CHAPTER FORTY
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THREE
Tiana
The lawyer said as long as we could prove that we could provide care for the girls, he had a strong feeling that the judge would grant him full custody. I wasn't sure how I felt about the full custody part. I mean, I knew that Ayana wasn't the best mother, but I didn't think no mother should lose their children. I really hoped she would get her shit in order so she could get joint custody of the children.
We were up bright and early. I could tell Micah was nervous. It was a big day for him. I prayed for him and his children. I prayed for our marriage and the drama that was sure to come.
“You ready, boo?”
“Yup! How you feeling?”
“I'm good, ma.”
I didn't believe him. I thought he was trying his best not to show his true feelings. “A'ight, come on, boy. Let's go.”
Micah and Baby Micah got in the car and I pulled off. I tried to make small talk to kind of break the silence in the car.
I dropped Baby Micah off at the daycare and we proceeded to the juvenile courthouse on Memorial Drive. I searched for a parking space in the packed parking lot. I finally found one; I quickly pulled in before the car in front of me had a chance. I parked and we got out, walking toward the front of the building. I spotted the lawyer, so I touched Micah's arm and pointed toward his direction. We walked over to him, where he explained everything that we could expect today. All in all, he explained that Micah should be prepared to take the girls home today.
I watched as Micah's face lit up like a child right around Christmastime. I, on the other hand, had mixed feelings. However, I hid that shit and smiled like there were no worries.
We finished talking to the lawyer and walked off. Micah must've sensed my uneasiness, because he placed his arm around me and squeezed my shoulder.
“Well, well, well, if it ain't my baby daddy and his whore,” Ayana said as she cut in front of us.
“Yo, B, this ain't the place for this shit for real,” Micah said with clenched teeth.
She pointed at Micah. “Don't you dare address me.” She turned her attention back to me. “Well, hello there, Miss Bitch. You have a nerve showing your face up in here. If you think you're gonna get the chance to play mommy to my fucking kids, you better think again.”
“You know what, Ayana, you still pitiful as the last time I saw you. Next time you gonna address me, please address me as Mrs. Brown. Now get the fuck out of my and my husband's way before I push your ass down.” I grabbed Micah's arm and we walked off.
That bitch started screaming obscenities, but we kept walking. I had hoped she would've kept her rachetness under control today, at least for today, but I guessed she didn't give a damn.
We sat beside our lawyer and waited for the judge to get on the bench. I could tell Micah was bothered by the way Ayana behaved. Shit I couldn't really say I felt for him, because he chose that ho!
CHAPTER FORTY
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FOUR
Ayana
I got up early and got dressed. I made sure I was well put together. I knew Anthony's ass would be at the courthouse today. My goal was to flaunt my ass in front of him so he could see exactly what he had been missing. I hoped this nigga would wake his ass up and realize it was all a mistake and he really wanted to be with me and his girls. I ain't goin' to lie, I really missed him spoiling me and throwing money at me. I applied some Vaseline on my lips and took one last look in the mirror and walked out.
On the way to the courthouse, all sorts of thoughts invaded my mind. I hated that bitch Tiana. I knew one thing: that judge better not make the mistake of giving that nigga and his bitch my damn children.
As I walked into the courthouse I wondered where that court-appointed lawyer was at! That bitch wasn't worth shit for real. I needed to make some money so I could get me a good lawyer. When this shit was over, I planned on taking my children and moving out of this damn state. This nigga would never see my fucking kids again.
I was walking toward the courtroom door when I noticed Ant, and guess who had the nerve to be up in here? That bitch Tiana. See, this bold bitch thought she was some kind of parent to my kids. So, being the bitch I was, I stepped out in front of them. See I saw the fear in that nigga's eyes because he knew I was all about that life and his bitch wasn't. I knew better than to show out in the courthouse though. But I had to let them know this shit wasn't sweet.
They better hope that judge doesn't give my kids to them.
I addressed both them motherfuckers, but I was thrown off when that bitch said, “Mrs. Brown.”
“Anthony, you married this bitch? Are you fucking serious? You left me to be with this bum-ass bitch?” I took a step closer toward that nigga.
“Watch your mouth, B. This my wife now and I need you to stop disrespecting her.”
“Fuck you and this bitch. Bitch, you are the lowest kind of ho there is. You wore my old drawers when you was young, and now you fucking and sucking the same dick that I had. How dare you call my kids your godchildren when you're fucking over their mama? Bitch, I hate you, and I wish you and that little bastard die, you hear me?” I yelled before I stormed off.
I stormed off before I caught a case up in here. I rushed to the bathroom. My heart was beating fast and my palms were sweaty. I scooted down on the floor as I started crying. How did I not hear about this new wedding? I was furious, but an anxiety attack was taking over. I tried to calm myself down, but the pain was intense. “God, noooooo!” I screamed out.
