Dirty Secrets: Part 2

By Sage Dupree

Growing up on a reservation in the southwestern United States, this young man faced many challenges common to Native American communities. One of the biggest challenges that Cheetah faced was something that no child should ever have to endure, sexual abuse.

The abuse began when he was just a young boy and continued for several years. He felt alone, helpless, unable to tell anyone about what was happening to him. Over time, the abuse took a heavy toll on his mental and emotional well-being. He struggled with depression, anxiety, and feelings of shame and guilt. Despite the trauma that he experienced, this young cub was drawn to music. As a child, he would sing along to the radio and make his songs. Music became a way for him to escape from the pain and sadness of his life. He taught himself how to play guitar and began writing his songs. He poured his heart and soul into his music, using it as a therapy to help him cope with his past.

The young man began performing at local events and venues as he grew older. His talent and passion for music quickly caught the attention of others, and he soon found himself with a growing fan base. He continued to perform, pouring his pain and emotions into music.

Eventually, his talent and hard work paid off. He was discovered by a major record label and signed into a recording contract. His music began to receive widespread acclaim, and he quickly became a rising star in the music industry. Despite his success, Cheetah never forgot where he came from. He used his platform to raise awareness through his biopic about the issues facing Native American communities, including sexual abuse. He spoke openly about his experiences and encouraged others to seek help and support.

Through his music, Cheetah was able to transform his pain into something beautiful. He had found a way to heal and help others in the process. Today, he is a celebrated musician and a powerful advocate for change. His story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the healing power of music.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: May 30, 2023
• ISBN: 9798350900828

Book preview

~RED BONE ENTITLEMENT~

Serves Cheetah right! I want him to feel the same pain he inflicted upon me. I want him to hurt because of my hurt. I want him to feel the ache in his gut that I’m feeling from being so deeply in love with him. I’m pregnant. I’m carrying the seed that he left growing inside of me. I’ve been assigned to give birth to a bastard! Technically, I can’t call Cheetah a bastard; when he was born his mom and dad were married and they are to this day. This heartbreak caught me off guard. This is some bullshit! I never thought being a red bone bomb that my pain would come from a man leaving me for a dark skin woman. I’ve never imagined anything like this, and I don’t like how it feels; it hurts. This pain is causing my emotions to run free like an untamed wild fire. My anger is brewing inside of me like a hot pot of chili on a cold night. I am frozen with grief.

When Cheetah became popular in the music industry, it transformed him. He declared that he wouldn’t switch up and act Hollywood. I’m wrong because here it is, right in my face and it’s consuming me like a vacuum. He vowed that his becoming successful would make him a better person because of how hard he had it and I was there, I knew how hard he had it from the experiences of seeing his struggle. All that money does is magnify the person you already are. It took time for him to get his foot in the door, and yes, during this entire time, I was living in a parable, thinking I had won the man of my dreams. I was Cinderella with my Prince charming. He’s back with his first love, the darkie with the included amenities of fame and fortune. I knew he wanted to get back with her, but I totally blocked it, living in a whole fairytale of happily ever after. I’m sure he’s still dipping off with his side pieces, especially now that he’s becoming famous and getting money. How can he lose he’s got the look, the charm, the talent, and the money not to have it all? Oh, and might I add the mind-blowing sex! YES! I can’t leave that out. Any girl in my position would be ready to murder him. The thoughts have crossed my mind: I want him dead, but I want him back and that’s running concurrent with the hate that I have brewing inside. The saying about a thin line between love and hate is exact. I’m a psychotic hot mess, but it’s hard to turn it all loose when a guy grabs your heart mentally, emotionally, and physically.

I’m ecstatic about being pregnant, especially with Cheetah’s first kid. I’m in a position that she wants to be in I’m sure, especially with giving him his first child. He made that dream come true for me, but I don’t have the RING. We made it to the finish line with an expected pregnancy that I wanted but he doesn’t. I’m miserable that I don’t have him. Being pregnant helps me cope with losing a man that I love. Loving him without having the same in return from him is driving me crazy, and it’s draining. I want him back! How can I get him back? I can’t decide if I’m wanting him, or the lifestyle. I’m not sure if it’s the lifestyle or the sex or maybe it’s both. I can’t figure out anything anymore. I must admit he’s the best sex I’ve ever had.

I find myself stuck sometimes, daydreaming about those intimate moments, and I forget what I’m doing, is that normal? Is this what happens when a person’s sprung and in love? Does every girl in my position go through this? Nobody makes me feel the way that Cheetah does. I can’t sleep at night from having thoughts of us. I miss his body next to mine. It’s not fair! It feels lonely seeing his side of the bed empty and desolate with a mental image of his frame that was once there beside me. Will this be a permanent empty bed space from now on? Will he come back to me and fill my heart again? It feels like I can’t breathe, as if life is being sucked right out of me. Some mornings I don’t want to wake up.

