Chapter 8

The Set Up

I went to my room and changed into an all black Gap sweat suit. I patiently sat on my bed and watched the clock. When the time was right, I put my Polaroid camera in my bag. I took a deep breath and sighed. I closed my eyes and thought everything over.  I had to do this for me. I was tired of being the victim. Shit was about to hit the fan. I grabbed my bag and left the house.

It was dark as shit walking through those paths, but I knew them like the back of my hand. I knew damn well that I shouldn't have been out and walking down a damn hill that soon after the miscarriage, but I was on a mission. When I reached Ms. Netts I sat across the street on the green box and watched her house and Meekie's. They were only a few houses apart, and I knew I was going catch some type of action.

I pulled out my camera and waited for shit to pop off. Like ten minutes later I saw a few customers come up. I took their pictures and pictures of their license plates. I saw a bunch of grown ass men come from Meekie's with her Young Girl Crew and take them to Ms. Netts. I snapped that too. I thought maybe I shouldn’t bring everybody down, because I was just after Spinx. I thought about it and quickly changed my mind. They shouldn’t be fucking with those young girls anyway, serves them right. I’d had enough of the outside action so I crept around back.

Killa, their pit, was outside, but he knew my scent. He came running over to me with his tongue hanging out wanting to play. I patted his head and told him to sit. He obeyed. I peeped through the back window and no one was in the kitchen. I used my key and went through the back door.

I opened up the cabinet in the kitchen and opened a secret compartment, just as I expected, Jackpot. I took pictures of the coke and heroine they had up in there. I peeked around the corner to see if anyone was in the living room. A few members of his squad were there, but they were knocked out drunk. I heard that Spinx threw a big neighborhood barbeque earlier that day. I knew they were tore up and would be out cold.

I tiptoed up the steps. I heard noises coming from the Hilton. I crept the door open and peeked in. I saw the usual, old ass men fucking those young girls from Meekie's. I snapped a few pictures; they were so into their groove that they didn’t even notice the flash. Perverts, I thought. I put the camera in my purse and stood in front of Spinx’s door. I put my ear to it and I heard the bed post knocking. I could hear him asking some chick if that was his pussy and of course she was yelling it was. The words he was saying was so familiar. My heart began to ache. After hearing that, I knew I was doing the right the thing. I turned away and left Ms. Nett’s for the last time.

 

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The next morning I woke up eager to start phase two. I went to the Uni-Mart to wait for Captain Oliver Brennan. I had a little package for him that would change his life forever. He was a cop who couldn’t wait to bust Spinx and his boys. He was inside the little store getting his coffee. I walked pass his squad car and dropped the package in his window. I left a typed note stating that he needed to act fast before the evidence was no longer there. I hid in the cut and watched him as he retrieved the package. A few minutes later he was acting as if he’d won the lotto. 

 

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I couldn’t believe that in just a few hours I would be a high school graduate. Everyone was gathered at my mom’s before the ceremony. I was on the phone with Spinx. He’d promised me he would be at the graduation. I’d given him a ticket the night before when he’d taken me out to dinner and surprised me with a diamond and ruby tennis bracelet.

 

“Let’s go to the mote,” he’d said.

“I’m not ready… I’m still not over the miscarriage,” I told him.

He seemed a little disappointed.

“Can we go to your house? I haven’t seen Ms. Nett in a minute,” I asked him.

“Umm… she at… her sister’s house,” he stuttered as if he was lying.

When we pulled up to my mom’s house he leaned over for a kiss but stopped. Something in the driveway caught his attention. I turned my head and stared towards my driveway. I didn't see anything unusual.

“What are you looking at?” I’d inquired.

“Yo, wassup with you and Brock? Why whenever I hear your name his follows it up?” he asked.

I followed his gaze and noticed him staring at Brock’s Range Rover in my driveway.

A mischievous smile crept on my face. “Oh... Kevin... he's my friend. He just seems to be there when I need him... like after the party, and when I lost our baby. He was right there to comfort me.” I rubbed it in.

He shifted his body towards his window. “Comfort you... what you mean comfort you... and he let you call him by his government?” he said, sounding heated.

I made things even worse. “Yeah, he said he didn't want me calling him by his street name. Said I was different than the other chicks, and I deserved the right to call him Kevin.”

I studied his facial expression and was satisfied at the repulsive look he wore. He didn’t like that shit at all. I leaned over and kissed his face.