“Are you okay, ma'am?” A white bitch walked up to me and touched me. Without responding, I shot that bitch a dirty look. She hissed at me, then stormed off.
I managed to get my anxiety level to the point where I could breathe. I got up off the ground and quickly washed my face. I used a paper towel to dry it off. I hurried out of the bathroom. I didn't want to miss court.
“Miss Beasly, I was looking for you,” a bitch in a cheap-looking suit said to me as soon as I walked in the courtroom.
“Who are you?” I asked with an attitude.
“I'm your court-appointed layer. I called and left several messages for you the other day. I wanted to go over this case with you. We don't have any time right now so we will talk after court is over. Let's go sit over here.” She pointed to a table.
I sat beside my lawyer as they sat on the other side beside who I believed to be their lawyer. I tried to shoot their asses dirty looks, but they didn't look my way. I still wasn't feeling good. I heard mumbling as the judge entered the courtroom. I was feeling confused. I couldn't make out anything they were saying. I was becoming dizzy. My heart rate sped up and I became hot.
“Listen, can you request a recess?”
“What's the matter?”
“I . . . I don . . .”
CHAPTER FORTY
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FIVE
Tiana
Talk about a drama queen. How was this ol', retarded-ass bitch gonna pass out in the midst of the judge's ruling? I knew I wasn't the only one there thinking that it was foolery. I heard a thump and when I looked over I saw her hit the ground. Micah walked over that way to see what was happening, but I couldn't bring myself to be part of this mockery. The ambulance was called and she was wheeled out of there.
“What happened?” my nosey behind asked Micah as he walked back to the table.
“Ayana fainted. I think she faking that shit.”
“Oh, okay,” was all I managed to say before the judge called for order.
Court was back in full swing. Her lawyer pled her case, the lawyer for the state spoke, and then our lawyer spoke. There really wasn't anyone disputing that she was an unfit parent at the moment. Our lawyer provided proof why we would be the best possible choice for the girls. The judge agreed and gave Micah full custody of the girls. However, the judge did say if Ayana found a place to live and completed her classes, she would share custody with him.
“Yes!” he yelled and grabbed me up in a bear hug.
“Congrats, babe.”
“When can I get my girls?” he turned and asked the lawyer.
“Well, as soon as everything is signed. I believe the girls are here in the courthouse.”
I saw the excitement on his face.
I hope this is for the best,
I thought as I scooted down into my seat. I was happy being mommy to one little boy, but now our lives would be forever changed!
* * *
The first night the girls were at the house was very awkward.
“Auntie T, I haven't seen you in a while. Where have you been?” Dominique asked.
I was hoping that they wouldn't ask too many questions because I could imagine how weird this looked to them. At one point I was their auntie and now I was here playing stepmommy to them.
Things really got bad the first morning we sat at the table to eat breakfast.
“Girls, we need to talk to y'all,” Micah said.
“Do you need to do this alone?” I asked.
“Nah, you need to be here. Girls, this is Baby Micah and he is your brother.”
“But how? This is Auntie's baby,” Dominque blurted out.
I breathed hard. “Yes, this is Auntie's baby, but he is also your daddy's son. So he is your brother.”
“I don't get it. How can you be my auntie and his mother, and he's daddy's son all at the same time?”
“Well, it is all grown-up stuff, but your Auntie Tiana and I are married now. We are a family.”
I could tell she was confused. There was no easy way to explain this to her. Bottom line was, her auntie was now Daddy's wife and for now we were a family.
I spent the next few days taking them to the doctor and the dentist. It was a shame that they were behind on their shots and you could tell they hadn't been to the dentist recently. After getting their immunization records up to par, Micah took them to the school and registered them.
Finally, things were starting to be a little normal again. Micah's mother would take them on the weekend so we could get a little break. God knows I needed that because I had finals coming up and the struggle was real. I couldn't risk failing a class, because I would have to pay to take it over.
CHAPTER FORTY
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SIX
Ayana
I woke up and looked around, and that's when it hit me that I fainted while I was in the courthouse. “Fuck,” I blurted out.
“How are you feeling, Miss Beasly?” the nurse asked.
“How the fuck you think I'm feeling? I fainted in court, and now I don't know what happened with my kids. I need to get them,” I yelled as I jumped off the hospital bed.
“Ma'am, wait for the doctor. He has to discharge you.”
“No, bitch, you wait for him. I'm outta here.”
I grabbed my clothes that were nearby and got dressed right in front of her. I grabbed my purse, and dashed out of the room. I made it outside, but then I realized that I didn't drive my car up here.
