Hood Dreamz:Everything That Glitters Aint Gold

HOOD DREAMZ Everything That Glitters Ain’t Gold

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By: Tione Turner

HOOD DREAMZ Everything That Glitters Ain’t Gold Copyright© by Tione Turner, 2009 All rights reserved. No part of this may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic or mechanical including, but not limited to, photocopying, recording or taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher and author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews. This book may be www.tioneturner.com

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This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations and dialogue in this novel are either the product of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Second Edition: May 2009 ISBN 13: 9781607258056 Library of Congress Number: 001240489 Cover Design by CrunchTimeGraphics.com

Text Layout by CrunchTimeGraphics.com Printed in the United States of America

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About The Author A scorching August day, is when I made my grand entrance. A beautiful baby girl, my mother named me Tione. With a unique name, I knew that I was here for a reason, something special, more than average life. I was born to Baltimore natives; my mother was a 19 year old college freshman. My father was a 21 year old, well respected hustler, who was into everything, from selling dope to jewel heisting. As a small child, I’d seen and heard many things. At the age of 3, I was in and out of jails visiting my father, who occasionally, did a bid here and there. No matter how much prison time he served, upon his release date, he had plans for the next gig. Some people chose to take part in certain lifestyles, and sometimes, certain lifestyles are just part of some people. I suppose my father’s way of life, was just in him. From the age of 4, I attended the best private schools, had lavish dresses and clothes made for me to wear, owned an obscene amount of diamonds and gold, and my father was shot dead in the streets of Westport, all by the time I was 7. You would think that I wouldn’t remember so much, but by then, I was exactly who I was going to be.

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Growing up, I did what came natural to me. I was well known, best dressed, and my boyfriend was always the one making the most money. I became a mother at the age of 17. Giving birth to a beautiful baby boy made me a better person, but I still wasn’t finished. It would take the murder of several of my closest friends and a downhill spiral of bloody street wars, for me to see that the way of life I was a custom to, wasn’t the right way, it was not what God had planned for me. If I had to do it all again, there would be no way I could do it differently. Everything that I’ve lived and experienced has made me who I am. These are stories that have to be heard, not for entertainment, but so that lives may be changed. On every corner in Baltimore, and every other big City, there are people living Block Busters and Best Sellers. Everybody’s got a story. It’s just about who gets to get theirs told!

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Preface TyTy struggled to break free. The rope around his wrist and legs were so tight that blood dripped from his veins. He knew they couldn’t have taken him far, because the ride in the trunk was short. All he could think of was his family back up top (New York). His girl begged and pleaded with him not to come to Baltimore. He should have listened. Asiah sat at the bottom of the steps in a daze. She couldn’t believe her big brother was gone for what seemed like forever. It was all Saundra’s fault. What kind of mother prostitutes her child? Life was about to change. Her brother had always been there for her. Asiah thought of all the years they had nothing, except each other, and now that was gone too. Her mother had taken everything from her and she would never forgive her. Boogie was set to serve juvenile life at the roughest jail in Maryland. Asiah broke down in tears when the judge passed the sentence, but he took it like a man. He had always been a man. At 16, he was more man than most 30 year olds were. Taking care of his baby sister had always been his number one priority, nothing and no one came before her. Sure, sometimes he had to do all the wrong things, but they were for the right reasons, and when dealt a hand like his, all you can do is play it. vi

Testimonials & Dedications

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This book is dedicated to all of the fallen soldiers that lost their lives in the struggle, Curtis Turner (my 1st father), Ty, Pete, Darryl, Boobie, Shelton, Polo, Bush, Shamroc, and Wiley. To the ones that have found a better way and are fighting their way back. It takes a better man to do the right thing and struggle. My love for the hood will never fade, but at some point in life, we must grow up. I think I’ve reached my point. I can’t stand to bury another one of yall, please get yall shit in order!

AND LAST, BUT DEFINITELY NOT LEAST, MY “THANK YOU” LIST.

I first and most of all want and need to thank GOD for making this possible. He gave me visions to do great things and the strength to make it happen. I wanna thank my son for being my greatest and best creation. Big Ross, U R the best “Baby Daddy” a girl could have. Crystal Renee, you’re the best. I love you and you are one hell of a mother. I wish you all the happiness a girl could have. BW, you’re still the man, they can’t hold a good one down. Both of my Grandmothers and my entire family, aunts, uncles, cousins and all. Khadijah, my best friend. Chae, UR still not Boogie! I’d like to thank Eli of CRUNCHTIMEGRAPHICS.COM. I’d like to thank everyone who has inspired me. I’d also like to thank anyone who has provided me with such desperation that success was my only option ( haters). Next to GOD, I’d like to thank everyone that supported Hood Dreamz, everyone that read it and passed it on, and everyone that encouraged the movement.

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Introduction Asiah paid the taxi driver and climbed out of the cab. Her head was spinning. She had one too many apple martinis. Her best friend Terra had finally turned the big 16. For Terra, this was a big deal, but Asiah had been grown and on her own for a long time now. She had learned the art of the hustle and the rules of the Hood. The bitches wanted to be her and the niggas showed her mad love, the Hood loved Asiah, but after years of fighting and struggling for everything she’s ever had, she realized it was no place she wanted to be. School was her number one priority. She was determined to make something of herself and get the fuck out of the Hood. There was no way her dreams would ever come true here. Boogie signed for his belongings and snatched his bags. As soon as he crossed the gates, he dropped all that shit on the ground and jumped in Charlotte’s truck. He was free now, and there was no way he was going to rock jail shit on his back. He had been down for a long time, but he was back, and motherfuckers had better know it! x

Table of Contents About The Author ...........................................................iii Preface............................................................................v Testimonials & Dedications ...........................................vii Introduction.....................................................................ix Table of Contents...........................................................xi vii

Home...............................................................................1 Back on............................................................................7 Don't test me!.................................................................11 Bathroom Blues.............................................................15 Being related don't make you family..............................23 No more crumbs on the table ........................................33 We all got drama ...........................................................41 The past is never the past .............................................51 Baby Mama Drama........................................................73 Let the game play..........................................................77 He Got Game ................................................................97 Maybe there is a Santa Claus......................................125 All turned out! ..............................................................131 Here comes trouble .....................................................141 A junkie is as a junkie does .........................................151 Best friends share everything......................................157 Real hustlers hustle ....................................................175 You can't have it all.....................................................189 A New Low..................................................................199 Money talks.................................................................207 Old habits die hard......................................................217 Every war has casualties ............................................223

Shit can always get worst............................................239 After hard times good times always follow, right?.......249 Missing in action .........................................................275 When the shit hits the fan............................................285 This can't be life..........................................................309 Wedding Bells.............................................................319 WHY?..........................................................................331 Somebody gots ta die! ................................................349 What does it profit a man to gain the world but lose his soul? ...........................................................................365 Game Tyme – Previews.............................................. 377

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CHAPTER 1

Home "What the fuck is that?" Asiah muttered as she wiped the cold from her eyes. She had just fallen asleep. Last night was her best friend, Terra's, birthday. Asiah threw the cover over her head and shut her eyes "BOOM CLANK CLANK ERR…,” the noise continued. "Shit" Asiah spat as she sat up on the side of her queensized bed. Just as she was about to go downstairs, and give whoever was making all that damn noise, a good cursing out, she realized something. Today was April 16, the day her brother was coming home. Asiah jumped up and ran down their long hall, down three flights of stairs, through the living room, and into the kitchen. There he was. Her big brother was sitting at the table. No handcuffs on his wrist, no shackles on his feet, and no bullshit CO’s standing over him. "What up baby girl?" He stood up and gave Asiah a big bear hug. She fell into his arms as if she was being rescued. In the midst of all the rejoicing, Asiah smelled food …waffles, bacon, eggs, and grits. She was starting to think she was at Ihop; she turned around to see who was doing all this cooking, and was shocked to see that it was Saundra. They locked eyes

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and she gave Asiah a "don't you dare say shit“ look. Asiah looked at Saundra and rolled her eyes. "Shpsh" Asiah sucked her teeth. Who was she trying to fool? Asiah had not seen her in about 2 or 3 weeks, and that was after the last time she hadn’t seen her in 2 or 3 weeks. "Now the bitch wanna play mommy." Asiah thought. Times were about to change, Boogie was home and Boogie ran shit. That's just the way it was. Saundra knew what time it was. Either shape up or get stomped the fuck out! After, Asiah stuffed herself with Saundra's food, she thought about how tired she was, but she was too excited to sleep. She crept to the second, floor pass their grandmother's old room, and down the long hall that led to her brother's room. She tapped on the door and laid across the bottom of his king sized bed. She heard thumping above coming from Saundra's room. She was probably up there trying to hide all her dirty little secrets. Asiah laid there thinking how good it felt to have her brother home. Finally, she fell asleep. About 10:30, the phone started jumping off the hook. Asiah took messages from everybody, old girlfriends, new girlfriends, use to be baby mamas, everybody. Boogie did not want to talk to any one but his grandmother. He had called her earlier, but she was gone to the market with their non-driving cousin Laya. That girl could barely make it to the end of the driveway without having an accident. Boogie sat patiently waiting for Granny to call him back. Asiah knew what he wanted. He wanted to know why, Granny had been staying with Aunt Sharon instead of staying home? Asiah knew her grandmother would tell Boogie all the shit Saundra had been doing. For one; she was still getting 2

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high, two; she never gave Asiah her check she got for her father being dead, three; she always disappeared for days into weeks. Point blank, she was just a bad mother! Saundra had stressed Granny out until she just could not take it anymore. So, she moved with Aunt Sharon. When Granny finally called back, she told Boogie that she was just tired of climbing all those steps and she needed a break. "What type of lame ass shit was that?" Asiah thought. She wondered why Granny didn’t tell the truth about Saundra, but fuck it; it never takes long for a junkie to show their true colors. All Saundra needed was enough rope to hang herself. Asiah and Boogie watched DVD’s all day while Saundra cleaned the house. She was really putting on the act of her life. You would have thought the bitch was Mrs. Huxtable or something. Their house had three floors, 4 counting the basement. There were two bedrooms and a bath on the second floor and three bedrooms and a bath and on the third floor. The first floor had a huge kitchen, a large living room, and a fair sized dining room. There was a family room in the back of the kitchen they used for chillin. The house had been remodeled from top to bottom. When their grandfather passed, Granny used the insurance money to work on the house. She said that the house was paid for and she saw no need to sell it, even if it was, across from Druid Hill Park. When Asiah was 12, Saundra started getting high. She would trick for drugs and do other deeds as well. Of course, when Boogie got wind of this he put the word out. If any nigga got caught trickin with his moms, they were going to pay with 3

their life. Well, Saundra hooked up with these out of town dudes, that did not know any better. One of them went by the name of TyTy; he used to let Saundra suck him and his boys off for a hit. After, a few times, he became bored with Saundra. One day Asiah came in from school to change her clothes, she was headed to the hospital to visit Grandpa. "Asiah, look I need for you to do something for me. See Grandpa is sick, we gonna get put out, we need money." She lied, sniffling and wiping her snotty nose in between each sentence. "TyTy likes you. He likes you a lot, he is willing to pay..." Saundra stopped and looked at Asiah thinking of all the drugs she could get for the $500 dollars TyTy was going to give her for Asiah. "You wouldn't understand, but you gotta do this!" Saundra demanded. Asiah undressed, like her mother told her and laid on the pullout couch in the family room. TyTy came in handing Saundra the money and three vials of coke. "Thanks" she chimed. "Ya'll have fun" and out the door she went. Asiah set stiff and afraid. She didn’t know what to think. "Was it going to hurt?" She thought as he began to suck on her 12-year-old breast. "Relax it ain't gonna hurt " he told Asiah, as he slid his fingers back and fourth across her clit.

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Then before she knew it, his fingers were inside of her. He pushed her back, climbed on top of her, and was interrupted by all the commotion in the kitchen. Next, the door came flying in. "Nigga get the fuck off my sista!" Boogie demanded. Boogie's best friend Jamall picked Asiah up and carried her out of the room. Boogie beat Saundra as if she was a nigga off the street. He tried to kill her with his bare hands. If it wasn’t for their cousin Peewee, he would have done it. Saundra lay slumped over in the kitchen while they rushed Asiah to the hospital "No penetration" the doctor announced after he examined her. The look on Boogie's face was one of relief, he was glad he had gotten there in time to save his sister from being raped. The doctor prescribed sedatives for Asiah and allowed her to go home with her family. Later that night, Asiah overheard her Aunt Sharon, talking to her husband Harold on the phone. She told him, how Boogie had beat Saundra's ass, and that Granny sent her down south, to stay with her sister Anna until she got herself together. Next, there was a knock at the door. Asiah got up and went to the first floor, there were police everywhere. They were like worms after a thunderstorm. "Is there a Daunte Sheppard here?" Asiah set on the bottom of the steps as tears made their way down her cheeks. The officers ran pass and brought a draft of cold air, that chilled her arms. They brought her brother downstairs with his hair half done, ice chain rocking, and jeans sagging low. Aunt Sharon talked to the police while Granny ran frantic trying to find the lawyer’s phone number. TyTy had been found hanging from the glass house in the park. Boogie was charged with his murder; the judge reviewed the 5

circumstances and sentenced him to juvenile life. He would be released at the age of 21 and a half. He was 17 at the time.

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CHAPTER 2

Back on By 6 pm., Asiah had bells ringing in her head. It seemed like the phone would never stop ringing. So many people called for Boogie that they began to make her sick. It was as if the females set their phone on speed dial and went for it. The doorbell rang and Asiah heard Boogie and his best friend Jamall downstairs all hyped up. They had been best friends since puberty, although Jamall was 2 years older than Boogie. Asiah brushed her hair, splashed some water on her face, and glossed her lips before walking downstairs; in just her bra and boy shorts. "Oh, Jamall, I didn’t know you were here." She lied and pretended to be embarrassed. "Girl get the fuck upstairs!" Boogie cursed her. Asiah had a serious thing for Jamall. He looked out for her while her brother was locked up. He was fine and she wanted him. She wasn’t 12 anymore and she enjoyed having her titties sucked. She thought Jamall liked her too, but she wasn’t really sure. She'd caught him watching her ass a few times, but what nigga didn’t? However, Jamall was different; Asiah found herself dreaming about him at night. She had plans on fucking him six ways from Sunday; well at least in her dreams. Later, that night after about 4 ounces of weed, a bottle of Cris, and some Goose, Boogie and Jamall, finally, passed out. About 3 am, the phone rang and Boogie got up and left. He had to get his 1st piece of "cum home pussy". Jamall lay in 7

the back room stretched out. Asiah came downstairs, to put the cordless on the charger, and spotted Jamall looking good enough to suck until the sun came up. Asiah sat at the kitchen table starring at him as he lay in the back room. The boy was just too fuckin fine. He was 6 foot 2, about 220lbs., flawless skin the color of chocolate milk, and he always kept his hair neatly braided. Asiah's pussy throbbed, as she looked his body up and down. Just, as she worked up the nerve to go in there, the phone rang. "Shit" Asiah snatched the phone up. "Hello" She fumed looking at the clock. It was three in the morning and these hoes were still calling. "What up with that fine ass brother of yours?" It was Asiah's home girl, Nina, running her mouth as usual. "Nothin, he ain't here.” Asiah answered with agitation. Before, Nina could say another word. Asiah ended their conversation. "Call me later, aight." She hung up in Nina's ear. This was her chance with Jamall and she was not going to waste it talking to Nina. Asiah walked into the room and climbed into the bed with Jamall. She cuddled as close to him as she could get. Jamall was so out of it, he didn’t even notice she had gotten in the bed. When he didn’t move a notch, Asiah knew he was faded beyond life. "Jamall" she shook him.

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"Jamall" she shook him again. He jumped up, circled the room with his eyes, and tried to figure out where he was. Once he remembered, he laid back down. "Aah damn I'm fucked up,” he muttered. Then he sat back up and scratched his head. "What you doin in here?" He waited for an answer. Asiah leaned close to him giving him a seductive look; she wondered if he felt the way she felt. "C'mon now, Asiah you know this shit ain't right." He pulled away from her, but she moved closer ignoring what he just said. He pulled away again. This time sitting on the edge of the bed. He put his face in his palms and shook his head; he knew it would come to this one day. After all, you can only keep true feelings bottled up for so long. Asiah slid behind him, straddling him, and placing her head on his back. Jamall could feel Asiah's nipples hardening on his back. He pushed her away but she came closer. He turned around, raking through her hair with his fingers, he pulled her head to his chest, and laid back. "Asiah I ain't shit. I wouldn’t do nothing but fuck your life up. I got too much on my plate, the bitches, the drugs, the streets, period. I don't want you wrapped up in that shit. Your brother, dat's my man. I don't want us to become unbenefit." They lay like that all night, in each other’s arms. Asiah got the answer she hoped for. Jamall did feel the same way. Months passed by and Boogie was back on top. He and Jamall had the west side on lock. Peewee and his boys were doing their thing on the east side and every body ate. All was well. They were counting Scarface money and it was all 9

good. Boogie had several safes installed in the house. School was out for the summer but he'd already promised Asiah that she would be pushing a Phat ride for her senior year of high school. She and Terra would be the talk of the school as if they weren’t already. You had better believe that any nigga who stepped to them had better have his shit in order. Phat pockets, nice ride, fresh gear, and a big dick! If a nigga was not holding all that he might as well beat it. Boogie was the man now. He was the type of nigga that shake a muthafucka up if it came to it. He was a ballin muthafucka, an icy ass nigga that the bitches loved, and a gangsta that real niggas respected. He was the type of nigga that the bitches dropped to their knees to suck his big black dick and didn’t spit when he bust one in their mouths. They damn near killed each other competing over who would be the first to be fucked in his new truck. He and Jamall copped the new Yukon Denali XL Boogie's was white, and Jamall's was black. Everything was coming together and hard times were far behind. Granny had been thinking about moving back in which would be cool except she would go crazy about all the shit that was going on. All the new shit without a job to show for it .She would preach a 48-hour sermon about that. She was the reason Boogie had a lock put on his bedroom door. One day she was in there cleaning up and she came across some dope. Oh, she flew off the handle dumping all of the dope down the toilet, of course that left Boogie in a bad position. He ended up having to kill some dude behind that shit. But you know in this game sometimes shit like that happens. CHAPTER 3

Don't test me!

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Asiah opened her closet to select what she would wear to Andre's cookout. Now Asiah and Andre had a sho nuff situation. He was a dream come true to a chic like Asiah. He had deep pockets, a long dick, what more could a bitch want? He held Asiah down in every way that counted but he had too many bitches for her, besides she was busy being in love with Jamall, but Andre was always a great fuck. Whenever they saw each other, it was on. If he were already with someone, he would drop them off, come back, and get Asiah. Her pussy was the best thing since sliced bread. As for her, Andre was her first and only at that point. He taught her how to suck dick and take it like a pro. "Niggas like chicks that can take dick" he would tell her. Asiah, Terra, Nina and Shayn pulled up and all eyes were on them. The back yard was packed you could barely see the grass it was so many people. The black Cadillac truck they were in was on. Boogie was fucking this uptown rich bitch named Charlotte. She rented the truck for Asiah trying to get in good. She was cool but then again Asiah never really liked any of her brother's girls. The girls jumped out the truck as if they were in a video; fixing their clothes and puckering their lips. As soon as Andre saw Asiah, he paid no attention to anyone else at the party. He grabbed Asiah's hand and pulled her to the bathroom. "So Asiah where you been? I ain't heard from you in a minute" his hands were roaming wildly over her body. "I been around" she moaned.

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His hands went from her thighs to her ass, up her back, around her stomach and up her shirt. Before she knew it, his hands were caressing her breast and his tongue was down her throat. He pressed against her so she could feel his hard penis; it was against her vagina and driving her crazy. She moaned as he kissed all the places that drove her crazy. He ran his hands through her hair. It was extra wavy because she had just taken out her corn rolls. He lifted her shirt up and placed a tittie in his mouth while his other hand made its way down her Fendi flood pants and worked her clit back and fourth. "Hmm." she moaned, as she started grinding and humping like a horny cat. His tongue worked its way from her breast to her stomach, and then to her pussy. Her pants dropped to her ankles as he fingered and sucked her. "Awww. Andre" Asiah moaned as she spread her legs wide. She wanted him inside of her. "BANG BANG BANG! Open the fuckin door I know you in there Andre. My sister saw you come in there. BANG BANG BANG!" Asiah pulled her pants up. "Open the door BITCH!" the girl screamed. "Who's that?" Asiah whispered to Andre who now was looking like he'd seen a ghost.

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He held his finger up for Asiah to keep quiet. Andre slowly opened the door sticking his head half way out. "Look just calm down" he said to the angry person on the other side of the door. Who ever she was she was not trying to hear that shit cause when Asiah walked out she pounced on Asiah like a wildcat. She was pulling and yanking on Asiah's hair like weeds in a garden. She was a thick little short girl with a short haircut. After a few seconds, Asiah shook off the shock and began to battle back. They started tussling back and fourth as Andre and a few others pulled them apart. By now, Asiah was hot! She pulled her hair back into a bun while the girl was busy running her mouth. Asiah had every intention on beating this girl’s ass. She didn’t know who she was fucking with; you could not just put your hand on her and get away with it. The girl turned to walk away with a smile thinking she had won the fight. "Oh hell no bitch it ain’t over it just started! Asiah charged her clear into the back yard and onto a table. The girl fell over but Asiah quickly pounced to her feet and threw up her guards. The short girl tried to lunge at Asiah but instead lunged into a series of blows, 2 pieces, and uppercuts. By now, the whole party was watching as if it was a HBO event. Asiah kicked her sandals off and went to work. As the girl swung wildly, Asiah swayed from side to side and gave her a left hook. "C'mon bitch, you wanna fight? C'mon" Asiah invited. "WAP" Asiah went upside her head.

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Finally, Asiah was able to grab a hold of the girl's shirt. That's when Asiah started whipping her like she stole something. As the crowd pushed Asiah noticed her girls on the sideline, but it was obvious that she did not need any help. After Asiah delivered another series of blows to her face causing her to bleed Andre and his cousins attempted to break it up. As they pulled the girls apart, Asiah kept a grip on the girl’s shirt and pulled it off so her titties were out for the whole party to see. "Ooh!" The crowd hissed. Now Asiah was satisfied, she beat the girl's ass and embarrassed her. As they were leaving the party, one of Asiah's classmates told her that the girl was Andre's new girlfriend and she fought every female that even looked interested in Andre. "Hmm. I bet you she'll think twice before she jumps on anybody else." Asiah muttered as she climbed into the Cadillac truck.

CHAPTER 4

Bathroom Blues Asiah's body was sore and her head was killing her. She took two Extra Strength Tylenol and took a shower. She washed her hair massaging the sore spot where the weed puller went to work. She slipped into a nightgown and climbed into bed. Asiah laid there thinking about the event that had just taken place. That bitch had some nerve. What made her think she could just go around attacking people? Asiah laughed 14

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aloud thinking of how she demonstrated her skills. Whenever Asiah got into a fight people were always amazed to see that she knew how to put it down in the ring. She guessed that they assumed that pretty bitches could not fight, Asiah fought the first two years of middle school. Girls would want to fight her saying that she thought she was cute. So what if she did? If she had thought she was ugly, it would not have changed the fact that she was cute. Asiah had been the same size since the 8th grade, 5"1, and 118 lbs. Her breast set up like the lights on an E Class. They were a 34b but very perky. She had the roundest little butt that drove the niggas crazy. Her skin was a flawless paper bag brown, her eyes were slanted. That's why they named her Asiah. She had long wavy hair that fell to her shoulders and a little beauty mole between her nose and lip. Because Asiah was very pretty she always had to fight to defend herself, at least until bitches realized that she was no chump and would battle any body that stepped. Boogie taught Asiah to fight at an early age. "Ain't no chumps in this family" he would say as he wrestled her till she cried. Asiah was in a deep sleep. The kind when you slobber on a pillow and don't even care. She was balled up under the cover like a roasted peanut. Her queen-sized bed felt so good when she felt a cold chill followed by a blazing sting to the side of her face. Her brains shook like a pair of dice on concrete. She struggled to open her eyes and realized that Jamall had just slapped the shit out of her. Asiah sat up in a daze, Jamall was in a complete uproar. He was screaming and hollering to the top of his lungs. "You like fucking in bathrooms ha?" 15

He yanked the covers back and grabbed Asiah's nightgown snatching her out of the bed. She fell to the floor like a rag doll. He swung his hand back slapping her again, she felt her neck snap as her eyes and nose began to run. She started to cry, Asiah's whole face felt hot like a bee sting. With one hand she clinched, the side of her face with the other she covered her eyes. Jamall was standing over top of her going crazy, demanding that she look at him. He cuffed her chin tight "Look at me!" Asiah tried to turn her face away Jamall squeezed even harder. "Oh what you think that shit cute Asiah? Fuckin in bathrooms yeah that's real cute ha Asiah?" He was in her face screaming and yelling like a lunatic. She could smell the Big Red on his breath. Next, he grabbed both of her wrists and started dragging her down the hall. Asiah started kicking and screaming her nightgown was halfway over her head and one of her socks slipped off. Asiah saw her life flash before her eyes. This was not the Jamall that she knew; she had known him all her life and never saw him act like this. Asiah cried as Jamall continued to drag her down the carpeted hallway. Jamall slung Asiah in the bathroom slamming the door behind him. Her body felt like it had been scrubbed with sandpaper from being dragged on the carpet. She tried to get up but Jamall rammed his palm into her chest sending her flying into the corner of the tub. "So you like fuckin in bathrooms? Ha Asiah? Is that it? 16

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You a bathroom bitch? You like bathrooms?" He kept repeating the same thing over and over again. Before Asiah knew it he was pulling off her underwear, she tried to hold them up but Jamall took her fingers and bent them backward. By now, Asiah's eyes were flooded with tears and she could hardly see. He pulled her panties and nightgown off and threw them in the corner. This was too much for Asiah to handle a thousand things started running through her mind. She wondered where was her brother, what was Jamall going to do, and what had caused him to snap like this? Her breast were soaked from her tears she covered them with one hand and her private area with the other. Asiah had nothing on but a sock. She was balled up crying and shivering like a homeless kitten. "Naw don't cover up now!" Jamall planted his hand in her head pulling her up by her hair. He pushed her face first into the full-length mirror hanging on the back of the bathroom door. "Look at you now Asiah, how you feel now?" Still like bathrooms?" "No…“She whined. He twisted her around putting his hand around her throat. "Do you feel violated?" He asked looking her straight in the eyes. Asiah didn’t know what to say, but she didn’t want to say the wrong thing. She definitely did not want to make him any madder than he already was. 17

"DO...YOU...FEEL...VIOLATED?" answer.

He

demanded

an

"Yes...." Asiah cried. "Good, the bathroom is for washing and shitting, not for fucking. Do you understand me?" He walked away leaving her there to get herself together. Jamall had the strangest way of teaching a person a lesson; he also had a short temper. Asiah stumbled around the bathroom picking up her clothes trying to figure out what just happened. By the time she calmed down and got herself together she had to work up enough nerve to go back to her room, she realized nothing worst could happen. Jamall was sitting on the edge of her bed with his face planted in the palms of his hands. Asiah tiptoed pass and sat at her vanity table. She was completely shook up and looked like it. "See Asiah every since we was little Boogie been my man. I always thought of you like a little sister. Even when that shit went down with that nigga TyTy I felt the same as Boogie felt, like that nigga had to die. When Boogie got locked up I looked out for you. But now you gettin older and I guess I'm starting to look at you differently and I feel fucked up cause I know it ain't right. A nigga like me can't bring you shit but grief. I'ma end up locked down for life or dead in the streets...." "But it don't have to be like that" Asiah interrupted him. "Asiah it's hard for a nigga like me to sit here and express my feelings like this. I ain't never loved no bitch before." 18

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"Did he say LOVE?" Asiah thought. "You been through enough with ya moms strung out, and ya father and grandfather dying and your grandmother moved out. But you been strong through all of that. I just don't want to be the one that fucks ya life up." Asiah couldn’t believe her ears Jamall had just told her that he loved her. "So what are you saying Jamall?" "I'm saying.” He paused “at the risk of sounding like a bitch. I wanna be that nigga to take you away from this shit, but I ain't ready to give up the streets yet. Plus ya brother might flip. And I damn sure don't wanna see you with nobody else" He paused again “to be honest with you shorty, I don't know what the fuck I'm saying" He stood up and headed for the door, Asiah jumped in his way. "Don't go,” she pleaded. Jamall stopped and looked surprised for a moment. "Look Asiah I'm sorry for all this but the thought of another nigga putting his grimy ass hands on you, that shit drives me crazy" Even after Jamall had manhandled Asiah she still found him sexy, she wrapped her arms around his neck and starred at him. 19

"I'm not a child any more" she announced and started kissing him. He placed his hands on her hips and started stepping backward pulling her toward the bed. His hands slid around her back and into her panties. He started massaging her sore butt. His hands were warm and strong they covered both of her cheeks, he squeezed her tight and lifted her up. Jamall laid Asiah on the bed and pulled her gown over her head. He pushed her breast together a slowly caressed them with his tongue. She felt his hard penis pressing against her stomach. It was bigger than she imagined. After he slowly slid, Asiah's panties down Jamall put his face between Asiah's legs and made love to her vagina with his tongue. His tongue was moving in a circular motion and had Asiah sopping wet, he inserted two fingers moving them in and out. The view of his corn rolls swaying from side to side between her thighs turned her on. He came up running his fingers through her hair massaging her scalp where it had been repeatedly abused throughout the day. Asiah kissed Jamall with every drop of being in her body. She had never wanted anyone so badly. She had made love to him over 1000 times in her dreams. Her hands anxiously wondered across his back pulling off his fresh white wife beater, his chocolate skin turned her on. She licked the tattoo on his chest and inhaled his cologne as their hands became entangled. Jamall softly sucked Asiah's earlobe. As he leaned toward the nightstand to turn off the light he spotted the sweet 16 card Boogie gave her. "16" he said aloud. Suddenly Jamall jumped up

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"This shit ain't right Asiah I can't do this" he started getting dressed. "What's wrong?" Asiah desperately wanted him inside of her. "I'm 23 this shit ain't right." "But first you said..." "Look I know to alota niggas age don't mean shit. You my man's little sister I just can't do it." He grabbed his keys and was gone before Asiah could get out another word. She laid there in a complete state of confusion. What type of game was Jamall running? Tears came to Asiah's eyes. She thought maybe Jamall just got her all sauced up to see if he could fuck her. "DAMN!" The whole shit had her mind blown.

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CHAPTER 5

Being related don't make you family They all piled up in Boogie's truck and headed for the airport, the sun had hardly risen and the moon was still out. Asiah was tired of Saundra's presence and it was making her sick. Saundra had shown up 2 days ago upsetting everyone after she had been gone for a week and a half. Granny's pressure went up and she went back to Aunt Sharon's. She said that she could not stand to see Saundra destroy herself any longer. Yet they insisted on dragging her along, Asiah could not stand her. If it were up to Asiah, she would have let Saundra hitchhike all the way to Atlanta. Besides this was a family reunion and Asiah did not consider her family. If Sharon and them wanted her to go so bad then they should have let her fly with them. "And why does my brother have to pay for her ticket?'" Asiah complained. After boarding the plane, Asiah had the sudden urge to use the bathroom. Then Jamall, then Terra, then Boogie. "Whew...that fast food run through a nigga!" Boogie joked. Boogie had a new fling named Sheebah. She did hair and was very good at it. "I think I like this one," Asiah told her brother. While Terra was in the bathroom, Saundra sat beside Asiah. 22

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"Unh unh raise up" Asiah demanded. Saundra jumped up displayed a bitter look; Asiah mugged her right back and continued to read her Jet. Saundra became enraged and tried to snatch the magazine from Asiah's hands. "You know Asiah, I did give birth to you" Saundra spat as her eyes filled with tears. Asiah gave her a cold stare. "Bitches give birth but that don't make them fit to be mothers." Saundra threw her hands up and stormed off. Asiah sat muttering to herself until Terra came flopping down beside her. "What's wrong with you?" Terra questioned her best friend. "The usual and I really don't want to talk about it," Asiah snapped at Terra. "You know Asiah you really shouldn’t treat your mother like that. If I talked to my mother like that she...." "That is because you have a real mother so get off my back!" "What's ya beef with your mother Asiah? I just don't get it" "Yeah I know you don't, so until you walk a mile in my shoes don't fuckin judge me okay."

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"Well let me remind you, your shoes are Gucci and you have not walked very far." Asiah didn’t reply because Terra didn’t know what the fuck she was talking about. She couldn’t begin to imagine what life was really like for Asiah. Terra was on the outside looking in and all she saw was green. She did not understand what it took to be Asiah. What did she know about having a mother that was so strung out that she was willing to sell her daughter's virgin pussy? Nothing, nothing at all; therefore Asiah really wasn’t interested in shit she had to say. By the time they arrived at the Western hotel Terra had truly annoyed Asiah. Asiah did not even want to share her room with her, but it wasn’t Terra's fault she didn’t know any better. "Maybe one day I'll explain it to her," Asiah thought. After unpacking and talking to Granny at Aunt Anna's house, Asiah and Terra decided to go to the spa. First, they got facials, then manicures and pedicures, and after that, they got full body massages. By now, the tension between Asiah and Terra was beginning to wear down. They went back to the hotel, put on their bikinis, and relaxed in the Jacuzzi. The phone rang, it was Sheebah. Boogie and Jamall had gone out so Asiah invited her to join them. Sheebah was cool. Asiah definitely liked her better than any of Boogie’s other female friends or, as he would call them "Bitches". Asiah found herself actually holding a conversation with Sheebah and that meant a lot. Plus she was a licensed cosmetologist and that was all right with Asiah. The next morning the three girls headed to the mall. The reunion was tomorrow and Asiah wanted something fresh to wear. Not that the clothes that she had weren’t fly but she just liked the 24

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feeling of new shit on her back. While they were eating lunch, Asiah's cell rang. "Hello" "What up sugadip?" "Nothin much, how bout you?" Asiah replied. "Ain't shit just thinkin bout ya fine ass". It was this ballin ass nigga Asiah met at the racetrack a few weeks ago. He was cool as shit not to mention he had money coming out the asshole! Ever since that last incident with Jamall Asiah felt like "fuck it" if he wasn’t trying to be with her than she had to move on. She could not allow him to control her life. Kross was just her type tall, dark, corn rolls, and long money. He had been on Asiah every since they met, the week before he bought her a diamond and platinum bracelet. He had a nice crib out Columbia Lakes and drove a Benz iller than the one her brother had bought 2 weeks before. Between Boogie and Kross, Asiah did not want for anything. Not that her brother didn’t take good care of her because he did. Nevertheless, she would use this opportunity to fuck with Jamall's head, either he was gonna be with her or lose her. She was tired of hearing about all of his other bitches; although he never flaunted them in front of her, she knew damn well they existed. He didn’t stop doing his thing, so why should she? After lunch the girls hit the Prada store, Asiah bought an outfit, some sneakers, and a bag. Terra copped a dress she saw in Bebe, and Sheebah got a bad ass Ralph Lauren outfit. When they got back to the hotel Boogie called and told them to meet him and Jamall at the pool. Saundra left for Aunt 25

Anna's house that morning and Asiah was happy. When they got to the pool, Sheebah kissed Boogie as if he was her husband. "What up Jamall?" Terra sang. She was always in somebody's face. Boogie turned to Asiah. "Oh I got something for you; remind me when I get back to the room". Her brother always had something for her. Whenever he bought himself something, he bought her something. It had been like that since they were younger. After having, a good time in the pool they all ate like pigs and got sleepy. Asiah knocked on Boogie's door. Sheebah opened the door grinning from ear to ear. She was lit up like it was Christmas morning. "What the fuck was she so perky about?" Asiah thought. Asiah sat down on the couch and waited for her brother to get out of the shower. Sheebah sat back in front of the mirror to finish her hair, that's when Asiah spotted some new diamonds in Sheebah's ear. "Son of a bitch" Asiah jumped up "Oh my goodness, when did you get those?" "Today girrrl…“ Sheebah squealed. The girls jumped in excitement. Asiah was happy for Sheebah, although her diamonds were bigger than Sheebah's she was still hyped for her. This meant that her brother 26

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probably liked Sheebah, and since Asiah liked her, too she was glad. From what Asiah could tell, they were about 2 ct. with platinum setting, of course that is all her brother bought. Boogie came from the bathroom. "What the fuck ya'll makin all that noise for?" He walked to the closet to get what he had bought for Asiah. He pulled out a large shopping bag and handed Asiah a Chanel gift set, watch, and handbag. "Thanks" Asiah kissed her big brother. "Yeah whatever" he mouthed as he reopened the closet. Asiah noticed some more shopping bags in the closet. "Dang Sheebah you got hooked up today, didn’t you?" Asiah pointed referring to the bags in the closet. She was curious to see what else Boogie bought Sheebah. "That's not mines. That's your mothers stuff." Sheebah continued to curl her hair without noticing the change in expression on Asiah's face. Asiah spun around to face her brother; he jumped back and put his hands up. "Look Asiah I just got her something to wear so she wouldn’t embarrass us. That’s all". "Chanel? Boogie. Chanel? You could have found that bitch something cheaper." Sheebah dropped her comb and turned around. "I don't by you cheap shit, Do I?' He fumed as he lotioned his face. 27

"How can you compare that bitch to me? If she needed something to wear so badly she get $700 every month and don’t give me one red cent. That whore can buy her own shit." Asiah was fuming from her ears she was so angry. "Yo cut that shit out this ain't the time for this" he hushed his sister; he did not want to air their dirt in front of Sheebah. He liked her but she was not part of their family. Asiah could not believe her ears. How could he be so easy to forgive Saundra after all she had done to them? "This ain't the time? This ain't the time? Oh, what she got you too now? You forgot all the shit she did, I bet if it was your ass she sold to get high you wouldn’t be so quick to forget!" Asiah was screaming to the top of her lungs and Sheebah sat in total shock. She could not believe what she was hearing. "No I didn’t forget, I ain't forget all that muthafuckin time I did neither. Did you?" Boogie's patience was growing very short with Asiah. Asiah stood speechless; she took two deep breaths, apologized to her brother and left. Although she apologized with her mouth, her heart still felt that Saundra was a miserable bitch that didn’t deserve shit. When Asiah returned to her room, Terra was out of it. Asiah lay there gazing at the ceiling thinking of the beef between her and Boogie. Why did everybody think she was a villain? It was as if they couldn’t understand where she was coming from or how she felt. She was not the unreasonable one, was she? Boogie of all people should understand how she felt; Saundra had fucked his life up too. 28

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The next morning Asiah awoke to Terra fusing at the housekeeping staff about fresh flowers. Asiah shook her head "She must be PMSing" Asiah thought. Asiah thanked the lady for her service and gave her a tip; nobody had time for Terra and her foolishness today. Terra was like that sometimes. She wasn’t use to anything and whenever she had the opportunity to belittle someone, she would use it to her advantage. Asiah on the other hand was not like that, although she was more fortunate than others were when it came to material things she never looked down on others. Asiah talked to Kross and went to the gym. This helped her to relieve some of the stress from the argument she had with her brother. The thought of Saundra in Chanel turned her stomach. But she decided it was not worth being mad with her brother so she decided to squash the beef by calling his room and making small talk. The park was decorated with the usual balloons, banners, and people everywhere. Cousin Bomb was already pissy drunk at three o' clock. He was a down south version of Boogie. Boogie, Bomb, Peewee, Jamall, Terrence, Clyde, Droop, and Shawn drunk about 20 fifths of Remmy and started a game of dominos. Meanwhile Asiah and Terra mingled and introduced Sheebah to everyone. Everybody there already knew Jamall he was like family; he'd been coming to the reunion with Asiah and Granny even when Boogie was locked up. Most of the time he was the one that paid for the trip. The air was filled with down south cooking, weed, and alcohol. By sunset, there wasn’t one sober mind in the whole park. The reunion was always off the hook like that, that's just how they got down. Asiah and her cousin Laya always ended up at a table somewhere sharing a joint and hiding from Granny and Sharon. Laya was cool, but her parents, Aunt Sharon and 29

Uncle Harold, would never let her roll with Asiah. To Asiah they were just being assholes; it wasn’t like Asiah was some bad ass kid. She was still in school, made good grades, had never been pregnant, and didn’t do drugs except an occasional spiff every now and then. As the sun started to set, you could see the bugs circling the night lamps. Cousin Charles came over and grabbed Asiah by the arm. "C'mon gal get on up and shake that ass!" He sang snatching Asiah from the table. Asiah threw her hands up and started twirling her hips then she took it down to the ground. She felt the music vibe through her body and the Cristal was singing to her mind. Asiah was working her body to the music as everyone watched and cheered her on. Aunt Louise jumped up and joined in. "Aww shit now...." She cheered Asiah on. Next thing you know the whole park was shaking ass. "Been so long... he’s been gone... so please show me what it is you wanna see...DANGER...DANGER..." Mystikal rocked through the speakers. After dancing herself into a tizzy, Asiah stumbled her way to the Texas table. They called it that because every year when they came to the reunion they sat at that table and didn’t move the entire time, so they called it the Texas table because they might as well have stayed in Texas. One of the women drinking a bud light asked Asiah was she Saundra's daughter. Asiah nodded her head yes. "I knew you were, you so pretty. Look just like her." The woman added. 30

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Suddenly Asiah felt her stomach knot up; it was as if it was crawling up her throat. She almost gagged. She quickly jumped up and left the table. "What's wrong with her?" She heard another lady whisper as she left the table. Just before Asiah reached the table where Sheebah and Terra were sitting, she bumped into Saundra. She took a step back and spun around like she was a model. "Like my outfit? It's Chanel darling." She grinned with a smirk on her face Asiah looked her up and down from head to foot, foot to head and back. "Hmm." Asiah hissed as she swung her arm back throwing mudslide all over Saundra's new outfit. CHAPTER 6

No more crumbs on the table Today was the day. That Chanel outfit Boogie bought Saundra was crumbs on the table compared to the cash he was about to drop on Asiah. Saundra had tried to convince Boogie to buy Asiah some fucked up Neon, she told him that Asiah didn’t need a car that cost a lot of money, and she needed something simple. But Asiah knew that Saundra was still heated about that mudslide incident. Asiah reclined her chair and opened a magazine. They had at least a 2-hour drive ahead of them. Monty was supposed to meet them at 31

the auction, he was a car dealer. Boogie used his license to purchase cars from the auction. When they arrived, they met Monty at the entrance as planned. He passed Boogie a list of cars that his mechanics had already inspected. Boogie checked the list marking off all the cars he would allow Asiah to bid on. Asiah quickly scanned the list. He'd marked off an Acura RL, a Toyota Avalon, an Es 300, a Gs 400, and an Infiniti Q45. The Es was too small for Asiah she needed a big whip something to accompany her into womanhood with a bang. Boogie handed Asiah a marker and leaned close to her. "20 thousand, that's it." He whispered. The bidding started it was Altimas and Accords going for seven and 8 thousand. After attending an auction only an idiot would purchase a car from a dealership. They charge you 3 times as much as the auction, it was highway robbery. Asiah's cell phone rang. It was Kross but she didn’t want him to know that she was at the auction; she wanted him to be surprised when she rolled up on his set pushing some hot shit. Boogie shoved Asiah to get off the phone it was time to start bidding. First up was the Q, it went for 11 thousand, next up was the Es, it went for 15, third the RL, which went for an easy 20, and last but not least Asiah's Gs 400 she walked away with it for 24 thousand. On the drive home Asiah called Terra and told her to get dressed because, they were going out. When Asiah turned the corner of R&G, which stood for Reisterstown and GwynnsFalls, all eyes were on her. She laid back in her new navy blue Gs and blasted Trina's I'm the baddest bitch. Yes, this was just what she needed to set off her official hot girl status. She would be the only senior pushing a ride this Phat, she was official. After a shower, Asiah threw together a cute outfit and peeled. She pulled up at Terra's house and her mother was on the porch. Asiah saw Terra peeking out of the 32

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window; she held her finger up signaling Asiah to wait a minute. Terra's mother walked up to the car pressing her face against the glass. "Asiah is that you?" "Yes Mrs. Keegan it's me" Asiah giggled. "Girl who's car you then stole?" Asiah laughed as Terra made her way to the car. "Look at you always in something" Terra toyed with her mother. "Oh girl please ya'll ain't got nothing to be in. Ya'll ain't doin shit new, I then done it all baby... done it all." She snapped her fingers and started grinding her body. Asiah and Terra laughed at Terra's mother as they pulled off. "So where you wanna go?' Asiah asked her best friend. "You're driving, I'm riding. It's on you" "You got your fake ID?" "You betta know it" Terra flashed her fake photo along with a grin. "Well Mo's it is” Asiah announced as she jumped on 83 south. 33

When they arrived at Mo's Asiah tossed the keys to the valet, she felt like a balla. She was a balla. She had to give herself a pat on the back she was a bad bitch. The host seated the girls and sent over a waitress. Asiah ordered a sex on the beach, a slice of cheesecake, and crab imperial. While sipping on her drink she noticed some dude checking her out. She looked him up and down; once she caught a glimpse of his feet, she knew there could be nothing between them. His shoes were a cheap knock off Gucci Gators. Real niggas wore real gators and that was that. Asiah burst into laughter, the more she drank the funnier shit got. The girls set at the table checking out the scenery. Mo's was really jumping off as it did every Friday night. After dinner, Asiah ordered a long island iced tea and she was wet there on after. Everything and everybody was a walking comedy show to her. She scanned the room laughing at any sucker that should have known better than to leave the house looking the way they did. Then she saw some zigzag corn rolls buried in a menu at a corner table in the rear of the room. The hands holding the menu were flooded with ice. Between the pinky ring, the bracelet, and the watch Asiah momentarily lost her sight. She leaned over to Terra. "Check out Jigga over there." That was their code for a sexy ballin ass nigga. Whenever they saw a nigga that was doin, it way big they addressed them like that. Terra turned around to peep what her best friend was talking about. "Whoa" Terra gasped. By now the girls had become over anxious to find out who was the honey holding the menu. Asiah wanted badly to see his face. She had already dropped her phone so she could 34

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bend down to see his shoes. They were black Kenneth Cole's with Armani slacks, Asiah could tell by the texture of the fabric that they were Armani. Then the waiter came over to the table blocking her view. She used this time to check out the girl his was flaunting. All Asiah could see was the back of her head she had a black shoulder length wrap, but it wasn’t real. She had on something sleeveless and was about two shades darker than Asiah. From what Asiah could tell her wrist were empty, no ice action at all. Then Terra interrupted Asiah's thoughts. "Asiah ain't Jamall's hair like that?" Asiah squinted her eyes and widened them afterwards. Jamall did have his hair like that. She focused again noticing that the watch, ring, and bracelet were all Jamall's. Suddenly Asiah felt her heart stop, that was Jamall. She felt her fingers grovel with the tablecloth between them. Her nostrils flared as her eyes began to water with anger. Just as she rose up the waiter walked off and she saw it with her own eyes. Jamall sitting there with another bitch! She was hot. Asiah started trembling uncontrollably and everything around her seem to be going in slow motion. "ASIAH.... ASIAH...ASIAH!" Terra screamed to catch Asiah's attention. Terra was waving her hands back and forth in the air. Finally, Asiah snapped out of it and Terra handed her the cell phone. "Hello" "What up shorty? Where you been all day?"

35

"Ha?" Asiah frowned her face at the phone. "Where you at? You tryna see me tonight or what? Just then, Asiah realized that she was talking to Kross. She regrouped and tried to sound normal. "Yeah you know it baby" she gave him a sexy tone. "Where you at? I'ma come grab you ma". "Naw that's alright. I'ma meet you at the spot" "Well I'ma be down the way, I gotta pick up some money so hit me when you ready". Asiah approached the table slowly. She was trying to figure out what she was about to do. Terra was right behind her. Asiah had her fist balled up tight and smoke was coming out of her ears. Before they reached the table, Jamall lifted his head up and saw them coming. The look on his face was priceless Asiah could tell he was at a lost for words. "What's up Terra? What's up Asiah? What ya'll doin here?" He stuttered. "Oh nothin, how bout you?" Asiah said in a fuck you kind of tone. Then she started biting her bottom lip she could not believe this shit. Terra shoved Asiah pointing at the girl that was with Jamall. "What's up girl?" Jamall's date sang happily. 36

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Asiah's body went numb and her mind drew blank. She didn’t know whether to speak to the girl or spit on her. It was a girl from the salon where Sheebah worked. Asiah had just seen the girl the day before at the salon and she was talking bout this official ass nigga that she met, but Asiah had no idea it was Jamall she was talking about. "Girl... this that nigga I was tellin ya'll about" Kinte beamed. That did it. It was nothing Asiah could do to keep herself from slapping the shit out of this bitch. "WHAT?" Asiah snapped with intentions on following up with a slap to Kinte's face. Jamall had known Asiah all her life and could see a bad situation getting worst. He knew Asiah would be beating this girl up and down Little Italy in a matter of seconds. He jumped up and grabbed Asiah's arm. "Come here Asiah let me talk to you for a minute" he dragged her toward the restrooms. Asiah yanked away, the thought of him with anyone besides her drove her crazy. "What the fuck is this shit Jamall? Is that why you don't want to fuck with me cause you fuck with weak ass Kinte? I mean tell me is that it? Tell me!" She demanded. "Yo just calm down for a minute. It ain't even that real... chill". "Oh I see...Sheebah and Boogie, and you and Kinte. 37

Yeah that's real cute. That's bullshit Jamall for real...." "Girl please. Sheebah don't even know me and that girl know each other. She stepped to me on her own." "Well good now I won't have to beat Sheebah's ass too" Asiah fumed. "What you mean too? I know you ain't bout to start no shit in Mo's cause you know they'll lock ya ass right up,” Jamall warned. "C'mon Asiah Kross called. He waiting for you" Terra interrupted. "Kross?" Jamall questioned. "Yeah nigga Kross" Terra instigated. Now the tables were turned Jamall was the one left standing there in a tizzy. Asiah dropped Terra off and went to meet Kross. She turned down the block, hit the lights, and rolled the windows down. She spotted Kross' Benz; he was on a porch shooting craps. Asiah crept up slowly and jumped out. "Kross". One of the guys looked up "Who dropped you off boo?' Kross questioned.

