Married to a Balla (2 page)

Her attention was suddenly shifted when she looked up and noticed their nanny Ms. Petra in the window holding four-month old Payton, the newest addition to the Washington family. Ms. Petra was an older, heavy-set woman from Jamaica with long thick dreads that had grown drastically over the years. Not only had Ms. Petra helped Skye raise her two boys, but she was also one hell of a housekeeper. Over the years Ms. Petra and Skye developed a bond and she often consoled her through the difficult times with Sandino.

With Skye losing her parents in a car accident at an early age, she considered Ms. Petra a mother figure. Over time though, Sandino grew jealous of their relationship and threatened to fire Ms. Petra on several occasions. Luckily his threats were never carried out because along with Skye, her sons Kareem and Jordan, considered her as part of the family. Plus her cooking was out of this world. There was no way anyone could part with her famous jerk chicken and dumplings.

Suddenly, Kareem and Jordan appeared in the window, too. After waving at them, Skye smiled at her sons. She loved them and tried her best to shield the two teenagers from some of the horrible things going on in their home. Living with their father hadn’t always proven to be the best life due to Sandino’s strict ways. He’d made it clear on several occasions that they were to follow in his footsteps by playing sports. It could be either football or basketball since he was a fan of both, but they had to be athletic. His famous line was, “ain’t no punk-ass sissys being raised up in this house!”

Sandino even insisted on naming the kids after his favorite basketball players, Michael Jordan, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, and also the late great football star, Walter Payton. Skye had no choice in the matter and was forced to give into his demands as always.

As Ms. Petra and the kids disappeared, Skye began to think about her life, and how she prayed almost every night that things would go back to her and Sandino’s days at Morgan State University. He’d gone from this sweet, gentle guy who walked her to class everyday to someone she barely knew. Even when Skye found out she was pregnant during her sophomore year, Sandino never left her side. He was always a kind and supportive man who treated Skye with the up-most respect. Someone she fell deeply in love with. Their love for each other still seemed to flourish after their second son was born two years later and Sandino was drafted by the NFL. They even got married during his first year in the league.

However, their marital bliss seemed to hit a brick wall once Sandino received a severe knee injury four years ago. Once he was placed on the injured reserve list, the stress of not being able to play football began tearing their family apart, especially when Sandino started abusing the pain killer, Oxycontin.

His addiction soon produced violent mood swings and in time had them all walking around on egg shells not knowing when he would have an outburst. Although intense physical therapy eventually led Sandino back on the field, he’d been traded to three different teams due to his attitude. He’d only played with the Dolphins one year, and they’d already threatened to trade him once again if he didn’t get himself together. Apparently all the fines for late practices and arguing with the defensive coordinator wasn’t working. To make matters worse, he’d already been suspended for an illegal hit during the first preseason game. Only Skye and a few others knew he was a functioning drug addict who knew how to pass drug tests. Skye often wondered if she would ever see the man she once knew and loved surface before it was too late.

“Excuse me, Mrs. Washington, I’m so sorry,” a waiter said bumping into her.

Skye came out the daze making sure he hadn’t spilled champagne on her white silk Missoni dress which fit her body like a glove. At a toned weight of a hundred and thirty-five pounds, it was hard to believe she’d birthed three kids.

“What up ladies?” Skye heard someone say.

When she turned around, Sandino’s friend, Cruze was turning up a glass of Hennessey and Coke. They’d been good friends since knee-high.

“Hey Cruze,” Asia spoke in a ghetto tone. She’d been trying to get with him forever, but he never seemed interested.

Cruze only nodded at Asia before directing his attention back to Skye. “You out did yourself on the party. This shit is banging.”

“Thanks, your boy just headed over there,” Skye said, pointing in the direction of the tents.

“Alright, I’ma holla at you a little later.” Cruze gave her a small peck on the cheek before walking away.

Cruze, who’d just started growing dreads, was an average looking guy, but his rock hard one hundred and eighty pound body and swag were out of this world. It caused the women to flock to him like crazy.

Out of all Sandino’s friends, Skye liked Cruze the most. Although he’d gotten into some trouble and spent a short time in prison, he’d always seemed to be a positive figure in Sandino’s life. Never one of his “yes” men, Cruze was the only person willing to stand up to Sandino and tell him when he was wrong. He also had admiration for their marriage, and didn’t condone Sandino’s bad-boy ways. Skye could only hope some of Cruze’s good ways rubbed off on her husband.