As I was getting out the car I said, “You don't have to take me to my hair appointment tomorrow, Kevin is taking me after we go pick up my cell phone.” Before he could say a word I slammed the door and ran to the house. He was vexed. And to think, this is just the beginning, I thought.

 

I wrapped up my call with Spinx and got ready to go to my graduation. Two days had passed since my attempt to set him up. To my surprise nothing had happened. To be honest, it seemed like the cops just disappeared. They weren’t sitting in the cars at the park like they usually did, nor where they in their office in the neighborhood community center. I just hoped that my plan wouldn’t fold. Spinx needed to be taught a lesson.

 

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Vice-Principal Scott announced into the microphone, “Nalyse Lynae Nyse.”

I walked across the stage and was handed my diploma. I waved to my cheering squad in the stands. I heard a few boo’s, but then I heard Ra-Ra and his boys whistling and screaming my name. My mom was crying. Kat and Kevin were clapping and cheering.

Just then I heard, “THAT'S RIGHT, GET THAT DIPLOMA FOR DADDY!” I turned to the opposite direction and noticed Spinx and his flunkies. I didn't even acknowledge him.

“He's such a fuckin’ jerk,” I said under my breath. I hoped my mother didn’t hear his ignorant ass. She still didn’t know I was dealing with him.

I sat there as everyone made their boring speeches. My stomach was in knots. I was happy that this chapter of my life was going to finally be over. I felt bad when everybody were hugging each other and crying. Nobody even looked in my direction. I’d really fucked up my high school career socially. Maybe I would do better in college. Getting in would be no problem, I’d maintained a 3.0 average. I noticed my flirt buddy Dale. He didn’t even come over and congratulate me. He was too busy slobbing down some blonde. I didn’t even bother to throw my cap up with everyone else. I sat in the hard steel chair waiting for the bullshit to be over.

All of the graduates rushed out to meet their families in the lobby. They were taking pictures with each other. I found my mom and the crew. My mom was chatting with her sisters smiling from ear to ear. We were all happy; they wanted to take pictures with me. I took a few with them. I was standing next to one of my little cousins when I felt a tap on the shoulder. I turned around and was in heaven.

Standing before me was Rashawn, looking like an angel in his white Armani Exchange linen outfit. It really complemented his smooth flawless toffee brown skin. He handed Kat the camera and asked her to take a picture of us. She seemed to have a little attitude, but did it anyway. Ra-Ra put his arms around me, like we were an item or something. I began to sweat and my heart was beating a mile a minute. I hadn’t felt like that since the night of E’s party.

“I bet you like that. All hugged up with my man,” Kat mumbled.

I was about to respond until I noticed Kevin rushing towards us. Soon as the camera flashed Ra-Ra pushed me to the floor. Pop... pop... I heard people screaming. Two more shots followed. That's when I saw the rest of Ra-Ra’s crew come out of nowhere busting their guns. Everyone was running and screaming. This was Déjà vu like a mutha fucka. I couldn't find my mom and sister. I was on the floor crawling around looking for them. I looked to the left and saw one of my classmates lying on the floor with blood leaking from his body. Oh God… please let me make it out of here. Let my family be ok, I thought. I felt someone lift me by my waist. I looked up, and it was Kevin.

I screamed, “We can’t leave... we can’t leave without my family!” I was trying to fight him off me as we made our way through the crowd.

Once outside, he pulled me along as we ran to his truck. He pushed me in the back, then jumped in and sped off. I tried to get out, but he had the safety lock on.

“Let me the FUCK out!” I kicked the car doors screaming.

His cell phone rang and I heard him say, “I got her in the car with me... she's all right... ok... ok... SAY WORD! All right then... will do.”

I climbed in the front seat. “Who... was that?” I asked anxiously.

“Your sister and mom is cool... they are headed to your sister’s crib.”

“What about Ra-Ra, is he ok?” I asked.

“I think so... you know he had a vest on. But your boy Spinx... shit ain't too pretty for him right now. I just heard from someone that they have the whole Serenity Hills blocked off. The State boys, County, and the DEA are running through his mom’s house and a few other cribs as we speak,” he said in disbelief.

I sat back in the seat and exhaled. A little smile of relief and satisfaction spread across my face. I didn't expect a shootout to happen, but everything was going as planned.

 

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Complete chaos is how you would describe the scene at Kat’s. My mom was hysterical. Mr. Dave was trying to calm her down. The phone was ringing off the hook. Everyone was on their cell phones checking to see if there were any fatalities from the shooting. My family from out of town was really shook up. 

