Scarlet Love

Karrueche

“Karrueche Tientrese Tran, where the hell have you been?!”

I sighed deeply rubbing my forehead as Mom came over to embrace me. I mean I expected this but damn , I was not ready for all this yelling. I walked in and saw two police officers and knew this was some shit. Mom kept checking me and examining if I was all right while asking a million questions and Dad did the same. I looked back at Ro and cleared my throat pushing them.

“Guys, I’m fine.” I groaned slightly pushing them away. “I brought someone with me though.” Their eyes landed on Ro and Dad looked shocked as Mom was just shook.

“Rozonda.” Dad breathed coming closer to her.

Ro seemed as if she wanted to cry but didn’t. “Dad.”

The front door opened and we all looked towards it. It was Chris with a mix of fear and sadness on his face. Once his eyes landed me, he was calmed. I felt a sting of guilt because he must’ve been like this the whole time I was gone. My poor baby.

“Chris….” I whispered frozen in place.

“Kae….” He came closer to me and once he closed the gap, Chris hugged me tight and repeatedly kissed my forehead.

“Thank God you’re ok!” Chris pecked my lips and he changed from worried to angry. “I was worried sick about you! Where have you been? What have you been doing? Why did you leave? Why didn’t you tell me?” Then he pulled me in closer. “Karrueche, don’t leave me like that again! That was the scariest shit I’ve ever experienced!”

My mom spoke up. “I thought….you knew where she was…”

“Does it look like I did?” He glared then looked back at me. “Baby, I love you and I’m so sorry for what happened before you disappeared. Where did you go?”

“So this must be the boyfriend. Hi I’m Rozonda or Ro, I’m Karrueche’s half sister.” Ro stretched her hand towards him. Chris awkwardly shook her hand then looked back at me.

“Kae, you didn’t tell me you had a half sister.”

“Look you two need to catch up while I need to do the same with my daddy and step mommy.” Ro practically push us out the door. It was Chris and I on the doorstep and immediately there was a silence.

“Start talking, Kae.” Chris stared at the ground. I sighed deeply.

“Look, you know how my parents are trying to move me away. I don’t want to leave you, Chris. So I looked up my half sister who lives in Tappahannock and went to convince her to let me stay with her. This was the only way.” I opened the plastic container I was holding giving him a shy smile. “You want some chicken?”

He ignored it even though I know he really wanted the chicken. “You couldn’t just call her?”

“I didn’t have her number, Chris. Just her address.”

Chris chuckled sarcastically. “But the million dollar question here is why did Honey know this but not me, your boyfriend?”

What the fuck, Honey?!

“Karrueche, do you even understand how I feel that you not only disappeared but you told her and not me?! Am I not good enough?! Did you not trust me?! What is it, Kae?!” I flinched at his final statement and began to stutter.

“Baby, I knew you would try to stop me or come with me. I couldn’t let you mess up my plan.”

“What?!” Chris yelled causing tears to form in my eyes. Why is he so mad? I did this for him. For us. I swallowed hard wiping my tears.

“Chris, calm down.”

“Why the fuck should I? My girlfriend not only disappeared without a word, but hold up! She did say a word! To fucking Honey and not me! Karrueche, you can’t say I don’t deserve to be upset! You basically showed me that you couldn’t trust me.”

“I didn’t say that!” I screamed.

“But you fucking did! Through your actions!” Chris scoffed getting off my doorstep and walking away as tears rolled down my cheeks.

Jasmine

I got one question.

Who the fuck does August think he is?

This nigga denies our child, abandons me during my pregnancy, and now has the nerve to try to be a good father? My son is in the damn ICU fighting for his damn life due to him being premature and he lays this bullshit on me. Not only must i worry about the condition of my son, I gotta worry about a fucking court date. I’m only 18. God help me. 

I was speechless when August said that and walked out the room. I looked back at my baby Nicky in his incubator one more time before exiting the room and being faced with my sister.

“So how’s my nephew?” Heather asked looking in my eyes to detect any emotion. 

I shrugged slightly and looked through the translucent screen. “Doctors say he’s doing pretty ok but soon they have to remove the breathing tube to see if he can breathe on his own.” 

Heather squeezed my shoulder coming next to me. “And he will breathe on his own. God got us.” 

I scoffed turning to take a seat and put my face in my hands. “God don’t like me, Heather. I’ve been a shitty person to everyone and now he’s punishing me through my son…….and August.” I sighed at his name.

Her eyebrows knitted together in confusion. “What do you mean? Are you still salty August’s the fath-”

“No!” Heather stepped back at my outburst. “I’m “salty” because August is taking me to court for full custody of Nick!”

“But you wanted to give Nick up for adoption. Instead of him going to strangers, he’s going to his dad. What’s the problem, Jazz? Not to sound harsh, but you didn’t want him.” 

I stood up out of my chair with anger evident. “Ok I did! I’m 18! I freaked out! However, there’s no way in hell August is taking him!”

“So are you gonna do?” Heather asked with her arms folded across her chest.

I turned to give her a wry smile. “I’m gonna beat his ass in court. Nick is coming home with me.”

Chris

*Buzz*

Wifey: Chris, come on!

*Buzz*

Wifey: Babyyyyyy

*Buzz*

Wifey: Please talk to me. 

*Buzz*

Wifey: Christopher, you can be mad at me but you’re not leaving me. You got me fucked up if you think that.

I couldn’t help but smirk at that last message but I quickly wiped it off my face. I haven’t spoke to Kae in 2 days since she came back so this, Ladies and Gentlemen, is her routine whenever I’m upset with her. Well, it’s my routine too. We’re both Tauruses.