“Damn, that nigga must stay in the gym,” Asia said. “Maybe I’ll ask if he needs some company one day.”

“Let’s go inside,” Skye quickly suggested. She didn’t even wait for Asia’s response before she headed inside their 6,800 square foot home.

After socializing all evening, Skye desperately needed to sit down and rest her feet.
Damn these Giuseppe sandals are killing me. For $700 dollars they should have a damn foot massager built inside,
Skye thought.

As soon as she plopped down at the huge maple leaf granite bar in the kitchen, Asia walked in behind her wearing a tight fitting black Theory jumpsuit showing off her flat stomach and bodacious set of hips. Asia was your classic pretty girl with flawless brown skin, hazel eyes and was always dressed to kill…just like Skye. In fact the two had even met inside the Coral Gables Neiman Marcus store a few years ago. Asia who had just moved to Miami from Texas asked Skye her advice about a Louis Vuitton purse that she was about to buy. Normally, Skye didn’t hold conversations with unknown women, especially stuck-up Neiman Marcus ones, but it was something about Asia that instantly made Skye put her guards down.

After exchanging numbers, the two hit it off instantly and went on massive shopping sprees during Sandino’s away games, and Skye even managed to sneak out a few times to go with Asia to the hottest clubs. What Skye didn’t know at first was that Asia was a party girl who loved to be on every set. Even though Skye felt like Asia acted like all the rest of Miami’s groupie chicks at times, she was still good people.

“Skye, you really know how to throw a party, although Sandino’s ungrateful-ass doesn’t deserve it, or you for that matter,” Asia stated.

“Asia, please, I asked you not to start tonight. My fucking feet hurt and I’m not in the mood. Plus you know I had to beg him to let you come tonight,” Skye responded. Sandino hated Asia’s whorish ways as well.

Asia rolled her eyes. She hated the way Skye let him control her. She didn’t care how much money he had. In her heart, Skye could do much better. “Fuck Sandino. He may own you, but he don’t own me. When do you plan to leave? I see that mark under your eye that you’re trying to hide.”

Skye bit her bottom lip. She thought the concealer she’d put on had covered her newest war wound.

“Is this where the real party is?” a male voice suddenly interrupted.

Skye and Asia both smiled at the handsome, light-skinned brotha standing in the kitchen doorway wearing what looked like a white Versace suit.

“Party over hurrr!” Asia yelled raising her hands in the air with her drink. “Damn, he’s a looker,” she whispered. “Who is he?” Every now and then her country Texas slang would come out.

“That’s Keon, Sandino’s new trainer. He trains all the top ball players in the league. He’s defiantly paid. I saw him pull up in the new Porsche Panamera.”

“Damn, hook me up Skye,” Asia replied.

When Keon walked in the kitchen and joined the ladies, Asia licked her full lips.
Yeah, I knew that was Versace,
she thought getting a closer look at his suit.

“Keon, this is my good friend Asia, and Asia this is Keon,” Skye greeted.

“Hello, it’s nice to finally meet you. I’ve seen you around and always wanted to holla, but you always have a man in your face,” Keon said to Asia with a wink.

Asia forcefully grabbed his hand looking for a wedding band. When she didn’t see one, she pulled him closer to her. “Well, I damn sure have never seen you before. Nice to meet you, too, boo,” she said grinning.

Skye shook her head then smiled. Asia was certainly over the top, with a huge personality, but she loved her no less.

The three sat talking as Asia and Keon flirted back and forth with each other. Moments later, Asia excused herself to use the bathroom.

Keon grabbed Skye’s hand mimicking Asia, “nice to meet you, too, boo. Your friend is something else,” he teased.

They both laughed. “Yes, she is,” Skye replied.

“So Skye, how did a nice, beautiful woman like you end up with a man like Sandino Washington?”

“What are you talking about?”

“You know what I’m talking about,” Keon answered.

Skye looked at him funny. “A man like…”

Skye stopped in mid-sentence with a frightening expression on her face when she saw Sandino staring at her through the window. His eyes were cold as he walked toward the door at a rapid pace.

