Deliver (pt.37)

.."What!" Quinten jumped out of bed holding the phone to his ear. "Sam was in a car accident,it happen a little while ago.Donnie didn't tell you? they rushed her to the hospital she was pretty beat up." Quintens heart dropped then he said,"Listen I need you to-" The man on the phone was talking to someone on his side of the phone. "What the Fuck Roe! When I talk you listen!" Quinten said in anger. Roe was quiet then said,"Donnie just walked in he herd that cops are looking for you,someone ratted you out about the Lolita job." Quinten grabbed the gun on his nightstand and paced in his room. Replaying everything he said about the job in his head. Thinking of what lawyer he was going to use. Then Samantha. What was he going to do about Samantha?
He thought of how he told her he didn't want to do this in the first place. Wanted different."I told her I wouldn't hurt her." He thought then continued,"And we kissed.I gotta make this right."
He sat down and put the gun back on the nightstand and spoke into the phone,"Listen Roe,I want you to send red roses to Samantha and as much money you could fit into a manila envelope without making it noticeable, and tell her that I'm sorry and i will call her once i can.And as for Lolita..
Meanwhile one block away from Quintens house..
Adrine,Randy,Peat and Pauly walked over to a petite dark skinned woman with artificial blond hair who was directing people and looking at a blueprint. "Oh my boys are here..Finally." She said attempting to make light of the situation. Adrine introduced everyone then waited for her to do the same. "Detective Salma Sanchez Drug Trafficking and Cartel specialist." Adrine was impressed and nodded as she rattled off a few of her cases and accomplishments. She was trying to impress and he didn't want to stop her and appear disrespectful.
Pauly took the reins and asked,"So what are we going to be doing here Detective Sanchez?" She pointed to the blueprint and said,"My guys will enter through the back door and head up the stairs and sweep the houses top floor then make way for the bottom floor,One of you will watch the back door and the front door,The other one will sweep the downstairs with my team,Adrine your taking him down with me out the front door." Sanchez excused herself and walked over to her group and told them the plan. Adrine stood there looking like he was the first one to come up for show and tell. His men looked at him. Peat was the first to speak,"Looks like Sanchez got the hots for you A." Randy laughed. "Why are you in line for a promotion?Ive been riding Capt's ass about promoting me.This is bullshit.Why couldn't I get shot?" Pauly said trying to joke. Adrine looked at all of them and put up his hands,"I had no idea it was going to be like this.And I don't care if Sanchez has the hots for me,I'm engaged.Now focus guys i gotta get home to my soon to be wife." Peat and Pauly put on their game faces.Randy broke the serious moment with a smile and said,"If you don't want Sanchez send her my way,shes bad." Adrine shook his head and urged him to focus. "So who's taking the front and the back?" Peat said confidently. Randy and Pauly looked at how Adrine had trouble with the double meaning and both laughed. Adrine realized he meant the task at hand and replied,"You and Pauly will cover the front and the back,Randy you sweep the bottom floor."
As the other men were directed to their teams by Detective Sanchez she stood by Adrine and said,"So,are you ready for this?" Adrine nodded professionally. "Good,maybe after this we could get a drink and talk about work." She said hopefully. Adrine looked at his watch,"Its late,we should start this before more time passes." She nodded professionally and signaled the first team to head to the house.
In two straight lines they ran to the house then Peat crouched on the deck between the front door and a bay window. Pauly watched as Randy and the team entered the house and crouched by the back door and listened as the team yelled clear to each other. Randy went through the bottom of the house looking for any movement. Room after room. Nothing. Two team members stood upstairs and the others came downstairs and sweeped the bottom floor again and opened the front door so Quinten could be removed.
Outside Sanchez and Adrine made way for the house. Adrine stood about two feet behind her and held his gun downward. This is where he wanted to be. In the action taking out the bad guy,handling business. But what about Analisette? What if he got hurt? What if they had children and he got hurt on the job? Or Killed? Analisette and the children would be alone? Adrine shook the thoughts from his mind,he had to focus.
Sanchez lifted her delicate hand for him to stop his movement,when the front door opened they quickly side stepped towards the house. The other officers stood ready for orders. Sanchez gave a hand signal to stay there as they went upstairs. Adrine followed her up the stairs. There were paintings every couple of steps,beautiful vibrant colors. Adrine found it odd,it seemed like a normal house that would have a family inside. He imagined what it would be like to have a house like that with Analisette after they got married. If he got the promotion that could happen,but was it worth the cost? All his previous thoughts entered his mind. He swallowed hard and tried to focus. He looked at Sanchez she was walking up the stairs,swaying her hips more than she should. Adrine shook his head and thought,"Wow.She is trying so fucking hard right now." They were directed by another officer to the bedroom door. Sanchez looked at Adrine and said,"Just follow my lead ok.Were going to do this really quickly,and we don't know what weapons he has,stay close." Adrine nodded but thought to himself,"How is this 5'5'' skinny woman supposed to protect my big ass?" He laughed on the inside and followed her to the room. She directed him to kick the door in. He tried it wouldn't budge. She told him to do it again and he said,"If he's sleeping that woke him up,lets try this." He gently turned the knob and pushed the door open. Sanchez smiled then put on her game face and entered the room,Adrine followed.
...Empty.
They opened the closet.Nothing. Checked the master bathroom.Nothing. "Where the fuck are you Quinten!"Sanchez yelled. Adrine walked over to the bed and used his flashlight to reveal two envelopes. One was labeled,"Lolita Cruz" and the other was labeled "Cops".
It was a bust.All that time and energy and Quinten was nowhere to be found. Sanchez talked to a forensics team and said,"I want computers checked, a record of the calls made to the house, any bills coming to the house and i want to know which way he left and i want to know everything,do you understand me!" She was pissed. The man she was tracking for over two years had pulled a fast one,and she would be damned if he would make her look bad after all the hard work she had done on the case. She walked over to Adrine and the guys who were about to leave and said,"Did you have permission to leave the scene?" Adrine looked at her with anger and said,"I didn't know we needed permission,Detective.I thought there was nothing here and we were free to go about our lives.Its about 3hours overtime and unlike some people I care about the budget." Her jaw dropped lifting it after about ten seconds she said,"Peat,Pauly and Randy your free to go." All three looked at Adrine then walked away snickering. Adrine folded his arms across his chest and said,"Yes?" She looked at him and smiled,"No one has ever spoken to me like that.Even when I was a rookie." He looked at her sideways and said,"I'm engaged." She laughed loudly,"Adrine, that's not what I'm getting at.Your tough." He nodded his head then said,"I still don't know why your keeping me here Sanchez.Is this little tea party relevant to what happened tonight?" She stretched her arms back,an attempt for Adrine to look at her breasts. He stood looking directly in her eyes as she quickly stopped her charade realizing it was of no use. "Adrine Capt' wants you on our team,you have shown great work the past couple of months and this was your test for a promotion." Adrine smiled then remembered he had to be professional,"So whats going to happen from here?" She smiled and walked over to him,and brushed some dirt off his shoulder and said,"You tell me?" He backed away quickly at her come on and said,"Tell Capt' what you want Salma,But I'm leaving to my wife." Adrine walked away angry,then stopped in his tracks when he herd her say loud enough for him to hear,"Shes not your wife..yet."

