I Love You: The Cheyenne Thompson Chronicles

By Shanay Piggee

The title of this book is called I Love You, The Cheyenne Thompson Chronicles and it is based on the life of a young woman who enters into the legal world and takes it by storm. Reaching her goals is never an issue as she has always excelled in everything she does. Her only issues are family and love. She quickly learns that love comes in shapes and sizes as she goes through her own professional journey. This mysterious thriller brings out the heartaches and pains she discovers while on her journey and secrets from her family she never knew. As mind blowing as this book is, it's fast pace and never ending passion will leave many to wonder how will this story really end.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Oct 5, 2015
• ISBN: 9781504949224

Shanay Piggee

Growing up in the 80's was fun her as she got a chance to see the world evolve from the different avenues of art through music, dance, drama, and writing. Shanay loved the arts especially when she was given opportunities to see musicals and operas. She was a ballet dancer as a little girl and enjoyed it until her middle school years. While in school, her zeal in wanting to learn about History and Debate opened up this young girl's nose to law. It was by no surprise that she would enjoy History and English although her grades did not reflect it at times. Being challenged by her teachers in high school in creative writing helped Shanay gain awards in writing that would help her along the way. Her freshman year at Pasadena City College is when she found out she was pregnant with her first child. This never stopped this young lady becoming the best as she could possibly be. She spent her twenties finding out more about life and gave birth to two more children. Overcoming obstacles did not stop her from receiving an education in order to care for her children. Attaining an A.S. in Paralegal Studies, B.S. in Criminal Justice Administration, and a Masters in Business Administration gave her the drive to conqueror goals in her life. Granted, life is full of trials and tribulations, Shanay has managed to do it through her faith in God and her love for her children Tia, Dailus, and Nashay. Her inspiration and drive has given her the power to seek not more but better. Her working career began as a retail customer service worker to being a contract worker in the legal field which put her in many places such as the County of Los Angeles where she found out what it really takes to be in the field. A hard working mother, yes she is, but an overcomer and a doer is what makes her a must for any new author in the business. As she continues to strive for greatness, her children Tia, Dailus and Nashay and her soon-to-be husband Timothy Washington has been the greatest gifts she has attained on her road to success.

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© 2015 The Cheyenne Thompson Chronicles. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 09/09/2015

ISBN: 978-1-5049-4923-1 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5049-4922-4 (e)

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

CONTENTS

Part 1 The Beginning

Part 2 Virginia

Part 3 A New Beginning

Part 4 Game Over

Part 5 Decisions

Part 6 Reckoning

Part 7 Past Beginnings

About the Author

This book is

dedicated to the lover of my life Mr. Timothy Tazz Washington who inspired me to write this book.

Part 1

THE BEGINNING

It was one of those days in the month of June. Father’s day and graduations are the most popular this month and I get a chance to explore one of these events. It’s June 15, 2017 and I am at my law school graduation. It has been three long years of studying, prepping and practicing that has made this journey tiring, yet rewarding. Although this has been an accomplishment for my family and I, but this is more of a goal setter for me as now I am ready to take on the world. Cheyenne Michelle Thompson, the facilitators called during graduation as everyone stood up and cheered me, I thought about how much my life would change now that I’m officially done with school.

Unfortunately, I am the younger of six and each one of my brothers and sisters has moved on with their degree and done exceptionally well now it’s my turn. Yes, my name is Cheyenne Michelle Thompson J.D. This will be the best adventure yet to come. After graduation, I was summoned to take the bar exam. I took classes and studied like crazy for the bar. Taking this test would determine a lot from which it made me nervous. Although I received good grades throughout school, the bar is something different. I already work for the County of Los Angeles as a clerk for one the best D.A. attorney’s in town, but me passing the bar will give me that solidity I so need in my career and make changes.