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"Ain't nobody drop me off nigga. Dis my shit right here" Asiah said proudly leaning against her new GS. Kross jumped off the porch. After thoroughly inspecting the car, he gave Asiah her props. "You the shit shorty, I'll give you that. You the shit". Asiah smiled, Kross jumped in his Benz. "Follow me" he smirked "if you can keep up". Kross took off like a bat out of hell. Asiah followed him closely while listening to J.E. Heartbreak. Her cell phone was ringing off the hook. It was Jamall; she turned it off and hit the volume. She drove along singing Keys to the Range. CHAPTER 7

We all got drama Later that night Asiah awoke to a violent pounding on Kross' front door. She tried to wake Kross but he slept as if it was a job, it took nothing short of bulldozer to wake him up. Asiah pulled the cover over her shoulder, closed her eyes, and tried to go back to sleep. The pounding became more enraged. Asiah shook Kross until he answered. "What...?” He muttered. "It's somebody at the door".

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"Well get it... shit" he cursed, "It's probably Chance. That nigga think he can show up at a mafucka house whenever the fuck he feel like it". Chance was Kross' cousin. Another fine muthafucka with plenty of money and a big dick. Asiah grabbed her Gucci robe that Kross bought her and headed downstairs. She flicked the lights on and stood on her tiptoes to look out of the peephole. Her heart fell to the floor when she saw that it was Jamall. "Oh shit" was all she could manage to muster up. She turned her back to the door and slid to the floor. "Open the door I can hear you breathing" Jamall yelled. Asiah was so scared that she was breathing like a fuckin grizzly bear. She cracked the door leaving the chain on giving them just enough space to see eye to eye. "What is it Jamall?" He was pissy drunk Asiah could smell the drink on him; it hit her in the face like the wind as soon as she opened the door. His eyes were blood shot red. "Look Asiah I ain't leaving this mafucka without you. So get your shit and let's go!" He demanded. Asiah immediately had flashbacks of Jamall slapping her in the face the night of Andre's cookout. She had carpet burns for a whole week. "I ain't goin nowhere Jamall, what are you doin out here? How'd you know where...?”

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"Don't worry bout dat!" He raised his voice and pushed his hands through the crack in the door. Asiah tried to shut the door but Jamall was too strong. He grabbed a handful of her hair and yanked her head towards the door until she banged her forehead. "Either you can get your shit and c'mon or I can kick dis bitch in and drag you out this muthafucka, and don't think I won't shoot that punk ass nigga upstairs!" Asiah did not want Kross and Jamall beefing it would be a bloodbath and for sure, her brother would be smack dab in the middle. "Can you give me a minute?" Asiah pleaded as she tried to stop herself from bursting into tears. She could not believe this was happening. Jamall agreed and let her close the door to go get her stuff. Asiah climbed the stairs drying the tears from her eyes she tried to fix her hair. She went back into the bedroom. "Kross.... Kross...." Asiah shook Kross repeatedly. Finally, he answered in a sleepy mumble. "What..." He fumed. "I gotta go my granny is sick" Asiah lied. "Lock the bottom lock". He rolled over and was sleep before Asiah could say another word. It was at that moment that she was grateful for the fact that Kross was such a deep sleeper. She dressed and hurried downstairs before Jamall started pounding away at the door again. 41

Asiah got into her car and started it up. Jamall impatiently flashed his high beams signaling her to pull off. Once they arrived at Asiah's house, he watched her in and pulled off. Boogie came in around four. Asiah heard him rattling around in the kitchen. He cracked her bedroom door and smiled once he saw his baby girl was safe and sound. Asiah laid there thinking maybe she should tell her brother about Jamall's tantrums. The shit was getting real nerve wrecking and what could she do about it? Nothing, that's what, Asiah made up her mind that she was not going to let Jamall control her life and from that day on, she would live to the fullest without him, if he wanted her he was going to have to be a man about it in everyway that counted. Saturday mornings were the worst in Sheebah's salon. Every female in the city was in there trying to get her nappy ass hair done. Boogie had just given the old owner Dominay the last 5 thousand dollars to complete the sale and the shop was all theirs. They named it Sheebah's Double Platinum House of Styles. Sheebah ran everything, took care of all the supplies, and hired all the employees, remodeled and everything. To an outsider looking in it really seemed like she owned the place but the truth was if her and Boogie broke up today or the next day she would be out of a job. Boogie and Jamall owned the whole shit, they came every night to count and collect. On Fridays they did payroll for those that were not booth renting, the salon was generating 2 times more than what they paid for it and they both felt it was a good move to make. Anyway as in all salons Saturdays are quite busy, Asiah and Terra strolled in about 11:30 and rooted everyone there. It had been people there since 8:00 that hadn’t even been shampooed yet. Anyone who knew better wouldn’t dare speak against Asiah. As Asiah set in Sheebah's styling chair 42

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a girl that had been there before Asiah started to mug Asiah then she questioned Sheebah. "Damn I been here since 9:00, how the fuck this girl just gon come in here and jump in front of all of us like that?" The girl based, she was angry. Sheebah turned off the blow dryer and placed her hand on her hip. One girl under the dryer started shaking her head, she knew something was about to jump off. "Look dis Boogie's lil. sista and since he just happens to own this muthafucka she can root anybody in this bitch. If you don't like it go around the corner and let DeeDee fuck ya head up!" Sheebah cut the blow dryer back on without waiting for response from the girl. After Asiah's hair was finished, Terra jumped in the chair. Nobody said a word. Asiah decided to pick Sheebah for more information about Jamall and Kinte. Although she decided that Jamall was no longer an issue in her life, she still could not resist asking Sheebah about him and Kinte. "Yeah, I saw Jamall and Kinte at Mo's a couple weeks ago" Asiah threw a bone hoping Sheebah would fetch. "What? Jamall and Kinte?" Sheebah gasped. "Yup girl. Jamall and Kinte." Asiah confirmed it once more. "Eeel.... How'd that happen? She doesn’t even seem like his type." Sheebah frowned. "That's what I was thinking. He said she pushed up on him."

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"Damn they say them quiet girls is freaks." Sheebah smacked her lips. "Pussy don't have no face and niggas don't have no types,” Misa yelled from her manicure table. Everyone started laughing because it was true. They couldn’t count how many times they'd caught some sexy ass nigga with a raggedy bitch he didn’t belong with. That's how shit was in this town niggas really weren’t picky, if you had a nice shape and an ugly face you could still get fucked. If you had a pretty face and a fucked up shape you could still get fucked, and if you had an ugly face and a fucked up shape you could still get fucked depending upon your pussy rating. A pussy rate was how good you was on a scale from 1 to 10, 10 being the best. Niggas on the streets used this to let each other know if a female was worth the effort he was putting up. Asiah twisted the top off her soda. "Sorry try again,” Asiah hissed as she threw the top in the trashcan. She kicked off her BCBG sandals and climbed in the pedicure chair. Misa turned the chair on and Asiah starred at the blue bubbles surrounding her ankles. She rested her head against the cushioned backing and fell into deep thought. She thought about her brother and how he had always been there for her. It seemed that he and Sheebah were getting very close lately. How would things end up? What if he married her? What if they had kids? The thought of Boogie loving anyone more than he loved Asiah scared her to death. She had always been the center of his life and she didn’t know if she was ready for that to change. She liked the fact that most of his girls came and went as fast as the ice cream man, which meant they weren’t a threat to their relationship. You know how most bitches are, they feel like if you are with them then they should come first and Asiah wasn’t feelin that. She wasn’t feelin nothing or nobody that tried to come between her and her 44

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brother, and as long as Sheebah knew her place it was allgood. Next Asiah thought about Saundra. Where was she? She had been gone for 9 days now. They never did get along and she was a poor ass excuse for a mother. After all, she'd done to Asiah you would think she would try to make shit right between them. But Asiah guessed that she probably couldn’t keep her head out of the clouds long enough to notice the reality of it all. The reality was she had two kids that had raised themselves; she had a son that was selling more dope than Scar face and a daughter that hated her guts. Boogie and Asiah didn’t have shit except each other and they always stuck together. She would give her brother her last breath, no questions asked. She remembered when they first went to live with their grandmother. Saundra had been leaving them in the house alone for days at a time. Boogie would feed, bathe, and clothe Asiah. He would even comb her hair. To be honest she could have not asked for a better brother and now it was time to give him up. He deserved to be happy, to have a life of his own. After Misa finished Asiah's feet she slipped on some flipflops and went down the street to the Chinese joint. She placed the order and dazed across the street at a woman and her daughter coming from the circus. A tear dropped from Asiah's eyes as she watched the little girl laughing with her stuffed animal holding her mother's hand tight. She wondered why God didn’t give everyone a fair chance in life. What made some people rich and others poor? Why were some born into wealth and others into poverty? Why was shit like that? "Shrimp fry ri...ce" the woman called out from behind the counter taking Asiah away from her thoughts.

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Asiah paid for the food and headed back up the street. As she unwrapped a piece of gum, it slipped between her fingers. "Oh shit,” she cursed as she bent down to get it. "Scurk...BOOM!" Asiah heard a loud smashing noise. She looked up and realized that Charlotte's truck was crashed into the back of Sheebah's brand new Acura TL. Charlotte was headed into the salon and her stomach looked like she had swallowed a watermelon. Asiah clutched her bag and quickly ran up the street. She had to find out what was going on. Asiah slung open the salon door and dropped her food when she saw Sheebah and Charlotte fighting in full throttle. "Asiah call your brother!" Misa ordered from the middle of the boxing ring. Asiah fumbled over the numbers quickly. "Hello". "Yo, you gotta get over here fast." "Asiah slow down, baby what's wrong?" "Charlotte here". "Charlotte?" He was curious. "Look she ran into Sheebah's AC and now they fighting. She acting like a lunatic, I can't even see what’s going on." "I'm on my way". 46

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With all the fist flying and hair, pulling everyone was in shock. Finally, they were able to pry them apart; it took three people including Asiah to contain Sheebah, and another four to contain Charlotte. Luckily, they were able to stop them from fucking up everything in the salon. There were chairs turned over, mirrors broken, flying curlers burned one girl. It was a mess. Terra and Kish pushed Charlotte in the back office and Asiah sat on Sheebah to keep them from fighting again. Everyone started buzzing about what just happened. It was so much noise Asiah could hardly understand what was going on. "What the fuck went on in here?" Everyone stopped but no one said a word. Boogie, Jamall, and Peewee stood in the doorway. "Damn yo" Peewee was amazed. "For real this shit don't make no sense," Jamall added. Asiah rolled her eyes at Jamall and started to fill her brother in on what little she knew, before she got the chance to tell him about Charlotte's big belly she came storming from the back room. "Oh shit" Peewee burst into laughter. Boogie's jaw hit the floor. Asiah had never seen him look so confused. Sheebah tried to jump up but Asiah put all her weight on her to keep her down. She didn’t want another fight to break out. "Yeah Boogie you round here buying bitches cars and shit look at my fuckin stomach" Charlotte fumed "What you gon do 47

bout this shit?" She added on as her tantrum became more enraged. Boogie stood with his eyes widened like"What the fuck?" Next, the police came in. "We got a call about some trouble down here, what's going on?" Boogie gave Sheebah a funny look. Asiah stood up to let Sheebah up so she could talk. "Yes officer, we had a little problem with some clients and it became a little physical but they're both gone now" Sheebah lied with a straight face. Boogie had taught her well. "What about the accident outside? You know anything about that?" "Mmm...Yes sir. See I was backing up and I backed into the truck by a mistake." "Is the owner of the truck here?" Sheebah looked nervous. "Yes officer I’m the owner of the truck and that’s my cousin. No one was hurt so we'll handle the damages we don't need a police report." Charlotte said surprisingly. "Are you sure maam?" The officer asked. Charlotte looked at Sheebah and answered the officer. "Positive". 48

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"Ok then, if you have anymore trouble don't hesitate to give us a call." "Who‘s next?" Sheebah yelled tying her smock around her waist. Asiah had to admit she maintained but you can tell she was hurt. CHAPTER 8

The past is never the past It turned out that Charlotte was 6 and half months pregnant. Her parents had thrown her out because they didn’t approve of her having a baby by someone like Boogie. Meaning they felt as if he was beneath them and their daughter. He was a hood that sold drugs for a living and had served time in jail. Charlotte told Boogie that she really wasn’t sure if she was going to keep the baby at first, but when she found out about Sheebah, she flipped out. Since she really didn’t have a stable place to stay, she asked him if it was okay if she stayed with him for a while. He told her "Hell no" because he knew Sheebah would flip. He set her up in a townhouse in Owings Mills, bought all her furniture, fixed and paid off her truck, and paid her bills up for 6 months. So basically, he made it so he didn’t have to be bothered with the bitch until she had the baby. But that arrangement didn’t last long. Boogie loved pussy and having Charlotte at his disposal made him weak. He just couldn’t help himself. Before long, he was bouncing between her and Sheebah on a regular basis. Sheebah didn’t like this shit one bit. Truthfully, you couldn’t blame her, deep inside shit like that has to hurt a person. Sheebah thought about her life before 49

Boogie. She had come along way, she had a salon, an Acura, and all the fine things that bitches killed for, she didn’t want to go back, so she decided to stick it out. What was more painful was the fact that she loved him despite all of his shortcomings. Now that school was about to start Asiah's time became valuable. She was determined to make these last few weeks of summer as off the chain as possible. Kross was taking her to St. Thomas for a week and it was all good. Nina and Terra called and asked Asiah for a ride to Tyson's Corner, she was game because she still had a few things to grab for the trip. Nina and Terra were shopping for school but Asiah had so much shit that wasn’t an issue for her. She shopped just because! Her brother had built an empire that afforded her to buy anything she wanted from Gucci to Baby Phat; it was all at her fingertips. She had all the material things a girl could want for, but there was so much lacking in other areas of her life that only God could imagine the things she really went through. The entire time they drove along Terra was on the phone with her new friend Rich. She met him at a basketball game at Coppin. He was known in the hood for his cash flow, at least that's what she told Asiah and Nina. Asiah had to admit he was a cutie, plus he gave Terra money for her school clothes. That was good news for Asiah because she usually ended up footing the bill. Terra never had enough money to cover what she wanted; she had Cristal taste with Osti money. Although Asiah didn’t mind giving her best friend money, it was nice to have someone else do it for a change. Terra was her girl and she couldn’t be decked out and have Terra look like orphan Annie. If Asiah had, Terra had. That's just how it was. The girls went from store to store. They never became tired of shopping. They often shopped until they had no money left. After dropping $1650 in Gucci America Asiah decided to hit a few of the stores inside the mall. On the way into Saks Nina 50

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tapped Asiah on the shoulder. "Check out ole boy over there. He kinda fine" Nina whispered. Asiah squinted her eyes, he looked very familiar but she couldn’t place him. Terra and Nina tried on shoes while Asiah strolled through the swimsuits. She was still looking for the perfect bathing suit for her and Kross' trip. Asiah shifted through the rack of clothes when she felt a big rough pair of hands around her waist. He grabbed her pulling her close and whispered in her ear. "Asiah, little Asiah, who would have ever thought I would see you again?" He said in a Vincent Price tone. A chill went through Asiah's body. She knew that voice but she couldn’t place where from. Suddenly she remembered where she knew this guy and his voice. It was TyTy's cousin. Asiah went numb as she had flash backs of him on top of her, she remembered his cousin. "Yo I gotta make a quick run, page me when it's my turn" he hollered through the door at TyTy. "Aight" TyTy agreed. As he climbed on top of Asiah. Asiah shook her head trying to brush off those disgusting memories but they were hers for life. Asiah turned to face the son of a bitch. "What's the matter shorty? Ain't you gotta hug for a nigga?" He came close to Asiah spreading his arms wide. Asiah resisted. "Don't you touch me! Don't you put your fuckin hands on me!" 51

"Or what Bitch?" Asiah stood speechless as he palmed her breast. "Just like I thought Bitch!" He pushed Asiah into the corner behind the sales rack, and forced his hand up her skirt. He started choking her; she could feel the tears rolling down her cheeks. "Listen you little whore if you make one sound I'll drag ya out of here and fuck you, then I'll let all my boys fuck you and set your little ass on fire" he threatened. Asiah fumbled for her key chain as he choked her harder. She knew she didn’t have long and there wasn’t a soul in sight. Finally, Asiah was able to get a hold of her key chain; breaking out her mace, she sprayed him right in the eyes. "Aww you little bitch" he swung trying to hit Asiah. She took off screaming at the top of her lungs. "Help... help...." Luckily, the sales woman had seen the entire assault from the security camera and had already called the police. When they arrived, Asiah was so shook up she could barely speak. The sales woman told them everything that happened and gave them the tape for evidence. They carried TyTy's cousin off in handcuffs; he was screaming and threatening to kill Asiah and her brother. On the way home Asiah had no choice but to tell Terra and Nina the whole story about TyTy and how Boogie killed him, everything! They both sat in disbelief.

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Asiah’s life had always looked so good to them. They would have never thought in a million years that she‘d went through so much. Terra carried Asiah's bags into the house, Asiah tried to pull herself together so Boogie wouldn’t be worried. She walked in quietly. Boogie and Jamall were at the kitchen table counting money as usual. Boogie tossed Asiah a stack of cash. "Put that up for me." He ordered. Asiah stumbled towards the cabinets to get an extra strength Tylenol. She found herself popping pills a lot lately. Next, she went down the stairs into the basement. She pulled the couch back, pulled the area rug up, popped the safe open and tossed in the money. Another 10 thousand Asiah thought. She was standing on at least 200 thousand in cash, yet life seemed so limited for her. She often put 10 or 15 thousand a week into that safe. Not to mention all the other safes they had, the one in the salon, Jamall's house, and one in Boogie's room. Asiah was 16 pushing a Lexus; she had thousand dollar handbags, and thousand dollar shoes. She had more diamonds than Princess Di, she had long pretty hair, and small chinky eyes with flawless skin and a nice tight body, but where was her mother? She didn’t have one of those. Her father was dead. In addition, her grandmother, the only stable thing she had packed up and left a long time ago. Her and her brother had raised themselves. All the money in the world could not buy them a decent mother, and which one of those green presidents stopped her grandfather from dying? And not one red cent could stop what happened to her today. It couldn’t change her life; it couldn’t restore her emotional stability. Boogie came flying downstairs in rage. His face was screwed up and he demanded to know what Terra was talking about. 53

"Asiah, what Terra talkin bout?" Asiah looked at her brother and burst into tears. She felt his warm arms around her as she buried her face in his chest. He held her firmly slowly patting her on the back. "Okay, tell me what happened. What ever it is you can tell me." He said to her in a calm father like tone. She took one look into his eyes and felt safe. He always made her feel like he would protect her no matter what. It wasn’t fair. Boogie was only a couple of years older than Asiah and he had sacrificed so much for her. It was like he took on a father's role. Although they never talked about it Asiah knew if it wasn’t for the fact that he had to look after her he could have done so many other things with his life. Instead of spending, the last few years in jail maybe he could have went to college or something. He was so good in basketball; they often called him BJ on the court (Boogie Jordan). Asiah knew if she told her brother what happened today that he could end up right back behind those same bars. He had sacrificed so much. She wasn’t about to let him sacrifice anymore. "Asiah" he shook her arm. She looked up at him with tears in her eyes. She loved him so much. "Oh Boogie I'm so sorry." He pulled her towards him and hugged her tight. "Its okay baby its okay. Just tell me how late you are."

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"What?" Asiah sniffled. "Asiah you still young. I want you to have so much better; I don't think you ready for a baby right now. But if you really wanna have it you know I got ya back". Asiah paused she couldn’t believe he thought she was pregnant. What in the world, did Terra say to make him think that? "I'm not pregnant". Boogie took a step back and looked totally confused. "Well what's wrong with you? Don't tell me some nigga then burned you!" He started laughing. "No...." Asiah yelled yanking her arm away from her brother. She cleared her throat and braced herself. "Today at Tyson's Corner I ran into TyTy's cousin." The expression on Boogie’s face changed instantly. "TyTy who?" He questioned as if he didn’t know. "TyTy! Boogie. TyTy!" He let out a huge sigh and fell on the couch. "Tell me what happened." Asiah hesitated for a minute. 55

"He attacked me." "He what?" Boogie jumped up."I'ma kill that muthafucka!" Boogie went off. After Asiah told him everything that happened, he swore he would kill TyTy's cousin if it were the last thing he did. He made some phone calls to find out what precinct he was in. He had all intentions on killing him as soon as he was released. Asiah told Boogie about the videotape and the sales clerk at Saks. "I think I should just go to court on this, I mean it's right on tape I'm sure they'll give him some time." "Fuck that tape! I'ma kill that nigga." Boogie was enraged. "Oh, so you'd rather go back to jail instead of letting the police handle it. He's not worth it." "He ain't but you are. I'ma kill that nigga!" Boogie wasn’t trying to hear anything Asiah was saying. He got up and walked out. Asiah spent the next 3 days trying to convince her brother to let the law handle the situation. Finally, he agreed and let it be. Asiah lay across her bed watching TV. She heard the doorbell ring and wondered who it was. She wasn’t expecting anyone, so she ignored it. It was probably one of those people from the Sun trying to sell subscriptions. The doorbell kept ringing; Asiah finally got up to see who it was. She crept to the door and took a look out of the peephole. Asiah slung the door open chomping on her bubblegum. She looked the couple up 56

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and down and couldn’t imagine what they were doing at her front door. They looked like the black Bradys. The woman cleared her throat. "Hello, Is Charlotte here?" She asked nervously. Asiah frowned and twisted her lips. "Naw Charlotte doesn’t stay here." They looked at each other in confusion, and then the man spoke up. "Is there an adult here we can talk to?" "Naw...." Asiah said smacking her gum. She was becoming irritated with the couple; she started fiddling with her hair. "You mean to tell me that there is no adult in this household at all?" The woman placed her hand on her hip. "None at all" Asiah starred her straight in her eyes. She could tell that the woman was becoming very impatient. She adjusted the strap of her purse on her shoulder. "Look young lady I'm not here to play games with you. I’m trying to get in touch with my daughter, Charlotte. Now do you know her or don't you?" "Yes I do and like I said she don't stay here. “Asiah wasn’t playing with her either; she had already taken up enough of her time. 57

"Well where is it that she stays?” Before Asiah could answer, she heard the phone ringing. "You can come in while I get that." She offered before she darted off to answer the phone. They stepped in and shut the door behind them. Asiah heard the woman whisper to her husband. "Hmm it's shockingly nice in here, don't you think?" After giving Granny a run down on what was going on Asiah called Boogie to tell him to swing by because Charlotte‘s parents were there. When Asiah returned they had already invited themselves to sit down. "Italian leather, how nice." The woman said sarcastically. Asiah totally blew her off. "I'm Asiah...Daunte's younger sister. And you are?" "I apologize how rude of us. We're Charlotte's parents, I'm Morton and this is my wife Laura Ashley." He laughed and extended his hand for a shake. The wife flashed a cheap smile as if she really didn’t need an introduction. Asiah noticed Laura Ashley checking out her jewels as she twisted off the top of her avian bottle. "I'm sorry would you like something to drink?" Asiah offered. "Yeah you gotta cold beer?"

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"Morton..." His wife nudged him with her elbow "What nice jewelry you have" she complemented Asiah. "Thanks" Asiah said as she jumped up to get the beer. No sooner than Asiah left the room she could hear them whispering. "How do they afford all this stuff?" She whispered to him. "Look that's not our business. I'm just here to see about my daughter." "Morton it is our business, this is exactly what I was talking about. They are hoodlums. Do you want your daughter involved with such people?" "It's too late for that. Your first plan blew up in your face and she left. Lets just stop all this nonsense and let her come back home." "Well...she can come back home but she'll have nothing else to do with these lowlifes." "You don't know the first thing about these people. How can you call them lowlifes?" Morton was becoming agitated. Sometimes his wife got on his nerves. "Take a look around. How can they afford all this stuff? I bet they sell crack." Finally, Asiah could stand no more. How dare this bitch come in her house and insult her family and their technique of survival. She stormed out of the kitchen back into the living room. 59

"No it's dope,” Asiah answered slamming the beer on the table. "What did you say?" Laura Ashley was startled. "You heard me... everybody wasn’t born with a silver spoon in their mouth. You can take your high-class ass and get the fuck out my house. Before you catch a hoodlum beat down!" "Well...I never..." Laura Ashley was appalled. Just then, Boogie came in. "How ya'll doin?" He greeted Charlotte’s parents. Asiah grabbed her car keys and stormed out of the front door. She couldn’t stand to be around that woman another second. Asiah was tired of defending her life. It was a constant struggle, although some of it was true that lady had no right to say those things. Sometimes Asiah wished she were someone else, but fuck it this was her life and she couldn’t change that! "Please fasten your seat belts,” the pilot ordered over the intercom. Asiah took the window seat, she hated sitting in the aisle. She gazed out the window at the runway. Kross rubbed her hand. "You okay baby?" She nodded her head yes. Kross knew Asiah had been under a lot of stress lately. Yesterday put the icing on the cake when Saundra showed up crying convincing Boogie that she wanted to change her life, be a better mother, and stop getting high. Yeah right, anyway, she stole $3000 and was gone just 60

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as fast as she came. Deep in Boogie's heart, he knew she was bullshitting, but he wanted to believe her. Asiah looked over at Kross. He was busy working his fingers on his game boy. He was a good nigga so far, but somehow Asiah knew he had some shit with him. She couldn’t figure him out just yet. She dug through her Fendi purse searching for her Mac lip-gloss. She lightly spread some across her lips and dropped her mirror back in her purse. As much as she hated to admit it, Saundra had blessed her with pure beauty. She looked a lot like her and even as a crack head Saundra was prettier than the average woman. It was such a shame that she ruined her life. She could have been a model, Miss America, anything. She was that pretty! Asiah thought about her so-called mother for a brief second, she would be sure not to ruin her beauty like Saundra. That was the one thing she learned from her, she didn’t want to be anything like her. Once they arrived in St. Thomas there was a car waiting for them at the airport. The penthouse suite was beautiful. The smell of freshly picked flowers filled the air. Asiah took deep breath. The air was never this fresh in Baltimore. "Is everything okay Mr. Blackwell?" the bellhop asked Kross. "Yeah" Kross said handing him a tip. Asiah ran diving on the bed like a small child. She felt so free at that moment. Kross joined her with one thing on his mind. He'd bought this bitch all the way down here and he wanted some pussy. His hands roamed from place to place on Asiah's body, he popped the buttons off her blouse and pushed his hands up her skirt. Kross was 6 years older than 61

Asiah and she often wondered if she would be enough to satisfy him. He was known for getting pussy. She'd heard stories about him and the girl Dana that braided his hair. They say that Dana would braid his hair while her sister sucked his dick. Of course, Misa spotted Asiah that bit of info while she was doing her pedicure. Hearing all these things made Asiah wonder what was Kross' real interest in her? "Kross" "Hah?" He was busy sucking and kissing. "What do you want me for?" "What type of question is that?" He paused and looked at Asiah in a strange way. "I mean c'mon you do you, what do you want with me? Besides pussy!" "Girl...you one of the baddest bitches in the city. A nigga like me gots to have the best of everything. I only fuck dimes,” He told her bluntly. "Did you just call me a bitch?" Asiah thought Kross was crazy. "I ain't mean it like that. Look at you fine as fuck, long hair, nice body. What nigga wouldn’t wanna parlay in this bush?" Kross wasn’t interested in what Asiah thought or her inner being. He was the type of nigga that was all about outballin the next nigga. He had to have the best everything, the best cars, the best jewelry, and the best chicks. He needed a bitch that would make him the envy of all the other ballas, and Asiah 62

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was it. The only niggas in the city that had more money than he did was Boogie and Jamall, so fucking Boogie's little sister went well with his image. Not to mention she was fine. Kross poised himself on top of Asiah, holding her legs back he pushed himself in. "Unh...." Asiah grunted. "Don't worry I'll be easy on it" Kross smirked. He had no intentions of being easy. He had spent mad cash on this bitch in the last few months and he wanted his money's worth. The headboard banged the wall repeatedly as Kross plunged in and out of Asiah. Then he flipped her over grabbing a handful of her hair he dove in once more. "Smack Smack Smack" you could hear Kross banging Asiah out. "Unh...unh...unh" this was nothing like the sex she had with Andre. Andre always took his time and made sure she was satisfied. It seemed like Kross was mad at her, little did Asiah know Kross fucked all his girls like that. He liked to slut them out, which gave them a feeling of helplessness, which left him in control. That's all he wanted was to let these bitches know that he ran shit. If he wanted them to hurt, they would hurt. If he wanted them to feel pleasure, they would feel pleasure, but only when he thought they deserved it. That day he gave Asiah pain, she was fine and all that, but she had to earn her stripes as far as he was concerned. After they finished Asiah could barely walk. She made her way to the bathroom to bathe and get dressed for their night out. She came out looking so 63

good that Kross' heart almost melted. He liked this bitch but she had to start from the bottom like everybody else. He couldn’t let her have control of the situation. Asiah threw on a too fly Chanel bikini and a pair strapped beach sandals. She snatched a fresh flower from a vase in the hotel room and put it in the side of her hair, it gave her an island look. Kross looked Asiah up and down; she made his dick hard all over again. This bitch was fine. He couldn’t keep his mind out of her crouch. They hit the beach for a brief swim. The water was so blue that you could see the white sand beneath it. Next, they went water skiing, the wind blew through Asiah's hair and the breeze felt heavenly against her face. She hadn’t been this worry free in a long time. No Jamall stalking her, no Saundra and her bullshit, this was all good. She was definitely feelin this, not living with limits but living to the limit. Later that night they went to a gala at the hotel. There was a live band, a roasting pig, liquor being made right on the spot. Asiah had never seen anything like it and yet Kross seemed as if he came there all the time. Boogie took several trips but he always opted to take pussy instead of Asiah, and when he did take her, it was as if she was being watched over. She'd never been on a trip like this. She felt grown and sexy. Kross sat at the bar drinking shots of Louis. Asiah had a couple of Pina Coladas and Apple Martinis. Then they danced until they both could shake no more. Asiah really put it on Kross on the dance floor, he was really feelin her. A man came pass with a fresh basket of roses. "You wan buy one foryalady?" He asked Kross. Kross bought Asiah a dozen of yellow roses. He told her that they meant friendship.

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"Ya got verdy beautiful lady dere" the man told Kross just before he walked off. Kross looked at Asiah and smiled. She was beautiful. After breakfast Asiah called home and didn’t get an answer, it was too early for her brother to be gone already. Next, she called Terra to check up on her because she left her car with her and she wanted to make sure everything was cool. Terra's mother answered the phone. "Hey Mrs. Keegan is Terra there?" "Yeah baby she's here. Hold on a minute I got these people on the other line." Terra's mother put Asiah on hold. Kross came out of the bathroom and started kissing on Asiah's thighs. For a minute, she forgot she was on the phone until she heard Terra's voice. "Hello" "What's up girl?" Asiah snapped back into reality. "Nothing…“ Terra's voice dragged. She didn’t sound like herself. "What's wrong? You sound a little on the down side, what's up?" "If I tell you this you can't tell nobody...." "Terra please, you know damn well I wouldn’t see you wrong like that. You know better."

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"Girl my mother's husband left her. He was building a brand new house for his mistress behind my mother's back and not even paying our mortgage for the last few months. He was putting all his money into that new house. Now it's finished he moved out and didn’t even have the guts to tell her face-to-face. The bitch left a note. Plus my mom's car note is backed up. He ain't been paying that either." Terra was stressed. "WHAT?" Asiah pushed Kross' face from between her legs. She couldn’t believe what she was hearing. "Yup girl. I couldn’t believe the shit either when I first heard it." "She ain't got no money saved up?" Asiah was shocked. "Naw... you know she been out on disability for her shoulder. That's why she was letting him handle all the bills." "So how many months is the mortgage behind?" "About four" "How much is that?" "It's $700 a month so that's about $2800." "Whew...and she don't have nothing?" "Nope. She took her check this month and took my sister and brother school shopping. She didn’t even see this shit coming."

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"I mean shit, how could she?" "I don't know what the fuck to do. She round here looking crazy as shit." Terra sighed. Asiah hated to see her best friend out on the streets. She had to do something. She hung up with Terra and called her brother. He could at least lend Terra's mom the money. But being as though she was on disability it would take her forever to pay it back. He would fuss and cuss about how Asiah thought he was made out of money, and how people thought that he was The Bank of Every Nigga In Need, as he would call it. But Asiah decided to ask anyway. She called his cell phone until he answered. "What the fuck? You cost me enough, now you want me to take care of your little friends and their family. What the fuck I look like? The Bank of Every Nigga In Need, who the fuck gonna take care of me when I go broke from taking care of all you broke beggin muthafuckas? Can I have? Can I have? That’s all the fuck I hear all day long. Never do you need, always can I have? Shit ya'll muthafuckas'll drive a nigga crazy" He went on for a good thirty minutes. Asiah knew he would give in. The more he cursed the more she pleaded. She was the only person her brother could never say no to. No matter how much he'd cuss and fuss in the end she got what she wanted. This time was no different. After hanging up with Boogie she called Terra back. "My brother will be pass there in an hour to drop the money off." "For real... thanks yo" Terra was relieved.

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"Ain't nothin. You my girl, you know I got you." Asiah smiled she was happy to help her friend. Terra was like family. It was nothing Asiah wouldn’t do for her. Asiah and Kross spent the next few days all over St. Thomas. They went sailing, sky diving, everything to be done they did it. Kross took Asiah parachuting she was scared to death and screamed the entire time. They both wished that they didn’t have to leave, but reality was waiting for them. No sooner than they hit Maryland Kross' phone started ringing off the hook. Asiah rested her head on his shoulder as he carried on a conversation. She would have been sleep but those Nextels are so loud. "What's poppin?" The boy asked Kross. "Ain't shit. On my way back from St. Thomas." "Word? With who?" "Asiah" "Asiah...Asiah...ole girl that be with the girl Terra?" "Yeah..." "She Boogie's sister right?" "Yeah" "Damn that bitch bad yo. I would love to bang a hole in that." The boy envied Kross. That was just what Kross wanted to hear. Asiah rested her head ear hustling the entire conversation. It was clear to her that she was just something to show off as far as Kross was concerned. 68

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CHAPTER 9

Baby Mama Drama School started and shit was getting real. Charlotte gave birth to a 7 lb and 3ozs baby girl and named her Indya. She had a beautiful head full of curly black hair and small chinky eyes like Asiah's. Her skin was a pretty coa-coa color and she already had eyebrows. She was a pretty baby. Asiah hated to admit it but Indya's beauty also was inherited from Saundra. Boogie stood with his chest out passing out cigars and popping Cristal. He had a brand new baby girl, you couldn’t tell him shit. Cousin Bomb from Atlanta had hooked Boogie up with this new Miami connect and business was better than ever. Charlotte was staying with Boogie and Asiah because she needed help with the baby for the first couple of weeks, and Sheebah had had just about enough. She set two seats away from Boogie at Asiah's senior inauguration and she looked like she wanted to cry whenever she saw the baby. Saturday when Asiah went to the salon, Sheebah seemed really bothered. Asiah felt so sorry for her. She wanted to make sure the time was right before she said anything to Sheebah about what was going on. She didn’t want any of those nosey ass ear hustling bitches in their conversation so she offered to treat Sheebah to lunch. Sheebah broke down after two drinks. "She's trying to break us up. I know it." Sheebah cried. “It's not the baby, it's her. She calls every 5 seconds when we’re together acting like something's wrong with the baby so he can hurry home. He won't even stay at my mother’s with me no more cause he say he gotta go home with the baby. She told him she can't handle Indya all night by herself. What type of shit is that?" Sheebah fumed. 71

Charlotte made her sick. Sheebah pulled a tissue from her purse and began to wipe the tears rolling down her face. Asiah felt bad for Sheebah and her situation. She liked Sheebah; she thought she was cool peoples. Before Boogie Sheebah didn’t have shit and now she had everything, but that shit was extra. Along with the material things came a lot of pain and heartbreak. Sheebah had a good thing going and didn’t want to let it go. Especially for no bitch and a baby. She was scared to lose her man, although he fucked around he gave her all she had and she was not about to give that up. As for Asiah, she wasn’t happy with the hand she was dealt either, but she hoped for a change one day. Things between her and Kross seemed to be in a treadmill mode. It was like she was going nowhere fast with him. He had bought her so much jewelry within the last few months that she could have been a walking ad for Tiffany's. Between Kross and her brother, Asiah had ice dripping from her body. Kross gave her all the material things a girl could want but he never displayed any love or interest in her dreams or aspirations. All that mattered to him was that she was the hottest chic in the game and he had her. He gloated at every party or event with Asiah on his arm; she was nothing more to him than a black Barbie. Something to make him look good. She did her job well, all the niggas wished they were Kross and Jamall didn’t like him one bit. Asiah tried hard to capture Kross' heart but she knew it would take a while. He wasn’t an easy whale to catch. Asiah lay in the bed tossing and turning trying to get some sleep. Indya had been crying to the top of her little lungs for the past 40 minutes. Finally, Asiah jumped up and ran downstairs. Charlotte was sitting on the edge of the bed with her hair standing straight on top of her head. She was rocking Indya back and fourth trying to keep her quiet. She looked up and saw Asiah, she was relieved. 72

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This baby was driving her crazy! "She won't go to sleep. I don't know what's wrong with her. I've tried everything." Charlotte was on the verge of a breakdown. "Where's my brother?' "I don’t know where Daunte is. I called his phone he didn’t answer it." Asiah shook her head and went back upstairs. She climbed back in her bed and tried to go back to sleep. Indya became louder and louder. Finally, Asiah jumped up. She couldn’t take it anymore. She called her brother from her cell phone, he would answer for her. "Hello" "Yo, you need to come home and get your baby. She is screaming to the top of her lungs." "Aight. I'm on my way." He hung up. Asiah hated to interrupt him and Sheebah's night but she couldn’t stand it. About 20 minutes later Asiah heard Boogie come in; he ran up the steps and picked Indya up from her crib. She instantly stopped crying. Boogie had her so spoiled that she wouldn’t go to sleep unless she was lying on his chest. The next morning when Asiah got up for school she noticed that Charlotte had slept in Boogie's room again. Poor Sheebah.

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CHAPTER 10

Let the game play Asiah sat at the arriving flights gate for over an hour. Her brother had once again made her his errand girl for the day. She tried to get Terra to ride with her, but she acted like she was on some secret mission and shit. Asiah was supposed to pick up their cousin Bomb from the airport. She had been there since 4 o'clock and still saw no sign of him. Finally, after twenty more minutes he showed up. By then Asiah was heated. "Damn what took you so long?" She fumed. "Luggage. This a nice ole Lex Boogie got you pushing, ha?" "Yeah. So what made you decide to come up here?" "Shit down there ain't been goin as planned. Boogie told me that he had it jamin up dis mug, so I figured I'd come grab me a piece of the rock. Feel me?" "I feel you." Asiah agreed with her big cousin. She turned the radio up and started singing Beyonce's Crazy In Love. Once she dropped Bomb off at the salon, she raced to the bookstore to get a book she needed for her English class. She ran into Davon Broadway. Davon was one of the star players on the basketball team at Dunbar. He was also fine as hell and up for three college scholarships. They talked for a few minutes and split. Davon had practice and Asiah was supposed to meet Nina at the salon. 74

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When Asiah got back to the salon, she spotted Jamall's new LS 430. He made her sick. He was sitting at the front desk on the phone when she came in. She walked right pass without speaking. Bomb was getting his hair braided and Boogie was in the back counting money as usual. Everything seemed straight. Then Misa grabbed Asiah by the arm. "Girl... what’s up with you and Jamall?" Sheebah cut her eyes over as if she also wanted an answer. Asiah was shocked. "What? Nothin. Why?" "Cause the whole time I was braiding his hair it seemed like he was trying to find out where you were at last week. It seemed real strange cause he coulda just asked Boogie, but it was like he was trying to find out without Boogie knowing." "Maybe Boogie told him to ask you." Asiah was trying to shut Misa up. "But I thought Boogie knew you went to Vegas with Kross." Misa insisted on carrying this topic further. "He did. Maybe he thought I was lying, I don't know. Shit." Misa gave Asiah a look. She was no dumb broad and Asiah knew that. When it came to minding other people's business Misa was the best at it. She was determined to get to the bottom of this and you better believe that she would. "Okay, you wanna keep secrets? Fine!" Misa fumed. 75

She was hot. She walked off without saying another word. Asiah picked up a coach catalog and sat in the lounge area. Nina was taking way too long, between her and Bomb Asiah's whole day was shot. She flipped through the book circling items she would purchase when suddenly the book was snatched from her hands. She looked up and it was none other than Jamall. He was demanding to know where she was last week and whom she was with. "Jamall get the fuck outa my face!" Asiah fumed as she walked off leaving him standing there looking 10 cts. stupid. Finally, Nina showed up, Asiah took her to meet Kross' cousin Chance. He had been begging Asiah for weeks to hook him up with a nice honey. She left them at The Windsor. When she got to Kross' house, she jumped straight in the shower. They were going to the movies. Kross was on his cell and as usual, Asiah interrupted "Are my Prada sneakers over here?" She was leaned in the doorway with her hand on her hip. "Under the bed" He answered and continued the conversation. "Look man I need 20 of those thangs." "When?" "Shit, like yesterday. I'm all out and losing out on a lot of money. I ain't got nothin." Kross complained to his connect.

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"Cool. But you gonna have to come get it. I can't get up there until sometime next week." "Next week? Nigga I'll be broke and out on my ass by next week." Kross exaggerated. "Damn I wish it could be sooner but I just can't right now." "Shit this shit is fucked up. I'm just an honest nigga tryna make a livin" Kross exaggerated once more. "Oh wait. You know some kid named Boogie?" The connect quizzed. Kross looked over at Asiah strangely. She was so engrossed with herself in the mirror she barely noticed him staring. "Yeah. Why?" Kross asked hesitantly. "Cause he just bought a shit load of stuff from me. If you can get a few from him that'll hold you over till I get up there next week." "Can I ask you somethin?" "Yeah" "How do you know him? I never knew you dealt with homeboy like that." "My man in Hotlanta put me on with him. He spends major cash, my number 1 buyer." The connect was glad he'd met

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Boogie. Shit had been so much easier to get rid of since he came along. They helped each other get rich. "Okay I'll get up with him. I still need to see you next week though." Kross agreed but was not happy with having the same connect as Boogie. He hated the idea of having to buy blow from a local. That made him feel so smalltime. This hurt his ego, but he had to do what he had to do. It was no way he could wait until next week for some dope; his corners would be as dry as the desert by then. He would just have to bite the bullet and get the shit from Boogie. Kross handed Asiah his phone. "Call your brother." "What?" "Call your brother!" "For what?" "Girl just call your fuckin brother. It's business." Asiah dialed her brother's cell and passed Kross the phone. After the movie, Kross dropped Asiah off. She wondered exactly what was going on. All she knew was it was some type of drug deal. She didn't think they knew each other personally. It was times like this she needed Misa to put shit together. Kross walked in the salon. It was empty that time of night. Boogie locked the door behind Kross and sat down in a plush chair. Jamall and Bomb were already seated. Kross quickly scanned the room with his eyes. He had to make 78

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sure it was cool for him to be there. He checked the time on his cell and pulled up his jeans repositioning his 9mm on his hip. Jamall sat bouncing his autographed baseball on the floor. He clearly didn't want anything to do with Kross. Boogie offered Kross a seat. "Yo grab a chair." Kross pulled a roller chair from one of the stations and sat down to face Boogie. Boogie squinted his eyes at Kross. He recognized him from somewhere. "I know you from somewhere, don't I?" "Asiah. Maybe you heard Asiah mention me." "Naw.... I remember you came pass here for her one-day, but it ain't that. I know you from somewhere else." Boogie couldn't place where he knew this cat from. Jamall was heated. This whole shit had him sick he started biting his nails. Bomb threw down his game boy to join in. "Yo, you dustin my baby cousin?" Bomb interrogated Kross. "Yo it's cool as long as he know how to treat her." Boogie cut Bomb's investigation short. Kross laughed thinking to himself that these niggas were crazy. "Oh I remember. You the dude from over Oliver, used to fight dogs at the Dome. Right?" "Yeah...." Kross grinned. Everybody knew he had the baddest bitches in the city when it came to women and dogs. 79

"Now that's out of the way. What can I do for you?" Kross cleared his throat. "I need about 20 of those thangs." "20 ha? You movin like that?" "I won't complain." "Well...I want 16.5 a pop, can you hang?" "Hell yeah. When can I get it?" "You know how it is let me see if I wanna fuck with it and I'll get up with you in like an hour." "Cool." Kross left with the quickness. He was only there for one reason and it wasn’t to socialize. As soon as Kross left, Jamall went off. "I don't like that nigga. Don't sell him shit." "What?" Boogie was shocked. "I don't like him." Jamall repeated. "Nigga what chew mean you don't like him?" "I'm not feelin that nigga." Jamall responded. "Why?" 80

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"I'm not that's all". Jamall had personal issues. He didn’t like the fact that Kross was fuckin Asiah and everyone seemed to be cool with it. "Look muthafucka dis is bout money; we ain't got time for all that petty bitch shit. He ain't no snitch, you ain't got no proper beef with him, Boogie know a lil bit bout the dude and we makin a quick profit. Fuck dat we taking this sale." Bomb was the type that never bit his tongue and he never let anything come between him and his money. "Aight...yall shut up. Look the quicker we move the better. You know that, you ain't new to this. I think we should take the sale. Boogie had made the final decision. Jamall was livid. How could they just let this nigga fuck with Asiah and do nothing about it? Then they wanted to break bread with this muthafucka like he was fam. Jamall wasn’t feelin that, but he was outvoted. He wasn’t feelin this new 3-way partnership. Davon Broadway was at the library when Asiah and Terra arrived. He walked over to the table where they were sitting looking good enough to eat. Davon was tall at least 6 feet 3. He weighed about 200lbs., he had a cinnamon complexion with the most engaging set of eyes a person could have. He kept his hair cut low and face neatly trimmed. Asiah buried her face in her book as he approached the table. Terra sat there gobbling down the last doughnut. Asiah didn't say anything because she knew Terra had been feeling down every since Rich dumped her for Andre's cousin Gee Gee. Davon slid a chair up to the table and invited himself to join the girls. Asiah could feel his eyes staring straight at her. She 81

tried to duck down not realizing that the book just wasn’t big enough to hide her body. Davon laughed to himself. He thought she was cute and had admired her from a far for a long time now. He leaned towards Asiah running his fingers through her long silky hair. She giggled as she felt his energy rummage through her body. "What's up shorty?" "Nothin." Asiah blushed. "Doin that report for Ms. Colston?" "Yeah...." "Oh." He caressed her hands. He could feel her shaking. He was used to that, he had that power over most girls. "You like that?" He gave Asiah a sexy grin. She quickly snatched her hand away. "Stop Davon...." She whined like a preschooler. He grabbed her hand and continued to caress it. "Why? You know you like it." He teased knowing he was right. She did like it, more than she should have. Asiah smiled at Davon, he was sexy. They exchanged phone numbers and agreed to call each other later. On her way home Asiah called Kross and told him that she did not feel well and was staying home tonight. Really, she just wanted to talk to Davon. When Asiah pulled up and noticed Sheebah's Ac out front along with Charlotte's truck.

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"Oh shit" Asiah thought. Charlotte and Sheebah in the same house were not good. Until this day those two still couldn’t get along. Asiah walked in with her guards up. Asiah listened for commotion but heard none. Charlotte was in the kitchen making bottles. Finally, curiosity killed the cat. "Is Sheebah here?" Asiah asked meekly as she played with Indya on the table. "Yeah she upstairs in your brother's room." "How'd she get in?" "She showed up talking bout Boogie said to meet him here, so I let her in." Charlotte was hot. She slammed the refrigerator shut and tossed the dishrag in the sink. She had had about enough of Boogie and his bitches. This one and that one, calling and paging. She couldn't stand it anymore. "Tomorrow I'm taking Indya and I'm going home." Charlotte was bitter. Asiah hunched her shoulders and went upstairs. She wasn't going to get involved in that shit. She knew that neither one of the girls were going to leave Boogie alone. Asiah stopped in Boogie's room to speak to Sheebah, she seemed so pleased to be back in their house. Asiah shook her head. Boy was it gonna be some shit tonight.

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Asiah jumped in the shower. Just as she dried off, she heard her phone ringing. She ran down the hall half-naked, dove across her bed, and grabbed the phone. "Hello" "Hello Asiah there?" "Speaking" She threw on her sexy voice knowing it was Davon. "Oh dis Davon. What you doin?" "Nothin. Just got out the shower." "Mmm...I can picture that." "I bet you can." Asiah laughed. They talked for hours. Asiah liked talking to Davon; he made her feel so good inside. It was a feeling that she just couldn't describe. She felt like a girl in high school should feel. Not like a pond in Kross' sick chess game of frontin. The next morning Asiah awoke to Boogie and Charlotte beefing. Indya was crying and Bomb was walking her back and fourth trying to stop her from crying. Boogie was livid, he'd gone mad. He was cursing and swearing at Charlotte. The more he became enraged the more Indya cried. Asiah ran into the kitchen and took the baby from Bomb. She held Indya trying to calm her down. Charlotte's whole face was red; she had tears and snot flying everywhere. Her bags were packed and at the front door, but they were rummaged threw. Clothes

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and shoes were scattered throughout the living room. Boogie was going off. "Fine you wanna go? Go. But you ain't taking my baby you stupid BITCH!" He yelled snatching Indya from Asiah. Charlotte had got what she wanted, a reason to stay. She was able to push Boogie's buttons with her newfound power, Indya. Asiah ate some cereal, climbed her way back to the third floor. She hit the lights, flicked on the TV, and opened her walk in closet. She suited up in Louis Vuitton and called Terra to tell her that she was on her way. When she pulled up at Terra's her little brother and sister ambushed Asiah’s car begging for lunch money. Asiah laughed and peeled off two 20-dollar bills. That should hold them over. They thanked Asiah and ran down the street with their book bags bouncing up and down on their backs. Terra came out of the house and jumped in the car. Asiah ditched study hall so she could get up with Davon on his lunch period. His face lit up when he looked up and saw Asiah approaching the table. Damn he was fine. D was fresh as always. They called him D-Way for short and eventually just D. He had on some straight out of the box Butter Timbs, some fresh Sean John jeans and shirt. His hair was nicely shaped up like always. He flashed those pearly white teeth at Asiah and she almost melted. Asiah sat across from Davon. She wanted to look him straight in the face. "What's up Asiah?" All the guys at the table spoke. "Ain't nothin”.

