"Babe this is what a baby shower is for" Josie laughed seeing the second delivery of baby items delivered to his home. Speaking of home they were going to a few open houses in New Jersey to look at homes and then another open house for a new club space for Uncle G. "Don't kill my excitement woman" Ricky said grabbing the boxes and putting them in his spare room. Shortly he came back out "Y'all ready? He asked
"Yeah... Morgan are you ready? She called
"Yeah" Morgan came out with her AirPods in and her shades on. "Girl, what's the problem? Josie asked.
"Nothing.... I'm just chillin'" she said. Josie took her shades off. "What? Morgan asked. "Okay just making sure you weren't harmed or anything," Josie said. Ricky put on his jacket "Come on little girl" he said wrapping his hands around her shoulder. Things were most definitely changing Morgan is growing up she's more moody, independent, and opinionated and it's been a challenge figuring her out. Ricky is still trying to figure out his place in her life besides being an additional provider there have been times when he wanted to remind her who she was talking to when it came to Josie.
Ricky drove down the highway enjoying the silence. Kyle was with Maya and Kasey. While Jace is with his father. He didn't have to listen to video games being played 24/7 but he knew all of that would intensify when the baby gets here.
"Do we have to move? I like it at our house" Morgan admitted.
"We're just looking at houses, we're not moving yet," Josie said.
"Yeah but ya'll move fast and before we know it we'll be in another state," Morgan said. Ricky laughed "You worry too much cutes... were just looking at pretty houses," he said
Morgan sighed mumbling under her breath
"You don't want a bigger room, I would've died for a huge mansion to live in when I was your age," Josie said
Morgan pulled her hoodie up looking out the window. "Yeah.. I guess" she said turning her music back up. Josie and Ricky looked at each other. "I feel like ever since she found out about the pregnancy she's been acting different" Josie whispered.
"Could be... I'll talk to her, I think it's time" Ricky said. "This is so stressful.. and to think I'll be going through this in what 10 years," she said lowering her voice
"Calm down baby... this shit is light work," he said rubbing her belly while the other hand was on the stirring wheel.
Cortez
Cortez and Kasey broke into what looked like a new home in Miami. "Ain't no way" Cortez shook his head as he walked in. Kasey snatched the camera from above the door he threw it on the floor crushing it with his foot. He walked in securing his face mask. He followed Cortez toward the kitchen area both of them could hear the music as they went closer. "Go towards that window and peek" Tez ordered. Kasey peeked through the window to see a couple smoking and dancing. "Yeah that's him and his girl" Kasey said
"Shit," Cortez said. He hated when women were in the midst of these matters but it was now or never. "We rich baby.... we rich"
Cortez slightly slid the patio door. The both of them walked out. The woman instantly screamed and Kasey shot her in the arm. The guy didn't even turn around he knew his fate.
"Please don't kill me.. I won't tell... I promise" she begged for mercy.
"What did you see? He asked her. She didn't say anything she laid on the floor in a fetal position. "Markel Markel I thought you were better than this clearly I was mistaken" he pulled the trigger blowing the back of his head. The woman cried in agony as the blood splattered onto her. The both of them stared at her one good time before leaving
"Oh my God... oh my god," she cried. Cortez has never killed a woman but something told him she would pull a Karen. They saw her struggling to crawl for what looked like a phone. Kasey walked back shooting her in the back. The both of them stood there looking at her lifeless body. " Damn Mr. Perfect I ain't think you had it in you" Cortez laughed. "When it comes to my family I'll do anything," he said. The both of them left as if nothing happened. They got back in the car. "One down two more to go," Cortez said.
"That nigga Markel really stole from us... and thought he was going splurge with that white bitch" Cortez laughed.
"That nigga was trippin'" Kasey said putting another location in their backup phone. Cortez called Ricky to get an update on tonight.
Ricky answered the phone but couldn't focus because Morgan and Josie began bickering back and forth. "Yo, everything okay? Cortez asked
"Man I'm getting a feel of this family life to the 10th degree... but wassup is it done? He asked
"Yeah, we handled it... are you and Dreux still going to that spot tonight? He asked
"Yeah after we look at these homes we'll head out there," Ricky said stressed. Cortez could tell there was a lot of commotion going on so he decided to call him back later.
