Growing Pains: Deluxe Edition

By Kema Shanae and Shakema S. Haygood

"Trust. Can't live with it. Can't live without it. Trust is something that is gained over time. It is something that we rely on. We expect people to be truthful so that we can trust them. But when that trust is broken-it's hard as hell to get back."

 

Coco is battling demons while raising her little sister Isis. All she wants is to forget her childhood, but when her mom is the root of all their issues how will she overcome it. In walks Damien Dynasty. Everything she wants but does not need right now. Will she give love a chance or will she let her childhood keep her away?

 

Asha is just a regular woman with many talents. Whether it be in the bedroom or on the dance stage, she was guaranteed to make it worth your while. To the outside looking in, she has it all. Beauty, brains, talent, and health. Little do they know, she's missing the one thing she always wanted but letting her pride be the reason she does not have it.

 

Imani did not care for love and all the mushiness that came with it, she just wanted to get hers and go on about her business. Her mom though-think it is time for her to grow up and start taking life more seriously. When she does-she gets herself into situations she never saw for herself.

 

Gia had a tough childhood and even tougher adulthood. From foster homes to bandages and rubbing alcohol she definitely knows the struggle of life. However, she carries secrets that are too much for her to carry the load alone. Wanting to be loved by the wrong man for the right reasons will have you singing and seeing all kinds of blues.

 

Come along and follow these four friends as they deal with love, family secrets, and tragedy.

 

This deluxe edition includes all three books from the Growing Pains series: The Pain of Love, Unleashed Secrets, and Awakening Tragedy. Including a never-before-seen interview with the characters themselves.

 

Pick up your copy now and enjoy this bestselling series from the author Kema Shanae. You will not be disappointed.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ms.Kemy Presents
• Release date: May 15, 2021
• ISBN: 9781393473053

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Copyright©2021 Kema Shanae

All rights reserved. This book or parts thereof may not be reproduced in any form, stored in any retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means—electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or otherwise—without prior written permission of the publisher, except as provided by United States of America copyright law. For permission requests, write to the publisher at Attention: Permissions Coordinator, at the address below.

[e-mail]

ISBN:9781393473053

Growing Pains Deluxe Edition is a work of fiction. Any references or similarities to actual events, real people, living or dead, or to real locales are intended to give the novel a sense of reality. Any similarity to other names, characters, places, and incidents is entirely coincidental.

Cover design by Shakema S. Haygood

Cover Copyright©2021 Ms.Kemy Presents

First Printing Edition 2021.

Printed in the United States of America

Ms.kemy Presents

Mount Vernon NY, 10550

www.mskemypresents.com

Acknowledgments

This book is for my readers far and near. Thank you so much for supporting the Growing Pains series. This collector’s item is for you.

I wrote the first and second book my second year in college while going through The Change. You know the one they say you have once you hit your 30’s. Well, my change hit right on my 28th birthday. A lot was going on in my life that delayed the release of Growing Pains: Awakening Tragedy, and for that, I apologize.

As a dedicated reader myself, I don’t believe in waiting years to release the next installment in a series. I WANT MY BOOK, AND I WANT IT NOW! However, we are all human, and sometimes shit just happens.

I am so grateful for the new readers I have gained as well over the years. Thank you guys so much for taking a chance on me. Thank you to everyone who has shared, liked, and commented on social media. You guys don’t know, but that goes a long way. For those of you who’ve left reviews, good or bad, thank you.

To the annoying love of my life! Thank you for loving me. Thank you for letting me be me. Thank you for your warranted and un-warranted advice. Thank you for listening. And most of all-thank you for being you.

To my mama and siblings-thank you!

Note to reader

WARNING! This book includes explicit language intended for adults and contains kidnapping, domestic abuse, non-consent, child abuse, sexual situations, and violence.

If any of this bother’s you, please proceed with caution.

Thank you guys for picking up this collector’s item. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did writing it.

Prologue

July 2014

I watched her get out of her candy red apple SUV with her friend and head into Carvels, her favorite ice cream spot located on the Grand Concourse in the Bronx. I had been watching her for a couple of months now. She was six years old the last time I had seen her. Her bitch of a sister took her away from me before I even got a chance to taste it-I think it’s about time I did.