For three days, I went to this got awful place to take this test. As they were handing out the scores for specific parts, I realized I saw a good friend of mine Anthony. He was my best friend in law school but he sometimes goofed too much. When they gave me my scores, a joyful smile spread across my face. What’s up Cheyenne, did you pass the practical? he asked. Of course I did Anthony, who do you think I am, I said with confidence and enthusiasm behind me. Well you know we have to wait a week before we can actually get our scores. So what are your plans? Michele and I are getting married and we would like it if you can come, he says. I stood there in amazement for my friend as we both jumped up and down. He had been dating Michele for quite some time now and I’m glad to see they are finally making this commitment.

I was happy for all of the changes, but sad that I was losing yet another friend. It had been about a week and my scores still hadn’t come yet. I was leaving the County of Los Angeles for a better opportunity with the City of Los Angeles. My scores didn’t show up to my house, but to my parent’s house. I left my cozy two bedroom home to venture to my parent’s lovely home in the hills of Pasadena. Cheyenne!!! This came for you today honey from the bar. Hurry up and open it, my mom and dad yelled. As soon as I saw the envelope I paused and got scared. What if I didn’t pass, I thought to myself. As one of the top ranked students in my law school, I passed the bar for the first time and almost peed my pants when I saw my bar number. It’s official, I am an attorney now and can prosecute people to the extent of the law and be proud of the differences I’ll be making. I found myself selling my little two bedroom condo for a nicer home near Glendora. My life was set on task. Student loans had been paid for already and passed the bar for this first time. It was truly time to party.

It was the beginning of August the following year and Anthony got me all wrapped up in his wedding. I felt awkward as he was my best friend and I’m letting him go with Michele. Michele was a friend of mine too. During undergrad, we both pledge AKA and became sisters for life. It was by no surprise that she would meet Anthony and fall in love. After law school, Anthony didn’t pass the bar but pursued his dream in investigation. Let’s say these two are a match made in heaven. Investigation and nursing careers are extremely high demand professions, but the two managed to keep work and love separate.

It’s a nice day and the wedding was right around the corner Michele and I were running to get things accomplished as she made me her maid of honor. With the new job I picked up with the City of Los Angeles as their new prosecuting attorney, my ability to not only help plan this lavish wedding, but have this new job was actually working out pretty good. Cheyenne, I know the wedding is this Saturday, but can we please do one more run through with the girls and their dresses as I really need to make sure everyone is comfortable, Michele asked in a slight hesitant voice. Of course girl, I answered back. I quickly pulled out my Nexus 6 and sent a mass text to everyone to come to my house for food and last fittings.

That night was the best night ever, I think better than the bachelorette party as we all got drunk and tried on our dresses. Everyone looks great!!! shouted Michele. This was the best moment we can have as friends ever. All except for me, I am the only one as usual who is not dating, engaged or married. I think this is the second to last wedding I have been in for the past couple of years. I wasn’t tired of it but it sure has been a while since I’ve had a man in my life to really talk to. So Cheyenne, how does it feel being an attorney now? my friends all asked. I have to admit it has been a challenge, but I do win my cases. Amazing, I say with a sigh. Then it finally came. Girl, when are you going to get you a man so you can have sex, Nicole asked. We all laughed, but seriously when was I. It literally had been a minute since I was with Gavin and Lord knows that man was amazing with everything he did. It was unfortunate that we put our careers first than us. We ended our night at the hotel near the church so we would not be late.

It’s early in the morning on Saturday, August 3, 2018. Michele looks beautiful in her wedding gown while the rest of us looked hot in the dresses I picked for us girls. Since I was the maid of honor, my dress was extra special. We all managed to piece together ourselves as one to make this wedding the best for Michele and Anthony. As we all marched out of the room from getting dressed at the church, Michele asked if it was okay to be nervous. As her friends, we all quickly gave her a quick glance and laughed together as this is a new beginning for her and Anthony and hugged. Our friendships were growing stronger and today was living proof of that.

