by Amber Monroe
"You can leave for the day." Greg, my manager, said to me. He handed me a backpack filled with money so I could drop it off to one of Tino's men.
"Aight," I said, then put the bag on my shoulder and left the store. I made my way through the parking lot to my car. I guess that's the only good thing that came with this new job; being able to afford my dream car. Once I received my first payment, I went and bought a candy blue 1966 Ford Mustang. It was a classic car and has been my dream car since I was ten years old. I didn't care for any fancy updated car, this right here was my baby and all I would ever need. Soon as I got in my whip, I texted Tino's second-hand man, Rico, to tell him I was on the way. I also saw that Tiffany had called twenty times already and left eight voicemails. I don't understand how somebody so cute and small, could be such a headache. I decided to call her back before she blew my phone up anymore.
"Where have you been?" She screamed into the phone as soon as she answered it.
"Work," I answered nonchalantly.
"My dad has your working too much. I'm going to have to talk to him about that. I need you around more, and I feel like I'm getting whatever you could spare. I don't like that at all. I want to be number one in your life." She rumbled off. I had to take the phone from my ear for a minute because I thought I heard shit.
"Tiff, you know we're just at the beginning of this, right? We have time to get to the place where we're around each other so much it starts to piss us off."
"Being around you will never piss me off."
"I bet," I mumbled.
"Where are you? I want to see you today!"
"I'm about to finish my other shift, then I'm headed home to rest. I'm exhausted and need some Zzz's."
"I can help you with that," She said seductively. And that was another thing about Tiffany, she wasn't giving me any play. All she did was tease me and make promises on what she would do but never acted on anything. She claimed that she wasn't a virgin and was very selective about who she shared her body with.
"You know, my mother is not allowing me to have any company, especially no females," I said and was thankful that my mom was still in her ways.
"But I'm not a female. I'm your girlfriend, and she needs to understand that there may be times when I went to spend time with you. And she needs to meet her future daughter-in-law anyways." She said. I couldn't help but laugh because she really had no clue what she was asking to get into. However, maybe her meeting my mom could get me out this shit I'm in?
"I'll run it by my mother and let you know what she says," I smirked as if she could see me. I heard my other line clicking and saw that Raquel was calling. That's odd since my dad had been blowing me up earlier. "I'll call you back, my sister is calling," I said.
"Oh please, I've heard that before if that's another bitch I'll-" Tiffany said before I ended her call and answered Quel's.
"What's up, big sis?" I said.
"What's up? Dad has been calling you!" She barked, and I was already annoyed. Raquel could sometimes act like she was my mother, but hate when we would compare her to mom.
"I've been at work." I sighed.
"Whatever, look, you need to get to Washington Hospital Center ASAP! Something happened to Bre. She's in surgery right now, but her doctors are concerned because she lost some blood before dad could get her here. They haven't really said much about the baby because he just wants them to save Bre."
"What?! What happened?"
"I don't know. Dad is not telling me, but he mentioned that she was at her boyfriend's spot, and one of her friends, Ricky, found her on the floor bleeding and in pain."
"Shit!" I said as I hit my steering wheel. I was supposed to be protecting my little sister. What the fuck happened?
"I know. Look, just get your ass here and don't be a hothead. We need to be here for our little sister and niece."
"Another niece." I joked.
"I know, right. Look, just get here as soon as you can."
"I have a stop to make first, but I'll be there as soon as I'm finished," I said then ended the call.
"Fuck!" I yelled out, then finally made my way out of the parking lot. My mind was all over the place as I made my way to my meeting spot. I saw that Tiffany was calling back to back, but I wasn't in the mood to hear her bitching about me hanging up on her. My little sister was possibly fighting for her life, and I needed to get to her.
∞∞∞
As soon as I got to my location, I saw that Tino was standing outside with Rico. Great. I thought to myself. I got out of the car and left the bag inside of the car so it wouldn't bring any suspicion to us. Usually, Rico would act like he was checking out of the car, but he was really emptying my bag and putting all of the money in another bag.