It took me a while to find her, but I did. It happened when I caught her mama slipping. She appeared in my town, in Atlantic City, with someone I assumed was her boyfriend, gambling her life away like always. Anyway, I decided to follow them around the whole week, and what do you know...I end up back in New York.

I followed them to the home that we used to share-oh, the memories. They ended up bringing me right to her.

Now here we are five months later, and I got her right where I want her. One thing she should have picked up from her big sis was watching out for her surroundings because I was definitely watching it for her. The friend, though, is a distraction so, she’s gotta go, and I have no problem getting rid of the little bitch. I had everything prepared. I rented a house for six months—enough time to do what I wanted to do.

To taste her, feel her, hear her begging me to stop-we all know when they tell you to stop, they really mean go, and that’s what I tend to do. Go until I can’t go anymore. Her sister used to beg me all the time to stop, gosh how that used to turn me on. My dick was getting hard thinking about what was to come. The way they fight you off, not knowing what they were doing to you. The cries, the calling out for help and for Jesus to save them. 

I pulled out my binoculars and watched them across the street in my rental; I made sure it had tents so no one could see me. She looked so beautiful, just like her sister, so delicate, so fragile, so vulnerable. Yes, this is going to be a treat. I couldn’t contain myself from excitement, and her friend is even more tempting; maybe I’ll have some fun with her too since she wants to be in the way.

I got out to check my trunk just to make sure all my equipment was there, and it was. Now we can get this show on the road. I watched as she and her friend were getting ready to exit. Their next stop would be their last, the library. I knew her routine so well it was ridiculous.

I pulled my duffle bag off the floor and proceeded to change into my security guard uniform. Once I finished, I pulled off and made my way to the library. The closer I got, the more excited I became. I had to calm myself down; I didn’t want to make any mistakes.

Just as I pulled up, they were walking into the building. Everything was going according to plan. I drove around back to make an easy escape. The bathroom was right next to it, just the way I wanted it. I walked in and blended in.

I looked at my watch to check the time.

Any second now.

And like clockwork, the girls came around the corner to use the bathroom like they do every Friday at 2 pm. I walked past them as if I were going somewhere else, and soon as the bathroom door closed, I took my chance.

As I pushed the door open with my shoulder, I walked in and noticed they were in the stalls. I had to make this fast because the actual security guard would soon be at the end of the hall. As she walked out, I wrapped my chloroform rag around her face. She tried to fight me off, but I was way stronger than her. Her friend then stepped out, and my Glock was pointed at her at the same time.

Scream, and you’re fucking dead.

I then knocked her friend over the head with the butt of my gun, being that I had nothing to restrain her. Once I saw they were both unconscious, I decided it was time to move. I threw one over my shoulder and dragged the other. When I arrived in the alleyway, I threw them both in the back seat, popped my trunk, and pulled out my rope and duct tape. I tied them up and made my way to the house.

I brought them down to what I like to call my dungeon. I had this place built just for her. Hopefully, she liked it and appreciated the work I put in. Shoot, it took me four months to create my dungeon; she better like it. 

I locked their hands onto the cuffs that were attached to the wall. Just as I finished up, they were gaining consciousness.

Where are we?

Your new home, you like it? I asked excitedly. I smiled so hard my cheeks started hurting.

What do you want from us? asked her annoying friend. She sounded scared...good

Everything. 

At that time, they both started screaming from the top of their lungs. I started laughing because what these little bitches didn’t know, is that no one could hear them down here. I called it my dungeon for a reason.

Somebody help us! They screamed, crying.

I had enough; the damn yelling was giving me a freaking headache.

NO ONE IS COMING! NO ONE IS GOING TO SAVE YOU...NOT FROM ME!

ChapterOne

FIVE MONTHS EARLIER: February 2014

I pushed my head down and tried to swallow his whole dick down my throat, making myself gag a little. I lifted my head as the saliva hung from my mouth, then I spit on it and sucked it some more. He loved when I got nasty like that.

Ma! he tried to pull me off because he was about to come in my mouth, and that’s just what I wanted him to do.

