Page 11

Chapter Eleven

CHROME

I did a hunnid in a fuckin’ thirty-five to get to my woman when I got the call.

Imagine my fuckin’ surprise when I get there to handle shit, she protecting another nigga.

I damn near blew a fuckin’ fuse while she put that nigga before me.

The way I saw it, Mel was a hop and a skip away from being legal.

She could handle her bitch ass daddy on her own.

Fade didn’t need to play the middleman.

If I was being honest, I knew doing her baby daddy in right then and there would create problems, but damn, hearing she begged him was fuckin’ me up.

She had a nigga that was willing to love her openly and confidently but was begging the nigga who played her like a fool to come here.

I didn’t see why the fuck I was even called in the first place.

Chasing her wasn’t for the fuckin’ thrill.

I chased behind Fade’s pretty ass because I saw a future.

She was different and I locked in on that shit.

I liked the way she didn’t let certain shit get to her but now I was looking at her crazy.

‘Cause ain’t no way you switched up on me for him when I was just nuttin’ in that pussy.

My head was still spinning on a fuckin’ swivel and that shit happened over a week ago.

Seven days passed and Fade had yet to contact a nigga or attempt to explain what the fuck all that bullshit was.

I wasn’t gon’ listen to shit she had to say for real, but I guess me loving her didn’t mean shit to her.

Lil’ baby damn sure didn’t put forth no efforts to put a fire out round this muthafucka.

“Happy birthday, nigga!” Zinc shouted stepping into my room already dressed.

“How many more times you gon’ tell me that? I heard you the first time when yo’ punk ass woke me up out my sleep.”

“Nigga you ain’t been to sleep since all that shit went down with, sis. Why you lying?” Z was always gon’ be the one to call me out on my shit.

He wasn’t doing shit but stating facts though.

I lost more than a night’s rest thinking ‘bout that shit with Fade. My fuckin’ heart was in it, but I could see hers wasn’t.

Regardless of the relationship she had with her bitch ass baby daddy, that shit should’ve never went down like that.

“What’s it to you though? The fuck my sleep got to do with you?”

“Not a bitch ass thang. I really don’t give a fuck if you catch another z ‘round this muthafucka to be honest. All I care about is whether or not you gon’ pour up tonight or if I got to get my money back for this party.” Zinc was the most frugal nigga I knew.

Shaking my head, I grabbed my towel off the back of my door and said, “You gon’ get yo’ money’s worth nigga. Chill out.”

He stepped to the side, and I entered the bathroom to our right.

Tonight was bittersweet ‘cause having my baby on my side would’ve given me a hell of a high.

However, I didn’t even want her anywhere around me or my folk.

She embarrassed the fuck out of me, and I wasn’t quite over it.

A nigga was twenty-five and was supposed to be loving on his woman right now.

I guess OG cracked a joke and made me the butt of it.

Starting the shower, I put my phone on do not disturb, then played some music.

I took my time getting right.

After all, I was the center of attention tonight.

The whole hood was probably out and ready to party.

The twins were gon’ hold them back though.

They were the unpredictable ones for a reason.

After washing my face, and brushing my teeth, I stripped and stepped underneath the lukewarm water.

My eyes closed briefly as I searched for contentment.

Nothing about today felt right but I was gon’ push my personal shit to the side and give the hood a reason to get their groove on.

They always supported BMG so that was enough to make me shake shit and show face.

It took me a little over thirty minutes to wash my ass and hair before stepping out.

I purposely washed my locs to keep cool.

So much for it being spring with a cool breeze.

It felt like a fuckin’ sauna out them doors and tonight wasn’t the night for all that sweating shit.

By the time I was dressed and ready to party, it was going on nine.

The party started at eight so being fashionably late was cool.

I could hear the hood outside the crib with the music jumping so I knew they was just waiting to celebrate with me.

I gave myself a once over in the mirror and smirked.

Steel and Neon made a hell of a nigga when they made me.

I layered my necklaces around my neck, threw on a watch, a couple rings, and cologne after.

I was good to go.

I made sure to leave my phone in the crib.

Everybody I wanted to kick it with was invited so if they showed, I was appreciative, if they didn’t, I would still understand.

“Baby boy, where you at?” my mama called for me.

“Give me a minute, Ma. I’m turning shit off back here.” Phone was on the charger, tv’s and shit was off, and I was heading to the front looking and smelling like the man of the hour.

My mother stood there in a brown two-piece set that showed off her assets.

If she made it out the crib like that, then my father approved, and it wasn’t shit I could do or say to make her change.

She truly didn’t give a fuck about anyone’s opinion but his.

“You look good, son,” she complimented.

“’Preciate it, Ma.”

“Hey, before you go out there, I wanted to ask you something.”

“Wassup?”

“That woman from the park last week, who was it?” My mother never asked me ‘bout any bitch I dealt with, so I was curious as to why the hell she was worried ‘bout Fade for.

