That Girl: Bre

by Amber Monroe

  “When Nelle calls Ricky daddy first, Jemar is going to be so hurt.” She snickered like she was already getting a kick out of it.

  “Yayyyyyyyyyyy!” Janelle squealed then took off running to the front door with her little chubby legs. I guess we were so deep in the conversation that I didn’t even hear Eric come in. Eric quickly picked Nelle up and spun her around. Although she loved her uncles the same, she definitely loved Eric more because he was such a clown and made her laugh all the time.

  “You missed your uncle, huh?” He said as he kissed her cheek then tossed her in the air. She didn’t say anything, but just leaned her head against his face and smiled.

  33. Eric

  “Finally!” My mother said as she walked into the living room. Wayne and my dad were right behind her. I saw Bre and Quel sitting on the couch. I know I was late and really didn’t have any excuse for it other than I had cold feet. I never imagined having to leave my home and family because of a stupid mistake I made.

  “What’s up, bruh?” Wayne said as he gave me dap. Nelle was still in my arms.

  “Nothing much.” I said as I dapped him back.

  “Son.” My dad said. I just nodded and shook his hand.

  “Where are the girls?” I asked Wayne.

  “Man, Aniyah is trippin’ again. I wasn’t in the mood to deal with that shit, so the girls made you a card.” He pulled two pieces of paper with colorful drawings on them out of his back pocket. I was grateful for my family during this time. I felt like a coward for not standing up or getting my own ass of this situation, but I was thankful for the way out thanks to Roon. He was able to help me out of the situation with the Henríquez Cartel. I did help a little, but it was his plan, and I had no choice but to follow or be stuck working for Tino Henríquez.

  I was eighteen now, and every decision from now on affected my life, and I didn't know what I wanted to do with my life just yet, but I knew the streets weren’t for me. I accidentally got into something that could’ve ruined my whole life if something had gone wrong. When Roon said that I could attend a military school last year since I was already in ROTC, I figured why not. It kept me away to the point I was no longer valuable to Tino Henríquez. Still, a man like him always made an opportunity out of anything. He actually wanted me to push drugs through my program. I don’t know what his actual intentions were with me, but it didn’t seem like he wanted to let me go. And neither did he psychotic ass daughter. So when one the opportunity landed in my lap to apply for the navy, I took that shit without hesitation. I didn’t want to leave my life, and I wasn’t really in the service life, but I took this as my way out of Tino’s reach. I purposely excelled well so that I would always be busy even when I came home to visit. Once I graduated, I really wanted to go off to college, but I figured that would be too easy of a reach for him and Tiffany. I could’ve gone to my dad, but I didn’t want to bring him into this mess. Hell, Wayne or any of my siblings really knew why I randomly wanted to fight our country. I asked Roon not to mention it because I knew Wayne would get into it and probably get in deeper than me. He had his kids to think about, and although he was working with Roon, he wasn’t as deep as some people would assume. This my problem, and I was handling it the best what I could think of. And I was hoping to not be gone too long. I still wanted to live my life and be a part of Nelle’s. I love this little girl so much, and she loved me. That was my partner in crime, and I knew since Jemar’s punk ass wasn’t around much, I needed to step up and be around. I know she was going to be hurt and sad once she realized I wasn’t around anymore, but I planned to call and video chat as much as possible. I loved Nelle as if she was my own daughter and knew that when it was my time to have kids, I would be the best father ever.

  “Y’all eat yet?” I said as I walked through the living room towards the dining room.

  “No, we were waiting on you, and Nelle is getting hungry.” My mother said, trying to take Nelle from me. Nelle looked at her then at me but didn’t even move. She was right in her favorite’s uncle arms and wasn’t planning to move anytime soon.

  “You spoil her.” My mother said as she rolled her eyes.

  “You all spoil her,” Bre said as she walked into the dining room and crossed her arms over her chest.