My aunt Sarah was talking trash to my mom. “Kat’s boyfriend is a hoodlum and it’s your fault. You put your job and Mr. Dave before your own kids. They don’t have proper supervision, that’s why they’re both messing with drug dealers, and your son is in jail.”

My mom cried as she took a verbal lashing from her older sister. Mr. Dave tried to defend her, but Aunt Sarah shot him down too. I wasn’t trying to get involved. Arguing with Aunt Sarah was a no-win situation.

I slipped through the crowd in search of Kat. I found her in the basement. She was whispering on the phone to someone.  I sat on the leather love seat and waited for her to finish her conversation. After a few minutes she noticed she wasn’t alone and ended the call. Her eyes were puffy and her face was red. She had been crying.

“You ok?” she asked.

“I’m fine. How about you? Have you heard from Ra-Ra?” I asked.

She took a deep breath and sat back on the couch. “Yeah, he only has a little flesh wound on the shoulder.”

Kat seemed a little disappointed by that. Damn, did she want the nigga to die? I thought. We sat in silence.  She got up from her seat and walked over to a wall beside the stairs. I watched her grab a small key like object from under the third step. She took the object and ran it along the edge of the wood panel and a little door opened. She pulled a little brown envelope from the opening and closed it. She handed me the envelope and sat back down.

From my expression I knew she figured I was at a complete loss. The envelope reminded me of the ones they gave you at your local bank.  She told me to open it. I had to admit; with all that was going on I was afraid to look in it. I opened it up and there were a set of car keys. I held the keys in my hand. I thought they were an extra set to her Lexus. I looked at Kat for an explanation, and she told me to go look in the garage. A half smile spread across her face.

I know this is not what I think it is, I thought. I ran upstairs to the garage. I hurried through the house so quick I didn’t even pay attention to the fact that my mom and Aunt Sarah were toe to toe, ready to get it on. I opened the garage door and before my eyes sat a brand new 1996 Nissan Pathfinder.  I was so siked. I opened the doors to smell the new car fragrance. The interior had cream leather seats with wood grain on the dash. I jumped in and cranked the engine. I had to check out the Pioneer stereo system. It was bangin’.

Kat banged on the window. I rolled it down to thank her. “Girl, are you crazy? Are you trying to kill yourself and every damn body else?” she yelled.

At first I didn’t catch on to what she was talking about. Then I was like. “Ohhh... Carbon monoxide.” I was so hyped about my new whip, I forget all about being in a closed-in space. I turned the truck off.

When I got out I gave Kat a big hug.

“It’s a graduation present from me and Rashawn,” she told me.

“Let me use your phone so I can call and thank him.”

She rolled her eyes and sucked her teeth. “You can’t call him right now. He’s being questioned at the police station about the shooting. They are trying to see if he knew who would want to kill him,” she said.

Damn! I was so into my gift that I forgot my graduation had just turned into a bloodbath. I had a quick flashback of the event.

“Does he know who it was?” I asked.

She shook her head no and quietly walked in the house.  I followed behind her. 

In the living room my mom was gathering her things. Aunt Sarah and her crew were already gone.

“Wow! They got out of here awfully quick,” I said.

Mr. Dave gave me a hug and handed me a card. “Your mom and I are really proud of you.” 

I went over to my mom, who was fiddling with her purse.

“You ok?”

She didn’t answer. I noticed that her face was stained with tears.  I felt so bad.  This was supposed to be a great day, but it turned out to be a complete mess. I tried to talk to her, but she continued to ignore me. I felt myself getting a little agitated. Mr. Dave was talking to Kat when he noticed how my mother was acting towards me. I grabbed her arm.

“Mom... what is your problem? Did I do something to upset you?” I asked.

She looked into my eyes. Tears began to fall from hers. Without saying a word she grabbed her jacket and walked out the door. I looked at Kat for answers. She shrugged her shoulders and walked away.

Mr. Dave gave me a hug. “Nalyse, she’s ok, she’s just shook up from the shooting. She came so close to losing both you and Rashawn. You know how much she cares for the young man. Of course the shouting match she had with Sarah didn’t help. Give her time, she’ll be ok.” He kissed my cheek and left the house.

