Big and Aimee: Beautiful Chaos (4 page)

Chapter Seven

Dinero sat on his couch with the phone glued to his ear as he played Madden. He had finally caught up to Asia after numerous failed attempts. Since the night they’d met, Dinero had been trying to get with Asia on a sexual level, but she was always busy or she would promise to call him back. Dinero wasn’t the type of guy who liked to talk on the phone, but Asia had insisted on getting to know him.

“So Dinero, why don’t you like talking on the phone?” Asia asked him.

“’Cause this shit is whack,” he spat.

“I disagree, and since I’m trying to get to know you, I’m going to make you stay on the phone with me.”

“Yeah okay,” Dinero said sarcastically.

“Is Dinero your real name?”

“Yeah.”

“Are you the youngest out of all of your brothers?”

“Nah, I have a lil’ brother,” he said then inhaled his blunt.

“So you don’t have any
sisters
?” Asia questioned.

Dinero sucked his teeth. “Damn, Judge Judy, do you want my social security number too? Fuck!”

Asia busted out laughing at Dinero’s rudeness. Her laughter actually caused Dinero to smile.

“Why are you so rude? Why don’t you like answering questions?”

“’Cause that shit is weak. That’s the reason why I’m not in a relationship now,” he stressed.

“All because you don’t want to answer questions? That seems kinda of stupid.”

“Man, no its not. I don’t wanna have to explain myself every time I do some shit. I don’t have the patience.”

“So why don’t you like women?” she asked him.

Dinero looked at the phone and then put it back to his ear. “I ain't gay. What the fuck?”

Asia laughed. “I don’t mean like that. What I meant was why do you seem to run away from relationships with women? Do you have Mommy issues?”

Dinero thought for a moment. He had never connected his relationship issues to his mother. She had come back into his life two years ago after she’d been forced away by his father. However, Dinero  had been in a serious relationship in his younger days. He had been so in love with his ex-girlfriend, Cadence, but when she vanished without a trace, he vowed that he would never love another woman again.

“I never thought about it in that way. My mama wasn’t around when I was growing up. Her absence could’ve had an effect on the way I look at women. But let’s be clear. A lot of these women in Milwaukee are hoes. That’s why I treat them like I do,” he joked.

“I guess that’s true, but why wasn’t your mother around? Was she on drugs or something?”

“Hell nah! My mama wasn’t a crack head. It’s a long story on why she was absent. Besides, I don’t want to talk about that shit right now. What’s up with me coming over and murdering that pussy, Asia?”

“Dinero, you're not ready for me, baby. I got that Erykah Badu and this shit ain't nothing to play with,” she teased him.

Dinero smirked. “Erykah Badu, huh? What do you mean by that?”

“It means that after you hit this honey pot of mine, I can guarantee that your ass will be wearing costumes and wigs.”

It was Dinero’s turn to belt out in laughter at Asia. He couldn’t believe that shit had come out of her mouth. Pussy came a dime a dozen for Dinero, and Asia would be no different.

“You’ll never catch me in a fuckin’ wig. Girl, you talkin’ big shit for somebody who been running from me.”

“I’m not running from you, Dinero.”

“Yeah…a’ight,” Dinero shot back sarcastically.

Dinero and Asia ended up talking on the phone for another two hours. Dinero couldn’t believe that he was actually holding a conversation on the phone with a woman. Usually, he would text his girls just to tell them that he was on the way to fuck. But the fact that Asia was getting him to open up to her had him scared. Dinero decided that after he and Asia had sex that he would cut her off completely. His only mission was to
fuck
and not fall for a female.

****

              Dillon sat inside of his car, staking out a trap house he was about to rob. For weeks, he had been coming around to sit and observe so he could learn the routine of the dope boys. Being a stick up kid gave Dillon an adrenaline rush. He loved to take shit that didn’t belong to him. Although he worked a day job, he still couldn’t help but crave that fast money. Dillon watched intently as one of the dope boys exited the house. He knew that there was now only one person in the house, which prompted him to make a move.