  “Whatever. I just love hard when it comes to this one. She’s my bestie.” I kissed Nelle’s little fat cheek. She smiled big, showing two teeth at the top and bottom. Nelle was cute, and I knew boys would be a problem, but Uncle Eric would be there to shut them down. She still looked like Jemar, but Bre features were starting to pop up.

  “Hey, have you heard from Chianne?” I asked Bre as she took a seat at the dining room table.

  “We talked earlier. She Facetimed to see Nelle.”

  “Is she coming back home any time soon?” I was desperate for any information on her since she still wasn’t talking to me.

  “Umm, not that I know of,” Bre said but avoided eye contact with me. She finally learned of our secret relationship after Chianne left for Cali. She said she suspected something going on with us, but waited awhile to ask. She really got all of the information from Chianne, but Chi never told her about catching me with Tiffany. She just told Bre that we weren’t as compatible as we thought we were and just decided to be friends. I wonder why she didn’t tell Bre the real truth, but I was happy that she didn’t share it because I knew Bre would’ve been on my ass.

  “Okay, well, let’s eat. You ready to eat, mama?” I asked Nelle.

  “Yes!” She said.

  ∞∞∞

  Today was the day I was finally heading off to my new life for the next two years, then another two to four years, depending on my Active Duty service. My dad asked if he could drop me off my departing location. I honestly didn’t want my family to see my off; that’s why I wanted to have the little dinner so we could get the emotional shit out of the way. And I’m glad we did because my mother and sisters cried. Wayne even got a little teary-eyed. Roon and Kay dropped by for a minute, and I could tell he was emotional as well. This was hard for my family, especially my parents. I was the baby boy, and they feared for my life. Anything could happen, and although I prayed against it, I couldn’t foresee my future. I just wanted to do my time and become a better man in the end. I feel like during this time away, I could actually figure my life out and make my parents proud, just like Bre. I was so proud of her because she did more than anyone assumed she would. Not only did she finish school, but she graduated early and enrolled in a community college. She’s a manager at one of dad’s businesses, and she’s a great mom. I was honestly inspired and motivated to turn my life around like her.

  “You know you don’t have to do this,” My dad said as he parked his car. I took a deep breath because I was nervous.

  “I know, but I want to. I need to figure some stuff out, and I need this time away to really get my stuff together.”

  “You can do that here. You know you could move in with Bre and me and work for one of my companies. Probably the car detailing spot since you love cars so much.”

  “I know. I’ve thought about that, but this is for me. Just make sure you take care of my baby while I’m gone.” I was speaking of my car.

  “You know, I will. I’m very proud of you, but I want you to do this for you and not him.” He looked at me. I knew nothing could get past him. My dad may not have been in the streets, but he was aware of everything that went on. I never knew how, but that’s Kingsley Allen for you; he was the jack of all trades.

  “It’s not because of him. It’s because of me and my becoming of a man. I’m handling things dad and hoping to become a man like you one day.”

  “Okay, son. Do what you have to do and bring your ass back home in one piece.” He reached over and put me into a playful headlock. I laughed, then straightened up and looked at him. For some reason, tears just fell from my eyes.

  “It’s okay, son. I know. I know.” He said, getting teary-eyed himself. I just nodded then got out of the c
ar to get my bags. I wish things were different, I wish I never met Tiffany or broke Chianne’s heart. My dad came around the car with one of my bags then hugged me.

  “I love you, Eric!” He said then kissed my forehead. I wasn’t embarrassed because I was grateful to have a dad like him.

