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Authors: Tysha

BOOK: Young-Minded Hustler
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Chapter 19
Wrong Is Wrong
Tara was so engrossed in her phone conversation that she didn't hear Quincy walk into the kitchen. Quincy assumed his mother was gossiping with her best friend, Nyla. She was the only person he could think of who would participate in stomping on his aunt's name. He was insulted by the malicious lies his own mother was spewing about her own sister.
“No, no, if I were you, there's no way I'd allow my daughter to keep dating my nephew. I stand behind my statement. Shy failed one son and it's just a matter of time before the other son follows suit,” Tara ranted.
Quincy's jaw nearly hit the floor. He could not understand why his mother was saying such things. How could she even believe what she was saying? The longer he listened, the worse it got. Quincy wondered why his mother had nothing better to do than put her own sister down.
“Listen to me. My sister has to be smoking, popping pills, or something. Her decision-making process is horrible. Shy has no one to blame but herself for the way Prince has turned out to be. He's just like his dead daddy used to be: a hoodlum. Shy should've given Jayden to me after Melvin got himself killed. She never should have had another baby, either. All of her time and energy should've gone into saving Prince.” Tara went on and on with her slamming Shy.
Quincy could hear no more. He was devastated. That was enough.
“
Ma!
”
Tara jumped at the sound of her son's voice. She spun around to find a look in Quincy's eyes she had never seen before. Tara stood frozen. Her mouth tried to will itself to speak but she was speechless; unfortunately, it was five minutes too late. Tara never meant for Quincy to overhear her. It slipped her mind that he was home.
“Quincy, you scared me.” Tara exhaled and held her hand to her chest. She felt lightheaded and guilty.
“How could you talk about Aunt Shy and the twins like that? To say Princess shouldn't even be here? Why, Ma? That was foul,” Quincy said, near tears.
“It's complicated,” Tara offered as a weak apology.
He loved his cousins and admired his aunt. Prince and Jayden were like brothers to him. Not a soul on the earth could change how important the twins and Shy were to Quincy. Growing up, Quincy spent more time with Shy than his own mother. All he wanted was to be with his cousins and enjoy their company. The three of them were so close they felt like triplets.
Quincy had never disrespected his parents, especially not his mother. As he stood looking deep into her eyes, Quincy was on the verge of losing it. He needed to put space between him and his mother before the situation got out of hand.
“Let Dad know the coach called a mandatory second practice and our golf game will have to wait,” Quincy communicated to his mother. He was incensed by her behavior and ashamed to be her son.
Tara could hear the resentment in her child's voice. She felt a permanent shift in their relationship. It was obvious his opinion of her was forever changed. Fear washed over Tara's heart. The butterflies in her stomach caused her to be nauseated. Tara didn't realize she was still holding the phone to her ear until it almost fell from her shoulder. Nyla sat on the line, listening to everything.
“Nyla, I'm going to call you back,” Tara said into the phone. Her eyes fixated on Quincy. He turned his back on her to leave.
“Wait, Quincy, don't leave yet,” Tara begged. She tried to grab his shirt but Quincy stepped out of reach.
He picked up his pace and walked out the front door. Tara was left alone to ponder what had just transpired. She knew how much Quincy felt Shy and his cousins. At times, Tara thought Quincy viewed Shy as his mother and her as his aunt. Tara was jealous of Shy's relationship with Quincy. She took it as a threat.
 
 
Playing basketball was therapy for both Quincy and Jayden. Problems were left on the court after the rush of the game. That day was different for Quincy. Tara's berating words played in his head like a song with a catchy tune.
“Let's go hit up IHOP,” Jayden suggested. “I'm starving.”
“So am I. My treat,” Quincy offered. “Grab Lawrence and Davis, too. Tell them we'll meet there.” Quincy and Jayden sometimes hung out with the team's point guard and power forward. The four had played ball together since their seventh grade year. Quincy could use Lawrence's sense of humor. He was in desperate need of a sidesplitting laugh.
An hour and a half later, Quincy was at Jayden's house helping to clean up. Jayden was tired from basketball practice and sleepy from eating multiple stacks of pancakes, but he wanted to knock out his chores before his mother got home. He didn't want to deal with the repercussions if she came home to a dirty house. After scrubbing down the bathrooms, Jayden moved into Princess's bedroom. He had to move her existing bedroom furniture to the basement. Her new canopy bed and dressers were scheduled for delivery the next day.
“Set it down while I move these containers out our way,” Jayden directed.
“I never realized how big it is down here. Aunt Shy should put a game room with a pool table down here,” Quincy suggested.
“I know, right? She says she'll think about remodeling next summer. With college coming up for me, I don't see it happening.”
Jayden moved the last crate from the space. He noticed a square piece of dry wall cut out of the wall. Jayden was astonished by the contents inside the wall.
“I don't believe Prince! Q, look at this,” Jayden raged.
In all the time Prince had been gone, it never occurred to Jayden that his brother might have drugs and cash hidden in the house. Jayden was upset because Princess could have found them.
“Whoa! How much money do you think that is?” Quincy asked.
“It's too much for it all to belong to Prince. This is crazy.”