“I ain’t got a for sure answer right now. Why?”

“I’ve never seen you get out of body like that behind no chick that’s why. Correct me if I’m wrong, but she looks as if she could be my age. Not saying that she isn’t a pretty broad because she is. I just know she’s nothing less than thirty-five.”

“Stop calling her out her name and she’s thirty-seven to be exact. What the hell does age got to do with anything, Ma? Get to yo’ point,” I snapped.

My mother reared back a lil’ and gave me a look of surprise.

I didn’t mean to disrespect her or give her attitude.

A nigga was just fucked up in the head at the moment.

This aggression wasn’t even meant for her.

“She must be a hell of a bitch if she got you talking to me crazy. All I wanted to know was who she was. Now that I know, leave her alone,” she ordered.

“What? Ma, gone ‘head. I ain’t in the mood for this.”

“She’s way too old for you and I don’t like that you’re involved with a woman that seasoned. I noticed she brought a girl with her to the graduation party. That’s her daughter, right?” If my mama didn’t do shit else, she picked up on every single thing.

I should’ve known this conversation was coming sooner than later.

“Again, get to the point.”

“That ain’t nothing but drama. You’re a few years older than her child. How do you think that conversation flows in their household? It’s sick that she’s even entertaining you. You’re twenty-five. Explain to me what she wants with you? What the hell can you give her that she doesn’t already have? I know women that prey on young men and before you know it, yo’ ass gon’ be stuck left on stupid with dry pockets and a broken heart. You’re nothing more than something to do for her. Let it go son and get somebody that fits you.”

“You have no idea how well that woman fits me,” I chuckled, referring to how her body clung to mine whenever I had her in my lap.

Fade fit me perfectly in more ways than one if I was being real.

That was all me even with me being pissed the fuck off with her dumbass.

“What is it? What has you so gung hoe ‘bout this one?” she asked with dipped brows.

“I don’t know. Maybe it’s the way she already got her shit together and don’t need me for nothing other than love and good dick. Maybe, it’s the way she look at a nigga like I’m her knight and shining fuckin’ armor or something. Hell, maybe it’s the way she listens even when she tries not to. You ain’t gon’ make me stop fuckin’ with her so what we doing here?”

Going toe-to-toe with Neon was a first. I never defended a woman the way I was Fade. Whenever my mama told me about a female, I listened. This time though, I was fighting for that one. I already confessed my love to her, so it wasn’t no turning back.

She stood there reading my body language because there were things I wanted to say that I couldn’t. She was my mother at the end of the day and disrespecting her was something I couldn’t ever be comfortable with. I watched her mood shift from a protective mother to a concerned one. Even her demeanor softened up.

“You love that woman, don’t you?

”

“It’s on a nigga sleeve, Ma. I don’t know what else you want me to say.”

“Then there really ain’t no stopping you. Well does she at least have a fuckin’ job?” she inquired.

“A job? Nah, but she do got her own shit. K Blades downtown is all her. She owns a crib in Dean Creek and she’s yet to ask me for four fuckin’ quarters. She ain’t shit like these hoes ‘round here.”

She stood there not saying shit. My mama thought every chick I dealt with was after my bread or some kind of clout. Fade didn’t need me, simple as that. When all this shit settled, she was still gon’ be the one I wanted under me. That wasn’t changing.

“I’m woman enough to apologize.

I judged her simply because she is different.

I’ve never seen you be so protective or defensive behind a woman and she is getting both right now.

I won’t fake like I’m okay with this shit because I’m not.

However, I love my son and will love whoever you love.

I do want to talk to her for myself though.

”

“Nah, you just went in on her for no reason. I ain’t even ‘bout to play with that.”

“I’m serious, Chrome. Arrange it before I take matters into my own hands. Now, go ahead and entertain the hood. They’re waiting on you.”

“You want me to go party after you just came in here and ruined my mood?”

“I did and I’m sorry. I was curious and needed that settled. I won’t pry again… I promise. Zinc put up a lot of bread for your birthday, don’t make him feel like it’s a waste.” She walked over to me and placed a gentle kiss on my cheek.

She was a mother at the end of the day. I knew she stepped to me the way she did because she was looking out for me. However, I had me. I didn’t let niggas play with me in no shape or form, so what the hell made her think I’d let a bitch. Me and Fade wasn’t on good terms right now, but she was mine.

Shaking my head, I walked out the front door and the entire hood was present waiting on the kid. “Happy birthday!

” they yelled in unison as soon as they laid eyes on me.

It felt good being appreciated.

A smile touched my lips as I stepped off the porch.

It was time to put shit on pause and turn up.

That birthday drink was needed bad as fuck right now.

I made my way through the thick crowd to the DJ booth.

The mic was already sitting and waiting for me.

I grabbed it up and the DJ cut the music.

I didn’t have much to say.

My mama really put some weight on my shoulders before stepping out here.

I wasn’t in the mood for too much of anything for real.