During our first sexual rendezvous, he gave me a mind blowing orgasm. My legs locked up and I couldn’t move. I felt my soul lifting from my body and he had to massage me to bring me back to realization that we just made the most powerful love. Here I’m thinking that I’m the one with the experience, but physically he’s the sexual genius. He’s got those sensual exchanges that have you mentally and physically climaxing diamonds, gold and pearls at the same time. He’d have me on the verge of fainting. Literally! He’d take me there; his gaze into my eyes, would give me the most powerful climax, a girl could ever dream of. YES, like that! I never had a man make my mind and soul fill with such passionate emotion. He knows how to work his body with slow movements during lovemaking, just like his dance and massage skills, he’s so intuitive about my secret spots, and I’m his prisoner. Cheetah made feel wonderful, even out of the bed, he made me feel wonderful just being in his company. Now he’s giving it all to Alia. I bet he gives her good sex too, bitch! I’m sure she gets 100 percent of him.

He’s broadcasted his marriage on Facebook. I showed up at his reception wanting to fight, but they threw me out before I could get to his new wife. I didn’t get to see her; I was trying to see what she had on and what her dress looked like. Cheetah was mad, but I didn’t care, I wanted to beat her up. The fight was almost about to materialize until Cheetah blocked that action. Now here I am at home, grieving and looking through Facebook pictures thinking that she would be rocking an iced out dress at her wedding, but hell no, she was looking like she came right out of Little House On The Prairie series. Cheetah looks so handsome in his suit; he was FLY! I wanted to fight through my pain and take out my aggression and jealousy on his new love. I wanted to make her disappear and go away for good, and bring him back to me again. He stopped that and his family is perhaps viewing me from different eyes.

Cheetah’s drawing in fans on social media; nobody cares that he’s married, especially the red bone women and everybody loves anything to do with Cheetah. He maxed out his Facebook page with five thousand friends. His love is growing everywhere and all over the planet.

He’s got a fan page with limitless followers, and everyone wanting to be a part of his life story accompanied by his successes. I’m scrolling, reading his statuses, and he’s boasting about ALIA, his new dark chocolate trophy. He’s praising her like she’s perfect. Whatever. Ugggh. He even put out a new song called The Eve Gene, expressing his bible philosophy on the Genesis chapter and how it meant that the tree of knowledge is about Adam eating pussy instead of taking a bite of an apple from a literal tree. That makes a lot of sense when you think about it. What if that’s true? What if that fruit is the vagina? The vagina which is the apple giving life to the world? That makes so much sense. If God didn’t want the tree of knowledge touched, why would he plant it for reach? It makes more sense from a subliminal standpoint. A lot of guys are pumping the song up. His lyrics to the song have a hidden subliminal message. The hook is my favorite;

All it took was one bite; the tree of life is between those thighs. We met in the Garden of Eden; I had to choose between good and evil.

He wrote that song, which rose to number 1 on the singles chart. It’s still number one. He’s got so much talent, and it’s hard to fathom that he and I are not an item. I am hating it! He’s posting images, flexing her spending habits. He’s got big money now and she’s taking full advantage of shopping in name brand stores and buying designer clothes. Yeah, he’s flexing big time and so is she, but he doesn’t realize how evil this industry is and it’s going to sneak up and suck him right in just like it’s done the rest of these celebrities. They go in thinking that it’s the life until they get in and come out drug addicts with mental illness. Yeah; Alia’s taking advantage of shopping; why not, who wouldn’t? She’s come a long way from a broke background. Her clothes came from thrift stores back in the day. She had to wear all of Nicole’s old clothes and she had no style or taste back then. We were the girls that all of the guys chased after because we looked the best and dressed the part. She dressed in dirty skirts, jeans and dresses too big for her with holes in her shoes and she didn’t look nothing like she does now. I’m trying to figure out what does he love about this dark spot? She’s trash! She’s not me. They’re holding hands in moving pictures, and she’s making him stand out to his fanbase. Cheetah’s always dressed nice; he’s the fly one. He’s always been the GOAT. Images of Cheetah are flawless; he’s a magnet to the cameras and canvases. He’s grown into a gorgeous light, and I remember how he would always say, I’m gonna be humble when I make it big.

He finally broke into the industry; and he made it. Yes! He did. He’s got no idea what’s waiting for him in this realm of being a star. I’m glad that he made it; I wouldn’t want it any other way for him. I can’t pretend that I didn’t want him to make it. I’m proud of him because he worked so hard for a long time and he deserves it; he’s got the talent for stardom. His voice speaks for itself. I wish it didn’t hurt so much losing him to a dark skin girl. She’s not better than me. Her selfies are flowing on social media. She thinks she’s a star in entertainment when she’s just a notch on his belt, a dark spot where there is glowing light. A chocolate trophy on his arm for others to take a bite of him. The bitch has a nice body, I’ll give her that credit, but looking better than me, I THINK NOT! I’m surfing her page in dying disgust, wondering how she won. How is it that she managed to get him? As fine as he is, how did she do it? What spells did she use? I’d like to know how she got him to enter her garden. Am I jealous? Hell yes! I’d be lying to say that I’m not; I’m very jealous, so this means I must step up my game; I have to be able to reel him back into my life, not just for my baby but because he’s MINE.

