Once they left the hospital, Renae and King sat in the parking lot for an hour trying to figure out if they wanted to tell the family or not. After remembering how things turned out the first time, they agreed that they would tell the family.
The news hit everyone like a ton of bricks when they found out that Renae could have been dead within a month if she would have never visited the hospital. It was a few days later and the men were dining inside Pops Diner for one of their well-needed brother-eons.
August's air wasn't as hectic as July's and June's but it was warm enough for the men to dress down or in their case, dress up but make it look casual.
"What's the plan for these next for months?" Dajon asked King as he added salt and pepper to his eggs.
"I haven't thought dat far ahead yet..."
"I tink he meant about di batty bwoy," Kwan clarified as he glanced at Dajon.
"I mean... tha' impulsive version of me wants to just pop up at dat nigga crib and put three in tha' dome, but my kids.... damn kids," King shook his head then sighed.
"What you mean?" Dajon chucked at his facial expression.
"I was good to go about killing his ass when K.J came to talk with me, but Ava... dat damn Ava," he mumbled.
"Shi get eena yur head didn't shi?" Kwan smirked and Dajon laughed when King cut his eyes at him.
"Yuh getting soft bruv," he teased.
"Mmcht, fuck you nigga, that's my daughter," King frowned and Dajon erupted in laughter.
Despite Renae's situation, the way that King was constantly frowning like a kid had the men amused.
"Ava is my dog... that damn miracle baby good with her words," Dajon replied and Kwan nodded in agreement.
"So... wah now den? Wi know wah dude about," Kwan reminded.
Silence fell over the three for a moment before KIng spoke, "Ava told me dat I ain't have to always prove how tough I was just to get my damn point across and it hit me harder than I wanted it to... I'ma let tha' nigga live."
Kwan stared at King with a dubious look before he turned his focus towards Dajon who mirrored him.
"They don't want you doing shit, they won't know if we do something, that lame ass nigga gotta go," Dajon declared and Kwan nodded in agreement.
"Facts," Kwan shrugged.
"Whatever y'all niggas do, don't tell me about it," King said.
Dajon and Kwan shared a look then smirked before replying, "We won't!"
***
A few years ago
"Uncle Lay?" 11-year-old Reign called as she searched through their house.
"Pickney," he answered as he cleaned his guns effortlessly.
Reign watched him for a second before entering his space and plopped down on the sofa next to him. "Mum seh dah yuh waah to leave us..."
Layton continued to clean the gun then slowly turned his head towards her.
"Are yuh leaving us?" she asked, staring at him with those innocent eyes of hers that he hated staring in.
"Just fah ah lickkle."
Confused, Reign just blinked and Layton chuckled.
"M- Mi did tink yuh seh mi did ah unnu shadow... yur best friend?" she continued to blink, a sign that she was trying not to cry.
Part of Layton's reason for leaving was the fact that he felt like he was becoming too emotionally attached to the family, especially his little partner in crime; Reign.
"Yuh are... it'z just fah a while, Ray," he assured.
"Right... whatever," she mumbled, getting up and snatched away when he grabbed her hand.
"Ray,"
Ignoring him, she left out and bumped right into Kaari.
"Wah deh wrong wid yuh gyal?" Kaari asked but Reign just walked around her and headed towards the living room.
"Wassup mama?" King nudged her when she sat next to him and stared at the tv.
"Nutten,"
"You've been crying...oh-" he paused when he noticed Layton standing in the hall.
"Uncle Lay iz leaving... ¿Qué tiene de malo que los hombres de esta familia mientan todo el tiempo? No entiendo por qué la gente deja tanto... primero papá y ahora él... que es el siguiente, que¿Quién sigue, tú?" What is wrong with men in this family lying all the time? I don't understand why people leave so much... first Papa and now him... who's next, you?
King was confused as hell, he knew that the twins were fluent in a couple of languages other than Patios, but this was a moment for him.
"Ray," he chuckled softly as she continued to ramble on as if he had disappeared.
"I'm just saying," she folded her arms and frowned her face up.
"What was it dat you were saying? I ain't understand nothing after tha' Lay leaving part."
