Sheisty (7 page)

"So he be paying you?" Chasity asked.

"Hell yeah, that's the only reason why I ain't been coming to Honey's to dance. I be in the bathroom pushing that Dr.

Feelgood hard, 'bout 300 or more ecstasy pills at $30 a pop in less then a week. That's 9g's and out of that I get a bullshit lil' $1,500. But I need his ass right now cause I'm trying to get my own hustle going through his connect. I'm stacking my dough too, so I can get a whip and come pick you up from the club sometimes. But anyway, what's up for tonight, lets go hang out," I suggested, knowing that would increase the peace between us.

"A'ight, there's this nice all girl spot on the Westside of Manhattan." Chasity said.

"That's what's up, I'll meet you there at 11 p.m."

If I would've known a couple of weeks apart would have made
shit this good between me and C-God, I would have started a
fight with him when he first started to fuck up.
Tonight, we're hanging out in the city. I'm gonna rock my leather jumpsuit because it hugs the hell out of my curves and with the chinchilla fur jacket that C just bought me, that shit just adds more fuel to my fire.

Business must have picked up for him because he's definitely splurging again. Since we been back together, he's been handling a lot of business over the phone and spending every night in my bed. I haven't picked up my phones or checked my answering machine that reads "full" in days. There's been no need to, I had what I wanted right here.

I grabbed the phone and called up Walk That Walk Salon to speak to Ardie (
girlfriend
knows he can do some hair) to see if he would squeeze me in his morning schedule, which I'm sure, was already tight. After he cursed me out for missing my last appointment three months ago, he agreed by saying, "You better not be late."

I hated driving all the way to Harlem to get my hair done, but it was worth it. I got up, threw on some clothes and set off the automatic starter on my car so it could warm up because it was cold outside. I walked into the bedroom and woke up C- God to let him know I was on my way to my hair appointment.

I know he probably would use that as an opportunity to go take care of some business. I kissed his lips and told him I'd see him later.

When I arrived at the salon, Ardie snatched me up as soon as I signed in and started my wash. I told him I wanted something a little different then my usual.

"Miss Thing, I know you ain't trying to cut all this pretty hair."

"No I don't want to cut it, but maybe add some color."

"Oh, 'cause I was fixin' to say girl, I'll cut the hell out of it.

Humph, you'll still be a diva either way, but don't worry girl I got you," he said.

I wasn't worried because Ardie was the best and three hours later, a few shades lighter and a couple of streaks; I was definitely feeling fierce. I even tipped girlfriend $50 which was a stretch from the usual $15. I felt too cute to go home, just yet, so I headed to Macy's on 34th to do a little shopping.

I reached home a little after six and called C on his cell to let him know that I was home. Then I decided to check the messages on my cell and answering machine. Most of my calls were from Keisha. She was calling to see if I was okay, because she hadn't heard from me. There were also two messages from my Dad calling to tell me and remind me about the big bash he's throwing for my Mom's 40th birthday, which was tomorrow.

Oh shit! I forgot all about her birthday, I spoke to her after we had that argument, but that was over a month ago. I quickly dialed my father's cell phone and gave him a song and dance about how I'm working as a customer service rep for a cellular phone company and my hours have been hectic. That's why I took so long to get back to him, but I will be there and if he needs me to bring anything just let me know.

Daddy always seems to fall for whatever I told him, but not this time. I sensed some real anger in his voice.

"I know you're grown, but your mother and I feel you should come around or call more often then you do. I've been calling you for damn near three weeks and you're just getting back to me. Anything could have been wrong Epee. This shit has to stop.

The only time we hear from you is when you need something and since that
job
is keeping you so busy, let him pay your car note and your rent from now on. I'll see you at the party."
Click
.

A dial tone was all I heard.

