PRETTY BRIGHT (21 page)

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Inside the house, Bright spread the news about Larry being drafted in the NBA. Everybody was so happy for him, and her mother even released a few tears of joy.

He did it,” Rosette said, sitting up in her bed. She was almost back to her norm and regaining her memory back. “Is he stopping by today?” She asked Bright. After Bright explained to her mom that he had a few errands to run and that he would be over later, she got out of bed to shower. “I wanna cook my son-inlaw dinner, then,” she smiled.

“I c an cook dinner, Ma, I want you to just kick up your feet and relax,” she said insisting, that her mother get back in bed.

“I promise you I'm feeling fine, and besides that, I feel like I was confined to the bed too damn long,” Rosette was starting to feel like a patient. “It would actually make me feel I'm of some use around here Queen Bee; you've done enough, and I thank you baby,” Rosette extended her arms to hug her daughter, then she went to take a shower.

Bright gave Ryonna twenty bucks to clean the bathtub out for her so that she could take a nice hot bubble bath. Though she took a bath at Terrence’s house, she still felt the need to scrub him off of her in preparation for Larry's arrival. When Bright got out of the bath tub, the smell of smothered pork chops and onions lingered throughout the apartment. It was one of Larry's favorite meals, and Bright was happy that her mother remembered, it proved to her that she was having a speedy recovery. Bright went into the kitchen, preparing to help her mother out.

Rosette turned to Bright and told her that she wanted her to go back to school in the morning and get caught up in her school work. She had received a call from the attendance office letting her know that Bright had been missing a lot of school. Rosette explained to them that it was due to her illness and now that she was back on her feet, she was going to make sure that Bright had all the time she needed to catch up.

“Ma, I'm way behind from all the days of school I've missed so far, I just decided to drop out and get my G.E.D.,” she said honestly. She thought school was no longer of any importance to her, especially since she was about to get married, have twins, and be set for life.

Rosette raised her eyebrows. “It’s better that you just finish off your senior year, Queen Bee. A high school education is so much more respected in the work place then a G.E.D.,” she explained to her daughter.

Bright laughed. “Ma, Larry just got drafted to the NBA, do you hear yourself? I'm never gonna have to work a day in my life, and neither are you,” she said. “Not only are we getting married, but these babies are going to ensure that,” she smiled confidently.

Deja added, “Yeah Mama, Bright done struck gold!” she yelled as she and Ryonna set the table for dinner.
Rosette stopped what she was doing then grabbed her daughter’s hand and held it tight. Looking in her eyes, she said, “A woman's only guarantee and security blanket in life are the ones that she holds within herself, Queen Bee. God forbid Larry gets hurt or injured out there and can’t play anymore. He's gonna need his wife to step up to the plate and help out,” she said. “Or what if things don't work out the way you hope or plan for them to?” Seeing the look on her daughter’s face, Rosette said, “Yes, Queen Bee, all fairy tales don't last forever; and though I hope and pray the best for you.” she stressed. “I just want my daughter to be prepared for the best or the worst. I've been in love a million times, have had it all, and have lost it all just as quickly, because it was always at the hands of a man.” She paused for a few moments to wipe the tears that had formed in Bright's eyes. “I want you to take my advice, get a good education, and get a couple degrees under your belt. You’re a very smart girl,” she said to Bright. “I know you can do it.”
Bright had never been told she was smart before, so it immediately made her eyes tear up. “I know it may have happened to you, Ma, but I'm not gonna allow it to happen to me ever again,” Bright said, then walked off to her bedroom. This was finally her chance at getting both riches and fame, and she wasn't going to allow anyone to stand in her way or stop her from getting it.
Rosette stopped herself from calling after Bright. She wanted her to think about what she had said to her. But what she didn't understand was the last part of her daughter's statement that she wasn't going to allow it to happen to her ever again? Hunching her shoulders, Rosette called Cordell to take out the trash, then she told him to tell Ramon to come out of the room to join the rest of the family for dinner.
Vince stopped by for dinner with a big bouquet of flowers for Rosette. When Bright came out of her room and saw him sitting at the head of the table, eating, laughing, talking, and smiling, she wanted to throw up. Looking at him now, she recognized him for the true loser he really was and resented her mother for tolerating him
. Nigga decided to pop up all of a sudden now huh?