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Asiah focused her attention back on D. She felt strange because she had never been interested in schoolboys before, but D was altogether different. She enjoyed his company. He ran his fingers around the rim of Asiah's jacket. "Hmm…Louis Vuitton ha?" D toyed with his new love interest. "Boy you crazy" Asiah giggled. Suddenly D's facial expression changed. "What? What's wrong?" Asiah smelled her breath to make sure it didn't stink. "Ain't that your girl?" D pointed. Asiah turned her head. She saw Terra and Gee Gee face to face about to get physical. "Oh shit" Asiah ran to Terra's rescue leaving her LV backpack behind. Asiah quickly jumped in Gee Gee’s face with her you don't want it look on her face. She was prepared to whip GeeGee's ass if she tried to start some shit. This girl didn't even go to Dunbar so she must have came all the way up here just to start some shit with Terra. She had two other girls with her that Asiah had never seen before. Asiah stepped between Terra and Gee Gee. "What's up Gee Gee?" Asiah added extra bass in her voice. "Asiah? What's up?" Gee Gee was totally surprised. "Yeah dis my peoples. What's the beef?" 86

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"Oh I didn't know that." Terra couldn't believe that Asiah was getting the respect she was getting. "Well, what's the problem, cause I ain't for no shit today!" Asiah held her arms in the air. "Look I want that Bitch" Gee Gee pointed at Terra "to stop calling my man." "Wait a minute. I know you ain't come all the way up this muthafucka beefing over no phone call. And kill that bitch shit! You look real fuckin stupid right now, come on Gee Gee you know the game. I thought you were true to this shit." Asiah was talking to Gee Gee like she was her big sister. Gee Gee held her head down and felt silly. "All I'm sayin is I want her to stop disrespecting me. That's all." Gee Gee added. "Okay. I'll talk to her. Shit cool?" Asiah held her hand up. "Only cause it's for you. If it was anybody else…“ "I know...I know...." Asiah cut her off and laughed as they walked away. On the ride home Terra had a major attitude with Asiah. Asiah turned down the radio. "What's wrong with you?"

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"Why didn't you tell me you were cool with that bitch like dat?" "You knew that she was Andre's cousin. She cool." "So you gon take her side over mines?" "Terra I didn't take her side over yours. I simply squashed the beef, that's all." "For what? Why didn't you let us fight?" "Terra please, for what? Over some nigga that's probably fuckin you, her, and 5 other bitches." "Whatever." "Terra you know if somethin woulda jumped off I had your back, but that just wasn't worth it." "Oh but it was worth it when you beat that girl up at Andre's cookout? What eva!" "Well fuck it then Terra. Next time we'll just fight if that makes you happy. Well I'll fight while you do whatever." "What is that supposed to mean?" "Everybody knows you can't fight. That's why you always come get me and Nina." Asiah burst into laughter. When they pulled up in front of Terra's house, she jumped out without saying a word. She was hot with Asiah. Asiah was 88

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starting to think she was all that. That bitch thought she was the shit when she really wasn't. She wasn't any better than anyone else. Just as Asiah walked in the house, she heard the phone ringing. Saundra yelled for her to pick up the phone. The sound of her voice made Asiah sick to her stomach. Asiah ran through the kitchen pass Boogie and the usual crew and picked up the phone. "Hello" She was out of breath. "What up girl? Dis D, you left your bag at the table." "Oh damn my bad." "It's cool. You want me to bring it to you?" He volunteered wanting to see Asiah outside of school. Asiah looked at Boogie, Bomb, and Jamall and knew that was not a good idea. She quickly disagreed. "No I'll come get it. What's your address?" Asiah quickly wrote down Davon's address and directions and hung up the phone. Indya was on the table rocking in her rocker. Asiah played with her niece for a few minutes. "Boogie, what's Saundra doin here?" Asiah questioned her brother. "Not now Asiah. I'm busy" He kept counting. Asiah could tell he was in no mood for her bullshit.

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"Well I hope you locked up all your money." She muttered as she poured a glass of juice. She leaned on the counter to drink it and listen in on their conversation. "Cuz I'm tellin you we gotta expand we could move dis shit twice as fast" Bomb tried to convince Boogie. "I don't know. That would mean gettin another team of workers. I know and trust the ones I got, I don’t know about no new muthafuckas." Boogie made his point. "Well how bout this, instead of giving the new workers weight put them on the corners. That way we take a lesser chance of money gettin fucked up." "So you sayin we should keep sellin weight to all of our old sales and get a street team goin on some new shit?" "Fuck yeah, I don't see why not." Jamall replied. "Dat might work" Boogie liked the idea. He was feelin the idea of moving blow by the pound and holding down a few strips. "Shit, it will work cuz. I'm tellin you Boogie dis the best move to make cuz. It's time to get that paper nigga." Bomb backed Jamall up. Boogie thought for a second as he put his daughter on his shoulder to burp her. "Aight I'm wit it." Boogie was sold on their new idea. They would move weight over west and do corners over east. Gettin

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money from both ends was the fastest way for a nigga to make a come up. However, he still had a few worries. "Yo I'ma need you to personally watch them corners. I can’t afford to take no falls right now." He told Bomb. "Ain't nothin." Bomb agreed and smiled. He had big plans for this game. He knew how to get rich and fast. He had made his homeboy Tyrin one of the richest niggas in Atlanta, then he got killed and his wife ran off with most of their drugs and money. Bomb was left with nothing but 27 thousand that he had just made from a sale the day before Tyrin died. They say she gave her baby father the drugs to get rid of for her; Bomb killed the nigga but couldn't make him tell where the bitch or the drugs were. Therefore, he came to Maryland to start over. "So what spots yall got in mind?' Jamall was curious. "Just don't fuck with Peewee's corners. Other than that I don't care what you do." Boogie told Bomb. Asiah rinsed her glass out and put it in the dishwasher. She had heard enough and was leaving to go to Davon's when… "Asiah where you goin?" Her brother questioned. Jamall looked curious also. "I got something to do. Why?" "I want you to take Indya home for me." "You always fuck girlin me...." Asiah whined. "Just do what the fuck I said!" Boogie based on his sister. 91

"Spshh...." Asiah sucked her teeth as she gathered Indya's things to take her home. "Well can I hold your truck?" Asiah tried her luck. If she had to do something for him then he had to do something for her. "My truck? For what? I bought you a car, remember?" "I'm tired of driving that car..." Asiah whined to her brother. She was his baby girl. "You spoiled rotten" He laughed at his sister and shook his head. "Can I…“ Asiah was still begging. "I need the truck, take the Benz." Boogie gave in to his sister just as he always did.

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CHAPTER 11

He Got Game D's house was Phat. It had two 2-car garages; drop floors, raised ceilings, and a deck circling the whole first floor. To put it bluntly it was a bad muthafucka. Everything was neatly placed and tastefully designed. There were chandeliers, crystal, and china galore, all the good shit. Asiah could tell that these people weren't dealing with chump change. She'd recognized a few items that cost major paper. She herself liked decorating, she knew about all the big names and what they cost. Davon's father was a lawyer and his mother spent her days at her downtown art gallery or putting together charity events and fundraisers, which she catered. Davon was an only child; his father and grandfather were major ballas on the basketball court in their day. Davon inherited his talent honestly, but he was going all the way with his. Unlike them, he wasn't going to settle for a law degree, he wanted the NBA and he could taste it. He’d convinced his parents to let him use his aunt's city address so that he could go to Dunbar. That would increase his chances of being known as a citywide ball player. Dunbar was a Basketball powerhouse. All the good players that made it to the NBA either were from Dunbar or from Lake Clifton, rarely were they from any of the schools where Davon lived. Westminster just wasn't the type of place where you could find the Allen Iverson type. Although Davon drove over an hour everyday to go to Dunbar, his decision was the best one, he could've made for his basketball career since he was up for three scholarships. "Damn D this is a nice spot yall got." "Thanks. I heard you got a nice crib too." 94

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"Where ya peeps at?" "Work." "Oh..." He grabbed Asiah's hand and led her to the family room. "Sit down I ain't gon bite you." He joked as he flopped down on the couch. He flashed a smile showing Asiah those pearly whites, not to mention he had dimples so deep that you could put a quarter in them. Asiah was feelin him on the real. He gazed into her eyes. "Damn girl you pretty." Asiah smiled and gave him a bashful look. She felt as though he was sincere. "Pretty how?" She quizzed him. "Inside and out” He grinned. "What do you know?" "More than you think I know." He liked Asiah's smart mouth. It turned him on. She seemed more grown up than the average high school girls who usually pissed themselves whenever he approached them. Most of them usually turned out to be your everyday chicken head looking for a come up. D was used to girls sweating him heavy; if they weren't sweating his skills on the court, they were sweating his ride or both. D drove a Cadillac EXT; his father was very proud of his son and made sure he had whatever he wanted. His mother 95

on the other hand was always worried. Worried about school, games, girls, drugs, you name it she was worried about it. Asiah sat and made herself comfortable. They talked and watched TV. She really liked D but wondered what his parents would think of her. This was the same situation her brother had been through with Charlotte's parents. She wondered would Davon's parents react in the same manor. Would they think that they had so much money and education that regular black folk trying to make it weren't good enough for them or their son? Asiah just hoped that they wouldn't misjudge her before getting to know her. "D I might not be the type of girl that your parents will approve of." Asiah hung her head low. "Why?" "It's stuff about me that you don't know. I...I...." Asiah stuttered. She didn't know how to tell him that she just wasn't his kind. She was used to dealing with her kind. Niggas from the hood, hustlers, thugs, and drug dealers. "It's okay" D comforted Asiah by putting his arm around her. He wasn't some square ass fool that didn't know that for some people shit was real. He often visited his cousins that lived in the city; he hung out in the city, he was well known in the city and never felt like he didn't belong. "I know what they say about me...my brother...." Asiah continued trying to defend herself and her life once more. "Baby its cool. You don't owe anybody any explanations. You can't help what you're born into. Besides I know you're cool peeps." He grinned. 96

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Asiah agreed by nodding. D pulled her close and kissed her. His lips were soft. His tongue felt good to her. This nigga was the shit. He ran his fingers through her long hair. "C'mere" He pulled her closer. She tried to resist by turning her head away. D grabbed her face demanding her attention. "Listen I just happened to be born with a lawyer for a father and you just happened to be born into your situation. That don't make me think no different of you." He smiled. Asiah was feelin D, he'd let her know that he wasn't interested in her because of who her brother was or wasn’t. He wasn't worried about what she drove or who she ran with. He liked her for her and she could appreciate that. "Asiah I was thinkin... you know we give a ski trip every year. You wanna roll with me dis year?" "I would love to go with you." She heard herself answer before she even had a chance to think. "Cool." He smiled. After talking and laughing, some more Asiah finally tore herself away from D. She was fumbling the keys to get in Boogie's Benz when she heard him call out her name. "Asiah..." She looked up and he was in the doorway smiling. He pointed to Boogie's car

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"Shit don't look that bad to me." He joked. Asiah smiled and waved as she cruised off. She decided to stop pass Terra's house to see if she wanted to go to the salon. It was a last minute decision but Asiah never got her hair or nails done without Terra. Asiah pulled up and dialed Terra's number but the phone was disconnected. So she got out and knocked on the door. Terra's mother flung the door open holding a cigarette in one hand and a half empty cup of Hennessey in the other. She looked like she had a rough ass day. "Hey miss Keegan. Is Terra here?" Asiah walked in and sat on the couch. Terra's mother closed the door and sat down across from Asiah. "No baby she stepped out." "What's up with the phone?" Asiah was hesitant but asked anyhow. "Shit's rough, that's all,” "Well you know if you need anything..." "Oh that's okay baby. Thanks though. Terra got the money from Rich." "Rich? They back together?" Asiah asked. She didn't remember Terra saying anything about them getting back together.

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"Well Day Day said that some guy in a Benz came by and picked Terra up. It must be Rich; he's the only one I know with a Benz." "Oh." Asiah said. Asiah walked into the salon. Sheebah was doing Kinte's nappy ass head. Sheebah smirked at Asiah knowing Asiah didn't like Kinte in the least. Sheebah had on a new tennis bracelet. Shit between her and Boogie had gotten better since Charlotte moved back into her townhouse. "I see you comin up in the world." Asiah joked about Sheebah's new piece of jewelry. They both laughed. Asiah walked into the back office. Boogie was on his cell phone having an intense argument with some broad that wasn't his girl or his baby's mother, Asiah just shook her head "Yup girl your brother gave me this bracelet this morning." Sheebah updated Asiah while shampooing her hair. The salon was almost empty. Kinte left almost an hour ago. Asiah decided not to pry for information about her and Jamall. He was so not an issue to her these days; at least that's what she kept telling herself. When Sheebah finished Asiah's hair, it felt like silk. It was freshly highlighted and looking all so good. She was hurtin'em. Sheebah could work miracles when it came to hair, not that Asiah needed one but she'd seen Sheebah make the worst of them look presentable. Sheebah went in the back with Boogie for a quickie. The top of his desk was engraved with her backside. Misa started on Asiah’s feet, there was a new girl that just started a few days ago named Monica. As soon as Asiah sat in the chair she started with the enquiring minds want to know shit. 99

"Oh so you are Boogie's sister?" Monica beamed. She'd heard all the stories and wanted to put faces with names. "Yeah I'm Asiah" She smiled. And so what of it? She wanted to say after that. "Cause everybody was like Boogie had a sister but I had never seen you before. You're pretty though." Monica tried to break the ice with Asiah. "Thanks" Asiah smiled, she knew she was pretty. People had been telling her that all her life. She didn't need some phony bitch to tell her again. "Damn I know you lucky. Your brother got sooooo much money." Monica shook her head in disbelief while working on her client. "Damn we know. You ain't gotta keep saying it. You been saying it all day." Misa fumed, she was sick of Monica acting like a fuckin groupie all day. 6:00 AM Asiah's alarm clock went off. She rolled over and hit the snooze button; she needed 15 more minutes of rest. Then she thought of how she had to look perfect for D and jumped up. She dragged herself down the hall and took a shower. After getting dressed, she stood in front of her fulllength mirror to check herself out. She had on some dark blue jeans, a Most Beautiful Girl in the World tee shirt, some Gucci sneakers, bag, jacket, and hat. After dragging two big LV bags to the front door, she checked her watch. The diamonds blinded her, that time of morning her eyes were still sensitive. It was 7:15. She went upstairs to wake her brother up so he could take her to the bus. She pushed his 100

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door open Indya was asleep on his chest and Charlotte was snuggled up next to him. Asiah shook him until he answered. "Boogie...Boogie.... Boogie...." “What...?” He grunted wiping a string of slob from his mouth. "Come on so you can take me to the bus." "Damn Asiah drive your own car." "No, I don't wanna leave my car parked out there all that time." She pleaded. "A nigga can't get no sleep round this muthafucka." He huffed as he crawled to his feet. "I wasn't the one who kept you up all night." Asiah said referring to Charlotte who was supposed to pick Indya up and go home but somehow ended up staying the night. On the way to the bus, Boogie told his sister about his plans to open a car wash and a bails bond office. Asiah thought that was a good idea. She didn't want him to have to sell dope for the rest of his life. The thought of something legit excited her. "You need money for Terra too?'' Boogie asked sarcastically as he peeled off five $100 dollar bills for his sister's spending money. "Naw...she said that she wasn't goin cause she ain't have no money. I told her I woulda paid her way...."

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"No you mean I woulda paid her way!" Boogie interrupted Asiah reminding her that he was the breadwinner of the family. "Spsh...whateva..." She rolled her eyes as he gave her the money. "1,2,3,4,5,"she counted aloud "this ain't enough." "What? What you mean it ain't enough? The trip paid for, right?" "Yeah." "So why dis ain't enough?" "We might go shopping or something...." Asiah whined. "Shit don't you shop enough? You probably own stock in Gucci." "C'mon Boogie stop playin." She begged holding her hand out for more cash. "Please...."she put on the puppy face. "A nigga ain't got no win with you. Shit I'll be glad to find a muthafucka to help me take care of you cause your ass is spoiled" Boogie fussed at his sister as he gave her a stack of money from a brown paper bag in his glove compartment. "Thanks" Asiah chimed kissing her brother on the cheek. "Yeah whatever." He knew he had created a monster. She thought that money grew on trees and it was all his fault. He had hustled hard so that they could have everything they 102

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needed to survive. Nevertheless, the needs turned to wants and the wants turned to greed. He couldn't stop himself from wanting and needing more money. It was like a sickness he was addicted to the lifestyle he had grown accustomed to. The streets were like blood flowing through his veins, he needed them to survive. Dope money was the best money in the world as far as he was concerned and he would ball till he fall. The problem was he had turned his own sister out. He wanted so much more for her. Yet he had managed to turn her into one of those money grubbing bitches that he hated so much. But as long as he could afford her habit it was okay, as long as she didn't have to turn to some nigga in the street that would make her fuck and suck for every dollar she received. He would go back to jail in a heartbeat if some koon thought that he was going to pimp his sister. He would have to kill them, she was his baby girl. The air was crisp and fresh, Asiah took a deep breath, she thought of St. Thomas for a brief second, the air there was fresh also. Davon lit the fireplace while Asiah unpacked. Davon looked at Asiah in disbelief. She was packed like she was moving up there and never going back. "Girls" he thought. Later that night they went to the pajama jam party. It was off the chain. There were females with little to nothing on. The DJ was mixing it up from Jay Z to Biggie, Biggie to Pac, Pac to Nelly it was on. Asiah wore a Victoria Secret feather lingerie set with the guarder belt and feather slippers. She was the hottest thing in the party. If Boogie or Jamall had seen her, they both would have dragged her out by the hair. Asiah and D danced close. He placed his hands on her hips leading the way. She felt his body heat slowly crawling up her back as he danced behind her. Her nipples were aroused and her insides felt warm and wet. She couldn't wait to get back to the room. D must've felt the same way because he 103

grabbed Asiah and led her through the crowd. He stopped at the bar sliding the bartender a $50 dollar tip for not asking for an ID and bought a bottle of Cris. The athletes always received special treatment. People were always willing to look the other way for a Hoop Star. The bartenders, the teachers, chaperones, everybody. They all grinned as D and Asiah headed to their room. Although it was promised to parents that males and females were not allowed to, share rooms on these trips there were exceptions made. Davon leaned close to Asiah with the room key dangling from his fingers. He kissed her neck softly as she unlocked the door. Her breasts were pressed against the cold door, she wanted him right now! Once inside the room Davon began to slide his fingers around the feathers of Asiah's lingerie. He placed two crystal champagne flutes on the table filling them with Cristal. Asiah watched him like a tiger preying on her mate. She seductively sipped on her champagne "Ooh..." She said throwing her head back. D watched Asiah closely. He admired her body parts from top to bottom. She was like the fuckin playoffs. She had him all wound up. The more she sipped the more he watched, his dick hardened and he had to have her. He grabbed her and kissed her softly, his hands were roaming wildly over her body. Asiah felt her clothes fall to the floor as their tongues became intertwined dripping with champagne. D's lips slithered down to Asiah's breast and marinated her nipples. He sucked one breast as he caressed the other softly. Her entire body felt hot and she whimpered for his attention. He laid her down on her stomach sliding his tongue between her legs. He gave her oral pleasure from behind. Asiah laid there shivering and moaning uncontrollably. She felt the Cristal taking its affect on her; D was taking his affect also. She was cuming like a mad woman. 104

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She erupted like a volcano; her juices flowed wildly like hot lava flowing through a village. Finally, he entered Asiah's body and they became one. "Unh....unh... sss...sss…unh" Asiah moaned. Davon placed one hand behind her neck and used the other to stimulate her clitoris moving it back and forth. D passionately grinded Asiah's tunnel making her feel pleasure and pain all at the same time. He sucked on her earlobes as he plunged in and out. Asiah was sopping wet. "You like dat Asiah?" "Yeah..." She whined. "It feel good to you don't it?" "Unh huh...." She struggled to catch her breath. "How good?" "Real good..." Asiah moaned as D worked harder on her clit. "Dis my pussy now?" He started to pound Asiah harder. "Yes...yes...yes...." She hollered. "Whose pussy is this?" He pounded. "Yours!" "Who's?" 105

"Yours!" "Say D's" He demanded. "D's." She screamed. "D who?" He bent her legs back giving her all of him. "D- way's" Asiah screamed. Davon began to breathe heavily as he grinded faster. "Mmm... this shit good." He whispered although he had never complemented any girl on her pussy even if it was good. Asiah's insides dripped out as she erupted once more. He cuffed her breast and his sweat hit her back like hot wax as he rode her backside. "Unh..." Asiah moaned, this shit felt good. She bit down on her bottom lip to maintain her composure. His dick was better than Andre's. Finally, D exploded collapsing on top of Asiah sealing the moment with a kiss to Asiah's cheek. They laid there free and nude with not a care in the world. D held Asiah close, he was really feelin her. Asiah laid there thinking the same thing. She was really feelin him. His arms were strong. His lips were soft. He kissed her forehead. She laid there with her eyes closed admiring the way he made her feel. Kross had never made her feel like this. Even with all the ice and Prada on earth, he could never make her feel the way D had just made her feel. Kross was never passionate. He just fucked her and got up. He was afraid to show emotion and Asiah needed more. She had been deprived of love all her life and now she wanted it. She really didn't need Kross. Her 106

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brother provided for her just fine. She knew to Kross all she would ever be was his trophy bitch. He was all about appearance, never the substance. She didn't even know why she was still with him. They next morning Asiah and D slept in while everyone else hit the slopes. After brunch, the guys decided to play snow football. Asiah paced back and forth trying to decide which outfit to wear to the bunny races .She randomly went through her belongings tossing clothes everywhere. Suddenly she felt a vibration around her waist. She panicked then she realized that it was her cell phone. "Hello" "What you doin?" "Nothin Kross, what's up?" "Ain't shit just checkin up on you dat's all. Havin fun?" "Yeah it's cool." "Cool? I thought you and Terra would have a ball up there." "Oh, Terra didn't come" Asiah confessed. She didn't want to let him think she was with Terra. What if he'd already saw her somewhere and was just trying to play her out of position. "Well who's up there with you?" Kross demanded to know. "Umm some people that I go to school with." "People? What people?" 107

"I don't know. People..." "Yeah...whatever. I'll holler at you later." He hung up. Asiah sat looking at the phone as if she was stupid and decided not to call back. Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door. She walked to the door and looked out of the peephole. "It's me,” Nina yelled from the other side of the door. Asiah opened the door; Nina stormed in flopping down on the couch. "Dat bitch Shayn is gettin on my nerves." "Oh girl shut up." Asiah laughed. "Yall always beefing." "Naw but I seriously should've shacked up with some sexy ass nigga like you did." "But you came to meet niggas." Asiah reminded her girlfriend who begged her to get her a ticket because she didn't go to Dunbar. "You're right. Can't bring sand to the beach." Asiah just looked at Nina and shook her head. They were home girls but Nina was fast and free. She was bout her paper and wanted it the fast way. She only fucked with niggas worth $100 thousand and up. Before she gave a nigga some pussy, she had to know if he ran the corners or if he moved weight. If he ran the corners she had to know which ones that way she could find out if they were hot or not. If he moved weight, she 108

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had to know to whom. She was ill like that. Their rides had to be current, if they were 3 years or older she gave them no play. Their jewels had to be platinum she didn’t do white gold at all. Nina was a trip like that but niggas dug her style. They respect a bitch that's about her business. She'd left her old boyfriend Lolo because he caught a fed charge. They took her car and all, if it wasn't for the fact that she was a juvenile shit could've been worst. Now she was messing with Kross' cousin Chance, thanks to Asiah. The girls decided to catch the shuttle to the outlets and do a little shopping. Asiah, Nina, Shayn, and Misa (by cell phone) cruised the mall. Asiah told them about how Kross wild out on her over the phone. "Girl fuck him. He just tryna play you out. That's how niggas do." Misa schooled Asiah through the phone. She was so loud that Nina and Shayn heard her through the phone and firmly agreed with her. After Misa hung up Nina added her two cents. "Dat's right Asiah, shit. If you wanna mess with both of them go right ahead. Niggas do that shit all the time. Those muthafuckas don't be worried about us. Shit, all they thinkin bout is gettin their dicks wet." Nina laid her pimp game down. "I know...." Asiah took a minute to respond. She was really feelin D but she was already messing with Kross. They both were still doin them so why shouldn't she do her? She knew one thing for sure, D was the shit, dick and all! The semester was changing and Asiah was buckling down and working hard. She had to keep her grades up so she could go to Morgan next year. She took on projects to earn extra credit. Her friends started calling her a bookworm, but fuck them she was trying to get into a university not some bullshit 2-year college. 109

After she'd finished her homework, she went into the bathroom and ran a hot bubble bath. D had an out of town game and she and Kross had been spending time together. Kross followed her into the bathroom on another one of his Inspector Gadget missions. "Didn't the basketball team give that ski trip you went on? Asiah slammed the bubble bath on the edge of the tub. She really wasn't for his shit tonight. "Yes" She put her hands on her hips. "Oh so now all of a sudden you a basketball fan?", he was being sarcastic. Asiah ignored him and walked down the hall into the other bathroom to get a towel. He followed her demanding an answer. She ignored him until he got so mad he started zapping. "Bitch you think I'm playin wit you? Let me find out you fuckin round, I'ma bust ya muthafuckin skull in." "WHATEVER!" Asiah rolled her eyes as she made her way back to the other bathroom. Asiah undressed and stepped into the hot tub of bubbles. She closed her eyes and leaned back against her tub pillow. She felt relaxed. She reached for the remote control and flicked on her Isley Brothers Greatest Hits CD. She sat there with bubbles up to her chin and her eyes closed. "Drifting on a memory...ain't no place I'd rather be than with you...loving you ...well well well... BOOM!" Kross burst into

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the bathroom. He'd found the ticket stubs from the pajama party at the ski trip. "Oh so you went with D-Way ha? Ha?" He was enraged. He threw the tickets to the floor and started choking Asiah. "Bitch I told you not to play wit me...." He continued to choke her. She tried to scream but couldn't grasp enough air. "You fuckin slut. I should drown you, you dumb ass bitch." Asiah struggled to get up but he kept pushing her head under the water. She kicked her feet helplessly then he gripped her hair pulling her out of the tub and to the floor. Kross drug Asiah into the bedroom. Her body was dripping wet there were bubbles everywhere. She had flashbacks of Jamall. She laid there coughing up water gagging half to death as Kross started stomping her in her back. "I told you bitch don't play with me…," He yelled with every kick. He grabbed a Bebe boot and started to beat her with it. Asiah screamed to the top of her lungs. “Aah huh huh huh..." She cried as he continued to torture her. Kross continued on ranting and raving. He called Asiah every name in the book. He was hott; he couldn’t believe this bitch had the nerve to fuck with him. "You ain't shit you lil’ whore! You fuckin groupie! Did you suck his dick? Ha? Bitch answer me." He slapped Asiah in her face. She continued to cry. She knew what she'd done and Kross knew too. She tried to crawl away but he snatched her by her ankles. 111

"Come here bitch!" Kross continued to beat and curse Asiah. "You ain't shit but a stink ass trick." He started pacing back and forth. He couldn't believe this. He had never been played by any bitch. He was Kross, his bitches knew better and this bitch was going to learn better before it was all over. He started choking her once more then he let her go. "You's a stupid bitch. What that nigga give you that I can't? I give you everything. Gucci, Prada, Fendi, whatever you want. Money ain’t a thing. But you ain't goin just fuck on me. Hell naw I ain't havin that shit...." He fumed. Asiah sat there listening to his lecture. He'd named all these things he had given her but love was never on the list. He'd never loved her. "Love." "What?" Kross stopped in his tracks wanting to know what Asiah was talking about. "You never gave me love." She sniffled wiping the tears from her eyes. He laughed at her throwing a wad of money in her face. "See dis lil‘ girl, this shit make the world turn, so fuck dat shit you talkin." He shut Asiah in the bedroom and went downstairs. Asiah waited a few minutes and started to get dressed. She grabbed her keys and headed downstairs. Her entire backside was bruised along with the left side of her face. She couldn't 112

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go home like this, Boogie would flip. She would go to Terra's crib. She tiptoed down the steps and went straight for the door. "Where you think you goin?" "Home" Asiah froze for a second. Kross jumped up and ran towards her putting his hand around her throat. "Listen bitch you ain't goin nowhere. Bitches don't leave me, I leave them, and right now I ain’t finished with you." He had his finger in Asiah's face pressing against her jawbone. "Go clean ya self up. We goin out!" He demanded. Kross lay back on the couch while Asiah went upstairs. He knew if she told, her brother this meant war but Kross was ready. He was no small time punk. He held big weight in this town and people knew it. He was no Boogie, but he was thorough. Niggas knew not to fuck with him and this bitch had to learn the same. She was getting too big for her britches. Who the fuck did she think she was? He wasn't about to let some 16-year-old pussy make a fool of him. He had an image to maintain. He was the man and he was gonna stay that way. If Boogie wanted war than Kross would bring it. He didn't give a fuck! His balls were big. Asiah deserved that ass whipping! Boogie would've done the same thing if he caught one of his whores fucking around. Yes, Asiah was his sister but he had to realize that real niggas did real shit. Kross never let any nigga disrespect his name and Asiah wasn't going to do it either. Kross had plenty of girls; he never loved any of them. He wasn't interested in love, he liked pussy and money. He took good care of his bitches. They were like cars to him, he kept them well maintained so that he could take them for a 113

spin and be the envy of all the other niggas. When he got tired of them, he traded them in for new ones, but this Asiah bitch was all together different, she was driving him crazy and he couldn't have that; he had to break her, that was all to it. Asiah got dressed like Kross told her. Once she got away from him she would never come back, but for now, she had to go along with his shit. Asiah came down to Kross grinning ear to ear. This muthafucka was sick in the head. He looked Asiah up and down and smiled. "You clean up well. Let's go." "What the fuck does he mean I clean up well? He got a lot of nerve talking to me like I'm beneath him. He's the fuckin gutter rat. The bitch!" Asiah thought as she followed Kross out to the car. As they pulled out of the garage, Asiah noticed that the air had been let out of her tires. This shit was worst than she thought, this nigga was really illin. "Yeah, I had to let the air out in case you tried to get slick, cause you's a slick bitch." He laughed. Asiah sat there smiling; she really wanted to spit in this nigga's face. First they rode through Kross' block and next to the airport. Kross parked the car and snatched Asiah's cell phone. He turned it off and tossed it in the trunk. Asiah was scared to death at this point. This was where she drew the line. She needed to know what this fool had in mind. He swung the door open. "C'mon." "Where are we going?" Asiah refused to move. 114

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"C'mon. Don't ask me no fuckin questions you fuckin cunt!" He grabbed Asiah's arm and yanked her out the car. He'd loved to call girls cunts. He picked that word up from a white friend of his that he'd met at the gym. Kross walked swiftly dragging Asiah behind him. He'd packed their passports and IDs while she was getting dressed. He still had hers from their last trip. He was one up on this bitch, if she thought that she was slicker than him she was sadly mistaken. "Good evening. How may I help you?" "Where's your next flight goin to?" "Mmm...Let me see." The lady said scrolling through her computer as she looked at Asiah out of the corners of her eyes. She looked like she'd been shook up badly. "Well we have a flight leaving in about two and a half hours to Chicago. That will give you time to get through the security clearance. Would you like me to print out the tickets?" "Umm...yeah. Give me two first class tickets; round trip." Asiah couldn't believe what Kross was doing. This nigga had gone mad. She wanted to scream help but instead she dropped her head hiding the redness on the left side of her face. She might as well go with him because it was no way in hell she was going home looking like this. Although she did have some concerns. "Kross I have school." Asiah whined. "It's only a couple of days you'll be fine." 115

"But I don't have any clothes Kross. Chi town is cold." "We'll shop when we get there." "But …“ "Look I don't wanna hear shit else out your mouth. You lucky I ain't kill your ass. C'mon" He dragged her along. When they arrived in Chicago Asiah called Boogie and told him that Nina's parents went out of town and she was gonna stay at her house for a couple of days. "What's wrong with your cell? I been callin you." Boogie asked his sister. "Umm...I dropped it in the toilet and it hasn't been working right. I'm waiting for the new one to come Fed Ex so look out for it." Asiah lied to her brother. She hated lying to him but it was for his own good. She didn't want him to end up back in jail. If he found out what happened between her and Kross that's exactly what would happen. Kross' cell phone rang nonstop until the day they returned to Baltimore. When they got back, Kross had Asiah's car towed to the gas station so the tires could be fixed. Asiah ran around his house gathering the things she needed for school, she'd been gone for 3 days and she knew D would be pissed. She hadn’t talked to him at all. Asiah was dressed and at the door when they returned with her car. She was out the door and down the block, so fast Kross' head was spinning.

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D was the first person Asiah saw when she hit the hall. He'd been looking all around for her. Terra didn't seem to know her whereabouts and he was worried. He'd even stopped pass her house and had a run in with Saundra. Now he understood why Asiah hated her, she was totally out of order. She'd offered to suck his dick for $5 dollars. He couldn't believe she was really coming off at him like that. She didn't even know him. He decided to spare Asiah the details about his run in with her mother. He didn't want to embarrass her. "What's up? I been lookin all over for you." "Hey baby." She gave him a hug. "Naw...I don't think you heard me. Where you been?" D based on Asiah. He'd always been so sweet. "Umm...I had to go to Georgia for a few days my aunt Anna was sick." Another lie. Asiah hated lying. "Oh. Did your mother go too?" D played Asiah to see if she would lie. "No. I haven't seen her sorry ass." Asiah told the truth about that. "Oh. Is your aunt okay?" D returned Asiah's embrace. If she was lying, he couldn't prove it. "She'll be fine." Asiah buried her face in his chest and took a deep breath. She loved the smell of his cologne. She missed him.

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Asiah searched the cafeteria for Terra. She had to tell her about what happened. Terra really didn't seem interested in Asiah's story. She was more involved in her new Gucci outfit. "Like my new hookup?" she asked Asiah while Asiah was trying to tell her what happened. "Yeah that's cute...that nigga is crazy..." Asiah tried to continue with her story but Terra just didn't seem interested. When the girls reached the cashier in the lunch line Asiah searched her pockets and her purse. She'd forgotten her money. She was trying so badly to get away from Kross that she‘d left her money. "Damn.... Terra I forgot my money. Spot me $5 dollars." Asiah held her hand out knowing her girl had her back. "You mean CAN I spot you $5 dollars. Damn. Spshh". Terra got loud on Asiah. Everyone in the lunch line was starring at them. Terra slapped the $5 dollar bill in Asiah's hand and sucked her teeth. Asiah stood in disbelief. This had been one fucked up week and now Terra was tripping too. What the fuck was wrong with her? Sheebah and Misa sat in shock as Asiah told them all about what she'd been going through with D and Kross. Next, she told them how Terra had been acting and how she based on her in the lunch line at school. "The nerve of that bitch!" Sheebah hissed while doing Asiah's hair. It was the day before Christmas Eve. Asiah, Sheebah and Misa were the only ones left in the salon.

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They used this time to catch up since Asiah had been missing in action lately. "Yup yall she really been trippin. I called today to see if she wanted to come to get her hair done and her mother told me that she already got her hair done." Asiah continued her story. "Mmm..." Misa mumbled "All this time we been doin that broke bitch hair for free, now she got a lil‘ bit of money she wanna play bent, like she too good for us." Misa was hot; she fumed as she scrubbed Asiah's feet. "Dat's how bitches are." Sheebah shook her head in utter disbelief. A few minutes went by but that Terra shit kept working on Asiah's mind. "And she tried to act like she was too good to be seen with me the other day." Asiah added to her story. Sheebah handed her a mirror so she could see her hair. Asiah shook her head letting Sheebah know it was straight. Everything Sheebah did was straight. Boogie and Jamall were at the kitchen table when Asiah walked in. Boogie's cell was on the counter ringing nonstop. "Asiah get that for me." Boogie ordered. "Hello" Asiah answered her brother's phone. “Hello..." She yelled but no one answered. "Umm is this Boogie's phone?" A voice finally spoke up. "Yes it is. He busy right now. Who's callin?" 119

"Tell him Courtney called." "Okay." Asiah hung up the phone. She opened the freezer looking for her ice cream. It was gone, Boogie hated Butter Pecan so that only left one other person. "Where that damn Bomb at?" Asiah fumed. "Fuckin wit that bitch Monica" Jamall answered without looking up. They would watch the machine count the money as if they thought the machine was going to steal something. "Monica? What Monica?" "From the salon." Boogie wanted Asiah to be quiet, she was breaking his concentration. "That nigga ate my ice cream." Asiah fussed. She plugged up the Christmas tree and went to her room. CHAPTER 12

Maybe there is a Santa Claus Christmas morning was like a movie. There were so many gifts under the tree that you could barely see the carpet. They were all sitting around passing gifts, hugging, and kissing each other. It was the happiest Christmas they had had in a long time. Charlotte was at her parents’ house because Boogie decided to spend Christmas with Sheebah. Asiah gave her brother his gift with a smile on her face. She bought him a customized Jacob’s watch with a picture of her and 120

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Indya in the face surrounded by diamonds with a platinum trimming. She bought Indya a Gucci doll with the matching sleeper and slippers, but that wasn't shit compared to the 4 ct. baby bangle that Boogie bought her. At 5 months, Indya was rocking more ice than the average bitch. Asiah bought Sheebah a gift card to Louis Vuitton, and Sheebah bought Asiah a matching D&B hat and bag. They ate breakfast and continued with the gift giving. Boogie pulled out more gifts, all for Indya. She had everything from diamond earrings to platinum shoe bells and rattles. It was clear that Daddy was crazy about his baby girl. Jamall showed up at noon with enough bags to put Santa out of business. He handed Asiah a small box with velvet trimming. He bought her a platinum and diamond charm bracelet with all the charms already on it. She gave him a Jacob watch also. Boogie and Jamall traded gifts. One gave customized rims and the other gave a top of the line stereo system. "Oh, here Sheebah I got you something." Jamall handed Sheebah her gift, it was a Tiffany's bracelet. Sheebah looked surprised; she wasn't expecting a gift from Jamall. "Where's Terra?" Boogie asked. "I don't know. I guess she's home." Asiah shrugged her shoulders. "Well give her this for me." Boogie handed Asiah 3 hundred dollars to give to Terra. It was unusual for Terra not to be there. Asiah folded the money up and put it in the bag along with the gift she'd gotten Terra. Charlotte's gifts set far under the tree but Sheebah tried 121

her best to make out what they were. Despite Asiah's protest, Saundra even had a few gifts under the tree for whenever she decided to show up. Asiah was so pleased to have her brother home that she'd forgotten to open the gift that he gave her. "Here." He handed her a small box. "What is it?" Asiah shook the box. "Open it" He grinned knowing he'd out done himself. Asiah lifted the top of the box and peeked into it. "A key?" She smiled wondering what the catch was. Boogie grabbed her arm and led her to the back porch. "Look" He said pointing at a brand new platinum colored Range Rover. Asiah began to jump up and down uncontrollably. She grabbed her brother and hugged him tight as she swung from his neck .She was so happy she couldn't contain herself. She ran through the yard barefoot screaming as she jumped in the truck and started it up. "Thank you...thank screaming.

you...

thank

you...!”

She

kept

After everybody inspected Asiah's new Range, Boogie handed Sheebah a painting of a house. "Thank you" she flashed a cheap smile. How dare he give me a fuckin picture? Next, he handed her a 7 ct. necklace with a key around it. She hugged him tight thanking him for her new diamond necklace. 122

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"Naw...you don't get. That's the key to that house." He explained to Sheebah. She paused for a second to make sure she heard him right. "Did this nigga just say he bought me a house?" She asked herself. Once she realized that she heard him correctly she burst into tears of joy. She couldn't believe that she'd made a come up like this. He was the best thing that ever happened to her. "Ain't no nigga like the one I got!" Sheebah started singing as she hugged Boogie tight. Damn she loved that nigga. Everybody piled up in Asiah's new truck and took a long drive to Sheebah's new house. It was off the meat rack. The driveway was 1/4 of a mile long; there was a small pond out front, and a 2-car garage. The front doors were made of Cherry wood, the carpet was plush and white as snow. The back yard was huge it had a pool and a small basketball court. There were six bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, and a finished basement with a den. At that moment, Asiah realized that it took some major loot to cop a crib like this and her brother had it. He'd spent over a million on Christmas and didn't seem bothered by it in the least. He was deeper in this game than she could have ever imagined and it scared her, yet she was becoming fonder of the lifestyle it allowed her to take part in. "So when are we moving in?" Sheebah hugged Boogie once more. "You can move in whenever you want to." He said smugly.

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"I can move in?" Sheebah took a step back to stare in Boogie's face. She could not believe what she was hearing. "Yes. YOU can move whenever YOU want!" He stated again with more bass in his voice than usual. “What the fuck do you mean by that?" Sheebah went off. Everyone stood in shock. Sheebah had never gotten out of line with Boogie before. Asiah stood waiting for her brother to sound off like a siren and hoped it wouldn’t get too ugly. Instead, his pimp game kicked in. “Baby I can't drive all the way out here every night. I gotta keep an eye on Asiah, I gotta watch my boys, and business is jamming right now. I come in late and leave out early. You know the game. If I can make it out here I will, but I can't give you all this by being laid up all the time. This shit take's grime and work; it's a man's game baby." "But Daunte I don't understand why you even got the house if you weren't gonna stay in it." Sheebah retorted. She wasn't feeling his logic. This was bullshit and she knew it. “Cause I want somewhere to be when I need a break. Now like I said you're welcome to move in when you want. If not I'm sure it's bitches dying for a nigga to take them out the hood. So take it or leave it, go back to the projects with ya mutha!" Boogie's words pierced Sheebah's; ears he might as well have kicked her in the ass. "Here" he handed her a stack of hundred dollar bills "get this place together". 124

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Boogie walked off without waiting for Sheebah's response. He was not in the mood for her shit. He tried to handle the situation reasonably but this chic had to push it to the limit, voicing her opinion and shit. He'd dished out a lot of doe giving her the life that no one else could, yet she always seemed to want more. She was never satisfied. Didn't her mother teach her to be thankful? "Ungrateful BITCH!" Boogie muttered as he walked off. The ride home was silent. Indya rattled her toy every now and then but no one said a word. Asiah drove along in her new RR thinking of how Boogie had just gone hard on Sheebah. That definitely was a low blow. No matter how you look at it girlfriend was stuck between a rock and a hard place. She could take what he was dishing or go back to the projects. It didn't take a rocket scientist to figure out what choice she was going to make.

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All turned out! Shit was rolling; money was coming in left and right. It was like life was one big video. Big houses, fast cars, nice jewelry, anything that money could buy; Boogie had enough money to buy it twice. It was Asiah's 17th birthday…the Redwood Trust was packed and Downtown was jumping. Everyone who was anyone came out for Boogie's little sister’s birthday party…some of which Asiah knew and some of which she'd never seen in her life, but were friends or business associates of her brother. Every big time hustler in town and some out of towners were there. Every female that had the privilege to attend was there in hope of grabbing themselves a balla. There was open bar to make sure niggas was good and fucked up. Asiah's aunt Sharon allowed her cousin Laya to come out but declined her invite. "It will be way too many hoods there for me," Sharon complained in her usual snob like manor. However, tonight even the hoods had class. This was a black tie event, no jeans, no boots, none of that shit. Asiah was wearing a black Darcel Cox Original that showed off her entire chest area, with two splits on each side, and the back out. She'd been getting compliments on the dress since she left the house. "That's a bad ass dress girl," a girl from the salon admitted. "Damn shorty you wearing the shit out that dress. You got a nigga on brick" one of Boogie's friends whispered.

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"You killin'em tonight. Where you get that from?" the sales girl from a shoe store that Asiah frequents asked. "Darcel" Asiah smiled at the girl. Darcel was an up and coming designer. All the ballas and their women went to see her whenever they wanted something made to fit their unique taste. Sometimes you were lucky to catch something on that rack if it was your size, but her business was booming. She could never keep clothes in her Boutique. As soon as they were made and put on display, they were bought within an hour or so. That's why those who could afford it opted to have their garments especially made; a DCO off the rack never went for less than a G. It was unusually warm for February at 58 degrees and risking a cold neck Asiah wore her hair up. She headed for the bar and bumped into Terra's friend Rich Porter. "Rich Porter. What's up nigga?" Asiah played. "You baby. Definitely you! Happy Birthday." He looked Asiah over before hugging her and handing her $500 dollars. "Thanks Rich, Terra's in her somewhere." Asiah made small talk. "What the fuck you tellin me for?" Rich shrugged his shoulders. "Yeah right nigga." Asiah smirked and started to walk off. Rich grabbed her hand. "For real Asiah what's up with me and you? I'm tryna see you, I'm diggin you ma." 127

"Boy get off of me!" "For real shorty, my money right, ask around. I know you like nice shit." "It's not about cash Quinton." Asiah disrespected him by calling him by his government. "C'mon with the Quinton shit. Well what's it about?" "Terra. Or did you forget?" "I don't fuck with Terra no more.” "Whatever!" Asiah gave him the talk to the hand. "Seriously everybody knows that. You betta ask ya girl." Asiah thought for a minute that maybe Terra was fucking with somebody else and didn't tell her or maybe this muthafucka was lying. "Well it don't matter. You use to fuck with her and I don't fuck after my girls." Asiah walked away leaving Rich behind looking crazy. She didn't care who Terra was messing with. All she knew was that Terra had came up on a little cash lately and for once, it wasn't hers. She was happy for her friend. If Terra was happy so was she.

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Asiah, Nina, and Terra stood in the corner sipping martinis as people stopped, wished Asiah a Happy Birthday, handed her gifts, and mingled off to party. Asiah glanced at the door and spotted Sheebah, Misa, Monica, Skyla, and even Kinte' entering the party. They saw Asiah and came over to greet her just as everyone else had, hugging Nina and giving Terra a cheap wave. They were still pissed about how Terra had switched up on Asiah. The dance floor was packed; everybody was getting their head sprung. Asiah was laying low trying to stay as far away from D, Jamall, Andre, and Kross as possible. She wasn't trying to get tangled up in no shit tonight. "Fuck dat!” She thought. She walked up on her brother arguing with some girl, finally he dug into his Armani jacket and handed her some money. "Look, take this and catch a cab. I'll be there in an hour." He lied. The girl quickly agreed and disappeared from the party. She was happy that he'd agreed to see her later. Asiah stood to the left of Boogie grinning. "Who was that?" "Man...that’s Courtney. Dat lil‘ bitch driving me crazy. I wish I never started fuckin with her." He scratched his corn rolls. "Well that's what happens when you think you're a Mac." Asiah teased her brother. "I know you ain't talkin Ms. D, Kross, Dre the 3rd." Boogie pointed out Kross sitting at a table with his boys and D on the dance floor. 129

"I guess we're 2 of a kind." Asiah laughed. "You know it baby." Boogie kissed his little sister and placed his arm around her. They stood there watching the entire party together. Once the party was over Boogie sent Sheebah straight home. She protested but had no win. Bomb was supposed to hook up with Monica but hooked up with one of Courtney's friends. "New pussy always better" He proclaimed as he snuck away before Monica saw him. Nina left with Chance, Peewee and his boys hooked up with Skyla and her girls. Jamall skated off with Kinte' and her best friend Samyah. Asiah hid in the ladies room so she wouldn't run into D and Kross at the same time. She'd made it through the night without getting caught up and she wasn't about to now. She'd told them both that she would meet up with them later and left it at that. She had to keep the appearances short, she didn't want any shit. Finally, Asiah crept outside where she found her cousin Laya and Monica. "Bitch I thought I was gonna have to call my mother to come get me" Laya ranted sounding like a 13 year old. "Ya'll seen Bomb? We were supposed to hook up." Monica fumed. "Call him." Asiah handed over her cell phone. She knew what Bomb was up to but fuck that it wasn't right to just leave the girl stranded. Monica handed Asiah the phone back. 130

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"He said to meet him at your house." Monica notified Asiah. Asiah took Laya home and drove back to her house knowing that Bomb had no intentions on meeting Monica there. Boogie's Benz was parked outside along with his truck, which meant he was there. Asiah gave Monica some pajamas and showed her to Bombs room. Asiah took a shower and put on a Baby Phat jean set. "You took Charlotte home?" She asked leaning in her brother's doorway. "She started bitchin bout that shit wit Courtney at the party, so I dropped her dumb ass off. I ain't feel like driving to Sheebah's so I'll just stay here tonight. I'm sick of these ungrateful ass bitches anyway. I work too hard for this shit." Asiah nodded agreeing with her brother as she took a seat on the edge of his bed. He continued as he flicked through channel after channel. "Sheebah....dat bitch got a house ...a car...a salon. You would think she'd shut the fuck up sometimes. Hell no! She want more. She want me to spend time with her, hold her, love her, all that dumb shit." He shook his head and kept going "And Charlotte she ain't worked or paid a bill since she moved in that house yet all the fuck she do is complain." Boogie started mocking Charlotte "You don't do this, you don't do that. You don't, you don't, you don't." He switched back to himself "Shit I keep Indya whenever she want me to, and for what? It ain't like the bitch going to work!" Boogie fumed "and that lil‘ whore Courtney she don't want much, a ride in the Benz, a fuck in the truck; She like a little Gucci, Prada, nothing heavy. I wish they all were like her. Give her some money and she 131

shut the fuck up. The only thing about her is she a little freak. I gotta keep a tight leash on that bitch, she know if she get caught fuckin on me I'ma stomp her fuckin brains out." Boogie took a puff of his blunt to calm himself down. After a 35 minute, niggas ain’t shit and bitches ain’t either debate Asiah left and went to meet D. Monica lay in Bomb's bed tossing and turning. She looked at the clock. It was already 4 o'clock and she hadn't gotten a wink of sleep. It was no way she could go to sleep knowing that Boogie was right downstairs and no one was there but them. She laid there hot and wet just thinking about all the things she wanted to do to him. She'd always wanted him anyway but she never had a clear opportunity to get with him. Every time he came to the shop, it was always someone around. They had never been alone. Monica’s body was burning to feel him. Finally, she made her way to his room. He was high as a kite and out cold. She slowly slid her hand into his boxers playing with his dick until it stood straight up. Boogie thought he was dreaming, he opened one eye and realized what was going down. Monica pulled at his boxers until they were down; placing him in her mouth, she went to work. Up and down she went, her mouth was hot and wet. She did her best to deep throat all 9 and a 1/2 inches of Boogie. He laid their moaning and feeling bad at the same time. This was Bomb's bitch but it was only so much a man could take. He reached for a condom and flipped Monica over; he spread her legs wide and gave her all of him. "Uunhh…“ She moaned as Boogie pounded away at her coochie. He fucked her everyway possible mouth, pussy, and butt. After bringing Monica to her second multiple orgasm he pulled his dick out snatching the condom off he nutted all over 132

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her chest and face. His dick game was the shit. Sheebah didn't know how good she had it. Monica woke up the next morning happier than an old lady that had just won bingo. Boogie was already gone and Bomb never showed up from the night before. "Fuck Bomb now." She thought as she got dressed and called a cab. She smirked the whole ride home. "Yeah, I put it on him. I got him hooked all I gotta do is wheel him in." She thought aloud. Little did she know she'd violated the code so far as Boogie's crew was concerned. They never beefed over bitches like her. The only way she could get any play was to fuck them all. Once Boogie told Jamall he fucked her, then back to Bomb, then Boogie. It went on and on. They ran trains and had orgies with her regularly. Once they were finished with her for good, they had her entertain a few of their business associates from time to time. Monica had been completely turned out within a matter of months. One day the girls were in the shop. Misa was doing Asiah's feet, Terra was getting her eyebrows arched, and Monica was doing Skyla's feet. Boogie walked in with his Miami connect and tapped Monica on the shoulder. "C'mon I need you to do something for me." Without a word Monica got up collected her coat and her purse and left with the connect. "Yo meet me back here at 7 and have fun, it's on the house" Boogie joked with his connect. "Misa finish Skyla for me baby." He ordered and walked off. 133

As soon as Boogie was out of sight, Misa started buzzing like a bumblebee. "Monica is just a whore to them now." "Yup" Skyla agreed. "That's what she get for fuckin somebody's man." Misa added. "Naw it's not that she fucked Sheebah's man, it's the fact that she fucked Bomb's cousin." "Well I hope she don't think this gon make my brother want her. She had a choice and she should have said no. She ain't the first to be turned out and she won't be the last, Fuck her, If she wanna be a hoe let her be one. Nobody's forcing her." Asiah added her two cents. She was right, Monica had chosen to become what she was. She was being treated like a whore because she was one. She liked to fuck and suck and didn't mind doing it to Boogie or his boys whenever she could. Sheebah came over and broke up the conversation. "Where'd Boogie go?" "I think in the back." Asiah volunteered. Sheebah walked off to find Boogie.