Fuck, as if this day could get any worse.
I dug into my purse and pulled out my cell. The battery was dying, which was not a good look since I didn't have my phone charger with me. I frantically searched through my phone contacts and pulled up Daquan's number. I knew he probably was tired of me, but I had no one else to call upon.
“Hello,” he answered with a slight attitude.
“Damn, what's wrong wit'cha?”
“What's good, yo! This ain't no good time,” he said dryly.
“Who is that on the phone, babe?” I heard a female voice ask.
“This a fien' tryin'a cop sump'n,” he lied.
“Oh, okay,” she said.
“A fien'? Are you fucking serious?”
“Yo, man, I just told you, this ain't no good time.”
“Well, I'm stuck at DeKalb Medical on Hillandale and I need a ride to the hotel.”
“I can't leave right now yo.”
“Listen, boo, I need you to come pick me up. I would hate for your bitch to hear that I was fucking and sucking her nigga on the regular.”
There was a long pause on the phone, then he spoke. “A'ight, I be there.” He hung the phone up in my ear. I hated that I had to go there with him, but I had no one else to call.
I found a bench to sit on, and about thirty minutes passed before I saw his car pulling up to the entrance. I stood up and walked over to the car as soon as he stopped.
“Man, get in,” he demanded. I got in, and he pulled off. “What hotel you at?”
“The Red Inn Roof on Candler Road.”
There was total quietness on the ride to the hotel. I could tell he was irritated, because his face was screwed up and not once did he glance my way. He pulled into the parking lot and stopped.
“Are you coming in?”
Without responding he parked the car and we got out. I opened the door and we walked in. I decided to take a quick shower while he rolled a blunt. I knew it wouldn't be long before he got over that little attitude he had. There was no way he could stay mad at me after I gave him this tongue game and clamped this pussy down on him.
I quickly washed off and made sure my pussy smelled good. I lotioned down then walked out into the room area. He was laid back on the bed smoking his blunt.
“So, you 'ont plan on speaking to me?” I asked sarcastically.
“Shit I'm speaking now. How about you get on your knees so I can fuck you from the back?” he demanded.
I wasn't tripping. I knew that I was bound to get a couple Gs up off him. So I gladly got on all fours. He unbuttoned his pants and got behind me. He used his hands to push my head down into the mattress and pull my ass up toward him, arching my back. He slid into me, and started fucking me aggressively. In spite of the enormous amount of pain I was feeling, I still managed to throw my ass back at him. I noticed that he was fucking me harder than usual. He then stopped. I felt his hands clasped around my neck.
Oh, so he into rough sex, I see.
That thought quickly left my mind when I felt his hands tighten around my neck. He pulled out and flipped me over on my back. I tried to remove his hands from my neck, but he was strong and he had a tight grip.
“Bitch, don't you ever threaten to tell my woman shit about what we do. Do you fucking hear me?” He squeezed tighter.
I tried to answer, but I couldn't. So I shook my head so he could know I understood him.
“Matter of fact, lose my motherfucking number,” he said before he let go.
I started coughing as I raised my hand to feel my neck. I was heated as fuck. “Yo, fuck you and that bitch. If she were all that, your ass wouldn't be blowing me up like you do.”
“I'm a man, so yes, if I see free pussy, I'm gonna take it. You damage goods though; ain't no nigga tryin'a wife you. I heard about that shit with you and that nigga from the west side the other day. B, your pussy is community pussy for real.” He laughed.
“Get the fuck out of here. Like I said, you better hope I don't see your bitch. I bet you she'd love to know how you eat my pussy up and lick my ass.”
“I ain't goin' to sit here arguing with you. But you already know I let my gun do the talking. Be careful. Your mama might find yo' ass at the bottom of the river.” He opened the door and left.
I fell out crying! My neck was still hurting from the grip he placed on it. I tried to stop the tears, but the more I thought about everything, the heavier it came pouring down. I got up and ran to my purse. I dug deep, trying to find some pills. I couldn't find any, so I threw the bag over in the corner. I'd heard people talking about hitting rock bottom, but this was my first time really feeling it. My insides felt empty. Anger built up as my thoughts wandered to Ant and his bitch.
* * *
I was asleep when I heard a loud banging on the door. I grabbed my cell phone and noticed it was after 11:00 a.m. “Damn, I slept this long?” I said out loud. The banging grew louder, so I got up out of the bed. I peeped through the hole and realized it was the hotel clerk. That's when it hit me that my bill was due. I tried to ignore him, but he wasn't letting up.
“Yes, how may I help you?” I opened the door with an attitude.
“You have to pay today if you want to stay,” he said bluntly.
“Can't I pay this evening or tomorrow?” I tried to buy more time.