Dillon drove around to the alley and parked two houses down. He got out and put his hood over his head. He made sure that his pistol was loaded before he proceeded to the back door. He picked the lock like a seasoned pro and crept inside. Dillon traveled through the house and stopped when he reached the living room. There was a man seated on the couch watching TV. Since his back was to Dillon, he silently walked up to the dope boy and put his gun up to his head.

“You know what this is? Where the work at?” Dillon demanded.

The man cursed under his breath. He was so upset that he had got caught slippin’, but he opted not to fight back.

“Man, it’s over there,” the worker huffed and pointed to the floor board.

Dillon nudged the man’s head with the gun and said, “Nigga get up and give it to me. What the fuck?”

The worker reluctantly got up and lifted the floor boards. He pulled out five thick bundles of money and three neat packages of heroin. Dillon looked around for a bag with his gun still planted on the worker. He spotted a plastic bag in the corner and hurriedly snatched it up.

“Put it in here,” Dillon demanded.

The worker put everything in the bag and said, “You really don’t know who you’re fucking with.”

Dillon grabbed the bag from the guy and hit him in the head with his pistol. The guy dropped immediately, and Dillon took off toward the back door. He ran to his car and hopped in. He laughed as he started his engine. He couldn’t believe he had scored that much cash along with the heroin. He knew he was going to get a hefty sum for the drugs and he couldn’t wait to feel that money in his hand.

****

Big maneuvered his car with one hand as he gripped his mother’s hand with the other one. Elle was seated in the passenger’s seat as she looked out of the window. Big was taking her to a rehab center that was located on the south side of Milwaukee. Big’s sister, Danica, sat in the back seat along with Zaria. After much pleading, Tara had finally let Big spend time with his daughter. He wanted Zaria to see her grandmother off since Elle would be in rehab for ninety days. Big could tell that his mom was nervous because her palms had become sweaty. During the drive, Elle had been silent, and Big prayed that she wasn’t having second thoughts.

“You good, Mama?” Big asked her.

Elle turned to him and gave him a faint smile as she nodded. She had become lost in her thoughts as she looked forward to becoming sober. She wished she would've done it years ago just so she could be there for her children. Elle knew that her kids didn’t hold a grudge against her, but truthfully, she held one against herself. She would never forgive herself for choosing alcohol over her children.

After thirty minutes, Big finally pulled up to the center. He found a parking space and then everyone got out of the car. Big popped his trunk and grabbed Elle’s luggage. The family walked inside where they were greeted by a counselor.

“Hello, my name is Kelly. You must be Elle.”

Elle nodded her head and gave Kelly a handshake.

“Welcome to the St. Francis Rehabilitation Facility. I’m glad that you're here to get help. We’re going to do everything in our power to ensure that you reach sobriety and maintain it.”

Elle released a sigh and began to tear up. She knew she was making the right decision to get clean, but she was scared of the challenges ahead. Her body had become so dependent on alcohol that she knew the sickness would be waiting on her.

“Well, I’m going to let you say goodbye to your family,” Kelly said and then walked off.

Elle then turned to Danica as tears continued to pour from her eyes. Danica hugged her tight as she began to tear up. “Mama, don’t cry. This is going to be the best decision of your life.”

Elle wiped her tears away with the back of her hand. “I know, but I’m scared.”

“Why are you scared?” Big questioned.

“I’m scared that I’m going to let you guys down and I don’t wanna do that.”

“Mama, you can’t go to rehab for us. You have to get sober for
you
. You’ve been abusing your body for years, and it’s time to get healthy. Okay?” Danica said and hugged her again.

Zaria tugged on Big’s hand, looking up at him. “Daddy, why is Grandma crying?”

Big picked her up and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “Grandma is crying because she’s happy. Ain't that right, Ma?” he said getting Elle’s attention.

Elle looked over and instantly gave Zaria a kiss on the cheek. “Yeah, baby, Grandma is happy. You promise you're going to come see me?”

“Yes,” Zaria replied excitedly.

Kelly returned and grabbed Elle’s hand. “Are you ready, sweetie?”