"I don't know what your problem is little girl but you better fix it. Im so sick of your attitude you don't have a damn thing to be mad about it" Josie scoffed.
"Im, not a robot either you keep treating me like im still 5 im not a kid anymore," Morgan said
"Morgan settle down-
"She keeps blaming me for everything.. this is so dumb" she argued
"Yoo Morgan imma need you to be quiet. I know that you're upset but you're not going to disrespect Josie in front of me or at all" Ricky said
"I'm not being disrespectful tho" she snapped back
"Did you not hear me? He raised his voice. Surprised Morgan didn't say anything he's never raised his voice at her ever and it took everything in her not to cry. Ricky hated being all authoritative but it was too much he had to put his foot down.
They arrived at the open house and all of them stepped outside. Angry Morgan put her AirPods back in.
"Hello Mr. and Mrs. Santana and you young lady"
Morgan didn't say anything she tended to her phone. "Hello," they both said in unison. "I'm sorry Ms. Paris can you give us a second? Ricky asked.
"Yeah no worries take your time," she said walking towards the door. Ricky turned around "Hand me your phone" Ricky said
Morgan looked confused taking her airpod out
"Huh?
"Hand me your phone and AirPods" he demanded. Morgan looked over at Josie to intervene. "Don't look at Josie.. hand me it" he said. Morgan began crying handing over her things. "Why are ya'll being mean I didn't even do anything. She cried which made Josie start to cry because she was already emotional feeling like she can't understand her sister these days.
"Ya'll gotta be kidding me," Ricky said
"Go to the car," he told Morgan. "I want to see the house-
"Now you want to see the house... you didn't even greet the lady that spoke to you" he said
"I didn't hear her" she explained
"That's your problem you always on that phone... go to the car," he told her. She turned around sadly walking back into the car.
"It's okay I'll handle it when we get home," Josie said.
"No, I'm handling this now—
"I feel like im losing her, she's not the same Morgan she was when she was 3. I feel like im not doing enough-
"Shhh don't talk like that... look go look at the pretty house and we'll meet you in there shortly," Ricky said.
"Okay," Josie wiped her eyes. "Come on baby it's going to be okay" he let out a slight laugh he didn't expect for the two of them to be an emotional wreck in the middle of the street.
He pecked her cheek. "I got it... I promise just calm down" he said wiping her tears. "Okay.. I'm gonna go" she walked off. Ricky turned around getting back in the car. He sighed looking at morgan through the car mirror
"What's going on cutes? He asked. She placed her head on her knees hiding her face.
"What's all of this about? Cuz lately you haven't been pleasant" he explained
"I don't want to talk about it... I just wanna go home" she finally spoke
"Well you can't right now.. but you rather talk right now or be phoneless? He asked
"Im not even doing anything and you're trying to take my phone. I'm not posting anything inappropriate I literally do my schoolwork and stay out of the way" she scoffed
"You do but it's not about that.. it's about you zoning out when someone is talking to you and I'm not being mean to you Morgan what you think because I'm Mr. Ricky im not going to tell you when you're wrong? I'm about to marry your sister and we're having a baby on the way. I can't take the parenting role lightly it would be doing a disservice to you don't you think
She didn't say anything
"I just don't want to move everytime I get comfortable I have to leave again and you two treat me like I don't remember anything. I remember us moving around a lot... plus all of these changes it's not fair...
"Is it about the baby? He asked
"Sometimes... I don't know" she explained
"Yes, you do... you don't have to be scared to express your feelings" he said
"I just get anxious... I don't want to move right now and then my dad is sick what if he dies... and then my health problems everyone thinks im being moody but what about me? Just because im a kid doesn't mean I can't be scared and overwhelmed. Josie always tells me what I should be grateful for when I express myself" she explained
"Josie is gonna have the baby and im gonna feel even more like the middle child" she explained
Ricky knew exactly how Morgan felt and he felt bad for not addressing this sooner than he should have. It reminded him not to do this in the future
"You're not the middle child tho," he said
"I am Jace and Kyle is the youngest then there's a new baby then there's me" she crossed her arms
"And you feel left out and overwhelmed basically? He asked
"Yes," she cried.