But on a more serious note, she can’t blame me for being angry with her. Baby girl disappeared, didn’t say shit, got me worrying my balls about her, and just gonna show up like “Hey! You want some chicken?” Like hell yeah I want some chicken, but I really want to know why the fuck you up and leave me like that? I would just really like her to put herself in my shoes. If I disappeared without word and showed up like a black Houdini with some chicken, she’d rock my shit and eat the chicken.

Anything could’ve happened to her and I wouldn’t have a clue, but she’s acting like I’m tripping.

*Buzz*

This woman is persistent. I glance at my phone.

Wifey: Good night, baby. Even though you’re angry with me.

I sighed locking my phone and turning over to go to sleep.

“So, Chris,” Honey plopped a seat between me and Ty looking straight at me. “When are you going to talk to Kae?” 

I glared at Honey and bit into my fry. I gave her the ultimate look saying “Fuck off” and looked at Ty saying to collect his girl. 

“Uh, baby. Chris is still upset about the thing” Ty cleared his throat while grabbing her waist. Honey rolled her eyes scoffing. 

“Chris, it’s been 3 days.” 

I got up from the table and discarded my trash in the trash bins. I met Kae’s gaze as I turned to leave the cafe. She slowly got up and approached me and I wanted to walk away from her. She gets a nigga tight, She managed to push every one of my fucking buttons, but I can’t walk away from her. No matter how much she hurt me. 

This girl will be the fucking death of me.

Kae stared at her interlocked fingers before looking straight up at me. “Hey.”

No response. 

She sighed. “I realize you’re still upset but if you want to, I need help moving into Ro’s place. The boys are gonna be there helping  and i figured my boyfriend would want to help too.” She shrugged staring up at me sheepishly. “If I still have one….”

You make my balls itch but I still love your ass.

I thought it but i’m not going to say it. Yeah my ass is being petty. I didn’t hear her for a while, Why should she hear mine?

“I haven’t seen you for days, Chris. I miss you so much” Kae whispered.

Go find Honey and tell her this. Since you can’t tell me shit.

“Please just say something. At least let me know you’re gonna be there.”

I want to be there but you keep pushing me away when I get close

Once again, I remained silent. I turned around and walked out of the cafe putting my hood over my head.

Later on that day, I decided to go over Kae’s sister’s place. Part of me wants to help Kae with this big change but the other part is so fucking pissed and hurt. I parked a block away and watched my friends help Kae with her stuff moving in. My feet wouldn’t allow me to get out and help. 

She left me. She left me freaking out and worried. We were not even on god terms when she left. Does she have any damn idea how guilty I felt knowing I said what I said and she disappeared the next day? And she told Honey like I’m not her damn boyfriend, I can’t walk up there and act like we ain’t got no fucking issues because we do. It’s not just this situation. It’s the situation of ever since she brought her ass back to Tappahannock. She somehow always finds a way to push me away.

I put my car in drive and stepped on the gas.

I got pushed too far now.

 Karrueche

I breathed deeply and continued up the pathway to Chris’s house. He hasn’t spoken to me in days. He was nowhere to found when I needed help to move into my sister’s place. Had to get help from Ty, Trell, and Trey. Even fucking Devante offered. Where was my boyfriend? Mad at me for doing the right thing for us.

I slowly brought my right fist to the door and banged on it with my left hand holding the stuffed Pikachu he gave us on our first date. His car was home but his mom’s wasn’t so I knew he was home.

“Chris, open the door!” I demanded with my voice cracking. I heard some rumbling behind the door and Chris opened the door looking tired. He folded his arms and leaned against the doorframe.

“What do you want, Karrueche?” He spat as if my name was ash in his mouth. I shook my head trying to keep my anger at bay.

“Are you gonna keep punishing me? Even though I apologized many times, you gave me the silent treatment for days, you ignore my phone calls and texts, dodge me at school, etc. You weren’t even there to help me move. I just want to know if you’re done now?”

Chris began to chuckle sarcastically and I rolled my eyes.

“What? Did you trust me to be there to help me move? You suddenly trust me now?”

“Oh My God! Chris, shut up! Seriously!” I burst out. “I’m sorry! I’m fucking sorry I didn’t tell you! Chris, I trust you! I do! You know more about me than Honey does!”

“No you don’t, Kae. And I’m not even sure if I trust you.” That tore into my heart. “Chris-” “Come on. It’s obvious you don’t trust me. You not trusting me made me not not trust you. You could be doing anything but I can trust Honey would know. We don’t trust each other. If we don’t trust each other, we don’t work.”

“Wait what the fuck are you saying? Chris, we do work!” He shook his head.

“If we don’t have trust, we don’t have love.”

“So now you don’t love me?” I can’t believe what I’m hearing. “Are we breaking up. He came In closer.

"Kae, I don’t want to be in a relationship where there is no trust and im questioning everything.”

Tears began to form and I sniffled. “Maybe we weren’t meant to be together. Maybe just-”

Before I knew what I was doing, I threw the Pikachu hard as fuck in his face.

“WE ARE FUCKING MEANT TO BE! Fuck you Chris! I love you so much and you’re telling me this bullshit! I can’t believe-” I paused shaking my head. “Fuck it. I hate you.” I snarled walking towards my house in anger and tears. I then stopped in my tracks and turned around returning to him. 

“No! Fuck that! I love you, Christopher and you can be mad, but you’re going to cool the fuck off and you’re going to talk me because that’s what people in relationships do. We don’t throw what we have away over some misunderstanding and miscommunication. We fucking talk. So you can be mad but you’ll always be mine and I’ll always be yours. Don’t you ever forget that.” I finished with a deep exhale and stared intensely at him.