"Nutten," she mumbled, placing her feet on the coffee table and stared at the tv.
"Ray," Layton called, entering the living room.
When she didn't say anything, he walked over and squatted in front of her.
"Let me talk to you real quick," King said as Reign clenched her little fists.
Getting up, the men headed out in the backyard and Reign got up and ran upstairs. Her little heart was torn into pieces, she was extremely devasted but wanted to act tough just so Layton would catch her crying.
Although she wanted him to stay, she didn't want to guilt him into doing so, she knew better...
Years before while in Santorini, Greece
Hearing the door open then close, Renae put her book down and jumped down from the bed, and rushed out of the room she almost bumped into King.
"You scared me," She laughed, stepping back some.
Staring at her for a moment, he grabbed her hand and led her towards the balcony. Once outside, he sat down and pulled her down onto his lap, and just laid his head on her breasts.
"I shouldn't have said that." His words were gentle as he stared out at the water.
"I do want to marry you... I could have asked differently and for that I'm sorry." He apologized.
Clearing his throat, he grabbed her hand and played with her promise ring, "I never felt dis way about anyone Renae. Love was like a foreign language to me and being IN love was something I only saw in movies. Loving you AND being in love with you are two different things. I love you but I'm also IN love with you."
Brushing his thumb over her hand he cleared his throat again, "I feel connected to you. When you hurt I hurt, I spent so much of my life trying to remain hard and only show love to my mom, dat when I met you, I wasn't sure how to act for real but I knew I loved you when I said it. I meant it and it rolled off my tongue with no problem."
Taking a deep breath, King placed a kiss on the back of her hand.
"I'm afraid of losing you baybeh. Yeah, you've been holding shit down working by my side but there's not a day that goes by where I'm not fearing for your life. I'm your protector ma, but sometimes I feel like I'll let you down and other times I feel like you'll just leave me. I want dis forever baybeh, tha' shit I've done in my past just eating at me."
"I did so much shit sometimes I feel like God just gonna give up and take me before I'm even ready. I can't lose you and I refuse to leave you, when I got into this relationship it was for the long run meaning we would grow old together, but lately, my demons been coming back to bite me in the ass and I'm not sure how I'm supposed to feel."
Hearing everything he was saying, she played with his hand. Love was not only new to him but it was new to her as well, but she knew what she felt for him was real.
"Like you helped me, I'm here to do the same for you baby. I love you with my entire heart, you are the reason I breathe and I want nothing but greatness for you. I'm not going anywhere babe, I'm in this for the long run. Your past does not define you but it helped mold you into this great man. I love you and I'm here for you always." She told him as she turned sideways and cupped his face.
"I'm not going anywhere, baby. You saved me, literally you saved me. What good would it do if I leave you when you need me? The love I have for you is indescribable King. You are simply amazing."
Smiling softly, King rested his forehead against hers and puckered his lips.
Pecking his, she rubbed her nose on his then laid her head on his shoulder and played in his hair, "I love you."
"I love you, Nae don't leave me, man." He mumbled wrapping his arms around her.
"You hold the key to my heart, how could I?"
Chuckling softly, King placed a kiss on her shoulder and rubbed her back closing his eyes.
"I'm sorry for sexing you down and running out these last two days... I needed to clear my head about some things." He admitted.
"It's ok... you just scared me but I'm not mad." She replied, massaging his scalp.
"You got my soul ma... it's yours forever baybeh."
Smiling shyly, she sat up and stared at him.
"If I were pregnant what would you do?" She bit down on her lip nervously and he rose a brow.
"Don't play with me dat." His eyes traveled down to her stomach and she giggled.
"Tha' birth control doesn't work or some'n?" He asked and she covered her mouth laughing.
"You pregnant for real?"
"Yes" She stood up and he rose slowly.
Not sure how to respond, King squatted down and lifted her shirt to inspect her flat stomach.
"I'm playing... I'm playing." She erupted into a fit of laughter and he stood up.
"Mannnn," He sucked his teeth about to walk inside but she grabbed his arm.
"I'm sorry," She giggled.