Cheetah is sad about his friend in a coma. I feel bad for Sneaky Loc but not Cheetah’s pain. He deserves that pain, but too bad it won’t last long. Word is out on the street that Novi shot Sneaky Loc over money, but who knows what happened? Everybody’s speculating and trying to devise different theories for clout on social media. I can’t tell the whole story. I grew up with these guys, and in all honesty, I thought they would all grow up and be successful as a crew, but it’s about to get ugly over money. They’re jealous of Cheetah because he made it out of the hood without all of them to tag along. They all knew back then what he was fighting for. He had the need to be famous. None of them stepped up to help support his cause, and they were doing their own thing except for Smoke, Flip, and Jap; they believed in Cheetah. They ran with Cheetah and stuck by him. Now that Cheetah’s made it big with Flip, Smoke, and Jap at his side, everybody’s feeling some type of way, including me. I’m trying to get over Cheetah, and then again, I’m not; it’s not easy. I’m struggling. I’m working to restore my rez rights with Lora, but she said that Alia is living in that house, so I’m not allowed to visit so long as she’s living there. I can’t believe Lora allowed him to move her in. They should’ve gotten their own spot. It’s crazy!

Lora’s doing what Cheetah wants, giving him full access to run her house; he gets to do as he pleases just because he has money. He’s climbing in the industry and making money; why not? How is this bitch living in his parents’ house, tho? Tell me that. How? Why didn’t he get his place? She slithers her black ass right in, and I’m alone, pregnant. I don’t exist now that he’s back with her. He’s obsessed with her it seems. He was always bringing her up in specific conversations when we were an item, I knew he still loved her, but I didn’t want to face it! Shit’s changed and she’s moved in with his family, and I’m only allowed to call and talk to his mom on the phone. That’s the closest that I can get to the rez.

I break down and dial Lora’s number to find out the tea. I have a need to know. Cheetah’s mom and I are cool, and we hit it off when we first met. She’ll tell me the tea. I don’t think she likes Alia, but she’s in her house, so I don’t know. Since Lora and I get along well, I thought it would solidify Cheetah and I’s longevity for a lasting relationship, but that’s NOT the case.

Hello? Lora answers. She sounds upbeat, unlike the Lora I remember before her son’s fame.

Hey, you. My heart’s sprinting

Hey Megan, what’s going on, girl? How are you? It’s good to hear from you. You know Cheetah’s tour started yesterday.

"I know-

Yeah, he’s gone.

I’m not calling for him; I was calling to see how you’re doing.

Oooh, I appreciate that, but I’m just letting you know he’s gone on his tour. He’s not very happy about what happened to his friend Patrick, poor thing; he’s in a coma.

I heard, is he expected to survive or no?

We don’t know. The doctors have him in an induced coma, and he’s on life support, so we still don’t know anything. Cheetah’s been so upset, poor baby; he’s not handling it well. He’s an emotional wreck right now.

Hmm, so am I.

Did darkie go with him on his tour, or she’s still there at the house with you?

Who, his wife? The sound of that made my skin crackle—wife, uggh.

Yeah, her, I sigh.

No, she’s here. She’s been taking care of Cheetah’s business for him. He’s building another home so they’ll be moving out of here soon.

Really? Is he building her a fucking house now? Don’t tell me it’s going to be in the same spot where he and I discussed building our house together.

She’s snickering, Yeah, it’s gonna be down the road from me.

Wow…that’s crazy. I bet it’s the same style house we discussed.

Yeah, he’s having it built, spending a lot of money on it.

Oh wow! She’s already in his pockets; now that he’s on top, she gets all the benefits, oooookay.

Yeah, he’s in love with her, they make a cute couple, and he’s happy with her as far as I can see.

I bet.

She’s a good girl, and I have no complaints; she’s accommodating around here.

"I was too, Lora or did you forget-

I know, you were, Megan; I feel bad it didn’t work out with you and my son. She’s a nice girl, I guess.

You guess? Hmm. I’m so irritated.

How is it that he’s building her a house and leaving me pregnant without one? I don’t get that.

Tears fill my eyes from the jealous tingle in my gut. Lora, I’m in love with your son, and he won’t even talk to me now, and he just walks away and leaves me in the cold, and I’m having his kid all by myself.

He’ll come around, Megan; just give him some time. He’s in a new thing with this girl and jumped into this marriage fast, I don’t know. He’s head over heels for that girl, and he seems happy, but I don’t know what he’s thinking, Megan. I wish that I knew what was going through his mind. He told me that he’s always loved her and wanted to be with her since grade school, and she’s his first love, so I don’t know. I don’t wanna be in the middle of anything with you and him, but it is what it is, I guess.

I frown in tears, feeling the pain again, and my chest and stomach get tight. It feels like I’m suffocating. I’m crying, and she’s on the phone hearing this shit.

Awww, I’m sorry, Megan, I tried to tell him that he shouldn’t leave you and the baby, but he says he’ll be there for the baby; he did tell me that. He’s not going to leave you without help, but he just wants to be with her; I can’t force him to change his mind; he’s a grown man.

He told you that he would help me? Is that what he said?

Yes, he did tell me that.

Maybe he’ll come back to me.

You know what I just found out?

"What? Wait, don’t tell me she’s pregnant too-

"No, this is about Cheetah-

Oh. What?

Do you remember my sister, who died from Cancer?

"Rowena, yeah-

Well, the bitch…my sister left him her entire estate, and she was filthy rich! Can you believe that? You never met my sister did you?