Chris took my head gently and softly kissed my forehead. He looked down at me with a faint smile moving a hand to my waist. 

“I’d rather argue with you than be with someone else. I’m so pissed at you but I can’t let you go. I don’t know why I suggested it. I’m sorry, mama.” 

Karrueche

The front door opened and we all looked towards it. It was Chris with a mix of fear and sadness on his face. Once his eyes landed me, he was calmed. I felt a sting of guilt because he must’ve been like this the whole time I was gone. My poor baby.

“Chris….” I whispered frozen in place.

“Kae….” He came closer to me and once he closed the gap, Chris hugged me tight and repeatedly kissed my forehead.

“Thank God you’re ok!” Chris pecked my lips and he changed from worried to angry. “I was worried sick about you! Where have you been? What have you been doing? Why did you leave? Why didn’t you tell me?” Then he pulled me in closer. “Karrueche, don’t leave me like that again! That was the scariest shit I’ve ever experienced!”

My mom spoke up. “I thought….you knew where she was…”

“Does it look like I did?” He glared then looked back at me. “Baby, I love you and I’m so sorry for what happened before you disappeared. Where did you go?”

“So this must be the boyfriend. Hi I’m Rozonda or Ro, I’m Karrueche’s half sister.” Ro stretched her hand towards him. Chris awkwardly shook her hand then looked back at me.

“Kae, you didn’t tell me you had a half sister.”

“Look you two need to catch up while I need to do the same with my daddy and step mommy.” Ro practically push us out the door. It was Chris and I on the doorstep and immediately there was a silence.

“Start talking, Kae.” Chris stared at the ground.

I sighed deeply. “Look, you know how my parents are trying to move me away. I don’t want to leave you, Chris. So I looked up my half sister who lives in Tappahannock and went to convince her to let me stay with her. This was the only way.”

“You couldn’t just call her?”

“I didn’t have her number, Chris. Just her address.”

Chris chuckled sarcastically. “But the million dollar question here is why did Honey know this but not me, your boyfriend?”

What the fuck, Honey?!

“Karrueche, do you even understand how I feel that you not only disappeared but you told her and not me?! Am I not good enough?! Did you not trust me?! What is it, Kae?!”

I flinched at his final statement and began to stutter. “Baby, I knew you would try to stop me or come with me. I couldn’t let you mess up my plan.”

“What?!” Chris yelled causing tears to form in my eyes. Why is he so mad? I did this for him. For us.

I swallowed hard wiping my tears. “Chris, calm down.”

Karrueche

 "Damn.“ I whispered as I scrolled down my mentions on Instagram. 

Honey, Ty, Heather, Trell, Trey, Amber, and most importantly Chris are practically begging me to come back home. I’m on a mission so until it’s done, I can’t go back. I wish I told Chris what I was doing but I couldn’t. It would be too obvious that my boyfriend knows my whereabouts. I trust that Honey can hold it down until I come back.

 "Karrueche, what is it?” Rozonda asked me as she opened her Yoplait cup. 

 I sighed deeply looking down. “Nothing. It’s just my friends and my boyfriend worried about me.“ 

 Rozonda sighed deeply sitting next to me. “Look. I know you having problems with your mom and dad but I can’t harbor a runaway minor.”

 "But I’m your sister.“ I retorted. 

 "Half-sister.” She corrected which caused me to roll my eyes and continue scrolling. “Barely. Are you forgetting that Dad disowned me because your mom doesn’t like me?”

 "I know but-“ 

 "So why would they want me back in their lives?" 

 "They don’t. I do. I mean I need you back in my life.” I stated which caused her to be shocked.

 "Why? I was barely in your life to begin with.“ She crossed her arms and pushed her chin up. I sighed standing up in frustration.

 "They’re trying to move away and it’s my senior year. I’ve built a life here. I have a job, I have friends, I have Chris, my boyfriend. I can’t leave. Starting all over will fuck everything up. " 

Ro chuckled shaking her head. “And what does this have to do with me?”

I groaned out of frustration. Let me just take my ass home. I don’t know why I thought she would help me.

“Fuck it. I’ll just go home.” I stood up grabbing my backpack.

“Wait, Karrueche.” Ro sighed deeply causing me to turn around and face her

“I don’t know if I can support someone else being here. I mean I work, I have my own space-” 

I cut her off. “I work too so I can pay you some rent and I like my space too so I’ll give you yours. I spent most of my life as an only child and now I want to know my sister. So what do you say, Ro? Can I move in?”

Ro looked around and then smiled. “Yes.” 

I smiled widely and ran over to hug her tight. “Great! Now let’s go back to my parents and tell them the plan!” 

I was overly ecstatic. I’m staying in Tappahannock with my friends and my boyfriend. Karrueche, you did well.

Tyga

“Come on, Ty. This will be good for you.” Honey whined as she pulled my slender arm, For a small teenage girl, Honey got some strength but still no match for me. Honey and my mom has been trying to convince me to go to these damn rehab classes but I swear I’m fine. They just want to be annoying. 

“Michael…..” Mom began in a scolding tone. 

I scoffed loudly still trying to fight Honey off. “Mama you know I’m not a drug addict.”

Mom pursed her lips. “Oh Really? What do you call a person who can’t stop using drugs?” 

Honey beamed raising her other hand up. “OOH! I’ll take it for 200, Alex! What is a drug addict?” she answered directly looking at me. 