"Eric," Tino said as he shook my hand. Usually, Rico was a man of few words, so our drop was fairly short.
"Mr. Henríquez," I said as I shook his hand too.
"Everything is good, right? Nothing is short?" He asked, questioning me as if I would know something.
"Greg did the count and gave me the bag. I did my job and brought what he counted to you." I stated.
"Okay. Everything is okay, you look more stressed than usual."
"I just got a call about my sister being in the hospital. Things are not really looking good, and she's pregnant. I'm just eager to get to her and see what's going on."
"The one that's pregnant by my nephew?"
"I don't know who your nephew is, but this is the second time you've mentioned him. So I guess so. But from what I'm hearing, from my other sister, he's the reason she's in there," I said, irritated. I was worried about what I got my self into, but what the fuck did Bre get into?
"Go check on your sister," Tino said, then gave Rico a nod to get the money. After he was finished, I quickly made my way to the hospital. I probably earned some traffic tickets along the way because of my speeding, but I'll handle that later.
∞∞∞
When I got to the hospital, I quickly found my way to my family because I was lowkey losing it. I hope that Bre was okay and the baby was too because despite how she got here, Bre always wanted to be a mother. Her pumpkin head ass always used to make me play house with her and Chianne.
"Eric!" I heard Quel say as I made my way towards the waiting room where the receptionist on the main floor said my family was. I hugged Quel then saw Wayne sitting down with his head in between his legs. There was a brown skin beauty sitting next to him with her hand on his thigh. Wait a minute. That's the same brown skin girl that was with Roon at the mall. His sister! Kay. Wait, what was she doing here? And why did it seem like she was consoling Wayne.
"What's going on?" I asked Quel as I continue to look at Wayne and Kay.
"Oh, it's a long story. But your brother was wilding out earlier, and she seems to keep him calm." Quel said as she looked back at what I was looking at.
"What happened?" I asked as we walked over to where Wayne was sitting. He lifted his head as he heard my voice and gave me a nod. I know he was in his angry big brother's mood. I knew to stand clear of him when he was in that mood.
"Dad said that he and Bre went to her boyfriend's or ex's place to get her things because she was moving in with dad. While she headed upstairs, he handled a phone call then saw her friend, Ricardo. You remember him, right?" She asked, I just nodded.
"Anywho, they were talking for a few, and he asked Ricky if he could help since he was headed to the same place. I guess Ricky and Bre's baby daddy know each other. Dad hopped on another call, but Ricky went up first since he knew Bre was probably waiting. Ricky said he walked in and saw Bre lying in the hallway with a bloodstain on her leggings. She was in a lot of pain and was seeming to lose consciousness. So Ricky picked her up and made his way out of the apartment. He saw daddy coming up the stairs, and they got her in the car and got her here. Her doctors said she was losing a lot of blood, and her pressure was rising. They got her into surgery ASAP, so now we're just waiting."
"Damn!" I y
elled out. Quel placed her hand on my shoulder to calm me. My phone started vibrating, and I saw that it was Tiffany. I sent her ass to voicemail because now wasn't the time. Five seconds later, she called back. I knew she would do this until I answered, so I powered my phone off. "So, where is the baby daddy?"
"Same thing I'm wondering." Wayne finally said. His right leg was bouncing, just like mine. Our anger was starting to get the best of us. I wasn't a street nigga, but Wayne used to be because I heard things. I wanted to tell him about what Tino said, but I didn't want him asking how I knew him outside of being his daughter's boyfriend.
"Hell if I know. I didn't even know him, foreal. I never questioned Bre about him. Now I wish I did, maybe I could've prevented this."
"Nobody could've prevented it. Bre made her choice when she slept with that nigga. He probably ain't shit." I said.
"That's not on her. That's on us. We're her big siblings, we should've protected her from niggas like him." Wayne voiced. And he was kind of right. One of us should've known about the nigga since he was going to be in the family through our niece.
"Does Chianne know anything about him? Y'all call her?" I asked.