"I just wanted to see if you would be mad at me or something. I'm sorry," She grinned before kissing over his face when he tried to move.
"Nah, I'm mad now. I just knew our lil travels were coming to a halt." He frowned.
"I'm sorry baby." She apologized pecking his lips repeatedly then hugged him.
Wrapping her legs around his waist, he lifted her and walked inside.
"Are you mad?" She asked looking at him as he walked towards their indoor pool.
"I'm not speaking to you right now." He answered and she giggled kissing on his neck.
"I'm sorry." She repeated kissing him.
Patting her butt, she dropped down and turned around staring at the pool.
"Tryna get in?" He rose a brow while holding up the bathing suit he got for her late last night.
"Yeah, hold on." She replied jogging back inside.
He went ahead and removed his clothes and put on his swim trunks sure to fold his clothes up on the pool chair.
Renae came back with grapes, strawberries, and a bottle of champagne.
"What we doing with all dat?" He quizzed, swimming towards the side of the pool.
"Instead of the pool... can we get in the jacuzzi? I feel like it'll set the mood more."
"I damn near forgot all about dat," He said and he got up.
Getting out of the pool, Renae stood staring at his body then traveled down to his swim trunks that had his print on full display.
"Eyes up here ma," He chuckled and she smiled feigning innocence while following him around the corner to the jacuzzi.
"I can't help it." She said putting the stuff down and took her bathing suit from her.
Once she had it on, he took his time looking her body over.
"Mhm." He eyed her before he got inside the jacuzzi.
Smirking, Renae grabbed the 2 champagne glasses and got inside the jacuzzi with him as he placed the tray of fruit down and the bottle.
Popping the bottle open, Renae laughed at the overflow.
"You are such a kid." He teased, pouring their drink and she smiled standing between his legs.
"At least I know you love me." She smiled picking up a grape and popped it in her mouth.
"I sure do." He said dropping a strawberry into her glass then did the same to his.
Handing her her glass, they made a toast.
"Were you serious when you asked me to marry you?" She asked picking up another grape.
"I was." He answered leaning back and placed his hand on her waist as he sipped on his drink.
"But let's get to dat question a different time aight?"
Nodding, she picked up a strawberry and fed it to him.
Winking at her, he pecked her lips and she smiled eating the other half.
"Do you think it's easier to hate or love?" She asked putting her glass down and picked up another strawberry.
"Love comes from within, but hate is taught. We all have love inside of us but we learn to hate... I think it's easier to hate someone because love is so sacred that you have to be careful who you say it to or give it to." He answered then sipped on his drink again.
"You think?" She asked and he nodded biting into the strawberry when she put it to his lips.
"I'm not sure about that one. I feel like it depends I guess. It should be easy to love but how can it if you never grew up with that type of energy around you? Hate is learned I do agree with that, but I think to hate someone takes a lot of energy and built-up frustration." She spoke.
"So it's either or with you?" He asked as she nodded.
"I can agree with that."
Turning around in his arms, she leaned back into him and rotated her hips against him slowly.
"Tell me something." She spoke picking up her drink.
"If those telephone psychics were psychics why don't they call us first?" She asked and he chuckled.
"Good question." He said picking up a grape.
"That's because they're liars. I don't trust dat shit. You gon charge me ten to twenty-five dollars to read my fortune when I got a pastor that does it for free? Yeah aight."
Laughing, Renae nodded in agreement.
"Do you trust those mediums?" She asked finishing the rest of her drink then sat her glass down.
"Nah, because with da type of stuff they do, there are two doors that they have open when doing dat. But this is just my opinion." He spoke putting his glass down.
"I don't believe God will give people like them dat type of gift to speak to dead loved ones or other spirits. I know some people are born with gifts and are anointed, but I do not believe it's those who consider themselves "mediums" or whatever else they call it. I believe the only person who has that higher connection and communication with God are those who are called to preach, family, or those who have a deep, personal connection with God." He told her and she let his words sink in for a bit.
"So you feel like technically mediums aren't getting their information from God but actually from the devil posing as if he's good?" She asked and he nodded.