"Then after the baby, she's gonna start working so much and things are gonna go back to how they used to be" she cried
Ricky got out of the car opening the back seat to sit next to her. He was concerned that she was worried about all the wrong things so young but realized she was more mentally mature than he thought it's clear that Morgan knows exactly how it's been and the past and what's going on now.
"I know growing up things have been rocky for you and me coming and leaving was a lot-
"Yeah, I just woke up one day and we left, and then I had to adjust to another city. Josie didn't talk about it. No one talks about anything and Im just supposed to go with the motions" she explained
"I'm sorry... and I promise you that I'm not going anywhere this time and were stable and.....Morgan, you're not the middle child I know you feel like we're not paying you any mind but that's not true. Things are different now and Im sure you were just used to you your sister and Jace but now were a blended family and were trying our best but I can ensure you're loved and cared about" Ricky said
"I know... and im not moody I don't know I feel like when my dad is gone and when you and Jo have the baby im gonna be left behind or you two will break up again and then....
"Whoa, you're way too young to be stressing like this look Josie and I love each other we had a rough journey but we're here now. I promised your father that I would always be in your life and that will never change. You're my first baby girl don't ever forget that-
"You're just saying that... you have nieces" Morgan said
"You're right, but those are my nieces... you are the baby girl that was hand-picked for me. The first little girl that really made me want to be a dad. First little lady to open my heart
"Really? She asked
"Yes, and you're so important to us. Im sorry if we made it seem like money and gifts are the only things that matter cuz it's not you and your bros come first. I can't promise you we'll never move but I don't want you feeling overwhelmed you're too young for that.. so we'll take it one day at a time okay" he said
She smiled "Okay" hugging him.
Later that Night
"So we're set for the 5th," Ricky said. He was on the phone with Craig talking about their vacation to The Bahamas while scrolling through his dm's. He opened the group message from Dreux of a video of a man talking shit.
"Niggas really be soft, niggas wanna be a mafia so bad but don't have what it takes. 850 Boys this is a whole lifestyle we really live this shit fuck the luxury"
Who are these niggas? Ricky asked himself. He had a weird encounter with a man at the lounge the other and it happens to be this nigga in the video.
Ricky: Who the fuck is this nigga? He was on some weird shit the other night at that lounge..but if it wasn't for my family I would've popped him.
Dreux: Not another Snow Patrol lmao
"Ricky, are you listening to me? Craig asked
"My bad pops Cortez dm'd me some shit, and it has me distracted" he sighed. The truth was Ricky was overwhelmed it was one thing to have beef with The Caprios but now every time he turns around there was new beef with a different gang or cartel and it was exhausting he wanted this shit to be over today. He thought this shit would be over and technically this shit ain't even his problem it's Cortez but he's not going to take the risk of his family being harmed
"Don't worry you know I always have a plan"
Craig said
"I know pops but it's every angle.. niggas coming out the woodwork," Ricky said sparking his blunt.
Ricky turned around to see Josie coming into his room. Josie was nosy and wanted to know his every move if she could
"Pops my first lady just walked in imma talk to you later," Ricky said
"That's my boy... I've taught you and your brother well I never thought I see the day that you two would grow up" Craig laughed
"I know... it's been a journey" Ricky sighed
"Yes, it has... well Im about to take your mom on a date I'll talk to you tomorrow," he said
"You kids be safe... talk to you tomorrow," Ricky said hanging up. He smiled at Josie laying on the bed. She saw him dressed in his all Black already knowing what time it was. The pregnancy hormones were intensifying. She worried so much for Ricky she just wanted him to stay in the house forever.
"I thought you were taking a break on the tree," she said. Ricky got up opening his balcony door. He walked outside taking a hit
"I did too," he said
"Are we stressing you out? She asked
"Absolutely not" he insured her.
"Sooo? She asked
"So what? He turned around trying to figure out what she wanted.
"I overheard some of your conversation... what's going on? She asked
"Nothing nosy," he said. Josie rolled her eyes "Okay so I'll keep the same energy next time I go out" she said. Ricky sucked his teeth
"Girl, you pregnant as hell, where you going? He asked.