I sucked my teeth hard glaring at both of them, “Fine. I’ll go, Damn it.”

“Yay!” they both rejoiced and I rolled my eyes exiting the house. This is fucking bullshit. Yes, I admit I had a problem but that’s the key word. HAD. Past tense, meaning I no longer have a problem. I don’t use any more so why should I waste my time at these meetings? 

Honey exited my house and unlocked the doors getting in her driver’s seat as I got into the passenger seat. She tossed her phone in my lap to buckle up and put the car in drive. She turned up the radio and started giving me the Mom talk. The typical “I know what’s best for you” shit. As I pretended to listen, her phone buzzed in my lap and I looked down and received the biggest shock.

Kacoochie 

iMessage

“Honey, Kae texted you! That means she’s alright!” I stated happily gesturing towards the phone. 

Honey sighed deeply taking a turn and shrugged. My smile began to fade.

“Why aren’t you happy? Honey, what’s going on?” I questioned while staring intensely at her.

“Can’t lie anymore…..” She mumbled as she pulled into a parking spot and then made eye contact with me. “Ty, I’ve been texting Kae this whole time she’s missing that’s how I know she’s OK. The truth is I knew where Kae is this whole time.

WHAT THE FUCK?!

“What the fuck, Honey?!”

“I know! I’m sorry!” Honey apologized quickly. “Her parents were trying to move away but she didn’t want to leave Chris and her friends so she ran away to go find her sister to convince her to let her live with her, Then convince her parents too!” 

“So you couldn’t tell anyone about this? You couldn’t tell me, your boyfriend? Or Chris, her boyfriend, who’s been depressed and losing his mind?” I yelled out of disbelief. 

“Look if a lot of people knew, they were going to stop her. The police and her parents would find out. If she told Chris, he would want to come along and that will look so bad. She trusted me to keep this just in case something happened, that the police have a lead.”

I sighed wiping my face. “Honey, this is fucking crazy. What if Chris finds out you knew?”

“But he won’t. And look.” She unlocked her phone and showed the text from Kae. 

Kacoochie

My sis agreed to let me stay :) I’ll be back soon. 

“She’s gonna be back soon. So everything is Gucci as long as we remain clueless.”

Heather

I stared at the glass square in the middle of my all white bathroom and took a deep breath. All right, you’ve been working hard. Heather. You can do this. I’m sure I dropped ten pounds. I stopped purging and taking diet pills and actually got on a weight loss plan. Trell helped me realize he likes my thickness but if I wanted to drop pounds, I needed a healthier solution. I realized for myself that I was literally killing myself to drop a pound.

I stepped forward and stepped onto the scale and sighed. 

This is the moment of truth.

I looked down and tears formed in my eyes. I gained a pound?! How the fuck…?

I didn’t have much time to think. I became nauseous and bent over the toilet emptying my belly of its contents. When I finished, I laid back wiping my face. How could this happen? How? 

I opened my bathroom cabinet looking for paper towels when I found a tampon randomly in there. I got to thinking. When was my last period? My eyes widened and dropped to the floor putting an arm over my belly.

Oh shit.

August

Tears continued to rush and rush down my face but I used my hands to mask the fact that for once, I, August Alsina, can not handle the situation that has been handed to me. It could not handle the fact that I am a teenage father to a baby who’s gripping onto to dear life right now. If he’s allowed to live, God willing, his mother is going to give him up. Sad truth is that Jasmine was right. I didn’t want him before why am I trying to claim him now?

I’m just like him……….I’m just like my damn father.

I felt a tender and loving hand grip on my shoulder. I don’t know if it was supporting me or supporting herself because once I told my mom that her son is a father, her heart was broken. I never meant to do that.

“Mama…..I’m sorry….” I mumbled hiding my face again but her fingers found my chin looking down at me. 

“What are you sorry for, baby? Keeping this from me, or lying to me, or behaving the way I know I did not raise?

“Mom-”

“August, that girl…..you dated her, I never even met her, you got her pregnant, and to top it off, you rejected that child, letting Chris take care of her? What is wrong with you? History is repeating itself and-” Mama choked up and I heard the tears in her voice. “I can’t watch it.” 

“What do you want me to do?” 

“Be a damn man! You made a man decision by getting that girl pregnant! For once, do the right thing.” She finished in a whisper and got up to visit the baby. Jasmine hugged my mom tight and allowed her to be with the baby. When she exited the room, her crystal blue eyes fell upon me and a sigh escaped. 

“What do you want, August?” 

I’m not like my damn father. 

I stood up to face her. “For history not to repeat itself. 

Jasmine had a confused look on her face and before she could ask another question, I cut her off. 

“I’m not letting you give him up for adoption. I’m fighting you for full custody of my son.” I examined her tiny body up and down and its language was shocked. “See you in court, Jasmine.” 

Chris

I slapped my forehead out of frustration and gripped the steering wheel. I’ve been driving around, searching and searching for any sign of my baby. I’m not getting anything. I’m on verge of tears because she could be kidnapped, hurt, or worse, I’m losing my damn mind. I went looking for her myself because Lord knows the police isn’t doing their damn jobs due to the fact they haven’t found her. I angrily put the car in drive.

“You gotta keep faith, Chris.” Tyga, who was in the passenger seat, whispered rubbing his forehead. When I said I was searching for Kae, they agreed to come help but Honey’s been dumb quiet since.

“How? There’s no trace of her anywhere and she isn’t replying to any of us. What if something bad happened to her? I can’t live with myself with something bad happened to her, man. Especially since we were not on the best terms.” 

