I was awakened out my sleep feeling a tug at my shoulders. I opened my eyes to see Jace tugging my arm. I quickly got up "What's wrong baby? I asked. "Morgan she's crying," he said concerned. "Okay I'm coming" I quickly jumped up as he led the way. I was so proud that he woke me up for that, my baby boy was growing before my eyes and had a big heart already. He always worries about his aunt. I walked inside to see Morgan curled up crying in pain. "I told you not to bother her Jace," she said. "He was just trying to help," I said rubbing her back. "Jace, can you get her pink trash can over there? I pointed. "Okay mommy" he ran over there grabbing it. "I wanna go to the hospital," she said. Lately, she's been going to the hospital getting scans and scopes done and all they tell her is she's constipated. I wasn't okay with that they weren't trying hard enough it's like we're back at square one all over again. She leaned over throwing up as I grabbed her hair. Just the sounds of her throwing everything up was too much for me on a daily basis. She struggled to catch her breath "its okay-
She puked again finally wiping her mouth. I moved the trash again. "Feel relieved? I asked. "Yes," she said catching her breath. She walked in her bathroom to brush her teeth as Jace followed her. I grabbed the mini trashcan tying the bag inside of it up and throwing it on the balcony I'd take it to the garbage can later on. I walked back in her room "Morgan are you okay? He asked
"Morgan" he pulled her leg. She nodded her head. "Come here Jace," I said. He turned around running towards me. I picked him up hugging him. "You're such a good boy, you know that," I said kissing his cheek. Morgan came out "You feel better? I asked.
"Much better," she said getting back in the bed. "How long have you been up? I asked. It was 5 am in the morning "Since 11" she said. "Why didn't you wake me up? I asked. "I didn't want to bother you, you need sleep too" she said. She was right I did miss a lot of sleep but that didn't matter. "You're so sweet sis but always wake me up. I don't want you going through this alone okay" I said. "Okay" she nodded her head. "I'm going to call your doctor later okay" I said.
"Yeah" she said. "You can sleep in if you want," I said. "No, I'm okay I'm going to go" she said. "Are you sure you're okay? I asked.
"Yes , I feel much better.. trust me" she said. "Okay boo, get some rest," I said turning over her light. "Night Morgan luv you," Jace said hugging her
"Love you too Jace" she smiled hugging him back. I walked him back in his room. He got back in his bed "Try to go back to sleep" I said. "Is Morgan going to be okay? He asked sadly. That's the same question I wanted to know I felt so hopeless sometimes but I know she feels even worse. "Yes baby, she's sick. She has an illness that makes her stomach hurt a lot" I explained.
"Is she going to die? He asked. "No, not at all. She's going to be okay but even though you're her little nephew promise me you'll always protect her" I said.
"I will" he said. I pulled the covers over his arms as he closed his eyes. One thing about Jace when its lights out its lights out. I don't have to worry about him fighting sleep running in my room all night. I went back in my bed laying down I wanted to cry. It's so hard seeing her like this and I can't do anything about it. I worry about her and my dad all the time. I went on Instagram scrolling down my TL. I closed the app feeling lonely. The single life gets so boring and right now I just wanted to be hugged up and rubbed up. I got a notification from facebook.
RSVP: Kamaya's 31st Birthday will you be attending?
Going
Maybe
No
I hit no, I just wasn't going to make it my business to go to everything and I'm not flying back to Miami for that. I just wanted to relax for a change. My phone then vibrated and I saw a text from Ricky.
Ricky: "Hey, Morgan free today?
Aww, Morgan would be so happy to see him today that would make her day. I texted him back.
Me: Yes, she gets out of camp at 4 pm. would you like to pick her up?
Ricky: Yeah send me the addy
Me: Okay I'll tell her
Ricky: What your schedule looking like this weekend?
I rolled my eyes seeing the message. No, Ricky, we can't do this. We can't go back in time, I don't want any parts.
Me: I have no idea
I put the phone down trying to get two more hours of sleep before I had to get back up.