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"I'm surprised Sheebah still let Monica work here." Asiah said to Misa. "Girl... Sheebah don't know about that shit. Is you crazy?" Misa said in a hush like tone. Asiah was surprised. She couldn't believe that Misa knew something and didn't tell it. It probably burned her tongue everyday not to tell it. Misa told everything; she was a walking gossip column. CHAPTER 14

Here comes trouble Asiah pulled up at the school blasting Jay-Z. She waited for D to finish practice so she could follow him home. His parents were out of town for a few days and she was going to stay the weekend with him. D looked so good with sweat dripping all over his body as he exited the gym. Asiah walked towards him fiddling with the 4ct. heart around her neck that D had given her for her birthday. She cherished it and never took it off. Davon kissed Asiah with his ball in his hand. "You got ya stuff?" He kissed her "Yes...." She muttered with her lips against his. "For the whole weekend?" He kissed her again. "Yes...." Asiah drove along talking to Terra as she followed behind D's Cadillac EXT. Terra suggested that they go shopping the 135

next day. Asiah agreed and told Terra she would pick her up at two because she and D were going to the movies at seven. It was the first time in a long time that Terra asked Asiah to hang out. Asiah took her shoes off as soon as she entered D's house. His mother didn't like sneaker tracks on her floors. D looked back and laughed. "Damn my moms got you shook, she ain't even here and you takin ya shoes off." "Shut up boy...." Asiah shoved D in the arm. "I hope you ain't too shook to give me that coochie tonight. “ He teased. "Fuck you Davon..." "That's what I want you to do." He pulled her close planting a kiss on her cheek. He grabbed her hand and led her upstairs through his room to his Jacuzzi. He poured some bubble bath in the Jacuzzi and turned it on. He lit scented candles placing them around the room. "C'mon" He ordered. Asiah wasn't moving fast enough so he started undressing her. D unbuckled Asiah's pants and pulled her sweatshirt over her head. Her pretty titties sat up perfectly. Davon's penis hardened at the sight of Asiah's butter naked body. D sucked Asiah's breast as if he were breastfeeding. They climbed into the Jacuzzi; Davon caressed Asiah's body along with the warmth of the bubbly water. It was heaven. They kissed and caressed each other in all the places that gave them pleasure. D caressed and sucked Asiah's toes. She pulled them out of his mouth giving him a long kiss. The 136

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smell of cucumber melon intoxicated the air as she sat on top of him and started to ride him. He gripped her hips tight guiding her all the way. They bought each other to climax as Asiah's head fell on D's shoulder. "Ooh D, I love you..." Asiah moaned. "I love you too baby." He pulled her close. Davon carried Asiah to his bed laying her down he laid on top of her. Running his fingers through her wet hair D kissed Asiah's lips, caressing and adoring her body he slid himself into her tunnel. As they lay there, bodies dripping, making love on warm wet sheets, Asiah moaned helplessly. "Unh....unh..." "Dis my pussy?" D whispered. "Yes...it's yours..." Asiah whined. "Tell me dis my pussy." "It's your pussy... it’s your pussy... uunh...." Then like many times before he grinded until they both erupted. Asiah laid there breathless as D slid down placing his tongue on her clitoris, making love to her with his tongue once again, she came. D and Asiah snuggled up and fell asleep. Asiah's cell phone started ringing nonstop. She tried to ignore it but it kept ringing. Asiah rolled over, snatching the phone from the nightstand, she studied the caller ID, and it was her brother. 137

"What's up?" "You woke?" "Not really, why?" "Yo I need you to go get Charlotte and Indya for me. She got a flat or something." "Why you can't get her?" "I'm out Sheebah's" "Where she at?" "The Days Inn in Pikesville." "What's her cell number?" "Man...she left it home as usual. I keep telling her dumb ass it's called a cell phone cause you supposed to carry it with you." "All right I’m leaving now." "Thanks sis you a lifesaver." Asiah and D got dressed and jumped on the beltway. Asiah rode pass Charlotte's Sequoia and no one was in it. Asiah pulled into the Days Inn parking lot looking for Charlotte instead she spotted Kross' Benz parked in the cut. She noted the tag number to be sure it was his and it was. She blew it off 138

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and continued to look for Charlotte. Asiah pulled in front of the check in office and jumped out. Before she could make it inside Charlotte came out. "My bad I had to use the bathroom." She apologized for not being at her truck. "It's cool." Asiah said taking her niece from Charlotte's arms. Asiah woke up the next morning and made D breakfast. Next she showered threw on an Arden B. jean skirt set with Fendi knee boots and bag. D was on his way to get his cousin and go to the gym. Asiah kissed his cheek and agreed to meet up with him around five. She pulled up at Terra's and blew the horn. Terra came out looking like she had a rough night. Asiah noticed she had a hickey on her neck but decided not to comment. Terra slammed the door and put on her seatbelt. "Which mall we going to?" Terra questioned. "I'on know which one you wanna go to?" "Don't matter." Terra shrugged her shoulders. "Let me call my brother." Asiah started dialing Boogie's number. After several attempts, she got an answer. "Wasup?" Boogie was out of breath. "I wanna go shopping, I need some money." Asiah whined.

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"What's new? How much?" Boogie shifted through the pile of money on the table preparing to count out his sister's request. "About 3...." Asiah said nonchalantly as if it was normal for the everyday person to spend three thousand dollars on a Saturday afternoon. "You killin me ma!" Boogie complained playfully before agreeing "Aight that's cool." "I'ma take it out the basement safe…“ "No....no...I’on want no money comin out those safes. I need to count all that shit to make sure everything is everything." "So what you want me to do?" "Aah...you gon have to come down here and get it." "Down where?" "The projects." "Boogie…“ Asiah whined. "You want it, you gotta come get it." Asiah pulled up on Gilmore St. blinking her eyes twice to make sure it was her Lexus parked outside. She shook her head in disbelief; her brother was always up to something. He'd been using her car to sneak and see Courtney because Sheebah's salon wasn't far and he didn't want to get caught 140

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up. Asiah knocked on the dingy green door and waited for an answer. Courtney answered the door and let Asiah in. She walked in inhaling smoke from cocaine being cooked in the kitchen. Boogie's latest venture was crack in the projects. Anything that made money he was in on it. Coke, dope, weed, X, he had a hand in it all lately. Although dope was his main source of income, he'd been testing his options. After fishing for information Asiah found out that Courtney was only 16 and Jamaican Joanne was her aunt. Joanne stashed, cooked, and ran drugs for Boogie. Courtney's mother was deported for transporting guns and her father died in a house fire so Joanne took her in. After seeing Boogie hand his sister a large bundle of cash Courtney's eyes widened. She was really digging everything about Boogie; her aunt assured her that he was a good nigga to be under. "He takes good care of his bitches" Joanne schooled her niece. Boogie handed Asiah an extra two gees for Courtney. He needed to get rid of her for a few hours. He had an afternoon fuck session planned with one of her girlfriends. "Take her with you." Boogie ordered. Asiah protested but who was she kidding? Boogie was the boss and she was stuck with Courtney for the day. Courtney sat in the back nodding her head to the music. Asiah glanced through the rearview at Courtney to check her out. She was pretty; she had a cinnamon complexion with light eyes and hair to match. She had a body as if she was 25. As the white lines pass by on the expressway, Asiah thought 141

of Sheebah. She liked Sheebah, that was her girl and she didn't want to be one of those phony type bitches that get along with everybody. She and Charlotte had just become cool after Indya was born and now here was another one to get used to. Then again, she probably wouldn't be around long. Boogie's girls were like a cool breeze on a hot day. They came, went, and never lasted. Asiah glanced at Courtney once more. She reminded her of herself, young, beautiful, and trying to find her way through a fucked up situation. The girls cruised in and out of stores. Asiah showed Courtney all the good stuff to buy. If she was gonna be a bad bitch she needed the wardrobe to back it up. It would take Courtney or anyone else for that matter years to put together a wardrobe like Asiah's. Her closets were more like exhibits; she had things in them that she barely wore twice. After a few hours, Asiah came to the conclusion that Courtney was okay, but she still liked Sheebah better. Asiah wondered if Courtney even knew about Sheebah. If she did she probably didn't give a fuck. Now days if a nigga had as much cash flow as Boogie girls were satisfied with being his side bitch. Asiah decided to throw Courtney a curve ball. "Courtney who does your hair? I like the color." "Shantay from Perfect Touch." Courtney smacked her lips running her fingers through her chin length bob. "Oh..." "Shit I wish Sheebah could do my shit, that bitch probably make my hair fall out." Courtney burst into laughter. On the way back to D's house Asiah stopped pass Sharon's to see Granny. Sharon's facial expression displayed the worst 142

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when she spotted Asiah's truck. She wondered how everyone forgot to mention it to her. Sharon flopped on the couch mumbling. "Don't make no sense." Asiah knew what was coming after that, Sharon's same old speech about Asiah and Boogie running wild and living wrong. She acted as if they had a choice in the matter. No matter how much she claimed to have cared, she'd never offered to take them in. Everyone had something to say but nobody did anything, even Granny was guilty of leaving them on their own. Sharon picked up the phone and dialed Boogie's cell phone. "Why would you buy a 17 year old a Range Rover? She has a Lexus Daunte, this shit is crazy. I'm trying to tell you you're making things hard for yourselves. You won't listen now but you'll see. I'm trying to warn you, it's just too much...." Sharon went on and on in Boogie's ear. One of the reasons Asiah hated going over there was Sharon's never ending lectures. Sharon thought she was so righteous. Asiah wondered if it would have made her aunt feel better to see them begging for food and wearing rags on their backs. She always voiced her disapproval of their lifestyle yet she never seemed to have a problem with getting on the phone and asking Boogie for bill money whenever her husband fucked it up at the casino. In addition, she never seemed to turn down any birthday or Christmas gifts either. Asiah had enough of Sharon and her shit for one day; she grabbed her keys and left.

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CHAPTER 15

A junkie is as a junkie does Saundra's muddy ran over sneakers were in the doorway when Asiah got home from D's. Asiah stumbled over the sneakers and kicked them out of her way. "Shit!" She screamed irritated with the thought of Saundra even being in the house. The house was dim and all the lights were out. Asiah slowly climbed the stairs to her room. Dragging her bags pass Saundra's room, she smelled a funny odor, the same odor she smelled at Joanne's house. Saundra was in there smoking crack. Asiah shook her head in disgust, she wished her brother would just change the locks and be done with her. Asiah slid out of her clothes and into a hot pink terry cloth boy short set. She took off her jewelry and began placing it in the box when she noticed that something was missing. She sifted through all the jewelry in the box trying to figure out what was missing. Her charm bracelet Jamall gave her for Christmas, along with two pair of diamond studs, and a Gucci watch was missing. Asiah dumped all the jewelry on her dresser and went through it carefully. "The shit is not here“Asiah fumed. Asiah paced back and fourth trying to remember if she'd left the jewelry anywhere. She had so much of it that it could have been possible. But she'd never lost anything before. Next, she thought to check her brother's room to see if his jewelry was missing, maybe they had been robbed.

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"No, a robber would have took everything in this bitch." She shot down the idea of a burglary. Then it dawned on Asiah that Saundra was in the house. She had probably been there the whole time Asiah was at D's. "That BITCH! “ Asiah fumed as she made her way to Saundra's room. Asiah burst into Saundra's room in an uproar. Saundra was stunned at first but continued smoking when she realized it was just Asiah. Asiah started searching high and low for her things. She was dumping out stuff, flipping shit over, and rummaging through everything in Saundra's room. Saundra sat on the edge of the bed smoking her crack the whole time. Finally, Asiah burst into tears realizing that Saundra had probably already pawned her jewelry. Asiah charged at Saundra full forced. Finally, Saundra dropped her pipe and dashed to the door. Asiah was right behind her, one thing she knew about crack heads were that they were always quick on their feet. Saundra was running so fast that she slipped down a few steps trying to get away from her daughter. She hit the living room floor and was up again. Asiah jumped down the last six steps to catch up with her. Saundra leaped for the door but Asiah cut her off grabbing her by the ponytail. "Girl you betta get off me!" Saundra spat as she tried to yank away from Asiah's hold. "Where my stuff at Saundra?" Asiah stood her position. "Girl I ain’t got your shit. I'on know what you talkin bout..." Saundra had that junkie grin on her face.

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Asiah fumed as she felt the anger rise from her gut. Finally Asiah snapped. All the years of Saundra's shit had driven her mad. Asiah attacked Saundra like a wildcat slinging her from wall to wall by her dirty tee shirt. All the years of getting high had definitely taken a toll on Saundra. She was weak. Asiah slung her around like a rag doll. They tussled into the kitchen battling each other like wild animals. Saundra bit Asiah's arm in desperation of breaking free. “Bitch…” Asiah screamed punching her mother in the mouth repeatedly until seeing nothing but blood. Saundra’s legs gave away and she slid to the ground; Asiah started kicking and stomping her left and right. Tears filled Asiah's eyes as the hate, hurt, and anger of life controlled her body, she stomped Saundra harder. Saundra scrambled for the broom handle in her last hopes of getting Asiah off her. She swung the broom at Asiah in full force. Asiah grabbed the other end of the broom, yanking it from Saundra's hands, she clobbered Saundra with it. Asiah gave her a swift kick to the chest and sent her flying into the cabinets. Boogie, Bomb, Jamall, and Tre came in and rushed to pry Asiah off Saundra. Boogie pushed his sister into a chair to calm her down. Boogie couldn't believe it had come to this. He looked at Saundra and knew Asiah had put an ass whipping of a lifetime on her. He was the one that taught Asiah how to fight and he knew what she was capable of. He never imagined that she would use what she was taught on her own mother. "What the fuck is wrong with ya'll?" Boogie patrolled the situation. 147

"She stole my jewelry..." Asiah rubbed her eyes producing tears like a 2 year old. "I ain’t stole shit…” Saundra retorted with a mouth full of blood. Boogie gave her a smug look. He knew that it was likely that she did take Asiah's jewelry. "Where's the jewelry?" He demanded. Saundra denied that she'd stolen the jewelry for over an hour. Finally Boogie became agitated almost slapping her himself and she admitted that she pawned it. Asiah and Jamall rushed down to the pawnshop to buy Asiah's stuff back. When they returned, Boogie had Saundra's things packed up. She'd convinced him that she wanted to go into a rehab program. He called around and offered cash for a bed. Boogie insisted that Asiah ride with him to drop Saundra off despite Asiah's protest. Asiah cried the whole ride thinking of what this woman had done to their lives. Yet her brother was always willing to give her a fair chance. Asiah couldn't understand why, had she given them a fair chance life wouldn't be so fucked up. Asiah gazed out the window as the tears flowed to her cheeks. Jamall handed her a tissue and put his arm around her, she laid her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes. After all, they'd been through Boogie, still loved Saundra and Asiah just could not understand why. It was a fucked up cycle, the more drugs Saundra used the more drugs Boogie sold. The longer Saundra stayed away it seemed like the deeper in the game Boogie got. For him everyday life was a struggle, ducking and dodging the feds, shaking the haters off, it wasn't as gold as the glitter had made it appear to be. Life was just so unfair but despite the situation, Asiah wanted more. She didn't want to become a statistic of 148

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Hood dreamz. She didn't want to be the type of person that could only function in the hood, one of those females that got caught up in the cycle where their fathers sold drugs, brothers sold drugs, mothers became junkies, and they bounce from hustler to hustler until they're eventually worn out, torn down, and junkies themselves. Asiah had seen it happen so many times and she did not care to become a part of it. Her mother was the perfect example of sugar turned to shit.

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CHAPTER 16

Best friends share everything It was a couple of days after graduation ;Asiah sat on the porch waiting for the mailman and talking to D on the cordless. Davon was packing his things for college. He was attending USC in the fall. Asiah was so proud of him yet she felt as though she was losing him forever. Asiah stood up as the mailman handed her a stack of mail, mostly bills. She went to the safe in the living room counting out 15 thousand dollars, for house bills, salon bills, and for the new bails bonds Boogie was opening up. She listened to D fuss about missing CDs that she had taken without asking. "Okay baby I'll call you back. I gotta go do something. I love you." Asiah told D while slipping into a pair of sweats and a baby tee. As she started, her Lex Nina burst through her Nextel walkie-talkie. "Asiah ... Asiah..." Nina beamed out. "What?" Asiah fumbled to get her phone off her hip. "Girl... I got some shit to tell you!" Nina exclaimed. “So what's new?" Asiah played with her friend. "Asiah I'm serious, this some serious shit!" Nina wasn't in the mood for Asiah's jokes. "Well meet me at the salon." Asiah sucked her teeth.

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Asiah pulled up at the salon; snatching the bag full of money she went in to wait for Nina. Asiah sat at the desk in the back office going over the payroll one more time. After paying all the bills, she went out front and pulled a stool up between Misa and Sheebah for some of the latest gossip. Nina stormed in grabbing Asiah by the arm. She led Asiah to the back office and shut the door. "Girl.... Why the fuck is your so called best friend fucking Kross!?" Nina informed Asiah of her newfound info. The words pierced Asiah's ears like bullets to the chest. Asiah stood motionless. "Asiah did you hear me? Terra and Kross are fucking each other!" Nina repeated. "Kross and Terra, Terra and Kross, fucking each other?” Asiah thought to herself, as she stood stiff. This was a low blow. Nina's words echoed through Asiah's head as if it was hollow. Finally, Asiah swallowed her emotions. "How do you know?" Asiah sat down. "Last night me and Chance were together… Kross called Chance and said that he needed to see him ASAP bout some money or something. Anyway...Chance was supposed to meet Kross at 10:30, but me and Chance started fucking and ain't finish till about 12. So Chance is like he forgot to meet Kross. We get dressed and jump in the car. First, we go pass Kross’ crib but he ain't there, so Chance called him. He told Chance to meet him at the Days Inn...." "In Pikesville?" Asiah interrupted Nina. She remembered that night when she went to pick up Charlotte and she saw Kross' Benz on the parking lot. 152

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"Yeah. How'd you know?" Nina nodded looking at Asiah strangely. "I just knew...go ahead." "Well Chance told me to stay in the car but he took too long. I started thinking he was up to something so I got out the car and went up to the room, peeked through the blinds and I saw Terra. Girl I ran to that car so fast, I didn't want them to know that I saw her. When Chance came back to the car, I asked him who was in there with Kross. He lied and said nobody, that Kross was just in there, bagging up some shit. That's how I knew it was some shit then. Why would he lie? They fuckin! I'm tellin you they fuckin!" Nina gasped for air. Asiah thought of all the times Terra seemed so secretive, and how all of a sudden Kross always knew everything about D and Asiah. It all added up. "Damn I should've seen this shit comin, but I woulda never thought....Terra?" "And after all you done for her." Nina was hot. “What happened again?" Asiah had to hear it one more time to make sure she'd heard it right the first time. After going through the story once more detail by detail Nina flopped down on the couch. "So what you gon do?" Nina was ready to do whatever, she had Asiah's back. Asiah couldn't believe it. She didn't want to believe it. Her and Terra was better than that or so she thought. How Terra could do some shit like this? She must've been on dope, that 153

was the only reasonable explanation. Asiah and Nina jumped in the Lex and headed for Terra's house. Asiah called Granny. She was the only person Asiah could talk to at a time like this. Boogie was out of town and Asiah felt all alone as her heart sank deep into her chest. "Granny I did everything for her. I loved her like a sister. I can't believe she did me like that." Asiah fumed. "I know baby but that's life. I keep tellin yall in that life yall livin you can't trust nobody…not even ya best friends." Asiah heard her grandmother, but did not wish to discuss her brother's lifestyle at that moment. Asiah hated the fact that every time something bad happened people always found a way to blame it on their lifestyle. "Why Granny? Why?'" Asiah cried to her grandmother. "Baby don't worry. She'll get hers, one thing about life is ‘what goes around comes around’ and that's for certain." Asiah broke into tears; she couldn't contain herself any longer. This really wasn't about Kross it was about her and Terra. She thought they were better than that. Asiah would've never stabbed Terra in the back like that. “ASIAH…” Nina screamed. Asiah dropped her phone, gripping the steering wheel with both hands "Oh shit!" Asiah quickly turned the wheel as the car spun in circles smashing into a tractor-trailer; Nina flew through the front windshield. Asiah heard her Granny screaming through the phone. 154

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"ASIAH...ASIAH…OH GOD ASIAH...ANSWER Granny screamed through the phone.

ME!"

Asiah looked over at Nina's unbuckled seatbelt as she tried to unbuckle her own as Granny's voice faded. Asiah awoke to Jamall sitting beside her. He screamed for the nurse. After assessing Asiah, the nurse went to get the doctor. A tall white haired man entered the room shining bright light into Asiah's eyes. "Ouch..." She complained. "Asiah follow the light, how many fingers do you see, do you know where you are, can you tell me what happened?” He questioned Asiah. Next, he turned to Jamall "She's just a little beat up. We'll keep her a couple of days but she'll be fine. Just a little banged up that's all," he told Jamall before leaving the room. Asiah's body stung from all the cuts and bruises and her head was throbbing. Jamall sat beside her holding her hand. "Your brother's on his way back now. Everything's gon be fine." He assured Asiah. "What room is Nina in?" Asiah wanted to see her friend. Jamall's head dropped low. He didn't want to look in Asiah's eyes. He took a deep breath filling himself with courage. "Asiah, Nina didn't have on a seatbelt. “

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Asiah saw the look in Jamall's eyes and knew it was something horrible. "Is she bad off?" Asiah asked but was scared of an answer that she couldn't handle. "I'm sorry Asiah but Nina didn't make it." "What do you mean she didn't make it? You fuckin liar…“ Asiah went off… she was in a state of shock. She screamed and hollered as every machine around her went off. Doctors and nurses came in surrounding her trying to get her to calm down. Finally, they injected her, and once again, she was out. This continued for several days. The day of Nina's funeral was dreary. It took every fiber in Asiah's body to pull herself together and go pay her respect. For the next couple of weeks Asiah stayed at Sheebah's house. Sheebah and Misa became Asiah's closest friends. Even though Sheebah and Boogie were having Courtney problems Sheebah was strong for Asiah. Kross kept calling Asiah's cell phone but she refused to answer. Sometimes Misa would answer "She don't wanna talk to you, you no good dirty dick lying muthafucka..." Misa's dirty mouth pierced Kross' ears. Once Terra found out that Asiah knew about her and Kross, she started to do her own thing. She didn't even come to Nina's funeral. Boogie came pass to check on Asiah a few times out of the week and Jamall came to visit with him. Bomb was busy working the streets and he was doing a damn good job at it. 156

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Davon was out in Cali getting settled before school started. The scholarship committee required him to report to the campus a little earlier than the other students. Asiah wished he were there to hold her and comfort her. Asiah kept thinking about Nina, sometimes she even felt like it was her fault. Even though the truck ran a red light Asiah felt like if she'd been paying better attention she could've avoided the accident. Asiah sat behind the wheel of her 4.6 for 45 minutes debating if she would drive it or not. Her hands trembled the entire way into the city. By the time, she arrived at the salon her palms were soaking wet from sweat. Everyone was so happy to see that she had finally left the house. Her hair had been in a ponytail for the last 3 weeks and desperately needed to be done. The salon was packed and in full effect. The smell of hairspray and acrylic filled the air. Asiah lay back in the pedicure chair while Misa massaged her legs. "Asiah somebody up front for you." Monica interrupted. Asiah slipped on her flip-flops and went out front. It was Chance leaning against his Cadillac truck, the sun glistened off his jewels, and he smiled and gave Asiah a tight hug. “Hey baby I heard you were back in town. How you been?" Chance was glad to see Asiah. "I'm livin, how bout you?" Asiah was concerned about Chance. "Aww...I'm just hangin in there." "So what brings you round here?" Asiah took a step back and smiled at Chance. 157

"I came to see my home girl. What's wrong with that?" Chance smiled back but the smile quickly faded. "Damn I miss that girl, I still can't believe she gone. I wake up at night sometimes reachin for my cell to tell her to come over. Then I realize that she can't come over." Chance folded his arms trying to maintain his composure. Asiah's heart went out to him. She knew that he and Nina were getting pretty tight before she died. "I know. I think about her everyday..." Asiah admitted. Asiah and Chance talked for over an hour about Nina and the things that were going on. Asiah told him that if he ever needed someone to talk to just call. "Oh yeah...Kross been real fucked up bout that shit too. He said to tell you that he reeeeal...sorry." Chance smirked. "Tell Kross I said FUCK HIM!" Asiah fumed. Later that night the girls decided to go out. Asiah refused at first but they convinced her that it was the best thing for her. "Asiah you can't stay in the house forever." Misa enforced. Asiah agreed to go out with them and headed for her car. "You goin like dat?" Misa's face was screwed up. "What's wrong with what I got on?" Asiah asked looking down at herself. The girls sat silently trying to ignore Asiah's question. "WHAT'S WRONG WITH WHAT I GOT ON?" Asiah demanded an answer from her friends. The girls burst into laughter. 158

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"Asiah are you crazy? You look a hot ass mess." Misa was honest with her friend. "Well fine I'll change. I hope you bitches are satisfied." Asiah showered and changed her clothes. She felt 100 percent better, besides her Granny always told her that when life serves you lemons make lemonade. Her baby blue Givenchy dress clung to her body displaying her every curve. Her feet were surrounded by Stiletto with a matching handbag. Her hair flowed vibrantly with a silky gloss and her jewels glistened blinding every pair of eyes that made contact. For the first time in weeks, she felt good. "Mmm… the ballas are out tonight." Skyla commented from the back seat of Sheebah's Acura. As the valet drove off in Sheebah's car a white stretch Benz, limo pulled up. "Oh my..." Misa mumbled. "Girl c'mon." Asiah grabbed Misa. "Naw… don't grab her, wait for us." A voice yelled from the limo. "I wonder who they are." Sheebah eyed the limo. "Ain’t that Darell from Harford Rd.?" Skyla squinted her eyes. Darell was one of the biggest hustlers in East Baltimore. He had just come home off a 7-year bid he caught for a murder. Darell and his boys stood close behind the girls as they waited to be seated. 159

"Hey, can we sit wit yall?" A dark skinned boy yelled out. Asiah turned around studying the group of guys. They all were nice looking except one short fat guy with a missing tooth. Misa made small talk with Dark Skinned as they were seated. Somehow, they all ended up at the same table although the girls never agreed to it. Darell sat between Asiah and Sheebah at the end of the table. He shifted one way and then the other; finally, he jumped up and switched seats. He sat in the chair directly across from Asiah. "Yeah now I can check you out. Mmmm... you pretty too." He said with his eyes piercing through Asiah, her body cringed, it was as if he could see straight to her soul. She looked the other way, she didn't like the uneasy feeling that Darell gave her. "Unh unh... turn around, lemme see ya face." Darell demanded. "What you so worried about my face for?" Asiah shot her smart mouth off at him. "Oh you a slick one ha? I like that. I wanna see ya eyes baby." "Why nigga?" Asiah got smart once more. That shit turned Darell on. "The eyes never lie chica." Darell said with a mean mug plastered on his face.

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When the waiter came to take their order, Asiah sat looking at the menu trying to make up her mind. "She'll have the crab imperial." Darell ordered for Asiah. She froze trying to imagine where this nigga got his nerve from. What made things worst was that he knew exactly what she was about to order. He was definitely on some shit. When the bill came over Darell leaned forward. "I got dis." He said snatching it right out of Asiah's hands. On the way out Darell pulled Asiah aside. "Lemme talk to you a minute." Darell grabbed Asiah's arm. It was more like an order not a request. He led her away from the crowd. "Look shorty I'm diggin you. I likes you on the real. I'm a straight forward type of nigga, if I see something I like I take it." His eyes were locked and didn't blink once. He stood there waiting for Asiah's response. She cleared her throat unsure of what would come next. "Umm... you don't even know me. How can you...." "Look shorty I wouldn't give a fuck if you was Kizzy from roots. I'm diggin you…“ Before Darell could finish his statement, Kross came over and interrupted. "Why you tryna avoid me?" Kross was in Asiah's face. "I think that's obvious Kross." Asiah glared at him. If looks could kill, he would have been a dead man. She turned and started walking away.

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"Don't walk away from me..." Kross grabbed her by the arm. "Let me go Kross!" Asiah tried to yank away but he gripped her tighter. "Naw...you gon talk to me." "About what? You talk, you wanna talk? Okay let's talk. Why'd you fuck my best friend? Ha?" Asiah demanded. That was the only thing she was interested in. "Look I don't know where you gettin this bullshit from..." Kross denied the statement Asiah made although it was true. Darell stepped in between Asiah and Kross lifting his shirt up revealing a 357. "Is it a problem broa? She said she don't wanna talk." Darell was in Kross' grill. "I don't know. Is it?" Kross lifted up his shirt revealing his 9mm. "It could be." Darell spat back. "Well then I guess it is." Kross stepped up. Asiah quickly jumped between them. She grabbed Kross by the arm and pulled him away from Darell. "Okay I'll talk ...I'll talk." Asiah sat in the passenger side of Kross' Benz relieved that she was able to stop the showdown. Kross drove along fuming over the situation. Finally, he turned down the music. 162

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"So what you fuckin with wild cowboys now?" Kross asked sarcastically as he sat behind the wheel of his six. Asiah looked over at him and wondered why he even cared. "Slow down Kross you're makin me nervous." Asiah pleaded "Oh yeah I'm sorry bout your girl." Kross said referring to Nina. "Thanks." Asiah said meekly. Pulling up in front of Asiah's house Kross let out a big sigh. "Asiah give me one more chance? Please...." Kross heard himself plead. "For what so you can uphold your image? Well I got news for you; I 'm tired of being your trophy bitch!" Asiah jumped out of the car and slammed the door. "Damn." Kross muttered as he watched Asiah walk away. Darell rode in the back of his limo with nothing but Asiah on his mind. He had to have her, she was beautiful. He was mesmerized by her beauty. He had to find out who she was. He laid back in the limo sipping on Cris. He lifted his glass up making a toast. "To you pretty girl. You gon be mines." Asiah walked into her house tossing her handbag on the couch. She’d had enough for one day and needed a bath and

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her bed. Her cousin Bomb was in the living room on the phone. "What's up baby cousin?" "Nothin much, what's up with you?" Asiah asked kicking her shoes off. She held them by the straps as she climbed the stairs. She stopped on the second floor to see what was up with her brother. Asiah walked barefoot down their plushy carpeted hallway. "Unh...unh....eer...eer.... boom.....unh...." The sound of the headboard banging the wall and the mixture of moans and hollers let her know he was busy. She turned around and made her way to the third floor. Later that night Asiah sat at the kitchen table eating her desert from earlier. "Sluh...sluh...sluh..." She heard the sound of slippers flopping down the steps. "Click" Courtney came in and flicked on the big light. Courtney's hair was wrapped up with hairclips, which made it easy for Asiah to spot her diamond earrings. Asiah grinned; her brother was a real piece of work when it came to women. He did not mind dishing out a few dollars to get them where he wanted them. Courtney wiped her eyes. "Hey Asiah, what's up? I didn't know you were here." Courtney made small talk with Asiah. "I bet you didn't." Asiah said nonchalantly. Courtney opened the refrigerator pulling out the makings of a sandwich. "So how you been?" Courtney sat across from Asiah. 164

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"I'm cool. How bout you?" Asiah made small talk back. "I'm doin okay. I can't complain." "I bet you can't" Asiah couldn't control her smart mouth. She heard her brother come to the top of the stairs. "Courtney?" Ha?" She yelled back. "What the fuck takin you so long with my food?" He demanded. "I was talkin to your sister." "Oh, she here?" Boogie thumped downstairs. He entered the kitchen slapping Asiah on the leg. "What's up playgirl?" He joked with his sister as he pulled a chair from under the table and flopped down. "Girl get the fuck up and make my damn food" He yelled at Courtney "Shit a nigga hungry." "So I see you're keeping the ball bouncing." Asiah said referring to Courtney. "It's all good baby, let it shine…” Boogie smirked. "Boy you don't make no since." Asiah burst into laughter.

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"Good. Cause I only fuck with doe that fold." He bit into his sandwich Asiah's first semester at Morgan was hard. It was totally different from high school. She wished that she was back at Dunbar. She thought about Nina often. It was funny how times changed and fast. Less than a year ago, it was all good, now everything was all bad. Nina was dead and Terra was fucking her used to be man. Davon was so caught up with school that they barely talked. Every time she called he was coming from practice, had homework, trying to make a class, it was just horrible. They talked once a week if that. Asiah didn't have many friends at Morgan; as a matter of fact, she didn't have many friends at all. She tried to make friends at school but she just didn't feel comfortable. Most of the kids there were well rounded. With their parents paying their tuition or some type of scholarship or something. They drove cars like Toyotas and Volkswagens. How could she possibly fit in? She had no family stories to tell, no big gatherings for holidays. She was still 17, and being smart was the best thing that she had going for herself. She'd skipped a grade in elementary school to provide a more appropriate learning atmosphere, yet she couldn't adapt to these people and their way of life. The professors always displayed a look of curiosity on their faces. They wondered how she could afford such fine things on no income. Although most of them drew their own conclusions, they'd never questioned Asiah directly. She'd never tell them more than the necessary. If they didn't already know how fucked up her life was she damn sure wasn't going to tell them. "Ring....ring....ring...." Asiah threw her keys on the table and rushed to answer the phone. She hoped it would be D, maybe he had 5 minutes to spare and talk to her. 166

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"Hello." "Hello... may I speak to a Miss Asiah McCoy please?" "Speaking" "This Michael Coebin calling from the state of Virginia prosecution office." "Okay...." Asiah hesitated. "I have some news for you." "What is it?" Asiah's heart dropped. "Your up coming court date has been canceled." "What do you mean canceled?" Asiah snarled. "Well Ms. McCoy I really don't know how to put this but...the man accused of attacking you was murdered in our Central Booking facility." Asiah sat dumbfounded not saying a word. The man wondered if she was still on the phone. "Hello...Ms. McCoy?" "Yeah I'm still here... umm... thanks for calling." Asiah's words stuttered from her mouth.

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CHAPTER 17

Real hustlers hustle Chance's Cadillac truck pulled up in front of Asiah's house. She bounced down the steps and hopped in. He'd called earlier inviting her to dinner and a movie. After the movie, they went to Jillian's for a few drinks and games. Chance admitted to Asiah that he had many female companions but was feeling Nina and wanted to settle down with her. He thought of her more than twice a day and missed her terribly. "You know...the way Kross feel about you." He grinned. "Chance please, Kross don't care about nobody but his muthafuckin self. If he cared so much... why'd he fuck my best friend?" "C'mon now Asiah." He sat his drink down "A nigga gon be a nigga. Trust me." "Yeah I bet. I still can't believe that shit. He coulda fucked anybody else, why her?" "She threw that pussy at him. You know how bitches are." Chance defended his cousin despite his belief that he was dead wrong. "How do you know?" "Cause I know." "How?" 168

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"Cause I do." "How?" "Look that ain't for me to say just take my word that bitch off the hook. He don't even fuck her no more anyway, he just use her to run dope now." "Mmm…Mmm…Mmm" Asiah shook her head. "That's what happens to bitches like that." Asiah agreed thinking of Monica who had been turned out also. Peewee and his boys sat around the table calculating their weekly profits. Every since his cousin Boogie had taken over the corners in East B. More it seemed that his profits were coming up short. Peewee had always been able to make a comfortable living on his own but things weren't looking too good these days. "$12,563 dollars." Peewee's best friend Kalif quoted in disgust. "That's it?" Another one of Peewee's boys complained.'' "Man I'ma fuck around and get my Q repoed fuckin with ya'll" Boo complained. "Go work for your cousin, ain't he home now?" Another boy was being sarcastic speaking of Boo's cousin Darell. "Look we 169

can't beef with each other just because business is slow." Peewee tried to calm his boys down. "Slow? It damn near stopped." Kalif lashed out once more "Man you need to tell ya cousin to lighten up on this side of town." "But he not on our corners.” Peewee defended his cousin. "Well he's close enough and that shit is takin food right outa our mouth." Kalif snarled. "We losing too much money." Boo complained. "Well nobody asked you." Peewee was sick of all the BMWs. Bitches moaning and whining. Boo was dazed for a second but made a come back. "I don't give a fuck if you asked or not. I'm tellin you somethin gots to be done about this shit and fast. " Peewee decided to talk to his cousin about his misfortune. Peewee called Boogie repeatedly but did not get an answer. He jumped in his car and decided to ride around to clear his mind from his money problems. "Maybe I can catch up with Bomb, he be over here pickin up money all the time." Peewee thought aloud. Peewee pulled up on North and Chester and sure enough, he spotted Bomb's Jaguar on the corner. Peewee jumped out of his car. "Hey Bomb can I holla at chew a minute?" 170

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"What up cuz? Give me a minute...lemme get dis cash straight." Bomb continued collecting money from his workers. Peewee stood aside watching Bomb collect at least $7500 dollars from each of his workers, and that was just for one corner. Peewee imagined how much doe they were pulling in. The thought made him sick. They had at least five other corners in East Baltimore alone. If they were taking down like that on every corner, they had to be in the millions by now. Not to mention all the weight that they were selling on the West side. Peewee added in the salon and the bails bonds and knew that his cousin could afford to ease up on his side of town. After all Peewee had been doing the East side for the past 5 years and that gave him the right to take it back. These niggas were on easy street and he was struggling to feed his peoples. He felt like busting Bomb's ass and robbing him. "Fuck him, he Boogie cousin not mines." Peewee's devious thoughts ran through his head. Boogie and Bomb were related by their mothers. Peewee and Boogie were related by their fathers and both of their fathers were lock down for life. Technically Peewee and Asiah weren't cousins either, however, none of this mattered until now. Peewee attended the family reunions and everything, but blood was thicker than water and money was thicker than everything. "Aight cuz what's up?" Bomb inquired while stuffing large stacks of cash in a Louis Vuitton duffle bag. "Yo, ya'll niggas killin us. Dats what's up." Peewee was agitated.

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"What you mean?" Bomb was totally unaware of where the conversation was going. "I mean niggas ain't gettin no money. We can't live, feel me?" "Naw I can't to be truthful." Bomb hadn't been broke in so long that he couldn't even relate to the thought of it. "Well lemme put it like dis...my money flowing funny, niggas is hungry and we barely eating. I need ya'll niggas to ease up." "But we ain't even fuckin with ya'll corners, so what's the beef." "Shit still ain't flowin right." Peewee folded his arms feeling as if his point was made. "Sound like a personal problem to me." Bomb wasn't feeling Peewee's pain at all. "What chew mean a personal problem?" Peewee couldn't believe that Bomb was trying to carry him like that. "Look we ain't on ya corners and you still ain't gettin no paper? Maybe it's ya product...that’s some personal shit, we ain't got nothin to do with that." Bomb insulted Peewee. "Listen cuz…“ "Naw you listen, we hustlers that's what the fuck we do. The game ain't about givin money away its bout gettin it. I run this Eastside shit and I ain't shuttin down no corners cause some whining ass nigga can't hold his weight. Now if you a

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hustler...hustle nigga." Bomb walked away leaving Peewee behind in a daze. "We'll see you bitch ass nigga." Peewee fumed. Bomb dialed Jamall's cell phone number. He couldn't believe that Peewee had the nerve to ask him to shut down some of his corners. If he was some other, nigga Peewee wouldn't have dared came out of his mouth with that bullshit. "That's what’s wrong with the game it's too many fake ass hustlers, wanna be ballas, imaginary players." He laughed to himself. Finally, Jamall answered the phone. "What up cuz?" Jamall's stereo was blasting in the background. "Yo you won't believe the curve ball ya boy Peewee just threw me" Bomb was ready to drop the latest street drama on his partner. "What? What happened?" Jamall could tell that Bomb was heated. "Feel my pain...I’m on Chester closin up shop. Right?" "Right." Jamall agreed on edge. "Dis nigga come round there talkin bout we killin them can we close a few corners down." "What? We ain't even on their corners...is we?" "Naw...and that's what I told that sucka ass nigga."

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"Then what?" "Yo...he start whining like a bitch" Bomb mocked Peewee "We ain't gettin no money…“ Both Bomb and Jamall burst into laughter. "I told that nigga if he a hustler...hustle, but I ain't shuttin shit down." "You did right." Jamall backed Bomb's decision. "That's Boogie cousin for you." They burst into laughter one more time before hanging up. A couple of days later Peewee got in touch with Boogie. He thought for sure that Boogie would help him out of this rut he was in. "What up Boog?" "Nothin much ....I heard you and Bomb had a few words the other day." "Yeah yo that nigga trippin." "So umm...what was the problem?" Boogie investigated. "Yo my team strugglin all I ask is that ya'll nigga lighten up a lil bit, dat's all." "I mean ....I could front you somethin if that’s what you need." Boogie offered to help his cousin.

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"Naw I got shit I just can't move it, ya'll suckin up all the clientele." Peewee complained. "I feel you, I definitely feel you, but niggas got families to feed I just can't go round shuttin down corners. What about all my workers that would be out of a job? I mean shit...I help you the best I can but I can't cut my own throat. I built this shit from the ground up and you know it. Ain't shit been handed to me...nothin! I got a lot on my shoulders too. I got Asiah, my daughter, my girl. It’s all types of shit my money tied up in, so if you think it's just fallin off trees...trust me it ain’t like that. You can always come on our team." Boogie wanted his cousin to see his side of the story. "Yeah aight." Peewee wasn't too pleased with his cousin's response as he hung up the phone. Peewee sat there thinking of another way he could solve his problems. His mind drew a blank. Peewee was stuck between a rock and a hard place. He couldn't believe that Boogie had the nerve to ask him to come work for him. Peewee had been hustling before Boogie even thought about it and he had the nerve to offer him a spot on his team. "Why be a pond on another nigga's chest board when I'm the king on my own shit? Fuck dem niggas...every dog get their day!" Peewee fumed. Asiah flung open the door to Sheebah's salon, carrying Indya in her arms she almost slipped. "Shit." She fumed looking down at the ground there were red roses in a path that led to her truck. Once she reached the truck, she found a neatly scribbled note. 175

A princess should walk on rose petals; meet me at the Grand Hyatt, penthouse suite tonight 9:00. Your Secret Admire

"It must be D. We haven't seen each other in so long; maybe he wanted to surprise me." Asiah was hyped. She sat on the edge of her bed caressing lotion into her smooth skin. Her Victoria Secret undergarments fit as if they were drawn on her body. The scent of Tranquil Breeze filled the air. She slowly slid into a black Christian Dior mini dress and some black leather knee boots. The night air felt wonderful, the moon was full, and the sky was lit up. Asiah climbed into her truck tossing her leather jacket on the passenger seat. It was a cool breeze blowing as she rode along with the windows down. She was excited about seeing D. Asiah arrived at the hotel on time. She took the elevator to the top floor, the bellboy could not stop himself from staring at Asiah .She was the most radiant thing he'd seen in his life. Asiah exited the elevator and fixed herself in the hall mirrors one last time before knocking on the door. "Knock knock" Asiah racked on the gold trimmed doors as they eased open. Asiah entered the room. The suite was lovely, there were roses of all colors along with scented candles burning to the sound of Usher. Asiah strolled through the penthouse looking for D. She found a gift-wrapped box the bows were beautiful. She opened it filled with excitement; there was a Prada bikini with a note.

"Meet me in the Jacuzzi." 176

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Asiah smiled widely as she slipped into the two-piece; she remembered the night they spent in D's Jacuzzi. Fumbling through her handbag, she found a crystal hairclip. Asiah twisted her hair up and headed for the Jacuzzi. She was impressed the bathroom was filled with balloons and there were two bottles of champagne along with chocolate covered strawberries. She poured herself a glass of champagne and hopped in the Jacuzzi. Popping a strawberry in her mouth followed by Cristal she laid her head on, the headrest as the bubbles caressed her body. After a few more strawberries and two more glasses of champagne Asiah started to feel woozy. She closed her eyes. "Now this is life." She thought aloud. "Glad you like it." A voice commented. Asiah quickly opened her eyes. "Oh my God...." She jumped up snatching an engraved towel from a nearby towel rack to cover her body. "Darell?" She fumed. "In the flesh." He was leaning in the doorway with a sly grin on his face and his hands in his pockets. "What type of game is this?" Asiah was yelling to the top of her lungs. She was so mad that she wanted to spit on him but her grandmother taught her at a young age that spitting was nasty. The fact that he remained so calm upset her even more. The grin on his face lit turmoil inside her. 177

"You play too fuckin much. I should call the police on your ass." Asiah threatened yet Darell never stopped grinning. He was enjoying her show. Asiah stood in the middle of the floor wrapped in a towel with bubbles slithering to her ankles fuming like a hot teakettle. Noticing Darell's mocha skin and cold black hair, she realized that he wasn't bad looking but right now, she was hot with him. He had nice thick eyebrows that were slightly connected with a haircut that was to perfection. He was built like Roy Jones. Finally, he stepped towards her snatching the towel off, as she screamed and hollered to the top of her lungs, he gripped her neck and slobbed her down thug style. Asiah stood speechless dripping wet in the middle of the floor. "C'mon it's time to eat." Darell ordered. Room service prepared a beautiful lobster diner. Darell poured two glasses of red wine handing Asiah one of them. She took a small sip sending Darell a death look. "Darell, what's goin on?" "What you mean?" He said dipping his lobster in the sauce right before popping it in his mouth. "Don't you think this is...umm...a little crazy?" "What? I told you I take what I want." He leaned forward looking her in the eyes "and I want you."

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"Why? What's so mind bothering about me? You don't even know me." She found herself asking the same questions that she'd asked Kross before he stabbed her in the back. Asiah was curious to see what he would say. Darell twisted his lips and leaned back in the chair. "Oh I did my homework Ms. McCoy, Dunbar grad, Morgan student." He was so nonchalant as if this info. was plastered on a poster someplace. Darell caressed Asiah's hand and continued "And I would never do no fucked up shit like that last nigga did to you." Asiah quickly snatched her hand away "clink" was the sound of her fork hitting the floor. "Look Darell this was real nice of you but I really don't think…“ He placed his index finger across her lips. "Shh... don't say nothin else." "But..." "Ait…” He hushed her once more before laying his Mac down. "Look baby I ain't no stalker, I'm just trying to get to know you...show you that I'm interested." Asiah sat mesmerized by Darell's marble black eyes. He'd managed to come across like he was sincere with his words. "This nigga's da shit.” Asiah thought. Since he'd done so much homework on her she made a mental note to do some on him. After several bottles of wine Asiah was feeling much 179

more comfortable around Darell. She lay stretched out across the Persian rug in front of the fireplace. As the flames flickered off Asiah's face Darell knelt beside her. Pressing his lips against hers their tongues became intertwined. Asiah laid there with her eyelids half open, she could barely see. It was as if she was having an outer body experience, she felt like she was on the outside looking in. "Unh...." She moaned. The heavy influence of alcohol made it hard for her to form her words correctly. As Darell kissed her breast, she knew that she should not be doing this. "Unh...." Was all she could manage to get out. His hand slid down her stomach and in between her legs. He massaged her private area back and forth. "Asiah...Asiah..." He whispered. "Hmm...." She moaned. He gripped her face turning it towards himself he began to kiss her passionately. "You gon be mine." Darell vowed to Asiah before he let her fall off to sleep. Darell was used to getting what he wanted and would stop at nothing to get it. He wanted Asiah and he would do everything in his power to make that happen. When he did things he did them way big, he was known and admired for his extravagance. He didn't want this thing with Asiah to be a fuck thing so therefore he didn't approach it like one. He was going

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to take his time and make her love him. He wanted to get inside of her head. Asiah awoke the next morning to Darell's 5 foot 9 frame. He wrapped her up in a satin comforter and held her close. She struggled to open her eyes as Darell gave her a soft kiss to the forehead. "I thought you wasn't gon never wake up." He smiled pulling Asiah by the hand. "You hungry? I got breakfast." Asiah washed her face and blotted it dry with a towel; she swished mouthwash around in her mouth and returned to Darell. "Morning babe…” He grumbled with a mouth full of waffles. Darell gazed into Asiah's Chinese slit eyes as she joined him for breakfast. All he knew was he had to have her and would stop at nothing to get her. CHAPTER 18

You can't have it all "You lucky bitch!" Misa squealed as Asiah filled her in on her night with Darell. Asiah sat on a nearby stool searching the room. "So where's Sheebah?" Asiah asked wanting to give her home girl the latest news. Misa and Skyla became silent instantly. "Well what the fuck is goin on?" Asiah huffed. 181

"Girl you know the girl Samyah that Jamall be fuckin with? Right? "Misa smirked as she warmed to gossip. First of all, that alone was news to Asiah; she felt her heart drop but pretended to be in the loop. "Yeah, what about her?" Asiah lied nonchalantly. "Well her and Kinte came in here yesterday and …“ "Wait...her and Kinte be together?" Asiah cut Misa off. "Yup" Misa shook her head "Ain’t that some shit? Well that's a whole nother story. You wanna hear about Sheebah or what?" Asiah nodded as Misa kept going. "Well ole girl Samyah came in here yesterday and Sheebah took her in the back to shampoo her hair cause the shampoo girl had ran to the store. Well when they came back, Sheebah was all upset. This bitch then told Sheebah that your brother got the lil. girl Courtney working at his bails bonds office and that he be taking care of the lil. girl. And...he suppose to be buying the bitch a Maxima or some shit." Misa stopped so she could catch her breath and waited for Asiah's response. Asiah sat calmly she knew all of this. "So Sheebah zoomed out of here and went up the bails bonds. I jumped in my car and tried to stop her, by the time Monica and me got up there Boogie was choking the shit out of Sheebah. GIRRL...when that nigga gets mad he gets mad!" "Don't I know it?" Asiah knew that to be true.

