I stopped by the store just to make my little white lie half of a truth, just so I didn’t make myself look a fool when I got home. Plus, I really was craving an ice cream sandwich, Christina’s baby cravings are really getting to me.
I pulled up in front of the house and hopped out quickly before jogging up the porch steps. I saw Christina sitting on the couch with the twins behind the screen door, “Babe, it’s too late to be havin’ this door open.” I stressed as I went inside.
Christina and the twins looked at me. She cocked her eyebrow and let out a faint chuckle, “It’s okay babe.. no one’s gonna come bargin’ in.” Christina teased.
I laughed lowly and closed the door.
I know I had to tell Christina about Rome eventually but I don’t want to stress her out. She’s already been stressed out enough over my bullshit and she’s pregnant.. she don’t need it.
Not long after I walked in, we all got in the car and made our way to Lancaster. It was a little after eight and somehow I had to ease my way out of this house warming party.
When we got to Roc’s crib, we all got out and made our way to the porch.
“Go ahead boys, knock.” I looked down at the twins with a smile.
Julian and Marcus began to pound their little fists on the door as loud as they could.
I took a breath and let it out as pulled my phone from my pocket, looking at the screen.
“What up, what up!?” Roc exclaimed once he opened the door.
“Hey baby!” Christina greeted him happily as she opened her arms.
Roc pulled back and carefully picked the twins up, “What’s up pops?” He chuckled, looking at me as he stepped aside.
“Not much skinny.” I smirked as I went inside. Once Christina was in the house, I shut the door behind us and looked around, seeing a lot of Roc’s friends and family.
Roc laughed and looked at the twins, “Y'all get bigger every time I see y'all!” He exclaimed.
The twins went off at the same time, talking over each other.
“I hope y'all are hungry. There’s food for days!” Roc laughed as he led us further into the house. “Ya’ll hungry?” He asked, looking between the twins.
Christina cupped her hand in mine, looking at me with a small grin.
I looked at her and smiled also, trying to hide my anxiety.
Before we left, I managed to tuck my gun in my waist. I never thought I’d actually have to carry it on me but I ain’t goin’ to Rome’s unprotected. As of right now, anything could happen around him.
Once we were in the backyard, Roc set the twins down and they instantly ran over to Ceevon who was playing a game of ball with a few other kids on his mini basketball court.
“What’s good Chris, you want a beer?” Roc asked, looking at me from the cooler.
“Nah, I’m good fam.” I shook my head, “Actually, Christina can I talk to you quick?” I looked at her, meeting her eyes.
“Yea.” Christina grinned, “Roc, keep an eye on them please. They like to stick their hands in food.” She smirked with a small chuckle.
Roc laughed, “I got you.” He nodded.
“Come on babe.” Christina grabbed my hand and led me back inside the house.
We came to a stop in the kitchen where it was a little more quiet.
“What’s up?” Christina looked at me.
I licked my lips quickly and leaned against the counter, “I’m gonna go see Ty.” I cleared my throat a little, “I haven’t seen him since what happened.”
“That’s fine.” Christina said softly, “Are you sure you’re okay babe..?” She asked with concern, “You’ve been real eh since we got home earlier.” She set her hands on my chest.
Quickly I grabbed her hands, holding onto them in fear that she would feel the gun. “I’m okay,” I looked her in the eye as I kissed her finger tips, “I promise.” I gave her a small smile.
“You would tell me if something is bothering you though right?” Christina asked.
“Of course bae.” I assured her, “I’ll come pick you and the twins up then. I won’t be long, I just wanna make sure he’s okay.” I kissed her finger tips one more time before I let her hands go.
“Okay.” Christina smiled. “Love you.”
“I love you.” I leaned down and gave her a tender kiss. “I’ll be back.”
Christina nodded and turned before walking over to the back door.
I took a deep breath and brushed my hand over my hair a few times before I headed for the living room. I left the house, shutting the door behind me and made my way back to the car. Once I was seated, I started the engine and took off down the road, driving fast with no traffic in the way.
I wanted to talk to Ty before I went over to Rome’s. I haven’t seen him since he got jumped and I feel bad that he had to take the heat of my bullshit. Out of all people, Ty didn’t deserve that shit, especially at a time like this! I wanted to know what Rome told him and why he jumped him! There had to have been more to it than Ty denying to set me up.
It doesn’t make sense because if Rome wanted me, he could have had me. He didn’t have to bribe Ty to do anything!
When I got to Steph’s mom’s house, I parked and got out of the car. I looked at the screen of my phone, checking the time as I jogged up the porch steps.
I’m surprised Steph’s mom is letting Ty stay here after what he did.
It was late so I didn’t knock, instead I called Steph’s phone and listened to the rings.
“Yo, I’m on the porch.” I said as I looked around.