Ricky
I woke up in the middle of the night hearing crying. "What's the problem now? I got up removing the covers from around media walked across the hall seeing Shani comfort Kyle. "What's wrong? I asked. "He had a bad dream" she frowned rubbing his back. "It was just a dream," I said looking at him. "I had a dream someone was trying to hurt me," he said. I'm always uncomfortable when people cry let alone my little brother. "Quit all that crying, just calm down," I told him. Shani rolled her eyes "its okay baby are you okay? She asked him. He nodded his head calming down getting back in bed. "You sure you okay bro? I asked. "Yes," he said wiping his eyes. Shani tucked him back in bed as I walked back into my room. I sat on the edge of the bed. A nigga was stressed out and the fact that he's dreaming about shit liked that at 5 is killing me. I thought when I was around Josie's family and my nieces it was going to be a breeze once I raise my child. I now have the responsibility of raising my little brother and it's not as easy as I thought. Shortly she came in with an attitude "You need to stop telling him that he can't cry" she said frustrated. "What are you talking about? I asked. She closed the door "You know exactly what I'm talking about, come on Ricky he's still a baby" she said
"Look, I just don't want him growing up being soft. He lets the littlest things get to him if he falling out over the smallest shit I can't even imagine how he's going to maintain when he gets older" I said. She just didn't understand I was sensitive as a child and look where it got me. "You're thinking too ahead in the future, it's in his nature. I can see if he was 10 he's still a toddler practically, you're projecting your fears on him and I hate seeing it" she said. "Well that's how I was raised, you don't have kids anyways-
"Neither do you, so what are you saying? She fired back. This conversation was going left fast. "Okay, this shit is going left. I hear you, I just gotta work on that" I said. "You do because you'll have kids one day Ricky. Kyle will be okay he's in good hands just let him be a kid" she said. She was right I'm not trying to be like my dad but at the same time. I don't want Kyle to be a pushover kid I can't help that I want him to run the damn sandbox. "I think I'm going to go," she said. Her whole expression changed and she looked sad. I started to feel bad "Shani," I said
"I didn't mean it, l just didn't expect you to care that much," I said
"Hmm maybe because even though we're friends with benefits I'm around you all the time and grown attached to your little brother. But I guess since I'm not a mother I have no say so" she said grabbing her purse. I sucked my teeth "Shani, you know I didn't mean it like that. I don't have a child of my own. Come here" I said pulling her back. "I can't have children Ricky thanks for reminding me," she said
"Hold up, you didn't even tell me that how was I supposed to know? I asked
"Well you know now," she said saddened. "That's not even fair I questioned something but because I didn't know, now I'm a bad person," I said. Damn, a nigga was trying we all know I don't know what comes out my mouth sometimes but I'm trying but even then I swear women use that shit as a crutch to go off on me or something. "Never said you were," she said. "I'm sorry to hear that, I didn't know I wasn't trying to offend you," I said. "I'm going to go, I need to clear my head" she said.
"Okay," I said. There was nothing else I could do she was deeply in her feelings. I tried to kiss her but she moved her head. I walked her to the door "Talk to you later? I asked. "Yeah," she said before leaving. I watched her walk down the hall before closing the door, Honestly, this shit was harder I always thought I had all the answers growing up I always knew if I were to ever have kids I wouldn't raise them how my dad was but hearing that I was fucking up just the slightest bothered me. I still go to therapy once a month I thought I was better but I sometimes still feel cold. Maybe that's always going to be a part of me I don't know. I walked in Kyle's room to see him knocked out. I sat on the bed beside him getting on my phone.
Dreux
I laid in the bed watching the morning news with Mia. She laughed at the recent video I put up about relationships that went going viral. She laughed "You're so damn stupid," she said. I laughed "It's the truth," I said. I was so damn happy Mia and I was in a great place. We haven't had any drama for the past 4 years. Our son Junior was an A student that played football. I wanted him to play basketball but he wanted to be like his uncle and play football so I have to deal with that. My baby Dylan was a ball of energy and a comedian she kept our spirits high whenever we were down she would make us smile. Mia was great she's been in remission for 3 years. She has her bad days but they're not as bad as they used to we haven't been in the hospital in a long time. She placed her phone down "I guess I need to make some breakfast. I don't feel like it" she frowned. I bit my lip looking at her, I wanted some breakfast. She looked at me "Uh uh" she said. I got on top of her "Why you so fine? I asked her. "Dreux move" she blushed. "I want another one," I said kissing her neck. "You got me messed up. Dylan is enough okay" she said. "Shhh" I placed her hands above her head. She smiled kissing me back.