"Out," she said
"Knock yourself out, baby.... I'm about to handle some business. you just be up for me when I get back" he said. Josie was taken aback she didn't really like how that sounded it's like he really doesn't care about how worried she is for him and now she was thinking is this even worth it. Being anxious every night wondering if her man will make it home. She knows she sighed up for it and has to take accountability for it but he doesn't even try to make the experience better. Like at least call before and when he gets home.
"No... I'm going to sleep, I ain't your damn side chick" she said
"What are you talking about? Where is this going? He laughed.
"That's some shit you say to a side bitch im not waiting up for you because I don't want you to go.. or whatever the hell your about to do," she said
"It's like we revisit this conversation every few weeks-
"Because you're not communicating"
"WHAT DO YOU WANT ME TO COMMUNICATE? HUH? THAT IM ABOUT TO SHOOT UP SOME NIGGAS OVER MY FAMILY. DO YOU WANT ME TO GIVE YOU THE NAME AGE DATE OF BIRTH OF THE ENEMIES TOO? He questioned
"YES" she yelled
"You want to get married but were a team and I need to know these things you can't leave me in the dark and I swear to GOD this is the last time im gonna talk about this-
"No this is the last time I'm going to talk about this. I'm grown and I don't need you questioning my whereabouts baby if I need to handle business... that's just what it is-
"Okay, so the only time you want to communicate is when nothing is going on. There's always shit going on, what about me?
"Because you don't have shit going on so please just sit down and stop questioning shit, stop stressing... just sit pretty and be quiet..damn" he blurted.
Josie's jaw dropped to the floor. I know her man didn't just tell her that she didn't have shit going on.
"Oh well I guess its fuck me," she said
"You know I didn't mean it that way.. just chill out," he said
"I think I'm going to leave" she walked off. Ricky stopped her "You can't keep running off when you're upset," he said
"I'm going to go before I say something disrespectful" she scoffed.
"You're not leaving this time, that's all you want to do is run when things don't go your way. It's getting crazy out here so no you're staying here" he said
"Umm last time I checked you're not my daddy and don't try to care about my safety cuz if I can't know about yours then there's no way I'm truly safe," she said
Josie was fuming she grabbed her things. "Come on Morgan" she yelled. He felt like it was Deja Vu all over again. He just talked to Morgan and complain about how she feels when they argue.
"I have to stick and move. I can't stop and text you... you know what I can call you when im done okay is that better? He asked
"Do what you want Ricky, I thought when Grant died it was the end of this but clearly you have to take orders from your uncle too. At least the only person I take orders from is myself" she scoffed. What Josie said hurt because he knew she was trying to get even but he genuinely didn't mean what he said. He knows she's a successful woman.
"Chill out... and if I'm taking orders from my uncle and you hate what I do so much maybe you shouldn't have let me bend you over I don't know," he said
"Yeah maybe I should've sat up" she rolled her eyes.
Ricky knows this whole drama is repetitive as hell. He was exhausted and ready for this war to end and he feels like shit that the one thing Josie wants he can't provide.
"I hate to argue with you babe, you got it" he said.
"I know I got," she said
"Wait, come here" he stopped her. "Please don't leave. I'm not trying to upset you" he wrapped his hands around her body. Josie rolled her eyes she was not feeling it. She wants this relationship to work but something has to give.
Cortez
Cortez and Kasey sat at the bar catching up. Cortez and Kasey toasted to new beginnings. It was a new year and they knew this was the official last year of this bullshit their family endured. "I feel that.. I know y'all tired of the bullshit" Kasey said
"I am like I think I'm done with my father after this man. This man and his vision fucking consumed my life so much. I thought cuz I was getting the money it wasn't bad but it is. I can't fucking save my relationship with Victoria to save my life because he's in the way" he explained
"Honestly I think that's a good idea. I mean you always gon have love for your pops, but space is good" Kasey explained.