"Yeah, she's already here. She's in the back with daddy, checking on the status of things." Quel said. "Don't worry, Wayne and dad grilled her about the dude, but she said now wasn't the time to discuss it."
"Now is the time, tuh!" I scoffed. I can't lie. I was happy that Chianne was here because maybe I can finally talk to her and try toapologize again.
"It is, but it's not what's important. Bre and the baby are. We need to make sure they are fine before we focus on the other." Quel said. She was right; our little sister needed us.
"Maybe we can do a group prayer for Bre and the baby," Kay said.
"That's a good idea," Quel said as she leaned over and grabbed Kay's hand. Kay grabbed Wayne's hand, and Wayne grabbed my hand. I grabbed Quel's to seal the circle and bowed my head. I wasn't a religious person despite being raised in a Christian household. My mother stopped taking us to church when she started having to work on Sundays. She never made a big deal about us going without her, but we all still had a relationship with God in our own way.
"Dear Lord, thank you for gathering us together even if it's during an unfortunate circumstance. Bre and her baby need a big prayer that only you can hear and grant. We don't know how they ended up in here the way they came in, but we pray that you can keep them well and let them pull through. I don't know Bre personally, but I remember her from when we were little and she always sweet and loving. And I know that she stayed that way because of the way Wayne has talked about her. He loves her, they all love her and want her to pull through. That's their little sister, their sweet little Bre, who is making them aunt again. They don't know what life would be like without her, and I don't want them to experience that either, so please bless them with more time with her. Watch over her and her baby. Watch over the Allen family and let the truth reveal itself in due time. Thank you. Amen." Kay prayed. We all said Amen and let go of hands. I can't lie that prayer made me tear up because Kay was right, I never imagined what life would be like without Bre, and I didn't want to find out. Lord, please give her another chance. Please keep her with us for some more time. I promise I would be a better brother, protector, and guidance for her. I will do whatever you want me to do so that she can pull through. Please.
An hour had passed, and we were still in the waiting room. It was starting to get dark outside, but I didn't care because I had no plans on leaving until I knew Bre was good. My dad and Chianne still were in the back and hadn't come out to get us an update.
"Did anyone call, ma?" I asked as I stretched in my chair.
"I did earlier, but she didn't answer. I guess she's at work." Quel said.
"Where is Alexis?"
"She's at Grandma Pep's house. Dad asked her to pick up her from summer camp since we're all here."
"So grandma knows?"
"Yeah, dad didn't want to mention it to her, but you know she loves to sniff the truth out. Hejust told her that Bre went into labor, though. She probably knows its' half the truth. However, she didn't ask any more questions."
"Good because we don't need her worried. What about Keisha, you know they're close?"
"Yeah, but you know Keisha just left for Atlanta, and she's pregnant too. I didn't want to worry her either."
"Eric!" I heard a very familiar and annoying voice scream. I turned my head and saw Tiffany's crazy-ass stomping over to me. Wayne and Quel had a skeptical look on their face. I can't seem to catch a break with this girl!
"Tiffany, what are you doing here? How did you find me?" I asked as she stood in front of me.
"My dad said that you got a call about your sister being in the hospital, and you weren't answering your phone. I was worried and asked him to find out where you were," She said nonchalantly.
"I get that you were concerned, but I'm with my family right now," I said most nicely.
"I see that, but we're all going to be family soon, so why not get acquainted now, during these sad times."
"Eric, who is this?" Quel asked.
"Hi, I'm Tiffany, his girlfriend, and his future wife." Tiffany then extended her hand to Quel. Quel's eyebrow raised, and she shook her hand while shaking her head.
“Raquel, Eric’s big sister.”
"Nice to meet you."
"Oh, okay, so Bre or Alexis is the one who is pregnant by my stupid-ass cousin Jemar."
"It's Bre, but her baby's father is your cousin?" Quel asked.
"Yeah. Small world, right?"
"Yeah."
"And you must be Wayne? Fine ass men definitely run in your family", She said.