Where was he when Mama was down and out? Bright thought.

“Hey, superstar,” he greeted her. “Your mother told me the good news,” he smiled, removing meat from his teeth.

“Yeah, nice flowers,” Bright said nonchalantly, then scratched her belly and went to grab herself a glass of water.

“We tried waiting on son-in-law, Queen Bee, but it's getting late. I packed him up a real big plate of food though; it's in the microwave,” she said, pointing toward it.

“Yeah, he called and said that he was going to be running late, thanks, Ma,” Bright replied. Pulling a wad of money out of her bra, she approached the table. “Here's some money for the rent and bills,” Bright passed the money to her mother then looked in Vince's direction. “It's just a little something from me and Larry, we don't want you to have to overexhaust yourself again.”

Knowing his sister's MO, Cordell chimed in, “Now that’s what I'm talking about, Larry's the man!” he stressed, putting cables on it. After Bright brought it to his attention, he didn't really appreciate Vince's position in his mother's life either. But because he didn't want to add to his mother’s stress, he opted to stay out of her business.

Vince cleared his throat, feeling the tension in the room. Rosette rejected the money. “Vince helped me out with the bills and rent this month,” she smiled. “But I thank you guys both dearly.”

Jumping in the conversation, Vince said, “Yeah ‘cause a man should always help the woman he plans on marrying,” then Vince joined Bright in the stare down that she had started.

Deja reached for the money. “I could use some of that,” she laughed. Bright reached to grab the money, then passed all of her siblings each a crispy one hundred dollar bill. Happy they all thanked her, and then she tucked the rest of the money back in her bra.

“Congratulations, Ma,” Bright smiled, then kissed her on the cheek. “I wish you both all the happiness in the world and I hope Vince gives you all that you deserve and more importantly, that he's always there for you when you need him.” Then she smiled at Vince and exited the room.

“What am I missing here?” Rosette asked puzzled.

Vince smiled. “You didn't miss anything, darling baby; everything is just fine,” he assured her.
Seeing that everything was alright, Rosette took the money from her two youngest to hold, and told them that she would take them to spend their money on the weekend. While Deja planned on buying clothes with her money. Cordell planned on getting a pack, he was tired of being broke.
Later that night when Larry finally arrived, it was close to midnight. After work, he was supposed to stop by to have a quick meeting with his frat brothers that ended up being a surprise party for him, and it had taken up more of his time than expected. She warmed up his plate then set it on the table for him.
“There goes my future NBA star,” Rosette said, coming out of her room. “I wasn't gon' go to bed until I was able to give my son-in-law a big hug and kiss, and tell you how happy I am for you,” she said, smiling, with Vince on her trail.
“Congrats man, we're really proud of you son,” Vince smiled from ear to ear he had dollar signs in his eyes.
“Awe, thanks Moms, thanks Vince,” Larry smiled, standing up to give his mother-in-law a hug, then he gave Vince a brotherly hand shake.
“Bright, sit on Larry's lap so I can get a before picture,” she said, struggling to take the picture because the left side of her body was still very weak. Vince was too busy smiling and sucking up to Larry to noticed that Rosette needed his help until Bright brought it to his attention. Then he quickly made his way to her side to take the picture of them. After Vince requested to take a solo picture with Larry, Larry suggests taking a picture with both Bright and Rosette. They finished taking pictures and then they left back to the room so that Larry could finish his meal.
Smiling, Larry said, “I'm happy to see Mom's recovering so well.”
“I can’t stand Vince,” Bright said, nodding her head.
“I thought y'all were cool?” Larry said, taking a bite full of mashed potatoes and gravy.
“We were until I seen how he never pulled through for my mother when she first had her stroke. He didn't bring her any money to help out around here, and don't even mention how many times he came to visit her in the hospital – once!” Bright said, becoming angry. “Now that he hears about your deal, he's talking marriage now, after all these years,” Bright said. “I'm no fool.”
Larry shook his head. He thought Vince was cool, and he really hoped he wasn't in it to use his mother-inlaw. But if he was, he sure wouldn't mind reading the old guy his rights. “Time will tell everything, Pretty Bright, so don't stress over it or stress my babies. Maybe he really has good intentions,” he said, trying to turn a negative into a positive.
After dinner, they sat on the couch and fell into a long, intimate conversation about their life while Larry rubbed her belly. Bright thought her life was finally heading into the direction it should have always been: big things and flashing lights.