“Okay, be right there.” Steph mumbled.
“Aight, bye.” I ended the call and slid my phone in my pocket with a deep breath.
Moments later Steph opened the door with a smile, “Hey you.” She said lowly.
“What’s up girl?” I gave her a small hug before I went inside. “How you feelin’?” I asked.
“Okay.” Steph shrugged, “Ty’s gonna be happy to see you.” She smiled.
“How bad he look?” I asked as I followed her to the stairs.
Steph sighed deeply as she slowly walked up the steps, “Pretty bad.” She glanced at me and chuckled faintly, “His face was real swollen, I mean it still is but it’s going down.”
I shook my head and took a breath, trying to avoid Steph’s ass in my face.
Steph led me down the hall and went in her room, “Ty you have company.” She said softly.
I walked into the room and looked at Ty with a smile.
“My nigga.” Ty slowly sat up with a painful face, “What’s up man?” His voice cracked.
I walked over to him and sat on the bed, “Nah, what’s up with you?” I chuckled a little, “How you feelin’?” I leaned back a little and situated the gun under my shirt, so it wasn’t poking my gut.
“Better.” Ty shrugged, “Tired of layin’ in this fuckin bed, that’s for sure.” He chuckled faintly.
“I bet.” I laughed. “What the fuck this nigga do this for?” I asked.
Ty sucked his teeth and let out a deep breath, “He tried givin’ me some money to bring you to his crib and I told him to go fuck himself.” He laughed, “That nigga’s foolish.”
“Yo, he came to my house dawg.” I spat lowly, “It’s crazy Ty, when I first saw him that day in the park, I fuckin knew it was him but I didn’t wanna say anything because I wasn’t tryna refresh his memory.” I shook my head, “I figured it’s been ten years, maybe the pen brainwashed him.”
Ty laughed and shook his head also. “I didn’t recognize him at all.”
“Yea, he’s lookin’ old.” I rubbed the back of my neck, “I’m sorry he did this to you man.”
“Nah, don’t even worry about it.” Ty looked at me with bloodshot eyes, “Fuck that nigga.”
I chuckled faintly and licked my lips, “Well.. he’s tryin’ to get me to do for him what he did for me back in the day.” I sighed, “He told me there’s no way out of it and if I don’t do what he wants me to, he’s gonna run up in my house and rape Christina.” I felt the anger build up.
Just the thought of Rome touching Christina gets me ready to fuck shit up.
“And possibly kill me.” I rolled my eyes and took a deep breath, “I don’t know what to do man. I mean.. I don’t want to get caught up with the law, but I don’t want him tryna hurt my family.”
“Did you go to the police?” Ty asked, “Shit, the cops told Steph that all we could do was put a P.F.A on him.” He said angrily.
“That’s fucked up because I went to the cop Christina was seein’ and he told me the same thing. Rome left a note for me in my mailbox and not even that was enough to lock him up.” I spat.
“So.. I'ma meet this nigga at his crib in a few minutes,” I lifted my shirt and pulled the gun from my waist, “And if he feels froggy, then I'ma leap.” I shook the gun with a chuckle before putting it back where it was, fixing my shirt over it.
“Why you goin’ over there?” Ty cocked his eyebrow.
“Because!” I exclaimed, “Like I said, he left me a note in the mailbox talkin’ about if I don’t go to his crib tonight at nine he’s gonna come to mine and I ain’t havin’ that.” I chuckled.
“Does Christina know about this shit?” Ty asked.
“Nah.” I shook my head, “I don’t wanna stress her out, I already put her through hell these past couple of weeks, I ain’t tryna make it worse.” I took a deep breath and let the air out slowly, “So I'ma just find out what he wants and then..” I paused and looked at him.
“And then what, you gon be this nigga’s bitch?” Ty asked with sarcasm.
“If I have to nigga then yes!” I exclaimed.
I can’t believe I just said that.
“I'ma have to play with fire until I can assure that he’s gon stay the fuck away from Christina.” I stressed, “If I have to I’ll die to protect mine nigga, I will.. no questions.”
“Yea but Chris,” Ty sat up a little more, fighting the pain and looked me in the eye. “What the fuck is Christina gonna do when you do get yourself killed?” He spoke seriously.
His question sunk in, making me feel anxiety all over again.
“I won’t let it get that bad.” I shook my head, “If anything I got Christina’s cop on my side, if I have to go to Rome’s crib with a wire on, then I will.” I sighed deeply and looked at the time.
“Do what you gotta do Chris but be careful.” Ty stressed.
“I’ll be iight.” I nodded, “What’s goin’ on with you and Steph, y'all good?” I asked.
“Eh,” Ty shrugged, “I don’t know.. Yari’s pissed at me because the first person I called when I got jumped was Steph.” He rested his head back against the wall. “Like, to be honest with you.. I don’t know what I want.”
