Wassup? Ricky yelled. "Somebody better start talking" Craig yelled. Within seconds everyone dropped to the floor like flies. Shots were going through Muhammad's shop like raindrops. "Fuck" Ricky rolled over. Everyone angrily looked at each other. "What the fuck?? Muhammad yelled shielding himself. "Fuccckk" Kasey screamed. Ricky fearfully looked over at him to see that he's been shot. The gunshots stopped, everyone stopped to catch their breath. Craig and Ricky rose up. Dreux crawled over to Kasey. Ricky felt a gun being pointed towards him. Ricky turned around to knock the gun out of his hand tussling him to the ground. "You set us up? Muhammad yelled at Craig. "Nigga, no-
The guy punched Ricky in the face. "So you didn't send them out? Muhammad asked Craig. "No, but it seems like y'all got some enemies so let's just work together," he said. Muhammad stood there thinking long and hard about it while Ricky and the other guy were fighting. "Tony relax" j he yelled. They broke up "Mothafucka" Ricky yelled getting up.
"Clearly, y'all have war... we work together to find those mothafuckas. Y'all stay out our way, we stay out yours" Craig said
"W-what? Ricky looked over at him like he was crazy. "In addition, you help us get rid of Grant, well give you a profit" he said. Dreux helped Kasey up. "Ughhh he screamed in pain. Ricky turned around looking at how bad Kasey got hurt.
20 minutes later
"He has to go to the hospital, it's deep in there," Muhammad said. Ricky was mad and confused he still didn't trust him and it took everything not to curse out Craig. "How the fuck do you know? Ricky said
"I went to med school before I dropped out," he said. Kasey was sweating and hollering in pain. "Yo give me something what the fuck? He said. "That's not smart, they're going to investigate and notice that you've been given something," he said. "Shit enough talking let's get him to the ER," Dreux said. Muhammad helped Kasey off the chair. "We'll touch bases," Craig said. Ricky mugged Muhammad and his guys before following behind Dreux. "What the fuck Craig?? Ricky whispered
"Why would you do that shit? Making an offer with some niggas that's trying to kill us are you stupid?
"Aye watch your tone when talking with me, you might talk to your shitty father like that but I ain't him little nigga," he said.
"I don't give a fuck about none of that-
"Yo come on" Dreux yelled. Craig moved his hand indicating for Dreux to leave without them. "I really don't, I ain't trying to be in any more shit. Fuck their problems, we could've taken them out and that would've been the end of that but now those niggas that aren't equipped get a percentage. A percentage of what? He yelled
"So we all could die, right? You know what your problem is Ricky. You wanna be in control of everything, and quite frankly you're failing badly. How bout you shut the fuck up and trust that a nigga that's been in the game longer than you could shit, knows what the fuck he's talking about. Also, how bout you be grateful that a nigga is actually being proactive unlike Grant" he said
"I didnt ask you to, so don't throw the shit in my face. Damn, I can't ask for a heads up?
"SOMETIMES THERE'S NO HEADS UP MOTHAFUCKA" Craig yelled. "AND YOU KNOW THAT SHIT" he yelled. Ricky clenched his jaw looking to the side. "I don't trust him" he said
"Look, I don't neither we build an alliance. We're all strong together. And hell if anything changes then we do what have to do but for now Imma need you to take your ass on and trust me, before I lay hands on you" he said. Ricky turned around walking down the street. They both parted ways.
4 hours later
Kamaya ran in the emergency room crying over to Dreux. "Is he okay? She cried. "What happened? She yelled pushing him. "Kamaya relax, he's good he's getting surgery," Dreux said calming her down. Ricky on the other end was still pissed off. His eye was beginning to swell up. He didn't even greet Maya.
The Next Day
Kamaya was finally able to see Kasey. "Hi baby" she ran over to him hugging him tight. "I'm so happy you're okay, please don't scare me like that" she cried kissing him. She smothered him in love he could barely breathe. "Baby, I can't breathe" he chuckled. "Oh, I'm sorry," she said. "He lifted his body up a little bit staring at how distraught she was. "I'm good slim," he said. "I can't stop crying" she covered his face. "Come," he said. She lightly sat on the bed laying on his chest. He pulled her on top of him. "Your leg" she sniffled. "My leg is all the way down there, you're such a crybaby I'm straight" he kissed her cheek. She wiped her eyes. "I love you," he said
"I love you more, thank god you're okay," she said. "Thank god, we're all okay... shit was crazy," he said. Kamaya rubbed her hands through her hair figuring out what happened not even seeing if her brothers were okay. "Jesus, I didn't even-
Josie
So I know we talked about your mother and father Josie, tell me about the love interests in your life? Said, my therapist. I've finally found a therapist that one of my home girls recommended to me. I've been going once a week. For the past two weeks. Just expressing things that have been bothering for years is such a healthy start and I desperately needed it.