  “Love you too, dad. See you soon.” I smiled as I wiped my eyes with the sleeve of my shirt. He just nodded then stood by his car as I walked away. I felt like I was walking with cement in my shoes as I got closer to the building. I felt my phone vibrating in my pocket and took it out. It was from Tiffany. I ignored the call because I already gave her my goodbye yesterday. That’s another reason I was late to dinner. She wanted to throw me a little dinner with her parents even though I already told her I had plans with my family. I told her to live her life while I was gone and not to wait for me. I was really hoping that she would meet someone else and drive that nigga crazy. He could deal with her and her dad, and they could leave me the hell alone. If there was one person’s voice I wanted to hear before I departed, it was Chianne. So I decided to try one more time because something in my heart told me to. I listened to the phone ring and was disappointed, but not surprised that the voicemail picked up. I could’ve hung up, but wanted her to hear my voice just in case this would be the last time. After my fifth attempt to reach her, I just decided to leave a voicemail.

  “Hey, Chi. It’s been a while……”

  34. Chianne

  I probably ignored Eric’s call for the fifth time in a row. I had just landed at BWI and was headed to the baggage claim area. I honestly thought I would be open to talking to him by now, but I was always reminded about how he hurt me. I wasn’t even in DC anymore, and I was still annoyed by everything about him. I don’t even know why he was calling me anyway since it’s been over a year since I last saw him. I thought about blocking his number, but I hoped he was hurting whenever I ignored his calls. I wonder if Bre told him I was coming back into town to visit? I don’t think she would do that, but maybe she slipped up and said something?

  Anywho, I was getting homesick, and I was over Cali. Life with my dad was very complicated, and I needed a break. Of course, I didn’t tell him that, but I was planning to stay longer than I told him. I needed to be around my family and friends while I try to figure life out. I haven’t even told him I withdrew from college, and I know it would be something we would bump heads about. Moving to Cali was supposed to be my fresh start, but once he got a girlfriend, our arrangement changed, and I wasn’t feeling it. I know it seems like I was running away from my responsibilities, but I never wanted this life and was forced to have it. I wasn’t the same Chianne from before, a lot had changed, and my mindset was different. I was focused on the money and making a name for myself. I don’t know exactly what I want to do, but I’ll figure it out along the way. After Eric called ended, a voicemail popped up on the screen. I rolled my eyes then waited for my luggage. It took about twenty minutes, and once I had everything, I ordered an Uber and made my way outside.

  “Chi?” I heard someone say as I was walking to the Uber pick-up area. I stopped and slowly turned around to see Wayne with a duffle bag in his hand.

  “Wayne?” I said as I walked up to him. He grabbed and hugged me.

  “I haven’t seen your little ass in a long ass time.” He said, still hugging me.

  “I know. You know I moved to Cali with my dad.”

  “I know, but I didn’t think your ass would stay.”

  “Me, either,” I said as we finally ended the embrace.

  “You back?”

  “Yeah, for a little minute. You know I was missing my bestie and god-daughter!” I smiled.

  “I know they’re happy that you’re home. You gotta come to a family dinner.”

  “Bre told me about them. I’ll be there.”

  “Hey, fool. You gon’ introduce yo’ friend or what?” I heard someone say. I looked behind Wayne and saw a fine ass brown skin dude approaching us.

  “Chianne, this is Roon. Roon this is-”

  “My future wife.” He said, licking his lips. I blushed.

  “Nah, dawg. She’s Bre age.”

  “She’s eighteen, right?”

  “That doesn’t matter. She’s the little sis.” Wayne said while shaking his head.

  “And if Wayne can’t talk to me because of my age, then you can’t talk to her.” This female who appeared out of nowhere said. Just then, a brown skin chick came from behind Roon. She was gorgeous.

  “I thought we agreed to not bring the past up anymore,” Roon said, shaking his head. I was confused.

  “I need to be headed in soon. Wayne, can you walk me in?” She asked while giving Wayne flirtatious eyes. He smiled, but Roon didn’t seem happy.

  “I thought I was going to walk you in?” Roon said to her.

  “You drove me. I want Wayne to walk me in. Nothing personal, big brother.” She said as she walked up to him and hugged him. He tried to act mad, but he quickly gave in and hugged her back. I looked at my phone and saw that my ride was arriving soon.