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"Girl, he was laying Sheebah ass out" Misa imitated Boogie " Bitch what the fuck is wrong with chew? You'on be comin up my muthafuckin place of business wit dis dumb ass shit. You's an ungrateful bitch. You worried about her you betta worry about ya muthafuckin self." Misa switched back to her self "Girl he let her have it, I was embarrassed for her. So this morning when we got here the shop hadn't been opened. I called your brother and he came to open up. We called around and nobody's seen of heard from the bitch, and she won't answer her cell phone." Misa hunched her shoulders. Sheebah lay in the full sized bed gazing at the motel 6 ceiling. She made her way to her feet peeking out of the window as the rain pounded heavily against the glass. This was her third day there; she quickly counted the money on the nightstand. "$137 dollars. I'ma have to go home or somethin." She thought to herself aloud. She checked her cell phone and saw that she had 22 new messages. She sat on the edge of the bed using her reflection in the mirror as a companion. "What am I gonna do? He's never talked to me like that before. I can't believe he hit me. I was wrong though...naw fuck dat he was wrong. How he gonna carry me like that? And in front of that bitch." Sheebah was fuming. Tears filled her eyes; she knew this would happen eventually. That's how the game worked. Every girl she knew that had a big time hustler for a boyfriend went through this type of shit. Somehow, she'd hoped things with her and Daunte would be different. She was in love with him long before they'd even met. The stories of his hard hustling and thuggin turned her on. She first heard of him from her girlfriend. Sheebah remembered how all of her girlfriends would gather in 183

Tayana's living room while her mother worked nightshift. They'd discuss the who's who and what's what. Boogie's name always made its way into those types of conversations. Even when it came to Barbershop talk, Boogie's name was loosely used when it came to ballas and more. Sheebah had heard so much about him even when he was in jail. The story of TyTy and the glasshouse confirmed his thoroughness. When Sheebah finally got a chance to meet Boogie she was shocked to see that he was fine. With a name like Boogie and the stories, she'd heard she just wasn't expecting him to be so fine. It was only one of two things she could do. One, pack her shit and go back to her mama's house and share a room with her little sister. Two, go back home and forget this shit ever happened. She had a million dollar house, a salon, an Acura, many diamonds in all colors, Gucci, Fendi, Prada, whatever she thought of she had it. She sat there for a few minutes convincing her reflection that life wasn't all that bad. It definitely wasn't bad enough to give it all up, and besides she did love this nigga. Nobody made her pussy throb the way he did. She often wondered how he had energy to fuck around after he fucked her. She picked up her phone and dialed Boogie's number. "Hello." "Daunte." Sheebah squealed. "What?" He was instantly irritated. "You still mad at me?"

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"Naw...I ain’t mad at you, you just can't be comin up my office doin that dumb shit. "I...I know. I was wrong...but Samyah said...." "Samyah? Dat freak bitch. Tell that freak bitch to mind her business. I should fuck you up again." He threatened Sheebah. "Why...?” Sheebah pleaded. "Cause you'on be listening to them bitches. I take care of you. Me, not them. Dey can't do shit for you but get your ass whipped. You don't listen to nobody but me, I'm ya damn daddy." Boogie let Sheebah have it one more time. Somehow, he convinced her that she was in the wrong, still not admitting to his relationship with Courtney he ordered Sheebah to go home. "Getcha ass in the house!" He huffed before hanging up in her ear. Back home Sheebah showered and slipped into some Frederick's of Hollywood. She sat in the glass room overlooking the pool. She watched as the stars twinkled and the moon glistened over the aqua blue water. Sheebah ran her fingers through her black shoulder length hair, looking down at the 8 ct. cluster ring that covered her mahogany finger she felt so alone. She checked her Rolex, it was two o' clock and Boogie still wasn't home. Gathering her hair magazines, she headed to bed. She dropped the magazines in the stainless steel bookrack and poured herself a glass of cranberry juice and vodka so she could sleep. Sheebah climbed the double staircase and looked down at the front

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doors one more time hoping that Boogie would come in. She kicked her slippers off and climbed into her king sized bed. "I guess this is it." Sheebah hunched her shoulders. "I guess I can't have it all, this is the price you pay for all this shit. You can't have wealth and happiness, can you? After all if you could it would be too much like right." Sheebah sat talking to herself by television light until she fell asleep. Asiah dialed D's number for the third time today. She was beginning to wonder if she had the right number. Of course, it was the right number, she was able to reach him when he first went to college but now it seemed like he was impossible to get a hold of. "He act like he forgot my number or something." Asiah fumed to herself. It had been months since she'd heard from D. After all of the times that he told her that she was special and that he loved her and no one but her, she wondered how could he just leave and never look back. She thought that maybe he found someone else or maybe he was just too busy, although he was never too busy before. Asiah knew firsthand that college consumed twice as much of your time compared to high school. D's team had won five out of six of their games so far, so Asiah knew he was working hard. She watched him on T.V, but would start to cry because she missed him so badly. After a while, watching him play ball on T.V. all sweaty and stuff was like torture so she stopped. Asiah wanted to believe that D was consumed with schoolwork and basketball and not with other females. "Or maybe he just said fuck me." Asiah cried to herself.

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Boogie sat in the middle of Charlotte's living room playing with Indya. Charlotte bounced down the stairs as the doorbell rang. "I got it." She sang out happily. She was delighted that her and Boogie had been getting along so well lately. He’d been fucking her brains out and she loved it. "What's up Mr. Morton, you see that basketball game the other day?" Boogie chatted with Charlotte's father. "Yes I did. That Davon Broadway is something else. You know his father is an associate of mines…“ "Daddy did I tell you that Daunte's sister dates him?" Charlotte interrupted her father. "Yes...I believe you did." Charlotte's father recalled. Charlotte's mother sat down on the couch giving Boogie an unsatisfying look. She hated him with every fiber in her body. She took a small sip of tea to give her throat some moisture so she could get started on Boogie. She sat the cup down. "Well Daunte...what have you been up to? thugging." She questioned sarcastically.

Besides

"Oh God here this bitch go." Boogie thought to himself. "So Daunte I heard you just opened up a bail bonds." Mr. Morton saw an argument arising and tried desperately to intervene.

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"Oh a bail bonds? Good now you can bail out all of you little homies, is that what you call them? And they'll be on the lose robbing and killing." Laura-Ashley mused out her opinions. "Well his salon is doing good too mommy." Charlotte tried to salvage a conversation that had already gone south. "Is that the same salon that he has his other woman running?" "Now Laura-Ashley that's their business and...." "Shut up Morton... So Boodie...Boogie, whatever they call you. Do you plan on marrying my daughter anytime soon?" "Ma…“ Charlotte was literally begging her mother to be quiet. "Come on now the girl is grown up, she can make her own decisions..." Charlotte‘s father pleaded. "I hardly think 20 is grown Morton. She'll always be my baby. I went through 32 hours of labor...' "I know you went through 32 hours of labor while I was in Aspen on a business trip. What does that have to do with this Laura-Ashley?" Morton hated his wife sometimes. "I just don't want my daughter living in sin shacked up with some drug dealer popping out baby after baby that's all." She took another sip of tea.

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Boogie grabbed his keys and kissed Indya on the cheek. She instantly burst into tears as her father headed for the door. "Charlotte I'll holla at you later." Boogie was out the door without another word. He had to leave to keep himself from smacking the shit out of Charlotte's mother. "Ma...." Charlotte fumed at her mother. "What? What did I do?" Jamall sat back on his leather couch holding his remote as Samyah's head went up and down between his legs. Looking over at the Harbor his heart weighed heavy. His downtown condo was furnished with nothing but the best. His Denali and Lexus were stored in a garaged beneath the building. The drug game had been good to him; he bought his mother a house in Carroll County. She'd been begging him to get out of the game, but it wasn't that easy. After seeing his mother struggle for years after his father left, Jamall's older brother started hustling to help out with the bills. He got caught up in a big drug raid and was shot by the police when Jamall was just eight. Jamall stood beside his brother's hospital bed as he slowly died. "Take care of mama." He told Jamall right before he closed his eyes forever. On that day, Jamall vowed that his mother would never struggle again. His brother died trying to make life better for them the best way he knew how and now it was up to Jamall to finish the job. Now Jamall took care of his mother with ease and she never had to worry about bills or anything else.

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Although Jamall's life was coming together financially, he knew that there was something missing and it was Asiah. He knew that he was in no position to pursue her at this point but he couldn't help from thinking about her. He'd watched her grow up and he was very fond of her. He was tired of coming home to an empty house and he was definitely tired of these money hungry bitches. All of them meant little or next to nothing to him, they were the type of females that would fuck their best friend's man and in the same breath, they would fuck each other if he told them to. Asiah was different. She wanted more than just Hood Dreamz, she wanted to be more than a cocaine princess and Jamall admired that. He wanted more for himself, but he knew it would be along time before a change could come. He couldn't just pull out of the game now; they had too much going on. It was a 3-way partnership and they all played crucial parts in the success of the business. He could deal with the pressures of the drug game but his feelings for Asiah were becoming harder and harder to deal with. Jamall and Boogie had done more dirt together than either of them could recall and it was no telling when it would end. The boys were like brothers and it was nothing that they wouldn't do for each other. Boogie was the reason that Jamall decided not to pursue Asiah. Jamall knew that at this point in his life he wasn't what Asiah needed. He didn't want to hurt her and he didn't want to hurt Boogie, that was his boy, the one he broke bread with. Besides being, Boogie's best friend definitely had its lessons. Jamall had watched Boogie constantly running himself in circles between his baby's mama, his girl, and his young bitch. Boogie was damn near going crazy trying to keep them all happy. He was in so deep that he couldn't make a choice between them if his life depended upon it. Seeing Boogie go through all of this made Jamall realize that when he did settle down it would definitely be with Asiah. He knew that she was the one for him, when the time was right. After 190

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all the ballin, killing, hustling, and drug dealing he would change his life for the better and take her away from all of this. "Unh...." Jamall laid his head back as his body tensed up he erupted in Samyah's mouth. CHAPTER 19

A New Low Once again, Peewee and his boys surrounded the table counting less than 15 thousand for the week. "Look. What the fuck we gon do?" One boy ranted. "Did you talk to ya cousin?" The other questioned. "We gotta get these niggas from over East. I might as well go work for my cousin Darell. " said Boo who’s Q45 was up for repo. "Shut the fuck up!" Peewee was frustrated with the whole situation. “All yall do is whine like a bunch of bitches!" "I don't think Darell doin as much as he used to." One boy told Boo to redirect his thoughts of leaving the crew. "Well he doin better than us." The other boy announced as if he was thinking of leaving the crew himself. "I know what to do." Peewee jumped up from the table. "What?" 191

"I'll tell yall later." Peewee dashed out the door. Asiah awoke to the 6 o'clock news. She sat up on the edge of the bed in a daze wondering had she heard correctly or was she dreaming. "Coming up on news at 6 we have a very special interview with Baltimore's own Davon Broadway who's been drafted to the NBA. A live interview up next on news at 6." Asiah jumped up to turn up the volume, she didn't have time to search for the remote. She had to see this interview; it was her only chance to see D since it was obvious that he'd forgotten all about her. She went into a daydream of him holding her but quickly snapped out of it when she heard the news come back on. It was D via satellite from Cali. "So Davon congratulations! How does it feel buddy? You're going to the NBA." "It feels good; it feels real good." D laughed showing those dimples along with his pearly whites. "Well you know some people were totally surprised to see you go pro after only one year of college ball. I mean you were a definite NBA pick but who would have thought so soon?" "Well I'm blessed, what can I say? I worked hard, played well, kept my grades up, and they wanted me." D hunched his shoulders. "So what are your plans now? Of course, you'll be relocating…“ 192

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"Yeah, I'll be looking for a place in Miami…“ "Oh by the way Davon's been signed with the HEAT " The sports guy smiled, he was so into the live interview that he forgot to mention what team D was going to. "Yeah the HEAT, hopefully it'll be a good run. I'ma make ya'll proud." “So let's talk about the money..." The guy laughed. "Ahh...the money. The money's good real good." D laughed. Asiah jumped up and turned off the television. She couldn't take another second of him. How could he do this to her? She flopped down on the edge of her bed clutching her pillow tight as her forehead wrinkled and tears forced their way to her eyes. Her heart sank into her chest. She sobbed, for the first time in her life, she had someone that wasn't a drug dealer that was good, D was bright and full of potential. When he needed her, she had always been there. When his body ached from those hard practice sessions she caressed it and loved it, when he was hungry, she hand delivered his food right to the court, now he had gotten his $10 million dollar contract and forgotten all about her. Asiah threw the pillow at the television and burst into tears. Peewee pulled up on Port St. and glanced across the street he saw one of Boogie's workers name Tre. Tre was serving fiends, they were all lined up and the line curved around the corner.

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"High Society! Get ya High Society! "Two other workers stood close to Tre yelling. Peewee got out his car and walked to a nearby payphone. He dialed 911. "911. How may I direct your call? Firemen, ambulance, or police?" The dispatcher asked. "Police." Peewee muttered as he noticed a small Korean lady on the carryout steps smoking a Newport. "What's the problem sir?" "Drug activity on the corner of Port and Lanvale. I can't even get into my own house without being harassed." Peewee disguised his voice to sound like an elderly man. "Okay sir I'll send someone out. Would you like to...." "No thanks, no visits I don't want any trouble." Peewee knew that she would try to get more information. He hung up the phone before she could say another word. He sat in his car and observed as three squad cars pulled up on the set. People scattered like roaches running this way and that way. Peewee laughed, he enjoyed seeing Boogie's money getting fucked up. Bomb dialed Tre's cell phone for the third time in a row. He took the phone away from his ear and looked at it to make sure he was dialing the right number. "Damn why ain't he answering the phone?" He questioned to Jamall as if he should know. Bomb sat in the passenger seat of Jamall's truck sifting through piles of money. 194

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"Man, North and Chester did real good today." Bomb told Jamall. “How bout Greenmount?" Jamall questioned. “Greenmount did great, so did Harford Rd. If dis nigga Tre answer his fuckin phone, we can pick up Port and Lan. and go in for the night." Bomb huffed as he dialed Tre's number once more. "Fuck it let's just go round there." Jamall's Denali XL pulled up on the corner of Port and Lanvale, the truck stopped but the rims kept spinning. The block was like a ghost town, not one soul in sight. "Where the fuck is everybody at?" Bomb wondered aloud. "Fuck it I'ma grab me somethin ta eat." Jamall jumped out of the truck. Bomb dialed Tre's number once more. He knew that something wasn't right about this shit. It was unlike Tre to not answer his phone. Jamall flung open his black mink coat upon entering the carryout. "Damn it's hot in this bitch!" Bomb agreed and flung his mink open also. As the carryout lights reflected off their diamonds and platinum, the neighborhood girls stood motionless hoping to be noticed. "Bombee! Bombee! "The little Korean lady yelled coming from behind the bullet proofed glass.

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"What's up mamachink?" Bomb asked as he noticed that she was waving a piece of yellow paper. "Bombee, I outside ...ay...earlier. I smokee Newport. I saw boyee...ay...black boy on phone...outside. He call police on Tre." She said pointing towards the corner. Bomb was stunned. "Who?" "Uhh...me never see him before. He drive blue car." "What kind?" "Uhh...blue box car." She started fumbling with the piece of paper “I wrote tagee number." She handed Bomb the paper. Bomb looked at the paper closely handing her 3 hundred dollar bills he kissed her on the cheek. "Thanks mamachink." Jamall got his food and they left. Right before pulling off Jamall noticed a young girl sitting on the steps of a house a couple of doors away from the carryout. She was wearing a thin jean jacket, black sweat pants, and white tennis shoes. She held herself tightly shivering as the cold air pierced through her body. Jamall could tell that the girl was freezing. He shook his head and pulled away from the corner. Before he could make it around the block, the thought of her shivering on the steps bothered him and he was right back on Port St.

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"What's wrong shorty? Why you out here in the cold?" Jamall asked the girl. The neighborhood girls were on the carryout steps watching Jamall's every move. The young girl's eyes sparkled, as she looked Jamall over. She had never met anyone so handsome. "My dumb ass mother locked the door." She tried to sound grownup "I can't get in." "Well where she at? “ Jamall looked up and down the block. "I don't know. Somewhere gettin high." "Well" Jamall studied the house "want me to see if I can get you in?" He offered. She nodded yes. Jamall went to his truck to get his Swiss army knife and hurried back. After a few minutes of fiddling with the lock, the door popped open. Jamall stepped inside the house and realized that it wasn't much warmer than outside. He flicked on his lighter so he could see. "Hit the lights." He told her. "Ain't none." She said shamelessly. Looking around Jamall quickly made a decision. "C'mon you can't stay here." He said grabbing her by the hand. Jamall dropped Bomb off at his car. Trying to decide exactly where he would take Kimara, he stalled. "You hungry?" He asked her.

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"Yeah…” She quickly responded. Somehow, Jamall knew that would be her answer, he was already on his way to Denny's. Over breakfast he found out that she was 15, her mother was a junkie, her father died before she was born and she didn't know his side of the family, she had no brothers or sisters, and she went to Northern high school whenever she went. After eating they drove around a little while longer talking. Jamall was drawn to Kimara. He wasn't sure if it was sexual or not but for some reason he just couldn't leave her on those steps. Finally, he pulled up at a Hotel. He opened the door and turned the ignition off before he could get one word out Kimara's hand was on his knee. "Jamall don't leave me here alone." She pleaded wanting his company at least for the night. He had nowhere else to take her. It was against the rules to take her to his house, plus Kinte was there. "Look we can think of something tomorrow, but tonight you gotta stay here.” Jamall paid for the room and gave her money for room service. As Jamall headed to his downtown condo he couldn’t t figure out for the life of himself why he’d done what he just had done. Jamall rarely gave a fuck about anyone outside of his circle, yet this Kimara seemed to grab at him like a fishhook. He was drawn to her like a magnet. CHAPTER 20

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Meanwhile Bomb found Boogie at Jamaican Joanne's house with Courtney. Boogie opened the door rubbing his eyes; it was obvious that he and Courtney were laid up. "Yo, what's up?" Boogie was shocked to see Bomb that time of night. "I got some shit to share wit chew." Bomb was anxious to tell his cousin about Peewee. "What happened?" Boogie knew that it had to be real serious for Bomb to show up this time of night without calling or something. Bomb told Boogie the whole story of how Mama Chink saw Peewee call the O on Tre and everything. "You sure it was Peewee?" Boogie questioned Bomb. This was hard for him to believe. "She got the tag number and everything." Bomb showed Boogie the same piece of paper that Mamachink showed him. Boogie took a close look at the paper. "It's his alright." Boogie's eyes filled with worry. He grabbed his mink from the couch and stepped out front with Bomb. Shutting the dirty green door behind him "Let's walk." He ordered Bomb. Walking through the projects, they took a seat on the infamous brick wall. Boogie sat silent for a second as he studied his surroundings.

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"So what chew gon do?" Bomb broke the silence. "Uuhh..." Boogie let out a huge sigh forming a cloud as his breath made its way into the cold night air. Boogie shook his head; he was ashamed to think that his own blood would cross him like this. Granny's words played through his mind. She always told him that no one was to be trusted when it came to the game. Boogie thought carefully as he observed every car that passed by. "I gotta sleep on this shit. I just can't do away wit him, he is my cousin. "Boogie knew what Bomb was dryly suggesting. Bomb wanted to have Peewee killed. If not kill him himself! "Look man how we know he ain't tryna do away wit us?" Bomb was now staring Boogie straight in his face. "Aight dis what we gon do...You know dat kid Boo that be wit Peewee? Boogie quizzed his cousin as he continued to lay out his plan. "I'ma get wit him; give him a couple of dollars to keep his ears open. If any more funny shit happens then we gotta do what we gotta do." "How you know Boo gon for that shit?" Bomb was secondguessing Boogie's master plan. He was in no mood to plot a master plan he just wanted to kill the nigga. "If they doin as bad as Peewee claim then he'll bite." Boogie made a good point. He knew from experience that money talks and bullshit walks, round one. Boogie and Bomb clapped hands and gave each other a pat on the back before parting. Bomb watched his cousin walk away as he started his Jag. He was in disbelief; he couldn't understand why Boogie was so calm about the situation. True 200

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that, Peewee was Boogie's cousin and they were very close at one point in time, but it all boiled down to one thing. “It’s either us or them." Bomb thought to himself. Bomb was more than happy to take matters into his own hands. If he saw any signs of Peewee trying to pull any shady shit he'd gladly kill him himself. Boogie would be thanking him later. Boogie sat outside Central Booking waiting for Tre to be released. Charlotte was repeatedly calling his cell phone. They had an argument that morning about his “other bitch ", that's how she referred to Sheebah. Boogie reached over into his glove box pulling out a box of condoms as his cell phone rang again. By now, he was become agitated. "WHAT?" He answered as he slung the condoms into his overnight bag. “All I need is for Sheebah to get a hold of these I'll have to kill her ass." Boogie thought as the sound of an unfamiliar voice broke his train of thoughts. "Yeah this Boo, you wanted to talk to me?" Boo was nervous. Boogie was enlightened to see that Boo took the bait so soon. It wasn't even 24 hours after he'd put out the word that he wanted to talk to him. "Uhuhuh…“ Boogie cleared his throat "Yeah I had a few dollars I thought you could use if you need it.” "What's the catch?" Boo knew the game all so well, he knew it was some shit to this.

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"It ain't no catch. You wash my hands I'll wash yours. But I don't talk on phones; meet me at McCormick’s on the docks about 3." Boogie made it sound so simple. He waited for Boo to agree to meet him. "O...Okay." Boo was hesitant but agreed. After all Boogie was like the long arm of the law if he wanted you he would get you, so Boo saw no need to pro-long the inevitable. Tre flopped down in the passenger side of Boogie's Benz. Letting out a huge sigh, he spread his arms out and stretched like a newborn baby. "Whew...I need a shower." Tre complained. Boogie glanced at Tre and cracked a smile. He reminded him of himself at the age of 18. Tre was young, hungry, and out for blood. He could hold his heat without a problem. "Did you get Monk and Dump out?" Tre was concerned about his boys. "Dey got out this morning.” "Oh." Tre was satisfied. "How much stuff you got caught wit?" Boogie was curious. “30 pills." Tre sounded worried. "30 pills ain't shit baby boy, don't sweat it. I got a good lawyer" Boogie started imitating Tony Montana " I gotta lawyer so good that by tomorrow morning they'll be working in Alaska, so they betta dress warm." They both burst into laughter.

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Boogie's Denali XL pulled up on pier 5. His headlights were so bright that they lit up the water as far as the eye could see. Jamall spotted Boo's Q45; taking a long drag of his blunt, he passed it to Bomb. "I'on see dat nigga." Jamall said in a queasy voice. "Dere he go." Bomb said blowing out a cloud of weed smoke. They all exited the truck, each with a fully loaded girlfriend on their hip. Boo was nervously pacing in a small circle as the trio approached him. "Whatup young buck?" Boogie asked extending his hand. Boo reached out giving a weak handshake. Boogie could tell that Boo was scared shitless. Boogie pulled a tightly rubber banned stack of hundreds out of his coat pocket. "C'mon sit down." Boogie told Boo as they took a seat on a nearby bench. Offering Boo some of his blunt Boogie began to talk. "It's an easy 5 gees for you if you want it. If not I gotta kill you.” Boogie was nonchalant about the whole scenario but Boo knew that this was no joke. "What I gotta do? Who I gotta kill?" Boo questioned. "Whoa hold what chew got. You ain't gotta kill nobody just keep ya ears and eyes open. When Peewee shit I wanna know what he ate, can you handle that?"

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"Yeah I can handle that." Boo was on board. He had kids to feed and bills to pay. It wasn't personal this was all business. Boogie handed Boo the stack of money and gave him a reminder. "You work for me now, remember that." Boogie said flashing his, I'm the Don grin. Asiah drove along 695 listening to the radio as Misa continue to run her mouth. Taking a quick glance at Misa, Asiah noticed her unbuckled seat belt. "Put on that fuckin seatbelt! “ Asiah panicked as she relived the horrible memory of Nina going through her front windshield. Misa jumped quickly. "My bad. “ Misa apologized. "You damn right it's your bad you betta...." "Shh....” Misa hushed Asiah as she turned up the radio. "Listen." She ordered Asiah to listen. "THAT'S RIGHT BALTIMORE WE'RE BRINGING YOU THE BIGGEST BIRTHDAY BASH OF THE YEAR. BALTIMORE'S OWN DAVON BROADWAY IS HAVING A BIRTHDAY EXTRAVAGANZA. TICKETS GO ON SALE........" Asiah reached over and turned the radio off. The thought of D having a party sickened her. She hadn't heard from him since God knows when. Now he was having a party and he didn't even have the decency to call and invite her. He was a bitch in all ways possible. "RING...RING..." Asiah's phone sounded out.

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"Hello." Asiah was already heated and hoped that whoever this was didn't fuck with her last nerve. "Asiah?" "Yes..." Asiah's eyes widened. She recognized the voice it was Terra's mother. "Umm...have you heard from Terra?" “Umm no Mrs. Keegan, me and Terra haven't been speaking." Asiah hesitated hoping Terra's mother didn't want the nasty details. Terra's mother was shocked she'd never known the girls to be mad enough to stop speaking. It had to be something really serious to split up those two. "Why? What happened?" Terra's mother did just what Asiah hoped she wouldn't. "Well...you need to ask your daughter." Asiah tried to be civil about the whole thing. "I can't she's locked up." Terra's mom started to cry. "That's why I called you I thought that she may have called you to bail her out or something." "Locked up? What is she doin locked up?" "Drugs." "Drugs?" Asiah froze thinking of Kross. "She got caught with 2 kilos coming back from New York." 205

"WHAT?" Asiah was in disbelief as she thought of what Chance had told her about Terra being turned out and doing any and everything for money. "Well I haven't talked to her," Asiah concluded. After telling Misa about Terra, Asiah felt somewhat bad. She thought of all the good times they shared, she couldn't believe it had come to this. Asiah missed all the nights that she, Terra, and Nina sat up gossiping and having girl talk. "Damn Nina" Asiah missed Nina. There wasn't a day that went by that she didn't think about Nina. She checked the clock once more. She didn't want to be late, Granny hated to be late. If you told her three o clock than she would be dressed by two. Granny had called and asked Asiah to take her to meet a few of her friends at Cactus Willie's. Although it was not a place that Asiah frequented she figured that her and Misa might as well get their grub on. As usual, Granny was in the doorway waiting as Asiah's RR made its way up the driveway. Granny was bundled up in her winter coat and her silver hair was tightly French rolled with curls in the front. Misa held the door open for Granny and hopped in the back seat. Granny could sense that something was bothering Asiah. "Asiah, baby what's wrong?" Granny was concerned. "Nothing Granny." Asiah lied. "Okay. Let me know when you're ready to talk about it."

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Asiah sat at the table poking at her food while Granny watched her every move. Granny knew that eventually that Asiah would crack. She watched as Asiah started to twist the ends of her hair. Finally, Granny reached over grabbing Asiah's hand. "Asiah baby, tell Granny what's wrong." "Nothin Granny." Asiah quickly yanked her hand away. She didn't want to have a heart to heart in front of Misa. She knew that Misa would say that she was crazy to be worried about Terra. She knew Misa would tell her to forget about Terra. "Fuck Terra! Why you worried bout that bitch? She was never your friend anyway. Fuck her!" Asiah knew Misa's words would be somewhere along those lines. Once Misa was gone, Asiah was ready to talk to Granny about her feelings. She was the only one that Asiah could open up to about it. It had been months since the whole thing went down and everyone expected her to be over it by now. She thought she was over it until Terra's mother called. Although she should have gloated at Terra's misfortune, she felt bad and on top of that, D was having a birthday party and didn't even bother to invite her.

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CHAPTER 21

Old habits die hard Asiah awoke to Sheebah and Skyla screaming over her walkie-talkie. They demanded her to get to the salon right away. Their squealing voices let Asiah know that it was something juicy going on. She jumped up slipping on her chocolate velour, her LV sneakers, and handbag she flew out the door. She wasn't about to miss what ever was popping off at the shop. Asiah gasped when she spotted a smoke gray Phantom as her Lexus ripped down North Ave. She found a parking spot and ran into the salon. "So what's up? A fight, a beef, what? “Asiah was dying to know what all the fuss was about. Everyone stood giggling and staring at her. Asiah began to fume as she realized that the joke was on her and she was not there to be entertained but she was the entertainment. "What the fuck is so funny?" She fumed. "Somebody in the back for you." Sheebah giggled. "That's all ya'll had to say. Ya'll standing around lookin stupid and shit. Silly ass bitches." Asiah spat as she made her way to the back office. Before stopping to think who it could be Asiah burst into the room only to find that once again the room was filled with dozens and dozens of roses. Darell stood there smiling at the look on Asiah's face. She couldn't believe that he was so persistent. It had been two months and he still was trying to wine and dine her. Although Asiah never committed to dating, she was beginning to like his surprises.

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"What up sugadip?" "Nothin much." Asiah mumbled trying not to act pressed as Darell stood up and came towards her. Getting as close as two people could get without fucking, he stepped into Asiah's personal space. "When you gon stop playing girl? Why you tryna make a nigga chase you and shit?" Darell was chomping on a piece of candy. "Darell I'm not playing games, okay." "So why you tryna play a nigga? Oh, I see you still hung up on that bitch ass Davon Broadway. Girl that nigga gone." Asiah swallowed hard, she couldn't believe what he just said. Asiah wanted to cry so bad that her throat burned. Her heart felt like it had been hit with a dart and not the kind that cupid shot out. "Fuck you Darell." Was Asiah's only come back. Asiah shot out of the salon with tears in her eyes as Darell chased behind her pleading for her to stay; Misa jumped in Darell's face. "What the fuck did you do to her? Next time don't ask us to help you do shit. You a fuck up!" Misa’s dirty mouth sounded off like a siren. Asiah's feelings were hurt. She cried as she sat behind the steering wheel of her car. What Darell said was really eating at her, especially since it was true. She did still have feelings for D, and since he'd left her hanging the way he did it was obvious that his feelings for her weren't the same. She'd been hung up on D for far too long and it 209

was time to let go. Asiah returned home diving face first into her bed, she wailed tears the size of raindrops. Why was life treating her so unfair? It seemed that lately even her brother had very little time for her. She'd long ago given up on Jamall. She'd accepted the fact that her and Jamall would never be together. It was time for Asiah to realize that stories like her’s just didn't have happy endings. Maybe she should give Darell a chance; at least he was one of her own. She wouldn't have to lie or pretend with his family, although D's family had never made her feel unwelcome. Asiah felt like she was trapped in Hood Dreamz and from the looks of things, she had no way out. "Boom...Boom...Boom..." "Come in." Asiah sniffled quickly wiping the tears from her face. "What up baby cousin? You aight?" Bomb was concerned. He heard Asiah crying as he passed by. "Yeah. I'm cool." Asiah lied. "You sure?" Bomb sat on the edge of the bed patting his cousin on the back. "I'm sure; I just don't feel too good." Asiah flashed at fake smile. "Cause you know I'll kill a muthafucka…“ "No...I'm good."

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"Aight then be easy." Bomb stood up taking one final look at his little cousin before he left. Asiah balled up in a tight knot and cried herself to sleep. Asiah awoke to her cell phone ringing non-stop. She focused on the caller ID and saw that it was Sheebah and Misa; Asiah flicked her phone off and laid there staring at the ceiling. Next, the house phone started ringing nonstop, after about 20 minutes of harassment Asiah snatched the phone up. "What?" "Asiah we sorry...we ain't know that Darell was gon say no shit like that. WE WON'T HELP HIM DO SHIT ELSE. C'mon and go out with us, our treat." Sheebah and Misa begged in unison. Asiah hesitantly agreed. She really didn't feel like going out but it was better than sitting in the house. Her day had been rough and she could use a few drinks. Asiah sat up on the edge of her bed, slipping her feet into her bunny slippers she headed to the bathroom. After taking a nice long shower, Asiah felt better. She wrapped herself in her bathrobe and headed back down the hall. "Boom...Boom..." Sheebah and Misa pounded on the front door. Asiah rushed downstairs to let them in. "I'm comin...I'm comin." Asiah flung the door open and almost fainted. "Da...Da...Davon. What are you doin here?" Asiah didn't know how to feel. She had spent all day crying over this nigga and now he was at her door. Asiah wondered what prompted this visit being as though he'd simply forgot that she existed. She stood in total shock as D caught a glimpse of Asiah's damp body. 211

"Close ya mouth. Don't seem so shocked." D was still cocky and bold as hell. He pushed his way into Asiah's house. As he tried to close, the door behind him Misa and Sheebah forced their way in. "Oh shit Davon Broadway." Misa's mouth was ready to go. She glanced at Asiah's perfectly airbrushed body. "Damn girl...cover ya self up." "Asiah you want us to wait or you gon meet us there?" Sheebah could tell that this was not a planned reunion and that Asiah was just as shocked as they were. "Naw fuck that we ain't gon nowhere. Dis muthafucka think he can just show up and upset her like this. Fuck that!" Misa went off. "Call me if you need me." Sheebah threw her hand across Misa's mouth as she drug her toward the car. "I see Misa still ain't change." D laughed as he shut the door behind them. He could still hear Misa cursing from the middle of the street. Asiah stood still in shock; she couldn't believe this shit was going down. Slowly, she filled with anger. How could he just show up as if it hadn't been seven months since they'd last talked? Every step D took towards Asiah she took two steps back. It was no way that she was about to let this nigga touch her. Finally, D reached out grabbing a hold of her Prada bathrobe; he pulled her close.

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"Get off me." Asiah struggled to get away as she broke down in tears. “Let me go D." She sobbed. "Really? Do you really want me to let you go Asiah?" D put on his sexy voice as he pushed his hand up her thigh. He palmed her breast tightly and pushed her against the wall. He firmly planted his lips on hers. "Mmmm...” She struggled to get free as he placed his hard penis between her legs. Before Asiah knew it, D had her plastered against the wall and he was inside of her. With her back pent to the wall, tears began to roll down Asiah's cheeks. She knew that this wasn't right; it was no way that she could let this nigga show up and think he still ran shit. But he felt so good inside of her, her mind was telling her to stop but her body was telling her to spread her legs wide. D's presence became greater as Asiah's nipples hardened. Asiah closed her eyes and pulled him close, after all, he'd done to her she still wanted him back. CHAPTER 22

Every war has casualties For the next few months, Davon did his best to win Asiah over. He had her flown from city to city to attend all of his games; he took her to all the hottest parties and events. Asiah got the chance to meet some of the most famous celebrities and entertainers. D was the new face of success and everyone loved a new star. Meanwhile the beef on the street between Boogie and Peewee was becoming more intense than ever. Boogie was 213

getting richer and Peewee hated it. Boogie was supplying 80% of the dope on the streets. He supplied all the big timers and still maintained a strong position on the corners. The game was deadlocked and Peewee was broke, his crew had lost their position in the drug trade. Although Peewee could barely move a brick these days, he chose to get his supply from Darell. He refused to make Boogie any richer. Peewee tried to round up allies against his cousin but nobody wanted any parts of that. Niggas felt that Boogie was fair and didn't want the problem on their hands. Peewee on the other hand was use to pulling in at least $65 thousand a week and now he was barely seeing 10, he was hot. Some of his workers had joined other teams; some of them had even gotten jobs. Yet Peewee promised that this slump they were in wouldn't last long. He reminded them that betrayal meant death. Peewee pulled up on the corner of North and Chester; once again, he fumed with jealousy when he saw that Tre was out of jail and still making money for Boogie. "These niggas." He gritted through his teeth as he sat there fuming. He had to get rid of these niggas. One of Tre's friends spotted Peewee sitting there and put Tre on point. "Tre look, ain't that the nigga Peewee?" The boy pointed. "It sure is." Tre squinted his eyes. Tre reached in his dip producing a 9mm he aimed at Peewee and let off "Pop pop papapapa pop" Tre's nine let off. Peewee sped off with the quickness as his back windshield caught two bullets. "Bitch ass nigga!" Tre yelled aloud. Despite Boogie's attempt to handle the beef properly, Bomb had told Tre about Peewee snitching on him. He'd also told Tre that if he noticed anything unusual don't hesitate to tare that nigga a new 214

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asshole. So Tre did, and with that, this war had gone too far to turn back. Asiah signed her name in the visitor's log. She had finally worked up enough nerve to visit Terra. She had to face her X best friend; she had to know why Terra felt the need to betray her. Asiah had so much going in her life and she felt it was time for some closure. Asiah sat down on the opposite side of the thick glass. She took a tissue from her purse and cleaned the phone. Terra walked in and spotted Asiah. She picked up the phone and sat on the hard wood stool. "What are you doin here?" Terra refused to look Asiah in her eyes. "I...I had to see you." Asiah wasn't sure of what would come out of her mouth. "Why? For what Asiah?" "Because..." "Because of what? "Why are you being so mean to me? I'm not the one who stabbed you in the back so don't cop a shitty ass attitude wit me." "I don't have to listen to this shit." Terra retorted. "Why not Terra? The truth hurt? Ha?" "Spsh…whatever! “ Terra gave Asiah a cold stare.

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"Yeah I know, whatever. That's all you can say. You don't give a fuck about nobody but yourself. Bitch!" Asiah's anger became harder to control. "Bitch? Please you the bitch of all bitches sitting up there looking like a fuckin Barbie doll, looking down your nose at everybody. You came here to gloat, to make me feel bad." "I've never looked down on you Terra." "Yeah you did. I was like your fuckin charity case. Poor Terra this and poor Terra that. Oh poor fuckin Terra…“ "I was just trying to help, you ungrateful bitch.” Asiah found herself agreeing with her brother. Bitches were ungrateful. "Well maybe I didn't want your help." "Well you sure didn't turn it down, did you?" "Well I still didn't want it." Terra pouted. "Yeah I know, you just wanted to be me. Is that why you fucked my man?" The words had escaped from Asiah's mouth so fast she hardly had time to think about what she was saying, but now she wanted an answer. "Ha Terra is that it?” Asiah demanded an answer. "I fucked your man because I could. You already had enough as is. Boogie, Bomb, Jamall, everybody kiss your ass like you're the fuckin Queen. Giving you this and that, diamonds, Lexus‘, and what not. You had everything and I never had shit. I don't know why you sweatin that shit. You didn't need Kross, you got enough shit."

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"Everything ain't about stuff Terra. This ain't about money. This about me and you and I woulda done anything for you." "Yeah that's easy for you to say when you got the world on a platter." "But I always shared with you Terra. What was mines was yours." "Well I wanted my own, like I said I'm sick of being you charity case." "If you wanted your own then you shoulda got your own man. What you thought that you were gonna get rich on your back?" "Kross was just a means to an ends, nothin more nothin less." "Yeah and look where it got you." "Well that's the breaks. It's a chance you gotta take." Terra shrugged her shoulders. "And speaking of Chance, he told me bout how you threw your stank ass pussy on Kross." "Look I did what I had to do to get what I needed to get." "Yeah and you got exactly what you deserved WHORE!" "Hey it takes one to know one." 217

Asiah shook her head in major disbelief. She couldn't believe that Terra had become so cold. On the other hand, was she always this way? Yet Asiah was too naive to see the truth rearing its ugly head. "Terra...Kross never gave a fuck about me and he damn sure don't give a fuck about you. This is not even about him. This is about us; I thought we were better than that. We were sistas, I trusted you." "Well life's a bitch Asiah. What can I say?" "Well is Kross gettin you a lawyer?" "Naw Kross act like he don't know nobody no more." "What? After you got caught with his shit he could at least get you a lawyer..." "It wasn't Kross' shit I got caught with." Terra confessed. Asiah was stunned Terra had become a completely different person. She didn't know this person at all. "You know when Nina told me bout you and Kross I didn't want to believe it." "Yeah Nina...I’m sorry bout Nina. Did you go to the funeral?" For once Terra displayed some remorse for the mess that she'd created. "Yes I did and you should have gone too." "I know." Terra looked away with shame. 218

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"Time's up Keegan." The guard yelled from the booth. "I'll see about a lawyer." Asiah promised as Terra got up to leave. "Ain't that sweet? Asiah to the rescue." Terra said in a sarcastic tone before slamming the phone down. Asiah climbed into her Range Rover relieved that she had finally faced Terra. She glanced at the clock, it was 2 o’clock. She still had time to go home and get some rest before flying down to Miami to see D. When she arrived home Boogie, Jamall, and Bomb was in the back room watching Scar face. "That's what's wrong with yall now." Asiah teased. "Ring...ring...ring..." "Shut up and get the phone." Boogie ordered from the couch. Asiah ran into the kitchen to get the cordless phone. "Hello." She huffed. "Hello is Daunte in?" "Who dis?" Asiah frowned unable to place the voice although she knew it was familiar. "It's Charlotte's mother." "Spshh..." Asiah sucked her teeth as she handed the phone to her brother.

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"Sup?" Boogie uttered out taking a deep puff off his blunt. "Daunte have you talked to Charlotte?" "Naw, why?" "She dropped Indya off last night and never came back. We haven't heard from her since. I figured that maybe she was with you." "No, I ain't seen her. Did you call her cell?" "No. She left it here." "I told that damn girl bout leavin her phone everywhere." Boogie was hot. "Well if you see or talk to her please have her call us. We're really worried." "Sure." Boogie agreed. "Right after I go upside her muthafuckin head," He thought as he hung the phone up. Boogie walked into the back room with smoke fuming from her ears. He was mad as a son-of-a-bitch. He flopped down on the couch with the look of death on his face. "Here…” Bomb tried to pass Boogie the blunt. "Man...dat bitch Charlotte fuckin on me." Boogie fumed. "How you know?" Jamall didn't believe that Charlotte would do such a thing; she was so in love with Boogie that she couldn't see straight. 220

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"Her mother said she dropped my daughter off and ain't been back. Da bitch been gone all night." "Yup...she fuckin." Bomb agreed with Boogie's conclusion. "Man...when I catch dat bitch...." Boogie was so mad that he couldn't even think of what he was going to do to Charlotte. All he new was that it wasn't going to be nice. Asiah awoke to the doorbell ringing. She skipped down all three flights of steps only to find the three amigos passed out in the living room floor. "Ya'll muthafuckas coulda got the door." She huffed as she stepped over them. Asiah slung the door open but there was no one in sight. She looked both ways and huffed. She hated those bad ass little boys, they would ring the bell and run just to get a glimpse of her. She looked down; there was a large hefty trash bag. She wondered what type of joke the little bastards were working on now. Asiah grinned as she stooped down to look in the bag; she opened the bag and peeked inside. Asiah fell to the floor and scrambled to get away from the bag when she realized there was an eye staring back at her. "Ayyy...ayy...ayyy...." She screamed to the top of her lungs. Her screams woke the guys; they all rushed to the door to see what was going on. Asiah was hysterical she had tears and snot flying everywhere. Boogie walked over and took a look in the bag, his eyes swelled at the contents.

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"SHIT...SHIT...SHIT SHIT SHIT!" He screamed repeatedly. Asiah wailed nonstop, she shook uncontrollably. She was frantic. "Take her upstairs!" "What? What's wrong?" Bomb was still in a sleepy daze. "Just take her upstairs." Boogie demanded. Bomb picked Asiah up and carried her up the steps. Boogie sat on the couch with his face in his palms. He couldn't believe this shit. His eyes watered as he stared at the bag of bloody insides. He knew that it was Charlotte. Bomb and Jamall returned demanding to know what was going on. "Man what the fuck is goin on?" "They got Charlotte." Boogie's voice cracked as the words forced their way from his mouth. He pointed to the bag so they could witness the gruesome evidence of his claims. They both walked over and looked into the bag. "FUCK" Jamall screamed out. Misa and Sheebah pounded away on Asiah's door filled with excitement. They were anxious to show Asiah the new People's magazine, somehow her and Davon had made the cover. Asiah peeped through the window and cautiously opened the door. The girls stormed in all hyped up for their girlfriend. “Girl check this out." Misa gleamed showing the magazine to Asiah. 222

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"You the shit, where was ya'll at on here?" Sheebah asked in awe of the photo. Asiah took a close look at the photo and recalled the event. "Umm...a charity event for kids with cancer or something." Asiah's mind was still fucked up from earlier. "That's a bad ass dress. Where did you get it? “Misa ranted on without notice. "House of Versace'." "Look at what it says on page 11. Davon Broadway and frequent companion" "Charlotte got killed today." Asiah blurted out piercing Sheebah and Misa's ears. "What?” The girls wondered if they'd heard Asiah correctly. The words had so harshly pierced their ears, they both sat speechless as Asiah sadly filled them in the latest events. Boogie sat behind his desk trying to maintain as the rain pounded against the windows. He needed a place to think, he sent Courtney home and closed the bail bonds for the night. Jamall and Bomb sat patiently waiting for him to speak. They'd all decided earlier that it would be a bad idea to call the police; they wiped the bag of fingerprints and dumped the bag over East. All Boogie could do now was wait for the police to find the rest of Charlotte's remains and declare her dead. He could hardly keep his voice from crumbling when her mother called for the fifth time asking had he spoken to her. Finally, Boogie spoke. He'd thought long and hard about the matter and it was no turning back. Whatever happened he had to deal with it. It 223

was time to pay the piper; this was the consequences of his acts. The game had given him the means to buy anything he wanted. It had given him houses, cars, businesses, money, power, and respect. He was worth well over 6 million in cash. He always knew that a day would come when he'd had to pay for all he had. He looked at Bomb and Jamall, they were his family and he knew that lives were going to be sacrificed. It was no way out. They'd come too far to turn back, yet they’d done too much to go on. From here on out it was Hagerstown or Marches. For the first time in either of their lives, Jamall and Bomb saw tears pry their way from Boogie's eyes. They saw his pain, they could feel his pain. Jamall patted Boogie's back. “It’s okay to cry man." "Yo we family and we gon handle this shit." Bomb assured his cousin. "Just tell us what you want us to do." Jamall was prepared to carry out any request. Boogie took a deep breath to get himself together. He could barely talk… the anger burned his throat. "I want him dead; I want them all dead...before sun up." Boogie fought to hold back his tears. With that, Jamall and Bomb headed to the back safe. They suited up in vest, gloves, and facemask. "Get my vest too." Boogie yelled to the back. Jamall reappeared holding a Mac 11. "Naw this one on the house." 224

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"Yo, I can't just sit around while ya'll handle the shit." Boogie argued. He knew that if they got caught that meant life and it would be all his fault. He'd rather do his own dirt. He should have killed Peewee when Bomb suggested it. Now Charlotte was dead and he felt responsible. When you let small shit fester it comes back to bite you in the ass. That's exactly what happened with Peewee. "Go see your daughter man." Jamall ordered. They locked eyes and without words being exchanged they all knew what time it was. "I want everybody in that house dead." Boogie was fired up; he had lost all means of rational thinking. Bomb and Jamall were out the door to carry out the orders within a matter of seconds. Boogie sat there crazed staring at the picture of Charlotte and Indya on his desk. He thought about Asiah, Sheebah, and Courtney their lives were in danger also. He wondered how many lives would be sacrificed in this bloodbath. He imagined Charlotte fighting for her life. "Oh God…” Boogie gasped. So many innocent lives were about to be slain and for what? All over drug strips. Boogie loaded his pistol, put on his vest, and headed for the door. When he pulled up at home, he noticed that Sheebah's car was out front. "It's 4 o’clock in the morning, what the fuck is she doin out this time of night?" He turned his key as Sheebah came racing towards him.

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"Oh Daunte. I was a worried sick. Why didn't you answer the cell phone?" She buried her face in his chest. "My battery went dead." He returned her embrace. Asiah and Misa were sitting at the kitchen table sipping hot co co. "What happened?" Sheebah's voice quivered, she knew that she probably wouldn't be able to handle the answer. "I fucked up, that's all I can say, I fucked up." Boogie collapsed on the couch shaking his head in disbelief. “You gotta lay low for a while. Close down the shop and chill out till this shit blows over. Ya'll should be aight at ya house. Nobody knows where you live, or I can send you outa town for a…” "No, hell no. I'm not leaving you. I'd go crazy thinking bout this shit everyday." Sheebah disagreed. Her eyes told her heart's story. She truly did love this nigga. They walked hand and hand in the kitchen. Boogie looked at his sister; he loved her more than life itself. If it was one thing that niggas knew about him it was that he would go to the end of the earth for Asiah, and if something was to happen to her the pain alone would kill him. "Asiah I think it's best if you go to Miami after all. Shit's gonna get ugly. Call the airport and see when the next flight is." Asiah looked up at her brother, she could tell that hell had worked him over. The look on his face was one of distress, she had never seen him shook at the hands of another nigga, but this time he was shook. He feared for their lives most of all. 226

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"Boogie I can't leave right now. Shit is too real..." "Look just do what I say Asiah." "No I'm not leaving!" "Yes you are!" "No I'm not. What if you need me?" "What I need is to be able to handle this shit and not have to worry about you ending up like Charl...." He choked on his emotions as tears came to his eyes once more. He took a deep breath to regroup himself. "Now please call the airport." Asiah huffed as she snatched up the cordless and went into the back room. Boogie went to the basement to pull out the big boy shit, it was time for war. He returned with 2 machine guns, a 44, a 9mm, a rifle, and a duffle bag full of cash. He was with whatever. "After we drop Asiah off I'll follow ya'll home...make sure shit cool." He told Sheebah and Misa. "The next flight leaves at nine. Let me pack a couple of things and I'll be ready." Asiah was still hesitant about leaving at a time like this. Sheebah looked over at Boogie who was pacing a hole in the floor. "What's all the guns for?" Sheebah asked.

