I should have known. That nigga’s more green than me.
Still, love makes you do stupid shit. Like believe a man, trust him to lead you when every fiber in your being is telling you not to.
And now look. These niggas he supposedly knew, that he mademedo unspeakable things with, went up in flames. That fat one Qortez…
I sucked it up. I did what he required because I wanted a slice of the pie. I wanted what Bully promised me before my sister grew a backbone and snitched on him. I was seconds away from finally getting a seat at the table, so close I could taste it.
And now, I’m sitting on my couch with this doofus while the walls close in.
My phone vibrates on the coffee table. From the picture I know it’s Van, so I swipe my phone and silence the call.
“What the fuck are you gonna do, Sin?”
This nigga’s rocking back and forth, eyes glued to the tv screen. “Le-let me think,” he stammers, as my phone behind to vibrate again.
I sigh, standing up to take the call in my room.
“Yes, Van,” I mutter as I close the door behind me.
“YOU’VE GOT TWENTY MINUTES TO GET TO STORYVILLE BEFORE I DOG WALK YOUR DUMB ASS ALL OVER THIS FUCKIN’ CITY!”
“Who–”
“I’M TALKING TO YOUR SIMPLE ASS. DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT I SACRIFICED FOR YOU?! WHAT I GAVE UP FOR YOU TO HAVE A NORMAL LIFE?! AND YOU’VE THROWN IT ALL AWAY FOR WHAT?! HAVE YOU LEARNEDANYTHINGFROM WATCHING ME?!”
“You weren’t strong enough to do what needs to be done to stay on top. I am!”
“You stupid bitch! I did what needed to be done when I put that nigga in jail for trying you! I did what needed to be done when I took his money and gave us a new life! And look at whatyou’vedone… made an enemy out of Shad and all of Foe Dub–”
“They don’t even know I’m involved–”
I’m cut off by Van’s hysterical laughter. “God, if I cut into your head and looked down, it would be a fucking bottomless pit. Shad’s known formonthsyour stupid ass is all into Sincere. How do you think I know the first stop he’s making is to your condo!”
Blood rushes to my ears and I have to lean on the door for balance.
“Yeah, yo ass quiet now, huh? You were never built for that life, Sahara. You let that nigga get into your head because Shad kept you away, but he did it for a reason. Now look. I’m not letting you go out like that. But I’m not saving that nigga. Get to Storyville or I’m coming to you.”*beep*beep*beep*
I take a few calming breaths before wiping the sweat off my forehead. I thought Shad figured I was cheating, but him knowing about Sincere…
I gotta go.
Thank God all my important documents are with Van. I grab my wallet off the nightstand and walk back into the living room.
“You gotta go.”
Sincere stops rocking to ball his face up at me. “What are you talking about?”
I lick my lips. “You gotta go, Sincere. I’m leaving with Van, and you gotta go too.”
Sincere hops up but I hold my hand up, making him freeze.
“It’s like that, bae? We can figure this shit out.”
“It’s nothing to figure out, Sin… Shad knows.”
“No–”
“He does. And he’s on his way here. I love you, Sin… take care of yourself.” I wipe my face and turn toward the door.