"Morning" the door slammed open. Dylan jumped on the bed. The both of us looked at her. I began to laugh "Morning mommy" she smiled
"Morning daddy" she jumped on my back. "Morning baby girl," I said. "Come on baby, let's make some breakfast" Mia smiled getting up. "You serious right now? We ain't even get started? I asked Dylan jumped off the bed following her mom. She was right we didn't need anymore. I laid on my back grabbing my phone to see a missed FaceTime from Ricky. I called back and he answered
"Yo," I said.
"Hi bro," Kyle said with his whole face near the camera. "Wassup baby bro what you doing? I asked
"About to eat," he said
"What you about to eat? I asked
"Cereal," he said. I rolled my eyes that's all Ricky could make. "Tell Ricky to make you some real food," I said getting up. "Ricky... Dreux said make me some real food" he said. I laughed as Ricky came to the phone "You gone stop judging me mothafucka" he laughed. "I wanna talk to Mia and Dylan "'he said. Having a little brother was so cool. If Ricky didn't have him I did. We try to rotate so he can spend time with all of us including Kamaya. "Mia" I called. "Yeah" she answered. "Kyle wants to talk to you," I said handing her the phone. "Hi Scottie... how's my baby? She asked
"Good, I'm coming over," He said
"Boy, you can't be calling shots like that" Ricky laughed in the background. "You can come over whenever you want Babyboy" she smiled. I walked over to see Junior on the couch on his phone while Mia was still on FaceTime. "Morning kid," I said
"Morning pops, your video is going viral" he laughed showing me it. I looked at it seeing it on this funny account. I have a separate account called Called Coach Dreux. I was debating between Coach Dreux and Uncle Dreux but that was going to be my name when I start this comedy shit. I have a shit load to talk about. My childhood growing up in the hood, the dynamic of our family, and my relationship with Mia and the knuckleheads I coach on the daily. "What can I say I'm a celebritayy" I said.
That Afternoon
I was in my zone adding the final touches to my dress realistically there was no way I was going to continue to be able to hand make all of these gowns. I had 5 requests and I felt myself getting burnt out already. I don't know if its stress or I haven't allowed myself to just rest. I swear for the past 8 years I been working my ass off. It's like I'm presented with all these blessings that I begged and cried for and I'm too tired to enjoy them. "You okay? Erica asked me.
"Yeah, I'm fine" I yawned barely getting any sleep from the night before. I was individually sewing these pearls on her gown. "But I see you didn't come over last night," I said. She began blushing "Uh yeah Zel apologized," she said. I smirked "oh he apologized, apologized" I laughed.
She stuck her tongue out "Girl I forgot I was pregnant one moment... anyways guess who I saw at the studio" she asked
"Your ex? Every nigga wanna rap nowadays" I laughed. She laughed "Girl.. Ricky" she said. "Oh, okay well he knows people probably was listening to some shit," I said. She laughed "I figured.. at first l was like I know this nigga not about to drop the greatest rap album of all time," she said. Erica was on bed rest know and her job wouldn't let her go back until doctor's orders now she visits me even earlier but I didn't mind. It's nothing like having your bestie at work with you. I laughed "You silly," I said
"He said hi and I said something," I said. I rolled my eyes but a little antsy. The hell did she say to him. "What you say? I asked. "I was like I see you trying to rekindle things with Josie," she said. I rolled my eyes "I'm surprised you even said something like that, you don't fuck with him like that" I laughed
"Actually we had a heart to heart one day at the market," she said. I scrunched my face "When was this? I chuckled
"The evening before we were leaving for New York, he gave me some game and shit. Well he tried, I don't know he seemed real down that you were gone and he seemed desperate to make things right with everyone. I can't explain it" she said. I didn't say anything I continued tending to this gown. "That's nice never knew that," I said.