“What are you going to do?”
“I don't know but I can't chance my mom finding it. Maybe Unc will come pick this stuff up and hold on to it for Prince.”
If anyone would know what to do, it was their Uncle C-Lok. It wouldn't surprise Jayden if Prince had gotten the drugs from him anyway. C-Lok promised to pay for his nephews' college educations since he was hustling so hard in the streets. Jayden and Quincy didn't like how their uncle made his money but they were happy to know they could attend college without putting a strain on their parents' finances.
Quincy pulled out his phone and pressed the button assigned to speed dial C-Lok. He answered after three short rings.
“What it do, nephew?”
“Hey, Unc, Jayden and I need you to come by Aunt Shy's house.”
“What's wrong with my sister?” C-Lok immediately became concerned. These types of calls from his nephew could only mean trouble. Though C-Lok was hard-pressed to imagine what type of trouble Quincy or Jayden could be in. Shy had calmed down immensely over the years but things happen.
“Here, I'm going to let Jayden explain.”
Quincy handed the phone to his cousin.
“What's up, Unc?”
“You tell me, nephew. Is everything okay with ya momma?” C-Lok asked nervously.
“Yes, this isn't about her. I moved some stuff around in the basement and stumbled on some stuff that must be my brother's,” Jayden explained.
“Like what?” C-Lok was slow on picking up Jayden's hints.
“A stack of money and—” Jayden began.
“Whoa, whoa, whoa. Please, say no more,” C-Lok cut Jayden off. He had to stop Jayden before he said too much over the phone. There were certain things not meant for electronic ears. C-Lok knew where Jayden was going without him verbalizing it. “I'll be there within the hour. What time does Shy get home?”
“In about two hours,” Jayden replied.
“I'm on the way, nephew. One,” C-Lok said, ending the call.
“So, does he want us to bring it to him or is he coming to get it?” Quincy inquired.
“He's on his way. You know he's not going to let us ride with this stuff in our car.” Jayden smirked.
Jayden and Quincy looked at each other and laughed. They knew their only uncle was always there for them.
“Unc to the rescue,” they said simultaneously.
Chapter 20
Nothing Less, Nothing More
Shy was so excited she could hardly contain herself. The past six months were grueling but the difficult ordeal was finally over. Shy was so happy tears were streaming down her face.
Prince emerged into the freedom light feeling like a king. You can't keep a natural-born hustler tied down like an animal and take for granted that upon his release, he won't be rabid. Prince was a natural-born hustler and ready to hit the streets like a beast. In due time, the old heads would recognize him as the son of a legend known as Legend.
“Prince!” Shy screamed and ran into her son's open arms.
“Hi, Mommy!” Prince was just as excited to return his mother's affections.
“My baby's home.” Shy began to cry. She was floating on air. Her arms were wrapped so tightly around Prince's neck he couldn't breathe.
“You're going to choke me to death, Ma. I missed you to but don't kill me before I get a hot shower and a home-cooked meal,” Prince joked.
“Oh, I'm sorry, baby. Come on so I can get you home. I have all of your favorites cooking so it's fresh and hot. I'll put the mac and cheese in the oven while you take a shower,” Shy rambled and fumbled with her car keys.
“Ma, you know I like my wings hot out the grease.” Prince gave a slight frown. He never liked leftovers. If food sat for an hour or longer, Prince considered it leftover and would have none of it.
“No, boy. I know what you like. Fried chicken wings, mac and cheese, collard greens, sweet potatoes, corn bread, and potato salad. Did I forget anything?” Shy joked.
“Yeah, banana pudding,” Prince blurted out.
Shy and Prince joked and laughed the rest of the ride. Mother and son felt blessed to be together again. Prince couldn't wait to see his brother, sister, and cousin for the first time in months.
Prince walked into his home and finally received proof he was not dreaming.
“What's up, bro?” Prince and Jayden said simultaneously. They embraced and exchanged loving pats on the back. Their reunion had been a long time coming. Prince missed his brother terribly. Jayden felt whole again. Without his brother within arm's reach, life was different, uncomfortable, and boring.
“Good to have you home, bro,” Jayden admitted, finally breaking their hug.
“Prince is home, my Prince is home,” Princess sang while jumping up and down. She was ecstatic to have her big brother back. Talking with him on the phone didn't compete with having Prince to play with.
“Come give me a hug, little girl,” Prince happily requested. Though it wasn't his favorite pastime, Prince missed having tea time with his baby sister. She was his pride and joy.
Prince looked around the house, trying to take it all in. He never realized how good freedom would taste. Prince went to get settled in while Shy finished preparing dinner. He enjoyed a long, hot shower and felt like a new man by the time the family of four sat down to eat. Shy had outdone herself with the menu. Prince savored every bite.
“Hey, cuz!” Quincy greeted with enthusiasm.
“What's up, bro?” Prince returned his cousin's energy.
Prince rose from his chair and hugged Quincy. The two were genuinely happy to see one another.
“Look at you. I see you've finally cut those braids and shaved. You're all groomed, man. You almost looking as good as me,” Quincy teased.