“I wanna be with Yari because she’s my other half but I love Steph,” Ty took a deep breath and let it out slowly, “She’s the mother of my first born, I don’t wanna be the bad man..”
“Honestly bro,” I licked my lips quickly, “This is gonna sound corny comin’ from me but.. go with your heart.” I chuckled, “We gettin’ old Ty, it’s time to settle down.”
Ty laughed lowly, “Yea I hear you.” He mumbled.
I cleared my throat and looked down at my phone, seeing it was ten until nine. “I gotta go though, I just wanted to stop by and see you.” I slid my phone in my pocket and looked at Ty.
“Thanks.” Ty grinned, “I’ll be walkin’ around and shit in a couple of days so, I plan on comin’ up to y'all with Steph and the kid, it’s been a while.”
“Word.” I nodded, “I’ll be goin’ on vacation in the next two weeks so, if anything we’ll have a cook out before the summer ends, like we do every year.” I pushed myself up from the bed and stretched my back, “Ah shit..” I let out a breath looked at Ty, “I’ll holla at you man.”
“Say no more.” Ty sunk back against the pillows, “Be safe tonight, keep in touch.”
“I got you.” I turned and headed for the door, “Peace out fam.” I looked back at him before I left the room, making my way down the stairs.
Steph and her mom were sitting on the couch with Trent, watching TV.
“Aight ladies..” I smiled as I approached the bottom of the stairs.
Steph turned and looked at me with a smile, “Bye boo. Tell Christina I love her.”
“I will.” I chuckled, “Peace out lil’ man.” I waved at Trent.
“Bye uncle Chris.” Trent waved with a grin.
I waved to all of them before I quickly left the house, heading straight for my car. When I got in, I looked at the time and with a deep breath, I started the engine.
I was a little shook about meeting up with Rome. I’ll be alright though because I know the game, I’ve been in this situation before. I’m just gonna go with what he says until I can get out of whatever he wants me to do. I have plans and if it all works out, I’m washing my hands for good!
Driving down south Queen brought me back to memory lane.
I’ll never forget the first day I saw Christina sitting on her porch. It trips me out how Rome is living in our old house, why does everything in the past have to be so ironic?
When I parked the car, I looked up at the house, seeing lights on in the living room. I took a deep breath and tucked the gun in my pants more comfortably so it wouldn’t be noticeable. My heart was racing as I got out of the car, but I took a deep breath and made my way to the porch.
As I was walking up the steps, the front door opened.
“Oh shit..” Rome laughed as he stepped onto the porch. “Shit, I forgot all about that note I left in ya mailbox,” He puffed a blunt quickly, sucking the smoke in. “Until just now.” He added.
I sucked my teeth and stood on the porch, “What do you want nigga?”
Rome looked at me and blew smoke in my face, “I want you to relax and come smoke a blunt with me.” He smirked and turned for the house, “Come on Chewie.”
It was so weird hearing him call me Chewie. It’s been years since anyone’s called me that.
I took a deep breath and followed him inside. I looked around as I stood in the living room, unable to control my smirk as I thought about all the sex Christina and I had in here.
Rome led me to the backyard where torches were lit, giving light. “Have a seat.” He pointed to the picnic table and sat down.
I sat down across from him and let my elbows rest on top.
Rome removed a blunt from behind his ear that was already rolled and brought flame to the end. He hit it a few times, causing smoke to swirl around his face. “It’s crazy how we ran into each other homie..” Rome looked at me as he blew smoke out.
I chuckled faintly, “Word.” I agreed.
“I lost ten years for your bullshit,” Rome hit the blunt one more time before passing it my way. Once I had it in my grip, he leaned on the table top. “I didn’t have to run into Joey’s crib-”
“Yea and you didn’t have to shoot him either!” I jumped in, “You didn’t have to pull the piece out on him nigga, he damn near begged you for mercy Rome!” I stressed lowly.
“You’re right.” Rome nodded, “But I did.” He spat coldly.
I hit the blunt and held the smoke in, keeping eye contact. “That’s the only reason you got caught.” I blew the smoke out quickly and hit the blunt once more before passing it.
“No, I got caught because you left me.” Rome said angrily, “As soon as you heard them cops comin’ you was out, you didn’t even wait for your homie!” He exclaimed.
“I had a warrant out for my arrest, what the fuck do you expect!?” I snapped, “Put yourself in my shoes nigga, if you was on the run, you wouldn’t have waited for me.”
“See that’s where you got me fucked up.” Rome smacked the table and pointed his finger at me, “I don’t know what loyalty is to you Chewie but loyalty is everything to me and you was my homie.” His voice shook with anger, “I did that shit for you nigga..”
I breathed heavily as the blunt burned in my hand.