"Yeah, I just want to figure out what I want to do. Spend time with my kids and family, trying to surprise Victoria with a new car and vacation. I mean I know material shit doesn't matter but I really want to fix it. I swear after this shit is over I'm all hers" he explained
"You're on the right path, my guy-
"Yo Cortez"
Cortez turned around to see Brian. Jalen's friend's father. "Wassup man" Cortez dapped him up. Brian was cool just a little nosey he stopped inviting him places with him because he felt like he was trying too hard to be cool.
"Wassup.. how's it going? Shocked to see you in here" he said
"You know gotta switch it up sometimes," Cortez said. Brian looked over at Kasey waiting for an introduction. "My bad... Brian this is Kasey, my other brother. Kasey this is Brian" he introduced
"Nice to meet you" Kasey nodded.
"So how's your son? Noah isn't taking the move well" Brian said. Kasey raised his brow "Fuck you talking bout Brian? Cortez turned around grabbing his beer.
"The move? Noah told me Jalen and Camden moved to Atlanta to stay with their grandma. Cortez was confused he didn't understand. He's aware that his kids are visiting Atlanta but staying permanently no! Kasey shook his head. Cortez's jaw locked starting to put two and two together there's no way Victoria would ever make that decision without him but that explains how upset Jalen was on the phone with him the other day but didn't tell him why.
"Oh shoot... you didn't know? Brian asked
"Nah," Cortez said.
"Shit, my bad-
"Aye man I'm sure you're a nice dude but respectfully fuck off," Kasey told him. Brian realized how awkward this was and respectfully backed away. "I just know she didn't play in my face like this" Cortez got up. Kasey got up with him. "Take me to her house," he said
"Bro I don't think that's a good idea," Kasey said following him. "The hell it ain't... im so fucking tired of this bitch-
"Look I know you're heated but if you storm to her crib on a thousand you can wish the future relationship goodbye," he said
"The relationship is over she enrolled my kids in a different school in Atlanta, without telling me. I just saw her yesterday and she was on my ass about my shortcomings when this bitch was being sneaky.
Kasey knows the feeling when you're trying to do good but your child's mother torments you.
"Just cool off-
"Kasey you pissing me off bro. You know damn well if the shoe was on the other foot you gon see about it" he said. Kasey didn't say anything because he knows its was true.
"I'm going up with you. I don't want you to have any regrets" he said.
"Oh, imma be cool bro... you don't have to worry about that"
Cortez knocked on Victoria's door waiting for her to open it. Remembering that she wouldn't open the door unless she knew a visitor was coming. He called her phone waiting for her to answer.
"Hello" she answered
"I'm outside," he said
"Okayy for???
"Just answer the door," he said. She sucked her teeth getting out of bed. She opened the door and he charged in. "You enrolled our kids into a different school? Better yet you moved our kids to Atlanta without a say-so for me? He questioned.
Victoria didn't see this coming she panicked lowkey because she was going to convince him but she didn't know that he would find out so fast.
"I didn't enroll them.. they're just staying with my mom until this shit blows over" she explained
"Have you lost your mind? He asked
"No, shit is getting crazy," she said
"Did you enroll them or not? He asked. She paused. "Do we really have to do this right now?
"How disrespectful can you be? You think you can just call the shots like that? You didn't run anything by me? What the fuck is your problem?
"Because this would've happened.. okay it's for the best. It's not permanent-
"It's the fucking principle" he yelled
"Principle? You haven't been moving on principle in a long time" she argued
"If my kids aren't home in 24 hours it's gonna be a problem" he warned
"So what? You're threatening me now Im not one of these niggas that owe you fucking money... these are your CHILDREN" she yelled
"BRING MY FUCKING KIDS HOME" he yelled
"They're not coming home anytime soon... and I'm leaving too. I got a position lined up for me. I can't do this" she said. Cortez felt his heart sink to the floor. The divorce was one thing but her taking his kids without his consent and then running off when they were in the works of repairing their relationship. He felt played and lied to because she never mentioned any of this the other day when they went out to eat. He felt like she was being sneaky. Cortez laughed from her boldness and his disbelief there was just no way she could be so out of line
"Victoria I'm not fucking playing bring back.
My fucking kids" he walked closer.
