Page 4 of Terrez and Shalene
“That’s exactly how much was missing,” Little spoke up.
“So, this what we gon’ do…keep business running as usual, and since Simba is observing, I’m gon’ have him watching that nigga from a far. Since Simba is a block boy, he’s the last person Chaos will suspect has eyes on him. Simba also comes off as a rookie, but I see that shit ain’t true.”
“Hell naw. He might be one of the newer corner boys, but he don’t have that rookie mentality. I’ll let him know what’s up though. All I know is, I ain’t had to up my pole since I been workin’ under you, Terrez. I’m tryna keep it that way. I make my money and take it home for my lady to spend. Shit been peaceful, and that’s how I like it.”
As Little headed back toward the block, he and Lou spoke more about how shit would go down until there was some concrete evidence that Chaos was an opp. We all knew he was, but moving sloppy would get us nowhere. Chaos could simply be a pawn in someone else’s game of chess. If we took him out too soon, we wouldn’t be able to get to the real threat. By the time we dropped Lou off, it was completely dark out. I was a night owl and this was when I felt most alive. Moving through the darkness and staying undetectable was something I embraced. When most of the world was asleep, I was out here making money moves and making sure the empire I’d built was intact.
When Little came to me about taking over the house, I wanted to share with him how I’d been thinking about stepping away for good. I’d made plenty of money and wouldn’t be hurting for shit. For the past year, I’d been looking into opening my own businesses and looking into real estate. I trusted Little with my life, but I didn’t want to speak too soon and have him looking forward to getting my other houses if he couldn’t handle one. I was hoping he handled this situation to my liking so we could have that conversation. I had a feeling I’d be going out with a bang, but I was prepared for whatever.
“Aight, bruh. I’m about to call Chris and see why the fuck my shit was short. I know you’ll probably be hitting the block soon, so I’ll fuck with you tomorrow,” Little said as he stepped off the elevator and onto his floor.
Most of DP lived here in the Meadow View Apartments. Amongst us were regular tenants, but I liked that I knew the majority of the people who resided in my building. Although the two apartment buildings were renamed to Meadow View, everyone still referred to them as the D-Ville Projects. I’d admit the city did their shit when they updated the area to be more appealing. The apartments were nice and spacious as hell and all the appliances were updated. It looked nothing like it did when I was over here as a youngin.
“Aight. Call me if you need help though. I’m about to put something on my stomach before I go check the rest of my spots. I’m assuming everything is good since I ain’t got no calls, but you know how shit go.”
“Aight bet. From the cradle to the casket, man.”
“From the cradle to the casket,” I repeated before the doors of the elevator closed.
When the elevator ascended, my thoughts started to run a mile a minute. This shit with Chaos had me in my head and a nigga hated mysteries. Part of me was hoping Chaos was just being a snake ass nigga. On the other hand, I wasn’t sure if some shit was brewing and if it was intended for me or Little. I halfway knew it was for Little since this shit hadn’t gone down until we switched up camp. I was hoping Little was really on his shit with this. I didn’t like being in the dark and Little was my brother. Blood couldn’t make us any closer and I didn’t want to imagine life without my brother.
Stepping off the elevator, I walked toward my unit but stopped in my tracks at the faint sounds of sniffles. When I turned, I saw a woman locking the door to another unit downthe hall. We made eye contact the moment she was done. Even with her eyes being red and puffy, she was beautiful. She was on the thicker side but not sloppy at all. She was rocking a head full of jet-black curls that reminded me of how my mother wore her hair. Normally, I minded my business, but something about this woman had my gaze stuck on her. I got my fair share of pussy when I needed it, but it had been a while since I needed that type of release.
“You good, Miss Lady? It’s late and it looks like you’re heading out. Let me walk you to your car,” I offered.
For the most part, the area was pretty safe, but it was late and dark. Niggas did weird shit every day, especially when it came to women.
“No thank you. My dad is waiting for me in the lobby.”