“Chris, Kae’s fine. She said so.” Honey groaned frustrated and from the corner of my eye, I saw Ty turn around and glare at the backseat. I turned around to look at Honey. 

“The fuck you mean “she said so”? Honey, what the fuck do you know?” I turned to look at Ty. “What the fuck do y’all know about MY girlfriend that I don’t? Y’all better fucking tell me.” 

“Chris, I’m just tired. I don’t know what I’m saying.”

“Bullshit.” I spat reaching my neighborhood and Ty spoke up.

“Look, I know you’re upset but chill-” 

“Shut the fuck up! Your girl’s here and mine is missing! don’t tell me shit-”

We got distracted by police cars and one unfamiliar car at Kae’s house. I looked at them and automatically knew I should go in there. I parked on the curb and rushed out my Toyota. I walked up the pathway with my heart racing and burst through the doors. The two officers that questioned me before stared at me and then parted making my view now the small Blasian I’ve been losing my mind for. Her brown eyes landed on me and widened and I felt my heart come at ease. 

“Chris….” She whispered

Genesis 

I sensed a blanket of icy air surrounding yet I was covered in a thick blanket. My body felt moist and I touched my forehead still shaking and noticed the sweat on it. My tongue was dry in my mouth. Last thing I remember is going into work high and Andre giving me two pills to “loosen up.” I’ve taken molly before whenever I had to strip but I’ve never taken two and while high. This feeling scares the fuck out of me. Two arms wrapped around my body and brought me to a bright shining place. Before I knew it, I felt all the contents of my stomach empty out of my mouth. My throat burned and I itched it. 

 "You thirsty?“ A husky, tired voice questioned me. 

After blinking a couple times, My vision was no longer blurred. The stranger handed a glass of clear liquid which I recognized as water. I looked up at him but his back was turned and damn, it was sexy, toned back. Lightskinned and tattooed arms. Star behind his ears, snake on his back. Who is he? Why the fuck is he being so nice? Did we fuck? Mystery guy finally turned around and revealed himself as Graduation Boy. My mouth almost dropped. How did he-? I just realized I was not at home. Shit. There it goes again. 

 I bent over in a white bowl which I assume is a toilet and threw up again. I felt a hand on my back. I sat down on the freezing tile floor with my head down. I was still in my red lingerie from last night. I unrolled the toilet paper roll and ripped a piece wiping my mouth with it. I slowly stood up and rinsed out my mouth and groaned. I felt this hand on my back moving back and forth.

 "You ok?” Graduation Boy placed the glass of water in front of me. I sighed rolling my eyes and turning around. I found my strength and pushed him against the wall. He grew anxious by the look of his face. I looked up at him tiredly but tried to look sexy. My hands grasped his buckle and I began undoing his belt when he took my hands. 

 "Wha-what Are you d-doing?“ He questioned slowly stopping me. I knew he was turned on but why is he stopping me? I looked up at him.

 "Isn’t this why you brought me back to your place? You’re being nice to me. You must want something. Don’t lie." 

 Before I could pull down his pants, his hands stopped me and I was stunned. 

He shook his head stepping back. "No. I mean I would like that but that’s not why I’m being nice to you." 

 I swallowed hard and stood up to my feet ignoring the weakness that consumed my body. 

 "Why then?" 

 He shrugged. "Shit, I don’t know. Maybe because I’m a good human being.” I weakly chuckled at his response. 

“I detect a little smart-ass in your tone. I like that.” I almost purred. 

“Alright Graduation Boy, what do you want?”

 "Well, you to come off your high for one but most importantly, I just want your name.“

 My eyes widened at his revelation. This dude took in a girl he barely knows and already got his nut from a couple times and taken care of her. Didn’t he already get what he wanted? Since he was so adamant about this name thing, I sighed taking a sip of water and closed my eyes.

 "Genesis. My name is Genesis.” I opened them to see him with that charming smile and hand out. 

 "Hi. My name is Jayden.“ 

 I smiled shyly back and shook his hand. 

 "That’s a nice name. A biblical name. I like it.” Jayden nodded licking his lips. 

That shit did something to me making me ignore my pounding headache. It makes me want to pounce on him but I didn’t because I was kinda weak.

 "Jayden.“ 

Jayden 

“Nigga why have you been staring down that bartender?” Trevor questioned with the hint of laughter in his voice. “You trying to fuck?”

I diverted my attention from Genesis to him who had his eyebrows raised in some amusement that made no sense to me. Why the fuck is he so amused? I glanced back at her who continued doing her job of mixing and serving drinks. When she wasn’t, she was reading a book which I think was The Scarlet Letter. She seems so intelligent. Why is she bartending?

“I’m going to the bar if you need me.” I mumbled getting up and slowly making my way to the bar. 

I took a seat looking towards my side where other attendees laughed it up and talked with the other bartender who entertained them. He glanced at me and realized I was the guy from last night. He whispered to Genesis before moving towards me.

“Hey man. Thanks for taking care of her. She’s like my baby sister.”

I waved my hand and snorted. “I don’t need a “thank you” for being a good person. But Thanks.”

He was taken aback and looked towards Genesis who had her nose in that damn book again. He turned his attention back to me with an unidentified emotion on his face as he tossed a beer my way. I uncapped it and took a sip.

“1 John 4:18.” 

I furrowed my eyebrows removing the bottle from my lips. “What?” 

“1 John 4;18, bro. Just remember that.”

“Ok.” I took another sip and tried to ignore his weird ass statement. When I placed the beer down, I saw the little blasian with the Scarlet Letter in her hand in front of me. 