"Anyways he was like Ha you funny, she already know what it is" confidently then he went upstairs" she explained. I laughed "Girl ain't nobody ask you to do that," I said.
"Were cool and all but uh nah I'm good" I said. "Quit lying, I know you miss him" she said. "I'm happy he's doing better for himself but that ship has sailed. I'll probably never get fucked like how I used too ever again but with that shit came a lot of problems and I don't want to re-live that, yet alone be reminded" I said.
"Damn I feel you though, he really seems like he's changed tho maybe ya'll can be friends," she said. I looked at her like she was crazy. "Girl you can't just be friends with him and you know it," I said. She laughed "You're right that's like me and Zel breaking up and we become friends. Yeah, I'd still be trying to get a taste" she laughed. "He is taking Morgan out today, that's going to make her day," I said
'Aww Morgs is gonna be so happy" she said. Shortly my dad walked in with some boxes. "Hey dad," I said
"Hey baby girl"
"Hi Mr. Jason" Erica said
"Hi Erica," he said. I watched him take a knife from out his pocket cutting open the box. "You still need me to get Morgan? He asked. "No actually, Ricky is getting her and taking her to get some ice cream," I said. His face turned upside down immediately. "You mean that older dude you used to mess with? He asked. Erica's eyes widened "Let me go to the bathroom," she said
"Yeah him," I said. "You sure you're comfortable with her being around him, she hasn't seen him in years," she said.
"Hell did you hang out with him yet? He asked. Well damn, he had a point I haven't even sat down and talked to him but I didn't feel the need to we already talked it out at the party.
"No I didn't but he and Morgan are close," I said. He shook his head "I'm not feeling it" he said
I know my dad is our parent and he questioning me was a tad bit weird seeing as though I'm her guardian. "She loves him and he adores her. He would never harm her" I said. "I get it, just everything you told me about him and how he used to treat you. I mean from him pushing you against a wall and choking you-
I stopped thinking about that. Some things I put in the back of my mind.
"I'm not that comfortable with him being around her," he said
"What grown man wants to hang out with a little girl? He questioned. I completely understand where he's coming from. He was violent towards me sometimes but he never hurt Morgan and Jace a day in his life. Maybe I did suffer a little from Stockholm Syndrome but at the same time he's done a lot for us and I'm not going to let my dad come for him like that as if he was a pedophile or something. "The same grown man that was taking care of her when she was little," I said. He sighed "I see this will always be thrown over my head," he said. I rolled my eyes "Dad, I'm over that. I promise you I'm not holding it over your head but it happened. You left and Ricky really helped. Despite his ways he always had her best interest he'd do anything for her" I said. Ricky may have done terrible things but he's no creep or child molester and that's what my dad was trying to imply and when he implied that I took that as I'm not having Morgan best interest which I do and I didn't appreciate that. "So because I left you act like I'm still not her parent or yours to be exact," he said
"You are, I'm not taking that away from you dad. I'm just not going to allow you to cancel her plans" I said. "Well, I want his number," he said, "Sure, I'll text it to you," I said. "Alright, I'm going to head out" he said. "Okay, see you later" I said. He kissed my cheek: Love you" he said
"Love you too," I said watching him leave. I started to feel bad why was this all so weird? I didn't mean to hurt his feelings but sometimes I feel like certain things he can't have a say on anymore like he kind of lost that privilege. Was I wrong? Erica came back in smoothing down her dress.
Ricky
I stood outside against my car waiting for her to get out from her summer camp. My phone started ringing and I looked at the unknown number. I answered the phone
"Hello," I said
"Hello, is this Ricky"
"This is he, who's calling? I asked looking around. "This is Morgan and Josie's father... Jason" he said. I lifted my brow since when was he involved like that. "Hey, how you doing?
"I'm fine, I just wanted to know where you were taking my child," he said. "I'm taking her to get some food and then some ice cream. I'm not extremely sure it's up to her" I said. "Okay well have her call me," he said. "Alright, no problem," I said hanging up. Sheesh, I told Josie I would let her know where we were. I felt arms around my stomach. I looked down at Morgan smiling. "Wassup short stuff" I hugged her back. She let go "You got big girl" I said opening the door for her. She got in as I closed it. I closed my door "How was camp? I asked starting the car. "It was fun, I always have fun with my friends," she said. "That's good, where do you wanna go? I asked.