Safe? (pt.36)

Analisette sat on Adrines bed and looked at the gun in her hand and felt its weight. "What am i getting myself into,again?" She stood up and placed the gun gently on the bed and looked at it. "How many lives have you taken?" She asked the gun as if it would reply back to her. She walked over to the light switch and turned it on,and watched as the light bounced of the steel. "I wonder how many times you have been used for good? How many times you have been used to protect?" She said sitting beside it. She folded her legs and began to bounce her foot and continued,"Now,I don't like you.But we have to work together to help Lolita.She has been through so much in her life and shes trying to do good. I don't know who's trying to hurt her but we have to protect her, I'm sorry for waking you up,but I was woken up for this too. There is our common ground." Analisette walked over to Adrines closet and put on one of his fresh white "V" neck shirts,it looked like a dress on her so she tucked the front into her red sleep shorts.Grabbing her cellphone and putting it into the front pocket of her shorts she realized that she had no where to put the gun. She looked at it again and said,"No wonder not that many girls carry you around,your the worst fashion accessory invented." Laughing to herself she picked it up and held it tight in her hand then left Adrines apartment.
Walking down the hallway towards the stairs she noticed it was extremely quiet.Taking out her phone she seen that it was three in the morning.Throwing her head back she shook her head,then focused on the task at hand. No one was in the stairwell. She peeked into the hallway where Lolita and Ricks apartments were and seen no one. Slowly walking over to Lolitas door she knocked and waited to hear anything. Nothing. She strolled over to Ricks apartment and knocked. Nothing.
As she thought to herself where could they be,and the worst flashed through her mind she herd the elevator door open. Scared if someone would see her with a gun that they would shoot at her she flattened herself against the wall and looked.
"That movie was great! All that action got me wanting to kick some butt." Lolita said pretending to fight Rick. He laughed and pretended to fight back then said,"Ok,Ok.I give up.You got it." Lolita smiled and reached for her door knob. Rick looked at her confused,"Thought you were spending the night with me?" Lolita looked away and wrapped her arms around herself,"I don't want you to be tempted." Rick walked over to her and kissed her,"Baby,all that is in your hands,Ill never force you into anything." She smiled and hugged him.
"Lolita. Rick. You guys have to come with me." Analisette said walking over and startling them. Rick looked at her in shock,"Analisette?Why do you have a gun?" She looked down at the gun then at them,"Adrine said to take it just in case.Lolita i think your in danger.We have to go upstairs to my apartment."
Wasting no time they made way for Analisettes apartment. "What did Adrine say?"Rick asked catching his breath. Analisette looked down the hallway to see if anyone was there then replied,"All he said was he was trying to get a hold of you and couldn't then asked me if i could help.And he said he was going to arrest someone and didn't know how it would go." Rick looked at Lolita,"Maybe this will fix everything." Lolita looked down then into his eyes,"Maybe." Analisette waved them into the hallway with her and they made way for her apartment door.
Analisette quickly unlocked it and let them walk in. She looked in the hallway to make sure they weren't being followed then locked the door. Walking toward the living room she thought to herself,"All those cop shows have come in handy." Laughing to herself she said to Lolita and Rick who were sitting on the couch,"Want a drink? Change of clothes? Anything?" They both shook their heads no then looked at each other. Analisette went to her refrigerator and took out a bottled water and watched them as she drank it.
"Whats wrong?"Rick said holding her hand gently rubbing it. Lolita looked down at what he was doing. He was caring and honest. "I'm sorry for dragging you into this.Everything.You deserve more,someone not broken like me."He gently lifted her chin with his index finger and looked into her eyes,"I'm here willingly Lolita." She felt her heart warm.In her heart she knew that was a fact. If he wanted to leave he would have a long time ago. She thought of herself then thought if the tables were turned. Would she be able to willingly stay with someone who was raped,sold them self,brought others down,and had AIDS?
Analisette looked at the time,an hour had went by. No word from Adrine. Worry boiled in her stomach. The worst thoughts went through her mind. "Why does that happen every time people worry?" She said to herself as she tried to shake the thoughts from her mind. Walking over to Lolita and Rick she said,"No word from Adrine,so i guess you guys are going to be here for awhile. I want you both to take my bed and sleep ok. Ima stay here until Adrine comes back." Rick and Lolita tried to make her reconsider but Analisette insisted and soon enough they were in her room sleeping.
Analisette walked over to the large window in her living room and watched as the sun began to rise.
God,can i make a wish,I know your not a genie but i need this.
I love that man with all my heart,please i beg you,don't take him before we start.
He has protected me in the past,when we were young,Recently I fixed him with a simple stitch strung.
I pray to you,its too soon,Our love isn't even in full bloom!
Please don't let this be the end,let us wonder when.
Not today,please let him stay.
If i have to ill get on my knees until they bleed,ill do it,until he is freed.
God,I wish that he comes back to me safe and to the "T" without injury. Please.
 Please...Please......Please....
The sun peaked over the horizon, and she smiled. Knowing deep in her heart that he was safe.
Suddenly there was a knock at the door....

Back to Work (pt.35)

The streetlights and billboards glowed in the darkness of the night. Advertising the latest movie, fragrance, store,and clothing. Adrine didn't care for any of that. Walking by tourists and seeing how they looked in awe at all the lights and pictures made him smile. Living in New City for so long he had the been there done that attitude. As a kid he would look at the lights as the tourists did,but then when he began to stop being hypnotized by the lights then he noticed everyone in the crowd. Pick pockets,guns,drugs. The world under the lights.
Tonight was an easy night,the perfect night to come back to work. Their was a mist in the air due to the rain a couple of nights before. Not many people were out. "Officer Perez Come in." Blared his walkie talkie. "Perez here.Status?" "All clear." Adrine smiled,"10-4." It felt great to be back at work, although he gained so much being out because of the gunshot wound Charlie gave him,he missed it. It was what he was meant to do.