I smirked licking my lips. “Hey,Genesis.”

“Are you stalking me now, Jayden?” she questioned with her arms folded and one eyebrow raised. She was so amused and I couldn’t tell why. She leaned in and whispered. 

“Is my pussy just that bomb?”

I scoffed looking towards the stripper stage. “Don’t flatter yourself, girl.”

“Oh please. You keep coming back and back,That pussy is too vicious and you know it. Shit’s driving you crazy. Probably having wet dreams to me.” Genesis grabbed my beer and began to drink when I took it back. 

“You didn’t pay for that, little nigga. Yes, the sex was bomb but i want something more than just sex. I want to know you better.” I looked up to to see her with a confused yet anxious expression. Before she could ever reply, she was cut off by my loud ass friends.

“ I like the bartenderrrrrrr!” Trevor sang getting into my face. 

“ Ooh if you’re lookin’ for me!” Austin continued hitting my back hard. 

“ I’m at the bar with herrrrrrrr!” Trevor glanced and gestured towards Genesis winking.

“ Uh-huh, OKKKKKK!!!!!!”

I shook my head hiding my face. I can always depend on these obnoxious ass niggas to embarrass me anywhere and everywhere. Now She must think I’m a clown ass nigga with some clown ass friends and that’s only half true.

“So, Jay Jay, my boy, are you going to introduce us to your beautiful bartender friend?” Trevor turned towards her and stuck out his hand. “Hey how’s it going?I’m Trevor and that’s my nigga Austin. I noticed that our little boy Jay Jay has taken a liking to you.” 

Austin grinned producing fake tears and fanning his face. “They grow up so fast!” 

I hate these niggas so much.

Before Genesis could even reply, she was pulled away by someone I couldn’t see because it was dark with limited sources of light. 

“Hmm, Not much of a talker but she seems nice.” Austin shrugged his shoulders with Trevor nodding in agreement. I turn to glare at them as they kept those stupid grins on their faces.

“I hate you niggas so much.” I spat causing the two baboons to start chuckling and snickering. Trevor spoke up still laughing. 

“When you guys are married with 7 babies, you’ll thank us.” 

********************

Minutes upon minutes went by and Genesis never returned to the bar, I was concerned but didn’t move. Before I knew it, the lights went on and an seductive announcement was heard on the speaker.

“I hope you sweet tooths enjoyed your time but The Candy Shop is now closed. Come back tomorrow for some more sweets.” 

“Hell yeah! We out, Jayden?” 

I was still staring at the bar hoping she would appear but she didn’t. “Yeah. I’m leaving.” 

We walked out together but went our separate ways to our respective parking spots. I unlocked my doors and climbed into my driver’s seat. I felt a presence on my right and turned getting a huge scare. I then calmed down covering my face.

“What the fuck?!” I gazed back at the Blasian who was staring at me from my passenger seat. Is she going to kill me? What if this girl’s crazy? Fuck, I really know how to pick them.

“Girl, how the fuck did you get in my car?” I looked from side to side as my heart raced furiously.

She swallowed hard and wiped her face. “You….um….left your doors unlocked.”

Wow. That was not a smart idea. At all. Leaving your Lamborghini’s door unlocked at a Compton strip club.

“Wasn’t really bright of you, Graduation Boy. You’re in Compton.” Her voice was low and not in a smart-ass tone but genuinely concerned tone.

“Gen-”

In a swift motion, she was straddling me, grabbed my face, and kissed me hard, even biting my bottom lip. We were making out until we pulled away from each other gasping for air. This girl is so freaking confusing that it’s pissing me off. She acts like she wants nothing to do with me but keeps running back for sex. I feel used.

“Thank you.” She sniffled and sighed. “Jayden, I can’t do relationships. I want to be friends……with benefits. You were supposed to be just a one night stand but I can’t stop. I strictly wanted to be friends with you but there’s something about you that attracts me to you. It’s not just sex but I’m going to assume that is and I’m tripping. What do you say, Jayden? You got a new friend and a person who keeps your dick wet.” 

“So if we’re just friends, I can flirt and fuck other chicks?” I raised an eyebrow even though she couldn’t see me.

“Yep, and if I do the same, there shouldn’t be a problem. Even though you were my first exception to a one night stand. Believe it or not, I don’t usually do those. Just fuck buddies. Just remember the golden rule.”

“That is…”

“Don’t, and I repeat, don’t catch feelings.” She stated firmly. “And I also have other rules.”

I rolled my eyes and sighed. “And those are…..”

She cleared her throat and began listing using her fingers. 

“ Number 1: No Kissing. Kissing is too intimate. No kissing, period but if you must, definitely do not go above the neck.” 

I interrupted. “Question, teacher. You just kissed me 5 minutes ago so…” 

“Well that’s because I wanted to and we did not talk about being FWB’s so suck it. Anyway….” Genesis stuck up another finger. “Number 2: No fucking pet names. I can’t stand shit like baby, sweetie, beautiful, etc. Especially during sex just shut the fuck up. 

“Ok…” I replied weirdly. 

“Can you shut up and let me finish?” I sucked my my teeth.

“Go on…” I responded and she scoffed.

“Number 3: No sexting at all. I don’t do that shit. Number 4: If I’m meeting your family and/or friends, you introduce me as your friend. which leads to number 5. No talking to anyone about our sexual relationship. It’s not a secret but it’s also no one’s business. 6: I’m not your girlfriend so don’t treat me like one. 7: No getting all up in each other’s business because like I said. I ain’t your girlfriend, and Number 8, the most important one is if you think you’re catching feelings, get the fuck out because you’re going to end up getting hurt. Although I don’t fuck with that relationship shit, If you get into one, we must stop immediately because I don’t fuck with being a side chick. Do you understand the rules I’ve given to you?”