Elle nodded and wiped her tears. Big reached over and gave her a hug and a kiss on the cheek.

“A’ight, Mama, good luck. Call me if you need anything,” he told her.

“I will,” Elle said and grabbed her luggage before she walked off with Kelly.

Big wrapped his arm around Danica and pulled her close. “She’s going to be fine,” he assured her as they walked out together.

“I know. I’m just so happy. You know I've never seen Mama sober.”

Big nodded. “I can believe it because she started drinking when you were just a baby.”

“I just hope she sticks with it. I want to experience having my mother around,” she said sadly.

“She’ll stick with it. I promise.”

Chapter Eight

Aimee stepped out of the shower and walked to her bedroom. She unwrapped the towel from her head and let her wet hair fall. She was going to meet Paris and Camara at the mall so they could hang out. Aimee dropped her body towel to the floor and walked to her closet to pick out something to wear. Just as she started to search for the perfect outfit out, her bedroom door opened.

“Aye, babe,” Big called out, but he stopped midstride when he saw Aimee’s naked body.

“What are you doing here?” she asked, surprised to see him.

Big said nothing as she walked up on her and grabbed a handful of her ass. His lips began to explore her neck.

“Baby, stop. I’m supposed to meet Paris and Camara soon.”

“Do you feel this dick? I wanna put it deep inside of you, but I have somebody I want you to meet,” he told her and then kissed her lips.

“Who?”

“Come out and see. Throw on a robe or something,” he said before he walked out of the room.

Aimee put on her floral print, silk robe and walked out to her living room. She smiled when she saw the beautiful little girl sitting on her couch, playing on an electronic tablet. She had flawless brown skin with thick, curly hair.

“Zaria, say hi to Daddy’s girlfriend, Aimee,” Big said as he took a seat on the couch.

“Hi,” she said and waved.

Aimee walked over to her and shook her hand. “Hi, Zaria. It’s nice to meet you.”

Zaria smiled shyly and then looked at Big.

“Why you tryin’ to act shy?” he asked, laughing.

Zaria laughed and snuggled up to him. Aimee smiled, happy that Big had finally let her in on a huge part of his life. She honestly felt like they were moving in the right direction.

“So what’s up, babe? Are you on Daddy duty today?” Aimee asked.

Before Big could answer her, his cell phone began to ring. He answered and walked to the bedroom. Aimee took this time to get to know Zaria a little bit.

“So, Zaria, what are you playing?”

“Subway Surfer,” she replied in her small voice.

“Is it a fun game?”

Zaria nodded. “Do you want to play?” she offered.

“Sure.”

Zaria went to sit next to Aimee and then she passed her the tablet. Aimee began to play the game as Zaria watched. Minutes later, Big came out and sat back on the couch.

“Aye, you said you're about to go with Paris and Camara right?” he asked.

“Yeah. Why?”

“I need you to take Zaria with you. I gotta go meet my brothers real fast,” he informed her.

“Okay. That’s fine. You gon’ hang with me today?” Aimee asked Zaria.

The child nodded.

Big stood up and put his hand in his pocket. He pulled out a knot of money and passed to Aimee.

“Here, buy you something nice, a’ight?”

Aimee smiled at him. “Thank you, honey. You sure do know how to spoil your lady,” she teased.

“Yeah…whatever. Just make sure you’re ready to spoil me tonight. I’ll see you later,” he said and left.

“Well, you and I are going to go to the mall. And guess who else is going to be there?”

“Who?” Zaria asked.

“Your cousins, Milan, Kya, and Parker.”

“Oooh yeah! I can’t wait!” she said excitedly.

“Okay, let me get dressed, and then we’ll be on our way.”

****

Aimee, Camara, and Paris all sat in the food court along with the kids. They’d had a fun day of shopping and were trying to refuel for some more. As soon as Zaria saw Milan and Kya, they all ran up to each other and hugged. Aimee made sure to take Zaria to Justice and the Disney Store so she could get her some things. Aimee looked over at Parker who was sitting in her stroller gulping down her milk. She couldn’t believe that Parker was already six months old.