Walking back to the corner to meet up with the other officers he seen that they were in deep conversation..
"Kim is the hottest out of the three man!" Said one a white man with blond hair and green eyes. "Your crazy! Kourtney is way better than Kim shes so small and cute."Said another who was tall and had jet black hair and hazel eyes. Then the other broke in"Why not Khloe? Shes tall and sexy too! Id climb dat tree!" They all looked at each other then noticed that Adrine was there and said in unison,"What do you think?" Adrine laughed at them,"Aren't you guys married?" The man with jet black hair and hazel eyes pointed to the other two,"Peat and Pauly are married,not me." Adrine looked into Pauly's green eyes then into Peat's almost black eyes and said,"What would the Mrs. think?" Pauly looked down. Peat laughed,"How do you think we know about them girls?Every new episode my woman comes to me in a cute outfit and i think ima get lucky and she picks up the remote and i think shes gonna get kinky and she sits next to me and the theme song comes on.Tells me every time i touch her,wait till after the shows over pookie. She wanna be in short shorts and tell me to wait until the shows over?!" Pauly looked at Peat and laughed,"My girl says the same shit." Peat continued,"And what do they do when the shows over? Run to the phone and call their girls and talk about it.Leaving me bluer than cookie monster. Those three girls and their spin off shows are ruining my sex life and DVR,try to record a movie and she stops it for that damn show too." Adrine shook his head then asked,"What ever happened to your man cave?" Peat put an angry face then Pauly answered for him,"She turned it into an office for her Photo company." Adrine did a long nod,"I'm sorry for your loss." Peat pretended to wipe a tear away then said,"Its ok once we get our house,I'm going to have another one." Adrine smiled then looked at the man with jet black hair and hazel eyes,"So they have reasons as to why they know about those chicks,Whats your excuse Randy?" He looked back at Adrine and smiled,"Im single and their hot." They all agreed that they were attractive and laughed. "But what have you been up too?Let a little shoulder shot take you down?"Asked Randy playfully. Adrine smiled at the thought of Analisette and how their relationship blossomed in the time he was injured. "I have a girl-i mean fiancee." Adrine said with a smile. All three of them looked at him shocked. Peat looked at him up and down then laughed,"Play that whole chicks dig scars bit?"Adrine laughed then composed himself to answer,"No.Ive known her since High school.Its a long story." They all shook his hand and congratulated him. They were a wild bunch but they were like brothers.
On the next round they broke up into pairs and Adrine went with Peat while Randy went with Pauly. As Adrine and Peat walked down the sidewalk they helped people who were lost and looked for anything or anyone suspicious. "So have you been looking for a new house?" Adrine asked curiously. Peat looked over to him and rolled his stocky shoulders and said,"Yeah,that's why I'm working tonight,trying to get extra shifts to have the money to do it." Adrine admired Peat. He seemed to have it all,nice car,wife,house and kids. Adrine wanted that more than anything. He felt that with Analisette that was a possibility."Where abouts are you going to go?" Adrine asked. Peat smiled,"Upstate away from the City,I cant anymore too much craziness. Did you hear about that man who hung himself where Ricci is making an old folks home?" Adrine looked at him and shook his head."No I didn't hear.Do you know who it was?" Peat shrugged then said,"I didn't know him but he was some foreigner they said French I think was linked to a robbery of a knife shop." Adrine stood still and connected the dots. The only person he could think of was Jean Luc. His name expanded in his head. "You alright A?"Peat asked in a concerned tone. Adrine shook it off hoping that it wasn't him and said,"Yeah I'm fine."
His work phone began to ring the caller ID read Captain. "Yes,Sir" Adrine said. "Adrine I'm glad your back with us and I'm glad that your going to handle this problem I just received." Said a man in a happy tone that turned serious in the end. "Whats the problem,Captain?" The man on the phone took a deep breath then spoke,"Quinten,the known drug trafficker and second in command of the Charlie drug ring,He put out a hit for Lolita Cruz a known Escort." Adrines heart sank he had just had dinner and went out clubbing with her and her man Rick and his soon to be wife Analisette. "Cap i told you earlier,shes not an escort anymore,she was trying to get out and was raped then tried to jump." Realizing he had gotten defensive he hoped that Captain wouldn't take offense to it. "Oh right,I knew I was putting you on this for a reason. Well,Miguel our informant said that he put a hit out on Lolita. I need for you to inform her to stay somewhere safe and I need you to bring Quinten in. I already sent Sanchez to the meeting point with a warrant.And texted you the gps location.Move fast." Adrine replied,"Yes,Sir." he hung up and his adrenaline began to kick in. Then he thought,"Is this my chance to become a detective?"
"Baby?" Analisette said in a sleepy tone as she tried to wake up."I'm sorry i woke you up mami,I'm still working but i wanted to call you because I'm going to arrest someone and I don't know whats going to happen." Instantly waking up she said clearly,"What do you mean you don't know whats going to happen,dammit! don't tell me dat shit!" Adrine chuckled at her reaction,"Mami,I'm just calling to tell you I love you and i need you to help me i couldnt get through to Rick so he could handle it." Yawning into the the phone she said,"What is it baby?whats going on?" He smiled trying to memorize every word she said just in case he didn't make it back then replied,"well,I need you to get to Lolita and keep her in either your apartment or mine. But if you go to yours make sure you take the gun in my end table just in case. There's an extra clip in the drawer where the gun is." Her heart sank, this was real. She looked for the gun then told him,"Its heavy as fuck." Adrine laughed then said seriously,"Make sure you hit that switch on the side to turn the safety off and-" "And don't put my finger on the trigger until i want to shoot and keep both eyes open when i aim.I got this. Ill get Lolita and ill keep her safe.Just make sure you come back to me,or i swear ill-" He herd the sadness welling up in her throat and interrupted her,"Ill always come back to you,my wife,my only." She was quiet and said,"I love you baby.Please be careful,I'm running out of thread to fix us,we cant get hurt anymore." Adrine laughed quietly then said,"Ill buy some more if something happens babe don't worry.I love you,ill call you to let you know everything is okay." They hung up on each other and got moving on their tasks...    

Race (pt.34)

Samantha couldn't stop thinking of the kiss between her and Quinten. It felt right. But she still couldn't get of the fact that he had done what he had,that his life was far more complex than she had ever thought. She had been with wannabe gangsters three times over but this man was real. Honest. "What will they say? Adrine,Analisette and most of all Lolita?" She shook her head from right to left and nearly missed the red light and quickly stopped.Realizing she was almost in the middle of the intersection she shifted her car into reverse.