"So I know the last two weeks we've talked about your relationship with your parents and how being a cult effected you. Let's talk about your love interest... starting with your child's father. I stood thinking for a second. Even though he apologized and I forgive him those wounds still hurt
"I feel like Raymond and I were just a huge mistake, I mean I'm glad we have our son-
"Let me stop you, I noticed you immediately gaslight your feelings. Remember this is a no-judgment zone. I already know you love your son and expressing yourself doesn't take away from that... but let's really talk about the experience. I want you to be authentic and to say exactly what's on your mind" she said
"Having my child made everything ten times worse. Raymond was never in to me like that. It was lust more than anything. He was just attracted that I had a body on me. He was popular in Miami being a promoter. I was something new for the moment. He was fresh out of a relationship and he was bored. I guess I was just fresh meat to him". I sighed
"I was still a virgin and stayed to myself. I fell for his charm and charisma. I just... was so broken at the time I never asked what his intentions were with me. Next thing I know were in a situation ship. He's in every girl face, he's there but not there emotionally. Its like I was in a relationship with myself. Then I got pregnant and it was hell. He didn't believe it was mine because he claimed I was sleeping with his homeboy but his homeboy tried to force himself on me. I covered my face
"He walked in and his friend got off of me and he didn't believe me-
"And how did that make you feel?
"Unimportant, he was supposed to protect me but instead he put the blame on me, from then on he demeaned my character and was just horrible to me" I sighed. My therapist nodded typing everything down "I um was in labor and I called and called. He wouldn't pick up. He didn't believe our baby was his. He knew it was, he just wanted to punish me.
"Hmm, okay" she nodded. "My best friend was in a car accident with her family, the same time I was giving birth. I didn't have her support. I needed her there, it was a disaster a nurse was being generous watching over Morgan while I was in there by myself" I wiped my eyes. "I knew then and there that this journey was already going to get worst. I felt stupid and inadequate for getting pregnant in the first place by a man that never loved me, to begin with, everything happened so fast. I felt pressured to give up my V-card I was going on 20"
"Or maybe you just didn't know Josie. You're very hard on yourself. It seems like you were a little sheltered by your parents before they made you join a cult. It seems like you were always being conditioned in control of someone else. You never had the time to figure things out. You were just surviving and sometimes when you're trying to survive. Do you really think you have time to self reflect?
"No" Josie wiped her eyes. "Tell me about the other guy," she said. Josie sniffed "Uh, it's a different ball game," she said.
"I'm listening," she said.
"Ricky is an um ex/ drug dealer. He's in that lifestyle. It's very violent! He managed a strip club and worked for his father. I was still trying to survive, trying to put food on the family's plate. We met in the weirdest way, I actually crashed into his car on his birthday. I was in the middle of arguing on the phone with Raymond. The same moment Ricky gave me hell because I messed his car up. I then stripped for a day at his father's club. I had no business doing, come to find out he managed that club. He offered me a position to be an office assistant at Lemonade and I took it because I needed the money. My therapist looked shocked at how this all was coming together. "So I started working for him and social services were trying to take Morgan from me because I moved a lot. He found out and offered me a place for us to stay" I said
"That explains," she said. I chuckled "I guess so," I said
"How did he become your love interest? What qualities did you or do you like in him?
"I originally didn't like him. I was terrified of him. He was mean, manipulative, aggressive. He would talk to me like I wasn't even a person sometimes. He would manipulate me and gaslight me when I tried sticking up for myself-
"So he would punish you just like Raymond? She asked
"Yeah, now that I think of it," I said
"Hmm, it seems like you were just prone to abuse and manipulation at that time because that's all you knew," she said. Hearing that made me sad seems like none of the men in my life could truly come to correct and if they did I already went through hell with them first.
"What did you like about him?
"Ricky was attentive, he was just there in the midst of all of the emotional abuse and manipulation I was receiving.... he was my protector. I loved how he loved my little sister and my son. It humanized him I know he always wanted kids and just watching him take care of them just warmed my heart-
"It helped you cope with your dad leaving? She asked.
"Y-yeah" I said unsure
"Um, he was attentive, and caring but uncaring at the same time. Like its confusing because he needed me to lie and play his fiancé to clean up his image. He would do something foul but then try to make it up to me.
"So it seems like you liked what he did for you. Your father was never really present in your life. When he was there, he wasn't there long because he was working right?
"Yeah"
"It seems like Ricky became your dad in some aspects or groomed you"
"Uhh no I don't think so," I said made me uncomfortable
"You never mentioned his qualities, just what he's done for you?
"Okay, now it sounds like I leeched off him. We helped each other" I said
"Did you two help each other or did you help him and manipulate your mind to believe that it was some type of cordial agreement because you said he intimidated you into playing his fiancé?