“Paris, she’s growing up too fast. Make her stop,” Aimee said as she rubbed through Parker’s curly hair.

Paris poked her lip out. “I know. I miss her being my little baby. Now her ass is trying to crawl.”

“I’m surprised Keece hasn’t tried to pop another one in you,” Camara said before she stuffed some fries into her mouth.

“We agreed to wait a little while because these two girls are giving us the business. He does want a son one day, though,” Paris responded.

“Kiyan does too, but I refuse to get pregnant again until he gives me a ring. And before y’all ask, yes, I've been on my best behavior,” Camara huffed.

Aimee laughed. “You took the words right out of my mouth.”

“Mine too,” Paris said and gave Aimee a high five.

Zaria tapped Aimee’s shoulder. “Aimee, may I have some more fries please?”

“Sure.” Aimee put more fries on her tray.

“Aw, Big got Aimee playing step mommy,” Camara teased.

“Shut up. I was so shocked when he brought her to my place. He’s been keeping me from meeting her for months.”

“Well, that’s a good thing. He doesn’t need to be letting
you know
who
control his love life,” Paris said, referring to Tara.

“That’s what I've been trying—”

Out of nowhere Aimee saw a woman stalking toward their table. “Who the fuck are you and why do you have my daughter?” Tara asked with her hands on hips.

“Hey, Mommy,” Zaria greeted her.

Oh shit, here we go.
Aimee thought to herself. This was the first time that Aimee had seen Tara up close and personal, and she could tell that she was nothing but trouble. Tara stood there with a mean scowl plastered on her face. Another woman stood next to her as she looked Aimee up and down.

“I’m Aimee, Big’s girlfriend,”

“His
girlfriend
? How long have y’all been together?” Tara questioned.

“For a while now,” Aimee said.

“I don’t give a fuck how long y’all been together. Big knows that I don’t want no bitch around my fuckin’ baby. Come on, Zaria,” Tara barked and then snatched Zaria by her arm.

Aimee shot up out of her seat, not liking how she’d grabbed Zaria. “Damn, don’t be yanking on her arm like she’s a fucking rag doll,” she snapped.

“She ain't your daughter,” the woman with Tara spoke.

“Girl, stay your struggle face ass out of this,” Camara shot as she looked at the woman.

“Yeah. This ain't your daughter, bitch! Don’t tell me what I should be doing with my baby, hoe!” Tara yelled jumping into Aimee’s face.

By this time everyone in the food court had begun to watch the scene that was bound to get ugly.

“You better get out of my face,” Aimee warned her.

“What the fuck you gonna do if I don’t?” Tara challenged her then pushed Aimee.

Aimee swung and hit Tara in her eye, immediately dropping her to the floor. Tara’s friend suddenly charged at Aimee, but Paris stuck her foot out and tripped her. The woman fell on top of Tara as Zaria stood with tears in her eyes. Aimee wanted so desperately to comfort Zaria, but she knew her mother wouldn’t allow her too.

“Um, bitch, ain't gon’ be no jumping up in here, especially while I got my damn kids,” Paris spat, trying to gather the children out of the way.

Tara jumped up from the floor but before she could attack Aimee, security arrived. They held Tara back as she began to yell obscenities. The woman with Tara grabbed Zaria’s hand and followed her angry friend as security escorted her away. Aimee was so embarrassed that she’d actually had a fight at the mall.  When Big had first told her that Tara was a wild one, she didn’t believe him, but the fact that she’d been willing to make a fool out of herself in front of her daughter disgusted Aimee.

“You good?” Camara asked.

“Yeah. I feel bad, though. I shouldn’t have hit Tara in front of Zaria,” Aimee admitted sadly.

Paris smacked her lips. “Aimee, you had no choice but to defend yourself. That bitch is ignorant, and that hoe that was with her is too.”

“Mama, don’t say that,” Kya chastised Paris.

“I’m sorry, boo. I won’t say that again,” Paris said and kissed her cheek.

“Yeah, don’t beat yourself up ‘cause if she would’ve got in my face, I would’ve laid her out too. Girl, where did you get that left hook from?” Camara joked.