"Excuse me?" Kay barked then grabbed onto Wayne's arm. Wayne looked like he didn't want anything to do with Tiffany.
"Oh, I don't mean anything by it. It's just that he's fine and Eric is fine too. Girl relax, we both swept them up. We're going to be sisters-in-law." Tiffany joked. Kay and Wayne looked at each other like Tiffany had another head growing out of her neck. I was embarrassed. This is not the chick that I wanted to introduce my family to. I gotta find a way to get rid of her and end my business with her father without getting myself and family possibly hurt. I wasn't a street dude, but I wasn't naive either. Tino let me into his operation, even though it was a small part. I was able to learn a little about his business, which made me more involved than I wanted to be. And I was a liability.
"Hey, everybody, y'all good?" I heard a deep voice ask. It was Roon. He looked around, and when his eyes landed on Tiffany, he looked at me and lifted his eyebrow.
"Hey, Roon!" Tiffany excitedly said and somewhat perked her chest up.
"What's up?" Roon said, not really paying her any attention.
"Yeah, did you see my dad?" Quel asked.
"Nah. You hungry?" He asked her as he sat down next to her. I know their history, and I didn't know what was going on now, but I was for it. Roon and Quel were always better together than apart.
"I can't really eat anything right now. I need to know if Bre is good."
"I know. Bre is good and so is the baby. I hollered at Ricky before he left." He then made eye contact with Wayne. I knew that look. It was a look that said they needed to talk afterward. I wanted to be around for that. If it concerned Bre, I needed to know what Ricky shared.
"What did he say?" Quel asked.
"I'll share it with y'all later." Was all Roon said before he reclined back in his seat. Quel leaned over and rested her head on his shoulder. He wrapped his arm around her and closed his eyes. Seeing Roon with Quel and Wayne with Kay, made me wish I had that right now. I probably would've if I never broke Chianne's heart. She definitely would've been my peace in this shit that was going on.
"Eric, come with me to go get some snacks," Roon said. His tone was even like he wasn't asking, more like telling. I got up, but Tiffany looked at me like she didn't want me to leave her side. I got up quickly and moved ahead of Roon be
fore Tiffany would make a fuss about nothing. Roon and I walked to the vending machine area, and I took a minute to decide on what I was getting.
"What are you doing with Tino Henríquez's daughter?" Roon asked, in a low tone. He posted his back on the vending machine.
"Mannnnnn, I met her the same day I saw you at the mall, back in December. I didn't know who she was or who her daddy was. We exchanged numbers and texted back and forth for a minute. I was kind of seeing somebody else, but Tiffany sabotaged that. Ever since then, she claimed me as her boyfriend and introduced me to her father."
"And?" He said like he was expecting to hear more.
"And what?"
"Look, Eric, we both know what kind of man Tino is. He's not going to let you date his daughter without proving that you're worthy of that position. So be upfront with me. Are you working for him?"
"Yeah, man," I said as I put my head down. Roon was like a big brother to me, and I couldn't lie to him. He knew me and knew this lifestyle wasn't for me.
"Doing what? And does Wayne know?" He sighed and rubbed his hand down his face.
"I'm still working at the shoe store, and his men come through to get their work. I put it in the shoebox they're purchasing. He even got my manager a part of it too. And Wayne doesn't know. He would bust me in my shit if he did."
"Shit, I would too! Man, you don't think that shit seems suspect as hell. Don't underestimate Tino Henríquez. Ever. I wouldn't be surprised if your "manager" was in on it too. They scouted you and planned for you to meet his daughter. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to know your type, and Tiffany matched it so effortlessly."
"So you saying that they already picked me out before I even met Tiff?"
"Sounds like it to me. Your manager probably needed somebody else to help with the operations and didn't want to raise any suspicion by hiring one of Tino's men out of the blue. You're a stand-up guy, you work hard and mind your business. That's perfect for them, and you're smart as hell. He knew you wouldn't just agree to work with him, so they used Tiffany as your way in and the only way out."