It took a while for my brain to process because she got so many damn rules. Part of me wanted to run because this shit’s crazy. However, my man part was enjoying her straddling me. 

“Fine. I understand and I accept.” I finally answered.

“Ok, Now pull down your pants because I’m trying to ride your shit like a bicycle.” She told me bluntly as she began to unbuckle her dark blue jeans, 

Chris 

I panted as I ran around the court to retrieve the basketball. I always found myself in Lincoln Park whenever shit turned sour in my life or I had a lot to think about. First, I was worried about Nick. I’m not gonna lie, I was relieved but felt a little stab of disappointment when I found out I wasn’t the father. I love babies, but I would honestly not admit that. Another reason why I’m disappointed is because he has August and Jasmine as his parents. All I could do is pray for the little guy. In addition, if Nick was my child, I would want Kae to be the mother. Shit, I’m not ready to be a parent at all but damn. I sighed deeply before throwing it in the basketball hoop. 

Speaking of Kae, I’m already losing her when I just got her. Why the fuck would her parents want to move when she’s close to graduation? I don’t understand, but there’s one thing I do know. I can’t let her go. I mean I can’t force her to stay but I can’t break things up with her. I refuse. I really love her. If a long distance relationship is what it’s gonna take for her to remain mine, then that’s what I’ll have to do. I shot the last basket then retrieved my basketball. I got inside my car and drove back home.

 As I parked in the driveway, I glanced over Kae’s house and contemplated going over there. I looked at my phone and contemplated texting her. Fuck it. She’s probably upset about what I said so I’ll just wait until tomorrow morning at school. 

 ************************ 

 "It’s lit! No basketball practice!“ I turned right with a wide smile stuck on my face as Blasé bumped in my car. Kae is really being petty by not only not showing up to school but for not replying to my texts. I’m pissed off but it’s whatever though. 

 As I drove up the road, Kae’s house caught my attention from being lit with red and blue lights. I inched closer and my mouth dropped. Police lights from police cars. Two officers went in the house after the lights turned off now I’m interested, but that’s none of my business. I parked in the driveway and brought my ass up the stairs to take a nap. Moments later, a knock on my door disturbed my sleep. I was heated because it’s mama, she got a key. I don’t know why the fuck she knocking. I went down the stairs and practically flung the front door open. There stood two white officers with their hands. This is it. I’m a young nigga against two white officers. I got down on my knees putting my hands up. 

 "Please don’t shoot. I didn’t do anything." 

 "Get up, son. We need to ask you questions about the disappearance of Karrueche Tran. According to her parents, you’re her boyfriend so We figured you would know something." 

 At that moment, all the anger and agony I carried before seemed to disperse. It was quickly replaced with sadness and concern. 

 "What? Kae’s missing?” I went away from the door to sit down on the couch. 

I put my hands on my face and paced the floor. I picked up my phone and dialed Kae’s number. 

 BEEEEEEP. Heyyyyyyy it’s K-Trizzle! You already know! Leave a message and I’ll get back to you when I can! 

 One beep and she didn’t reply. That means her phone is dead or something worse. 

 "Kae, these officers at my door telling me you’re missing. Tell me they’re wrong, Kae. Tell that you’re ok, baby. That nothing happened to you. Please baby!“ I hung up and looked at the officers at my door and dropped to my knees. 

 They’re not wrong. 

 Amber 

I sighed deeply as I threw another skin lightener product in the bathroom trash. These shits don’t fucking work. They’re supposed to fucking lighten your skin and I’m still dark as fuck. You know what y'all are thinking. "Amber, no! The blacker the berry the sweeter the juice!” Let me tell you why that is complete bullshit. The same fellas hollering that got themselves a lightskin female. It’s just white and lightskin models for all the beauty ads and shit. So don’t try to sell me that fruit nonsense. 

 "Amber!“ Mom called as she approached the bathroom. "Amber!" 

 I panicked and quickly took all the lightening products that I purchased and shoved them under the sink. When I stood up, Mom bust through the door. My heart was pounding and I took a deep breath. 

 "Mom! Do you not knock?” I scoffed with irritation laced in my voice. 

 Mom looked behind her then side to side. She opened the drawer and then went over to open the gray shower curtain as I looked at her in confusion. 

 "Ma, what are you doing?“ 

 Her wide eyes landed on me. "I’m looking for who the fuck you talking to, because I know it’s not me." 

I sighed deeply trying not to roll my eyes because I’m already on the verge of getting the taste slapped out of my mouth. 

“No.” I groaned deeply slithering my way past her and bumping into a tall built man. It was my big brother Isaiah who was supposed to based in Pakistan but he’s here. I was stunned as he cheesed down on me. Mom stood next to him smiling hard. What was I supposed to say? I’ll say what I feel. Fucking pissed. 

“Hey Bunny Rabbit! I missed you!” He laughed pulling me into a tight hug but I pushed him away causing my mom and him to be in shock. 

“Well I didn’t! Go back to Pakistan!” I pushed past him and down the stairs.

 Jasmine

“Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, how I wonder what you are. Up above a world so high. Like a diamond in the sky.” Mom’s soft voice sang with her tiny smile on her face as she caressed the incubator that contained Nick. “I always wanted a son, you know.” 

“Then why don’t you take him?” I involuntary replied still looking down at my pale fingers and wrists on the verge of tears. 

