Page 43 of Ms. Mosley

“For real?” He asked, shocked.

“Yeah, okay.”

“Bet,”

Blocking out the world, we skated for an hour, enjoying our little bubble before deciding to take a break. I was super thirsty and craving a snack. As I sat at the snack bar, waiting for our drinks and nachos, Prosper stepped away to use the restroom. He had been holding it for quite some time, refusing to leave me alone. Eventually, I managed to convince him that I was okay and to go.

I was sitting peacefully, minding my own business, when a familiar face approached and took a seat right next to me. My eyes widened at the sight of him.

“Nia,” Martin greeted me, equally shocked to see me.

I didn’t respond; I was far from happy to see him.

“Hey,” he then reached over and gently rubbed my arm.

“Don’t touch me,” I frowned, snatching away.

He sighed. “I know it’s been a while and you’re still mad at me, but—”

“Martin, what the hell are you doing here?”

“It’s my nephew’s birthday. We’re out celebrating. I spotted you over here and wanted to come speak. Who are you here with? Never knew you enjoyed skating.”

I glanced across the room and spotted a few of his loved ones, including Lil Ronnie, the birthday boy. It dawned on me that today was indeed his birthday. I figured they chose this area because Martin’s younger sister stayed down the street in some affordable apartments. She was a single mom, still trying to get her life together.

“It’s none of your business who I’m here with,” I replied with venom. “And for future references, I don’t fuck with you. So, when you see me out, please don’t ever feel the need to speak.”

With that, I tried to stand, but Martin gripped my arm, stopping me from walking away. It wasn’t a harmful grip, more like how Prosper often grabbed me when he commanded my attention. But Martin wasn’t Prosper, and the shit irritated me.

“Get your hands off me.” I told him.

“I know you’re mad as hell at me and rightfully so. But you just up and left without talking to me first, baby. We could’ve worked through our problems.”

“You must’ve bumped your head if you think I’d work things out after you had a damn baby on me.”

“That was a mistake, Nia.”

I considered telling Martin he was a pathetic ass nigga, and that this wasn’t his only mistake. However, I knew that engaging with him would imply I still cared. And I didn’t. So, I rolled my eyes and tried to walk away again. But he grabbed me once more.

“I said to get your fucking hands off me.” This time, my words came out more fiercely, causing his anger to flare.

“So, you want to throw eight years down the drain over some bullshit?! I made her ass get an abortion. Had you not changed your number, I could’ve told you that.”

Martin raised his voice, drawing attention, and I instantly grew nervous when I noticed a tall, dark figure approaching from my peripheral vision. I tried to walk away again to restore the peace, but his grip tightened. And that was the worst mistake he could have ever made.

“Say, nigga. You must’ve woke up wit’ suicide on yo’ mind.” Prosper charged in, just as I expected he would.

Taken aback, Martin released me. He tried to stand up and address him, but before he could react, Prosper landed a hard punch, sending him crashing back down. The force was so strong that Martin toppled over with the stool.

“What the fuck?!” He exclaimed in the ground, his eye already starting to swell as he staggered to his feet.

“Prosper, let it go. It’s okay. Calm down.” I urged, rushing toward him and holding his chest.

“Nah, watch out, baby.” He gently moved me aside, drawing his gun.

By now, a crowd had gathered, and I was becoming increasingly uncomfortable. “No. Please. I promise it’s okay, baby. Let’s just go.”

Just as I was calming Prosper down, Martin decided to provoke him further. “So, you’re dating young niggas now, Nia? You stooping that low?” he taunted, then shifted his focus to Prosper again.

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