It was 11 o’clock in the morning. Aleesha had just woken up to the sounds of her alarm clock when she realized that she was in her bed, alone. She wondered where Savage was and thought about calling him to see where he disappeared to, but changed her mind knowing he would have only gotten out of bed that early to go handle business. She groggily rolled out of bed, still tired from only getting 5 hours of sleep. She turned on her 62” flat screen to the channel 3 news, and went into her bathroom to get her day started.
“This is Amie Jenkins reporting to you live in Redlands, this just in. A drive by shooting last night on the 100 West Pioneer block left a man in critical condition at Loma Linda Medical Center. The victim was identified as 23-year-old Christopher “Cali” Davis. He was shot four times, including once in his chest, and was rushed to the hospital and underwent extensive surgery. Doctors were able to perform the surgery and remove the bullets, but the victim fell into a coma shortly after. When police asked residents what happened when they first heard the gunfire, they all reported to have instantly taken cover. When one of the residents finally came outside, they rushed over to the victim and immediately dialed 911. Some witnesses were able to catch an unmarked black SUV fleeing the scene, but no suspect has been identified. No one is sure as to why the shooting occurred, but police are further investigating the crime. If anyone has any additional information, Please contact your local authorities. Back to you at the station, Rick.”
Aleesha just stood there as she listened to the announcement the newscaster had made. Wow, she thought, processing what she just heard. The sudden slamming of the house door broke her out of her trance.
“Baby, where you at?” Savage yelled through the house.
“I’m in the bathroom, I’m ‘bout get in the shower!” she yelled back.
“Aight hurry up. Don’t forget we have this long ass drive to make.”
“I know it’s gone be a quick shower. I’ll be out in a little bit.”
Aleesha stood in the shower and started reflecting on the past couple of months in her life and her relationship with Savage. Although they lived together, for the past couple of weeks it was as if they had become total strangers. They slept in different rooms and even stopped having sex altogether, until last night.
Aleesha had arrived home close to two in the morning after going out clubbing with her friends. Savage had been sitting in the living room, smoking a blunt as he stared indifferently at the wall. Aleesha stood in front of him for a few minutes, hoping he would say something to her. When she didn’t get a response out of him, she started crying and went into her room to start packing her things. Savage came in there when he heard her slamming things around.
“What are you doin’?” he had asked as he stood in the doorway staring at her.
“I’m leaving,” she replied, crying as she stuffed clothes inside a Gucci suitcase.
“Leavin’ where?” he asked with concern as he walked toward her.
“Don’t know, don’t care. I’m not about to stay here though.”
“Man Aleesha,” he said as he took the items in her hand and set them down on the bed. He grabbed her hand as he sat down on the bed and peered up at her eyes. “I’m sorry.”
“You’re always sorry, Savage, that shit ain’t nothing new,” she said, still crying.
“I mean it though, mommy,” he said as he wiped the tears from her face.
“Yeah, whatever,” she said as she pushed his hand away.
“Man, come here,” he said as he pulled her closer. “Leelee, I’m sorry,” he said, staring at her with the most sincere look on his face she had ever seen. “I love you.” He gave her a heartwarming kiss.
She was too exhausted to continue to put up a fight, so she gave in and they ended up making love into the wee hours of the morning.
Where do we go from here? she thought now, as she got out of the shower and proceeded to get dressed, putting on gray high-waist skinny jeans, a gray chiffon cardigan with a neon green cami underneath, and gray and neon green Sky Hi Nike Dunks. Then they were out the door and headed to their destination.
They were riding in Savage’s all red Dodge Charger while Plies’ The Last Real Nigga Left mixtape was playing. The two Kicker L3 15” subwoofers in the trunk made the whole car rattle while Savage drove. They were on the I-580 west, headed to the bay area to meet up with one of their plugs for some Purp. A blunt was being passed between the two, but neither spoke, both consumed in their own thoughts.
Savage turned down the music to talk to his girl. “Babe, what’s wrong?” he asked.
“Nothing, just thinking about a lot,” Aleesha responded, gazing out of the window.
“Like what?” he asked, putting the blunt out in the ashtray. “Talk to me, babe.”
“Like us,” she said as she turned to look at him. “I really love you, but I’m sick and tired of these high school ass games. It’s the same shit over and over again. If you wanna fuck with other bitches, feel free!” she yelled, becoming angry. “But don’t tag me along when I can be with someone who only wants to be with me.”
“I know babe, I know,” he agreed, sounding hurt.
“NO, you don’t know,” she said as a tear escaped from her right eye.
“Yes I do, and I’m sorry Leelee.” He looked at her for a few seconds, taking his eyes off the road. “I’m sorry for the bullshit I put you through, I’m sorry about the thirsty bitches I let get in between us. Babe, a nigga young. I was still learnin’ this love shit but I admit to my mistakes and I’m tryna change. But just know I love you, Aleesha, and only you. Open the glove box,” he instructed.
“For what?” Aleesha asked with attitude.
“Just open it, please,” Savage pleaded.
Aleesha was reluctant at first, but she opened it. As soon as the compartment popped open, she saw a black box with a purple ribbon wrapped around it and her name on a little tag. She took no time removing the ribbon and opened the box to see the most beautiful 7 karat black diamond ring with a heart-shaped white diamond in the middle. Her hands began to tremble and tears started cascading down her face. She was truly speechless.
“Will you marry me?” he asked, taking his eyes off the road again to look at her for a few seconds.
“Are you serious this time?” she asked him, wiping away her tears.
“Yes I’m serious,” Savage said with a chuckle. “I realized life is too short to be puttin’ shit off. Can’t no other female compare to you or even do half the shit you do. I ain’t ever had to worry about you doin’ me grimy, and you’ve been the only woman in my life besides mom’s to hold a nigga down and really be there,” he honestly expressed. “I need you by my side and I’ll be damned if I let another nigga take what’s mine. I’m ready to make you my wife,” he said, taking another quick glance at her and grabbing her hand.
“I need to know now that you’re really done with all those bitches,” Aleesha said, not yet wanting to say yes or no to the proposal.
“Babe, I’m done. However you need me to prove it to you I will. I love you, Aleesha.”
“I love you too,” she said as she stared at her ring.
“So will you marry me?” he asked her again with a huge smile.
“Yes.”
She leaned over and gave him a kiss.