“I would like that,” I said as I wiped a tear from my face.
“Me too.”
“I know you’re probably not going to accept this, but Jemar’s family on his father’s side wanted you to have this.” She handed me the envelope. I already knew what it was before she even placed it in my hands, and she damn sure was right that I wasn’t accepting that. Look, it didn’t take a rocket scientist to know what Jemar’s father’s side did for a living. I wasn’t accepting possible dirty money.
“Take it for Jenelle.” She said.
“She’s good. Trust me, I made sure she was.” I said and meant. Remember how I kept telling y’all I was sticking around for my child’s future? I hope y’all don’t think I meant raising her in a two-parent home. Jemar was right that someone skimmed money from his stash; however, it wasn’t Ricardo. It was me, yeah, I know, and I’ll answer to God for that one day, but I was making sure Jenelle’s saving account was secured before she even turned one. Jemar thought I was naive and not street smart, but one thing my daddy taught me was that you always make sure you get yours before a nigga thinks twice to change his mind. I was able to skim $2,000 through time, and that day I went to move out, I took about a $500. I can’t tell y’all my secrets and say how I got away with it, but I was okay. Since working, Jenelle had about $3,000 in her savings account. And $5,000 in her college fund account. I wanted her to have about $20,000 by the time she turned sixteen and $50,000 by the time she went to college if that’s the route she took. Either way, she would be good.
“Trust me, take it,” Chasity affirmed. I took the envelope and peeked inside. There were a lot of hundred dollar bills. “That’s just from two of his uncles, just wait until the rest of his father’s side pass you their envelopes. Jenelle will be more than good. You don’t have to like what they do to obtain that money, but do it for Jenelle’s future.” I didn’t say anything but put the envelope in my purse and just nodded my head.
“Thanks, now if you’ll excuse me. I see Jemar’s uncle Tino and his spoiled brat cousin, Tiffany. You can accept any money from that family but except from him. He never has good intentions.” She said as she got up. I looked in the direction that she was looking in. Tino and Tiffany were looking at us. Tiffany looked like she was already looking down on me, and her father seemed so sneaky. A chill ran over me as his eyes scanned over my body.
“Hey, before you go!” I grabbed her hand before she walked away. “Are you okay? Like with everything that has happened, are you okay?” I asked and genuinely wanted to know. She took a minute to think about it, then smiled.
“I’m fine. What about you?”
“Same. I’m fine.” I smiled.
“Good.” She said then walked away. I saw as she approached the evil people and moved off to the side to talk to them. I noticed Keisha was still gone and wondered what she and Dre were talking about.
“I feel like you’ve been avoiding me.” I heard a familiar voice say. My body shivered, but in a good way.
“Ricardo,” I said as he sat down next to me without waiting for a invitation.
“Ambrelle, answer my question.” He said. He looked so cute. He had a beard now and was rocking that sponge twist look. I mean, I already knew this because he was just here about a couple of weeks ago, but I wasn’t looking at him in the way of lust. He was Nelle’s godfather, and he was my friend.
“Sounded more like a statement than a question,” I said. He smiled and nodded.
“You’re right. How about this….have you been avoiding me?”
“Yes, I have. The past two weeks have been a lot for me. I’ve been trying to be strong in front of Nelle. She’s only one and can already tell when something is wrong with me. I was just focusing on her and being there for Jemar’s mother.”
“And who was there for you?” He asked. I didn’t say anything because I knew where this was headed.
“How’s Atlanta?” I changed subjects.
“It’s good, starting to get a little crowded with folks moving in, but it’s cool. A lot moves to be made down there. Why?”
“I think Jenelle and I will finally come down to visit you. We need a break from DC and need some new scenery.” I said.
“I can make that happen, but you gotta do something for me.”
“What’s that?” I raised my eyebrow.
∞∞∞
“I’ve never done this before. I’m nervous.” I told Ricky.
“That’s fine. Just take your time. Sing it like you’re telling a story.” He said through the intercom.
“My story, right.” I adjusted my headphones on my head and got as comfortable as I could on the stool.
“Your story, right.” He said then pressed play on the switchboard. I let the beat come in, closed my eyes, and opened my mouth to let the words flow out.
Bre will be returning in 2021…..
Other Titles By Me
(Keisha's Story)
(E-book Only)
Coming soon….
Want to know what Dre wanted to talk to Keisha about?