"I remember Rowena, never met her, but I remember her-

Yeah…she left him fifty million dollars and not one penny, and I mean NOT ONE penny did she leave to my other family or me. Isn’t that crazy? She left it all to my son.

Wow. Fifty million, you said?

Yeah…not to mention she left my son land in Texas that’s worth a shit load of money. He’s going to end up richer than that because, from what I remember, my mom told us that there’s oil on that land. If that’s true, he’ll be a billionaire if he sells. Hopefully, my sister wasn’t lying to my mom but yeah. He has no access to that property until he’s 25, and my husband is overseeing it now and helping him because it’s in a living trust. Cheetah’s my husband’s favorite. He’s always been my husband’s favorite.

I thought I was dreaming and hearing things when she said billionaire, or maybe I having a psychosis or my brain is asleep. Did she just say, BILLIONAIRE? OH WOW! What kind of money did his aunt Rowena have? Shit!

He’s so young, my son doesn’t know his rear-end from a hole in the ground right now, and she left him all that friggen money. People think that he got rich from music, but that’s small money compared to the money that came from my sister! Fifty million dollars, girl, and he didn’t give us ANY; he only built this house. I’m grateful, don’t get me wrong, compared to where we used to live, this is a MANSION, but still, she left everything to Cheetah, and I don’t understand why.

Wait, if you don’t mind me asking, how much did he get when he signed?

Oh he got about five or six million when he signed I think, it was a lot. If I ask him for money, he’ll ensure I’m taken care of, but why would she do that, leave all of that money to my son at his age?

I know, wow.

Yeah, that’s what I said. My mom’s got lawyers looking into it because that’s not right; why did she leave HIM her money? I remember when she was sick, my son was always up there at the house with her. She always asked for him and wanted him there to help her; maybe that’s why she left it to him; I don’t know. I know that she was losing her mind when she started getting sick. Hopefully, my son didn’t take it from her.

I doubt that; she might’ve left it to him, Lora.

I know, but that much money and all of that land, she left him her entire estate; that’s too much, don’t you think?

It is a lot of money, wow.

Yeah, and he’s girl crazy, and it might not even last between him and Alia. I think it’s infatuation because of her looks if you ask me. She is a pretty girl, and maybe he does love her; only time will tell.

"I don’t think so; she’s aiight, she’s not prettier than me-

Well, she’s pretty, Megan, and so are you…both of you are beautiful girls. My son has a lot of pretty girls chasing him. He just needs to make up his mind, I think he’s just girl crazy right now.

I guess… he loves her and not me, I admit it, finally realizing. I know deep down inside that he does love Alia, but he loves me too.

My son is rich now, and he doesn’t know what to do with himself with all that money. He just bought his dad a Jaguar, and he bought himself a Lamborghini, had the inside customized with Gucci leather seats; it’s nice.

Wow, did he get her a car?

He bought her a used car, nothing fancy; it’s a Honda; she doesn’t go anywhere; I don’t think he wants her to.

All that money he got, and he bought her a Honda, I’m laughing.

Well, he’s protective of her, but she picked out the car; I’m sure he wanted her in something nice, but she was just excited about having a car. I guess she didn’t want anything fancy. He’s got a lot of fans and supporters on the rez that love his talent, and this stuff is new to him, so it’s getting to his head. People love his music, and the way he sings is phenomenal, he’s always had a beautiful voice, and he can dance so well; I’m so proud of my baby.

Yeah, he’s talented, that’s true. Naturally gifted. He was destined for greatness regardless; he would have money either way, Lora.

"With that land, he’s going to inherit so much more money from my sister’s property in Texas; that land has oil on it, my sister told my mom years ago that it’s worth a lot of money, but I don’t know, she could’ve been just saying that. We’ll see about that, and I don’t understand why she left it all to him. That makes no sense, but then again, perhaps that’s my sister’s way of being a jerk before she died. She’d do for him but not my other kids. It’s the same with my husband, everybody favors Cheetah, and he was a good baby, too; he was just born special, that kid. I think he was her favorite.

Well, who doesn’t favor Cheetah? He’s someone to love. My eyes fill with tears.

Yes girl, my son will be a billionaire! Isn’t that something?

It was his destiny, Lora.

Yes, but come on, Megan, you know it’s going to go straight to his head. He’s always wanted to be rich and famous, so I guess he got what he wanted. Lora said, sounding like she was happy for him but, at the same time, wondering if he would leave her out in the cold. She was drinking a lot and not paying attention to her sons until Cheetah’s name grew large, and he broke into the industry, and I knew he would. He would get so bummed out sometimes and want to give up, but I used to push him to keep going, and look what happened. We all made him keep going and kept him encouraged about his music. Lora would be in her world back then when I first met her. Her kids took care of themselves. Now that Mr. Raymond is back on the scene and out of the military, she’s on her best behavior. Mr. Raymond is helping his son blow up big in the industry, and it’s working, and she’s on her square.

I don’t drink like I used to, She admits. Cheetah wants me to stop drinking so much, and so does my husband, so I’ve stopped.

That’s good, I admit—bout time.

Yeah, I gained weight, girl; I’m so fat now. She laughs.

You are not fat, Lora; you look good to be forty.