Little did Skye know, Sandino had become angry after walking around for the past thirty minutes looking for her. Now, to find her up in another man’s face was a no-no, especially since he hadn’t invited Keon in the first place.

“Oh my God. Keon, please leave now,” Skye damn near begged. “He’s coming.” It felt as if she was about to pass out.

Chapter 2

Sandino burst through the door eyeballing his new trainer. He looked like a pit bull ready to attack. “Nigga, what the fuck you doing all up on my wife?”

Everyone knew Skye was his prized possession, and that Sandino was extremely jealous. However, Keon obviously hadn’t gotten the memo.

“Sandino man, it’s not like that,” Keon said moving away.

Without hesitation, Skye jumped up and ran toward her husband. She grabbed his hand and gently massaged it.

“Baby, let’s not fight tonight, we were just talking,” she pleaded. “Besides, we have guests.”

Sandino yanked his hand away and grabbed her by the arm. “Oh, so you must wanna fuck ‘em since you tryna take up for this nigga!”

Skye frantically shook her head. “No, of course not. Baby, please don’t do this.”

Seconds later, Cruze came running in the kitchen. “Come on Sandino, let’s take a walk outside.”

Sandino let go of Skye’s arm, but still hadn’t calmed down. “Naw fuck that Cruze, this nigga tryna play me!” he shouted then staggered back and forth.

“Look, I’ll handle him later Sandino, you’ve had too much to drink. Let’s chill and enjoy the rest of the night. Your wife went through a lot of trouble to prepare this party for you,” Cruze responded.

Cruze knew his friend was about to explode at any minute. He was trying his best to calm him down, but he also didn’t know how much longer he could deal with Sandino’s abusive behavior. His friend had gotten way out of control lately.

Suddenly, Sandino jumped back in Keon’s face. “Muthafucka, I did my research on you. I know your track record; how you got the last player’s wife pregnant. Not to mention I heard you damn near stalk all the NFL wives. Well, that shit ain’t goin’ down ova here!” Sandino was so close to Keon, he was now spitting in his face.

“Sandino, that’s some bullshit, I would never disrespect you or any other player like that,” Keon replied. “I’ve worked too hard for my reputation to be on the line.”

“Oh yeah, well fuck you and your reputation,” Sandino shot back.

Asia quickly ran out the bathroom when she heard the commotion. “Sandino, Keon and I were the ones talking about going on a date. Skye was just keeping him company while I used the restroom,” she said, trying to come to her friend’s defense.

“Was I talkin’ to your hot-ass, Asia?” Sandino questioned with an attitude. “Keon, you fired. I only agreed to let you train me because you came highly recommended, but nobody fuckin’ disrespects me!” Sandino yelled. He then grabbed Skye by the arm again, pulling her through the house.

“Sandino, chill the fuck out!” Cruze yelled running behind him.

Ignoring his friend, it wasn’t long before Sandino started flipping out on all the other guests at the party. Skye was so humiliated as Sandino’s anger increased by the second.

“All you muthafuckas get the hell out my house now!” Sandino roared. Knowing his boys would get everyone out, he pushed Skye up the stairs toward their bedroom

“Sandino, you promised you wouldn’t hit me again!” Skye screamed after he closed the door then pushed her onto the bed.

“Well, bitch I lied,” Sandino replied before applying a massive blow across her face. “I told your monkey-ass about walkin’ around here flirtin’ wit’ every man you see, didn’t I?”

Her light Alicia Keys type complexion instantly turned red.

“Sandino please, the boys will hear you,” Skye pleaded with tears in her eyes.

“So, my son’s are too soft as it is, always under your fuckin’ ass. They need to know the man is in charge!” When Sandino threw a quick jab, Skye quickly turned her head trying to protect her face.

“You tryin’ to resist bitch?” he asked angrily.

At that moment, Sandino grabbed a wad of Skye’s hair sending her body to the floor. Seconds later, he jumped on top of her, then landed several more punches to her face before grabbing Skye’s neck. When she noticed the white residue inside Sandino’s nostrils and his dilated pupils, Skye wondered how many pills he’d crushed and sniffed this time. She also wondered if he was abusing more than just pain killers. Although she considered herself a fighter, Skye was no match for Sandino’s huge muscular frame. She’d learned over the years that if she didn’t fight back the beatings were less severe.