I’m about to bust! I can’t-

Shut up and take it like a man, I said, sitting up.

I went back to doing my thing, and Samson let loose in my golden mouth. I swallowed every bit, not missing a drop. After Samson caught his breath, I slid on his dick nice and slow.

Mmmm...baby, you feel so good, I moaned.

Damn baby, this pussy feels good as fuck.

Samson started digging deeper and deeper until I started crying out in pleasure for him to give it to me from the back. Flipping me over, Samson pushed my face down in the sheets and smacked my ass.

Sssss...mmmmm daddy yesssss!!

Ssss...damn this shit wet as fuck you going to make me bust again...fuck!!

Oooooohhhhh, I’m going to cum...I’m bout...oh my god!!

Mmmm

Ashaaaaa!!!

Yessss...fuck!!

Together we rode into ecstasy.

Damn babe...that was some good shit.

I know. Uh-duh, what did he think?

Smiling, I got my ass up to make us some breakfast. 

****

What’s up y’all, my name is Asha Hampton, but you can call me Ash. I’m every dude’s fantasy and every bitch’s worst nightmare. Why? You say because I’m a bad bitch, that’s why. Chicks never liked me, and I never cared. As long as they weren’t stepping to me on some crazy shit, we were good. They could call me all types of whores and slut buckets, but what they weren’t gonna say is that I wasn’t getting money because I definitely am.

I had my own everything, and not because of some dude’s money, their money may have been used for a bill or two, but I owned everything necessary, that being my two-bedroom town home, thanks to my late deadbeat father. Who I guess felt bad not being present my whole damn life. Oh yeah, and my car, I owned that too, so, as you can see, the hoes loved to hate. 

I did hair for a living out of my kitchen and danced on the side. I envisioned one day owning a hair salon.

Here’s to dreaming, eh.

Anyways, the dude you just met is Samson; he pays my car insurance and whatever else I don’t feel like paying. He knows I can handle all my bills by myself, but he says he likes to help me out, so who am I to tell him not to.

Listen, I’m not going to stop any man that wants to pay my bills, ok. I can’t help it that I’m the shit.

The only man that ever gets to drink from my diamond fountain, though, is Samson.

We’ve been kicking it for a minute now, but he knows I’m not trying to do the relationship thing; shiiit I just like his company to be honest and vice versa. So here I am, making his sexy ass some breakfast.

Sitting down at the kitchen table, Samson asked me what I had planned for the night.

I don’t know, probably check out that new club with the girls.

What, that new joint Empire?

Yeah, that one.

That’s my man’s place. I heard it’s alright.

You think you can get us on the VIP then?

I’ll see what I can do...you good, though? I’m about to head out.

Samson walked over and kissed me on the forehead.

Yeah, I’m straight.

Iight I’m gone.

I watched him walk out the door, not wanting him to go. Samson is the kind of man I would slow down for if I ever decided to—built like Dwayne Johnson and favoring Derek Luke. Yes, he was a god. Standing at 6’2, which is perfect for my 5’7 stature, and he has money and a looooong Johnson to go with all that, but on top of that, he has a heart of gold and treated me with respect.

Yet, I couldn’t settle down with him if I wanted to; my heart and pride just wouldn’t let me.

Samson, on the other hand, was a certified player, he could have any woman he wanted, but he chose to spend his time with me, and from what I know-only me, but Samson’s not ready to settle down, nor is he built for commitment. He reminds me every time we have one of our talks, Asha, I’m not the settling down type, but I fucks with you, and as long as you fuck with me, I got you, listen I don’t know what the fuck I got you mean, but as long as he doesn’t fuck me over, we good.

Anyways, I’m hanging with my girls tonight, something we hardly get to do. I’m praying we can get Coco out of the house tonight. Coco is like the mother hen out of all of us. She doesn’t participate in getting blazed; she doesn’t drink, she doesn’t have sex or anything, not because she’s a virgin. Coco is what I like to call a born-again virgin. Every time I ask her about her first time, she clams up and doesn’t want to talk about it, so I guess we can say her first time went to shit.

