Around the Way Girls 10

“Are you ready, bitch?”

I took one last glance at Whitcomb Court and then replied, “Yes, let’s go, boo.” Nay and I walked to her car.

Richmond, Virginia, would always be home, but I didn’t want to stay here, especially after I lost Keon. I was four months pregnant and I didn’t want to raise my son in this kind of environment. I knew I was just as guilty as Keon because I kept spending his dope money, and if I could go back and turn back the clock of time, I would beg him to leave the streets alone.

All that was too late, though, and all I had of him were his memories and his son.

“Bitch, soon as we get to Atlanta, we’re going shopping,” Nay interrupted my thoughts.

“Me too, nigga. My fat ass need a whole new wardrobe. I heard Atlanta had some fine-ass stores in their Buckhead area. I can’t wait to drop this load so I can squeeze my ass in the latest designer clothes.”

“Uh-huh. Look at you all turned up.” Nay busted out laughing. Then she got serious. “London, can I ask you a question?”

“Sure, what’s up?”

“I know Sheika did us wrong, but do you miss her sometimes?”

I didn’t respond right away. Matter of fact, I had to think long and hard on that one. “Nay, I do from time to time. But I have to remind myself that she was a jealous snake. She acted like she was for us but, in reality, she was against us. I think it’s horrible how she died, but she knew what she was getting herself into by turning into a rat. I just hope her mother finds some peace.”

There was a moment of silence as we got on the highway. The morning breeze hit my face as I thought about what my future might hold. I looked across at my girl, and I wondered what I would do without her.