"I kinda want pizza," she said. "Alright.. pizza it is" I said pulling off. "Still can't believe you 10 now little girl, it's been forever," I said. She laughed.
We sat in the pizzeria waiting for the pizza to come. "I heard you have a little brother," she said. "Yeah, he's 5... And crazy" I said. She sipped on her fruit punch this was a little awkward. She's very quiet. Extremely quiet and I didn't like it. "So what's going on with you? I asked.
"Huh? She asked. "I heard what's going on with you? Are you okay? I asked. "Mmm, it's kinda hard. I get sick a lot, my stomach hurts all the time and I throw up a lot. Miss a lot of school" she said
"What's your condition called? I asked
"Ulcerative Colitis," she said. I unlocked my phone searching it on google. "Aww, I sorry you have to go through this kid. I'd trade bodies with you if I could baby girl" I said clicking the first article I saw about it. Kamaya told me but she barely could explain it.
"You take medicine? I asked. "Yeah I hate to though and my sister is always on me about it" she laughed. "She's supposed to be," I said
"I know I feel bad a lot she doesn't get much sleep because of me" she sadly. I put my phone done. "It's going to get better I promise you. I know you're still a kid but you're going to have to be on it for yourself. You gotta take your pills on time and stop leaving them in your pocket" I said. She sighed "I know, I know," she said. The pizza finally came "Thankyou" I said thanking the server. I watched her pray over the food. "Amen," she said. "Oh, tell your dad where you at" I said. "Oh yeah" she said taking out her pink iPhone. The waiter finally came with my salad. She grabbed a slice of pizza taking a bite. "You like it? I asked. She nodded her head "Mhmm" she said. I continued eating my house salad while reading on the symptoms.
20 minutes passed and we were catching up she was telling me how she was excited to do ballet again and how she couldn't wait for school to start. "So Mr. Ricky? She asked giving me the side eye. "What? I laughed. "What you want?
"Are you trying to get back with my sister? She asked. I laughed "Why you ask that? I asked. "I don't know you live in New York now so?
"It doesn't work like that kid. A lot has happened but I still care for y'all" I said.
"Mr. Ricky, why did we really live you? Were you a criminal? She asked. I began coughing on my soda. I was not prepared at all. "Josie told me you owned businesses," she said. "Your sister was my assistant for one of my businesses," I said. She was too young for me to go in depth I'll tell her when she gets older.
"Is that why y'all always argued? She asked. "Argued? I questioned. "Yeah, I heard a lot of it" She said grabbing another slice of pizza. Damn, she really heard our fights. "We had a lot of disagreements on different things" I explained.
"Why did she play your fiancé then? Was it for the business? She asked. "Mmhmm, yup that's exactly what it was for," I said
A kid telling me she remembers a lot caught me off guard But since she started the conversation, I was going to keep it going, I had questions for myself. "So who's your sister seeing? I asked curiously since she was too good to tell me at the party.
"This guy named Fredric he's a singer," she said. "He treats y'all right? I asked. She nodded "He's really nice, I don't see him much but Josie seems okay with him, "she said.
"Oh okay, I thought she was back with Raymond," I said.
"No they're just cool," she said. "Uh huh-
"Yup, he's engaged anyways," she said
"Uh huh," I said
"Are you tryna get back with my sister" she tilted her head with her cute little voice.
"Why can't I ju-
"The kids in my school say that if you ask a lot of questions about someone that mean you checking for somebody" she explained drinking her fruit punch
I laughed "So that's what y'all kids calling it now? I asked. "Yeah," she said. "Well all I know is you better not have a boyfriend or I'll track him down," I said.
"I do," she said. I damn near had a heart attack. GET THE STRAP "You really don't need a boyfriend right now Morgan. I'm disturbed" I said.