She works entirely too much while taking care of her little sister. So tonight, I’m dragging her ass out of the house, and if I have to, I’ll literally drag her out of the house. 

My girls are my family; we’ve been hanging tight since the third grade. Coco, she’s the quiet but serious one. Gia, who I like to call my Puerto Rican princess, is loud and feisty. Imani is the crazy bitch, but will go to war for you armed and ready, and of course, you met me-the baddest bitch. So, sit back and enjoy because we are about to take you on the ride of your lives.

ChapterTwo

Coco

Lying in bed, I was trying to figure out if I would go to work or not. I love my job, but sometimes I want more.

My dream is to own a company like the one I’m at, to have many accolades under my belt. We have probably one of the best publishing divisions in the state of New York, and instead of being an editor, or publisher, or the boss’s go-to, I’m a damn secretary for the old prick.

I work for the company Dynasty Enterprises. They handle all kinds of things from real estate to law firms; anything you could think of, they had their hands in it. That’s kind of the reason why I applied for this company, next to me needing a job. They also do great things for the community, such as feeding the homeless, building schools and parks.

I also have my bachelor's, and I was working towards my masters but working crazy hours and raising my little sister Isis; I rarely have time for school, who knows maybe that’s what’s keeping me from moving up at this damn job, not having a higher education. At least I can say they are very understanding at my job when it comes to Isis, and that’s all I could ask for.

One of my friends or sisters, as I like to call them, Asha, is a great deal of help. She picks her up after school if I’m working late. She’s sixteen, so she practically watches herself.

I know what you’re thinking. Where the hell are our parents? Well, my dad-never met the man, my mom-well she’s the type of lady to put a man before her child by any means necessary.

My mom always said that I didn’t need a father because I had her, but as soon as she got a new man, she forgot all about me. My mama had so many boyfriends, chile; I couldn’t keep up. There were times when she would leave me in the house for days to fend for myself because she was off with Tom, Dick, or Henry. To make matters worse, she always picked weird guys and always brought every single one of them around. It was freaking disgusting.

Then she brought home James; I would never forget him. He was nice at first, a real gentleman. It all changed when my mama didn’t want to hear what I was trying to open her eyes to. That’s when I took Isis in the middle of the night, and we ran away to my friend Imani’s house and never looked back. I was 14, and Isis was six, and I’ve been taking care of us ever since.

While I decided that I better get up if I wanted to get to work on time, my phone started ringing. I looked over on my nightstand and saw Imani calling.

What do you want with my life, child?

Uh-ah, don’t be stank, we’re just calling to see if you had to work tonight, heifer.

What’s up, Coco, don’t pay that child no mind, Asha said.

Oh, it’s both of y’all. I knew I should’ve ignored the call, I said, laughing.

Then I just would’ve had to pull up, Imani said, and I just knew she was rolling her eyes by now.

Anyway, it’s this new club that Asha and I been hearing about that we wanted to hit.

If y’all must know, I do, it’s Friday, and I work every Friday trick. I was just lying here procrastinating if I’m going or not. Besides, even if I did go, who’s going to watch Isis with all of us being out?

See, that’s where I come in, the great Houdini- Asha and I busted out laughing because we could not take her seriously.

Really, Mani...Houdini?

Yes, girl, I make shit happen in the most magical ways. Anyway, I can get mommy to watch Isis, and Zeus is coming over tonight with my niece. Besides, you know mama loves her some you and Isis, so it’s a win-win, now get up and get your butt to work before Daddy Warbucks fire your ass.

Oh, please, his evil ass is not firing me, he has to come down from his office first, and besides, that place would not know how to function without me.

Do not be trying to flunk on us tonight, Coco, Asha said.

I’m not. I’m gonna give mama E a call and check with Isis.

Yeah, alright, well, I’ll call you on your break with the details.

Iight talk to y’all later.

That’s my girl Imani; she’s always into something or on something, if you know what I mean. We’ve been best friends since grade school. When I ran away from home, her mom and father took us in like we were their children. I am forever grateful for them.