Silence filled the hospital room and Heather cleared her throat. My Mom stared at me with dejected eyes and a flat line for a mouth. My father wasn’t in the room, by the grace of God because he’s already disgusted by me but finds it in his heart to love Nick. The son he never had, I guess.

“Jasmine, I was young when I married your father. Less than a year later, I found out I was pregnant with you girls. I doubted myself and figured I couldn’t raise two babies.” Mom breathed deeply as she played with my messy bun. 

“What’s your point?” I blurted out. 

“My point is, I created you girls and as unprepared as I was, I still raised you and did a pretty good job. You have to do the same with Nick.”

“I don’t have to do anything! Nick is better with someone older and more experienced!” 

“Jazz, that’s stupid. There’s so many new mothers that are not experienced and do a good job taking care of heir babies! Just admit it! You don’t want him!” Heather chimed in. “You’re lying just to not look like the selfish person you are. 

“I’m not selfish for wanting better for him!” 

“Then what’s the case?!”

“I’m scared! I’m so damn scared!” I sobbed wiping my face. “I made so many mistakes and I feel like I’m gonna make so much more raising him! I don’t want him to hate me!” 

The hospital slowly pushed opened and we all looked towards it.My heart dropped once my eyes landed on the person who appeared. 

August. 

I glanced at Mom who was staring at him. I shook my head as I slowly breathed out my confession.

“Mom, this is August, Nick’s dad.” I swallowed hard looking away to avoid seeing her reaction. 

Her mouth returned to a flat line as she outstretched her hand towards Heather and whispered for them to leave. She wanted to say something so bad but my mother did not like doing confrontations without my father by her side. They walked out peacefully and August blew air out his mouth. 

“God, I wish Chris was the father. I can do better without you in my face.” I snapped and sniffled with my arms folded. 

“Jasmine, I know you’re mad-”

“Mad?” I raised an eyebrow. “I’m fucking pissed! You just ignored me my whole pregnancy. You did nothing for me or the baby. You denied us and now you want to be in my face? Goodbye, August.” 

“Of course I denied it! Jasmine, you were fucking with two niggas at the same time!” August spat walking back and forth. “Your precious Chris was in denial too!” 

“Maybe but the difference is Chris actually helped because there was a possibility that Nick was his!” I quieted down and walked out once I realized I was waking up Nick.

“Ok I fucked up! But You know that we can not be parents right now!” August stated out of breath. 

I sighed calming down and staring at Nick who was hooked up to tubes and hed back my tears. “ I know. That’s why when Nick gets better, I decided to give him up for adoption”

August grew angry and narrowed his eyes at him. “What?! Jasmine, you weren’t even going to even talk to me about it!” 

“You didn’t want him, August! You didn’t want to make father decisions then so you don’t get to do that shit now!” I scoffed looking at my baby. I put my hand on the window and sighed shaking my head.

Chris 

Where could she be? That’s all that’s bugging a nigga. It just doesn’t feel right. Kae isn’t the type to just disappear without a word. That’s why I fear the worst. Her parents were so quick to blame me for her disappearance. I can’t forget their words from yesterday.

 "Where is my daughter, Christopher!” Her mom screamed close to my face. 

I didn’t appreciate that shit. I don’t like close talkers especially when they ain’t talking. I stepped back trying not to catch an attitude with my girl’s parents.

 "Mr. And Mrs. Tran, err-“ I hesitated at first but then continued.

 "I don’t know what happened to her! I’m just finding out she’s missing!" 

 "You’re a fucking liar!” Her dad roared almost ready to fight me when Mama stepped in. 

 "Look, I understand you’re upset over your daughter missing. I’m a parent too so I know how you feel but you will not stand here and call my son a liar! Maybe your daughter got up and ran away without saying a word to the people she’s close to.“ 

 Ms. Tran shook her head vigorously. "No! She wouldn’t run away! If she did, she must’ve said something to her so called boyfriend!" 

 My jaw clenched tightly and my fists did the same. As they kept talking, I felt my blood boiling even more and more. 

 "I love her! Why would I let her walk in danger?! I don’t know where she is! Shit, maybe she did run away! Because you guys are trying to take her away from me!” I yelled feeling hot in the face. 

They all looked at me stunned then Kae’s parents returned to their angry expressions. 

 "Listen, Christopher,“ Her dad began to hiss at me. "If something happens to my daughter, it’s your fault. " 

 It’s your fault. 

 "Is Karrueche absent again?” Mrs. Derocher’s soft and aggravating voice interrupted my flashback. 

When nobody answered, she asked again. “Well is she here or not?" 

 "Do you see her here?! She’s absent again, woman! Damn!” I snapped and sucking my teeth hard. 

 She looked at me with narrow eyes and her glasses down the bridge of the nose and turned back to the computer to complete attendance.

 "I can do without the attitude, Christopher.“

 "You’re the one asking a dumb question knowing damn well she’s missing!” I retorted making my anger and annoyance even more evident. 

 "Since you want to have an attitude, you can leave and report to the office!“ She pointed her pale bony finger towards the door. 

I scoffed swinging my Jansport bag onto my shoulder. I stormed out the room as I heard her threaten to send someone else out. 

 "Nigga, wait up!” A group of voices shouted behind me.

 I turned around to see Trey, Tyga, and Trell rushing up behind me. They crowded around me. They really got kicked out of homeroom for a nigga. I sighed looking down. 

 "You good, man?“ Trell questioned as the other two Stared in concern. I looked up and couldn’t help the somber expression that was on my face.

 "Where the fuck is she, man?” My voice broke as they all hugged me and hot tears rushed down my face.