Jackie D. - Life After A Balla

When Cruze pulled up in front of the building to let her out, Skye looked over at him with an evil expression. Tired and worn out, she was still pissed at him for causing them to miss their early morning eight a.m. flight. Instead of traveling for only an hour and fifty minutes, that time had been turned into ten hours after Cruze heavily insisted that they drive back to Georgia versus being on standby for the next flight. Skye didn’t understand his logic, so not only did she refuse to help drive back, but she also refused to answer his questions about the meeting. Each time he asked, her response was always the same. “I don’t feel like discussing it.” With Cruze eventually getting an attitude, the two of them didn’t talk much. It was obvious that they both had a lot on their mind.

When Skye gathered her things and opened the car door to get out, Cruze grabbed her arm. “Where my kiss at?”

She looked at him funny. “Are you serious? You’ve been acting salty the entire trip and now you want a kiss.”

“I’m not salty. I just don’t see what the big secret about that meeting is, that’s all. But I’ll wait for you to tell me in your own time,” he replied.

It was the nicest thing he’d said since they left Florida. Skye reached over and planted her lips on his, giving him a quick peck. When she got out of the seat Cruze patted her on the ass.

“Just be naked and ready for me when I get back,” he said with a huge smile.

“Just don’t’ be all night,” Skye responded. “You’re just going to the airport to take the rental car back and get your car, right?”

“You obviously weren’t listening to me while we were driving. Remember, I told you that the dealership just got in a new shipment of cars today. One of my co-workers called out sick earlier, so I just need to run down there and help.”

“But it’s after seven o’clock. The dealership should be closed,” Skye replied. She loved the fact the Cruze was such a provider, but she hated his job as a car salesman for some reason.

“It is, so that’s why it’s a good time for me to go down there and help. Don’t worry, baby. I’m not gonna be gone all night.”

“Okay,” Skye finally gave in before closing the door.

Cruze rolled down the window before pulling off. “Love you!”

“Love you, too!” Skye responded.

Needing to figure out what to do about the whole Sandino situation anyway, it was probably best that Cruze was leaving. Him harboring over her wasn’t what she needed right now.

As soon as she started walking towards her apartment, some young boys in a nearby car began to whistle and holler at her.

“Damn, you look good shawty, can I get with you?” one of them yelled.

Skye ignored them and kept walking. She shook her head thinking, I hate disrespectful ass children . I can’t wait to get inside and pour myself a glass of Moscato so I can relax and block everything out .

As Skye walked closer to her apartment, she was surprised when she saw Lydia and Payton headed in her direction. Payton who had just learned to walk, waddled over with a big smile spread across her small face.

“Ma Ma!” Payton called out.

“Hey, baby girl,” Skye said, picking her daughter up and kissing her fat, juicy cheeks. She then directed her attention to Lydia. “What the world are you doing here? How did you find out where we lived? Where’s Kareem?” Skye questioned her.

She hadn’t seen her old neighbor since they’d moved forty-five minutes away, eight months ago. Ever since the shooting, Skye really didn’t trust anybody around her family and she certainly didn’t want to answer any questions about Sandino.

“Kareem called and asked if I could pick up Payton because he had something to do and you were out of town. Is something wrong?” Lydia asked.

“No, it’s just that Kareem was supposed to be watching her, that’s all.” Skye wondered what Kareem had to do that was so important. She also tried to keep her cool in order not to offend her former babysitter. “I can’t believe you drove all the way out here.”

“Well, when Kareem called, I jumped at the opportunity to see my little princess. It’s been so long,” Lydia said, poking Payton in her stomach. Payton grinned and put her hands over her eyes acting bashful. “You know I never mind babysitting Payton. She’s always been such a good baby. I miss you all so much. It doesn’t feel the same without you being my neighbor anymore.”

“We miss you too, but I had to get away from all that madness, we needed a fresh start.”

“I can understand that, by the way, how is Jordan doing in Spanish 2 this year?” Lydia asked.

“Well, school just started last month, but he’s doing well so far, and I owe that all to you,” Skye proudly stated, giving her a hug.

“No problem. I loved tutoring Jordan, he’s a smart boy and loves to learn.” Lydia looked at her watch. “I was just about to take Payton to Chucky Cheese for a little while if that’s okay with you. I want to spend a little time with her.”

Skye was a little hesitant, but decided that she probably would’ve been overreacting if she told Lydia that wasn’t a good idea. “No, of course I don’t mind, she loves that place,” Skye said, kissing Payton once more before putting her down.

“I won’t have her out too long. We should be back by 8:30,” Lydia replied, grabbing Payton by the hand.

“That’s fine. Bye my sweetie pie,” Skye said, waving.

Payton waved her little hand backwards. “Bye…bye…bye.”

Skye loved her daughter, but the extended break from the one year old little terror was appreciated. Ever since she’d started walking, Payton got into everything and had been wearing everybody out. The only person she had wrapped around her little finger was Cruze. Payton could do no wrong in his eyes.

Lydia suddenly turned around. “Oh yeah, before I forget. There was some man knocking on your old apartment door not too long after you moved. He then started walking around the neighborhood asking questions.”

Skye stood wondering who it could’ve possibly been. Then again there were so many reporters coming up to her door after the incident, it could’ve been anyone.

“See, this is one of the main reasons why I moved. Did he say who he was? Skye asked. “Was he from some news station?”

“I don’t think so, and when I asked him his name he didn’t answer. He just asked if I knew where you moved and I told him no. Even if I had known where you all were moving I would’ve never given him the information.”

Skye shook her head. “I know, and I thank you for that.”

“I tried to call and tell you, but you never answered any of my calls.”

“I’m sorry, Lydia. It’s just that after all that happened, I kinda went into a little funk. I really didn’t want to talk to anybody.”

“Don’t worry. I understand.”

“If you see him again, let me know though.”

“Will do, he was really cute, too,” Lydia joked.

After saying goodbye one last time, Skye finally headed inside wondering who the mystery man was. Another thing to add to my worries , she thought.

She entered her apartment and dropped her keys and purse on the console table in her small foyer. When she heard the T.V. in the living room playing really loud she instantly became irritated. It was a never ending battle with her sons when it came to leaving the T.V. on whenever they weren’t watching it. Skye knew it was a hard habit for them to break since they’d grown up with Ms. Petra always doing everything for them. At that moment, she wondered again what Kareem had to do that was so important.

“It’s not like his lazy ass has a job,” she said to herself.