T

hough Bright left out the house for school every morning, it didn't mean that she was really going. Her mind was made up and school was no longer

an option, she was gonna be paid and set for the rest of her life...what would she really need school for? She liked spending money, not making money, and Larry was fine with that. But in order for her to spare her mother's happiness, she pretended to go to school each day, when in actuality, she was laid up in a plush suite at a hotel that she and Larry used as their love nest. Since the suite supplied a kitchenette, Bright would take pleasure in preparing various meals for Larry.

Still afraid to sex Bright the way she liked him to, Larry would only eat her out and finger bang her when she begged for sex. And when she sucked his dick he wouldn't even allow her to get on her knees anymore, he would tell her to lie on her back and he'd serve it to her. Bright thought all of his precautions were sickening; and she didn't know if it was from all of the attention that Larry was giving the babies, but something inside was causing her to brew a slow hatred for her two unborn children.

On this particular day, Treasure had stopped by the room to kick it with Bright after getting out of school. The girls smoked blunt after blunt, and Bright had even drank a few glasses of red wine. She wasn't expecting Larry for a few hours and figured she'd have enough time to sober up. In the mist of talking and laughing, Treasure received a phone call from Suge.

Happy, she answered her cell phone. “What’s up, Suga baby?” she smiled.

Suge spoke low into the phone, “Treasure, I need to talk to you about something very important,” she said before losing the courage to do so. “You by yourself?” she asked her.

Hearing that she was speaking to Suge, Bright chimed in, “Tell Suge I said hi!” she yelled across the room.

Responding, Treasure said, “No, I'm with Bee right now, and she said to tell you hi. Now what do have to tell me that's so important?” She asked in a concerned tone as she hit the blunt.

Bright’s eyes widened; she hoped Suge wasn't gonna run her big mouth about the letter she had written to Chrome.

In a panic Suge said, “Treasure, I can't holler at you in front of Bright; it’s about her,” she explained. “So act like we're talking about something else. I don't want her to know that I'm about to tell you,” she quickly said.

Seeing that Bright was all up in her mouth, Treasure played the role and followed instructions. “Are you serious, Suge? So what did you do?” Treasure gave Bright several shocked facial expressions.