"Yeah, when you do stuff like dat, you're always making room for darkness to come in. You may think it's light coming in but it's da darkness. You can light as many white candles you want, but I think only those who got that special bond with God can become intuitive like that." He answered pouring some more champagne into their glasses.
"I never really thought of it like that." She spoke after he handed her the drink.
"My Aunt used to always tell me to be careful of them because not only are they letting things in but when we as curious beings go to them for information we're opening the door ourselves of allowing the evil to come into our lives and torment us."
"Yup, that's why I don't fuck with that. I won't knock anybody for it but I'm good on allat. Long as I get my "reading" in Church, I'm cool on that." He stated and she laughed at the last sentence.
"You think we should start fasting more?" She asked swaying her hips to a tune she had stuck in her head.
"God has to put that on your heart to do, can't just wake up one day and do it. You gotta be called to do it so you can be guided through it." He told her.
"If your mom or Apostle Jones asked us to, would you do it with me?"
"Of course, I wouldn't mind it. I'm sure God has a few bones to pick with me anyway." He slightly joked and she smiled softly.
"He's not upset with you... he knew what our lives would be like before we were even created. It's just up to us to make the right decisions." She replied then giggled putting her glass down.
***
It was 2 in the afternoon when the guys decided to call it a day and head back to their wives, King had just got off the phone with Renae's doctor to confirm the surgery in two days.
The kids weren't home per usual and Karen was hanging out with Fatima again, which made King happy because she actually had someone she knew from way back then to hang with.
Walking through the house, King skimmed through the mail on his way up the stairs.
Hearing something fall, he thought of the worse and ran the rest of the way up and busted inside the bedroom scaring the hell out of Renae.
"What's wrong with you?" She tightened her towel as her heart beat profusely.
Looking around the room, King shook his head and put the mail on top of the dresser before removing his shirt. "I heard something fall,"
"It was my brush," she assured as she sat on the side of the bed and grabbed her shea butter scented lotion.
"Are you ok?" she asked.
"Yeah... you?"
"I feel ok," she shrugged.
"Are you in any pain?" he asked, handing her one of his T-shirts.
"Off and on, how was breakfast?" she queried, laying back.
"Breakfast was cool... It's what we needed."
"Am I stressing you out?"
The shocked look on his face said all that she needed to know and made her feel bad for asking, but she was curious.
"I shouldn't have asked... sorry,"
"It's cool, why would you think dat you're stressing me out tho?" he wondered.
"You had to deal with this with your mom alone and only Kwan and Yae knew about it... then came me and my situation and here we are again, along with Andrew possibly trying to kill us,"
"I've said dis before and I'ma say it again, I know what I have done in life to reap what's been going on for years now and I'm aware dat even tho I've been trying to become a better man, shit is still going to happen out of my control," he told her and she nodded understanding.
"I've been thinking..." she trailed off as she stared at him.
"Wassup?"
"Maybe... just in case, we should try to do our vow renewal sometime this year... just in case we don't get a chance to do it next year," she said, causing his brows to furrow.
"Why are you talking like dis?" he asked.
"I don't know if I can do chemo again, King," she admitted.
It was at that moment where he felt as if the life had been stripped from his body. There was no way she just said that not after everything they agreed on. He didn't understand how many ways he could tell her that he could not and would not do life without her.
Was this considered selfish of him? Possibly but to King, he just wanted her to fight because he knew she had it in her.
"What are you saying, Nae? You got your surgery coming up and tha' chemo after... are you backing out now?"
"No... I don't know... I don't think I can handle the chemo this time around," she replied.
"It's going to help you... ain't dat what you want?"
"I almost died the first time... you saw how sick it made me... please don't make me do it, King."
"You needed tha' surgery before tha' chemo, look..." he sighed then closed his eyes momentarily, "Just do dis for me... if not for me then for our kids."
Staring up at the ceiling for a moment, Renae closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "If it becomes too much, I'm stopping the treatment," she stared at him.
"And I'll just research other things," he added somberly.
"Deal?" she held up her pinky and he chuckled.
"Deal."
********************
What are your thoughts? Good feeling or bad feeling?
Who should we check in on?