally made her way away from the wall.

  “Shut the fuck up, Tia.” He growled. He looked at me then gave me that stupid ass smirk.

  “You and my mother are about to have something in common.”

  “What’s that-” I said, right as I punched me in my stomach.

  “My wrath, bitch.” I slid down the wall and onto the floor.

  “Jemar! What the fuck,” Tia shouted at him. He didn’t say anything. He had the sickest look in his eyes as if he was pleased watching me in pain. “Let’s go!” Tia said to him, somehow, she quickly threw some clothes on. She pulled Jemar back into the room so he could put some clothes on too. I was in so much pain all over. My legs felt weak, back felt like it was burning, and my baby was moving around in my stomach.

  “I’m so sorry,” I said to myself but meant for my daughter. She didn’t deserve this at all. I should’ve just left. “Hold in there, baby girl, please. We came so far, please don’t leave me. I need you.” I cried. My eyes started to get heavy, but I was able to see when Jemar and Tia ran out of the room. Jemar stopped and ran to the second bedroom.

  “What are you doing? We have to go!” Tia said I could hear the tremble in her voice. She looked at me like she was sympathetic.

  “I need to get the stash. I can’t leave that shit. My uncle will kill me.” He said before he disappeared into the room. When he came back, I tried to grab his leg.

  “Please, help me. Don’t do her- your daughter like this. She didn’t ask to be brought in our mess.” I cried out. For one second, I saw his face soften and saw the regret in his eyes.

  “Jemar!” Tia yelled for him. He gave me one more look then ran out with her. Leaving me alone and in pain. What was taking my dad so long to come up?

  ∞∞∞

  I slowly got up because I couldn’t stay down. I needed to get help. I needed my dad.

  “Bre?” I he
ard a familiar voice say as he walked into the apartment.

  “Ricardo!” I said, faintly. I was growing tired, and the pain was unbearable.

  “Bre!” He shouted as he me “Why are you bleeding?”

  “I’m bleeding?” I asked. I didn’t even notice or feel anything. The pain was too much.

  “What happened?” He asked as he picked me up and headed towards the front door.

  “Where’s my dad?” I asked.

  “I saw him outside, and we started talking. He told me that you were moving out and asked if I could help. I told him I was already coming over to holla at Jemar. He should be coming up the steps.”

  “Just save my baby, please. I don’t care what happens to me. Just save her.” I cried.

  “I’m going to save you both. Don’t talk like that, okay? I got you. I got y’all.” He said as he kissed my forehead.

  25. Wayne

  *Trigger Warning Chapter*

  “What?” I answered.

  “Damn, you could at least say hi,” Aniyah said. I shook my head and blew out a breath of air. I wasn’t in the mood for her. My mother was tired of being the middle person, so I had to deal with her directly now.

  “What?” I said again.

  “Look, I know I fucked up, and you’re only talking to me because of our kids.”

  “So if it’s not about the kids, you have no reason to call,” I said.

  “Well, it kind of is.”

  “Kind of?”

  “I’m pregnant….”

  “What!!!!” I shouted. Roon looked over at me with his eyebrow raised. I was chilling at his spot, smoking and drinking beers. I moved into my apartment last week, but my cable wouldn’t be on until tomorrow.

  “It must’ve been when we slipped up at the hotel.”

  “Slipped up? You told me I wore a condom and flushed it after we finished. And I bought you that Plan B.”

  “I’m not sure if we used a condom.”