"Okay maybe I should've told you but I know you would've done everything in your power to stop me. Jalen told me that he saw a car following him the other day and that was a fucking enough" she explained
"AND YOU DIDN'T THINK TO FUCKING TELL ME? He screamed from the pit of his stomach. Victoria knew it was about to be a long night she saw the rage on his face but she had to do what was right.
"What difference what it have made? Y'all are in some deep shit and this is the next level you think I want our kids to be kidnapped? She questioned
"You fucking communicate it doesn't matter how I would've reacted.
"And the kids could've stayed with my uncle," he said
"Things always have to go your way" she complained
"I don't even know why I deal with you. Im going out of my way to show you that I'm a different man trying to repair our relationship and you shit on me like this?
"Tuh, you call this repairing, the shit can never be fixed. Do you think you can break a plate and tape that shit back together fuck no it's still broken. Yes, I had thoughts that this relationship could be something but it's not. Things will never change Cortez all you wanna do is take orders from your daddy. You couldn't even take me on a proper date, didn't engage or ask me how im fucking doing. You couldn't just put what you had going on to the side for once-
Cortez was seeing red he was so tired of Victoria and her harshness it's like she never knew when to stop.
"You're fucking daddy is chilling home with his wife laid up while he has you and your bros doing all his dirty work.. aren't you fucking tired? She asked. "YOU'RE BEING SCAMMED" Cortez screamed as he pushed her to the wall.
"FUCKKKK" he punched the wall beside almost hitting her face. Victoria's gasped in fear "SHUT THE FUCK UP" he yelled
Victoria looked over at the huge hole in the wall. Shocked and hurt. She knows she can be abrasive sometimes but with everything that she's been through she doesn't deserve his anger right now. He could've hit her in the face and that alone set her off. She pushed him back
"GET OUT MOTHAFUCKA, YOU TRIED TO FUCKING PUNCH ME" She yelled. She began swinging frustrated. Cortez held her hands together. "IT SHOULD FUCKING LANDED" he said
"FUCK YOU, YOU'RE NOTHING BUT A LITTLE ASS BOY ALWAYS HAVE BEEN ALWAYS WILL BE" she spat.
"Oh yeah, and what does that make you? He asked
"Get off of me, you almost hit me and now you wanna restrain me-
He let go of her "You don't have to get our kids I fucking will.. you hear me? He said cupping her face. She smacked his hand off then smacked him for pushing her into the wall. She attacked him throwing hands "You're not taking my kids" she yelled
Cortez grabbed her by her arms and tossed her hard making her fall over her coffee table. Victoria grabbed her back in disbelief she couldn't believe he was handling her like that just because she wanted to protect her kids. She stayed there holding her back in pain while Cortez stood over her
"I know you think you're a nigga but you're not," he said
"Fuck you" she spat trying to get up but she stumbled
"Yeah were your military daddy at to save you? Huh? Nowhere to be found ..he's home laid up with the new wife he left ya'll for" he said. The fact that he used that wound to hurt her cut deep
Victoria grabbed the lamp in front of her throwing it at him. The lamp hit his arm and it cracked on the floor.
"Fuck" he screeched in pain. A deep cut appeared on his arm oozing with blood.
"You're fucking sick" she yelled bursting into tears
"I am... sick of your ass. I think you forgot who the fuck I was" he said
"I'm done trying with your ass. You're fucking evil, unbearable, miserable, and never fucking satisfied" he scoffed.
"And I'm a fucking reflection of you nigga cuz you ain't fucking do your job. I fucking hate your ass. My children and I will not be a part of this nightmare this time" she yelled. Cortez's heart was beating fast fueled with adrenaline. He grabbed her by her arms helping her up.
" I love you with all my heart but you really crossed the line and I'm done with you completely. Im done with my past being held over my head even after I worked so hard for you to gain my trust back. You went behind my back just to hurt me... and the crazy thing is we just started fucking again and you never thought to have some form of this conversation with me.
"I just wanted a nut," Victoria said furiously looking into his eyes
Cortez nodded his head "You don't exist to me anymore" he said before he left
This one hurt
Things are coming up
I'm proud of Morgan for giving us her POV
If these niggas don't hurry up and kill this man so everyone can live happily ever after