"It benefited me, I was being paid 7k biweekly more in a month than the average person. I was introduced to a more luxurious lifestyle it had its perks" I explained
"Hmm," she said staring at me making me uncomfortable. "I understand Josie I truly do. I think you're experiencing a little bit of Stockholm Syndrome" she said.
"Oh goodness, please don't say that" she rubbed her hands through her hair.
"Ricky was your abuser and you fell in love with him and you feel the need to remain loyal to him"
"That just makes me feel weak. I left New York for my career and to provide for my family. If I was weak, I would've stayed in that environment but I didn't. I see Ricky all the time but it's not like I want to be in a relationship with him. I'm putting myself first... I know my worth and the things that I tolerated in the past I won't tolerate now. I'll never put myself in a position to be made into something else. That's not me
"Josie I'm not trying to offend you. I just want to help evaluate what you're feeling. I am in no shape or form calling you weak. I'm aware that you came thus far because of your hard work and determination now. Were just talking about the past you and what you endured to get by. Stockholm Syndrome is more common than you think.
2 Hours Later
I sat on the couch across from Erica watching her tend to Zoey. I needed a day off.
"How was your session? She asked. I sighed "It was eye-opening none the less it was refreshing," I said. "What did y'all talk about," she said. "Mmm, just about the men in my life and how I accepted so much bullshit," I said. "Damn, I think I need to go... I kind of don't feel attached to my baby yet" she said. "That's normal, I kind of felt like that when Jace was born," I said. "Zel, on the other hand, is in love, I just feel bad" She frowned holding her. "It'll come to you, its only been two weeks," I said
"True, did you ever talk to Frenchie? She asked.
"No, and I don't plan on it either, not to mention I'm on the shade room as some girl. He really went off for nothing, should've never given him any" I said
"You want me to talk to him? I can explain it" she said. "No, he's just gonna nicely tell you to fuck off," I said. "Ugh, he just doesn't even know the half, have you talked to Ricky? She asked
"No, I feel kind of bad for going off, he didn't really do anything this time and I took my frustrations out on him," she said
"All those times he gave you the blues, I can ensure you he's good," she said. "Yeah, but he's so nice now like he's not on any drama or madness. God then my therapist said U have Stockholm Syndrome so now it just has me rethinking our entire situationship" I stressed
"Sheesh, I mean yeah I think you have it a little bit. It is a fucked up situation you're in and now this nigga down got the nerve to turn over a good leaf" she laughed.
"I just wanna apologize and go on with my life," I said
"Well damn girl what did you say? She asked rocking Zo to sleep. "I said fucking with him always comes with a cost and that he's selfish and he ruins everything he touches, that's why I keep him at arm's length" I frowned.
'Damn Jo" she said
"I know I mean he's not really like that now, apart of me is still living in the past. He's been nothing but nice to me-
"I would apologize, but do you really see a future with him?
"No," I said
"Cuz as much as I would love for ya'll to make it happen. It's always a downside to it, I mean FBI are on them heavy now and you really don't need to be associated with them. The feds could really manipulate you into going undercover all kinds of shit" she said
"I know I think about it every day... I'm just gonna call him to apologize and go bout my business" I said
"What ya'll talking about? Morgan said coming near. "Go back to your room," I said. "Oooo-okay" she turned back around. "Wait, are you still taking me to Walmart later? She asked
"Yes, now carry on child," I said. She turned back around skipping to her room.
"For some reason, I just don't see that happening to be honest if he left you alone and started a relationship with someone else would you be jealous? Erica asked
"No, I'm not really thinking into the future like that," I said
"Or like what if he's dying but you can't visit him because you're not family? She asked
"Or they get robbed or something and want to launder money in your shop?
"Okay Ricky ain't that dumb, and damn Erica I'm not trying to think about that" I rolled my eyes
"Well you need to chica, we all know that its a matter of time before you'll start messing with each other heavy and feelings will be involved and you need to determine whether or not you're gonna be a ride or die chick or not because that shit ain't for the weak" she said getting up. "I'm gonna lay her down," she said. I rolled my eyes how dare she put scenarios in my head that I don't even want to think of. I watched her go to my guest room. I turned around going to my phone. I went on Instagram scrolling down my TL. Morgan ran into me handing me her phone. "Uncle Kasey got shot," she said. My heart dropped "W-what? Is he okay? I asked. "I don't know I went on Kamara's page she said to pray for her stepdad," she explained "Shit" I said under my breath. I immediately called Ricky most likely if he got shot they were in some shit. Josie panicked when his phone went straight to voicemail.
Ricky
Ricky was slouched on his couch placing an ice pack over his eye. "We dodged another one" Dreux said drinking a beer. "Yeah," Ricky said. "What's wrong? He asked. "Nothing," he said. Ricky's phone began ringing. The TV paused and Josie's number popped up on the screen. "I hate this new TV," he said. Ricky didn't answer he just waited for it to end. "Yo she called like three times," he said
"I'll talk to her later, I don't feel like talking right now," he said. "What happened?