Imani is the total opposite of me. She is loud, bold, crazy, and promiscuous. If you ask her, I’m a bore because I don’t have sex-well I guess I’m boring then, Imani says I’m missing out, but I think not. All and all, she’s a good person and means well, just don’t fuck with her friends or family, and you’re good.

Walking down the hall to Isis's room, I noticed an envelope on the floor in the crack of her door.

Picking it up, I walk into her room to wake her up.

Isis...get up; it’s time for school. She turns over and looks at me like she wants to kill me.

Come on, sis, let me miss today...I don’t feel good.

She is so full of it.

Not a chance, come on, get up. I’ll make your favorite while you’re getting ready. Sucking her teeth, she got up.

But you hate making home fries, Coco.

I did.

I know you suck your teeth again; you’ll be going to school with no home fries or teeth. With her eyes bucking out of her head, she knew I meant business.

Sorry, Coco. She said, speed walking out of her room. I’m getting ready now, Coco.

I rolled my eyes, shook my head, and made my way to the kitchen. Walking through our apartment, I took a moment just to appreciate what we had. Our two-bedroom apartment located in Mount Vernon, NY, was something to be proud of. Once I turned 19, I took the money I saved from working over the summer and rented this apartment with the help of Imani’s mom Evelyn. I was able to keep up with the bills, and when I got something substantial, I told her she didn’t have to help me anymore, even though she reminds me every day never to be afraid to ask her or the boys for anything. I have a silver 2006 Chrysler 3000 hooptie, and it gets me from point A to point B, no matter how old it is. 

I also started a trust fund for Isis when I got my job three years ago. So yes, even though I couldn’t stand my position at times, it kept the lights on and put food in my little sister’s mouth.

While I was cooking breakfast, I remembered the envelope. I picked it up off the counter where I had placed it and noticed that it had been opened. It was from Isis school...

That figures. 

I open it up, and it’s her progress report, but from the last quarter. I was wondering why I didn’t get anything from her school. What I’m looking at not only shocked me but angered me a little as well, nothing but D’s and F’s staring at me.

Now what I don’t understand is my little sister is beyond brilliant. She’s in the 12th grade and makes the A and B honor roll easy, so it's mind-boggling to me that she’s failing. Shaking my head in disbelief, I wrap it up and put it in the kitchen drawer.

I don’t need this right now.

As we sat down to eat, I just looked at her. She was becoming a beautiful young woman. To me, she looked like my mom, and to everybody else, she looked like me. I just hope I was making her proud and doing right by her. The rest of our breakfast was a quiet one. I decided to wait until I had her in the car to bring up the progress report. We were going to get to the bottom of this.

After we ate breakfast, I left her at the table and went to get ready to take her to school, and then off to work for me it was. We got in my hooptie and rolled out.

Coco, I have to tell you something, Isis said, looking scared shitless.

What is it?

Well, a couple of months ago, I opened your mail, but only because I knew it was my progress report, and I didn’t want you to be mad or disappointed in me. She looked down, playing with her hands nervously.

Go on.

Well, I opened it, and I’m failing...terribly, but I promise I’m going to do everything I can to pass, I promise. I take a deep breath before I say anything.

Isis...I’m not disappointed in you, I’m-

You aren’t!? She yelled, interrupting me.

No, I’m not; I’m disappointed that you opened my mail and that you didn’t trust me enough to sit down and talk to me about it.

I know, and I apologize. It’s just that...you’re always telling me how important it is for me to do good in school. I just didn’t want to let you down. I’ll admit I’ve been distracted lately, but no more. I’m going to focus more because I have to graduate, I must graduate, there is absolutely no way I’m not walking across that stage, not Isis Star Christie, nope!

You are something else; you know that, I said, laughing.

Let me tell you something, Isis; I’m not going to sit here and preach to you how important education is. You either want to be great, or you don’t. You’re intelligent and very mature for your age, so you know what you have to do to succeed, but do not let some little thug be your downfall, you hear me because, at the end of the day, they only want one thing, you have to be able to outsmart the man. Think with your brain, not your heart or the diamond device between your legs. 

How did you know I was talking about a boy? She asked, surprised.