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"What the fuck do you think? This shit is real, this ain’t G.I. Joe!” He fumed at Sheebah for asking such a stupid question. For her to be from the projects she sure did act like a square at times. Boogie and Asiah drove quietly to the airport as Sheebah and Misa followed close behind. Asiah had so many questions that she wanted to ask, but Boogie always told her that she was better off not knowing half of the shit that he was into. It was raining nonstop. Asiah couldn't believe that her life was boiling down to this. My how fast life can change in 24 hours. Just yesterday, she was sitting face to face with Terra trying to offer her help. Now she needed someone to offer her some help. Asiah hugged Sheebah and Misa tight. She took a long look at her brother, buried her face in his chest, and took a long inhale of his cologne. “I love you." “Go. By the time you come back I'll have this shit cleaned up." He held her close wiping her tears away. Asiah forced a smile as she disappeared into the crowd. CHAPTER 23

Shit can always get worst Boogie drove along behind Sheebah and Misa listening to Tupac. With Asiah out of town, he was in a totally different mind frame. He went from a sweet and loving brother to a nasty villain that would shoot anything moving. "Ring...ring..." His phone snapped him out his crazed daze.

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"Yeah?" He answered already knowing it was Jamall. "What up? Where you at?" "On my way out Sheebah's" "We'll meet you out there." "Peace." Boogie hung up the phone and continued to sing in a maniac tone "How many niggas down to die with me...yay...yay..." as Pac blasted through the speakers. Boogie showered and tucked Sheebah in as if she were a two year old. It was funny how at that moment it seemed that she meant so much more than he thought. He stood in front of the mirror as he got dress, he had to face himself. His baby's mother was dead, and no matter how much he wanted to avoid being held responsible for her death he knew deep in his heart that she would have been better off if she'd never met him. When he entered the family room, Jamall and Bomb sat there freshly showered also. Misa was asleep in one of the guest rooms. It was time to get down to business. "So what happened?" Boogie was anxious to know. "Nigga what you think? We killed everybody in that muthafucka!" Jamall bucked. "The mother, his girl, the sister, her boyfriend, the dog, everybody!” Bomb bragged. "Peewee wasn't there though." Jamall added. 229

"HE WASN'T THERE? “ Boogie wasn't feeling that shit. "Naw..." “And the mother's junkie ass boyfriend." Bomb added to the list of victims. Boogie shook his head in disgust. This was a mess and it was all his fault. He'd let his anger get the best of him, he never really meant for them to kill everyone in the house. But they had and once again, there was blood shed on his hands. “I only meant to kill them if Peewee was there, not just because." Boogie fumed at his boys. "Trust me it's better that way. I know that's like your family but this nigga then showed you that family don't mean shit. You gotta be as heartless as the next muthafucka." Bomb had no regrets and surprisingly Jamall agreed. They all took turns sleeping while the others stood watch. Finally, Boogie was awakened by Charlotte's mother screaming through the phone. "She's dead...oh God...my baby is dead!" She cried nonstop. Davon stepped out of the shower holding a towel around his waist. He was worried sick about Asiah, she wasn't on her flight when it arrived. He'd called her house phone and cell phone several times and didn't receive an answer at either of them. This was so unlike her. He hoped that everything was okay.

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"How'd you get in here?" D was startled as he fumed at the young lady laying naked across the couch in his hotel suite. She smiled and started to masturbate in front of him in hopes of turning him on. "You fuckin groupies will do anything...get out!" He fumed looking around for the phone so he could call security "I've got it right here." The young girl giggled as Davon tried to get the phone from her. She darted to the balcony and tossed the phone over the rail. "No...no… don't do that." D pleaded with the girl. He had to be careful how he handled situations like these, although he could’ve physically removed her from the room on his own he chose not to. You get a lawsuit for shit like that. "Look I'm not up for company tonight. You need to bounce." D was getting real agitated with this girl. She grabbed a hold of his towel trying to pry it off. Asiah pleaded with the desk clerk to call D's room once more so she could go up to his room. The flight was long and she was tired she just wanted a bath and to lay down. "Miss I'm sorry but Mr. Broadway is not answering the phone. Maybe he stepped out." The clerk apologized to Asiah. "I know that he wouldn't mind if you let me in. He was expecting me last night but I had an emergency." Asiah tried to explain her situation. "I'm sorry Miss but I can't. I wish I could help but I could lose my job." 231

"You won't lose your job. In fact, he'd be so grateful for your help to me. I promise." Asiah pleaded. She thought of the magazine that Misa stuffed in her bag. She rummaged through her things pulling it out. "Look this is us at a party." Asiah pointed trying to prove to the clerk that she was D's girl and not some crazed fan trying to get upstairs to stalk him. The clerk looked close and her eyes widened. To her surprise that was, Asiah posted up with Davon Broadway on the cover of People's magazine. "That is you!" The clerk smiled. “See I told you." Asiah was making progress. "Well...okay but don't tell...." “Oh I won't tell. Trust me." Asiah held up her hand as if she were being sworn in. The clerk handed her the extra entrance card to D's room and in return Asiah handed her two hundred dollar bills. "It's the west penthouse. “ She told Asiah. "Thanks." Asiah was ever so grateful. The clerk notice how much money Asiah had tipped her as Asiah made her way to the elevator. "Thanks alot. “ She screamed out just before Asiah boarded the elevator. Davon wrestled with the girl to get her covered up and out of his suite. She laughed at his efforts and darted across the room. She stood in the middle of the room ass naked. Asiah 232

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swiped the entry card and popped the door open. Dropping her bag in the doorway, she flicked on the lights. "SURPRISE!" She yelled out as she caught sight of the groupie's naked ass. Davon stood there holding his towel around his waist. He couldn't believe this shit. “Asiah”! This not what it look like.” He was totally shocked. Tears welted in Asiah’s eyes as she swallowed a lump in her throat. "I'm quite sure it's not." She muttered out. She tossed the entry card on the table and turned around to leave. "ASIAH...ASIAH...WAIT!" Davon fumbled to slip on a pair of his warm up sweats. He looked at the girl who was still standing naked in the middle of the room. "Get the fuck out Bitch." He grabbed her wrist and pushed her out the door. He dashed down the hall only seconds after Asiah. He took the emergency steps all the way to the lobby. He saw nothing but the back of Asiah's head when he entered the lobby. She quickly dashed through the revolving doors. "ASIAH!" D screamed desperately. Asiah kept going as if he didn't exist. She couldn't believe this shit. What a fucked up couple of days this had turned out to be. As if shit couldn't get any, worst now this. Davon chased Asiah across the waterfront lawn as she desperately searched for a taxicab. Asiah stood holding her thumb up signaling that she needed a taxi. "Asiah." His voice carried as everyone turned to witness. He grabbed a hold of her arm; she yanked away as she broke into tears. 233

"Let me go D." She demanded as the crowd thickened and the whispers became louder. "Please baby, let me explain…“ "Explain what? That naked girl in your room. I see quite well I don't need the details. I'm not slow or retarded I think I could pretty much figure out what was goin on." "She's a fuckin groupie. I don't even know the bitch." He fumed frustrated that Asiah wasn't trying to hear his side of the story. "Oh, is that supposed to make me feel better? You said that you loved me D." "I do...I do…” "You know what? It's my fault for taking you back after you abandoned me for all that time. I'm the fool; I shoulda never fucked back with you in the first place. I guess I got what I asked for." She still had her thumb out for a taxi. Finally, one stopped, Davon grabbed her arm. "You not leaving." "Let me go D." "No." "Yes."

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Suddenly a man ran up with a camera from out of nowhere and started recording the whole thing up close. "What the fuck?" Davon pushed the man down and bust the lenses with his fist. When he turned back around Asiah was in the taxi and gone. "Shit!" D shouted as he walked back across the lawn to the hotel. He noticed all the bystanders. "What the fuck yall lookin at?" He fumed as he went back inside. "Is everything okay Mr. Broadway?" A bellboy asked. "Fine." D spat as the elevator doors closed. Hours later Asiah found herself standing outside of Jamall's condo, she needed his comfort. She needed for him to tell her that this shit was not happening and that everything was going to be fine. Her hopes were crushed when she was not greeted by Jamall but an unfamiliar face. It was Kimara. "Wrong house." Asiah lied. She didn't have the strength to face yet another obstacle. It was the crack of dawn and Asiah found herself on Kross' doorstep. She had nowhere else to go. She was at the end of her rope with not a soul in her corner. When she awoke, the next day Kross had a beautiful breakfast made with scented candles surrounding a hot bubble bath. After a bath, Asiah was shocked to see that her bathrobe still hung next to his. She wrapped up in her robe and went downstairs. Kross was on the phone, business as usual. Asiah flicked on the television to surf the channels. Only to find herself and D on nearly every channel. The entire incident from the moment they hit the waterfront lawn was recorded by some tourist who claimed that D assaulted him. 235

Asiah flicked off the TV and snatched the paper up from the front porch. Davon was on the front page of the sports section with no shirt or shoes on just as he was the night before. Even the newspaper ran an article on it. "Spshh..." Asiah sucked her teeth tossing the paper in the garbage. That wasn't sports at all. People needed to learn how to mind their own business. She balled up on the couch and waited for Kross to get off the phone. After two days of sobbing Asiah gathered her things up and decided to face the world once more. She thanked Kross for being there for her when she needed him most. He told her that it was the least he could do, he owed her that. Brokenhearted Asiah returned to her grandmother's house, it no longer felt like home. The house was cold and dark. She flicked on the kitchen light and called Sheebah. "Hey girl I saw the news. What happened? "Sheebah asked her friend. "Dat nigga ain’t shit that's what happened." "He been callin round lookin for you, where you been?" "With Kross." "Kross?'" Sheebah was shocked to hear his name come out of Asiah's mouth without the words "That bitch" in front of it. "It's nothin I just needed a few days to get myself together." "Oh...you comin out here?" "As soon as I find my phone and my keys." 236

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"Well we'll be here; you know we ain’t goin nowhere." Asiah fumbled around her room until she gathered everything she needed. Looking at her cell phone, she saw that she had 17 missed calls and a message along with each 1 of them. She ran swiftly to her truck, jumped in and locked the doors. She started her RR and pulled off. As she reached the intersection of Monroe and GwynnsFalls a black, Cavalier cut in front of her trapping her in between the curb and the median strip. Two guys jumped out, one of them looked real familiar. It was Peewee's homeboy Kalif. They rushed the truck prying on Asiah's doors, luckily, she had them locked. "Get out bitch! “ The boy demanded. "Open the door Asiah. We just wanna talk." Kalif tried a better approach. Asiah panicked and floored the gas. Her Range Rover went over that Cavalier like a bulldozer. She threw her shit in reverse and rammed it repeatedly until she was out and down the street. She ducked down as she heard gun shots ring out behind her.

After hard times good times always follow, right? CHAPTER 24

Asiah pounded away at Sheebah's doors until Misa answered. Asiah gasped for air, she was still scared shitless. She fell in the door as Misa opened it. "What’s wrong with you?" Misa could tell that Asiah was upset. "Kalif tried to kidnap me! “ Asiah cried. 237

"What? Are you okay?" Misa couldn't believe that shit was going down like this. "Yeah." Asiah sobbed wiping away her own tears. "C'mon" Misa led Asiah into the family room where the same stranger that answered Jamall's door two days ago sat comfortably watching TV. Asiah's heart pounded rapidly as she gasped for air. This shit was not happening. "We back." Boogie yelled from the foyer. Before they could get their feet planted in the carpet Asiah was in Jamall's face. How dare he bring this bitch here at a time like this? They were in the middle of a crisis and chose a time like this to flaunt his bitch. "You son of a bitch. How you gon bring this bitch here?" Asiah was in Jamall's grill. Everyone sat in shock wondering what the deal with this was. Asiah swung wildly hitting Jamall in his face repeatedly. "Asiah...Asiah..." He tried to restrain her. She was causing a scene. Boogie pushed Jamall into the laundry room and shut the door behind them. "Man, what the fuck is goin on wit chew and my sista?" "What?" Jamall wiped the trickle of blood from his lip. "You heard me!" Boogie pushed him into the dryer demanding an answer.

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"Man, ain’t nothin goin on." Jamall returned the push to Boogie's chest as they both got in each other's face. "You fuckin my sista Jamall?" Boogie's nose flared. "Naw…I ain't fuckin ya sista." "You sure?" "Nigga I ain't never fucked ya sista, even if...." "Even if what?" Boogie could have killed Jamall. He knew that he and Jamall were just alike, no fuckin good. "Look fuck it, I ain’t gon stand here and act like I don't have feelins for her cause I do. You know I ain’t even no bitch type of nigga, I'ma tell you what's real. Yeah I'm feelin ya sista." Boogie leaned against the wall staring at Jamall as if he could have killed him on the spot. He was angry but not surprised, Asiah was one of the prettiest girls in the city, and Jamall would have to be gay not to notice her. "Man...I love ya sista, that's why I never fucked wit her. I didn't want to fuck her life up. You know how we do." Jamall confessed what he'd been holding in for far too long. Boogie's eyes pierced through Jamall like bullets. He knew that Jamall was sincere with his feelings for Asiah; he knew all along that Asiah and Jamall liked each other. Now was the time for him to step aside and let her be a woman. He'd rather her be with Jamall than anyone else. At least there could be one happy story out of this mess.

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"Well I guess you betta go tell her that Kimara is your niece before she kill her out there." Boogie gave his blessings. "Yeah, I guess so" Jamall broke a smile. Asiah couldn't believe her ears when she found out that Kimara was Jamall's long lost niece. His older brother had a side girl that happened to be two months pregnant at the time of his death. Kimara's mother started using drugs to deal with the pressures of being a single parent and hadn't stopped since. Jamall found out that Kimara was his niece when he picked her up from the hotel the next day and took her to her house to get some of her things. He saw a picture of his brother in the china cabinet. Once he talked to Kimara's mother and heard her story, it all added up. Asiah was surprised but relieved that she still held the key to Jamall's heart. As the guys headed out Jamall grabbed Asiah and slobbed her down. "See you when I get back." He grinned. He was glad that his secret was out. He was finally going to have the woman that he loved. Life wasn't that bad after all. Now he had to fix this shit on the streets. As Jamall's Lexus turned the corner of North and Chester, they spotted Tre's body laid out on the concrete. His eyes were wide open, but the life had been stolen from his body. He was no longer apart of the world as they knew it. The guys sat from afar; as they watched, the police chalk Tre's body and talk to several witnesses. Suddenly Boogie's phone rang. "What up?" "Yo it's me Boo." "You slippin money you ain't been doin ya job." 240

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"I swear to God on everything I love, that nigga Peewee been stickin to me like white on rice." "Yeah, well what chew know bout my youngin that just got killed?" "Meet me at the five o clock dock." "Peace." The boys arrived at the pier an hour early to make sure that everything was cool. They switched cars in order to go unnoticed. The raggedy black Ford hardly attracted attention. They searched around for strange happenings. An hour later Boo showed up loaded with info about Tre and Charlotte. Little did he know Peewee and Kalif were following him. They had suspected that he was working for the other team for a while now. Boo parked his Q on the other side of the pier and walked over. He wanted to be sure that no one saw him also. As he approached the pier, he positioned his pistol, he trusted Boogie but you could never be sure. They slapped hands as a greeting to one another. "What up?" Boo spoke to Jamall and Bomb who was smoking weed as usual. "So fill me in." Boogie needed info and he had no time to waste. "Yo Kalif did that shit to ya baby mother, and Peewee did the shit with Tre earlier. Them niggas is on a rampage. He say you killed his moms and 'em." Boo was just getting started. He had an ass load of shit to update Boogie on. "It was Kalif's 241

idea to grab ya lil‘ sista. Since she got away they talkin bout comin at you straight up." Boo warned Boogie. Just as the words left, his mouth Boogie spotted Peewee and Kalif pulling up in the same black Cavalier that Asiah told him about. "Oh and you planning on helpin'em?" "Ha?" Boo was caught off guard as Boogie went for his waist. He pulled his gun from his dip and blew Boo's brains out. Boo hit the ground like a tree falling in the forest. "It's a setup." Boogie yelled to Jamall and Bomb who were on a near by bench. Meetings with Boo had become so regular that they'd started relaxing a little. They jumped to their feet with guns drawn. Boogie pointed at the Cavalier and it was on. They knew they had to get these niggas, it was no other option. The longer they lived everyone's life was in danger. They ran up on the car like wild cowboys as Kalif tried his best to put the car in reverse, not knowing that the hit the car took from Asiah's RR had fucked the gears up. They shot the tires out as they approached the car quickly. Peewee looked to his side and saw Kalif slumped over, dead as a doornail. Peewee panicked as he abandoned the vehicle he went for his gun but he had two bullets in his back before he knew it. Peewee had no choice but to dive in the Harbor water to avoid from catching any more bullets. The sound of sirens blazing shifted the wild cowboys back into reality as they fled the scene. The guys drove calmly pass the flying squad cars as the sirens blazed towards the dock. They all checked their watches; it was time to meet Rodriguez; he was the head of the narcotics unit. The guys paid him every month to make sure that their business went untouched by the police. He'd called earlier 242

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saying that the war on the streets was getting too hot and he needed some extra loot to make a few payoffs on their behalf. They knew that he was lying and would keep the money for himself but the protection he provided was priceless so they decided to pay him anyway. As they pulled into Security Mall Bomb sat in the back carefully counting the money for the last time. It was exactly $300,000. After the last count, Bomb put the money in a Timberland box and placed the box in a large shopping bag. With the money in hand, he headed to the food court. He spotted Rodriguez sitting at a table downing a pizza. Bomb walked pass, dropped the bag beside him, and kept going. After the drop off Jamall decided to do something that, he had wanted to do for years. Life was short and he wasn't about to waste one more minute bullshitting. For the first time in weeks, the guys felt comfortable parting. They all had personal issues they needed to deal with. Peewee and his sidekicks were dead and it was time to get on with the usual. Jamall checked the back seat of his Lexus before getting in. Peewee and his sidekicks were dead but you never could be too sure. First Jamall stopped pass his condo. He filled his Louis Vuitton duffle bag with stacks and stacks of cash. Next, he looked around at the place and phoned Merry Maids. There was a thin layer of dust indicating that the place needed to be cleaned. Jamall slid through the carwash, filled his tank up, and jumped on 95. He was going to spend the night in New York. Once he arrived, he checked into the Hilton and phoned Asiah. "Let me speak to ya sista." He told Boogie when he answered the phone. It felt good not to have to hide his feelings. 243

"Hello." Asiah's voice was the sweetest thing he'd ever heard. "What up ma?" "Nothin. Why? Where you at?" "NY." "NY? What chew doin in NY?" "Business. I'll see you later...love you." "Love you too." Jamall awoke early the next morning and headed for Jacob's. He strolled up and down the aisles, from case to case, for hours until finally he found what he was looking for. "That's it." He pointed. He'd spotted the perfect engagement ring for Asiah. It was an 8 ct. princess cut diamond surrounded by 2 1/2 cts. of baguette diamonds in a platinum setting. It took about 45 minutes for the warranty and the insurance to go through and Jamall was on his way. He rehearsed over and over again in his mind how he would propose to Asiah. He'd made enough money in the drug game to provide for her adequately and was ready to give up his wild ways. He didn't care about Samyah, Kinte, or any one else. He loved Asiah and he was ready to make her his wife. She was the woman he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. She was the one he wanted to have his babies. She was his oxygen, the air he breathed; he just couldn't live without her. Now that Jamall was hanging up his Magnums, he thought it would be a good time to give up Hood Dreamz all together. 244

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He was going to talk to Boogie and Bomb about leaving the game. Jamall's Lexus ripped down Sheebah's drive way. The water fountain was lit up and very beautiful at night. Jamall fixed his clothes and cleared his throat as he walked toward the double doors. He envisioned his proposal one more time before ringing the doorbell. "Damn, Mr. Belvedere" he joked Misa as she opened the door. "Shut up boy." She punched him in the arm as he jogged pass. Every one was laid out in the family room watching a movie. It felt so good to relax and just hang. Jamall walked straight to the big screen and turned it off. "Damn. What chew do that for?" Everyone complained. Jamall stood in front of Asiah ignoring all of the complaints. He gazed onto her eyes as he knelt down on his knee. "Asiah I remember one time you told me that you loved me. I just wanna know do you love me enough to spend the rest of your life with me? If so, can you be my wifey?" Jamall looked into Asiah's eyes and hoped for a yes. His heart pounded rapidly as tears swelled in her eyes. He'd rehearsed a totally different speech but once he laid eyes on her it all went out the window. He just wanted to get married and that was special enough. The entire room sat in disbelief waiting for Asiah's response. No one including Asiah thought Jamall would show out like this. 245

"Oh Jamall...yes baby. Yes I will gladly be your wifey." Asiah was overwhelmed with tears of joy. Jamall's heart leaped for joy. He scooped Asiah up into his arms and kissed her passionately. He had never held on to anything so tight in his life. Finally, he let Asiah down on her feet and kissed her once more. "Let me see it!" The girls rushed Asiah to appraise her ring. "Damn that muthafucka could sink the Titanic." Sheebah gasped. "Bugs bunny couldn't eat all those carrots." Misa joked. While the girls gathered to make a fuss over Asiah's ring Jamall used the opportunity to have a word with his partners. "My brova." Boogie beamed as he gave Jamall a big hug. Jamall returned his embrace and cleared his throat. "I'm glad to see you in such a good mood. I wanna pull out." Jamall waited for Boogie's response. The look on Boogie's face changed instantly. He didn't even see this coming. He would have never thought that by gaining a brother he would lose a partner. "Wow!" Boogie muttered flopping on the couch. He sat blindsided by Jamall's decision. Bomb on the other hand was infuriated. He had smoke coming from his ears. It was no way Jamall could pull out now. There was too much money to be made. "Nigga what the fuck you mean pull out? We then killed up all these niggas and now you wanna pull out. What the fuck is 246

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wrong wit chew? You know how much money we gon make wit them niggas gone?" Bomb fumed. "He is right." Boogie sided with Bomb. He was feeling his logic. "I'm tellin you man...shit like takin candy from a baby." Bomb added. Jamall sat quietly thinking. Maybe another year or two wouldn't hurt, but he really wanted out. "I'll think about it. But right now I'ma take my fiancé' home. Any beef wit that?" Jamall was being sarcastic with his friends. "Do you my nigga." Boogie gave him thumbs up. "Play on playa." Bomb said before gulping down the last of his spring water. Jamall grabbed Asiah's hand and led her to the car. Every one waived goodbye and watched as Jamall's Lexus disappeared into the night. The smell of lemon Lysol pierced their noses as they entered Jamall's condo. The place was spotless. He was so glad that he'd called the maid service. Asiah slipped out of her shoes and made herself comfortable. Jamall flopped down on the couch and let out a sigh of relief. He was on top of the world and nothing could take that away. Asiah straddled Jamall staring him in the eyes. She felt as if she could see his soul; she began to kiss him passionately. His heart pounded as he became aroused. Her lips were so soft and sweet. He was in love and boy did it feel good. Jamall had enough pussy in his life to be a GYN doctor, but this wasn't about pussy it was about making love to the girl of his dreams. He planned on pulling out all of the stops tonight. Jamall got up and walked over to the antique candleholders, lighting the candles inside, he continued 247

throughout the condo lighting scented candles everywhere. Next, he popped the cork on a bottle of Cris from his bar, sat it on ice, and put on TP2. Jamall started the shower and walked back into the living room. Asiah was already on her second glass. Jamall took her by the hand and led her to the shower. He slowly undressed her and caressed her body. Asiah's nipples hardened as the hot water trickled down her back. Jamall undressed and joined her. Asiah couldn't believe this was real. She was in the shower butt naked with Jamall, they were going to make love, and on top of it all, she had a Phat ass engagement ring on her finger and she was going to be his wife. It was still hard to believe. He took a second to admire her body; it was the most beautiful thing he'd ever laid eyes on. She was perfect. Jamall filled his palms with body wash and caressed Asiah's body. She clenched her thighs tight as her wetness trickled down along with Jamall's hands. He licked two of his fingers tasting her juices before putting them inside of her. She was tight and warm. Jamall played in her tunnel moving his fingers back and forth while fingering her clit with his other hand. Asiah leaned against the marble wall trying to catch her breath. He started going faster and faster until finally "Aaahh...Jamall" Asiah screamed in ecstasy. Her legs began shaking and she lost control of them. Jamall had to hold her up to keep her from falling. He wrapped her in a towel and laid her in the middle of his king sized bed. He spread Asiah's legs wide and buried his face between her legs. Asiah moaned repeatedly as Jamall made passionate love to her with his tongue. His tongue ran rapidly across her clit, in and out of her pussy, from her pussy to her butt, in and out, in and out. "Unh...unh…Aahh!" She came again as she started quivering and trembling out of control. Asiah bit the pillow trying to contain herself as Jamall put her on all fours and played with her pussy while he sucked all 248

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over her behind. She smelled and tasted so sweet that he didn't want to stop tasting her. He squeezed his dick trying to calm it down. It was so hard that it was about to break. Jamall laid Asiah on her back and pushed her legs back as he slowly entered her for the first time. "Sss..." Asiah hissed softly. Jamall continued to push in until he could go no further. She was tight, warm, and wet. He started grinding slowly kissing Asiah all over as he gripped her hips and pushed further. Asiah moved back to Jamall's rhythm as R. Kelly blast through the speakers. She ran her fingers over his back pulling him closer. Asiah kissed all over Jamall's chest as he muscles flexed with every stroke. She could feel him in her stomach but the pain was so sweet. Jamall leaned down licking Asiah's nipples and earlobes as he felt her pussy tighten up. She began to hump faster, she purred like a cat getting fucked, she dug her nails deep into Jamall’s back and screamed for God. Her body jerked back and forth and fell limp; her legs shook uncontrollably as if she was having a spasm. "Oh shit...oh my God. I love you. Jamall I love you." She declared with every pump he delivered. Jamall continued until she started crying with her orgasms. He flipped her over licking her back up and down. He entered her slowly. Her juices had the silk sheets soaked. Jamall gripped her thighs and pulled her closer and he grinded her tunnel from behind. Asiah gasped for air as sweat beads formed around her forehead. Jamall started going faster and faster. "Cum wit me baby." He said working her clit while he stroked her from behind. Asiah shivered as Jamall worked her clit, her pussy tightened and she went crazy. Jamall watched her ass bounce up and down along with his strokes. He felt her tighten up and they came together like two lions mating. 249

For the next three months, Asiah and Jamall lived in fairytale bliss. Jamall came in early every night. He no longer had the urge to hang in the streets or frequent the strip clubs. Asiah made coming home easy for Jamall. She cooked every night that they didn't go out. She bought a few cookbooks and even took a cooking class at school. Asiah always had something kinky planned for Jamall. She was becoming a regular little miss hot pants. She became Frederick's of Hollywood's best customer. One night after an episode, she fell asleep on Jamall's chest as usual. As Asiah slept, Jamall thought of the difference Asiah made in his life. She meant everything to him. He loved her more than life itself. He never thought that settling down would be this good. She was all he needed; she was his breath, the one he would grow old with. He wanted to do something way big to show her how he felt. Just then, Jamall decided that he would buy Asiah a house, even better he would build her a house from the ground up. It would be a place where they could create their own memories, raise their children, and spend the rest of their lives together. The next morning Jamall jumped in his truck with only one thing on his mind. First, he had to find a nice piece of land and then a good construction company. Jamall bought a newspaper and searched for a realtor after realizing that he was in over his head he decided to seek the help of his best friend. "Yo, what company did you use to build Sheebah's?" "Nigga where you at? You know we got a meeting with the accountant this morning." Boogie reminded Jamall.

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"Damn I forgot. I'm on my way." Jamall hung up and headed for the accountant's office. The guys sat there anxiously as Perry's fingers worked fast to total up last year's profits. Perry's facial expression showed his disbelief when the figure hit the screen. These guys could have 99 problems but money wouldn't be one of them. “Brace yourselves fellows. Last year you all raked in a whopping 11.5 million dollars." Perry grinned. For that type of money, he was willing to encourage their illegal activities. Jamall on the other hand felt that he had made enough money to support him and Asiah. He wanted out of this game and fast. Boogie and Bomb wouldn't hear of it. If they'd made that much money last year minus Peewee's corner, they could make twice as much now that they had them. This was a quick way for a nigga to make a come up. Jamall knew staying in the game for another year was a mistake. "Most niggas get caught up on their last run." Jamall pleaded with his partners. “Fuck dat we ain’t most niggas." Boogie fumed. After a long debate, it was decided that the threesome would run the streets of Baltimore for another year and after that, they would go completely legit. Little did Jamall know that his partners had no intention on pulling out of the game. The streets were all they knew. It was their way of life and they needed it to survive. Jamall drove along wondering how he'd let himself get sucked into another year of lies, murder, drugs, and cash. The answer was easy. Boogie had been his boy since puberty and he had to be there with him until the end. That's how they got 251

down, it was do or die. Jamall thought of Asiah, he wanted to be the one to take her away from this crazy life. He wanted her to know that they didn't have to live like this forever. He wanted her to have a chance at something positive. She deserved better. He knew that if he was still in the game that he wouldn't be able to give her his all. The game required a lot of nights away from home, sudden trips out of town, and unexplainable bullshit. He was ready to chill out and go legit. He wanted to open some more businesses and get into real estate. He had plans and selling dope for the rest of his life wasn't one of them. "Ring ring ring" Jamall's cell snatched him from his thoughts. "Hello" "Ja...Ja...Jamall" a voice hesitated. "Who dis?" "It's me...Samyah." "What the fuck do this bitch want?" Jamall thought to himself. “What up?" He asked instead. "Umm...I don't really know how to say this but...I'm...I'm...I'm pregnant." "Pregnant?" Jamall couldn't believe his ears. What a fine time for this whore to be pregnant. "How far gone are you?" "About three and a half months." Samyah hesitated. "Why the fuck did you wait almost four months to tell a nigga you pregnant?" Jamall fumed. He was hot. This bitch was playing a lot of games. 252

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"I...I'on know. I was scared to tell you. I..." "Oh but you ain't scared to tell me now ha? Look. Check dis out, I'm bout to get married and I don't want no kids by nobody but my wife. So I don't know what the fuck you gon do." "But Jamall..." "But Jamall shit you fuckin trap cunt ass bitch. I don't have time for this shit, kick rocks bitch!" He hung up in Samyah's ear. Jamall's head was spinning with anger as he pulled into his mother's driveway. Samyah had fucked his whole day up with her bullshit. He didn't have a clue what to do about this baby. He needed to talk to somebody. "Hey baby." Jamall's mother kissed his cheek as he walked into the kitchen. “I just got finished cookin, you hungry?" She headed to the refrigerator. "Naw." Jamall sat at the table fiddling with the saltshaker. "You sure? I got some chicken, collard greens, and potato salad." She washed her hands and started spooning potato salad on a plate. "Naw. I ain't hungry." He kept fiddling with the saltshaker. "Boy what the hell is wrong wit chew?" She demanded to know while pulling the rolls from the oven. Jamall had never in his life turned down her cooking. There must have been something terribly wrong with him. 253

"Samyah say she pregnant. Asiah gon kill me, I'on know what to do." Jamall confessed to his mother. "Well are you still seeing Samyah?" She took two fresh chicken breast from the frying pan. "Fuck no. I been stop messing wit dat bit...." "Boy don't you dare sit at my kitchen table and call that girl a bitch. I swear you and that Daunte have the filthiest mouths on the face of the planet. I don't know what these girls see in ya'll little dusty asses." "Tha dick." Jamall burst into laughter knowing he was in trouble. "Okay now, watch your mouth. Just tell Asiah the truth, either she gonna believe you or leave you...ooh that rhymed. Eat up." She sat a plate in front of him. "Click clack click clack" Asiah glided across Mondawmin's shiny floors. She squinted through the crowd searching for her girls. It had been almost a month since they had seen each other. Asiah spotted Misa posted up by The Great Cookie. "What's up girl?" Asiah was happy to see her girl. They greeted each other with a hug and kiss to the cheek. "Where’s Sheebah?" "Girl she was all booked up today. It seems like since we been back all her clients coming in at the same time. Your brother working us like dogs." Misa joked. "So how was Jamaica mon?" Asiah faked an accent. 254

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"It was all that. Bitch you shoulda went." "Girl I can't just leave my man to run off with you hoes." "Yeah Jamall runnin the show. Who's ya daddy now bitch?" Misa teased Asiah. Asiah and Misa headed toward the jewelry store as they chatted and caught up on the latest gossip and happenings. Asiah had popped the clutch on her bracelet and needed to have it repaired. As soon as she entered the store, the salesclerk greeted her cheerfully. He knew whenever he saw Asiah coming that he'd be getting a great big fat commission check. "Hey Haunze, I broke my clutch. How long do you think it'll take to fix it?" Asiah held the bracelet up for him to see. He took it from her hands to examine it closer. "Let me take it in the back and see. I’ll be right back." He said disappearing behind the curtain. Asiah and Misa browsed the store looking at the latest ice to hit the display cases. "Ooh Asiah look at this." Misa's eyes beamed as she focused on the most beautiful piece of jewelry she had ever set eyes on. Asiah rushed over to see what Misa was so stunned over. She could tell by the look on Misa's face that it was something that bitches would kill for. After just one look, Asiah too stood there gazing at the piece. It was a pink faced Rolex with crushed diamonds in the face and huge stones surrounding the face. There were baguettes throughout the entire wristband of the watch, it was breath taking. "Girl this muthafucka is bad." Asiah gasped aloud. Her wheels were turning; she had to have that watch.

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"Yes it is." Misa gazed at the watch. "I would be the shit with that on." Asiah visioned herself with the watch and matching pink diamond stud earrings. "Yes you would," Misa was still gazing when Haunze returned from the back. "We can have it ready in about 15 minutes." Haunze noticed the girls gasping over the watch. “That’s just in from New York. You like?" “Hell yeah I like." Asiah shook her head. "How much?" “For you, because you are such a good costumer, 25." Haunze quoted Asiah a price he thought was fair. Asiah knew that if he was willing to sell her the watch for 25 thousand than he must have paid about 15 for it. She talked him down to 20 and agreed to come back in an hour with the money. "I'll get my bracelet then too" she said as she headed out of the store. Asiah called Jamall's cell phone repeatedly but didn't receive an answer. She decided to go ahead and take the money out of the living room safe. He had plenty of money in his other safes. She was sure he wouldn't mind. Asiah returned in less than an hour with the money for the watch and a matching pair if diamond studs. She spent a total of $37 thousand in less than 2 hours. "Hey boo." Asiah beamed as Jamall opened the door. He mumbled back with his head hung low. He couldn't even look her in her eyes knowing that her life was about to be turned inside out. It was just moments away from being blown apart. He headed straight for the bathroom. That was the perfect 256

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place for him to be being as though he felt like a sack of shit. Jamall sat quietly on the love seat next to the Jacuzzi fiddling with his thumbs. He had to think of some way to stop this bitch from having this baby. Bribing her was the only logical thing he could come up with besides having her killed. Jamall decided to offer Samyah five thousand dollars not to have the baby. Being the money hungry bitch that she was he was sure that she'd accept his offer. Jamall eased out of the bathroom to see what Asiah was up to. She was laid across the bed reading her schoolbooks. "Baby I just remembered I forgot to take care of something. I'll be right back." He dashed out the door before she had a chance to ask questions. Jamall pulled up in front of Samyah's house with a brown paper bag full of money. He hoped that she would take these five gees and get the fuck out of his life. Jamall tapped on the door and stood patiently for someone to answer it. Samyah came to the door and looked out of the peephole. She grinned when she saw that it was Jamall. She knew that he would come running when she told him about the baby. "Oh so you decided to show up?" Samyah tried to play hardball with Jamall. "Look Samyah I'm not here to beef with you. We got a problem and I came to see if we could work this out. You gon let me in or what?" Jamall had already planned to leave this house with the same amount of kids he came in with. None. Samyah grinned thinking that she had Jamall right were she wanted him. She stood aside and waved her hand motioning him to come in. Jamall came in and took a seat on the plastic covered couch. He looked Samyah up and down and wondered how in the hell did he get caught up in this mess. First off he had no business fucking with her being as though 257

her and Kinte' were best friends. This all started when Jamall wanted to see Kinte' and Samyah eat each other’s pussy, he was supposed to just watch. But things didn't end up like that. He ended up fucking Samyah from the back while she ate Kinte's pussy. They had threesomes a couple of times after that. Then Samyah and Jamall started sneaking around behind Kinte's back and the next thing you know Samyah was in and Kinte’ was out. Jamall watched Samyah prance across the room and sit on the love seat. She was fine but her brains were nowhere. She was a chicken head and Jamall should have known better. Actually, he did know better but like all niggas, he let his dick over power his mind. Jamall cleared his throat. "Umm...what's up? Talk to me. How da fuck you gon wait till you 4 months pregnant before you call and tell a nigga you knocked up?" "I was scared." Samyah whined as if it were true. "You on some real bullshit. Scared of what? You wasn't scared, you just wanna trap a nigga. That's how yall hoes are." Jamall was losing his cool. He was not in the mood to play games with this bitch or no other bitch besides the one he had at home. "I'm sorry Jamall. I know the timing is bad and I don't mean to cause problems but..." "Samyah cut the bullshit okay. You ain't nothing but another bitch tryna make a come up and get rich on ya back. Look, I got five gees in this bag plus the abortion money. Take that and handle ya business. I'm telling you don't make shit hard for yourself." 258

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Samyah sat quietly for a few minutes considering her options. This was a good offer. She would have five gees to do whatever she wanted to. She was almost willing to take Jamall up on his offer but she knew if she had this baby that she could get so much more. Asiah spent over five gees shopping on a Saturday afternoon and Samyah wanted the same thing. If she had to have this baby to break them up and get her man back then she would. It was no way she was going to settle for chump change when this niggas was worth so much more. Millions to be exact. She wasn't as stupid as Jamall hoped she was. "Look Jamall I don't wanna kill my baby. I don't believe in that..." "Look bitch don't play with me. I will make you wish you was never born." Jamall was doing everything he could to stop himself from slapping the shit out of this girl. He wanted to wrap his hands around her throat and choke her until the last breath. Finally, he realized that pissing the bitch off wasn't going to get him out of this mess. He decided to take another approach. "Look Samyah I' m sorry. I'm just not prepared for this type of shit. I didn't mean it I just got a lot on my mind. Shit is rough in the streets, me and Asiah having problems. I been thinking bout movin to the ATL. I just don't think I need no kids right now." Jamall lied. It gave Samyah great pleasure to think that he and Asiah were having problems. That meant that they probably wouldn't last long and she would have a chance to swoop back into his life. She wanted them to be a family. She had plans for them and Asiah was not included. Everything was going fine until he started dealing with Asiah. All of a sudden, he cut Samyah off and never called her again. Maybe with Asiah out of the 259

picture she would have a chance, she just had to play her cards right and be patient. "Well Jamall I'm sorry and I know that you got a lot on your plate. I don't mean to cause problems." Samyah was playing her part to a T. "Yeah right bitch." Jamall thought "Well get some rest and think about it. I'll talk to you later." Jamall stood up and headed for the door. As soon as Jamall was out of the door Samyah jumped on the phone and called, her gold digger cousin who'd been coaching her through this whole thing since day one. She was the one who told Samyah to wait until it was too late for an abortion to tell Jamall that she was pregnant. Samyah repeated their entire conversation word for word to her cousin. "Yup girl he say that they were having problems already." Samyah was glad to deliver the news. "Well good. That'll make our job that much easier. Girl I'm tellin you if you have this nigga baby you gon be on easy street" said Samyah's cousin.

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CHAPTER 25

Missing in action Jamall checked his cell phone when he returned to his car. He had six missed calls. They were all Kimara. Jamall dialed the number back. "What up baby?" He said expecting his niece to answer her phone. "Jamall, Kimara's missing!" Her mother screamed through the phone. She was frantic. "What?" "She didn't come home from school today." "Why the fuck did you wait this long before you called me?" "I didn't think nothin of it at first but now I'm worried." "I'm on my way." Jamall bust a U-turn and jumped on 695 to Randallstown. He'd helped Kimara's mother get a town house on Rolling Rd. He couldn't have his niece growing up in the slums of East Baltimore. He also sent Kimara's mother to a very good drug program in Temple Hills. She had three months clean. It wasn't much but it was a start. Jamall called Boogie and Bomb and they agreed to meet him at Kimara's house. They all pulled up in their new 745s. They'd just got them about 2 weeks ago. Everything on the streets was better than normal and the fellas decided to treat themselves. Jamall's was Black on Black, Boogie's was Pearl on Cream, 262

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and Bomb's was Cranberry on Beige. Everyone on the streets was talking about how these niggas came back hard. Other niggas hustle hard all year long and couldn't cop the new 745, yet they seem to have no problem getting theirs straight off the showroom floor. Jamall grilled Kimara's mother with a million questions. "What time did she leave? What did she say? Who was she with? Was she mad about something? How much money did she have on her?" Before she could answer one question he was tossing another one her way. "Let's call the police." Kimara's mother pleaded. The guys gave her a cold stare. Real niggas didn't call the law. Instead, they called Rodriguez and had him send out all of the cops on their payroll to look for Kimara. Meanwhile the guys split up to search the area. Jamall took his phone off vibrate and placed it on emergency ring. He braced himself for a ransom call. He decided that it would be best if he went and got the money now. That way when they called he didn't have to waste time going to get the money. He didn't want to play with his niece's life. Jamall went to his mother's house and took $100 thousand dollars from the safe. He figured that they'd ask for something in that ballpark. As Jamall approached Kimara's house he saw a Gold LS sitting out front. He reached under his seat and pulled out his nine, he hit the headlights and rolled up slow. He wanted to see what the fuck was going on. As he approached the car, the passenger door opened and Kimara got out. Jamall quickly slammed on the breaks and jumped out of his car. He ran straight to the driver's side catching him off guard. Jamall put his nine straight to his head. "Put both of ya hands on the wheel.” Jamall demanded. "Jamall...Jamall!" Kimara pleaded.

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"Shut the fuck up and go in the house." He ordered. He focused back on the driver. "What the fuck you doin wit my niece this time of night? Fuckin? Huh?" Jamall questioned the young boy. "Naw man it ain't even like that." The boy's voice trembled. "Well what's it like bitch?" Jamall pressed the steel against his head harder. "C’mon man. Look..." the driver, pleaded. Boogie pulled up and jumped out of his car. Kimara called his cell and told him everything that was going on. "What the fuck is wrong wit chew? Let this man go. You can't kill everybody that touch ya niece." Boogie tried to talk logical to his friend. "Wanna bet?" Jamall was still holding his pistol to the boy's head. “Imagine how I feel about my sista. You gotta realize that the girl is growin up. This type of shit is gonna happen. As long as a nigga ain't beatin her and doin her dirty ain't nothin you can do." Boogie pleaded with Jamall for a few minutes before he finally put his gun away and went into the house. Boogie squashed the beef with the youngin and made sure that everything was cool. He memorized the tag number and had Rodriguez run it just in case the nigga got slick. Rodriguez found out the name and address that the car was registered to. Boogie knew that kid looked familiar, it was Stink's little brother. Boogie and Stink were locked up together in Juvey.

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Meanwhile Jamall was in the house letting Kimara have it. Her mother had to pull him off her twice in fear that he might have seriously hurt her. "You got me all upset and worried about you and you somewhere fuckin. You's a stupid ass bitch!" He cursed her as her mother tried to pry his hands from her neck. After Boogie and Bomb calmed Jamall down Kimara sat down and started crying. Jamall paced back and forth cursing her and occasionally slapping her upside the head. Finally, he got himself under control and remembered that he had bigger problems than Kimara fucking. Since the sun was coming up Kimara's mother fixed a big breakfast and they all ate like pigs. When they were leaving Kimara asked Jamall for lunch money. "You been fuckin all night and you ain't got no lunch money? You's a dumb ass bitch. I ain't givin you shit, that'll teach you not to be so fuckin dumb." He walked out of the door leaving her standing there looking and feeling stupid. "Here shorty." Boogie said giving her a hundred dollar bill. He felt sorry for her. When Jamall got home, he told Asiah about the whole Kimara thing. She laughed so hard that she had tears in her eyes. "I don't see what the fuck is so funny." He fumed as Asiah laughed harder. Boogie sat patiently waiting for his lawyer to return from lunch. Charlotte's parents were trying to get full custody of Indya. Boogie knew if that happened that, her mother would make his life a living hell. Not to mention that she never answered or returned his phone calls. Every time he tried to 265

spend, time with Indya Charlotte's mother would already have plans or not be at home. She was convinced that he had something to do with her daughter getting killed and refused to let her grand daughter grow up in that environment. For once Mr. Morton had to agree with Laura-Ashley, he too wanted full custody of Indya. "Hey Mr. Sheppard. How's it going?" The short Jewish lawyer entered the office walking briskly. His Grey suit fit his small frame as if he were born in it. He wore a small pair of circle glasses and always had a part on the right side of his head. He slung his briefcase on the desk and sat down in his oversized leather chair. "Let's see." He said flipping through Boogie's file. He looked up with a slight grin on his face. "Technically we don't have a problem. You're Indya's father and by law, you already have full custody of her since her mother is decease. You can walk in there right now and take her and they couldn't do a damn thing about it. That won't stop them from filing for custody though. They'll say that you're the reason why their daughter is dead; we'll say they have no proof of that. They'll say that you are a drug dealer; we'll say that you are a young black business owner with several lucrative businesses. They'll say that you are a murderer but those records are sealed because you were a juvenile." He smiled at Boogie. "From now on I want you to keep a log of every time they won't allow you to see your daughter, that way when you take Indya if they file for custody we can say that you were more than willing to share custody with them but they were unreasonable. That will make their case impossible to win, and maybe you should get married to make yourself look a little more stable." "What?" 266

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"Get married. Look Daunte these people are going to do everything possible to take your daughter away from you. They're going to fight dirty. We've got to pull out all of the stops. You need to do whatever you have to, to strengthen your case. " "This guy is really serious." Boogie thought as he sat in disbelief as his lawyer went on talking. Jamall and Bomb sat listening to Boogie reenact the conversation with his lawyer. Bomb paid more attention to the PS2 than the conversation. He was not the advice giving type when it came to sensitive situations like this one. The only thing he knew about was the streets and he was very good at that. Jamall on the other hand had more emotional experience and offered good advice at times. "So what chew gon do?" Jamall asked his best friend. "I'on know. I guess I'ma marry Sheebah, Courtney too young. Or maybe I should just find somebody else." "Naw that'll take too long. We don't have that kind of time." Jamall reminded Boogie. "Yeah you right. I mean...I feel Sheebah. I care for her a lot but I never saw myself spending the rest of my life with her." "Who said it had to be the rest of your life. Divorce her after you get the baby." Bomb spoke up with his eyes glued to the TV screen. Boogie and Jamall just looked at him in awe. Only he could make something like that seem so simple. Whenever there was a questionable situation Bomb's suggestion was "Fuck it just kill'em", and he meant it and would do it himself if

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he had to. Boogie thought for a minute then he walked over to the safe and took out three stacks of money. "Let's go get a ring" he told his homeboys. He didn't know what his next move was after that but either way he would need a ring. The three gassed up Jamall's Denali and once again hit the turnpike. They arrived in NY about 6pm. That gave them time to hang out after they got the ring. They strolled through Jacob's looking for the perfect ring for whatever lucky girl Boogie chose. After selecting three rings, they narrowed it down to one. It was a 6ct. Marquise cut diamond with three carrots of diamonds on the snap on band. Of course, Boogie being Boogie he got the whole thing at one time. Chances were he wouldn't even be married long enough to add anything else to the ring. Jamall spotted a beautiful Canary Yellow diamond necklace and bracelet he knew Asiah would love. "Put this in a box for me." He ordered to the sales clerk. The sales clerk jumped at the sound of Jamall's voice. He didn't know the gentlemen personally because he'd just started working there but he knew by looking at the jewels they were rocking that they had plenty of money to spend. After leaving Jacob's the three partied all night and returned to Baltimore the next morning. As time passed Asiah's and Jamall's wedding date got closer and closer and Samyah's stomach got bigger and bigger. Jamall had yet found enough nerve to tell Asiah about the baby. Things on the streets were jamming and money was rolling in faster than it ever had. Boogie decided to wait for Charlotte's parents to file for custody before asking anyone to marry him. Meanwhile Darell received information that Boogie 268

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and his crew played a part in his cousin Boo getting killed. He immediately started plotting his revenge. He hated their whole crew. They were fucking up his pockets, Jamall was fucking the girl he wanted, and now he found out that these niggas were the reason his cousin was gone. Oh, hell no he wasn't having it. Jamall and Boogie sat patiently in the emergency room. Samyah had called Jamall complaining of pain. Secretly Jamall wished that she would lose the baby. That would solve all of his problems. Jamall realized that he was wrong for thinking that way and quickly asked God to forgive him. Although 99.9% of his actions did not display any Christianity in them at all, he did believe in God. Boogie volunteered to accompany Jamall knowing that he did not want to be alone with Samyah. Plus he had to check things out on his sister's behalf. About a month ago, Jamall broke down and confessed to Boogie about Samyah's pregnancy. He couldn't stand to keep that kind of secret from his boy. He needed someone to talk to. Despite his efforts, Samyah refused to get an abortion. Since Samyah was already pregnant before Asiah and Jamall hooked up Boogie had Jamall's back. He knew that Jamall loved his sister and that mattered a lot to him. Boogie agreed to let Jamall be the one to break the news to Asiah. Plus it was no way that he wanted her to know that he knew and didn't tell her. She would kill him and he didn't want no parts of that. He told Jamall to be careful of how he handled the situation and to make sure that Asiah didn't get hurt. Samyah came out clutching her stomach. She was playing this role to a T. Jamall just shook his head. He hated this bitch. She was his worst nightmare in high heels. "What they say?" Boogie was curious.