“I ‘preciate y’all for coming out and showing love. A nigga twenty-five and that’s a hell of a milestone knowing it’s folk that don’t make it pass twenty-one or even eighteen. Shout out to the crew, BMG, for coming together and setting this up. Shit, drink, eat, and turn the fuck up.”

The hood erupted with more, Happy birthday’s being thrown my way.

I smiled as I made my way to the tables that housed the liquor.

All a nigga needed was to get fucked up, so I didn’t have to deal with my personal shit.

I needed a night where all that shit wasn’t controlling me.

As I grabbed a bottle of Don off the table and went to kick it with the crew, the DJ turned the music back on and the hood partied.

BMG was collecting gifts as the folk arrived which I didn’t need.

I had more than enough.

“How you feeling, nigga? You ready to take some shots,” Litty said approaching me with a bottle in tow.

Lead was right beside him with a bottle in the opposite one of Litty.

“Let’s run it nigga.” I grabbed the shot glass from Goldie before she could pour up and filled it with mine.

“Happy birthday bro. I know it ain’t easy holding BMG down, but we wouldn’t be the brotherhood we are today without you. You know I’ll do anything for you. I hope OG bless you enough to see another one.” Litty was one of them ones you never had to question.

His loyalty was to me first and then BMG.

He meant what he said when it came down to doing anything for me.

“Preciate it, bro,” I replied without wasting a second on throwing that shot back.

The rest of the crew followed suit showing the unity.

“Heads up, Chrome. That bitch Rini back,” Zinc warned.

I scanned the street nonchalantly and caught her walking through with her homegirls.

I wasn’t gon’ deny how good she looked because at the end of the day, Rini always knew how to step.

My interest just didn’t lie with her no more.

She was too grimy for me, and it wasn’t shit that could change how I felt about her.

Getting pregnant by my opp and still trying to fuck with me was wild.

She spotted the crew and slowly made her way over.

They didn’t fuck with her at all so they scattered like roaches before she could even close the gap good.

I remained chilling and sipping not caring what she had to say.

Her presence didn’t make me uncomfortable, either.

It was bullshit whenever she was around, so I’d gotten used to it.

It was only a matter of time before drama made its way into the picture.

“Happy birthday,” she voiced softly handing over a card and small rectangular box.

“Preciate it.” I tossed her shit to the side of me and kept eyeing the crowd.

“You’re not gonna open it?”

“What the fuck is it, Rini?” I didn’t have time to play her childish ass games.

“Just open it… please.”

I grabbed the card and peeled open the envelope.

I removed the card and flipped it open.

Inside was a folded piece of paper with a receipt.

A Woman’s Choice Inc.

sat at the top and the total of $750 sat at the bottom of it.

Opening the folded paper, I scanned it and saw this bitch went out and got a fuckin’ abortion.

I couldn’t do shit but chuckle.

Her pregnancy didn’t have shit to do with me from jump, so I was confused on why the fuck she was giving this shit to me.

“That wasn’t my baby, Rini. I really don’t give a fuck.”

“I did that for you. I never meant to get pregnant by War. It was a drunk ass night and shit went down. I’m done with him so we can get back to us now, baby. That old ass bitch can’t fuck you like I can, or swallow dick like me. Yeah, I heard all about her.”

“If you don’t move the fuck around, I know something.” I waved her off bringing the bottle to my lips once more.

She was talking out the side of her neck.

It wasn’t shit I wanted from her trifling ass.

She showed me how she got down and I believed her.

“Why you tripping on me, Chrome? We had fun together,” she said placing her hand on my chest.

I knew Rini.

This wasn’t shit but her seeing if she still had it like that.

Standing, I wrapped my arm around her neck and brought her in close.

The music was blasting, and I didn’t need her misinterpreting shit.

I was ‘bout to be heard loud and fuckin’ clear.

Sometimes you had to give it to a bitch raw for them to understand it would never be them.

With my mouth to her ear, I uttered, “That old bitch you so pressed about, that’s wifey. I be in that wet muthafucka having the time of my life. That old bitch so fuckin’ addicting, a nigga having a small withdrawal as we speak. I can’t wait to blow her shit out again. I’m gon’ nut in that shit so good, I promise the next time you hear all about her , you gon’ hear she having a nigga son. Now, get the fuck away from me before I have the twins light yo’ dumbass up.”

I peeped Fade standing with Zinc and Onyx eyeing me the entire time.

Whatever was going through her mind, I wasn’t going to clear up.

She fucked me up with the shit she did and now it was on her to fix this shit.

She wasn’t invited, but I couldn’t deny how good it felt seeing her here.

Whether it came from Zinc or Onyx giving her the run down, she showed.

That meant something to a nigga.

I strolled past them not letting the bottle down from my lips.

It wasn’t shit else this woman could do to knock me off my shit.

I was already down bad struggling to stand the fuck up.

My love for Fade wasn’t something I took lightly so if she wanted a nigga, she needed to come get me.