Thank you, but I’m trying not to get fat. Since my son made it, I’ve been eating so much, eating out at fancy restaurants and shopping all the time; he’s spoiling me; I’m proud of my baby; I just hope he knows what he’s doing with all this fucking money, girl. If my sister wasn’t lying.

Um, um, um.

Wow! Well, I know he will love and honor my baby. I hope I have a boy. If I can’t have him, God willing, I’ll have his first son. She can’t take that away from me, I’m crying in silence.

I don’t care what you have as long as it’s a healthy baby, and I’m excited about being a first-time grandma, and you know it’s funny because I thought it would be Chepi or Marcus giving me my first grandkids, but it’s my baby boy.

Excuse me for saying this, but as good-looking as your son is and his bedroom skills, you need to know right now that he’s going to make your family a lot bigger. I have Lora laughing.

Oh my God, Megan…I don’t need to hear that about my son.

I’m just being honest! Not trying to be funny.

Oh, he’s excited about his first kid. He said that he was initially scared, but now he’s excited. Don’t get rid of it.

I’m not! Are you kidding me? I want my FAMILY back.

I know you do, sweetheart; these guys do what they want, and they’re so unpredictable; they can love you today and tomorrow be with someone else .

Has he said anything about getting back with me?

He just told me he wants me to keep in touch with you. So, I know my son cares for you, Megan; you just have to give him some time to get through this stuff with his friend. I’m sure he’ll reach out to you; the least you guys can do is be friends so that you can co-parent. I want you to keep in touch with me as well.

I want to come and see you, Lora; I miss you guys.

I know honey, I miss you too, but Cheetah will have a fit if I allow you to come here, and he’s got her here; he doesn’t want you guys fighting, especially after that fiasco at the reception when you showed up. She’s right about that; it would be a fight if I could get my hands around her neck.

I apologize about that Lora I was in my feelings and I still am. I admit. I’m hurting so much.

I know.

I’m sorry for almost ruining your event, I’m pregnant and my hormones are making me feel crazy.

I know, which is why you shouldn’t be fighting. I’m sure he will let you come back to visit after the baby is born. He just doesn’t want you and Alia to fight.

Ain’t nobody thinking about that girl, and she does NOT look better than me. Do you think she does?

"She’s pretty, Megan-

Noooo…not better than me.

You think she’s ugly?

Well, she’s dark, and I don’t think she looks better than me, Lora. Lora’s laughing.

"C’mon Megan, stop; I know you’re jealous-

Jealous? It’s the truth; I look way better than her; if he was going to leave me, he could’ve left me for a girl with some style and on my looks level. She’s so dark and plain.

She’s dark, but she’s a beautiful girl Megan; c’mon, don’t be rude like that. I know it hurts, but she’s not ugly.

I’m just saying, Lora, he could’ve done better, you know?

My son has good taste; he gets it from me, She brags.

You know what, he can have her if that’s who he wants. She’s only with him because of the money. She wasn’t thinking about rekindling before he got in the industry. I was the one that was always there. She left him, remember!?

I know, honey, but he’s so happy; lately, he’s been really happy since they got back together, even with him getting the record deal he wasn’t as happy as he is now.

Did they have a big wedding?

No, they had a small thing at the courthouse, it was my idea to give him a reception. I made it a surprise for him.

Well did she at least have a different dress then the one that she had on, I didn’t see her at the reception, how did her dress look there?

Nice, I have pictures. You wanna see ‘em?

No, I don’t wanna see that; I can’t.

It came out nice for it to be short notice. Cheetah’s dad tried to get him to make her sign a prenup, but he wouldn’t do it, so I know he’s in love with her! She doesn’t care about his money; they’re just young kids in love. They’re genuinely in love.

Do you like her more than me?

Megan, I love you, you know that. I’m barely getting to know her, so I can’t compare you guys; I don’t want to do that.

She’s just with him for the money; if they split up, she’s getting half.

Well, we have rez laws regarding that stuff, but I’m sure they’ll stay married, he says he wants a family with her. I don’t know how they will work out. I don’t see them splitting up; I mean, who knows with my son. It’s always been a lot of girls chasing my son. This one’s got his nose wide open though. She really does.

You think so, I don’t think so! He’s just stupid! She’s going to hurt him; watch, he’s going to get his whole heart ripped to shreds like he’s ripped mine.

I hope not. Alia seems like she loves him.

Lora, that girl is all about herself. Nicole told me Alia’s trying to get her mother out of Belize. She was a baby when her mother got deported. She found out that Nicole’s mom’s husband is her father.

"Oh wow-

Yeah. So, it’s scandalous; there’s a lot of drama with that family. Alia’s mom was sleeping with Nicole’s mother’s husband. Her sister!

Really?

Yes. Nicole’s family’s got dirty secrets and drama, and you better watch Alia around your son, Lora. I’m not saying this because I’m jealous; I’m telling you what I know.

We’ll see. I hope he’s smart enough to protect his heart, and I will keep my eyes and ears open. So far, she’s been taking care of everything that he needs. She does what he says. He doesn’t allow her out. She’s no longer working at the library because he wants her in the house, and if she leaves, she has to let him or us know. He has her on a tight leash. She’s submissive to him.

Submissive, hmm. That can’t be me. She does what he says, and hell no, I do what I want.