  “My Uber is arriving, I’ve got to go. I’ll see you around,” I said and quickly gave Wayne a hug then walked away. I walked down a few feet then waited for a red car to pull up.

  “Chianne?” She asked as she pulled up with the window down.

  “That’s me. Christy?” I said before entering her car.

  “Yes.” She said then opened her trunk. I opened the back passenger door after putting my bags in and got in. She drove off and I finally decided to check Eric’s message.

  “Hey, Chi. It’s been a while. I know you’re probably still mad at me, and I’m the last person you want to talk to. I don’t know if Bre told you about me leaving today, she probably mentioned it because I told her to. Anywho, I thought about you because I feel like we have some unfinished business. I don’t know what it’s going to take for you to forgive me, but I hope one day you can. I fucked up, and I’m sorry about that. I’ll probably spend the rest of my life regretting that because you didn’t deserve that. I guess I’m nervous about joining the Navy and somewhat afraid about what’s to come. I don’t know if I’ll come back or if I do, I’m afraid I won’t be the same. So I just want to get this off my chest while I’m still here and myself. I’ve spent this past year figuring out why I hurt you, and the only thing I could come up with was tha I was being childish. You were my first, and instead of cherishing that, I got greedy. I guess I vowed never to let that be me, seeing how life worked out for my mother, Wayne, and Bre. I didn’t want to settle with my first and regret it years after having kids and being together for a long time. I know it sounds stupid, but it made sense to me. Anywho, I should have told you how I was feeling instead of feeling like we were on the same page. I knew that you wanted a relationship with me, but I put your feelings aside for my own physical needs. It’s a lot that I can say, but I know this voicemail is not that long. I don’t want to annoy you and call back, so I’ll just end it and say that I did really love you, but I didn’t know how to love you. And to be honest, it wasn’t hard because you always told me what you wanted and you always loved me for me. I appreciate that, and hopefully, I can come home one day and show you. Love you, Chi.”

  I put my phone down and stared at it. Part of me wanted to call him back, but my pride was in the way. If something was to happen to him while he was away, I would be devastated because of how we ended. However, Eric wasn’t the only one who was feeling bad about how things turned out. I was holding on to a secret that would hurt several people that I cared about, and I wasn’t ready for that. Especially since I was trying to do something with my life and become better. I know I probably need edto tell Eric, but I’m just not ready to. So instead of calling him back, I just put my phone away and stared out of the window.

  35. Wayne

  It was a coincidence seeing Chianne at the airport at the same time we were dropping Mikayla off. Mikayla finished high school earlier this year and went off to USC back in Augu
st. She came to visit home because she was a little homesick, but I encouraged her to go back to and thug it out. She needed this, and I would do anything to keep her on a straight path because she had so much potential. Roon and I still haven’t really talked about the whole situation. But, I think he respected our relationship to a certain degree. Mikayla was now eighteen, but I put off dating until she was done with school. I wanted her to live life just like I was living it, and if it’s meant to be, we will find our way back to each other.

  “This is as far as you can go,” Mikayla said as we got close to the TSA line. We stood off to the side and let others go ahead while we talked for a minute.

  “You’ll be back for Thanksgiving?” I asked.

  “Yes and Christmas. I’m going to miss y’all.” She started to tear up. I caught one of her tears with my thumb then rubbed her cheek.

  “Don’t cry, you know I’m one call away, and if I have to, I’ll get on a flight and come to you,” I said as I moved closer to her, so close our lips were rubbing against each other.

  “You better. I want you to come to visit me so I can show you, Cali.” She smiled.

  “Bet. Let me know, and I’ll book the flight today.” She kissed me, and I kissed her back. She was making this so hard. “Go before you end up missing your flight.”

  “I don’t care about that flight.” She pecked my lips.

  “I do because I want you to finish and graduate. I already got my fit ready for your graduation, and remember I said you weren’t getting no more of this dick until I see those grades.” I joked but was serious. She needed some motivation, and I knew how to get to her.