I can't believe he just said that to me. Shit, I don't need him or his money and what he don't know is any
job
I'm fucking with is paying my bills. Daddy's check goes straight to the bank. Shit, that's one thing Mommy did do right. She ain't raise no fool. She always told me to get it while the getting is good, so when it stops, I'll have. And, that's exactly what I do. I deposit the check daddy gives me every month in the bank. Then, when it clears I withdraw it and put it in my safety deposit box. Keisha put me onto the safety deposits because if you have more then $10 in the bank, they will report it to the IRS and then they'll be all up in your business. So to avoid that, a deposit box is better. I ain't gonna say how much I got saved up, but let's just say if it ever rains or pours, I'm good!

C-God rolled up in front of my place just before midnight with his boy Mike, who hates me for whatever reason. From the look on his face, he wasn't too happy about me hanging out with the fellas tonight. I could tell 'cause the nigga even hesitated like he had some shit to think about before he gave up the front seat.

Let me tell you about this nigga Mike. He's one of them arrogant ass niggas; mad at the world, but especially at women.

"Man, them chicks is all the same; only good for fucking, or getting fucked up for fucking up. I'll beat a bitch ass in a minute.

I don't give a fuck. Them ho-bitches know not to fuck with me." That's the type shit that comes out of Mike's mouth.

Unfortunately, he's C-God's right-hand man, basically just another "do boy." He's a hot-headed lil' 20 year old with a happy trigger finger. He will go all out for C, 'cause C-God's been looking out for Mike since he was a lil' nigga.

Nevertheless, the feelings are mutual because I can't stand his ass either.

When we got to the club the place was pretty small. It must have been an exclusive spot because from the outside it didn't even look like a club. The music was hot to def and you had to be on balla status just to get in the spot. I mean you could only sit at a table if you were popping bubbly at $350 a cork.

We sat in a cozy lil' corner, and C ordered three bottles of the good stuff. Cristal is a lil' overrated to me 'cause the shit's nasty, but I'll drink and order it if a nigga's buying it. After a couple of glasses, I got up to go to the ladies room. As I walked through the crowed little club, I felt someone grab my hand. It was Smitty with a devilish smile. I snatched my hand away from him and proceeded to the bathroom. My heart started racing. I felt nothing but pure hatred towards that boy. I took my time in the restroom, hoping he would go away. At the same time, I had to get it together and walk back out there before C-God started to wonder where I was.

"Yo, come here!" Smitty said as he grabbed me again when I walked back past him. Only this time his grip was much stronger around my wrist.

"Get off of me," I screamed, trying to yank away from him, but his grip just got tighter as he pulled me closer.

Smitty put his hand on my ass. "You stuck up lil' bitch, why you acting like that? I just wanted to say what's up to you. It ain't like I ain't already had the pussy. Stupid lil' bitch, matter fact, how's the pussy doing since I beat it up?"

"Get the fuck off of me you fucking rapist," I screamed. I could tell I embarrassed him with that 'cause his friends started to laugh.

Then one of them said, "Yo son, you took the ass?"

"Nah, this bitch just think her shit is gold, mad 'cause a nigga ain't pay for that puss. Shit, she bleeds once a month like any other ho."

"Let me go," I shouted once again.

The next thing I know, Smitty was knocked the fuck out while C-God and Mike commenced to stomp Timberland prints all over that nigga. His boy's just stood there and watched until security came and broke it up. Since the club catered to the big money spenders, the bouncers bounced Smitty's ass right up outta there and we went back to our table to finish our drinks.

My mother's party was packed. Everybody from the neighborhood came out to show love. I watched Keisha and Tucker out on the dance floor. They always seem so happy. Tucker reminds me of my father, because he treats Keisha just as good as my dad treats my mom. I remember when I was a little girl watching the two of them together in their own little world. It used to make me sick. She's always had him sprung and he's always had her attention. Mommy did look good as ever.

She was rocking a leather skirt and top. No doubt about it, I get my body and looks from my momma. She has it going on with her light-skinned complexion, short honey blonde streaked hair cut, beautiful almond-shaped eyes and high cheekbones.

Tiara Wright is her name and daddy been hooked on her since she was in high school.

"Happy Birthday, Ma," I said.

"Thank you baby, I'm so glad you're here, do you see what your father's done? Girl, I swear I knew nothing about this party.