In the distance filled with glittering lights and magnificent bridge she seen where she was supposed to meet Cyclo and Marcus. As she drove closer she seen flashing headlights indicating where they were. Flashing back Cyclo did a burnout and sped off. Smiling she followed. It was only a moment before her phone was ringing,"You think your cute?" She herd Marcus laughing probably on the passenger side as Cyclo replied,"Yes.Think your old lady could keep up with my new bitch?" Samantha pulled the phone away from her ear and looked at it then placed it back on her ear,"You keep up." She weaved to the other side of the street and pulled up beside Cyclo and lifted her chin to him. He looked forward and seen a car was coming and pointed and yelled,"Hurry the fuck up!" She shifted and at the last minute before her and the oncoming car were nose to nose pulled in front of Cyclo's Subaru STI. She looked in her rear view mirror and seen that he had his caution lights on,she did the same to show that she understood.
She liked that Cyclo was back,they had been friends ever since she could remember. Always working on cars,and stealing parts off of cars. They didn't care. They weren't rich,and they wanted the best. Racing was natural to them and they had worked together to win. They told each other that who ever won would split the money with the other. Whenever someone wanted to get into what they were doing they would test them out.Many times their new recruit would try to stiff them on their cut.When that would happen it always ended in a brawl. As they grew a reputation less and less people would disrespect them,and more people would want to be in whatever they were about. New City wasn't the smallest place in the world but word always traveled fast as if it were a small town. In the racing world,if Samantha and Cyclo were racing everyone would come out to get a piece of the action.
As they pulled into the abandoned Crystal Movie Theater where everyone would meet up to set locations and prices Cyclo and Samantha did a burn out in unison to signify that they had arrived. Everyone cheered. Samantha got out of her car first and waved to a few people she noticed then walked over to Cyclo and Marcus. As she gave Cyclo a hug as he said into her ear,"If you ever scare me like that again ill leave your Old Bitch on cinder blocks." She half smiled and nodded. He walked over to a beautiful thick Hispanic woman and kissed her passionately. She smiled at them then walked over to Marcus who looked mildly out of his element. "Been a long time since you came out.Good thing you rode with Cyclo,I'm already noticing bitches looking at you.Your deff gonna bag someone tonight,"Samantha said with a smile. Marcus smirked and replied,"I hope I do bag someone tonight." Samantha laughed at his emphasis on "someone" and hoped he wasn't talking about her because she still had Quinten running through her mind.
"Samantha this is my Wife Honey." Cyclo introduced the woman he had been kissing earlier. Samantha smiled then hugged her,"Wow Cyclo I didn't know you could be with someone so beautiful." Cyclo threw his head back and smiled at her verbal jab. Honey looked over at him and said,"Yeah.His old girl was lacking in certain departments i specialize in." Samantha looked around as they play argued and began kissing each other. When she looked back she seen Honeys side view and noticed she had the biggest ass she had ever seen. Then laughed at how his ex girl had no ass and thought,"guess that's one of her departments."
Samantha looked over at Marcus talking to a group of Race Ho's and walked over as if they were trying to take her property. Realizing mid stride that it would be wrong to shut his shit down she took the friend role and put her arm around a tan tight bodied blond and a thick olive skinned red head. "Hello ladies," She said in a confident tone. The two she had her arms around bit their lower lips and returned her hello with kisses on each of her cheeks.The others looked on with want. Marcus looked at her with envy and a shot of jealousy."What are you both up to later?" Samantha said ignoring Marcus and focusing on the two willing women. As the woman whispered into her ears she looked over at Marcus and winked with a big smile that might as well have been a slap across his face. Marcus interrupted her and asked,"So are you going to race Sam?" She pouted then said,"Trying to get rid of me already I just got here?" The girls that were closer to him began to slowly make their way for her. Marcus shook his head as the girls said,"Aw look at how cute she is." and "Shes mine,I saw her first." Before it got to heated she said looking at all of the girls including Marcus and said,"I'm sorry ladies but I'm talking to someone." She kissed the hand of each woman and saluted Marcus and walked back over to Cyclo.
She felt like a bitch for doing what she did. She didn't even know if she was even talking to Quinten but said it just to make Marcus jealous. Samantha could have taken her pick of any of the girls but she grew sick of how easy they were a long time ago. They were just simple play things,if she felt like exercising her linguistics. Although her and Marcus had made rules and restrictions she still knew in her heart that he would be the best choice. She knew he wouldn't hurt her or make anything difficult. He understood her,and never threw anything from her past in her face. Even knowing what she did she wanted to live,and didn't want to be tied down just when her life was taking off.
Marcus walked over to her and Cyclo when they were in mid conversation and said,"You know their still stuck on you?" She smiled and shrugged,"I got a way with the ladies.Thought you would have bagged at least the red head by now." She looked at him as he glanced at Cyclo who shook his head with a regretful smile. "Keeping secrets?" She said trying to make the situation into a funny one. Just then Renni came over and spoke fast,"This is a large race.Ten people. We have four of ours driving. Win we do a four way split. Five grand buy in." Samantha looked over at Cyclo and smiled,"Lets get this money." They both handed five thousand dollars to Renni who ran over to the host and walked to their cars. Marcus chased after Samantha and said,"Sam are you sure,there is alot of cars out there you guys are going to be good right?" His words were desperate and made her heart warm knowing that he cared. "Ill be fine Marcus don't worry." She opened her car door,got in then rolled her window down to Marcus. "Listen,ill always worry about you. Be careful. I love you." Realizing what he just said he stood there awaiting her reply. She looked at him and said,"I love you too Marcus." He backed out of her window and watched as the ten drivers sped off.
As she kept up with the other drivers she thought to herself,"What the fuck?Why did I say that to him?Why now? Now its going to get fucking weird! Whats wrong with me? I never double dip! I just had a date with Quinten now I'm saying I love you to Marcus? Oh my god." She shifted and lined up with the other drivers. "I gotta focus!" She yelled to herself as she turned up her stereo. The music blasted and all the other drivers looked at her. She smiled at the attention.
The host stood in front of the cars and counted. "One" ...."Two".... The cars reved high and all began to shake wanting to be ahead of everyone else ...."GO!"