In the beginning I’d had my doubts about Mr. Dave, but I guess he really did love my mom. I peeped out the window and watched them get in the car. I was relieved to see it wasn’t me she was mad at. Mr. Dave was trying to talk to her, but she didn’t respond to him either.

Oh well, I thought. I’ll call her in the morning to check on her. I shut the blinds and walked over to the dining room table. I grabbed up a few chips and a piece of cake. I enjoyed my little snack while I envisioned Spinx’s reaction when he found out he was being raided.  I laughed to myself. That’s what his ass gets. I mean, I know he ain’t think I was gonna let him play me like that. Not me. Not Ms. Nyse.  I’m young, but I’m no damn fool, well, at least I’m not a fool anymore, I thought.  I picked up the phone to check on Kevin, but his answering machine picked up. I left a message and hung up.

I went upstairs to change my clothes. On my way back down the stairs I heard the doorbell. I ran to get it, hoping it was Kevin. When I opened the door there stood a tall, brown skin brother.  He had to be at least 6’4. He had a nice frame; he wasn’t all tall and lanky. His face was pretty. I mean, he seemed to be overly well kept for a man. For a minute I thought he arched his damn eyebrows.

“You must be Nalyse? Kat has told me so much about you.” His voice was smooth.

He walked pass me into the house. Kat came up from the basement and wrapped her arms around the man’s neck. They shared a long passionate kiss. She looked over at me and winked and they went upstairs. I was disgusted. 

I can’t believe her. Somebody just tried to take Ra’s life and she got the nerve to invite another man in his house, I thought. She didn’t deserve him. If he was with me I would’ve been at that police station with him, holding him down. I had to get out of there. I wished Ra-Ra would just pop up and see that shit. That would knock that bitch right off her throne. I decided I would go tell Rashawn thank you in person. But first I wanted to go to the Hills and show off my new ride.

I called my girl Kee from my new cell phone to see if she wanted to hang out. There was no answer. I wondered if she was all right. She was about due any day now. I decided to ride pass her apartment to check on her. Ten minutes later I pulled in front of her complex. I looked up at her windows.  It seemed to be extra dark in there.  The light from the TV would usually be glowing.

I climbed the stairs to apartment 2-C. I rang the door bell, but no one answered. I knocked a few times before I turned away. As I was going down the stairs I heard someone calling my name. I walked back towards the apartment. Kee’s younger sister Michelle was at the top of the stairs. She was holding little Myia on her hip. I figured Kee must have went into labor since her sister had the baby. I followed her into the apartment. The place was ransacked. The couches were cut open; everything was pulled out of the cabinets and thrown on the floor. It looked as if a cyclone hit the place.

“What the hell happened in here? Where’s your sister?” I couldn’t believe that she would leave a thirteen year old in this hell hole with her child.

Michelle placed Myai in her walker and sat on the floor next to her. “Kee got locked up down the Hill earlier. She was dropping a pack off to Ms. Nett.”

Dropping a pack off... I know damn well Bo ain’t have her making no runs in her condition, I thought.

“Michelle, where’s Bo?”

“He’s in jail too. A bunch of policemen ran up in here and took him and Co-Co. My-My and me was next door at my friend’s house when it happened.”

I stood there bug-eyed. I know damn well she ain’t say Co-Co was up in here. “Co-Co... what the fuck… she was here? I asked. 

“Yeah, she lives here now. She’s Kee-Kee best friend.”

  Best friend? Didn’t she know Co-Co was fucking her man? Bo... I thought he whooped her ass, why did he have the bitch in his house? I thought. “Get you and the baby’s things together. I can’t let y’all stay in this apartment. I’ll get y’all a room for a few days,” I said.

It was partially my fault Kee got arrested anyway.  I guess I didn’t think of the other people it could affect when I set Spinx up.  I had a few hundred dollars I’d collected from my graduation party. I knew a thirteen year old shouldn’t be in a hotel alone, but that was the only alternative they had. Their mom was strung out on dope so she wouldn’t be any good to them. I couldn’t take them to Kat’s, she would snap. I carried Myia and her car seat to my truck. 

Michelle’s eyes lit up when she saw my ride. “Oh my God! This is tight! Who bought you this, Uncle Spinx?”

I burst out laughing.  “Yeah right!” I lied and told her my new man bought it. I could tell that threw her off a bit. 

I helped her put the bags in the trunk. Then I made sure everyone was buckled in before I pulled off. I looked back at Myia. She was so cute with her little chocolate self. She was dozing off. 