"But he's nice to me," she said. "He better be," I said. The waitress came over with the bill. "You wanna take the rest of the pizza home? I asked
"Yeah Jace may want some," she said. "How is he? I asked. "He's fine he starts Kindergarten in August," she said. "That's wassup, he'll do fine. You ready to get home lil mama? I asked. I looked at the time and it was 6 o'clock. I could go for nap Josie wasn't the only one not getting any sleep. I walked with her out the restaurant.
I walked her to her home. I looked at the hallway feeling like I've been down here before. The interior was nice okay Josie I may have to check to see if they have penthouses. "What you bout to do? I asked. "Probably watch love and hip-hop" she laughed. "You don't like the power puff girls anymore? I asked as she stood in front of her door. "I'm 10 now Mr. Ricky," she said knocking on the door.
"Well excuse the hell out of me" I laughed. The door swung open with Josie standing there with her hair over her face. "Oh, hey you're back. How was it? She asked her smoothing down her hair. "Fun" she turned towards giving me another hug. "Thank you, Mr. Ricky," she said
"No problem Morgan" I hugged her back before she walked off. I got a glimpse of her condo it was nice it had her touch all over it. "Hey, thanks for taking her out" she yawned. I stared at her pretty face and scanning down her curves that I used to feel on. "Long day? I asked.
"Yes, I was in a deep sleep," she said. I leaned to the side. "You're welcome, "I said. "Oh, I'm sorry for my dad. He was trippin earlier" she explained. "It's cool" I licked my lips. "Nice place, you ballin on em," I said. She laughed "I try... I try"
"Where'd you two go? She asked. "Took her to get pizza" I said. She rolled her eyes "She's not supposed to eat that" she sighed. "Oh shit, my bad. I didn't know" I said. Had I known I wouldn't have let her get that but then again it's hard to say no to her. "It's okay, she eats what she wants and suffers the consequences later. I can't control everything" she said
"You going to Maya's party this weekend? I asked her. I asked her this morning what she was doing this weekend because I wanted to see what she would say now. I didn't expect her to go to every damn thing because we're not together but she's still acting super weird around me, so I wanted to see if she was bullshitting me. "No, I'm super busy. I have a lot to do some meetings, a Q&A-
I laughed "You don't got to explain yourself to me, I aunt your daddy," I said. It was evident that she may be avoiding me. Early this morning she said she had no idea what she's doing now she has so much to do.
"Mommy mommy look" she turned around looking at her son. Damn everyone was big now and I felt hella old. "Oh, thank you pumpkin," she said taking the drawing.
"Oh, Jace this is Mr. Ricky" she reintroduced us. "Hi" he walked up to me. "Wassup buddy," I said giving him a hi-five. After that, he ran off with a quickness. "Damn, he got big," I said
"I know I miss him being a baby," she said. "Well, I'm about to head out," I said.
"I'm sorry I didn't even invite you in. I cooked did you want to take a plate for you and your brother? She asked. I thought about it. I don't cook and I probably was going to take him to chic fila.
"Yeah," I said. She stepped to the side allowing me in. I looked around her crib following her to the crib. "What you make for me? I asked. She chuckled "You mean what I make for me" she laughed. "I made some crab cakes, salad, and jambalaya," she said.
"Yeah hand me that," I said. She gave me two paper plates. She scooped up the food placing it on my plate. "Still can't cook I see," she said turning around. I sneak peeked at her pajama shorts she wore for me. "Don't flirt with me now" I said. She laughed "I see you're still cocky as hell" she said. She grabbed some aluminum foil. I sighed "I must say you doing the damn thing. Boss" I said looking at her place. "Hard to believe huh," she said putting the plates in a bag. "Never that," I said. She handed it back to me. "There you go," She said
"Thank you ma... I appreciate it "I said. "No problem," she said walking me to the door. "You're welcome ... oh thanks for the Starbucks card. I almost used it up" she laughed. I chuckled" Yeah, I know you did" I said.
"See you around," she said
"Bye Joselyn," I said. I pressed the elevator waiting for the door to open. Once the elevator opened I stepped in. I unlocked my phone to text Shani.
"Hey, can we talk? The door opened I deleted the message stepping out. I dialed her number hoping she would answer. I hated upsetting people I dealt with it.