All the cars took off except two the didn't shift properly. Samantha laughed. Then drove faster she was in the lead with Cyclo close behind and two unknowns behind him. Suddenly her thoughts got to her again,"Maybe I should just be with Marcus,he is perfect for me in a sense." She began to think of all the ways he was perfect and how it would be to finally take that leap into a relationship. Cyclo caught up with her and the two unknowns became three and they were right on their tails. Cyclo hit his booster and took off past Samantha. She watched and seen as another car took his place beside her. She hit her booster and gripped the steering wheel as she got closer to Cyclo. Realizing that the car that was beside her had hit his booster at the exact same time she did fought to stay close to her. Then she began to think of Quinten,"He was so honest,I should give him a proper try. Ill always have Marcus,wont i?" In the middle of her thought the car beside her cut in front of her and showed his break lights.
Scared. Samantha hit her breaks and felt her car buck then tried to swerve away from the car in front of her. She lost control and seen that her car was heading for the guard rail. She held her breath,gripped the wheel and every muscle in her body tensed.
Time seemed to slow down.She remembered the accident with her parents.She felt the force of the collision. For a second she thought she herd her parents screaming her name.
Then everything went black.

Golden Lily (pt.33)

Quinten had arranged for Samantha to meet him at the Golden Lily a Japanese hibachi style restaurant. Samantha had never been there, it was way out of her modest price range. It surprised her that he had said,"I'm going to take you to the Golden Lily,because you deserve the best." After she hung up with him she thought,"How does he even know what I deserve?" She was still confused about Quinten,what Analisette said about him raping Lolita had stayed imprinted in her brain but she wanted to know for herself. People could always say things about others,but to hear it directly from the person its about is a different story. She had to know. Samantha liked Quinten,he was sweet. "Don't forget too many sweets can cause cavities,"She remembered what her corny dentist from when she was a child had repeated to her many times and laughed.She pulled into the parking lot of the Golden Lily.It was located by the water about six blocks from Romona's.She looked out to the water and inhaled the salt water smell,and smiled.There was something about the scent that made her think of good times,of her parents. As the sun began to set in the distance she headed to the entrance of the restaurant.
Walking in she felt under dressed in her black ruffled sleeveless button up blouse and khaki cargo skinny jeans and strappy gladiator high heels. Most women were in dresses and "Very Fancy"suits. The hostess looked at her and smiled and said,"Welcome to the Golden Lily,can I help you?" Her tone was that of a saleswoman knowing that the costumer couldn't afford what they were selling in the store. Samantha looked at her like she couldn't be serious. "Do you speak English? hablo English?"The hostess said in an antagonizing tone. Samantha got real close to her and said in Spanish,"Your lucky I don't slap the taste out of your mouth bitch." The woman looked at her confused. Samantha laughed then spoke in English,"I'm meeting someone here, his name is Quinten." The woman straightened up and a look of fear appeared on her face as she stumbled to grab a menu and set of silverware,"I'm sorry I didn't know.Let me take you to him.Again I'm sorry." Samantha watched her and thought,"Wow.He must be a somebody if shes acting like this." She followed the hostess and ignored everything she had said,she was to captivated by the inside of the restaurant. It felt like what she thought japan would be like, the inside was decorated with dark cherry wood tables and floors. What looked like a small bamboo forest breaking the table selection into specific sections,One for the tables available for groups then tables for two and in the center you could see the fire from the hibachi and people cheering and cooking instruments spinning in the air. It was beautiful. Samantha smiled to herself at the thought that if it wasn't for Quinten she would have never seen this. Realizing the hostess was waiting for her at the beginning of a section she walked over to her quickly. The hostess walked her over to Quinten who was standing with a smile and a red rose.
"Thought you got lost."he said meeting her half way and giving her a warm hug and kiss on the cheek.She smiled and returned the hug and kiss,"No,just looking around." He pulled out her seat and waited for her to sit down then pushed her chair her in gently and took his seat. "Didn't know I was dealing with such a gentleman." she said with a smirk that turned to a smile. Quinten unrolled his napkin and placed in on his lap,"Didn't know you were dealing with me?" She looked away not knowing how to reply to his words. She honestly didn't know why or what she was doing,only knew that she was in front of this man who brought her so much confusion. She looked at him and seen a rose on top of her dinner plate,"Is this for me?" Quinten nodded and smiled coyly. "Thank you,that's very sweet of you." she smelled it and continued,"You know what they say about red roses right?" He shook his head and looked at her pretending not to know."They mean love,"she said awaiting his reaction to what she said. He laughed a reply,"Then I should have brought you two." Samantha slowly nodded with a smile and thought,"Hes smooth ill give him that."
Samantha opened the menu and looked at what The Golden Lily had to offer.There was different variations of fish,beef,chicken and sushi. She was a bit overwhelmed. Then when she looked at the prices she felt guilty."Damn,do they have it shipped from Japan?"she muttered loud enough for Quinten to hear. "Don't worry about price,money is no object." She looked at him over the menu after he said that. "You know I could get some of this stuff for a quarter of the price from this Japanese spot I know on the east side?"She said still feeling guilty. He smiled and shook his head. She looked back at the menu when Quinten broke her concentration,"Are you ready to order a drink?" She nodded and watched as he lifted his hand and snapped. A young Japanese man came over quickly and asked,"What can I get for you Quinten?" Quinten looked at him with anger,"Acknowledge who I'm with as well." Samantha looked at the boy who was fearful as he stuttered to ask her what her name was. "I'm Samantha,whats your name?" Samantha said with a reassuring smile. "My name is Naoki" He said looking back at her with a smile. "Well Naoki, what do you have to drink here?" She said in a friendly tone. As Naoki went over the list of drinks she looked over at Quinten who seemed to know what he wanted already. As Quinten finished his order she said,"Bring me something non-alcoholic that you like." Naoki looked at her then at Quinten who nodded. Naoki hurried away to fetch their drinks.
"So Quinten,what do you like to eat here?" As he began to say different things he liked and why she watched how passionate he was about the different ingredients and cooking methods. "Did you study cooking?"she asked curious to figure him out. Quinten looked down,"In high school i did,before i dropped out." Samantha was shocked,"Why did you drop out?" He looked into her dark brown eyes and said,"Well,my parents passed away in a fire.My little sister needed someone to take care of her. I had no choice but to drop out and provide for her." His words were cold,she could tell that he regretted having to drop out. "You have a little sister? How old is she?" Samantha asked with a smile. His eyes looked like glass as he fought back tears,"She would be twenty right now.She was shot when she was eighteen." Samantha's heart reached out to him,"I'm sorry for your losses.My parents died in a car accident when I was young,I only had foster siblings." He nodded,"I'm sorry for your loss too."