That’s why he wanted her because he can control her. He couldn’t do that with me.

No, you’re right about that, Lora laughs. You’re a tough cookie. She teases. But I’m sure he’ll contact you, just give it time.

I can’t stop crying over him, I love him so much.

You’ll be okay, Megan. I’ll probably stop by to see you later. I need to go to the mall and get some more bras, so I’ll pick you up, and we can do lunch.

That sounds nice. So, do you think Cheetah will let me visit you?

I don’t know, it’s up to him, Lora replies, and my line beeps; it’s Nicole.

Well, Lora, can I call you back later?

Sure, call me later, honey. Okay?

Okay, love you.

Love you more.

I switch the line, hearing music in the background. Hey Nikki, wassup girl?

Bitch! Watchu doing?

Sitting here tripping about the BILLIONAIRE status I just heard about my baby’s dad.

Girl, I was calling to tell you that. Oh my God, you heard about it too?

Yes. How did you find out?

"Duh, I’m screwing his brotherrrrrr-

AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH

Why did she leave him all that money, girl? His mama does NOT feel that; she’s hatin-

Girl, can you blame her? Her own sister leaving that massive amount of money to her son?

I know wow.

Yeah. My cousin got that nucca back after all these years; I never thought he would go BACK.

ME EITHER…man, he should’ve upgraded, especially after getting that rich! Come on.

Right, but she came up! She got him as her husband now. Can you believe they’re married?

Did you go to the little court wedding they had?

"Nope, but I saw pictures- AHAAHAHAHAHAHA

"YOU DID, where girl, not on Facebook, I didn’t see them on Facebook I just saw the reception pictures-

"Uh uh, she didn’t put the wedding on Facebook, but Cheetah sent some to his brother, and I saw them. He looked fly, but she was like, whatever, she has no damn style, the girl’s a straight Mary Poppins," HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

How did the dress look? Was it at least nice?

AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA….girl PLAIN! So damn plain, for him to have that much money, she went out REAL PLAIN GIRL! I heard you showed up at the reception trying to fight.

I did…Cheetah was mad at threatened me, now I’m banned from the rez, oh well, I shrug.

Yeah they had a court wedding, it was quick, my mom wouldn’t sign for her to get married to him she was still under age, my well, step dad signed.

"Wow, no wonder she won’t show them on Facebook, HAHAHAHAHAHA…oh my God, I laugh, Like that?"

Yeees, honey…she didn’t want me there, but Marcus was there; it wasn’t big from what I heard, just family.

Fuck them. Reality is setting in; they’re married. This shit hurts; it does. I can barely breathe.

"Awww, girl, I know it hurts, boo; I’m sorry. It might not work out with them, and he’s just fresh into the industry; he’s gone have so many women coming after him, this is just the beginning and he’s not your problem anymore-

"Gee, thanks, Nikki-

"Noooo, I’m not trying to be funny; I’m just saying…she won’t be his only va-jay-jay, with her dark black self. He needs a red bone to match his fine ass-

I know, right…MEEE. We laugh.

Yeah, girl. He’s building her a mini-mansion on the rez. Did you know about that?

"I heard about the house, but you said mini-mansion? Who said that? I thought it was just a regular house?" He should’ve moved off the rez but then again, not with these ninjas on the block lurking and can easily pop up. The rez is secure.

Yes, he’s building that huzzy a bomb mini-mansion. Girl, she got him sprung or something because they are building it as we speak. A mini-mansion.

I heard it was just a two-story! Damn!

No, he’s building her a seven-bedroom house, girl; it’s going to be a mansion compared to what they were living in before. Shoot.

"Bitch-

Okay? That’s what I said; how did she get so lucky with him and not you?" Nicole’s rubbing salt in again. I hate friends that do that. Instead of her having my back for emotional support, she’s pouring salt into my injury and making it feel more like a gunshot wound.

Whatever, she got him; they’re married now. Oh well.

Yep, but you’ll find someone, boo….

I bet she tries to get pregnant.

Of course, you know she screwing the dog mess outta that fine nucca!

Girl, she was a virgin; she’s green.

"She’ll learn HAHAHAHAHAHAHA

I roll my eyes. I can’t believe I’m hearing this.

She wants his baby.

Of course, she does, you know that. Cheetah is HELLA FINE, too; you know I always thought Cheetah was fine girl! Everybody’s on that nigga now. He is TOO FOINE! She’s crushing on my baby daddy too.

I laugh. Alia’s trying to give him a kid only because of me. I place my hand on my belly.

I’m due in December. I’m prepping for a long pregnancy and praying for a boy. His rightful heir.

I think you’re having a boy too. Do you get sick?

I stay sick at night, and I dread it. I just want him to be here for his kid.

I’m sure he will. He doesn’t seem like the type to be a deadbeat. Marcus said that he’s excited about being a dad now.

Oh really?

Yeah, girl. I think deep down he still loves you. You should call him while he’s on tour. I’m sure he’ll talk to you.

Yeah, maybe I should. I realize. Where are you now?

On my way home. I just applied for a job at Safari records.