"Hey" she answered.
"Hey, what you doing? I asked walking in front of my car. "Nothing just finished working," she said. "I'm sorry about earlier, I didn't mean to hurt your feelings," I said
"I wasn't trying to tell you how to be a parent," she said. "I know you weren't, and you were right. This shit is overwhelming at times. It's scary honestly wondering how he's going to turn out because of me" I admitted.
"You're doing great Ricky, that little boy loves you so much. You're more patient than you think, you just gotta be a little more vulnerable but you got this. I promise you" She said.
"Thank you" I said. "Well Imma call you back," she said quickly. I looked down at my phone at her suddenly having to get off. "Okay," I said. "Okay, talk to you soon" Shani hung up."Fuck, she doing? I said to myself before ending the call.
We were at Kamaya's party all of her friends were there including badass Harmoni. I sat in my section kind of bored with the party life only here for the sake of my sister. I scrolled down my TL sipping on my glass of Henny and red bull. Kamaya stuck her tongue out grinding on Kasey. No one wants to see that shit! Harmoni sat not too far from me. "Ricky" she spoke. I didn't expect her to say shit to me. "Harmoni," I said. I got the text that Shani was here I didn't think she was coming. I stood up looking for her I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned around "Wassup baby" I wrapped my arms around her hugging her. I could feel Harmoni side eye us quickly looking away. "Hi boo" she pecked my lips. Sup Shani" Dreux side hugged her. "Hey Dreux" she smiled.
Josie
I sat on the bed watching Love and Hip-hop with Morgan eating ice-cream. She laid on her back scrolling up her phone. "I think Yandy is so messy," she said
"Really? I low-key think so too" I said. "I just think she tries to act like she's not shady when she is" she said. If Morgan said you were shady then you a shady somebody. I laughed watching her text whoever. "Texting Austin? I asked. "No, I'm texting Kamara," she said.
"Oh, what they doing? I asked. "I think they're home chillin with Imani," she said. I scrolled down my TL watching a video of Kamaya dancing. I looked at the location seeing that she was in New York. Morgan leaned over watching it. "Weren't you supposed to go? She asked me. "Mmm no, I didn't feel like it. I'm partied out. Once you get my age you're gonna be over it" I said.
"Mmmhmm I bet Mr. Ricky was looking for you," she said. "You never told me how your date went? I asked her. "It was fun, we ate some pizza and talked. He was going to take me to get ice cream after but I didn't want any" she explained. "Aww I'm glad he kept his word and you enjoyed yourself," I said
"He did mention you though," she said. I rolled my eyes "And what was that? I asked
"I kinda asked him if he wanted to get back with you. She said making a face as if she was scared of my reaction. "Yall won't let us live I swear," I said
"He said it doesn't work like that but he still has love for us... but I feel like he was lying," she said. "Okay enough of all this talk," I said. I'm really up here talking to my little sister like she's my girlfriend I still have to remind myself that IM not her mom so technically we can talk about whatever. I can't even imagine her trying to talk about her sex life when she gets older X me out.
"What else did yall talk about?
"I asked why yall were engaged and what really was going on? She said. My eyes widened Morgan was about to be 11 and If I kept hiding stuff with her she'll resent me forever.
"And why ya'll argued a lot, but he said yall just had a lot of disagreements"
Ha! She has no idea what was really going on. "Yeah, we did," I said
"Can you tell me the truth? She asked. "What do you mean? I was his assistant so I could provide for you and Jace.
"Yeah, but somethings I remember.. like ya'll would argue so much. I heard a lot of it and that time when you were drunk but Mr. Ricky dropped me off at Mia's house? Dear God she knew more than I thought. I sighed "Pause it" I said. She paused the Tv. "Mr. Ricky is a criminal," I said.
"Really? She lifted her brow. "Yes really, he's done a lot of bad stuff and when we were around him he was just trying to change his life around," I said. 'Do you understand? I asked. 'What kind of criminal like Ghost from Power criminal? She asked. "Why are you watching power in the first place? I asked.