As Naoki came back and placed their drinks on the table he awaited their food order. Quinten masked his emotions and spoke like a boss to Naoki. Samantha watched him in awe,he must be so strong to hide such a past. She admired him. Suddenly the words Analisette said returned to her and she had to know. When he asked her what she wanted she replied,"What ever he's having Naoki." She really didn't know what he had ordered but knew she had to talk to him alone,and that would be the quickest way. She took a sip of her drink and watched as Naoki hurried to the chef closest to them to put in their order.
Quinten watched her.She was beautiful. So simplistically beautiful. He wanted her since the first moment he seen her,he had never told any one he had talked to about his past like he had just told her. Then to find out that they had both lost their parents,just sealed the deal. But he knew that she wanted to say something, something about that woman who spilled her drink at the club.She must have told Samantha something to change her thoughts toward him. Samantha was acting different after that woman did that. He waited to see if she would say something about it. He told himself,"If she asks,i will be honest and tell her everything.I don't care." Samantha looked at him watching her and asked,"Do I have something on me?" He laughed,"No,I wont let you go out like that Ma don't worry." She smiled. Then chose to go around the topic,"When I said i was here for you the hostess looked scared,and when you told Naoki what you did i seen that same fear,whats that about?" Quinten shrugged,"I guess its because of my reputation." She smiled,"What are you some type of mob boss?" He smiled then got serious,"No,I'm a drug dealer." She looked at him expressionless. "Samantha I know where your going with this."Quinten said taking a sip of his drink. She unwrapped her silverware and placed her napkin on her lap,"Well,I want to know if what I herd was true." He watched her waiting for it,"Which is?" Looking up at him,"I really like you,and I will be the last one to judge someone on their past because Ive been through so fucking much and I know that you have too. But I herd that you rapped Lolita. I just need to know the truth,that's all." Quinten tightened his jaw and looked away then back at her,"Look, sometimes we get a call to do things.If I say "No" that's my head,Lolita was trying to get out of the business her boss gave a call, we handled it. I didn't have sex with her Samantha,I touched her yes,but I didn't have sex with her." Samantha didn't know how to respond to what he was telling her. "Samantha,I never wanted this life.When I was young i told myself it was only for a little while until i could find better to provide for my sister,but who wants to hire a dropout? No one Samantha I tried so hard to do right and couldn't. Now I'm deep in this shit and I wish I could get out but I cant. I felt bad about what I did,especially after I herd what she was going to do to herself. You have to believe me please." Samantha put her head down trying to hold the tears back. Then Naoki came to the table and asked,"Are you ready for your food or do you both want a minute?" Quinten said,"Give us about ten more minutes." Naoki walked away and Quinten grabbed his chair and put it beside Samantha and put his arm around her and lifted her chin."Ill never hurt you Samantha.I cant take back what I've done,but i would take that back." She placed her head on his shoulder wanting to believe him,but unsure if she could."I know you don't know me from a hole in the wall,but everything I've told you tonight is the truth and ill never lie to you." She looked into his eyes and seen that he was being truthful,"Quinten I have to think about this,and I need you to understand that I need time." Quinten nodded then kissed her on the cheek and moved his seat back and waved over Naoki to bring the food. Sitting in front of her he began to think,"This Lolita shit will haunt me for the rest of my life.I have to handle it.The only way I know how."
As they ate Samantha looked at her phone and realized that she had a text message from Cyclo,"Meet us under the bridge at midnight." it was about ten o clock and she wouldn't skip out on Quinten just yet. "Quin,Ima be honest with you,I don't really know where we are going to go from here.I want to get to know you as a person not what you do." Quinten wiped his mouth and nodded,"likewise,I just want a chance to show you." Samantha smiled for the first time since he told her,"Ill give you a chance silly,I just want you to not be so flashy,I know this place isn't you." He laughed,"Wrong.I like great food,that's my weakness." She smiled bigger,"That's good,because I cook great food." His jaw dropped,"You could cook?" She nodded with a huge smile. "For our next date we should cook together."Quinten replied to her smile. "What makes you think we will have another date?"She said in a serious tone wanting to see his reaction. His jaw dropped. She laughed,"I'm just foolin,calm down." He smirked and shook his head.
In the parking lot she popped her trunk and sat on the rim and took off her heels and put on white and black racing shoes. "What are you doing?"Quinten asked curiously. As she laced them she looked up at him,"I'm racing tonight." Quinten looked at her with anger,"Why would you do something like that?You could get hurt!" She looked back with a who do you think you are face and replied,"How do you think I make money? The shop only pays me enough for my apartment.Girls got to live." Quinten ran his fingers through his hair realizing that he was wrong for coming at her like that then spoke the only resolution he could immediately think of,"I could give you some money if you need some." She stood up and began to unbutton her blouse,"Ill never take money from anyone.I work to provide for myself.Thank you but no thank you." Watching how strong she was,he replied,"I'm sorry." She was wearing a black Camisole under her blouse and a white bra,she looked hot and ready to fuck someone up if it came to it. "Do you race often?"Quinten asked dryly. She shook her head from side to side,"About every three months.I work with five people,one wins we all win. And when we win, we win big. when I was younger I used to do it every week. Once i had enough for a place I slowed down." She walked over to her drivers side and threw her blouse in the backseat. "What are you doing for the rest of the night?"she asked Quinten as she turned on her car then walked toward the back to close the trunk. He looked at the gravel of the parking lot,"Got to do some business." She looked at him with a half smile and concerned eyes.Looking up he walked over to her and stood face to face with her,"what if i don't come back tonight?" She looked into his eyes,"What if I don't come back tonight?" They both smiled. She wrapped her arms around him and hugged him warmly,"You be careful OK,I'm not done with you yet." He replied,"Will you let me wish you luck?" She released her hug and looked at him with a smile,"yes." Quinten leaned in to kiss her,Samantha thought for a moment then said to herself,"Fuck it!" and leaned in and kissed him-hard.
Quinten watched her drive off and felt alone without her.She was so warm and sweet. But he remembered what he wanted to do to Lolita, and put on his game face. Walking into his Lincoln truck he opened his phone and dialed.
...."I want Lolita dead by Friday.Make it happen or instead of her it will be you."

New Friends (pt.32)

Marcus and Cyclo got into Cyclos Subaru STI and watched as Samantha drove off."Shes still going through tires huh?" Cyclo said as he hit the clutch and turned on the car then tapped the gas to hear the power of the vehicle. Marcus smiled,"Every three months she buys new ones.I keep telling her to just drive normal,she says"I got a rep to protect" so I just leave her be,you know how she is." Cyclo laughed as he reversed the car and pulled out of Max's Diner.