“Y’all eat anything?” I asked Michelle.

“The baby did, but I’m hungry.”

I thought for a moment before saying, “Nothing is open but Wawa and 7-Eleven.”

“I want a hoagie so we can go to Wawa,” said Michelle.

 

I checked into the Travelodge on New Castle Ave.  I paid for three days and gave Michelle a couple dollars so they could eat.

“Call me on my cell if y’all need anything,” I said.

“Thanks, Lyse.”

I got back in the truck and headed towards the city. I had to admit, I was a little scared going on the Westside. I had made so many enemies. Then there was the attempt on Ra’s life earlier today.  I knew they thought Spinx had something to do with it. I decided to check out the police station first. I rode around the precinct and didn’t see Ra’s car. I pulled into a parking spot on the side of the building.  I dialed his number, and to my surprise he picked up on the first ring.

“Hey, Rashawn, this is Nyse... I mean Nalyse.”

“I know who it is. What’s up, lil’ sis?” he said.

“Umm, I’m by the police station looking for you.” I thought about it for a minute and added, “I need to talk to you about something really important.”

He told me to meet him at the train station, which was right around the corner. I drove around the station a few times trying to find a parking space. It was useless; I would have to park across the street at the bus station. I tried to avoid having to go there, because I would have to parallel park and I didn’t know how. I really had no reason to learn. I lived in the suburbs. I was use to pulling into a driveway.

Oh well, I thought. I guess I had no choice but to try. I found a spot and attempted to squeeze the truck into the space. It wasn’t working. I noticed that a line of impatient motorist had begun to form behind me. Beads of sweat began to appear on my head.  I was becoming frustrated. A few people began to shout obscenities out the window and blow their horns. I was about to roll my window down and curse them out when I heard my passenger door open. My heart almost jumped out of my chest.

“Damn, Ra! You scared the hell out of me!”

Rashawn was smiling, showing his pearly whites. He told me to relax and guided me as I pulled into the spot. I took my time and followed his direction. It turned out to be really easy. I turned the car off and took a deep breath.  I had to admit, I felt a little awkward being in the car with him.  I mean, if Spinx knew that I was with him he would swear I gave him information to set him up. His phone began to ring. He looked at the number, shook his head and pushed the end call button.  He flashed me another smile.

“What’s up, Nalyse? What you doing up here in the city? I thought you didn’t get down with us like that?” He was making fun of me.

“Oh be quiet, Ra-Ra, I came up here to thank you in person for my graduation gift.” I hugged him.

When I tried to let go he held on a little longer. He smelled so good, just like Fahrenheit. It made me think of Kevin, because he always wore that fragrance. Finally, he let me go.

“I really appreciate the truck. So, are you ok? Do you know who tried to kill you?” I asked bluntly. I wanted to know if he thought it was Spinx and his crew.

He sat back in his seat. “You know what? I don’t even know. It got me fucked up in the head. I know it wasn’t your boy Spinx. He had already left before the shooting. I heard them boys ran through the whole Hills, just about everybody got knocked.”

I put my head down in shame.

You ok, Nalyse?” he asked. He looked down at me.

I forced tears from my eyes. “I don’t know what to do now that Spinx is gone. He took care of me. I mean, he did his dirt. He cheated on me, gave me a disease and even had chicks he fucked approach me. Despite all that, he still took care of me.” I placed my head on the steering wheel and sobbed out loud.

A concerned look covered his face. He pulled me closer to him.

“You know what’s really messed up? My best friend is nine months pregnant and she’s in jail. She got busted today with Spinx and them, and there’s nothing I can do for her. The little money I did have I used it to put her little sister and baby in the motel for a few days. I wanted to take them to the house with me, but Kat would snap. With them there her little friend can’t come over for a nightcap.”

I jumped from his arms and put my hand over my mouth. “Oh my God, I didn’t mean to say that.” I studied his face to see if he’d caught what I said. He must not have heard me, because he continued his conversation.

“You know he thinks Brock did it. He thinks he did it to get him out the picture so he can get at you. I heard there was a little gun play between a few of his boys and Brock. I’m still waiting to hear from him now. No one has heard from him since earlier. As for your girl, don’t worry, I’ll help you get her a good lawyer. She’ll get off and be able to keep her kids. We can go to the station and see what her bail is. And as for her sister, I will give you some money to look after them for a minute.” He paused and turned towards the window.  “So, Kat be entertaining niggas in my crib, huh?”