I nodded once I recalled the older man standing not too far from the entrance. I knew he didn’t look familiar, but neither did she. The unit she was coming out of had been empty for about a month now, so I knew she was a new tenant. In the morning, I’d be making it my business to at least get her name. I wasn’t sure what for though. I had a lot going on, and from the tears still streaming down her pretty face, I knew she was dealing with some shit as well.
“Cool. You have a good night, now.”
“You too,” she responded with a forced smile.
Finally, I made it into my apartment and decided I needed another blunt. Between making this construction shit come to pass and making sure my spots were good, I had my night’s work cut out for me. It would be a long night, but slow feet don’t eat.
Chapter 3
Shalene
Exhaling a breath of relief,I parked my car in the empty driveway and thanked God Brevin wasn’t home yet. Him not being here meant I’d get to enjoy some type of peace. There was truly no telling when he’d be home, but I was hoping it wouldn’t be anytime soon. I had a long day at work. When I was on my lunch, there were several things I had to get in order for my move. I’d be moving tomorrow morning and didn’t know how I felt about it. I was ready to be in a peaceful space I could call my own, but was still indifferent about my marriage ending the way it had.
Once I had my work bag and a sleeping Amayah in my arms, I walked to the house and let myself inside. The house I used to call my home now felt empty. Most of my things were packed away in boxes stacked against the wall. I’d be packing the last of my things tonight and the movers were scheduled to be here at ten in the morning. This past week hadn’t been easy; Brevin made sure of that. He’d gotten more disrespectful and I even heard him calling me out of my name when he was on the phone last night. I felt so worthless that I couldn’t do anything but close the bedroom door and try to sleep the night away. Had Inot been moving out tomorrow, I would’ve occupied Pat’s guest room.
After laying Amayah on the couch, I slid my Crocs off and put my smartwatch on the charger. Taking a towel from the linen closet, I glanced at my baby one last time before heading to the guest bathroom and taking a quick shower. Since Amayah was still asleep, I went into her room and gathered the last of her things I’d be taking. Her bedroom furniture would stay here since she’d still be coming over with Brevin. I made my way to the kitchen and took out a wine glass to pour the last of my favorite white wine. My thoughts were starting to get the best of me and I wanted to relax.
The plan was for me to make a quick dinner that consisted of chicken that would go in the air fryer, cilantro rice, and veggies. That all came to an end when the front door was slammed so hard that it shook the house. The only reason I stopped what I was doing was because the cry Amayah let out let me know Brevin had scared her. Wiping my hands with the towel, I headed toward the living room to console my baby.
“Brevin, what the hell is wrong with you? Why the hell would you slam the door like that when she was right here asleep?” I snapped.
Any other day, I’d let him have his tantrums. Seeing the look of fear on my baby’s face was the only reason he’d gotten a response out of me. I didn’t care what Brevin did to me, but all bets were off when it came to my baby.
“You! Your ass still being here is what’s wrong with me! You got your own place and yet, you still bring your ass here! Why the fuck are you here, Shalene? Huh? I’m not understanding what the hell is so hard for you to comprehend. We are done. There is no reason for you to be here. You can drop Amayah off at any time, but please, get the hell out!” he spat angrily.
Not wanting to hear another word, I grabbed my phone and keys off the table before scooping Amayah into my arms. I’d taken this verbal abuse for far too long. I wasn’t a perfect person by a long shot, but I deserved respect. Even if it was only for me being the mother of his child, Brevin should’ve never spoken to me the way he had. When I opened the front door, I wanted to assure him that I’d be back to get my things but decided against it. None of that mattered at this point. As if my life was a music video, dark clouds came out of nowhere and it started to rain so hard that it sounded like someone was beating drums on the roof of the house.
By the time I got Amayah buckled in her heat, I was soaked. I hadn’t brought any extra clothes and it just dawned on me that I had no shoes on. Brevin was right about one thing. I had my own place. I just needed to make it one more night. Pulling out of the driveway, I debated on whether I should go to my apartment or Pat’s house. Ultimately, I drove in the direction of Pat’s house. She had a warm T-shirt I could borrow and furniture that was already put together. I grabbed my phone so many times to call her, but I had no words. Right now, I needed comfort and nothing else. Times like this I wished I could call my mother to lean on.