Marcus looked at the inside of the car everything was custom in red and black,from the roof to the carpet. "Nice huh?" Cyclo said noticing Marcus was looking around in awe. Marcus nodded,"Yeah,you could tell you put alot of work into this car." Cyclo rubbed the steering wheel,"Cars are like women,you treat them right and buy them nice things,they will do anything you want them to do." They both laughed then Cyclo continued,"Truth is,I didn't have nothing to do during the day while I was in the US because work was always at night. So I would just work on her.It was great though when I went to Asia I got really close to people who sell car parts,basically gave me seventy-five percent of the stuff your seeing for practically nothing.I couldnt wait to come back and put everything into her." Marcus smiled and nodded fully listening to him. "So you don't drive?"Cyclo asked curiously. Marcus shook his head from side to side,mildy embarrassed that he didn't drive. New City had one of the best public transportation systems,Marcus felt no need to drive because of that. "Damn no wonder you haven't bagged Samantha! You gotta get your license man."Cyclo said with a smile. Marcus was shocked,"She made me get my license when we were young.Just no car the bus and train fill that void.But is it that obvious?" Cyclo pressed the gas in the car and the both of them sunk into their seats as he signaled to go on the highway,"Well,Ima be honest with you.I just met you today and the way you look at her and the way you talk about her,it just shows." Marcus grabbed the side door handle,"Did you guys have a thing before or something?" Cyclo slowed down and looked at him,"Hell no! Shes like a cousin to me." Marcus felt relived that there wouldn't be any awkwardness between them,"Oh,okay.I'm sorry I didn't know." Cyclo laughed and sped up again then weaved in and out of traffic,"Did you know shes feeling you too?" Marcus' jaw dropped,"How do you know?" Cyclo smiled,"You rappers spend too much time in the words,and neglect the language the body speaks.The way she looked at you to go with her back home and how she was sad that you wouldn't go with her but you went with me.Come on man you had to have noticed?" Marcus shook his head from side to side with a smile. Cyclo signaled to get off at the next exit but didn't slow down until the last minute. The breaks screeched and he laughed,"Nothing like new breaks!"
They pulled up to Joker Auto body. Cyclo stepped out the car and said,"Come on I wanna introduce you to the crew." Marcus and Cyclo walked toward the shop and walked into the office. "Everyone gone for the day Cyclo,Their prepping for tonight.What brings you in?"Said a slender man in his late thirties with black hair with a few greys and a smile behind the desk. Cyclo smiled,"I don't know why they are prepping I'm still going to win!" They both laughed.Remembering he had Marcus with him he introduced him to the man. "I'm Lauren,most call me Renni. Actually only call me Renni,cant have people thinking their funny calling me Lauren." Marcus and Renni laughed.
Without them noticing Cyclo walked into the garage and looked around and noticed a car under a black cover. "Hmmmm,Whats your name?"Cyclo said as he gripped the black cover and was slowly pulling it off the car when Renni came running. "NO!"he yelled pulling the cover back onto the car. Cyclo jumped back,"I was just taking her clothes off man,relax." Renni caught his breath,"She has a big night ahead of her Cyclo you'll meet her later." Cyclo looked at his watch,"Fuck! I gotta get ready myself,and pick up Honey.Marcus gotta look good for Sam.We running late." Marcus looked up and laughed,"Shouting me out?" Renni looked at Marcus then at Cyclo,"Sam,Sam?" Cyclo smiled and nodded. Renni looked at Marcus with a serious face and his eyes read dont fuck with me and said,"Sam is like family,if you do get her you treat her right.Understand?" Marcus agreed fearful if he didn't.
When Cyclo and Marcus were in the car again speeding home they spoke about working with music and Cyclo played some beats for him. They just connected instantly. Marcus didn't have many true friends but he seen that possibility with Cyclo. "I want you to meet this man in my building.His name is Henery Brown,he's old school and mad chill. He was a blues singer back in the day.When we work together I think he should be there too.NO one is doing anything like how were going to do it,"Marcus said with hopeful passion. Cyclo nodded,"I think this might be the one,I feel great about this." Marcus agreed.
Cyclo pulled up to New City Apartments and handed Marcus a bottle of Nuvo,"Drink this,We're getting live tonight.Ima help you and Sam finally get together." Marcus smiled and went up to his apartment to get ready for tonight...

Love,Friends&Confusion (pt.31)

Samantha heard her phone in the other room ringing and woke up from her deep slumber."Why is my phone over there?!"she said annoyed.She walked down her hallway toward her living room rubbing her eyes to adjust to the mid morning sun.Hearing her ring tone about to finish. She followed it around the room until finally, she found it under a pillow on her couch. She looked at the caller ID and it read Antonio."Tony,you do know its my day off right?"She said in a friendly yet annoyed voice.Sleep was limited with her shifts at work and life,days off meant time to sleep in."Sorry Sam,its just that I just left Romona's apartment." Antonio said in accomplishment. "You dirty dog!How was it,she looks like she would be a panther in the sack." Antonio laughed then replied,"She was amazing but,I had no idea she was related to Tamara." Samantha's jaw dropped,"No!Get the fuck outta here!How is Tammy related to Romona?" Antonio cleared his throat then spoke,"Well,their cousins,but this is the funny part,see,Romona stopped talking to Tammy because she was mad that Tammy was joking about tormenting "some guy" for money,clothes,whatever. When she told me that I knew I had to bag her,She was looking out without even knowing me." Samantha felt her heart warm hearing his genuine happiness through the phone. "Awww,Tony.I'm so happy for you.That's crazy,but family is family.Blood will always be thicker than water.Be careful." Antonio took a minute to process what she was saying then replied,"I know,its just funny you know?" Samantha agreed with him."I just don't know how to tell Tammy.I have to tell her you know.So she could leave me alone." Samantha yawned and walked over to her window and began to draw the shades down,"I don't know Tony,I would just leave it. You don't have to tell her nothing. Shes old news,and Romona is on the front page." Antonio laughed,"Your right,Ima text you later.I'm almost home,and need sleep." Samantha smiled,"You got it.Later."
Samantha sat on her couch and looked at her phone and it read,"10:34."She rubbed her eyes and thought,"To sleep?or not to sleep? that is the question." She turned on the television and flipped channels until she reached the news.