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"They say it’s stress and I need plenty of rest. The doctor placed me on bed rest for two weeks" she whined. She was pleased to deliver the news knowing that this would mean extra attention from Jamall. She knew that no matter what Jamall really felt he wasn't the type of nigga that would turn his back on his child or its mother. Jamall was the type that took care of his, regardless. That's just how his mother raised him. Being a single parent, she instilled in Jamall that a man should take care of his kids no matter what. After they dropped Samyah off the guys headed to Mo's for a few drinks. As soon as they stepped into the door all eyes were on them as usual. The niggas shook their hands and slapped them fives while making petty small talk. Some females admired them from afar, some admired them up close, but they all admired them. Some even positioning themselves at the bar hoping to be noticed. The staff in Mo’s treated them like celebrities. Jamall sat there in a daze on his fifth shot of Remmy thinking about Asiah. "Yo, what the fuck am I gonna do?" Jamall hoped Boogie had an answer to give him. Boogie could see that Jamall was in pain. He knew how much Jamall loved Asiah, he wished this shit wasn't happening, but the fact of the matter is, it was happening and he had to do everything possible to make sure that his baby girl didn't get hurt. "I don't know but I don't think you should wait much longer to tell Asiah. It won't be long before one of them nosey ass bitches start runnin their mouth. We can't let her find out like that. Plus she'll hate me forever if she found out I knew and didn't tell her. You got me caught up in this shit wit chew. You gotta hurry up and tell" Boogie preached to Jamall. Jamall sat hopeless. He wanted to wait until after the wedding. He was sure if Asiah found out before then that she would think twice about marrying him. He was scared to death of losing Asiah. 270

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She was what made him complete, his inspiration, and his strength to go on. This shit just wasn't looking good. Samyah was 6 months and he still had another two months before the wedding. There was no way he was going to make it without Asiah finding out. CHAPTER 26

When the shit hits the fan Sheebah sat on the edge of the bed rocking back and forth, as the phone continued to ring. Her and Courtney had just had another heated argument. “Bitch stop callin my house!” Sheebah screamed through the phone at the top of her lungs. It was a mystery to her how this bitch kept getting her phone number. She knew Boogie wasn’t that stupid to call her from home. Tears forced their way to Sheebah’s eyes as she broke down and cried. She was so sick of this shit. She didn’t know how much more she could take. She was tired of putting on a fake ass smile pretending like shit was all-good when the fact of the matter was people knew she was fronting before she did. She was the last to know that her home life was fucked up. Sheebah didn’t know how much more she could take. Boogie was out of control with his infidelity. He was flaunting Courtney in the streets, out in public like there was no wifey in his life. It was to the point where Sheebah felt like she was the other girl. Courtney was getting bolder by the minute. If she called Boogie’s cell and didn’t get an answer you better believe she called Sheebah’s house next. “Let me speak to Daunte!” She would demand without hesitation or any fear of consequences. She showed up at Boogie’s birthday party and looked at Sheebah like “What 271

bitch? Yeah I’m up in here at MY man’s party.” That’s when Sheebah saw her new Accord that everyone said Boogie bought her. Of course, he denied it but who was to say that he wasn’t lying, especially when he lied so much. The streets spoke of how well he kept Courtney and how she rocked all the latest designer wear and jewels thanks to him. Sheebah was tired of this shit, she was fed up! Boogie fiddled with his keys as he turned the lock to Courtney’s apartment. He hated that lock he’d been meaning to get it changed for months. He went straight into the kitchen and dumped his Chinese food on a paper plate. He was starving. He searched the cabinets for his favorite NBA cup, but he couldn’t find it. He walked into the bedroom only to find Courtney in the mirror trying on some new clothes. She was another monster that he’d created. She pranced around strutting her stuff until she noticed Boogie leaning against the wall watching the show. She grinned and walked over to him and started dancing around. “Oh oh oh uh uh uh oh no no” She did the Beyonce’ swinging her Copper colored hair everywhere. That’s what Boogie loved about her; she was a Beyonce’ look alike, down to the body measurements. She put her ass on his dick and started grinding. Now she was in stripper mode. When Naughty Girl came on, she really went to work. She was shaking and vibrating like a pro. Boogie laughed so hard that he forgot he was hungry. He reached in his pocket and pulled out a knot of money. Once Courtney saw that money, she really got busy. She started peeling her clothes off layer by layer just like she’d seen on the Player’s Club. Courtney bent over, touching her ankles she made her ass clap. Boogie started tossing money everywhere. She danced harder, doing a split she put her legs over her head, and starting playing with her pussy. For her grand finale, she got a 272

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champagne bottle and pretended it was him. Boogie’s dick stiffened as he watched Courtney deep throat the bottle. Next she popped the cork and poured it all over him sucking it all off until he came in her mouth. Then she jumped on him and rode the rodeo until she came. Courtney bent over letting Boogie fuck her from the back until he exploded like an erupting volcano. Boogie got up and went into the bathroom to wash-up. Back in the kitchen, he remembered his mission. He went back into the bedroom. Courtney was sitting on the bed calculating the profits she made. She liked to think that she made it but fact of the matter was that he would have given it to her anyway. She smirked as she tucked away the twelve hundred dollars. Courtney was grateful. She had hooked herself the biggest balla in town and would stop at nothing to keep him. He supplied her every need. He took her out of the projects and bought her a car. Boogie even paid for her to go to driving school. Before he came along, she had nothing, hell she was nothing. Courtney remembered life without him and there was no way in hell she was going back. She had everything that she needed at her fingertips. Bitches would kill to be in her shoes. He was her man and she loved him. She didn’t give a fuck about Sheebah or no other bitch that thought they could hold him. She was down for her crown and he would be hers one day. Whatever he wanted was all-good with her. She would do anything necessary to keep him satisfied. She was like a puppy, loyal to the one that fed her. “C.”: Boogie started calling her C because she looked like Beyonce’. Therefore, the B became a C to fit her name. “Yeah?” “Where my cup at?” 273

“In the dishwasher Daunte.” “Oh” Sheebah’s alarm clock went off the next morning and still no Boogie. She went downstairs into the gym and worked out. Her doctor told her that exercise relieved stress so she started working out. After working out she showered and threw on a Baby Phat sweat suit. She grabbed the spare key to Boogie’s 745, jumped in his Denali, and headed for Misa’s house. Sheebah asked Misa to follow her to drop off Boogie’s truck so she could have a ride back to the salon; Misa agreed. Sheebah stopped at Wal-Mart and bought a bat, some spray paint, and an army knife. She jumped in the truck and went on her way with Misa following close behind. Sheebah pulled up at Courtney’s apartment complex and spotted Boogie’s 745 parked right next to Courtney’s new Accord. When Misa realized what Sheebah was up to she told Sheebah that she’d meet her around the corner. She had her back but she didn’t want trouble with the Big Dog. Misa parked on the side of the building and watched through the rearview as Sheebah went to work .Sheebah pulled the spare 745 key from her pocket and disarmed the alarm. Then she began slashing the tires on his car and Courtney’s car. Next, she spray-painted both cars. She put Bitch on Courtney’s. Last but not least which was the noisest she took the aluminum bat and smashed the front window out of Boogie’s 745, and then she did Courtney’s. By now, Sheebah noticed the neighbors peeking out of their windows. She jumped in the Denali put it in reverse and drove it straight into the back of Boogie’s car and she did the same thing to Courtney’s Accord. Sheebah jumped out of the truck and fled for the safety of Misa’s car. They sped off as they heard sirens blazing.

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When the girls arrived at the salon, Sheebah had four clients waiting for her. She apologized for being late and started shampooing hair. The shampoo girl didn’t come in until 10. “Sheebah I’m goin to the store. You want anything?” One of her clients asked. “Yeah, get me bacon, egg, and cheese, some hot chocolate, and a bottle of Tylenol. I gotta headache.” Sheebah handed her a twenty-dollar bill. Asiah brushed her hair down and put on her diamond studs. She stood in the mirror dressed to kill. Today was Terra’s court date. Their last few visits went well. They’d gotten over the fact that Terra fucked Kross. Asiah still had love for Terra and she hoped that they could be friends again. Terra’s lawyer cost 12 gees but her mother only had five so Asiah forked out the other seven. Terra’s mother promised that she would pay it back but Asiah knew that wasn’t likely. She could barely pay her bills these days. The courtroom was at a standstill as the jury retook their seats. It took them 45 minutes to deliberate. The verdict was guilty and the sentence was.7 years. As the judge’s gavel hit the desk, Terra’s eyes filled with tears while the guards cuffed her. Asiah rushed to her side to comfort her. “Terra don’t worry I’ll get an appeal, a better lawyer. Don’t worry.” Asiah promised. Terra looked at Asiah and smiled. She inhaled a deep breath, and spit straight in Asiah’s face.

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“Fuck you bitch! I hate you! You did this to me! You got me that bullshit lawyer, bitch I hate you!” Terra screamed to the top of her lungs while the guards dragged her off. Asiah stood motionless. She was more hurt than embarrassed while the crowd starred at the split sliding down the side of her face. Boogie awoke to pounding on the door. He reached over for Courtney. “C….C…get the door.” His voice was groggy. Courtney climbed out of the king sized bed and slipped her feet into Boogie’s slippers. Peeping out of the peephole, she wondered what the woman from upstairs wanted. She cracked the door and plastered a fake smile on her face. “Good morning.” Courtney greeted the lady. “Someone vandalize your car.” The lady pointed toward the parking lot. Courtney went outside to see what the lady was talking about and was at a lost for words. Tears came to her eyes when she saw her new car all smashed up. She knew that Sheebah did this. It had her name written all on it. “Oh my God!” Courtney’s jaw dropped. She dashed upstairs to tell Boogie. “Daunte…Daunte…” She shook him out of his sleep. “What?” “Somebody...” She stopped and rephrased her words. 276

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“Sheebah was here.” “What?” He jumped up “What she say? Where she at?” “She fucked my car up. When I catch that bitch….” “Girl shut up” He cut her off and grinned as he slipped into his sweatpants. “Well I’m glad you think its funny cause she fucked ya shit up too. She even got ya truck out there all fucked up with the key still in it. You lucky ain’t nobody take that shit!” Courtney became enraged. “Whatever, she know better than to fuck with my shit.” Boogie was not convinced of Courtney’s story. “Yeah, okay Daddy Mac!” She was being sarcastic as she followed him outside. She was willing to pay good money to see the expression on his face. When Boogie saw his Denali smashed into his brand new Beamer, his entire body went numb. He told Courtney to call AAA and the insurance company. He called Bomb for a ride. Jamall recounted his money for the third time. He just didn’t understand. There was no way possible that this safe could be 40 gees short. He sat back calculating his spending habits. Next, he calculated Asiah’s but that still wasn’t 40 gees. It was no way that there should have been that much money missing even with her dipping and dabbing, Jamall hunched his shoulders and got up to get something to drink .He checked his watch. It was 1:30. He had to pick Samyah up and take her to her doctor’s appointment. She was getting a sonogram today. This was the one that would determine the sex of the baby. She wanted Jamall to be there. The thought crossed 277

Jamall’s mind several times to tell her to go suck a dick but he agreed. Besides, she’d been staying out of sight as long as he kept her happy. Just then, Jamall’s thoughts were broken by Asiah entering the condo. She huffed and threw her keys on the hall table. She went straight to the bathroom and scrubbed her face for the tenth time since she’d left the courthouse. “Yuck” She frowned removing her clothes and tossing them in the hamper. Asiah walked in the living room and flopped on the couch. Jamall glanced at her sitting there in her Victoria’s Secret underwear and he felt himself getting hard .He checked his watch again. It was 1:45 he still had time to get served. He walked over to the couch and grabbed Asiah by the hand. He pulled her to her feet and gave her a sloppy tongue kiss. Asiah felt Jamall’s hard dick pressing against her. She dropped to her knees, took him in her mouth, and sucked until he came. Boogie walked into the salon with the look of a raging bull on his face. He yanked Sheebah by the arm “Get the fuck in the back…Now!” He drug her to the back office and slung her against the wall like a rag doll. “Bitch don’t you ever fuck wit my shit!” He pinned her against the wall and started choking her. “What the fuck I tell you bout playin wit me? Huh?” He choked harder. Sheebah’s face was flushed. She gasped for air. Her eyes began to water. “You think it’s a game bitch?” “Wack” He slapped her across the face. 278

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” Your muthafuckin ass gon make me kill you.” He slung her across the room. She fell on the desk and started crying. “I just can’t take no more Daunte. No matter what I do to show you I love you, you just crush my feelins. It’s bad enough you fuckin wit the bitch, but now you got that bitch calling my house. She disrespect me like she your girl and I’m the other bitch.” Sheebah cried wiping her tears away. “What?” This was news to Boogie. He would have never allowed no shit like that. He had no idea that Courtney was still calling the house. He put her in check after the first time she did it. It was obvious she needed an ass whipping to make her act right. He planned on serving her later. She had to learn to stay in her place. She was getting too big for her britches. “And on top of all that you bought that bitch a new car and I’m still drivin that raggedy ass Ac.” Sheebah complained knowing that her car was still new but felt if Courtney got a new car than so should she. “Dat’s what this about Sheebah? A new car? If you wanted a new car why didn’t you just ask for one?” He shook his head in discuss. Bitches were so complicated. If he could find the pussy without the rest of it he would be more than happy to trade them all in. “Listen to me. You listenin?” He cuffed her chin. She shook her head yes as he continued.” No matter what I do with them bitches you still my girl. You who I got everything ridin on. You got the leadin role, play ya part ma.” “But”

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“But what? You got the salon. The house, the raggedy ass Ac that you don’t want no more.” He smiled at her. Her heart melted as usual. She leaned over and kissed him. “Well why you buy her a car,” She whined. “Sheebah the girl don’t have shit but what I give her…” “You shouldn’t be worried about what she have if you don’t care nothin bout her.” Sheebah protested. “Look I ain’t gon stand here and say that I don’t give a fuck about shorty cause I do. But ma your spot is secure, just play your position. You just gon have to accept the fact that a nigga gon be a nigga.” He tossed her a stack of money out of the safe. “Since that Ac so raggedy trade it in and see what you can get with that.” Sheebah stood speechless. This nigga just openly told her that he was going to fuck whomever he pleased and she had to live with it. She couldn’t believe that his balls were this big. Who the fuck did he think he was? Tony Soprano. Boogie kissed Sheebah’s swollen cheek and walked off once again avoiding the consequences of the situation. Sheebah sat down and checked the label on the money. It was a 100 gee stack. She had a man that could toss 100 gees her way without breaking a sweat yet she still felt like shit. Samyah waddled down the hallway. She was especially excited today. She wanted to find out if the baby was a girl or a boy. Jamall strolled along daydreaming about his session he had with Asiah. They sat patiently waiting for the doctor. Samyah tried to make small talk but Jamall wished she would just shut the fuck up. He still cursed the day he stuck his dick 280

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in her. Finally, the doctor came in saving Jamall from all of Samyah’s babbling. “The baby this. The baby that.” This shit was driving him mad. It probably wasn’t his baby anyway. “So Ms. Green how are we feeling today?” The doctor asked. “Well my back has been hurting all day.” Samyah complained. “Oh bitch please!” Jamall thought. “Describe the pain.” “It’s like a real sharp pain that comes and goes.” “How far apart are the pains?” “I don’t know. I didn’t time it because I figured that it was too early to be contractions. I’m only seven and a half months.” Samyah reminded her doctor as if he didn’t know. “Yes but that sounds like contractions. I’m sure it’s probably just Braxton Hicks but I’ll examine you anyway.” “Well let me leave!” Jamall jumped up. He came to see the baby not to look up Samyah’s pussy. He wasn’t with that shit not even a little bit. About 20 minutes later, the doctor came out with a slight grin on his face. “Well dad looks like you’re going to be a father a lot sooner than you think.” 281

“What?” “She is 4 centimeters. She’ll have the baby before the nights out.” “What? But it’s too soon.” “I know but these things happen all the time. She has dilated too much to try to stop her from delivering. All we can do now is make sure that he is healthy. I’ll give her a shot to help with the baby’s lungs and monitor her closely. Don’t worry his survival rate is in his favor. We’ll be moving her to a room shortly.” “He?” “Yup. You’ve got yourself a Junior.” The doctor strolled off. Jamall just stood there in a daze. He was glad to hear that the baby’s chances of living were in his favor. It was his own chances of living that he was concerned about. He still had not told Asiah. He planned to marry her first; he never thought that the baby would come this early. Jamall planned to ask for a DNA test. It was no way this baby could be his. Sheebah dialed Misa’s cell phone. She was dying to show off her new car. Sheebah kept dialing Misa and Asiah until finally one of them answered their phone. “Hello” “Girl where you at? I been trying to call yall bitches for the last two hours.” Sheebah complained.

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“Oh, we at Asiah’s grandmothers house that bitch in here cleaning like she Merry Maids” Misa joked. “I’m on my way.” Sheebah hung up. Jamall panicked on the other end of the phone as he filled Boogie in on what was going on. “Damn dog. I don’t know what the fuck you gon do. I been told you to tell her. Now look." Boogie preached. He did not bother to tell Jamall what his day was like. He figured of the two of them Jamall had it the worst. “So what chew gon do?” “Fuck if I know. She want me to go to her house and get her some clothes and shit. Can you come down here for a while? I gotta get the fuck outa here.” Jamall’s mind was on E. He could not think straight. All he knew was his life was falling apart right before his eyes and there was nothing he could do about it. “I’m on my way.” “Thanks yo! Thanks for everything.” No matter how fucked up the situation was Boogie and Jamall were still best friends. Jamall was his man fifty grand and he was going to do everything possible to help him through this. Boogie had to make sure things were handled properly, his sister’s feelings were involved and although Jamall went about this all wrong Boogie knew that Jamall really did love Asiah. Sheebah pulled up in her new Benz and tooted the horn. She could not wait to show her girls. 283

“Beep beep.” Misa stuck her head out of the window to be nosey, of course. When she realized that it was Sheebah in that Phat ass, Benz out front she almost lost her breath. “Oh shit!” Misa cheered as she raced downstairs. “Asiah…Asiah…Sheebah got a new Benz.” Misa yelled flying pass Asiah. Asiah stood up from scrubbing the floor and washed her hands. One thing that her Granny taught her was that no man wanted a dirty girl and that being clean kept you closer to God. That is why Asiah always made time to clean Granny’s house also. Although no one stayed there, any more Asiah knew that dust could get pretty thick if you let it. “Damn girl this nice.” Misa inspected the vehicle. “Yeah, you shittin on that bitch now.” Asiah said referring to Courtney. “What’s the number on this?” Asiah asked while working her way to the tail of the car to see for herself. “430” Sheebah answered. “Oh it’s nice. I think I might want one but I would want a six.” “Yeah Sheebah you shoulda told’em ta keep the change. You shoulda got at least a five.” Misa added on. “I don’t know. They looked the same to me and this one was cheaper.” Sheebah hunched her shoulders feeling a little dumb.

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“Cheaper? Girl please. If your gonna do it, do it big. Next time you’ll know but this is still nice. Plus you know girls can get away with driving anything.” Asiah tried to make Sheebah feel better. She knew that Sheebah was not used to spending money so freely. Although Boogie had introduced her to the good life, she often thought as if she still lived in the projects. When the girls went, shopping Asiah often had to persuade her that $1500 dollars was not too much to spend on a handbag. Jamall stood at Samyah’s front door fumbling through her key chain trying to recall which key was the one that opened the door. “Finally.” He fumed as the fourth key opened the door. “Hello.” Jamall hollered but received no answer. He felt around until he found a light switch and flicked it on. He found his way to Samyah’s room after climbing over piles and piles of trash and dirty clothes. The bedrooms weren’t any better, they were filthy too. It was hard to tell where the piles of trash stopped and the furniture began. “Damn this shit is nasty. I’m glad my baby ain’t nasty like this. I can’t stand a trifling ass bitch. I can’t have no child of mines growin up in this shit.” Jamall went on talking to himself. “A bunch of bitches and nobody cleans up.” Jamall shook his head in disgust. Samyah lived with two of her cousins who also specialized in gold digging. Asiah pulled her hair into a bun and climbed in the Jacuzzi. “Uhh” She exhaled resting her head against the tub pillow. She slowly spread her legs allowing her vagina to be submerged in the water. Her nipples hardened and she became aroused. She closed her eyes and gently massaged her clit imagining that it was Jamall. The thought of him brought her to an orgasm. 285

"Unh…umm…” She moaned “Look at you.” Jamall interrupted with laughter. Asiah looked up with sweat beads on her forehead as her body jerked her orgasm became more intense. The thought of him watching her made the act all the more erotic. “Let me help you out.” Jamall clowned as he stripped down to join his fiancé’. After they finished Jamall held Asiah close delivering a slew of baby soft kisses to her forehead. “I love you!” He squeezed her tight. “I love you too!” She kissed his lips unaware of the fear in his heart. The thought of losing Asiah scared Jamall more than death itself. “Oh Boo guess what?” Asiah’s eyes widened as she prepared for pillow talk. “What?” Jamall laughed. He was amused by Asiah’s every move. “Sheebah got a new Benz.” “For real?” “Yup, a 430.” “A 430? Why didn’t she get the 6?” “She said the 430 was cheaper.”

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“Cheaper?” Jamall looked confused. They both burst into laughter. “Boogie gon flip out.” Jamall was still chuckling. “I think I want one.” Asiah prepared to do some major begging and anything else she had to do to make Jamall say yes. “A 430?” “No a 600.” She gave him the puppy dog look to soften his heart. She knew that he was trying to avoid spending large amounts of money. He had been talking about leaving the game a lot lately. Jamall quickly agreed to make himself feel better about the baby. “Aight but I’ma have to go to my moms house and take the doe from her safe cause the one here is like 40 gees short. I still don’t know why. I’ma get Perry to go through this shit and figure out the problem." “40 short? How?” Then Asiah remembered the watch she had purchased without letting Jamall know. He did not answer his cell phone when she called him so she just went on and bought the watch. She meant to tell him later but it slipped her mind. “Oh I meant to tell you that I bought a watch. I called your phone and you didn’t answer.” Asiah confessed. “A watch? How could you forget to tell me that you spent 40 gees?” Jamall was heated. “It was more like 37” Asiah defended her actions. “Well 37. What’s the big fuckin difference?” Jamall spat. 287

“I’m sorry I tried to call. I take money out of my brother’s safe all the time without telling him. Don’t have a baby.” Suddenly Jamall was overwhelmed with guilt. He did not want her to think that he could not provide for her just as her brother had, but one thing was clear, this girl thought that money grew on trees and it was no way that he could leave the game any time soon. “Push. Push!” The doctors coached Samyah as the baby’s head crowned her vagina. “I can’t it hurts.” Samyah cried. “Okay take a deep breath and give me a hard push.” “I can’t” “Yes you can. You have to.” The doctor ordered. “Samyah listen to me” Boogie interrupted “You gotta push this baby out or they gonna cut ya ass wide open. Now push!” He squeezed her hand. After two more pushes, they heard the sweet screams of a 5lb.6oz. baby boy. The nurses quickly took him away to clean him up and run the usual test. Just as they handed him back to Samyah, Jamall burst into the room. “Am I too late?” He focused on Samyah holding the baby. He walked over to get a peek. 288

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“What should we call him?” Samyah looked up at Jamall. Jamall paused and took a long look at the baby. His entire attitude changed. He knew that he had to do what was right, at least by his son. It was no way that he could deny this baby. He looked just like him. “Call him Jamall.” He heard himself say as he turned to walk away. Jamall sat outside of Samyah’s room while the nurses assisted her in cleaning herself up. Boogie came and sat down beside him. “Well?” Jamall asked curious of what his best friend had to say. “It’s time to do the right thing. You got your son and my sister to think about. Stop thinking about yourself for once.” “You think she gon leave me?” Jamall was hopeless. “To be truthful, yeah. I told you to tell her. She not gon take this shit kindly.” “How was I supposed to know that she was gon have the baby early?” “Right now that don’t even matter. All I know is you got a girl and you got a baby and you got trouble. Now make a decision you can live with.” Boogie gave Jamall a pat on the back and left. Jamall stood up and went back into Samyah’s hospital room. He spent the next three hours getting to know his son.

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“Where you been? I been callin you all day.” Asiah kissed Jamall on the cheek and removed his jacket to hang it up. “You hungry? I made Steak and potatoes.” She gleamed proud of herself for yet another spectacular meal. “Naw…” Jamall hesitated. Asiah spotted the hospital band on Jamall’s arm and quickly became concerned. “Oh baby what happened?” She rushed to comfort him. He pushed her away. “Asiah I need to talk to you about something.” “Well what is it baby?” She fiddled with her hair trying to imagine what she could have done. “Is it the watch?” “Naw” “The Benz? Oh, Boo I really want that Benz.” Asiah pleaded. “Asiah it’s not the watch and it’s not the Benz.” “Well what is it?” She cut him off curious to know the problem. “Asiah sit down a minute.” Jamall scratched his head overwhelmed with stress. Asiah finally sat down and waited patiently for Jamall to tell her what was on his mind. She could not imagine what had him so stressed. Jamall looked into Asiah’s shiny bright eyes and did not want to imagine the look on her face after he delivered the news. There was no easy way to tell her so he just spit it out.

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“Samyah got pregnant when we were messing with each other. I tried to get her to get an abortion but she wouldn’t get rid off it. She wouldn’t I swear baby I tried. I wanted to tell you but I didn’t know how. Now she then fucked around and had the baby early!” Asiah sat speechless as Jamall’s words pierced her ears. She tried to respond but burst into tears. “How could you do this to me? What am I supposed to do now?” She wailed uncontrollably. Jamall hugged her tight. “Baby we gon get through this. I promise. You hear me. It ain’t nothin, we gon get through this shit.” He held her tight. “No. No. Get off me. Get the fuck off me!” She yanked away. “Uuh huh huh…” She cried. “I can’t breathe.” Asiah started coughing and gagging. “Asiah” Jamall reached out for her. She yanked away from him. “Asiah.” He followed her as she headed for the bedroom. She pulled out her Gucci duffle bag and began to toss clothing in it. “Asiah what chew doin? Where you goin at?” “Why Jamall?” “I love you that’s why. You can’t leave me, I can’t live without you. Asiah don’t do this.” He pleaded.

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Asiah ignored Jamall and continued packing. Her mind was so twisted that she could hardly focus. Finally, after walking in and out the closet several times she broke down and collapsed on the chase. Her heart sank into her chest and she cried. “Oh God help me. Please help me.” She pleaded with the Lord. She felt her heartbreak as the pain rose from the pit of her stomach. She had never experienced pain like this before. She balled up into a fetal position and began shivering, rocking back, and forth clutching a pillow. “Why? Jamall why?” She looked at him. He fell to his knees and began to rub Asiah’s back. He could not bare to see her in pain this way. He began to cry. This was the second time in his life he’d cried since his brother died. “Asiah baby I’m sorry” He apologized. Asiah continued to cry. It was nothing anyone could do to take this pain away. “You hear me baby? I’m sorry, I'll make it up. I swear.” Jamall promised. “I didn’t mean for this to happen like this.” Asiah could not bare to hear Jamall speak another word. She jumped up and grabbed her bag. “Asiah what chew doin? Where you goin at?” “I’m leavin Jamall. I can’t stay here with you.” She sobbed. Jamall reached out to grab her. Pulling her close to him, he buried his face in her pelvic area. “Asiah please don’t leave me. I can’t live without you. You are the air that I breathe, my left rib. Baby please.” Jamall groveled. Asiah looked down at Jamall and thought of all they had been through. She remembered that day that he dragged her down the hall, she 292

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thought of seeing him at Mo’s with Kinte’, and she thought of how he showed up at Kross’ house and caused a scene. “Jamall you have hurt me so many times. Maybe we don’t belong together. Maybe this is a sign” She pushed him away and headed for the front door. Jamall felt himself losing control and tackled Asiah to the floor. He grabbed her by the shirt. “You ain’t goin nowhere. You hear me? Or I” “Or you’ll what Jamall? You’re the one that fucked up yet you wanna beat on me.” Asiah pushed Jamall off and stood to her feet. She grabbed her bag and left. Jamall laid there starring at the ceiling as tears rolled down the side of his face. He wished that his heart did not hurt so much. He had lost his air, his life, his Asiah.

CHAPTER 27

This can't be life Monday went by; Sheebah cracked the door to peek on Asiah. “Asiah, you goin to school?” “Nooo…” Asiah whined. Tuesday “Asiah, you goin to school?” “Nooo...” 293

For the next two weeks, Asiah never left the guest room. She used the bathroom inside the room and only drank juice and water. She lost ten pounds. Her hair became bushy and wild because she refused to comb it, she wouldn’t even put it in a ponytail. Every time Jamall came pass, she would ball up in the comforter and cry until he left. Finally, Misa could take no more. Against Sheebah's advice, she stormed in the room. “Aight bitch it’s time to get the fuck up and get ya mind right!” Misa demanded yanking the covers off Asiah. “Leave me alone” Asiah whined pulling he covers back over her. “No” Misa yanked them off again. “Get the fuck up!” Still Asiah didn’t move. “Aight I got something for your ass.” Misa grabbed the big bottle of Dasani water sitting on the night stand and poured it on Asiah… “Ayyy…” Asiah screamed. “Bitch get up!” “What the fuck you do that for?” Asiah spat wiping herself dry. “Cause you acting like a lil bitch right now!” Misa said with her dirty mouth. She continued, "You supposed to get your final fitting for your gown today and you up here looking like a fuckin treasure troll, bout to let some freak ass bitch like Samyah ruin the rest of your life. C’mon, Asiah this ain’t even you baby. I mean so what that bitch dropped a baby. You got forever to have as many babies as you want. You told me that you loved Jamall since you was 12 years old. Asiah these bitches sitting around gloating, half of em hoping ya’ll don’t get 294

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married, so they can plot on him. C’mon we better than them bitches. Let's give them whores something to talk about”. Misa gave Asiah a convincing look. The minute Asiah didn’t respond, Misa knew she was thinking about everything she just said. Misa walked over to Asiah’s duffle bag and pulled out a pair of jeans and a tee shirt. She tossed them to Asiah. “Bitch get dressed,” Misa ordered. Misa walked to the top of the stairs and summoned Sheebah "Sheebah come do this bitch hair. That shit is nappy like a sheep's ass!" "Bitch please. You wish your shit was this good." Asiah retorted as she slipped her shirt over her head. The next couple of weeks were very hard for Asiah. She would be driving her new Benz happy as hell blasting the radio and the next thing she knew she was pulled over on the side of the road crying her eyes out. When Jamall bought, the baby over she just tried to block out the fact that Samyah was his mother. Eventually Asiah took to the baby and started to love him as if he were her own. She found herself shopping for him more than she shopped for herself. She even had one of the extra rooms redecorated and turned it into a nursery. Jamall was surprised at how well Asiah was handling the situation. Actually, he was surprised how well the whole thing turned out period. Jamall couldn't stand the thought of his son living in that filthy house so he moved Samyah into a nice little apartment. She complained that it was too far out so he got her a Corolla. Samyah was so happy with her come up that she did not give Jamall any problems at all. The more he had the baby the more she ran the streets. It was all right with her. Plus she knew that if she started any shit Asiah would gladly lay the smack down on her ass. 295

Although the wedding was still officially on Asiah was skeptical about marrying Jamall. She had grown to love Little Jamall, LJ for short but that was the easy part. He was a baby. He was innocent of this whole situation and Jamall was not. He'd betrayed Asiah and lied to her for months with a straight face. He'd played her like a fool. Yes, she did love him but trust was a whole nother story. Asiah wrestled with her emotions every day and Jamall knew it. He did everything possible to win her back. Not only did he buy her the new 600, he had it customized with her initials in the headrest and the wood grain. Her sheepskins were Gucci and her rims were top of the line. Asiah had the hottest six in Baltimore, including her brothers. As a reflection of Jamall's guilt the gifts kept coming. He had something so big planned for Asiah that she would have no choice but to forgive him. Of course, now he was in the game deeper than ever. He became like a Pit Bull, roaming the streets pissing everywhere, claiming every strip that was a big moneymaker. One morning Asiah was in the kitchen making the baby's bottles and packing his diaper bag. They were going to Jamall's mother's house for dinner. Asiah paused to make sure she had everything she needed in the bag. "Oh shit his pacifier," she snapped her fingers reminding herself. As she ventured off to look for it, the phone rang. She focused on the caller ID and saw that it was her brother. "Hello." She sang… "What up? What chew doin?" He asked glad to hear his sister's voice. "Nothin just packin up the baby's stuff. We goin to spend the day at Jamall's mothers." 296

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"She cookin?" "You betta know it." "Damn I wish I was there. What she cookin?" Boogie asked with his mouth watering. He damn near wanted to catch a flight back just to get a plate. Jamall's moms could burn. "Umm I think she makin seafood. Fish, crab cakes, all that." Asiah answered with the phone tucked under her chin as she zippered the diaper bag. "Let me speak to your husband." Boogie played with his sister. "Shit he ain't my husband yet. I might not even marry that nigga." "Shit you betta. I can't afford your high priced ass no more. Driving big boy Benzes and shit." Boogie joked with his sister. She laughed as she handed Jamall the phone. "What up yo?" Jamall greeted his partner. "Ain't shit I need you to pick up my girl from Miami." Boogie told Jamall. This meant to meet the connect at the airport to pick up some dope. "Man I promised Asiah I would spend the day with her and the baby." "It'll only take a few hours if that long. Go ahead and stop acting like a punk." Boogie started mocking Jamall “Man I told 297

Asiah..." He burst into laughter and returned to business. “You goin or not?" He asked Jamall. "Not. Why you can't go?" "Man I'm in Vegas." "Vegas? What the fuck you doin in Vegas?" "Me and Sidney flew out here last night. We were bored and she ain't never been so we jumped on a plane and here we go." Sidney was a nurse that he'd met at the hospital when Samyah was having the baby. "Well where Bomb at?" "Georgia" "Damn yall muthafuckas just up and roll and don't tell a nigga shit." Jamall complained. "Well if you climb outa Asiah's ass and answer the phone sometimes you would know all this shit." "Fuck you nigga." Was Jamall‘s reply. “You goin?" "Yeah." Jamall told Asiah that he had to make a "Quick Run" and promised to come right back. Jamall drove along mad at Boogie for interrupting his day. Boogie was always 298

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somewhere with some bitch. He'd been fucking with that girl Sidney real heavy lately. Jamall warned Boogie that his dick would eventually fall off and decay if he didn't give it a break. Boogie would burst into laughter and say, "Nigga I got so much money I'll just buy another one. As a matter of fact you need to buy one too cause my sister got you runnin round with your shit tucked between your legs." When Jamall arrived at the airport he spotted the connect right away "What's up man? What took you so long?" the connect questioned. "Some last minute shit. My bad!" Jamall apologized. "Damn right, I thought yall was trying to get me knocked for a minute" the connect joked. After squaring away business Jamall dropped the connect off at the Departing Flights entrance. "Oh yeah guess who was on the plane sittin in front of me." The connect quizzed. "Who?" Jamall wasn't interested. "Davon Broadway." The connect paused and continued, "Well let me go I don't want to miss my flight. If shit go like planned, I'll be back for the wedding. If not give my congrats to that beautiful bride of yours." He shook Jamall's hands placing a 20 gee stack in his hands as a wedding gift. "Give Asiah a kiss for me." He strutted of into the crowd. Jamall checked his watch as he walked towards the car. Asiah placed the portable swing by the door. She was sure that she had everything. She sat on the couch and flicked on 299

the TV. Jamall should have been back along time ago. He was so longwinded. Asiah jumped up and gave the house one final look over making sure everything was cool. "Okay let me get him bundled up." She thought as she walked towards the nursery. "C'mon LJ" She said as she reached out to pick him up. "LJ?" She panicked. He was stiff. Asiah picked the baby up and tried to wake him. He felt so cold. "Oh God he's not breathing. Oh God!" She ran to the kitchen phone and dialed 911. "He's not breathing. I... I don't know what happened. Oh God help me... I'm the only one here. Send someone please!" Asiah cried to the operator as she held LJ's cold body in her arms. "Okay Miss just try to stay calm. I'm going to walk you through CPR." The operator talked to Asiah in a calm tone. Asiah sobbed while following the directions of the operator "It's not working he won't breathe...he won't breathe." Asiah cried into the phone. When Jamall pulled up there were police cars everywhere. The first thing he thought was that they were raiding his crib. The door attendant rushed to his car to give him the heads up. "Mr. Richardson the police are up in your condo. I don't know what happen. I think somebody's hurt." He said in one breath.

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Jamall looked around at all the squad cars and his imagination began to run wild. He imagined some dudes trying to rob the house and Asiah getting shot. Next, he imagined the police rumbling through his things while Asiah sat on the couch with tears in her eyes. Jamall repeatedly pressed the button for the elevator, it seemed like it was taking forever. Finally, it came and he jumped on. As he walked down the hallway, he saw his neighbors peeking out of their doors. "What the fuck yall lookin at?” He spat. He pushed his door open and saw police everywhere. Asiah ran to him burying her face in his chest. "Oh Jamall I tried but he wouldn't breathe. He just stopped breathing...he wouldn't breathe..." She wailed. "I went to pick him up and he was dead...he wouldn't breathe." Her words registered slowly in Jamall’s mind. His head started spinning and he got dizzy. He looked over on the floor where the paramedics had been trying to revive his son. "I'm sorry Sir. He's been gone too long. At least an hour or so." The paramedic apologized. Jamall gave him a cold stare. He couldn't believe this. He did not want to believe this. His son was dead.

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CHAPTER 28

Wedding Bells The next three days went in slow motion. Jamall kept himself busy trying to avoid reality. Asiah on the other hand never left the bedroom to eat, drink, or anything else. She refused to bathe and ignored everyone that spoke to her. She was convinced that the baby's death was all her fault, although the report simply stated SIDs. Asiah kept thinking that maybe she should have checked on him more often or never let him take a nap at all. Jamall was finally able to break Asiah out of her slumber and convinced her to attend the funeral with him. Everyone whispered and stared wondering would there be a scene caused by Samyah. Asiah sat on the front row with Jamall. He held her hand tight and kissed her cheek several times. This made Samyah angry as hell. When the family stood for the final viewing, she attacked Asiah and they began to brawl. Jamall, Boogie, Sheebah and Misa rushed to pull them apart. Boogie escorted his sister out of the church. As they were leaving, Asiah could hear Samyah screaming to the top of her lungs. "Dat bitch killed my baby! She just mad cause I had a baby by Jamall and she didn't. Dat bitch killed my baby!" Samyah yelled out as she yanked away from Jamall. "Get the fuck off me! If you marry dat bitch after this you ain't shit." Samyah fumed. "Samyah you saw the report. She didn't do anything to him." Jamall defended Asiah in front of everyone. "I don't give a fuck what that report says. Dat bitch killed my baby." 303

“She did not!" Jamall cut Samyah off. "Like I said if you marry dat bitch I'll make sure you never have another peaceful night of sleep for the rest of your sorry ass life." She threatened. "Whatever." Jamall blew her off fighting his urge to slap the shit out of her. Jamall's mother moved over in Asiah's spot and placed her arm around her son to comfort him. "You okay baby?'" "Yeah ma. Dat bitch make me sick." "You right baby. She is a bitch!" As the Pastor delivered the sermon Misa walked in and whispered in Jamall's ear. "Asiah just passed out. We are taking her to the hospital." Jamall tried to get up from his seat. "Unh unh." Misa placed her hand on his shoulder. "You stay here. We'll take care of it. Give Samyah my regards for me." Misa kissed Jamall on his cheek and walked away. That was the first time he had ever heard her speak without cursing. "She is simply exhausted, dehydrated, and suffering from depression. I would like to keep her for at least 72 hours. We need to observe her and hydrate her." The doctor said after examining Asiah. "72 hours?" Jamall was hesitant. "At least." The doctor emphasized. 304

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"Boog what chew think?" Jamall turned to Boogie for advice. "Yo if yall goin get married I gotta trust you wit shit like this. But I do think that 3 days would do her good." "Okay." Jamall said turning back to the doctor and signing the forms for Asiah's hospital bills. As the days passed by Asiah made no progress. She refused to eat, she refused to get out of bed, she gave the nurses hell, and refused to take any medication. Finally the doctor ordered her medication to be given by injection since she refused to take it. He also ordered her sedatives of all kinds to calm her down. As soon as the medication wore off Asiah would jump up and yank the IV from her arm then they would drug her all over again. She lay there starring into nowhere feeling like she was floating away. Asiah was so high that she slobbered from the sides of her mouth. Two days before the wedding Jamall decided that he was taking her home. He was not about to let their wedding day be postponed. The doctor pleaded with Jamall not to check Asiah out of the hospital. "Look you said 72 hours." Jamall reminded the doctor of the initial agreement. "I recommended 72 hours. I did not know that she was so stubborn. She won't eat, she's violent toward herself and others, and she won't take her medicine. I think maybe she needs some physiciatriac attention." The doctor bluntly told Jamall.

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"What? Look we gettin married in two days, ain't nobody tossin my wifey in no fuckin looney bin. GET HER SHIT TOGETHER I'M TAKIN HER HOME!" Jamall screamed in the doctor's face. As the nurses rushed to gather Asiah's things Boogie and Sheebah walked in. The doctor had already stopped Boogie in the hallway and filled him in on what was going on. "What up J? What's goin on?" Boogie questioned. "I'm takin her home. That's what's goin on." Jamall fumed as he paced the floor impatiently. "Yo look at her she ain't in no fuckin condition to go home." Boogie pointed at Asiah. "Well I'm takin her home obviously this hospital ain't doin her no good cause she only gettin worst." "Just let them do their job; give it a couple more days." "A couple of days? That's all she was supposed to be in this muthafucka for in the first place. Fuck dat I got a wedding in two days. She goin home today." "Yo you bein real selfish right now. You ain't thinkin bout my sista, you thinkin bout yaself." Boogie fumed. "Look when you get your wife you do what you want but I'm takin mines home." Jamall told Boogie. Something in Boogie snapped and he grabbed Jamall by the shirt. The two began to tussle back and forth with Sheebah in the middle trying to pry them off each other. 306

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"Stop Daunte please!" She pleaded. Boogie was crazed he could have killed Jamall with his bare hands he was so mad. He had raised Asiah and took care of her all her life and now this nigga comes along and thinks that he knows what's best for her. Boogie was not felling that shit in the least. His grip tightened on Jamall and he fought the urge to punch him in the face. Jamall held Boogie tight hoping he would calm down. He did not want to have a fight with his best friend. "Yall stop. Don't fight, we all we got." Asiah said in a daze. Everyone stopped what they were doin and turned to look at her in disbelief. This was the first thing she said since she had been in the hospital. They were all in shock, a second passed and Boogie and Jamall burst into laughter and gave each other a huge hug. It was amazing how much they both loved Asiah. "Well I guess we got a wedding to get ready for." Boogie gave his final blessings. Sheebah and Misa worked really hard getting Asiah ready for the wedding. Slowly but surely she started to act more like herself. Misa did a beautiful job on her hands and feet and Sheebah worked magic on her hair. She wore a lovely pin up style with a few lose curls cupping her face. Everyone came out for this event. It was the talk of the town "Jamall and Asiah's wedding". The church was packed. Bomb's girlfriend was pregnant and did not want to travel but he flew back from Atlanta to give Asiah away since Boogie was Jamall's best man. The crowd sat impatiently waiting to catch a glimpse of the bride. The talk of her $15 thousand dollar Vera Wang dress had spread through the streets like wild fire. Most of the guys were business associates and the girls were clients at 307

the salon that came to collect gossip for the following months to come. The church was decorated beautifully. There were huge bows trimmed in champagne gold at the end of each row and hanging throughout the church. The wood had been polished to perfection. The seat cushions had been replaced with nice plush cream-colored ones. There were dozens of roses with gold trim and crystal tears everywhere. Instead of the regular paper in the aisle, there was lace for Asiah to walk on. The wedding party arrived in Cream Mayback limos. The bride's maids wore Champagne colored gowns and the groom's men wore Cream no collar tuxedos by Armani. Sheebah's little sister was the flower girl. Sheebah, Misa, Kimara, and Shayn were the bride's maids and Layla was the matron on honor. Jamall stood patiently at the alter. He had finally gotten to this day, the day he had waited for so long. His Armani tuxedo fit perfect, his Gators were fresh, and his hair was tight. It was nothing that could mess up this day. The band started playing and Jamall's heart fluttered. He knew this was real. Despite everything he had been through this day made it all worth it. Asiah appeared and everyone stood up. She was absolutely breathtaking. Her Vera Wang gown was unlike anything they had ever seen. It was tight fitting and clung to her hips with a split in the top that displayed most of her chest, which was covered by an Australian Crystal chandelier neckpiece. The bottom half of the dress was embedded with crystal and gold beads and flared below her knees (mermaid style). The crowd gasped trying to contain themselves. They were stunned and had never seen such beauty. Once Asiah reached the alter Jamall leaned over and gave her a peck on the cheek. She was so stunning that he had to steal a kiss. "Down boy." Misa joked holding her flowers in hand. 308

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Everyone sat with tears in their eyes as Paula Campbell belted out a beautiful tune she had written just for the occasion. After the "I DOs", everyone was given a small pouch with lightweight rhinestones and glitter to throw. As Jamall and Asiah crossed the threshold of the church there were ten doves released. Everyone stared in amazement pointing at the doves as they flew off into the sky. This was definitely the greatest wedding this town had ever seen. It would be talked about and imitated for years to come. The reception was at the Marriott on the Waterfront. There was plenty of food and Cristal for everyone. The Wedding Cake was five layers and everyone received a Champagne flute that read “Jamall and Asiah 2004" along with a bottle of Mo to take home. As soon as the Wedding party finished taking their pictures, it was on. The guys were in wife beaters and the girls hiked up their dresses and hit the dance floor. It was like Marty Gras in there. Asiah and Jamall sat at the table opening gifts while everyone else partied. They received over $60 thousand in cash gifts. "This'll pay for your dress." Jamall joked about his wife's expensive taste. "Naw that'll be my shopping money on the honeymoon." She corrected Jamall. Then she became curious. "By the way where are we goin?" "Saint Tropez." "I can't wait." Asiah said in a seductive tone as she leaned over and kissed her husband.

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Asiah and Jamall searched through the parking lot trying to remember where they parked. A week in Saint Tropez had their minds gone. They both were still under the influence of all the champagne they drank on the flight home. They threw their luggage in the back of the Denali and climbed in. Asiah let out a huge sigh of relief. She couldn't wait to get in her bed and go to sleep. "Jamall baby where are we goin? I'm tired, can't we go straight home?" Asiah pleaded as she noticed this was not the way to their condo. Little did she know Jamall had the surprise of a lifetime waiting for her. They pulled up to a brass security gate. Jamall punched in a code and the gate opened. Asiah rose up to take a look as they drove up a long brick driveway with lights along the side of the road. There was a small pond with a fountain that shot out aqua green water in front of the house. This house had two sets of doubled doors. The first set was glass. They led to a small waiting area. The second set of doors led to the inside of the house. Once inside there was a cream marble foyer the size of the average person's dinning room. After passing through the foyer, four steps up on the right was an oversized dinning room. Straight ahead was a huge eat in kitchen with all stainless steel appliances. To the right of the kitchen was a sitting room. On the other side of the kitchen were a powder room, a laundry room, and stairs that led upstairs and to the basement. Off to the far left was the living room. There was a wall sized fish tank and a glass elevator. Upstairs had six huge bedrooms all with personal bathrooms. The master bedroom had two huge walk-in closets, a his and hers bathroom, and a deck overlooking the pool. The master bedroom and the living room had beautiful brick fireplaces with lovely paintings of Asiah and Jamall hanging over top of them. There also was a gym and a basketball court in the lower level of the house.

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When Asiah saw the house, she was speechless. She couldn't imagine how Jamall had pulled this off without her knowing and once again, she realized what type of money was involved. She stood quietly gazing at the painting on the wall of her and Jamall. Jamall noticed how taken Asiah was with the house and he was satisfied with himself. He crept up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist, he squeezed her tight. They stood cheek to cheek admiring the painting of themselves. They were a beautiful couple. "This where we gon make all our babies." Jamall whispered in Asiah's ear. "How many is all?" Asiah was curious. "At least three." He placed his chin on her shoulder. "Well I guess we should get started." She turned to him and kissed him passionately. He picked her up and carried her over to their king-sized bed. It was the only thing that Jamall bothered to buy. He wanted Asiah to have the enjoyment of decorating the house. Although he knew it would be cheaper to do it himself he wanted her to add her personal touch to it. After they finished they laid there gazing in each other’s eyes. Jamall played with Asiah's hair and delivered baby kisses all over her face. He had never loved anything so much in his life. "Jamall" "Huh?" "How did you do this?" 311

"What?" "The house, you did it without a hint. I never thought that when we came home we were comin to a place like this. How did you do it? Did you buy it like this?" Jamall laughed at Asiah's questions. She was still so naive in many ways. "Girl I had it built. What chew think I just started last week? It was an extra 50 gees cause it had to be done in such short notice." He explained. "An extra 50 gees? How much did the house cost all together?" Asiah raised her eyebrows. "Almost 2 million." Jamall said nonchalantly as if that was something the average nigga would spend on a daily basis. "2 million?" Asiah gasped, "Where did you get that kinda money?" She sat up. "Girl don't you know who you laying next to? I'm the Don shorty. I came to ball I ain't come to front." He imitated Nelly's Flap Your Wings. Asiah laid her head on Jamall's chest as he continued to laugh at her.