“I couldn't get my stuff twisted in there. It was either get a cut or look like a motherless child, as my mom would say.”
“I feel you, man. You and Jay are hard to identify to the average person,” Quincy replied.
“Well hi to you too, favorite nephew,” Shy said with a sarcastic laugh.
Shy knew Quincy was happy to see Prince so she let his rudeness slide. Any other time, she would have gone upside his head.
“I'm sorry, Aunt Shy. How are you doing?” Quincy gave her a kiss on the cheek.
“I'm glad to have Prince home too. Are you hungry? I can fix you a plate,” Shy offered.
“Yes, ma'am. Give me some of everything.”
Prince, Jayden, and Quincy sat at the table eating, joking, and reminiscing. It touched Shy's heart to see them all together. Shy decided to start cleaning the kitchen to give the boys some privacy. She had Princess give her a hand.
“Mommy, who's that plate for?” Princess inquired.
“My friend Mr. Dwayne is coming by,” Shy answered.
“Oh.” Princess sounded disappointed.
“What's wrong, baby girl? I thought you liked Mommy's friend.”
“No, ma'am, not really. He acts funny when you leave the room or not looking,” Princess confessed.
“Funny how?” Shy stopped loading the dishwasher and gave Princess all of her attention.
“Mean,” Princess replied simply.
Shy was very in tune with her kid's personalities and reactions to different things. She knew Princess was not telling a lie or exaggerating her words. Shy knew the judgment of babies and puppies was to always be trusted. Shy and Dwayne had been getting to know each other and she was starting to feel him, though not so much that she wouldn't heed her daughter's misgivings.
“He's not my friend, Mommy,” Princess said in a sour voice.
“Baby, why didn't you tell Mommy that Mr. Dwayne was being mean to you? Don't you know it's my job to protect you?”
“'Cause he really don't be here to bother me, and Jay-Jay said you seem a little happier since you got a boyfriend. Maybe your heart was ready to like somebody other than Daddy.” Princess explained her reasoning.
“Lilac Princess, if you're not happy, Mommy's not happy. Now go get ready for your shower. I'll be up to check on you soon.”
Shy could hear the twins and Quincy laughing in the dining room. The sound was music to her ears. She had missed Prince and Jayden laughing and talking with each other. Talking to Jayden about her earlier conversation with Princess could wait. There was no way she would interrupt Prince's celebration. Shy knew Monica, Brianna, and Quincy's girlfriend, Caron, were coming to join the small gathering.
“I got it, Ma. It's probably the girls,” Prince yelled out. He was eager to see Monica.
“No, Prince, it's most likely for me. You go on and relax.” Shy smiled at Prince.
Shy reached the front door just steps ahead of Prince. He stood behind her as she opened the door. Shy found Dwayne standing under the porch light with a bottle of wine in hand. Her face was void of any expression. Shy felt nothing but indifference.
“Hi, Miss Lady, how are you?” Dwayne stepped inside the house.
Prince's blood pressure skyrocketed. He could not believe the gall of the man standing in his house and kissing on his mother's cheek.
“What the fuck is this nigga doing here?” Prince yelled.
Jayden and Quincy rushed from the dining room. Shy jumped at the vibration and hatred in her child's voice.
“Prince, what the hell is wrong?” Shy demanded.
“You don't recognize this nigga?”
Dwayne was stuck. He stood in fear of the ambush he felt coming but also held hate in his heart for the McGee family.
“This is my friend, Dwayne. Do you know him?” Shy asked.
“His brother was that punk-ass nigga Silk. The snitch that was working with Det. Roberts when he killed dad.” Prince was in a rage. “Oh, nigga, you think you gon' play with my momma?” Prince had sought out, studied, and lived the entire situation surrounding his father's death. When he was old enough, Shy allowed him to read the transcripts of all of the witness interviews and Roberts's report. She had no idea Prince was also finding any information he could about every name mentioned. That traumatic event had never left Prince's mind or heart. His family only assumed it had because he never discussed that day with anyone, including Jayden.
Those were the last words Dwayne heard before his head was being beat in by the three athletically built teenage boys. They beat Dwayne for the sins he committed against their mother. Dwayne was stomped for disrespecting their father's memory. He was thrown out on the curb because he gambled and lost. The McGee family wasn't sure what Dwayne had planned out but after the hospital released him, they were positive he'd never step foot on their doorstep again.
 
 
Roberts was mad as hell. He was grabbing a nap to sleep off the alcohol he'd consumed. His shift started in less than three hours and he'd gulped the last of the Crown Royal Black twenty minutes before the disruption.
“Yeah,” Roberts barked into the phone.
“Man, I fucked it up.” Dwayne sounded wounded.
“What the fuck you mean?” Roberts demanded.
“Ya boy is home and he recognized me right off the bat. Man, those young thugs put me in the hospital. You're going to have to come up with another plan,” Dwayne informed him.
“I knew I shouldn't have fucked with your stupid ass. You're just as weak as your soft-ass brother was.”
Click!
“Look at this nigga. Bitch ass let some young boys lay him out. My bad for sending a boy to do a man's job,” Roberts said aloud before passing out again.

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