"WHAT, how did it go-

I dunno yet. I need a real job, girl; this little bullshit job I have at the market ain’t shit. I need more money, and Steven told me to apply. I had an interview with his white secretary. He said he needs an assistant. Marisol is not working there anymore, she quit, I heard she’s about to marry Chepi if they’re not already married and you know that’s Alia’s bestie.

Yeah, I know, but go for it girl, good luck. Was Steven at the office or not?

No, he went with them on tour; they all went….including Marcus. Girl, I will be bored with no ding-a-ling for the next four months. She realizes, taking me out of my deep funk with a good laugh.

So damn, he’s going to be gone that long?

Yes, they’re touring 27 cities. You might have the baby by the time he comes back.

What happened to Sneaky Loc? What’s the story? Or do you know?

All I know is that his brother said they were all at the club for Cheetah’s birthday, and Sneaky Loc got a text from someone and when he went out and got shot. They say Novi shot him, but I dunno how true that is.

Ooo what, is he in jail?

Nope, nobody is willing to tell who shot him, and Sneaky Loc is still in a coma, so the detectives are waiting to see if he’s gonna pull through.

Well, what makes them think Novi did it?

Razz told Marcus that Sneaky Loc said Novi’s name before he went unconscious. I don’t know how true that is, girl. There are so many stories out there that I don’t know what to believe. They didn’t see him on camera, and the camera in the back of the club was out of commission, so they couldn’t get any footage.

Oh wow…poor thing. I feel sorry for Sylvia; she’s cool.

Yeah, girl, and I hear she’s pregnant again too, very much pregnant, like 7 or 8 months. I hope he survives. Razz has been up there daily for his brother, and they won’t let nobody in to visit him.

Wow, that’s horrible. Novi’s an asshole if he shot him; he’s always been jealous of them, and I don’t think Sneaky Loc had enemies like that. The last I remember when I was with Cheetah is, Novi was trying to get on with them, and Sneaky Loc’s brother Razz was heavily into Cheetah and he’s rich and famous; why would Novi be jealous of Sneaky Loc? It isn’t Sneaky’s money.

"Yeah, that’s what Marcus was saying. You hear that dis record Novi put out about Cheetah?"

Yeah, I heard that song, it was funny, but he didn’t get noticed for it.

I know, I’m just saying it was a good song; Novi’s got some talent; he can rap.

Underground is where he will stay because, as far as it went, no record labels picked him up.

He was selling his CD’s and making money off of it.

And he should’ve stuck to trying to be like Cheetah; maybe he would’ve gone somewhere, but why shoot Sneaky Loc? That’s foul. If he did it. We don’t know.

Yeah, that’s crazy.

Hmm. I roll my eyes in disgust.

Um, hmm. But girl, let me get in here and help my mom; I’ll call you later, okay?

Okay. Call me.

I’m off the line with Nikki, and, I feel she has a thing for Cheetah too. She’s a friend but, she’s one of those friends that will sneak behind your back to play around in the sheets with your man if she could get away with it. I remember how she used to stare him down whenever she came over to chill, and she would laugh at all his jokes, even the corny ones. Maybe I’m overthinking and too much in my head, but those memories came rushing back, and you start seeing stuff as you grow through pain. I want to go and see Sneaky Loc, but I hear that he has a code, and if you didn’t know it, you aren’t getting in there. I don’t know it. I’m not trying to figure it out, either.

I decide to dial Cheetah. I don’t want to seem like I’m jockin him, but whatever. He’s got a fancy music ringtone when you call his phone with added rich amenities and a new lifestyle.

Hello? He answers to my surprise. What?

Hey…it’s Megan.

I know who this is; wud up? My heart is pounding; oh my God, I can’t believe he answered.

I was just calling to see what’s going on. I hear you’re on tour now, congratulations on your record deal.

Yuuup thanks, He said, and he’s laughing at something going on with the guys in the background. I can tell from the noise in the background he’s around a bunch of company, guys mostly. So yeah… what’s up Megan? What’s good?

I heard about Sneaky Loc; that’s messed up.

Yeah, that is fucked up. The homie is still fighting for his life. I’m just hoping that my boy pulls through, you know?

This time, he sounds down to earth without the Hollywood swag in his voice. This humbled him.

I wanna go and see him.

Sylvia’s not allowing people up in there like that, only close family. They want him to get off the machine first. I hear girls in the background. I knew it would be some girls around him. I’m sure he’s surrounded by groupies, like always. Hella, fine; of course, they’ll be on him.

I’m quietly in my head as he’s laughing and talking with his boys. So, how is married life?

It’s good. You should try it sometimes.

Whatever, shut up. You’re not funny.

Yes, I am, gone and admit it.

That wasn’t funny.

"How have you been? Besides all the other drama and you came to my reception trying to fight my wife, did you calm down? He asked; now he’s turning on the act again.

Have you calmed yourself? Are you still bitter or better than before? You aren’t trying to fight my wife again, are you? UGG! I hate that word, every time I hear it, it reminds me of fingernails rolling down a chalkboard. Ugggh!

No, I haven’t been on the rez, you banned me remember?

You gave me no choice, I had to, you coming over my mom’s house acting psycho.

"You know why-

Enlighten me.

Because Cheetah, I’m upset and hurt about you. I want to keep the peace now, Cheetah, and not fight with your uhhhh significant other. I roll my eyes upward.