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CHAPTER 29

WHY? The next morning Jamall and Asiah got up, showered, got dressed, hopped in Asiah's 600, and went to breakfast. After breakfast they did a little shopping, well not a little; Asiah spent 10 gees in Georgetown. Next, they headed to the salon. Everybody was happy to see the new couple fresh off their honeymoon. "So how did everything go?" Misa investigated. "Saint Tropez was off the hook. We stayed on the yacht for most of the time." Asiah glowed. "Yall fuck? You pregnant?" Skyla yelled from Sheebah's chair. "Bitch what chew think? Yeah we fucked. That's my husband ain't it?" "Ayy...say that shit again bitch. Dat's who husband?" Misa teased. "Dat's my husband!" Asiah cheered. "I know that's right. Guess who else gettin a husband?" Misa pointed at Sheebah. Asiah walked over to look at Sheebah's hand. "Jeeesus Christ! What ocean did you get this glacier from?" Asiah gasped at the ring. It was just as big as hers was. 314

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"Who else? Ya brother. He said that seeing you and Jamall together made him wanna settle down." Sheebah gleamed. Asiah was so happy for Sheebah. She gave her a big hug and called her Sis. Next, she went in the back where Boogie and Jamall were holding a secret meeting. They immediately got quiet when Asiah came in the office. Boogie stood up to greet his little sister. "What up baby girl?" He hugged her tight just as he always had. "I heard you liked the house." "Yeah." Aisha smiled. "I told that nigga he can't retire no time soon, the way you spend money." Boogie joked. "Don't I know it? She spent 10 gees already and it ain't even lunchtime." Jamall laughed pointing at his watch. "So I heard you wanna stop bein a whore." Asiah confronted her brother with the news. "What can I say? With all this love and shit in the air what's a nigga to do?" He threw his arms in the air. "Well I'm gettin ready to let my sister-in-law do my hair. See yall later." She walked out of the room. "Tell her don't put no hard stuff in it!" Jamall yelled down the hall. Boogie went on about his weekend with Sidney and noticed that Jamall was in deep thought. "Yo what up?" Boogie was worried about his boy.

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"Just thinkin bout my lil. man dat's all." Jamall said referring to his son. "Oh." "I think I'ma get a tattoo of him on my arm. Let me call Samyah and see did she get those pictures back yet." Jamall dialed Samyah's number. "Yeah dats gangsta." Boogie wheezed as he exhaled a mouth full of blunt smoke. Jamall did not get an answer so he left Samyah a message. Later that night the girls got dressed and went to comedy night at the Seasons. They were laughing, eating, drinking, and having a good time when Courtney walked in the spot with two of her girlfriends. "Yo there go that bitch Courtney." Misa leaned over to tell Sheebah. "Where?" Sheebah looked around trying to spot her. "To your left." Misa pointed not caring that it was rude. "Oh fuck dat bitch! She don't want none." Sheebah said loudly. "Yall please don't start no shit up in here tonight." Asiah pleaded. "Hmm...if they don't start no shit it won't be no shit!" Misa chanted. 316

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"Cause if you don't give a damn we don't give a fuck!" Sheebah joined in as they popped their Cristal. After a few minutes, Courtney decided to come over and say hello to Asiah. "Hey Asiah what's up?" She grinned. "Oh God." Asiah thought. "Nothin much, what's up with chew? How you been?" Asiah faked a smile. She was nervous as hell. "Fine. You know the same ole shit." Courtney smiled back. "Well I'm glad to see that you are okay." Asiah badly wanted Courtney to go back to her table. "Oh yeah...sorry I didn't make the wedding. Your brother sent me to Jamaica to see my grandmother." Courtney pronounced every word for Sheebah's ears to catch. "Oh God. Why?" Asiah did a Jadakiss in her mind. “That's okay you're invited to the next one bitch!” Sheebah held her hand out to show Courtney her ring. “So make sure you're available for that.” Sheebah mugged Courtney. Courtney had a face of stone as Sheebah's ring gleamed off the lights but she quickly regrouped to make a comeback. "Oh that's your engagement ring? I get shit like that on the regular whore, and I'll be there with bells on...platinum bells bitch!" Courtney smiled and turned to walk back to her table. "I can't stand that bitch!" Sheebah yelled.

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"Well" Asiah hunched her shoulders in a "What can you do about it?" sort of way. "Well what? I should go over there and snatch that bitch by her hair." Sheebah was livid as she watched Courtney and her friends leave the restaurant. "You should." Misa instigated. "Please don't." Aisha pleaded. Jamall and Boogie cruised West Baltimore in Jamall's Denali XL looking for this dude that had jumped bail. Jamall's cell phone rang breaking their hunter mode. He looked at the caller ID. It was Samyah. "What up?" "Yeah I got ya message. I'll be at my grandmother's until about 11 o'clock. You can come get it when you want." She made no small talk. "Alright I'm on my way." Jamall bust a U-turn. "What chew doin?" Boogie questioned. "Goin ta get the picture from Samyah." "Oh." When they pulled up in front of Samyah's grandmother's house Boogie's cell phone rang. "What up ma?" Boogie answered the phone. 318

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"Oh so you and Sheebah gettin married?" Courtney was crying. "What?" "You heard me nigga." "Courtney what is you talkin about? Where did you hear that from?" "Yo I be right back." Jamall interrupted and jumped out of the truck. He shook his head in disbelief. He couldn't believe that Boogie was actually acting as if he had no idea what Courtney was talking about. "I knew this shit was gon happen. You ain't shit!" Courtney cursed. "Girl what chew talkin..." "POP POP POP...PAPAPAPOP!" Gunshots rang out. "Oh fuck!" Boogie dropped the phone as he ducked down and pulled his nine from his dip and started firing at the black Malibu speeding pass. "Boogie Boogie…” Courtney screamed on the other end of the phone. Boogie looked over and saw Jamall laid out on the concrete. "Fuck!" He screamed as he rushed to his friend's side. He placed Jamall's head in his lap and pulled his cell phone from his hip to call 911. 319

"Just hold on baby you can make it." Boogie rocked Jamall back and forth. Jamall laid there shivering with his eyes rolling up in his head. His life flashed before his eyes and he thought of his wife. He began to foam from the mouth and cough up blood. "Don't you die on me J. Not now, not never." Boogie held Jamall's hand and began to cry as he rocked Jamall back and forth in his lap. The ambulance arrived. They put Jamall on the stretcher and started working on him. Boogie pounded on Samyah's door but no one answered. "Sir if you're going with him you need to come on. The medic told Boogie. Just as he reached the ambulance the other medic stuck his head out of the door "He's gonna be DOA. We're trying to keep him but he keeps going out." "No! No!" Boogie screamed. "I'm sorry buddy. We've done all we can do." The medic apologized. Boogie displayed his two middle fingers. “Well we'll be taking the body to University if it means anything to you.” "Fuck you! Fuck you!" Boogie pounded on the windows as they closed the door and pulled off. He stood there hopeless. His world had just come crashing down and it was nothing he could do about it. Life as he knew it would never be the same. He sat on the curb and began to cry as police flooded the scene doing their usual. A tall cocky man approached Boogie and flashed a badge. "I'm detective Stockel. I'm with the homicide division. I have a couple of questions I need to ask you."

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"I gotta get to the hospital." Boogie jumped up and mugged the officer. "Well that means you need a ride because that truck is evidence." "Fine!" Boogie threw his hands in the air. The detective noticed the gunpowder on his hands. "So what's your name son?" "Daunte" "Daunte? You got a last name Daunte?" "Sheppard" "Daunte Sheppard. So what happened Daunte? A drug deal gone bad?" "Why the fuck every time a black man gets shot it gotta be a drug deal gone bad?" "Well maybe I'm wrong but I won't know if you don't tell me." "I don't know what happened. He asked me to ride with him to his baby mama's house to get a picture of his son. He got out, I was on the phone arguing with my girl the next thing I hear is gunshots. I looked over and my man was stretched out on the concrete." "So what did you do?" "What the fuck you think? I got out to help him." 321

"What about the part when you shot back?" "What?" "What about the part when you shot back? I see the gun residue on your hands." The detective pointed. "Well they shootin at us. Whatdafuck do you expect?" "You got a permit for that gun?" "Yup." "What in the hell are you doin with a permit for a gun?" "I own a bails bonds. I was out on a bounty lookin for this dude that skipped bail till Samyah called." "Who?" "The baby mama" "Okay. Well I'll be needing that gun to run the ballistics. If it comes back clean you don't have anything to worry about, or course that's providing that your story pans out." He held open a plastic bag for Boogie to drop the gun in. “Thanks. Oh I need to see some ID." Boogie pulled his license from his back pocket and handed it to the officer. He examined it and wrote down all the information. "Did you see who did it?"

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"Naw everything happened so fast. All I saw was a car fly pass." "What kind?" "Blue Camry" Boogie lied. "Alright you can go for now but I need to see you first thing in the morning. I'll be in about 8." He said handing Boogie his card as they pulled up at Shock Trauma. Boogie snatched the card and flung the door open. "Yeah whateva" He walked away. "Don't make me come looking for you." The detective threatened from the driver's seat. Boogie stood in a daze as tears filled his eyes. He'd heard the paramedics say that Jamall was a DOA but maybe there was a chance that they revived him. They had the sirens on when they pulled off which meant that they were still working on him. He was still alive. "This shit can't he happenin. It can't be." Boogie walked up to the front desk with his head hung low. Jamall's blood covered his clothes and he felt like he had to vomit. "Umm....xcuse me but they just brought my brotha in the ambulance. I'm tryna see how he doin." "What's his name sir?" The woman asked ready to key in the information. "Jamall. Jamall Richardson." 323

"Okay have a seat someone will be out in a second to speak with you." "Aight." Boogie plopped down in a chair. He had never felt so helpless in his life. He was the type that ran shit. He was always in control but now he had no control over the most important thing ever. He wiped the tears from his face. "Oh God, what about Asiah?" He began to cry harder. An older looking white woman rocking a feverish toddler stared at him but quickly turned her head when he noticed her. "What the fuck you lookin at?” He fumed. He searched his pockets desperately for one of his cell phones. Finally, he found 2 quarters to use the pay phone. "Hello" Sheebah answered her phone. "Yo where you at?" He sniffled. "We just leavin the Seasons. What's up? Somethin wrong?" He didn't sound himself to her. "I need you to come down University right now. Some terrible shit just went down!" He wailed threw the receiver of the pay phone. "What happened you okay?" "Now Sheebah!" He hung up the phone and walked back to the desk. "When somebody gon come out here and talk to me?" 324

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"He's coming out right now sir." The woman told Boogie. Deep in his heart, he knew that Jamall was gone but he had just a shred of hope that they had saved him. Shock Trauma was known for saving motherfuckers that should have been dead twice. Boogie stood stiff as the doctor walked toward him. "Are you the one here for the young man that came in the ambulance?" He looked down at his clipboard "Mr. Richardson." "Yeah that's me.” Boogie wiped his face once more. "Are you any relation?" "Brother in law." "Was he married to your sister or are you married to his sister?" The doctor asked. "He's married to my sister." "Can you get her down here?" "She's on her way." "Okay I'll have them notify me as soon as she arrives." He turned to walk away. "Wait what about Jamall?" "Son I'm sorry. They said that they told you he was DOA. We worked on him when they got him here but there was nothing else we could do. I'm very sorry for your lost." The 325

doctor said as the double doors closed in Boogie's face. Boogie stood there in complete shock. His better half was gone. What would he tell Asiah? He began to cry uncontrollably. He pictured Jamall laid out on the concrete coughing up blood. "Oh Daunte what happened?" Sheebah ran toward him wrapping her arms around him tight. He stared over her shoulder at his sister. She didn't have a clue what was about to hit her. He let Sheebah loose and approached Asiah. "Baby girl I don't really know how to tell you this." "Tell me what? What happened? Where's Jamall?" She looked him up and down noticing that he was covered in blood that obviously was not his own. "Jamall, Asiah he didn't make it baby." He shook his head. "What do you mean he didn't make it?" Asiah became hysterical. "He's gone Asiah." "Gone where?" Her eyes widened. "He got shot. He ain't make it." Boogie said wiping the snot from his face. Asiah stood still as part of her soul descended from her body and her heart sank to the pit of her stomach. She burst into an ocean of tears as her brother's words registered in her mind. Boogie rushed to put his arms around her but it was nothing he could do to stop her pain. She buried her face in his chest as her legs loss their stability. Boogie

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swooped her up and sat her in a chair. He tried his best to comfort her but the pain was too great. "No...Oh God no...why?" She howled like a wounded animal. Once the nurse notified the doctor that Asiah was there, he came straight out. "Mrs. Richardson?" "Yes." Asiah sobbed. "Hi I'm doctor Ticali. First, just let me say that I am extremely sorry for your lost. I need you to identify your husband for me. Your friends can come and wait outside of the room if you want." Boogie and Asiah went into the room where Jamall was while Sheebah and Misa waited out front. Asiah's throat knotted up as tears flowed down her cheeks. "Yes that's him." She sobbed out. "Okay that's all I need. I'll give you some time while I get the paper work ready." He exited the room quietly leaving just Asiah and Boogie. Asiah pressed her cheek against Jamall's face and held his hand. She wanted to feel the last warmth of his body. She kissed his lips softly and laid her head on his bloody chest. She wanted to rest on his chest just one last time. She pressed her nose against his neck and took a deep breath so that his scent would linger with her forever. "I love you...I love you...I love you...I love you...I love you" She sobbed repeatedly.

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"I can't take this shit." Boogie stormed out of the room. He couldn't stand to see his man dead and his sister hurt and it wasn't shit he could do about it. "Let me use ya phone." He snatched Sheebah's phone out of her hand before she could respond. He took her phone and stormed off. Pacing back and forth out front, he called Rodriguez. "Dis Boog man I need you to run this tag for me." "What's going on man? I was just about to call you. Homicide say they investigating a murder. They say it's Jamall." "Yeah man that's why I need you to run this tag." "Oh fuck man! This shit is unreal. What's the number?" Rodriguez held his pencil up ready to write. "GGD 320" "Okay I'm on it." "Call me right back!" Boogie demanded. The drive home was cold and long. No one said a word; they all knew that none of their lives would ever be the same. Asiah gazed out the window without a blink. She couldn't believe this shit. She didn't want to believe it. Jamall was her everything and without as much as a thought someone took him away. Why? Life as a shorty should not have to be so rough. She had been fighting for her life for as long as she could remember and frankly, she was just tired. If it were not 328

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for her brother, she would have no reason to go on. She thought of Jamall's lifeless shell. Just this morning their future was full of promise and now there was no future. Asiah called Jamall's mother and told her the news. She howled in pain. There was no way God would let such a terrible thing happen to her baby, the only baby she had left. She had lost both of her sons to Hood Dreamz. "Oh God why? Why?" Jamall's mother hollered. She and Asiah talked for over an hour. Asiah filled her in on what little she knew. When really all she knew was that, her husband was gone and it was no way that she could go on. Asiah offered to send someone to pick her up but she declined saying that she needed some time alone. After all, it was 4 o'clock in the morning. Boogie showered and changed his clothes. He stepped out of the shower. Looking at his clothes on the floor with Jamall's blood all over them sent him into a frenzy. He swore to kill whoever did this and everything they ever touched. After he pulled himself together, he found Sheebah and Misa in the sitting room. "Where Asiah?" He asked looking around. "She in her room talkin to Jamall's moms." Sheebah answered. "Damn I can't believe dis shit!" Misa shook her head. "Me either." Boogie and Sheebah said simultaneously. "Ring Ring Ring" Sheebah's cell phone went off. She answered it handing Boogie the phone.

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"Yeah" "It's me Rodriguez." "What up?" "The car was registered to a rental spot in the airport. We went out there, flashed a few badges, and roughed a few people up. Anyway, the car was rented by a Miss Danielle Sherwood. Her address is 1622 North Gilmore St." "1622?" Boogie added the number to his mental Rolex. "Yup" "Aight thanks." "So what are you gonna do now?" "C'mon man it's some shit I just can't tell you. You already in my pockets as it is." Boogie hung up and shook his head. Rodriguez had to be crazy if he thought Boogie was going to give him more information than he had to. "Ring ring ring" "What?" Boogie answered with irritation thinking it was Rodriguez calling back. "Yo I just got your two way. I was at the hospital with Keisha and shit. She havin them fake ass contractions. What the fuck is goin on?" Bomb glared through the phone. 330

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"J got bagged. He gone yo!" It tore Boogie apart to say it. There was an awkward moment of silence. "I'm on my way back. I'll call you when I land." "Straight." "What up with ya cell? Why you got Sheebah shit?" "I left mines in Jamall's truck. I gotta go home and grab another one."

"Where you at now?" "Asiah's house" "The condo?" "Naw, remember J got the house built." "Oh yeah...I gotta stop smokin dawg. How she takin dat shit?" "She fucked up, real fucked up." "Damn." CHAPTER 30

Somebody gots ta die!

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After ending his conversation with Bomb, Boogie went into his sister's room. She was still talking to Jamall's mother. "Asiah I need the keys to Jamall's Lex." He said looking around for them. "Why? Where you goin? Please don't leave me." She pleaded with the phone to her ear. "I'll be right back I got some shit to take care of." He grabbed the keys and left. He drove back in town in a daze. There were so many thoughts running through his mind. The last few hours played in his head like a horror movie. Pulling up at his grandmother's house, he jumped out and left the car in the middle of the street. He took 10 gees from the basement safe, loaded up two unregistered 9mm, suited up in his vest, and he was ready for war. On his way to the car, the woman across the street called out to him. "Boogie the police was here looking around." She gladly volunteered the information. "Yeah. What chew tellem?" "I ain’t tellem shit." She laughed. "Good." He said handing her two hundred dollar bills before he pulled off. Boogie parked the car two blocks over from Gilmore Street and walked swiftly down the street. He tapped lightly on the door with his hand on his nine. "Who is it?" A voice on the other side of the door responded. 332

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"Is Danielle in?" "Who are you?" "I'm detective Smith. The car she rented was found crashed into another vehicle. I need to speak with her." "Shit!" Danielle cursed as she cracked the door. "Wait a minute let me get some clothes on." She said before realizing that it was Boogie at her door and not the police. “What the fuck!" She screamed and tried to slam the door. Boogie put his foot in the door and forced his way in shutting the door behind him. "Sit the fuck down." He demanded with his pistol drawn. "O... Okay" She was scared shitless. "So you Danielle huh?" "Yeah...I'm Danielle." She stuttered. "Why you get scared when you saw me? You know me?" "Everybody knows you." "Why was you scared? You know somethin?" "No. I just know that if you show up at my door this time of morning it can't be good." Boogie looked her up and down. He believed her. He pulled the 10 gee stack from his back pocket and placed it on the table. "I'm not gonna hurt you. I just need to talk to you." 333

"About what?" She stared at the money on the table. "Whatever you know. Like who did you rent that car for? What they needed it for, shit like that." He placed his pistol beside the stack of cash knowing he had another one in his dip if the bitch got slick. "Alright I'll talk, but can I go get dressed?" She pleaded. Boogie looked her up and down. She had on a peach Victoria's Secret bra and panty set. It showed off every curve she owned. It fit her chocolate skin perfectly. Her fire red hair was pulled back in a French braid with a lose curl in the front. Her face was cute like a baby's. "Naw you look okay. Plus I ain't got time for that shit.' He leaned over pushing the money towards her. "Look dat's 10 gees. If you help me I'll help you." He threw her the same bait that he threw Boo. "Okay" She hesitated. "Who you rent the car for?" "Darell." "Darell? Darell...Darell Hughes?" Boogie was shocked. "Yeah Darell Hughes." She wasn't sure if that was what he wanted to hear. "Did he tell you why?" "No"

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"C'mon Danni you gotta do better than that." "I don't know..." She whined. "Well do you know Jamall?" "Yeah" She shook her head. "Well Jamall got killed tonight and that car was the car used. Now a lot of people gon die behind that shit. If you don't wanna be one of'em you betta work with me." "He never said nothin bout killin nobody. He just said that he needed a car." She started crying. "He never mention me or Jamall at all?" "When his cousin got killed I remember him saying that he thought ya'll was behind it but he never said nothin else after that." "His cousin? Who's his cousin?" "Umm...Boo that used to work with your cousin Peewee." "Damn this bitch knows a lot about me." He thought to himself. "How the fuck you know so much about me?" "Yall like celebrities, everybody know yall." "So where Darell stayin these days?" "WhiteMarsh.”

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"Where?" "A townhouse off Putty Hill. I don't know the address but it's the second house with the green door as soon as you turn in the first court." "So what are you to Darell? Cousin, niece, what?" "We fuck around." "Too bad you shoulda been fuckin wit a nigga like me." "It ain't too late." She opened her legs for him to see the print of her pussy through her panties. "Maybe later. Go get a pen so you can write my number down." "Okay." She jumped up to get the pen. Boogie watched her ass jiggle as she headed toward the kitchen. Before she could make it, he stood up, picked up his nine from the table, and shot her 5 times in the back. He couldn't stand to look at her beautiful face once the life was gone from her body. He grabbed his money from the table, stepped over her dead body, went out the back door, and walked down the alley. Boogie drove along trying to put the whole shit together. He figured if Darell rented the car with intentions on killing Jamall then he must have followed them all day. "No that can't be. If that was the case he woulda let off at the gas station and got both of us." Boogie thought aloud. Then he switched the scenario and thought that maybe Darell knew somebody on Samyah's block and caught them on a humble. 336

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"Samyah...dat Bitch!" Boogie spat. He thought of how Samyah called and said that she would be at her grandmother's house. Next, he remembered how she threatened Jamall at the funeral. It all added up. She had set Jamall up. "I'ma kill dat bitch!" Boogie promised with tears in his eyes. He concluded that Samyah and Darell were working together in the name of revenge. Samyah was angry about her baby and Darell was mad about his cousin. Darell must have thought that Jamall was by himself. It was hard to see through those tented windows. Boogie carefully plotted his revenge. He swore that before Jamall was in the ground they would all be dead. Boogie was livid. He vowed that he would go to the end of the earth to make sure that everything those motherfuckers ever thought about was destroyed. Bomb's plane landed at eight that morning, by then Boogie was a crazed lunatic. He had drunk several 5ths of Remmy and was on his fourth blunt. He sped up the arriving flights ramp and ran up on the curb. "C'mon nigga I ain't got all day." Boogie yelled out the window releasing a cloud of smoke from the car. Bomb threw his bag in the back seat and flopped down in the seat. "Yo what the fuck? You need to slow the fuck down before we end up at the bookings some fuckin where." Bomb cursed Boogie. Boogie paid him no attention. He drove along filling Bomb in on everything that happened. He told him about Danielle and how Darell and Samyah set J up. "So what chew gon do?" Bomb asked rolling up his blunt. 337

"Whatdafuck you think? Dat bitch gots ta die!" "I'm glad to see you got some heart. You usually be kinda soft on them bitches." "Nigga please I got more heart than any nigga in this town. Niggas know not to fuck wit me but for some reason this Darell nigga wanna test the big dog. Now I gotta spank him." "That nigga ain't think he was gon get caught. He thought Jamall was by his self." Bomb was laid back smoking his Dutch. They sat outside of Samyah's apartment building waiting for someone to come out so they could catch the door. Once inside the building Boogie grabbed a newspaper from a neighbors doorstep. He rang Samyah's bell while Bomb stood off to the side. Boogie opened up the paper and pretended to read it as it covered his face. He glanced at the name on the door card across the hall and cleared his throat. Finally, Samyah came to the door. "Who is it?" She looked out of the peephole and saw nothing but newspaper. "Mr. Nickels from across the hall. I was wondering if you had some sugar to spare." "Umm sure. I'll get it. Can you wait one minute?" Samyah went to get the sugar. She returned to the door "Here you go" she sang out. As she opened the door, Bomb jumped out from the side bashing her in the head with his gun. Sugar flew

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everywhere as Samyah fell to the ground. She felt Boogie's foot planted in her back as she struggled to crawl away. "Turn over bitch!" Boogie demanded as he delivered a swift kick to her rib cage. "Ouch..." Samyah howled in pain with her eyes closed. She was afraid to look Boogie in his face. She knew what she had done and apparently so did he. That's why he was here. She knew that what ever he had in mind it wasn't good and she much rather have it done with her eyes closed. "Open ya eyes. Look at me. You set J up? Didn't you?" Boogie interrogated Samyah. "Man fuck dis...POW!" Bomb came from behind and shot Samyah in the chest. "Man c'mon we ain’t got time to be questioning this dumb bitch. You already know she did it." Bomb was half way out the door. Boogie was stunned at Bomb's total disregard for Samyah's life. It was easy for him to kill Danielle because he did not know her and even then, he had to do her from the back. He couldn't stand to look her in her beautiful face as the life slipped away from her body. He supposed he should have done the same thing with Samyah but he wanted to give her the chance to explain herself. He hoped that she didn't have Jamall set up but he knew that she did. On the drive back to Asiah's not a word was spoken. Both Boogie and Bomb had heavy thoughts on their mind. The thought of revenge invaded their minds. It was all they could think of and neither of them would rest until Darell was dead. The next night they posted up outside of Darell's townhouse watching his every move. For hours, they watched his shadow go back and forth, up and down the stairs, and in and out of 339

the kitchen. Finally, the lights got dim and the movement stopped. They figured that he must be down for the night. They tightened up their vest and gave their weapons one last check. They were ready to ride. They ran up to the door kicking the door off the hinges like the feds. Darell was totally off guard. He sat in front of his big screen, with his hands down his pants, drinking a cold beer. "BOOM" the door flew open. Before Darell could realize what was going on the nozzle of Boogie's gun was in his face. "Don't move bitch!" Boogie pressed the 380 to Darell's nose. Bomb ran straight upstairs to check the rest of the house. He returned with Darell's girlfriend who was crying and pleading for her life. Before Darell had, the chance to plead for his life Boogie shot him in the kneecaps. "Aww...." Darell howled in pain. "Who was in the car with you when you shot Jamall?" Boogie's voice quivered. "Ouch...man I'on know what chew talkin bout." Darell whined. "POW!" Boogie shot him in the shoulder. "I bet chew dis bitch'll tell." Bomb said pressing his nine against her temple as she squealed for her life. "She don't know shit." Darell spat in her defense. "Aww…I think she do." Bomb cocked his gun and began to question the girl. Boogie looked in her eyes and knew that she

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was scared and wanted to tell but Darell was right there coaching her. "Take her in the kitchen." Boogie told Bomb. He turned back to Darell. "Now bitch you sittin here bleeding like a fuckin dog. Nigga you gon die just like you killed my man mafucka!" Before Darell could see his life flash before him Boogie, let off in his chest one bullet after another until there was none left. The bullets were hot, you could see smoke rising from Darell's now lifeless body as he slumped over with his eyes open. Boogie was content. He walked into the kitchen to see what he could find out from Darell's shorty but Bomb had already released her spirit to the Lord. She lay slumped over in a pool of blood and piss. "Pew. Did she tell anything?" Boogie covered his nose. "Yeah dat bitch told after I pissed in her face." Bomb laughed. "Man you ignorant as shit." Boogie shook his head. "She say he got two cousins that stay out there on Broken Land Parkway." "Let's go." By the next morning, everyone on Boogie's list was dead. However, no matter how many people he killed it did not bring Jamall back. It was time for him to face reality. He was in this all alone now. For more than half of his life Jamall had been his other half and now he was gone. Today was the final viewing of the body and the funeral was tomorrow. The first 341

thing Boogie did when he woke up was roll a blunt and drink a pint of Goose. He was becoming an alcoholic. The tension was too thick for his sober mind to cut through. He walked down the hall and pressed the button for the elevator. By the time it came he was finished the Goose and working on some Remmy. The old folks say that you shouldn't mix white liquor with dark liquor but Boogie didn't give a fuck. Asiah was in the same spot where she was the night before wearing the same Baby Phat sweat suit she had on for the last two days. Everything was falling apart and at a fast pace. Boogie looked at his baby girl and felt helpless. He had killed everybody that had a hand in Jamall's death but that did not take away her pain. Asiah lay starring into space wondering if she would live another minute. Every breath she took bought her pain. It was no way that she could go on. Jamall was her everything. She wished this were all a bad dream. She had managed to make the funeral arrangements for Jamall but didn't remember how. She was so high half of the time that she couldn't even remember what he would be dressed in when she saw him today. Misa and Sheebah carried Asiah to the bathroom so she could wash and change her clothes. She had been popping so many pills lately that she was hardly sober enough to make it to the bathroom on her own. This worried everyone, they all hoped that this was just a faze that she was going through. When they arrived at the funeral home Jamall's mother was waiting out front. Boogie walked with his arm around his sister and held her close. The funeral director was a tall slender man that wore small framed glasses that sat on the very tip of his nose. He greeted them at the door and led them to the big viewing room where Jamall's body lay. As they walked slowly down the aisle, Asiah's heart began to pound rapidly. She felt her heart sink to the pit of her stomach. Damn she wished she 342

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had popped something this morning. Sheebah and Misa had convinced her that the pills were not helping her and would only hurt her in the long run but right now, she wished that she had taken something. She felt like she had to vomit. "It's gonna be alright." Sheebah whispered as they approached the casket. Asiah looked down at her husband and started to cry. "Oh Jamall...get up please baby...get up" she screamed as she tugged on him. The funeral director ran over to calm her down and stop her from messing up Jamall's layout. Everyone tried their best to be strong but burst into tears as they watched Asiah plead with Jamall not to leave her. They all knew that if he could, he would get up but he just couldn't. Jamall's mother took a long look at her son and complemented his wife. "Asiah, you did a good job baby. I didn't think you would be able to do it but you did a good job. He looks very nice and peaceful." She wiped a tear from her cheek and walked away. Jamall was dressed in Cream Armani, his hair was neatly braided to the back, he lay in a cream and gold marble casket with his name, birth date, and departure date engraved on it. His diamond earrings sparkled flawlessly and his hands were neatly folded with his wedding band still in place. There were flowers everywhere. Everyone in town sent their regards along with a lovely arrangement. Asiah sent the biggest one of all. She sent a big heart made with roses with their wedding picture in the middle that read, "Our love is forever". After a few moments, they all took a seat on the front row and the funeral director opened the doors to the public. Once the crowd started, Asiah thought it would never stop. Everyone came to pay his or her respects. Niggas walked by giving Boogie and Bomb a pound and handing Asiah sympathy 343

cards filled with cash to help meet future expenses. The girls strolled in dressed as if they were going to an extravaganza, falling out, and crying making fools of themselves as if they were Jamall's wife. Asiah just shook her head in disbelief. She thought the day would never end. The next morning everyone ran around like chickens with their head cut off trying to get dressed. Asiah dressed in a cream Chanel pantsuit with matching accessories. Her hair was braided back into a French braid. Her diamonds sparkled just as Jamall's did and although she didn't feel like it, her beauty was striking. The Cream Cadillac limos arrived promptly at 10 o'clock. They arrived at the church by 10:45. "Please stand for the family." The director announced. There were so many people, the church was packed. Everyone stood up to face the family as they made their way to the front row. Asiah sat down and never took her eyes off Jamall. She starred at him, as he laid there dressed like a Prince. This made no since to her. Why? She began to weep as the choir sang "Precious Lord". Sheebah and Misa tried their best to comfort her but broke down themselves. This was just too much for any of them to bare. Their circle was broken. A member of the Fam was gone. The long line of viewers moved slowly. Asiah's head hung low as the tears rolled nonstop. She could not begin to grasp the reality of life without Jamall. He had always been there. "I'll be right back. I gotta pee." Misa leaned over and whispered to Asiah. Asiah just shook her head and continued to sob. The pain was unbearable even when she was high. This morning she ignored the advice of her friends, sneaking into the powder room and taking two of her happy pills. 344

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Somehow, today the happy pills did not seem to work. She would remember the next time to take three. Asiah blew her nose in a Kleenex and felt a comforting arm slide around her shoulder. She looked up to offer a greeting and was shocked to see that it was Saundra. She sat down before Asiah could say a word. "Asiah baby just listen to me, please. I know that I haven't been the best mother. Hell I haven't been a mother at all and I don't know if I ever will be but one thing I know is that you're not like me. You aren't anything like me. Asiah, baby you're strong you always have been. Even when I was carrying you, they didn't think you would make it but you did. Baby you can make it, don't be like me. If you learned anything, form me it's that you don't wanna be like me. When your father died, I started using to stop the pain but that pipe has bought me more pain than anything ever could have. I know you're high Asiah. I'm a junkie and I can spot another one at a million-man march. Your brother or your friends might can't tell but baby Saundra can tell. I can see right through those Chanel shades. Be better than me Asiah. I know it hurts but you can make it through. You're a survivor so don't give up and hold on." She leaned over kissing Asiah on the cheek and was gone just as fast as she came.

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CHAPTER 31

What does it profit a man to gain the world but lose his soul? Later that night Boogie dropped Bomb off at the airport. He had to go back to Georgia for a couple of days. At least until his girl had the baby. She was due any day. Bomb sat in first class downing one bottle of Cris after another. He was still fucked up by the thought of Jamall being gone forever. They had had some good times together. He thought of when his best friend Tyrin was killed. "The game won't be real without yall niggas." He toasted to the sky before downing another bottle. It was very late when he landed in Atlanta. He didn't want Keisha out that time of night so he decided to take a taxi home. After all, she was 9 months pregnant. What if she went into labor while she was alone in the car? "Keish...Keish..." Bomb dropped his duffle bag at the front door. All the Cristal was running through him. He ran into the powder room pissing everywhere but the toilet. He walked into the kitchen and grabbed a beer from the refrigerator. Bomb popped the top off with the beer opener and headed upstairs. He began to hear noises as he climbed the stairs. "Keish" He shouted as he pulled his gun from his dip. He stood to the side and pushed the bedroom door open. Bomb almost threw up when he saw his girl face down ass up taking it from another nigga. He stood dazed for a second as he watched this nigga pound on his pregnant girlfriend. They didn't even notice him. 347

"Who pussy is this?" "Yours daddy" Bomb felt weak. Before he knew it, he had cocked his pistol and bullets were blazing through the air. They all were dead. Keish, that nigga, and the baby. Whose ever baby it was? It was gone now. Bomb panicked when he heard the neighbors pounding on the wall. They always looked out for Keish because she was pregnant and Bomb was always in and out of town. He grabbed his bag and the keys to his Jag and split. He caught the next flight back to B.More. The next day he received a call from Keisha’s moms saying that there was an emergency and he needed to hurry back. Bomb agreed and made plans to catch the next flight back to Atlanta. He knew that if he didn't go back it would make him look suspect. Besides, he would say that he was in Maryland. No one had seen him and they couldn't prove that he wasn't. When Bomb arrived in Atlanta, there were police everywhere. The neighbor had seen him leaving the house after the gunshots were fired; the police tested the urine around the toilet and matched it to Bomb. They also matched his urine with the urine at the murder scene of Darell and his girlfriend. It was some nationwide thing the police used these days and the shit worked. "Can I get you anything?" The detective tried to break the ice. "My fuckin lawyer, dat's what you can get me bitch." Bomb spat.

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"Suit yourself" the detective, grinned. He knew that they had enough evidence to give Bomb the death penalty. If he wanted to play fuck nuts, it was fine with him. After an hour passed Bomb's lawyer showed up. "Now I'm ready to talk muthafucka." Bomb laughed at the detective. His lawyer sat beside him placing a tape recorder on the table. "So what exactly are you charging my client with?" "Wait a minute. We've got someone else coming." The detective smirked. After a few minutes, Sidney came in and Bomb's face froze. "Oh no dis bitch ain't the O. What the fuck is she doin here?" He screamed. "Sit down Deandre' " Sidney was calm. It took several minutes for Bomb's lawyer to calm him down. Finally, Bomb sat down and gave Sidney the stare of death. If he could get his hands on her, he would strangle the life right out of her. He couldn't believe this shit. This bitch was supposed to be a nurse. This was the same bitch that Boogie met at the hospital; this was the same bitch they had both been fucking. Bomb was boiling with anger. "Well the urine samples place you at the scene of both murders. That's five bodies right there. An eyewitness stated that they saw him leave the house around 4 am. That's a conviction all the way. Now the murder in Maryland...we’re pretty sure you didn't act alone." Sidney paused and continued "Bomb I'm FBI. We have been on you all for quite a while now and honestly, we've built a strong case. You will never see the light of day again if you don't cooperate. Help us help you." 349

"Bitch fuck you. You freak ass bitch. You sittin here talkin bout you a Fed, you wasn't no Fed when I was ramming my dick down your throat. Was you bitch?" "I was a Fed then and I'm a Fed now that's why you're wearing those beautiful bracelets. Now like I said help us help you." She smiled as if she was not just verbally assaulted. "What type of evidence do you have against my client?" Bomb's attorney interrupted. After listening to all the evidence of murder, drug trafficking, money laundering, and conspiracy Bomb's lawyer thought it might be in his best interest to cooperate. They struck a deal to avoid the death penalty. Bomb agreed to wear a wire and get Boogie to talk about all the illegal activities that they had engaged in. Bomb couldn’t grasp the concept of being a snitch but the gig was up. It was time to pay the piper and everybody knew that it was only two ways to get out of the game, jail or death. He had always been loyal to his cousin yet Jamall always received a bigger piece of the pie. It was time for Bomb to look out for himself. He had made enough money where as though he could give the Feds ten years, come home, and still be rich. That's exactly what he planned on doing. He worked it out so he could keep all his assets if he cooperated to the fullest. It was fucked up but a man's gotta do what a man's gotta do. Asiah lay in her bed staring into the sky through the glass ceiling as the rain pounded on the roof. Her heart ached. It had been three weeks since Jamall's death and every day that passed was harder than the day before. Everything about this house was Jamall, the paintings that hung from the wall, all his things were still in place, and the sent of his cologne still 350

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lingered throughout the house. These were the times when she had to face the fact that he was gone. There was no one around to comfort her, to hold her and tell her that everything was going to be okay, or to promise her that shit would get better. It was just her. She was all alone in this big mansion. Sometimes she felt like Jamall was there watching over her but when she reached out for him she felt nothing in return. That is when reality hit. He was gone. "What am I supposed to do?" Asiah cried aloud hoping some kind of way that Jamall could hear her and send her an answer. She cuddled his pillow tight and cried until she fell asleep. Boogie pulled up to the curb and popped the trunk for Bomb to put his bags in. He was excited that his cousin was back in town. Every since Jamall died he had been feeling like he was all alone in the world. "So you a daddy now huh?" Boogie smiled at Bomb. "Yeah my lil man came out raising hell and shit. He looks like me, his daddy." Bomb lied. "Yeah I remember when Charlotte had Indya. I couldn't believe that I was somebody's father." Boogie smiled momentarily and began to think of Charlotte, Indya, Asiah, and Jamall. "Boy I fucked up big." He confessed his feelings to his cousin. "What?" Bomb shifted through a rack of CDs. "Yo I just be thinkin and shit about how I got Charlotte killed. I mean we got the niggas that did it but that still ain't bring her back." 351

"Yeah you gotta admit that shit felt good. Especially that Darell shit." Bomb was sure to speak clearly, so that the wire could pick up everything. "That shit was a given. I couldn't let that nigga live. Him and that slick bitch Samyah had to pay." As the days passed, Bomb continued to persuade Boogie into conversations that would serve as evidence in the near future. By the end of the wire period there was enough evidence gathered to put Boogie away for the rest of his life. Normally Boogie would have never opened up so easily but Bomb was his cousin and the stress of losing Jamall had him fucked up. Boogie laid there with his eyes closed as Sheebah went up and down on his dick. He tried his best to keep his mind off the upcoming custody battle for his daughter. He ran his fingers through Sheebah's hair and pushed himself further into her mouth. "FBI FREEZE!" Boogie opened his eyes to the nozzles of five pistols. "Sorry to crash ya party but you're under arrest." One of the officers grinned. Another officer stood speechless as he stared at Sheebah's naked body as she held her hands in the air. She was absolutely beautiful. "Boy I would love to give her the dick."

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"What? Bitch keep ya remarks to yourself!" Boogie spat with his hands in the air. "We'll see who the bitch is when you're doing ten to twenty you little fuck." The officer spat back. "Yeah I bet it won't be me." Boogie fumed. Boogie couldn't believe his eyes when his lawyer showed him his indictment papers indicating Bomb as an FBI informer. "Dis shit can't be right!" Boogie was in utter disbelief. "I'm afraid it is Daunte. Now what I need you to do is think of anything you may have said to him that could have been on that wire tap." Boogie looked at the dates in questioned. They were all after Jamall died. He'd said a lot of things. He was upset and was not thinking clearly. He never thought twice about talking to Bomb. He was his cousin. "Everything." Boogie answered his lawyer nonchalantly. "SHIT!" The lawyer threw his pen across the table. He was overwhelmed with frustration. He took a deep breath and regrouped himself. "Let's do this, let me talk to a few of my friends and see how many of these charges I can make disappear." He snatched up his briefcase and shook Boogie's hand before storming off. After several months of going back and fourth to hearings, Boogie's court date was finally set. It was a Thursday morning. It was rainy and unusually musty for November. Boogie sat 353

with a straight face as the jury took their seats. He took one look back at his family and another look over at Courtney and her big belly. She was pregnant and refused to get rid of it even though Boogie was going to jail for the rest of his natural life. Charlotte's parents had managed to put aside their differences and were there to show their support. After realizing that he would have to give the Feds, a good stretch Boogie decided not to fight for custody of Indya. He signed over full custody to Charlotte's parents. That was the best place for her. He had managed to fuck up everybody's life and he didn't want to do the same to hers. Boogie had not heard from Bomb since their last wired conversation but was told by his lawyer that Bomb waived his right to a trial and took a plea bargain for 10 years. The Feds were more than willing to let Bomb off easy since he cooperated. He was just a small piece of their puzzle anyway. They really wanted Boogie. They were working on seizing all of his properties but were having a hard time proving that they were acquired with drug money since Granny signed a statement saying that she loaned him 20 thousand dollars from Grandpa's insurance money to start his businesses. They were content with locking him up and throwing away the key. No matter how much money he had, it wouldn't do him any good where he was going. However, Boogie was facing the death penalty that day. Instead of focusing on the Judge as he took the bench he thought about how easy, it was for his own flesh and blood to send him up the river. He thought of Granny's words "In this life yall livin you ain't got no friends". "We the jury find the defendant Daunte Deshon Sheppard guilty on all counts." The courtroom went wild with whispers and suppressed cries. "BAM!" The Judge banged his gavel. "Sentencing will take place after recess." Everyone got up to get a breath of fresh 354

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air. Asiah went straight to the bathroom to reload on her happy pills. She splashed water on her face and remembered the day Terra spit in her face. She laughed. She remembered all the good times they had, she remembered all the good times her and Jamall had, she remembered her and Boogie growing up together, but it was all over now. Everything that ever meant anything was gone. "Daunte Deshon Sheppard I hereby sentence you to DEATH by capitol punishment............." "Oh God no!" Sheebah cried out. Boogie didn't flinch. He heard the cries and screams of his loved ones coming from behind him but did not turn to face them. He had caused them enough pain and it was no way he could make all this shit right. He'd done all the wrong things for what he thought were the right reasons. He wanted to give them the world so that they could live without limits. He wanted them to have all the luxuries that made life worth living, he wanted them to be happy but instead he took their happiness. He took all their dreams and aspirations. He'd taken more than he could possibly imagine. He'd fucked up his life and everybody's life that he'd ever come across. He sat there listening to Sheebah and Courtney scream and howl from the pain of their hearts breaking. He heard his Granny sobbing as Aunt Sharon tried to comfort her. He knew that her weak heart would not carry her much longer after this. He didn't hear a word from his sister. He turned slowly only to see her starring into space with a look of numbness plastered across her face. This was it for her. It was more than she could handle. Life without her brother was just unimaginable. When Asiah got home, she took a long hot bubble bath and drank a bottled of Cristal. She went through Jamall's closet picking out her favorite outfit. She went through her closet and dressed in his favorite outfit. She laid his outfit on his side of 355

the bed. Next, she lay on her side of the bed and took an entire bottle of sedatives. "Asiah...Asiah..." Misa shook her desperately "Sheebah somethin wrong with her!" Misa screamed. Sheebah dialed 911. They rushed Asiah to the hospital. They pumped her stomach and saved her life that night. Unfortunately, that was just the first attempt on her life. She repeatedly tried to kill herself. Finally, the court ordered her into a mental institution. One day Asiah was finger-painting when her counselor came and notified her that she had a visitor. It was like talking to a wall. Asiah had never spoken a word since she got there and that was almost eight years ago. Whenever she had a visitor, she just went on as if they weren't even there. "You're still so pretty." The young lady complemented Asiah. Asiah just kept painting as if the girl was not there. "I know you don't remember me and I'm sorry for all that happened. I don't know why I acted the way I did..." "You thought it was something that it wasn't. Everything that glitters ain’t gold. Didn't your mama teach you that when you were little?" Asiah mumbled. The young woman sat in shock. They told her that Asiah couldn't talk or comprehend. "What?" "You wanted to be me. You thought it was an easy job, all you saw was the shine but my life was fucked up. Look at me now it don't seem so beautiful now do it? Answer me Terra!" Asiah starred in Terra's eyes. Terra sat in shock. "Asiah you're not crazy. We can get you out of here. 356

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You don't have to live here Asiah." "Live? What have I got to live for? Go and don't come back." "But Asiah...." "Lalalalalalalalalal" Asiah went into her usual retarded singing

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GAME TYME A HOOD CLASSIC – Preview –

CHAPTER 1

SHIT HAS GOT TO CHANGE Tay lay across the bed listening to the rain pound away at the basement window. He and his little brother had just beat the shit out of his mother’s boyfriend. She always seemed to find the worst type of niggas to get involved with. Fred was his name, and he’d been putting his hands on Tay’s mother for far too long. Tay always knew the shit had been going on, but his moms would always cover for the dude with some too perfect accident. Tay’s guess was that Fred got too comfortable, he and his little brother Ty were in the living room playing X Box when they heard thumping coming from upstairs. “What’s that?” Ty looked at his big brother. “I know this nigga ain’t puttin his hands on my mother and he know we down here!” Tay dropped the remote and jumped up. Ty followed. “Ma” BOOMP BOOMP BOOMP, Tay knocked. “Go downstairs boy! This don’t concern you!” Fred yelled. 358

Game Tyme –preview–

Tione Turner

“This don’t concern me?” Tay looked at Ty as if he was confused. Tay pulled up his pants, raised his size 12 Timberland boot, and kicked the bedroom door clear off of the hinges. Both Tina and Fred looked as if they’d seen a ghost. Fred had Tina pent against the wall. Her face was red and her shirt was torn. “Nigga!” Tay grabbed Fred and slammed him to the floor. He and Ty proceeded to stomp Fred into a bloody pulp. Tay was getting tired of this shit. Whenever one of Tina’s relationships ended, they ended up homeless. There was no way they could go on bouncing from pillar to post not knowing when they would be tossed out on the streets. Once again they had no place to live and found themselves living in Ms. Sherri’s basement. Sherri was Tina’s best friend and she always helped Tina out if she could, but Sherri had a full house which left Tina, Tay, and Ty all to live in the basement. Sherri was cool. She never charged Tina rent and provided meals for the boys while Tina worked. Sherri knew how it was to be in a bad place without a helping hand in sight, so she helped out in anyway she could. That was a good thing, but Tay knew things had to change. He clutched the pillow tight as his stomach growled. Finally, after an hour or two Sherri’s daughter Keyona cracked the basement door to tell Tay that dinner was ready. Tay quickly tumbled upstairs and sat his 6 foot 1 frame down at the kitchen table. “Ty and Deizle put that game down and come eat.” Sherri yelled. “How you feeling baby?” She ran her hand across Tay’s head.

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Keyona leaned over and kicked Tay in the leg with a grin. She was like a pesky little sister to Tay and Ty. Sherri had four children. Ashley was the oldest, she was 15, next Keyona 14, and Damon and Deizle 12; they were twins. Tina and her boys loved Sherri’s family dearly and they felt the same for them. As far as everyone was concerned they all were family. Tay ate quickly and returned to the basement to gather his thoughts. The next day while Ty went to boxing training Tay decided to go see his homeboy Nut. Although, Nut rarely came to school, he and Tay still hung out frequently. Nut was already 18, and only came to school enough to keep his name on role to keep is probation officer off of his back. Tay found Nut in front of KK’s carryout. “What up nigga? What you doin down here?” Nut slapped Tay a five. “I need to talk to you man.” Tay told Nut in a serious tone. “Aight, walk with me.” Nut opened his chicken box and ate as he walked. “Yo, me and Ty had to beat down my mom’s bitch ass boyfriend and shit. We back in Sherri’s basement. I’m tired of this shit. I’m tired of being broke and fucked up. This shit ain’t where it’s at. I’m getting too old for this shit, I gotta get on my feet.” Nut listened as Tay talked. He could tell that Tay was sincere and ready to do whatever it took to change his situation. But, Tay had always been a good boy, never a lame, 360

Game Tyme –preview–

Tione Turner

but he was always into school and shit. Nut knew what Tay was beating around to, but he needed to hear him say it. “So, what you sayin?” Nut interrupted as they approached his house. “Man, I’m ready to do this shit. Tell me, what I gotta do?” Tay didn’t even blink. He was ready. “Well, I gotta talk to my cousin Redz and see where he can put you. You ain’t never hustled before, so he’ll probably start you off as a look out.” Nut bit into his last piece of chicken and tossed the box into the gutter. “That’s cool. When you think you gon get at yo?” Tay needed to get started and fast. “Umm…” Nut thought for a second and out of the blue Redz’ black CL 600 Benz bent the corner. Nut shook his head. It was amazing how when a nigga was looking to do wrong the opportunity always presented itself. “Damn, there that nigga go right there.” Nut pointed. Redz pulled up and jumped out leaving his Benz in the middle of Mosher St. “What up cuz?” Redz slapped Nut a five. Redz was 20 and doing it way big as far as he was concerned. “Aint shit. My man lookin for some work.” Nut tilted his head over at Tay. “Yeah?” Redz looked Tay up and down. “He got experience?” Redz asked as if he ran a legitimate business. 361

“Naw, but, that nigga got heart, more heart than most of these bitch made niggas out here.” Nut kept it real with his cousin. He popped open his soda and took a huge gulp. “ Yo, that nigga on your clock. Whateva happens is on you. You willing to bet ya life on that?” Redz asked his cousin. Nut looked at Tay for a second. He knew that if Tay fucked up any money, he would be responsible. If Tay turned out to be a rat, he would be responsible. If Tay stole or used the product, he would be responsible. He vowed for Tay, and in this game, vowing for the wrong nigga could cost you your life. “Yeah, I bet my life.” Nut slapped Redz hand and the deal was sealed. Tay got his chance just like that. “Anyway, I came to talk to you. I got this new connect, a county nigga that fuck with some Dominicans. Shit bout to get real good cuz.” Redz tossed Nut his last bundle of crack. Dope was the name of the game, in this town that’s where the real money was. “Yall can split that. That’s ya sign on bonus youngin.” Redz told Tay before he jumped back in his car and pulled off. Tay was stunned. He’d gotten what he’d asked for all in an hour. Now he wasn’t sure if he had it in him, but Nut had vowed for him and he couldn’t back down now.

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