“No, it was due last night. You have to get your things and leave the property if you don't have the money.”
“Listen, look, you can hold my bracelet and I also have a chain I can give to you,” I damn well started pleading.
“I'm sorry, I can't accept those.”
I didn't know what to do. This Indian man stood in front of me with his arms folded.
“Listen, I don't have anywhere to go right now. Can we work something out, please?” I pleaded.
He looked at me like he was trying to size me up.
“Listen, I can make you feel good, daddy,” I said in my sexy voice. I pulled the door back and, just like a man, he stepped inside.
“What did you have in mind?” he asked in his thick Indian accent.
I didn't waste any time. I dropped to my knees. I took out his wrinkly, pale dick and started massaging it. I swear, I didn't want to do this, but a bitch was desperate. I got it hard; then I started to lick the tip.
“Aargh,” he groaned.
I then took the full length into my mouth, which wasn't much in the first place. I closed my eyes and pretended like I was making love to Ant. This made it so much easier for me to please this old fool. He moaned and groaned and wiggled. I felt his veins getting bigger. I knew he was ready to bust, so I removed my mouth. Seconds later, sperm shot out. I backed away because I didn't want that shit on me. I got up and looked at him. “So we good right? I can stay another month?”
“I want some of the pussy,” this bold-ass fool said.
I looked at him. There was no way I was gonna let that little-ass dick nigga fuck me.
“Come on, I got to hurry up and get back to the front desk.”
I huffed hard, then walked off to the bed. I reluctantly took my underwear off. I lay on my back. I was hoping it would be quick. I closed my eyes as he climbed on top of me. I cringed as he entered me. I wanted to literally die.
“Ohhh, damn it, this is good pussy,” he mumbled as he thrust deep inside of me.
I wish he'd just hurry the fuck up,
I thought as I tried not to snap on this fool.
Within minutes, he pulled out and busted all over the bed. I quickly jumped off the bed. “Okay, so we good right? I am going to stay here for another month.”
“No, not good. I can do another week.”
I took a step closer. “Listen to me, you ol' banana boat nigga. I said a month, do you hear me? If not, trust and believe I will call the motherfucking police and let them know you barged in here and raped me. See, nigga, I'm not in the mood to be playing.”
I guessed he understood English pretty well, because he looked at me and shook his head in disgust. He mumbled something under his breath, and walked out of the room.
I ran to the shower and jumped in it. I scrubbed between my legs viciously. I was trying to erase every scent of this motherfucker off me. I felt sick to my stomach. After about twenty minutes, I was satisfied. I got out, wrapped a towel around me, then grabbed my toothbrush. I gagged as I brushed thoroughly. I then rinsed for a long time with my mouthwash.
I sat on the bed, just thinking. I needed to map out my next move. I was pretty sure that Indian motherfucker was going to let me stay for a month, but I was still broke. I had to figure out a way to make some money.
I definitely missed my bitch Lori. I still couldn't believe that shit happened between us. I hadn't talked to my other bitches either because they were closer and I had no idea what she had told them; and I damn sure wasn't in no mood to explain myself to anybody.
I got dressed, and decided to grab me a few things out of the grocery store. I couldn't tell the last time I ate a good meal; plus, I needed some soap.
If a bitch ain't got shit, I got to have soap to wash my ass.
I decided to go to the Kroger on South Hairston. They be having fresh everything up in there, because the uppity black people and the whites shop there. I wasn't surprised to see the parking lot packed. I drove around a few times before I spotted an elderly lady pulling out. I quickly positioned myself so I could turn in as soon as she pulled out.
I locked my car and walked into the store. I headed to the snack aisle. I needed something to appease my appetite. I was looking down when I bumped into someone. “Excuse me,” I said as I lifted up my head. “Miss Judith, is that you?” I asked in astonishment.
“But, wait, I know you?” she asked.
“Yes, Ayana. Your daughter Tiana and I were best friends. She came to live with my mom and me after she left your house.”
She took her glasses off and stared at me from head to toe. “Yes! Yes! I remember you. It's been years; how you been doing?”
“I'm good. I know. I haven't seen you in years. I kept asking your daughter for you, but she act like she didn't where you was at.”
“Hmm. That worthless child. Of course, she don't know what is going on with her own mama. I could've been dead, her ass wouldn't know that.”
“Yes, I know. I used to tell her that she shouldn't be like that toward you, but you know how she is.”
“So where you staying at now?”
“Well, I'm staying at the motel over on Candler Road for a little time.”
“Why? You ain't got nowhere to stay?”
“Not right now. Going through some things. Your daughter did some messed-up things to me and caused me to lose everything.”
I knew I had her curiosity now and that's exactly what I intended.