One by one each of us walked down the aisle looking radiant than ever. Each girl had an escort except for me, I flew solo. Then, Michele entered and there was not a dry eye in the house. As the second to last to get married, her day was beautiful. Flowers on point, venue on point, everything amazing. While standing at the altar watching my two best friends get married, a smile grew across my face. What is going to happen next?? Our lives were about to change like a blink of an eye. That night during the wedding reception, my girls and I decided that we were on a mission to find me a man so that I don’t have to be the only single one in our group. I agreed to blind dates although that’s not what I truly want or need. We all partied until it was time to leave. As the couple waved good-bye after a long night of partying the best man walked up to me and asked if I needed a ride home. Hey Cheyenne can I escort you home, he asked. Tim was a nice guy great build. He just made partner for the accounting firm he was working for in Downtown LA but he was so not my type.

As I directed him to my lovely five bedroom home, he questioned why I had such a big house with no man and no kids. I responded back with a sharp tongue stating that men are pigs and children are gifts. He looked at me as if I was someone who like being single and a man hater. Can I use your restroom before I go back into LA? he asked. Yes, I exclaimed. He looked at my home and was amazed by what he saw. He looked and asked what my profession was. I am the prosecuting attorney for the City of Los Angeles, I responded back to him with a smile. Tim smiled and asked if I was seeing anyone. I politely told him no and that it was time for him to leave. His eyes couldn’t stop staring at me and asked if he can have some coffee before he left. I made a small pot as I always do and shared it with him. So Cheyenne, if I wanted to have sex with you right now, can I with no strings attached, he asked still drunk. I looked at him like he was a pig and asked why. He just stood there with his pants falling and I told him no and that he needed to leave or I’ll shoot him in the dick. He quickly gathered his stuff and yelled Crazy Bitch out loud as he left. I just stood there dumb as ever as I could have gotten laid, but hey not with him.

The following day after the wedding, I thought about all of the events that occurred and realized I really needed to date. I went to church with my family where my big brother David Thompson was the Pastor of the church. My mom always said he had a calling on his life and he needed to seek it out for himself. As always, Pastor Thompson preaches the best sermons in town and always makes you think. I talked with my brother a lot about my dating life and exactly how I should pray for the right kind of man. As always, big brother was no longer the pastor, but a big brother with experience. He and my other brothers and sisters were great examples of what great couples looked like. Of course my parents and grandparents are the best presentations of what it takes to have a healthy marriage, but it’s different with siblings.

At my brother’s church I sing in the choir and praise dance. I find this to be the most uplifting for my spirit before heading into the court room and my office. God has always been at the forefront in my life and these types of activities is what keeps me close to him. As usual after every great sermon, I get asked to sing his favorite song during benediction that I wrote:

When I think of your love and grace, you brought to my heart as it begins to race and I can’t help but to fall. Fall in love with you. Lord, all I want is more of you. As you are my God. Oh oh Jesus. You’re my Savior. Hallelujah. Lord I love you.

Committed yourself to thee and he’ll keep you close. Lie down your burdens and the Lord will heal you more. All we want to do is give you praise. Do your will!!! Hold us close and never let go ’cause I’m sure I want you more and more. You are my one true King. Thank you Jesus. You’re my God in peace. We love you. Hallelujah. Lord we praise you.

Yeah I know it seems a little Anita Bakerish, but hey it touches the hearts and souls of those around us. This Sunday was Men’s Sunday and guess who was there Tim the jerk beyond all jerks. Ugh why is he here, I asked my sisters. They laughed as they remembered the horror story I told them he did to me at my house. Cheyenne, what is your problem with this man. He is cute and smart, Stacey said. Please stop Stacey, that man is horrible and a pig, my sisters all laughed as the men started to sing. My brother looked and shook his head as we all quickly stopped including my sisters in law. Nene is that the guy you were telling us about, my sister-in-law Karen asked. Well he isn’t all the bad looking you should date him, she said while laughing.