I sat up. “No... I didn’t mean that, not niggas.  I mean, not a bunch of them, just one in particular.” I didn’t mean to tell on my sister, but I couldn’t lie to him after all he was ready to do.

“You know what, I can’t even be mad at her. I have a few chicks on the side myself. I mean, that’s my wife right there, and I would never bring any of those bitches to my house. I mean, she could at least take the nigga to a hotel. Is he anyone I know?” he asked.

“No, he’s a lame.  Some college dude. He’s nobody for you to worry about.”

He reached for my hand. He interlocked our fingers together. I felt a little twitch between my thighs. I had to calm myself before the feeling became too intense.

“Thanks for looking out. I mean, I kind of figured she might have been steppin’ out on me, but not in my crib. I knew you were thorough. I need a chick like you by my side; a chick who knows how to get as grimy as her dude when needed. Too bad you Kat’s little sister.  I might have taken you under my wing. Who knows, maybe you could have even taken her place,” he said.

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. Was Ra-Ra trying to come on to me? I began to blush. I playfully punched him in the arm. “Yeah right, there is no way you would leave Kat alone. Queen Kat got you open. You wouldn’t know what to do without her.” I wanted to see where his head was really at.

His smile fell from his face, and he became serious. He gently moved my face towards his and placed his thick lips over mine. He slipped his tongue into my mouth. I wanted to move away, but something just wouldn’t let me budge. He kissed me deeply, with so much passion. He moved down to my neck and gave me little love bites. I was lost in lust. My body began to tingle, and I let go. I guess he had me where he wanted me, because he stopped. My panties were soaked. So much for self-control, I thought. My eyes pleaded for him to come back and finish what he’d started.

“My bad, I’m so sorry, Nalyse… I just got out of control. I mean, you actually care about me.  You went against your own blood to look out for me.  Not too many people would do that.  I guess that turned me on. I mean, that and the fact that you’re so beautiful, and your body is just right. I always knew that you would be a heartbreaker. You have so much potential. Spinx is a lucky man... I would have never treated you like he did.”

He was gassing me up, and I was falling for it.

“Look, let me give you this money for your girl. I need to go before I do something I might regret,” he said looking away.

He went in his pocket and pulled out a knot of money and handed it to me. I opened it and there were nothing but hundreds. He looked at me one more time before he reached for the door. His eyes showed how much he wanted me. I couldn’t front, I never really looked at Ra liked that, but I wanted him, too. He had money, power and respect. Plus, he was a sharp nigga, stayed fly all the time. He started to open the door, and I grabbed his hand.

“Ra, don’t leave me,” I said in a seductive voice. “How about we go somewhere so we can discuss how I can be number one in your life.”  I couldn’t believe what I was saying.

Ra smiled. He kissed me on the lips and told me to get a room at the Courtyard Hotel on Washington Street. He said he would meet me there in a half an hour, because he had to take care of some business first. After he got out the car he tapped on my window. I rolled it down.

“Nalyse, are you sure about this? If we do this there is no turning back, and I’m not sharing you with any other nigga, you understand?”

I shook my head yes.

He walked across the street and hopped on his midnight blue Suzuki GSXR1100. I watched as he put on his matching helmet and sped off. I pulled out of the parking spot. I’ll be riding on the back of that bike soon, I thought.

Just that quick, I had forgotten all about Kevin. I still cared about him, but I had to push those feelings aside. This was an opportunity I just couldn’t let pass me by. All those Westside bitches would be worshipping me in a minute. God knows this was not what I planned to happen. I was beaming on the inside. Fuck a Queen Kat, Nyse would be the Queen Bitch now.

 

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Wow was all I could say. Ra-Ra could really put it down in bed. I’d thought Spinx was something. I felt guilty at first. I was about to leave out the room before he got there, but it was too late. When I opened the door he was standing there smiling, looking all fine. His smooth skin looked good enough to eat. I thought I would get some cavities before I had a chance to even taste it. I couldn’t quite understand why Kat would even fathom cheating on this nigga. He was amazing and so sweet it was ridiculous.

He gently laid me across the bed and slowly removed my clothing piece by piece, tasting every part of my body. He licked between my toes and everything. Unlike Spinx, he was not a talker, nor was he aggressive, in the beginning. It wasn’t until the end when he really put it on me. He had me running from the dick. When I finally couldn’t take any more, he ejaculated inside of me. Of course I didn’t think anything of it; I was so lost in lust. He climbed off top of me and held me while we talked about our future.