"I'm just stressed about Craig making that awful decision, we can't trust those niggas now we gotta work together. I aint sign up for none of that, then the nigga gon check me like I'm so little bitch and call me a control freak. I don't care that he's married to mom, I'll knock his ass out"
"I think Craig is right bro. I know its wild to work with some niggas we just tried to kill but it may just be better to work together then to have unnecessary war with each other" Dreux said
"I get it, but its still dumb who knows their intentions," Ricky said. "You are a control freak bro; look we can't be tony Montana in every situation. If Craig said, he got it then he got it. Let's sit back for a little minute. If Craig would've crossed us he would've done that shit already" he said
"You're right," Ricky said. "You need to apologize; you were out of line" he said. "I am" Ricky leaned over grabbing his blunt. The TV paused again with another call from Josie. "What is it? He mumbled
"Why aren't you answering? She had to find out" he said. Ricky grabbed his phone texting her.
Ricky: Hey, can't talk right now
Josie: Are you okay? I heard about Kase is he okay?
Ricky: Yeah, were fine. Thanks for asking
Josie: Thank God! Call me back when you can
Ricky placed the phone down. "Y'all still not taking from that situation? He asked
"Nah, I mean it ain't no beef or nothing. I'm just out the way" he said. Dreux didn't say anything he got a message from Mia while looking at the time.
"Welp, I'm bout to head home, I'll see you tomorrow," he said getting up. Ricky stood up along with him. "See you tomorrow," He said. "What you bout to do? Dreux as I walked him to the door.
"Might kick it with Jayde" I said. He chuckled "Little Jayde, better behave," he said.
"It ain't even like that" Ricky said
Josie
I pushed the cart around while Morgan looked for tie die. It was spirit week for her school and this upcoming Friday after their little pep rally she's going to a party. I'm petrified of her going, she thinks I'm being extra but it seems like the boys her age or just as fast as they were when I was growing up. "I found it Jo can I cut it into a crop top," she said. "No" I rolled my eyes. She sucked her teeth placing it in the cart. "Kennedy and Jasmine are wearing them," she said. "Well, you're not Kennedy and Jasmine. Kennedy and Jasmine are some little fast ass girls that I don't even want you hanging around anyways" I said. Apparently, Morgan is no longer dating that little boy she was talking too and she's no longer friends with Asia. The only friend of hers that I liked. I looked up to see a handsome man beside us in the fabric section. God, he was fine we made eye contact. He smiled "Good evening ladies," he said walking off. "Good evening," Me and Morgan said at the same time. I turned around getting another glimpse. "Damn," I said under my breath. I need to get my dating on I'm bored. "You have everything you need? I asked
"Yeah, just some puffy paint," she said throwing it in cart. All of this for just one day. She's lucky she's a straight A student.
10 minutes later
"Morgan I really want you to walk to the beat of your drum. It's nothing wrong with being you, you don't need to fit in order to be liked" I said turning down the volume. She laid her head on the window. "I know," she said
"I'm serious, you're always going to attract the people that's supposed to be in your life," I said. Morgan looked through the window. She sat up "Jo-
"Shit," Josie said pulling over. She looked through the mirror at the flashing lights. "Just sit tight," she said nervously. "What's going on? She asked. She heard a knock on the window. Josie lowered the windows. "Ma'am, can you step out of the car? A white man flashing his badge. Josie slowly got out of the car shutting the door.
"Detective Johnson, we pulled you over to ask a few questions on a case were reopening. Ricky Santana Vs Bentley Caprio-
Josie squinted her eyes confused. "I don't know-
"We have evidence that you are in fact in alliance with Mr. Santana, let's not make this difficult"
"I just worked for him, I don't know anything about-
"We have a video of you being interrogated back in 2016 we're you lying in that too? Ms. Wilson or Ms. Santana, I'm not sure if you guys are playing house again" he smiled. Josie was scared shitless.
" I still don't know anything," I said. "Hmm, okay well I'm in charge of this case and just know I'm taking The Santana's down. If you want to join me give me an call" he said handing her his business card. She looked down at it freaked out. Josie got back in the car slamming the door. She raised the window back up.
"What's going on? Morgan asked. "Morgan, you can not tell anyone what happened, especially M,r. Ricky" I said
"He killed someone? She asked as her mouthed widened. "I don't know okay but sometimes detectives want to question you but as I said, this is nothing to worry about okay" She said placing the business card to the side. So many things were going through her mind. Kasey got shot, the FBI has information on her and she has no idea how to tell him what happened.
Oh, lawd! The Feds are ready
Ricky come on reel it back in, you were doing good lol
Poor Morgan is going through these stages