“I used to box back in the day. My hands are still decent,” Aimee boasted.

“Girl, I thought her ass was sleep for a minute,” Paris joked.

“Y’all stop making me laugh,” Aimee said, holding her stomach.

“Girl, okay, and ugly folks really thought she was about to jump in. I had my hand on my pepper spray ready to air that bitch out!” Camara laughed.

“Thanks for having my back. Y’all down for me,” Aimee said.

“You know we got your back. Now hurry up and call Big before Tara’s crazy ass does.”

****

Big sat inside of his family’s construction office along with his brother’s Keece, Kiyan, and Dinero. Keece had called and asked all of them to meet him there. Their construction company was used to clean up their dirty money. Although it was used for a front, the construction business had multiple contracts with the city.

“So what’s up, Keece?” Kiyan asked.

“One of the trap houses was robbed last night,” he informed them.

“Which one?” Big quizzed.

“It was the one on Atkinson. Those dumb-ass niggas left only one person in the house when I told them it’s supposed to be at least three people at all times,” Keece quipped.

“So what did they take?” Dinero asked.

“They took some bands and three bricks of boy,” Keece said, referring to the heroin.

Big shook his head. “Damn! Somebody’s about to come up off some dough.”

“That’s why I called y’all here. Be on the lookout for anybody who’s trying to sell some weight. I’m sure this was a random act, but I don’t wanna take any chances,” Keece told him.

In the midst of their conversation, Big’s phone rang. He looked and saw that it was Tara. She’d told him that he could keep Zaria for the weekend and he wondered why she was calling.

“Yeah, man,” he answered.

“How dare you have my baby with some random bitch? Didn’t I tell you that I don’t want no other females around Zaria?” Tara barked into the phone.

Big frowned. “What the fuck are you talking about?” he asked, becoming agitated.

“I’m talking about you having that Aimee bitch around my daughter. I saw that hoe at that mall with Zaria. How long has she been around?”

“None of your fucking business. Where is Zaria?”

“She’s with
me
, and I’m gonna make sure your ass don’t see her for a long time,” Tara spat.

“Aye, you childish as fuck. Why you tryin’ to keep her away from me?”

“Because I can! And you tell your little bitch that I'm going to beat her ass for hitting me in my eye!”

“Man, bye,” Big said and hung up the phone. He was so mad that Tara was about to keep his daughter from him yet again. The idea of taking her to court was really plaguing his mind.

“What happened, bro?” Keece asked.

“Tara on that bullshit. She saw Zaria at the mall with Aimee, and now she won’t let me see her.”

“Man, that bitch is ruthless, and she’s using Zaria to control you. I don’t know how you deal with it,” Kiyan said as he shook his head.

“Man, fuck Tara. If I was you, I would take her ignorant ass to court. She’s been playing games for too long now,” Keece hissed.

“That shit doesn’t sound like a bad idea. I can’t even see my kid whenever I want to,” Big huffed.

“Man, why haven’t you put Danica on her ass? She would fuck her up for sure,” Dinero added.

Big shook his head. “Bro, Danica would kill Tara, and I ain't trying to see my sister locked up for something serious.”

“Hell yeah! Danica got them hands,” Kiyan said, chuckling.

Big laughed too. “I think Aimee whooped Tara’s ass, though. Tara said she hit her in the eye.”

Keece laughed. “I’m glad. That’s what that bitch needed. Maybe she’ll calm her ratchet ass down.”

“We’ll see. I’m about to go. I’ll hit y’all up later,” Big said, giving them all a handshake.

He made a mental note to call Aimee to see what exactly had happened. He was tired of Tara and her behavior. She was twenty-eight years old, yet she acted like a teenager. Big didn’t regret Zaria because she was his greatest gift, but if he could, he would've chosen a different woman to bear his child. Tara was a pain in the ass that never seemed to go away.

Big made the decision to try and talk with her one more time before taking her to court. They’d never sat and had a civilized conversation before so he figured it was time for them to meet and converse like adults.