“Rashawn, do you think I’m a bad person? I mean, Kat is my sister, and I just violated her in the worst way.” I knew it was too late to feel bad now. The deed was done, and I honestly didn’t plan to stop being with Rashawn as long as he was cool with it.

“You know what… I actually admire the fact that you’re not afraid to get what you want. I had a little crush on you for a minute now. I knew it was wrong because you were my girl’s sister. I just didn’t know you felt the same way until that night under the light pole.” He winked and smiled.

I pulled the covers over my face in embarrassment. “Was I that obvious?” I said shyly.

He playfully snatched the covers from my face. “Yes, you were that obvious. But it’s cool. If it wasn’t for the fact that all hell was breaking loose I probably would have scooped you up that night.”

He leaned over and kissed my forehead and pulled me close to his naked body.

We talked about the babies that Kat aborted and how he’d really wanted them He told me that he’d promised to leave the street life alone if she had them. I met another side of Ra-Ra.  I met Rashawn Gibbs. He wasn’t that cold hearted nigga everyone in the streets feared. He just wanted a family.

He made me promise to leave Spinx and if I was interested in Brock to cut ties with him.  He assured me in time that I was going to be his woman and bare his children. I felt so safe and relaxed in his arms. It felt like everything was about to come together for me. We discussed my schooling. I told him my dream of becoming a lawyer. He told me that he had family that worked at University of Maryland Eastern Shore. He said it would be easier for us to spend time with each other if I went there first and we could eventually venture to D.C. so I could attend Georgetown.

It was too good to be true. I began to wonder if he was trying to gas my head up so he could have access to the pussy. He must have read my mind, because he promised me that in time Kat would be out the picture, but he just needed to do it the right way. He admitted that he still loved her. I understood; they had been together since eighth grade. I knew his feelings wouldn’t leave over night. He assured me that spending more time with me would help him get his mind off of her.

 

The next morning his phone was ringing off the hook. He was still sleep.  I leaned over him and peaked at the number. It was Kat. I began to feel nauseous. I looked at Rashawn laying there ass naked. I felt a lump in my throat. Damn, Nyse… you done fucked up again. What kind of person would fuck her sister’s man? I thought. I nudged Rashawn to wake him up. He didn’t budge. I began to get paranoid.  What if someone told her we are together?  I mean, the city ain’t that big and everyone knows everybody. What if one of her friends works here at the hotel? I thought.

I ran to the window and peeked out the blinds. I searched for something familiar, but didn’t see anything. The phone began to ring again. It was Kat; she was blowing his phone up. This time Rashawn heard it and answered.  He spoke to her very calmly. I heard her yelling through the phone.

“She’s probably hanging with her friends baby… come on… Kat, I don’t think she’s in any trouble… let me call Brock and see if she’s with him.  So, how was your night? I was waiting for your call.” He flashed a sneaky smile at me. “Oh… you took a valium for your nerves… oh, ok, baby. Well let me get up and start my day. Will I see you for lunch? Ok… I love you too, see you later.” He hung up.

I was so envious. I mocked him “I love you, too… ok, baby.” I crossed my arms and rolled my eyes.

I knew I’d made a mistake.  He wasn’t going to leave her. Rashawn ignored my smart comment and went into the bathroom. I heard him turn the shower on. After a few moments he came out the bathroom.

“Are you going to sit on the bed and sulk like a young girl, or take care of your man?” 

I sat there mad for a minute. He stood at the door waiting for me. A few seconds later I got up and went to the door. He grabbed my hand and led me into the shower. We explored each other’s body again.  This time he was more intense and romantic.  He made love to me.

 

I was getting dressed, and Rashawn was on his way out.

“Look. Make sure you call your sister. Tell her you were at one of your little girl friend’s house or something. Oh, call me if you need more loot to bail home girl out, just make sure you block your number. Your sister’s real nosy.” He gave me a kiss on my lips. “Keep the room for another night. You need a few more workouts to get our rhythm right.”

I smiled as he left. Soon as he was out the door I called Kat. She tried to curse me out about not coming back home.  I had to remind her that I was grown now. I told her she wasn’t worried about me anyway because she had that nerd over there breaking her back in. She called me a bitch before she hung up. I smiled. That’s right Ms. Kat, you keep fucking that lame nigga while I’m concentrating on taking your place, I thought.