Sitting up on the edge of the bed, Bright wanted to know what happened.
Thinking of something quick to say, Treasure said, “Girl, why Suge just tell me that the Muslims got to fighting all up in the temple, and had bean pies flying all over the place?” she laughed. “And Suge got hit in the face with one too!” she added.
Feeling a sigh of relief, Bright said, “That ain't funny, Treasure! Ask Young if she want us to come down there and beat them hoe's down?” Then she started laughing.
Continuing to make herself laugh, Treasure said, “Alright then Suge, we'll call you back later; the blunt awaits the lips,” she joked, then ended the call. Treasure couldn't help but feel anxious wondering what Suge had to tell her about Bright.
In the middle of Bright smoking and talking, Larry walked into the room unexpectedly. Catching Bright’s lips on the blunt, he flipped out. “I know you not smoking and drinking?” he asked, seeing the bottle of wine on the cabinet next to her. Nervous, the blunt fell from Bright's trembling lips and onto the floor.
Treasure began to pack up her things. She didn't want to be in the middle of their argument, and was curious as hell as to what Suge had to tell her about Bright.
“I only hit it one time, and drank one glass of red wine, Larry,” Bright announced timidly. “And the doctors said that one glass of wine won’t kill me and is actually healthy for pregnant woman,” she stuttered, hoping he wouldn't explode on her.
“So you gone sit here and lie to me when it’s obvious you been in here getting fucked up! I'm looking at your eyes, Bright; they red as shit and you smell like a damn winery,” he barked, stepping closer to her. “And I don't appreciate it, not one fucking bit!” he yelled.
Creeping past the arguing couple with her things in her hand, Treasure said, “I'm about to leave, you guys.”
If looks could kill, Treasure would have been dead from the look Larry had shot her. “Yeah, you go ahead and do that...godmother. Because I can’t believe neither one of y'all trifling asses!” he steamed.
Treasure looked at Larry then back at Bright. She was ready to nut up at him for coming at her like she was the bad guy in the situation.
Bright shook her head no and gave Treasure a pleading facial expression not to say anything. She could tell that Treasure was about to blow, and she didn't want her boyfriend and best friend to be going at each other’s throats.
Treasure took a deep breath and sucked it up on the strength of her homegirl, then said, “I'ma let that one slide for you Bee,” then she exited the room.
Falling into a heated argument resulted in another one of Bright’s melodramatic moments. “It’s always about the damn babies, the babies this, the babies that, what about the babies? Well what about me, Larry, huh? What about me?” she cried. “Are the babies the only reason that you’re marrying me in the first place?” She asked, taking her engagement ring off then throwing it to the floor. She was tired of him always making a bigger deal over the babies than her, when it was supposed to be her that he fell in love with.
Giving her an unbelieving look, he yelled, “No, we're not gone turn this into another ‘victim Bright’ moment!” he yelled. “You know damn well that I love yo bright ass, and that’s why the fuck I wanna marry you!” he continued. “But I'm not gone let you ruin our chance of having healthy babies, because you’re being selfcentered and irresponsible. Do you even care?” He paused looking at her seriously. He had been noticing the jealousy she displayed whenever he made a big fuss about the babies.
Bright cried, “Why wouldn't I care? I am the mother!” she said, unable to admit it. Depression had gotten the best of her, and at times she contemplated having an abortion. However, since she was too far along for the regular procedure, her only other alternative was a three day procedure. Three days of agonizing pain, suffering, and an even higher risk that she would have to take on her own life, were the only things standing in her way...and she didn't want to die. She no longer saw children fitting in their bright future anymore. She had played mommy long enough, and for once, she wanted to enjoy her young life selfishly without the responsibilities of children. The only worries she wanted were hers and Larry's, and she wanted him to feel the same.
Larry grabbed Bright by the arms, then swiftly but carefully pinned her up against the wall. He was so close to Bright that he could kiss her soft lips. He sensed that something was troubling her soul and wanted to wipe her tears away, but the smell of the weed and alcohol on her breath turned him back to mad. “Well, you better start acting like it now, or it'll be over between us quicker than you know it,” he said, then headed to the door.
Bright grabbed his arm to stop him from leaving, but he snatched it back from her and stormed out of the room. She couldn't believe the tone that Larry had used with her over something so small. She loved him more than she loved her unborn babies, but he put them before her. Hurt, Bright begin punching herself in the stomach, crying out loudly. “I hate you, I hate you, I hate you, and I wish I never made you!” She cried until she couldn't take any more of the pain, then she broke down and cried like a baby.
All she ever wanted was to be loved for her, not for her looks, or because she sucked a good dick, or fucked real good, but genuinely because of who she was. Bright had sacrificed her being, time and time again, to keep Larry looking good, and to keep money in his pockets, so that he could pursue his education and career full time. And here he had put two unborn lives before their relationship, when she had pretty much sold her soul for him.