He had me thinking we were going out to eat," she said, smiling from ear to ear.

I didn't have time to get her a gift. Besides, what do you get a woman that has everything. Dad owns six laundromats and brings his money home to her.

My father was still pretty upset with me so neither one of us had much to say to each other. Sarcastically he made a few com- ments before asking me where my boyfriend was. I didn't bother to answer him, because I knew he wasn't really concerned.

It's just his way of saying that if he was a real man he would of showed his face out of respect for not only my parents, but for me. Maybe my dad did know something I didn't, but I love C-God and I know he wouldn't play me.

"Baby, don't go out and do something stupid.
You know I need you, but most of all, your son needs you." Those were the words that ended the argument between Tucker and me; before he stormed out of here wearing a bulletproof vest and carrying a gun. He's convinced that C-God is still fucking with Epiphany, but I know Epiphany is through with that trouble-maker.

I can't argue with my man when it comes down to his life and our safety, so I respect and support any and all drastic measures he might have to go through to keep us safe.

I've been calling E for days, but can't seem to get in contact with her. I pray she's okay. The sooner that loser, C-God, is out of the picture the better off we all are.

Everyday there's different drama going on in our life. I swear at first I didn't want to move out of New York, because this is my home. Honestly, I've never been anywhere that requires flying.

That's right, I'm just like most of the black people in the hood that have never been on a plane and think that going to the Poconos, Atlantic City, Great Adventures or Foxwoods Casinos is a real vacation.

My wedding date is not that far away and as soon as we're married I'll be ready to kiss this city goodbye. The time has come. I can't speak for the ghettos in other states (most likely they are all the same) but here in the hood, the jealous ones will always envy; especially, when they know what you came from.

They don't want to see you come up and trust me, it won't be long before they start scheming to take what you got.

The money doesn't really matter to me, my family does. But, in this fucked up society you have to have both to be happy and do what you gotta do just to get by. Niggas don't want to bust their ass to get it. They want the easy way out; to them, that's either someone giving it to them or them taking it.

I know Tucker ain't no angel. He chose street pharmaceuticals over a legit way of living--that fast money. One thing is for sure, he worked hard to get where he is without robbing or stealing from the competition. Shit, I spend many nights alone, worried sick about where my man is, while he's out grinding for this comfort zone he provides for us. Now, some shiesty ass nigga that grew up around my way (who just happens to be fucking my best friend) wants to take that away. Oh hell no, it ain't happening.

Today was a good day for shopping since that seems to be the
only thing that keeps me happy.
A week has passed since me and my so-called man spent some real quality time together. I mean, I understand his hustle, but he has to lay his head down sometime. My question is, where?

Lately, all he seems to do is pull these fucking disappearing acts. Now my dad's comments about C, at my mom's party last week, really had me wondering what was really good. Maybe C-God didn't respect me. Fuck it... I am too pretty for this shit and if he doesn't realize what he has then, fuck him. It's time for me to do me. No sooner then that '
I'ma do me
' thought crossed my mind, my cell phone started to ring and guess who it was. C-God, telling me how much he's been missing me and that he freed up his schedule tonight just for me. He let it be known that his working so hard was because of me. He wanted to give me the world. Now, who can argue that?

Shit, those words were like sweet music to my ears. All those thoughts about '
doing me
' were out the window. Still, I decided to go to the mall. Who knows, maybe Vicki Secrets got some new shit in--something sexy for tonight. On my way from the mall, I noticed Tanya walking towards her car and her belly was big.

I wasn't sure whether or not I should speak, you know with how everything went down with me and her over C, but what can it hurt. Either she speaks, or she doesn't. Besides, I wanted to know who knocked her funny looking ass up anyway!

"Hi Tanya, how you doing? Wow... look at you," I said, congratulating her on her pregnancy. She thanked me with an intimidated smirk on her face. She probably read right through my phoniness, like I cared. I didn't want to ask, but I assume she was probably due any day 'cause homegirl was huge. Pregnancy didn't agree with her looks at all. It made a bad situation worse.