Of course being the youngest doesn’t help as everyone always picked on me about the guys I’ve dated. He saw me sitting with my family and winked his eye at me. Brother Tim, what sparks your interest in my little sister, David asked while we were all walking out. Well Pastor, I find your sister very feisty, but she is not giving me the time or day. What can I do to gain her attention, Tim asked. Pray brother. My little sister is no joke and has no time for games. Listen we always go to her house for Sunday dinners come with us and bring something nice. She loves flowers. Oh and please do not drop your pants in her house again, she carries a 9milimeter and is not afraid to use it, David explains with caution and laughter in his voice. Be there at 4:30pm that is when I will be there and I can help you with her. She is not all that harmless all you have to do is be yourself and love God. You do love God don’t you Tim, David asking making sure he isn’t trying to get in without knowing God first and committing to God fully. Sure Pastor, Tim says with seriousness in his heart. Okay I will see you at 4:30. Be there or be square, the last words David said to him before they parted.

Tim was a little scared as he did remember how things went between him and Cheyenne. I don’t want to mess this up, he said out loud to himself. As he approached Cheyenne’s house, he noticed it looked different during the day and was amazed again. Oh hey Pastor Thompson. Are you sure this is Cheyenne’s house. It looks so beautiful, Tim said with so much hesitation in his voice. Yes, Tim it is. Come walk up with us. She’ll be happy a friend is here, David said. As he rang the bell, their mother answered the door and asked everyone to come in and go straight to the family room where the guys were. Tim walked in and was a little intimidated by everything he saw in her house. Although he was just a guest, he was nervous about being in my house and eating my food. Where is my big brother David, as I yelled out from the kitchen where all the ladies were. Of course he grabs up his little sister with his other brothers and yell TOGA, Let’s throw her in the pool and mom says Now guys, not before we push her in and we all laugh. My family means everything to me and it means a lot when they can come over and share Sunday dinners with me. What’s for dinner a voice asks from amongst the yelling men watching the Clipper game on the big screen.

To my surprise it was Tim. I tell him whatever he likes as I tend to overcook when family comes over. Since we are not always Southern traditional, we tend to do Italian and Spanish from time to time. This time I made a good old southern home cooked meal. I told him, there was chicken, macaroni and cheese, green beans, mash potatoes, greens, gravy, cornbread, yams and sweet potatoes. My nieces and nephews have the choice of strawberry lemonade or water with their dinner; as for the adults the option was wine, lemonade or water. We tend to drink lemonade and water with dinner and wine with the dessert. Tonight I made a chocolate molten lava cake for everyone. He was impressed and questioned How long does it take to cook all of this food? I laughed and say when it comes to family as long as it takes.

Tim caught my smile as I walked into the dining room to set the tables. Can I help you, he asks. In my nice cunning voice, I say yes. As we both started to get the tables together, Tim asked How big is your home? I laughed and told him its five bedrooms and five baths with a built in pool and Jacuzzi and a guest house. He looked in amazement and tried to ask more, but David looked over and whispered No. Time to eat everyone, I yelled and everyone poured to the table in laughter and the children went to their separate spots as always. Let’s pray, David says as we all sit and get ready to eat. Heavenly Father we thank you for family and friends coming together for this lovely meal that Cheyenne has prepared for us all. Continue to bless us all and cover us. Bless this healthy meal. Amen.

My nieces and nephews are all ranging in different ages and sizes ask Aunty, can we live with you, and we all laugh as my mom and dad responded back, She needs her own kids. Tim enjoyed the site of a close tight family such as ours. So Tim, where is your family? Mom asked him. Well Mrs. Thompson, my family all lives in Africa. I was adopted by a family here in California, Tim said. My adoptive family and I are pretty close and I visit my biological family every holiday season, he completed. My brother Michael was curious to know why he was brought to the states and did not return to Africa. The conversation led to a great discussion about family and traditions. Tim felt at home with my family and asked if can join every once a while. Everyone looked to me for an answer and I said Maybe, just as long as you don’t drop your pants. Everyone laughed including Tim as he apologized for his carelessness.

As everyone finished their dessert and storytelling, the children grew sleepy and weary. All of my family looked at the time and agreed it was time to turn it in for the night as it was approaching 8:30pm. I told everyone that I had news before they left. I got a job offer in Virginia as their next D.A. for the County of Arlington. Everyone including my nieces and nephews all cheered for me except for Tim. "That’s great news Cheyenne. When do you