"Cuz there's cable" she answered. I rolled my eyes she got me messed up. I will be putting a parental advisory lock on certain stations. I'll let her watch Love and Hiphop but that's it. She won't be able to watch Power unless I give her the password which will be never. Morgan will stay a child as long as I'm breathing. "With his lifestyle, it came with a lot that's why we argued a lot. Although he was so nice to you. Mr. Ricky could be really mean to me sometimes" I said
'Even after all the things he's done for you? She asked. 'Yes, materialistic things and money doesn't make up for when someone treats you poorly. We had some good times but we had very dark times. Once I made the cut for Project Runway we had to leave. It wasn't because I was trying to take him away from you" I explained
"And I'm sure he's changed his life you know but you have no idea the things that come with even associated yourself with someone like him," I said
"Did you guys ever do it? She asked.
"Morgan" I called widening my eyes
'What? She laughed
"That's none of your business, but no, we did not," I said
"Well I understand, I'm not mad at you guys cuz you still love me," she said. I smiled "Good, promise me you won't speak about it though at school and stuff," I said. "I won't," she said. 'No really Morgan this is private things no one can know but us" I said. "I promise," she said
"Back to the conversation though," she said. "Continue" I laughed
"He asked if you had a boyfriend. And I said yeah then he asked if he treated us right. He then asked about Raymond and I told him ya'll weren't together"
"Girl shut up, he doesn't need to know that," I said
"I think he wants to give it another try," she said. I laughed "Just because he asked a few questions" I questioned. "Yup," she said. 'Girl, bye" I said pressing the play button.
Ricky
"Yo guess who called me? Dreux asked me. "Who and old hoe? I asked him. "Nah, fucking Grant," he said. Ricky shook his head continuing to sip on his second rum and coke. Just another typical sectional filled with friends and family. The same liquor, the same hookah, the same weed, and the same music. "He talking about he wants me to visit and I don't know how to feel about it," Dreux said in his ear. Ricky was still tired of it all. Yes, he was in a better space but the person that he has to look over his back is his father. He started thinking what if he actually gets out of prison and they find that he wasn't the one that killed Bentley. "You hear me? He asked him. "My bad bro, I'm just thinking," he said
"I mean are you thinking about visiting? I asked. "Hell no, all that shit that nigga did to the family putting us through all that. Shit, I don't know what he wants. I don't know if he setting some shit up right now and we have to come out retirement and start killing niggas again I'm going to be pissed" he said.
"You and me both man, that nigga is desperate so he's going to try everything in his book. I wouldn't be surprised if he tried to turn us against each other" he said. Kamaya came over interrupting us "Where is Josie? She asked me.
"I don't know Maya," I said
"She didn't wanna come, I thought ya'll were cool again" she hiccupped. I could tell she was feeling her liquor. "Yeah, were is Josie? Kasey asked. I sat back down next to Shani she was looking curious. "Damn, why ya'll harassing me? She didn't want to come" I said. "Uh, so she doesn't fuck with us wow" Maya spoke. "Maya be quiet" Kasey laughed taking her drink away.
"Who's Josie? Shani asked.
"My ex" I said simply. I wasn't going to go into detail. I didn't understand why they would bring her up in front of Shani but Maya is drunk so she gets a pass. "Oh, seems like she's loveable," she said. "You can say that," I said. "Well if you trying to pursue her then do it," she said. "So you pursuing someone else? I asked her. I was wondering what was going on with her. If he she was messing with another nigga I wouldn't care that much because we just sleep with each other but if she sees herself in a serious relationship with that nigga than I'm out. "Not really" she crossed her leg.
"So you think she's avoiding you? Dreux asked lighting his blunt. "Kind of but it's not that deep," I said
He laughed "You think it's a pride thing? He asked. I shrugged my shoulders "I think she's just chilling Dreux" I said. "Aye I'm not pressuring, I know you'll run into her again and again. "We're in New York" he said. I was starting to get annoyed from the news that my father is trying to get in contact to the fact that everyone keeps throwing Josie in my face. You would think they were in the relationship.
Ayee meet the main cast
Aww Ricky talking about his fears and shit lol
Was Josie harsh towards her dad? You think she needs a little therapy too?