That’s good to hear, but can I trust your word?

Yes! I won’t touch her Cheetah, I promise. I smile, with thoughts of running her out of his life. I want to go on the rez again and see your mom; you know I vibe with her. I miss her so much.

Yeah, I do know that. Yawl running buddies.

Can I go and see her?

We’ll see about that when I come home.

Why c’mon, I’m pregnant and want her to be a part of it.

My mom is still gonna be a part of it because of me, not you going over there trying to start shit with Alia, hell nah.

"Wow, I can’t believe you’re dissing me-

Look, Meg baby, I don’t wanna fight with you either, but I want to be a part of the baby’s life since you’re going through with this pregnancy. I don’t want you over there fighting with my wife.

You have to understand why I’m so hurt, Cheetah.

"I do understand-

Nooo, you don’t. You left me for her, and I still love you! You know, I can’t just turn off my feelings like a light switch? I wipe my eyes. This hurts every day; you have no idea, and this pregnancy is making the pain triple.

"That’s on YOU. I didn’t try to hurt you or get you pregnant; that pregnancy is YOUR fault; you told me that you were on the pill-

"I was-

"Okay, well, don’t act like I tried to knock you up and trap you on purpose…that’s bullshit. You already knew how I felt about Alia, from day one to keep it a hunnid-

"Yeah yeah, yeah, blah, blah, blah…but you were STILL with ME-

C’mon, don’t act like you didn’t know I always had feelings for her. You knew that from day one.

What about me? What about US Anthony? You just forgot about everything between us? You go and marry someone you don’t know?

What, He chuckles like it’s funny.

What do you even know about her?

Everything. You act like this is someone that I just met off the street. You want me to keep it real, witchu, swear to God real?

"Yes, please do-

"I’ve been trying to get back with her for years while I was with you-

"I KNEW IT…you’re trying to make me cry, aren’t you-

Nahhh, I’m just being real. Since you think I’m so Hollywood and trying to be fake, I’m keeping it REAL, and HOOD! We got history; she was before you, remember?! I don’t want to hear this. I don’t want to listen to the truth; it hurts too much. It’s choking me like housefire smoke.

Why did you get with me then?

Because she didn’t want me back after I cheated on her. She was hurt because I had sex with you. She asked me if we had sex, and I told her the truth; I didn’t wanna lie to her.

"Damn-

"Yeah. You were teasing a nucca, gave a nucca that shit too, had me throwing up-

"I didn’t know I had Gonorrhea Cheetah; I thought you gave it to me-

"Hell no, that was YOU…and you tried to blame it on her, and she was a virgin, not even having sex-

I’m crying now. I’m SORRY.

"It’s cool, and I forgave you because I kept dealing with you when I shouldn’t have, but I couldn’t fall in love with you because you had already fucked a couple of the homies-

"Before you…I didn’t while I was with you-

Alia was a virgin until she married me. Even after she left me, she wasn’t messing with any of my homies! She wouldn’t look their way let alone, talk to them not even on a friendship; she stayed to herself. I was wrong for hurting you and I shouldn’t have been with you. I do apologize for that. I wasn’t trying to hurt you, but I was trying to get back with her; she was making it hard. I didn’t mean to break your heart. I swear I didn’t.

No? Well, you did, I cried. What do you love about her, Cheetah? You don’t even fucking know her.

Alia’s my heart. I know her better than you think, Megan. Now the truth comes out. It was never about me. He used me trying to get over her.

She doesn’t even look better than me, I’m a red bone, and you left me for a darkie.

What, He laughs. "My wife is gorgeous; I dunno what you are talkin bout; she’s FINE, naturally pretty, and you just-

Don’t get me wrong; she’s pretty to be dark, but…she doesn’t look better than me.

She’s beautiful on the inside and out and LOYAL.

I guess her loyalty trumps my looks.

You just don’t know; she’s a whole VIBE. She’s naturally beautiful, and we have a bomb friendship. We have a lot in common; we’re the same age. We’re together, Megan, and I think you knew that but threw a monkey wrench in my shit. He’s sounding like Cheetah now; the Cheetah I know from the block. He’s keeping it real; it just hurts. "To be honest, I was silly and green, didn’t know too much about relationships, and you came right at the time when I was out there wylin…running the streets, thuggin and grinding-

"I don’t care; I still wanna be with you; I don’t care how you feel about her-

You’re older than me. I was always in love with her to keep it a hunnid. I always wanted it to be her, but I hurt her, and she didn’t deserve that. She cried every day over me for four years! Can you believe that?

No, she’s full of shit; she doesn’t care.

She does, trust me…she did cry for me for many years…that’s real love and loyalty. He’s right, but I’m crying now and fighting the truth. He talked about her every fucking chance he got, and I knew he had feelings, but I was trying to change them.

Man, I dogged her out so bad, and she’s been through a lot of shit and took a lot of my shit and still stayed loyal. I cheated on her with not just you but other girls. I got with you because I thought it would make me feel better, but it didn’t.

I’m secretly crying as he explains this to me. His truth is pouring out like a slow migration of lava from a ripe volcano. I’m not trying to hear that shit. I should’ve never got with you….but I was going through a rebound thing, I guess, for four years.

"Are you saying that you never loved