ToughLove Series

Cash walks out of Leslie’s house and steps into Shot’s white 2016 Lexus GX 460 SUV.  “Where we going?” Shot asked Cash as they dap up. “I gotta hit the stash real quick then we can head back to the crib.” Cash responded while checking his phone. “This lil negga gonna fuck around and get popped if he keep slowing down my money… talking about he in class.” Cash says, as he shakes his head. Shot starts driving. “Well, I told you that lil negga wasn’t ready to be on. He a book head man.” “I know but he aint a betch, he loyal. Holding down that piece for us that night was justice.” Cash says while still scrolling in his phone. “Yea. True facts.” Shot agrees. “I can’t wait to see Mumma and ‘em. Tonight gonna be popping!” Shot says excitedly. “Yea. Except for last night she was drunk and fucked me up… Talking about ‘I’m not a real man’ and all this other bullshit. Man, I got out of there so fast… that betch is crazy.” Cash vents. “Damn. So, she been gone 2 years saying she was getting cle...

  Buzz Buzz Buzz Buzz I put down my flat iron and look at the phone; it’s Shot. I answer with urgency, “Hi.” “What you doing?” He asked me. “Doing my hair and getting ready for the party.” I informed him. “Are you coming?” “Of course I’m coming. I got to see Mumma.” He assures me, “And I miss your potato salad babe; thats all i want right now.” “Yeah, that’s all you want is potato salad?” I say sensually. “Yeah that potato salad…” He flirts back. “So where you at? What time you coming?” I ask while I continue styling my hair. “I’m around. Bout to link with Cash, handle some things, change my gear and I’ll be there.”  “I really don’t want to deal with his drama today.” Rolling my eyes behind the phone “Me either babe but this how it is for now. You gon be safe tonight no drama, this about Mumma being home.” He comforts me with his words. “Just hurry up before someone drops a chicken bone.” “Ight, he walking out the house now so let me go. Love you hard.” He expresses to me. “Lo...

Caleo storms into the house like a raging fire screaming at the top of his lungs, “Mumma! Mumma you home?” “I’m here Caleo!” Mumma stuffs her pint of liquor under her seat cushion. “I’m in here baby.” Caleo walks into the living room, “Ma!” and graces his mother with a big hug. They hold the embrace for a while. “Hi baby…talk to me what's going on?” “Nothing much. Chilling.” Caleo responds nonchalantly. “Chilling? What does that mean?” His mother looks at him with concern. “Holding everything down since you left us. I should be the one asking questions, like where have you been all this time. Why did you leave like that?” Caleo says with an attitude. “You know why I left. That girl can’t take care of the kids by herself. You forced the hand Caleo! You fucked up!” She pushed his forehead down. “There you go! Always blaming me! You never choose my side! You never have my back!” He clenches his fist while defending himself. ”You left me here with all this shit over that bitch!” “That ...

  We arose by the elbows in each other's face and terrible morning breath from the snack attack. We didn't even wrap our hair. Shelly opened her eye with sun sensitivity and said “Eww. Why does your nose whistle like that in the morning?” I playfully kicked her, “Eww. Why does your breath smell like that?” We both laughed. “Bitch!” We said in unison. I turn my nose up and take a whiff of the air; popping my head up “Do you smell coffee?” I questioned. Shelly rolls over pulling the blanket tighter and responds, “Every got damn morning. What time is it?” I jump out the bed slipping into my house shoes and ran downstairs...I hear pots clinking as I get closer to the kitchen. Then someone says, “You were always the first one up.” I hear my Mumma’s voice and my heart skips beats. I slide into the kitchen and run straight into her arms. “Mumma! When did you get here? I miss you so much” I squeezed her and smelled her cotton fresh scent. Her hair had grown so long. She was in jeans, a...

Buzz buzz buzz. Buzz buzz buzz. Buzz buzz buzz. I look at the caller ID that reads Shelly. Oh that’s my girl, I gotta answer this. “Girl! Whats Up! How was Miami?” I am excited to hear the stories she has come home with. “Girrrlll! I got home two days ago but I lost my phone so you know I had to replace it! But the trip was lit! I am on my way to your house to kick it! Are you there?” “Yes I’m here just text me when you are outside!” I encourage her. She pauses. “...is ya ugly ass brother there…” She asks with disgust in her voice. “Eww girl which one!” I made a joke. I know she does not like Cash at all and she does her best to avoid bumping into him. Especially because she has brothers too that don’t agree with our friendship because of him. “You know who I’m talking bout...I'm talking bout ‘Trash’..” She puts emphasis on it. “He is at Leslie house. Just hurry up and get here.” I rushed her a bit. “Bet! I’ll be there soon.” She hangs up. I yell for Camren. “Camren!!...Camren!!” I...

Danell hangs up her phone after checking her voicemails. Her heart racing a mile a minute and her head starts to ache. She can feel she’s going to another drink. “What's wrong baby?” Lamar asks while rubbing her arm in a comforting motion. “It’s the kids…” She stares at the wall. “It must be bad, cause they never call. Is everything ok?” he asked softly. “My eldest son is sick and everyone is worried about him.” Danell’s voice starts to tremble. “You've been gone a long time baby, maybe you need to go home and check on them.” “I didn't want to go back ..like ‘this’.” She says nervously, reaching for her drink. Lamar grabs her hand over the glass. Their eyes meet as they read each other's energy. “Well, the drink ain't going nowhere.” Lamar says with a chuckle. “But ya kids now, no matter how grown they get, they always need their Mumma. Now I know it's been hard since your husband passed on, but we have a new chapter together; and I’ll be by your side for whatev...