“We ran into each other at the perfect time,” Rome chuckled, “And I know you put the streets behind you because you a family man now but I lost all that shit because of you!”
I hit the blunt before passing it, “What are we doin’ man?” I blew the smoke out quickly.
Rome hit the blunt a few times before letting the smoke out quickly. “Well like I said when I first came to you, there’s someone in Ephrata who owes me money..”
I felt my phone vibrating in my pants, causing me to look at my lap. I dug inside my pocket and looked at the screen, seeing Christina’s contact picture. I glanced at Rome who was staring at me before I answered the call, “Hey babe.” I cleared my throat.
Rome smirked a little and puffed the blunt.
“Hey.” Christina chimed, “What’s up, you still at Ty’s?” She asked.
“Yea.” I lied, “I’ll be there in like ten minutes.”
“Okay.” Christina said softly, “Well, hurry. The twins are asleep and I’m pooped.”
I laughed a little and took a deep breath, “Ten minutes baby.”
“Okay, love you.” Christina cooed.
“Love you too, bye.” I brought my phone down and ended the call before sliding it back in my pocket, “My bad, go ahead..” I looked at Rome and took a breath, feeling the high in my eyes.
“While I was upstate I had my homies makin’ money for me,” Rome picked up where he left off, “Somebody who I thought was my brother stole from me..”
“So what.. we’re gonna run up in his crib and take his shit?” I asked with a shrug.
Rome laughed and shook his head, “Nah homie..” He looked at me and our eyes met.
My heart started to race in my chest, making everything tight.
“I got bigger plans.” Rome smirked. “But I'ma need you there, I'ma need you to watch my back since you ain’t do it the last time.” He said bitterly.
“What about Dro?” I sucked my teeth.
“Dro ain’t got nothin’ to do with this.” Rome got loud. “He don’t owe me shit, you do.”
I rolled my eyes and stood up, “Just let me know when this shit is happening.” I took a deep breath and fixed my shirt.
Rome looked at me, his eyes evil. “You plannin’ on shootin’ somebody Chewie?” He asked with his finger pointed at my belt line.
I glanced down before looking him back in the face. “Nah man.” I shook my head, “It just seems like every time I come to Lancaster, somebody gotta back me into a fuckin corner.”
Rome suddenly stood up and mugged me. Before I could even defend myself, he placed a cold pistol right under my chin as he held my jaw tight in his grip. “I swear to God nigga, if you think you gon take me down, I won’t hesitate to blow your fuckin top off.” He spat.
I didn’t move as air came roughly out of my nose. I kept my eyes on his, seeing the deranged look he had in his eyes, the look of pure crazy.
“Don’t grow balls that you don’t have at last minute boy.” Rome pushed my head back, causing me to stumble. He kept his gun in view, “Go home to your wife and kids Chewie..”
I shook my shoulders, fixing my shirt as I looked at him with an angry curl in my lip. “Keep my family out of this Rome.” I spat, “They ain’t got shit to do with this.”
Rome chuckled lowly, “I’ll be in touch.”
I looked at him intensely, trying everything I had in me to not shoot him down right here, right now. With a deep breath, I walked towards the gate that led to the front. When I got in my car, I clutched the the steering wheel as I shook with anger, staring out the windshield.
When I pulled up in front of Roc’s, I put the gun in the glove box before I got out of the car. I walked up the porch steps and knocked, stepping back to wait for an answer.
My mind was all fucked up, Christina’s gonna know right away that something’s wrong with me. I’m gonna have to avoid telling her about Rome as much as I can until I can get rid of him for good. I’m also gonna call Eric again and tell him I’m willing to work with him if he works with me. I can’t take Rome down by myself and I’m not doing it in a way where it will get me killed or locked up but I’m gonna do whatever I can to protect myself and those I love.
Roc opened the door suddenly, breaking me from my thoughts. “Welcome back!” He laughed as he stepped aside, letting me in.
I laughed and went inside, shutting the door behind me. “Sorry I bounced right away, I had to go see Ty. You heard what happened to him?” I asked.
“Yea,” Roc nodded, “Christina told me. What’s goin’ on with that?” He asked.
“It ain’t nothin’ serious.” I shrugged, “Where is Christina?” I asked, changing the subject.
Roc looked at me with concerned eyes. “She’s in the back.” He cleared his throat, “Come on, drink a beer with me before you go.”
I took a deep breath and let it out slowly.
I just wanted to go home and sleep. I had a really bad headache from all this bullshit, bullshit that keeps piling on top of bullshit. I was so stressed I completely forgot about my probation and smoked a blunt, now I have to go on a flush search, I see my P.O on Monday.
I ain’t goin’ no where tomorrow, I’m gonna lay low and hang out with my kids. Nothing else matters to me but the family I have and I’ll be damned if anything else tries to come between us!
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