Chile, please, I was your age once, and trust me, little sis, when I say boys come a dime a dozen. Finish college first, then think about a boyfriend. As we pulled up to the school, Isis looked at me like I was crazy, but I wasn’t. She was not going to make me an aunt at the tender age of 24, no sir.

Now get out of my car and go be great. Love you.

Love you too, Coco.

Don’t forget Asha is coming to get you after school, ok?

Ok.

Before I rolled the passenger side window up, she turned around and almost brought me to tears.

Sis!!

Yeah, I said, rolling the window back down.

Don’t work too hard today, have some fun. You deserve it. I love you, now leave and be great. She said, throwing my words right back at me.

Smiling at my little sister, I couldn’t believe the little woman she was becoming. I drove off on my way to work on a mission. First thing first, apply for a higher position at my job, and second, shake my ass with my girls tonight.

ChapterThree

Imani

Mani, come in here for a minute!

What's up? 

Why do you insist on answering my shit? He asked in reference to me answering his phone while he was in the shower.

You lucky I did. The hoes you deal with do not have your best interest at heart.

My brother shook his head at me and laughed. I got this, Mani, don't worry about the hoes-as you say-that I'm fucking.

Yeah, sure.

And where are you going dressed like that?

I looked down at my skin-tight jeans and my short sleeve crop top. Like what? I asked, trying to figure out what was wrong with my cute ass outfit.

You don't have any loose-fitting jeans or something?

Boy, stop. These aren't even that bad, I said, rolling my eyes, and he just gave me a death stare. Fine, I'll go change. Seriously though, I don't know how much looser you expect my pants to get Achelous.

Loose enough to where Zeus nor I will end up in jail. 

I laughed as I walked back to my room to change. My brothers were very protective of me and vice versa. 

Achelous and my other brother Zeus no longer lived at home with my mother and me, but Achelous is staying with us while his house was being renovated. I answered his phone by habit while he was in the shower earlier, and some chick with a whiny voice answered. I politely told the girl not to call back and lose his number.

Look-when it comes to my brothers; I don't play any games when it comes to them. So that means that any woman trying to be a part of their life is a part of mine as well, and I'm not just about to let no two-timing, thirsty trick come in and infiltrate my family, no, no boo-boo, you have to come through me first.

Both my brothers were well-established, well-known men. My older brother Zeus has his Ph.D. in psychology and owns his practice in NJ. Achelous is my other older brother as well, but younger than Zeus, 38 by four years. He also has his Ph.D. in law, but he took a different route and went into business for some reason.

He owns two restaurants and a barbershop. That is constantly overflowing with traffic.

They are doing very well for themselves. So yes, I can be a little overbearing. Women come into their lives just because of their names, I'm sure they come along because of their looks, but their names ring bells in these streets. 

You see, our father was a big-time drug dealer-scratch that, he was the kingpin of all kingpins, but he got sloppy and disrespectful. He fucked around and cheated on my moms, and that bitch and his right-hand man was his downfall.

One night he went back to her crib with her; she had his best friend, who she was also fucking, and two of his corner boys murder him. They tried to rob him as well but little did they know, my father's bodyguard was with him the whole time, and when he heard the gunshots, he waited for them to exit and took them all out one by one right there on the front porch. That was the coldest day on Valentine Avenue in the Bronx. The New York Times read: THE DEATH OF A STREET LEGEND. That's exactly what he was.

It was just five years ago, but yet it still felt so fresh. My mama walked around as if nothing happened, and my amazing brothers stepped up to the plate even more. My father left every penny to us, so, therefore, we want for nothing. I never have to work a day in my life if I don't want to, and right now, I choose not to. Shiiit, what I look like.

So, you see, I have to take precautions. Because these little smutty buddies know the Washington's have money, they come running. Damn sluts! And I don't have time for the shenanigans.

While I was checking myself out in the mirror, my phone alerted me of an incoming call. I saw it was my girl, Asha.

Hey, Ash, what it do, boo.

I can't call it. What you doing?

Bout to head to the mall, so be ready in half.

Iight trick.

On my way to get Asha from west bubble fuck, I called my girl Gia on my car phone to see if she wanted to ride out with us.

Hello, this is Gia Rodriguez. Sorry, I can't come to the phone right now, but if you leave your name and number, I will gladly get back to you. If no one told you, they love you today, I do, and God loves you more. Have a good and blessed day, bye.

This girl with that damn voicemail. I don't know how many times I have to tell her and my momma to change their shit. They know damn well they don't want your ass having a good day.

Laughing out loud to myself, I tried her ass one more time.

Hello-

Guess she's busy.

ChapterFour

Across Town

Who the fuck keep calling your phone, Gia! Huh, that’s some nigga calling you bitch! He rears back and slaps me dead across my face. 

No! I keep telling you there is no one else. It’s probably Asha or Iman- He slaps the shit out of me again. I can’t help but to start crying.

Didn’t I tell you I don’t like you hanging around them bitches, hmm?! Didn’t I?! 

Malikhi became irate. He threw the pot of spaghetti I had just made across the kitchen, splattering against the wall. I watch as the sauce and meatballs slide down the wall as it hits my beautiful shiny tile. 

I really was craving that.

If I had been paying attention, I would have seen it coming, but it was too late. As soon as I looked towards him, it’s like it happened in slow motion. It was a full-on, closed fist punch to my right eye. Out of reflex, my hands automatically went up to cover my face. I felt my eye instantly swell up.

He continued to pound on me like I was a man in the street. Grabbing me by my hair, taking advantage of the fact that I dropped my hands to reach for my hair, he punched me dead in the face again. I then said fuck it and covered my face again.

As I lay on the floor balled up in the fetal position, he starts talking his shit.

Ya know, Gia...I don’t know why you make me do this, you know how I feel about you, yet you hang around these low life bitches!! This time he kicked me in the ribs.

I’m sorry, Malikhi...I’m sorry, I said, in between sobs.

While I was crying, this fool was laughing at my expense.

Sorry? You’re sorry?! You damn right you’re sorry!

All that I do for you, and this is the thanks I get...

Look at you...just pathetic...clean this shit up, I’m out of here.

Even though I was in a whole lot of pain, I didn’t want him to go. I hopped up and went after him.

No! Please don’t go, I love you please... I begged.

Malikhi walked out, slamming the door in my face, causing the picture in a frame of my three best friends and me on our high school graduation day shattering to pieces.

I know what you all are thinking, but until you walk in my shoes, don’t you dare judge me. 

I met Malikhi in my third year in college, I was 21, and he was everything I dreamed of and more. He was thuggish and roguish, my kind of guy. I still remember that night in the bar with Asha.

****

Asha, do you see that guy over there?

Who that skinny dude with his little sister jeans on. Said Asha, all the way turned off.

No stupid, the one standing next to him with the black champion and black gum bottoms.

Asha started making the ugliest face. Eww, that Rick Ross look-alike...girrrrl I got to get you all the way together.

What? He’s cute-fucking sexy rather...oh shit; he’s walking over here. Turning my back to the crowd, I asked Asha if she thinks he saw me.

Yup and-...ewww he just licked his lips bitch! Eww, I’m about to throw up seriously.

Mr. Rick Ross walked up, but not to me, to the bartender to order a damn drink. I kept discreetly tapping Asha, but her ass just kept on dancing to the music. So, I decided to take a step out on faith. I turned to the bartender, stuck out my DD’s and said.

Let me get a sex on the beach.

Rick Ross turned to me, and from the corner of my eye, I could see him looking me up and down, very slowly. It was almost intimidating. I turned around, and he said.

Damn you sexy ma...let me buy that drink for you.

Nah, I’m good.

Alright, if you say so, cutie...say...let me get your number then so that we can hang out sometime.

He pulled out his phone, and I pulled out mine. We exchanged numbers, and then he stuck his hand out for me to grab. I shook it, and he told me his name was Malikhi. I told him mine, and then he said he’ll be in touch and left. I turned to Asha, who then handed me my drink I ordered.

That man right there got trouble written all over him. He is going to be the death of you. You already doing too much.

I just sucked my teeth and said whatever.

Two weeks later, while studying for my finals, he called and asked if I wanted to go out.

Of course, I would. What did you have in mind? I walked around my room looking for something to wear.

"How about