"..Unknown man,hangs himself and no one knows why.Cops are searching the scene for any clues to why.This happened behind me at the construction site of the Northeast Brownstone nursing home. The nursing home hasn't been operational in years but due to an explosion that happened only months ago, Mayor Ricci  chose to reconstruct the building so that it can be reused.But with this new development notice of the continuation of the project is unknown.Also the man who hung himself may be linked to a robbery that happened in a local Gun and Knife shop. More details of this story will be on the evening news.Back to you Martha and John in the studio..." 
Samantha turned off the TV and closed her eyes."Crazy ass world we live in.People hanging themselves.Reporters don't know shit.Mayor Ricci using my hard earned money to rebuild a home for old people when that money should be used on the youth.And worst of all,I cant fall back to sleep!" She laughed at herself. "Might as well get up and do something productive." She said getting up off of the couch and heading toward the refrigerator. Samantha opened it to reveal nothing but protein shakes,fruit and milk. She shut it quickly then pulled out her phone and called Marcus,"Breakfast?" Marcus laughed,"You read my mind.forty five minutes?" She smiled,"Yupp.I'm driving." They hung up and Samantha went to her bathroom and jumped into the shower to get ready.
In the car Marcus looked a little nervous. "Whats wrong Marcus?Your acting like you never been in the car with me?"Samantha said lowering her music on the radio. Marcus looked out the window,at the buildings passing by then replied,"I'm good Sam.Its just.."Samantha interrupted,"-Just what?" Marcus looked over at her with a smile,"Its just you look really sexy today." Samantha looked down at herself then at him and replied,"This is what you think sexy is?Ive seen you with badder bitches than me. Why you getting different on me all of a sudden?" Marcus looked at her in disbelief,"Sam,your wrong.You know damn well your the baddest,you make it known." Samantha laughed,"Its funny how,you answer to my statement and not my questions." Marcus looked out the window remembering his place,he was her friend and that boundary couldn't be crossed unless she said so. He hated that fact. He felt his heart sink in his chest,at the thought of how she had the power to have him and leave him as she pleased. Although his heart was deep in his chest he still had that glimmer of hope that one day soon she would finally be his. He cleared his throat realizing that it was entirely too quiet and asked,"So,how was your night?" She hired the music a little bit and answered,"I went to Mona's." Marcus smiled,"Really? Its been a long time since you've been there.How was it?" She smiled back,"It was very...Interesting." Marcus laughed,"How so?" He was honestly curious but wanted to be sure she wasn't with anyone. She knew that he was digging for information and knew of his feelings but she needed to know his input. She trusted him. "Well I met Antonio there,he needed a wing man.I actually hooked him up with Romona,his choice.And I met someone there,a dude named Quinten. Analisette, Adrine, Lolita and Rick were there also." she said hoping he would have missed the part about Quinten. Marcus' blood simmered at the thought of another man, but she had been with many men and woman and the direct hit wasn't what it used to be. To him it was more annoying than extremely bothersome. He changed the subject,"So where are we eating?We have been driving too long pull into Max's." Samantha did as she was told and muttered,"Okay,bossy." Marcus giggled to himself it felt nice to have the shoe on the other foot even if it was for something simplistic.
In Max's Diner they sat at a far table and ordered. Max's Diner was small but served big.It was one of the last 50's style diners in New City.Mayor Ricci tried to make Max sell for years,due to complaints from new residents that it was an eye sore.Some just didn't like the old fashioned vibe that it radiated.Max didn't care,he said they could have it once his kids didn't want it anymore. After finding out that Max had twelve kids from four different women and that his legacy would last way beyond his term as Mayor he gave up. As Marcus and Samantha talked about life and good times they got around to Quinten. "So who is he?"Marcus asked as he sipped on his vanilla milk shake. Samantha nervously began to twist the straw wrapper from his drink,in attempt to find the correct words. Marcus watched her intrigued and awaited."Well,I met him while I was on break.He seemed cool so I told him I would see him at Romona's last night.Everything was fine,he was really sweet.But,Analisette took me to the side and told me something about him that I'm not too sure about." She was confused still and It showed on her face. Marcus rolled his eyes and pressed his lips together so that he wouldn't say anything that would ruin her thoughts. It was typical, a guy or girl would be perfect but always had a flaw. "I don't know,she was trying to protect me.I'm just...I don't know. He doesn't seem like he would do what she said he did." Unable to hold his question anymore,"What did she say he did?" Samantha shook her head not wanting to say it out loud. Just then the feast they ordered arrived. They looked at each other and smiled."last one to the bottom of the plate pays." They began to woof down their plates with the occasional look over to each other and at those watching them. Samantha finished first, and did a little victory dance in her seat. Marcus slowed down and smiled,"Damn,I really thought I had you this time." She smiled,"You thought,but I know you paying the bill." He smirked and took out his wallet.
As they walked out of Max's and into the parking lot she noticed a brand new Subaru STI. "Oh my god,where have you been all my life you sexy beast?" She said walking over to the car. Then the door opened and a tall husky man came out. "Cyclo!"She said running over to him and giving him a big hug. "Hey Sam,whats good?" he said returning the hug. She let go and looked at his car,"Nothing.Sweet ride,man.Guess life's good after that tour huh?" He smiled and shrugged,"Who's your friend?" She waved Marcus over,"This is my boy Marcus,he's in music ever herd of Scribe?" Cyclo looked at him shocked,"Do I?I brought your mix tape as soon as I came back here.Your shit is tough.Id love to do a calabo if you wit it,I got these beats from these Spanish guys and Japanese guys.I think they could take you to the next level." Marcus had that look in his eyes like he met a great connect. They exchanged numbers and watched as Samantha already got under the hood and was reving the engine."Jesus!You hear that?Can I drive her please please please!" she said like a child wanting a toy.Cyclo and Marcus shook their heads."Ill let you tonight,I'm hitting up the races,got to make it known that Daddy's Home." Samantha smiled so big her eyes were only slants.
They talked for a few of old times. School,lovers,racing,and most of all life. It was great to catch up,it definitely had been too long. In the middle of them catching up she received a text from Quinten.She had ignored it and continued catching up. Then he had called. She sent it to voicemail."Wow he is trying way to hard."She thought. When she said her good byes to Cyclo,Marcus had chose to stay with him. She was anything but surprised, Cyclo had this way about him.He was like gravity,everyone was attracted to him,and he kept them grounded.
As she drove home alone,she felt empty. "Send me a sign?What should I do next?"She asked as she began to break for a red light ahead. Just then her phone rang.
"Will you go to dinner with me,please Ms.Samantha?" She thought for a moment,"Maybe this is my sign?" He interrupted her thoughts,"Please?" She smiled at his plea,"Yes Quinten Ill go to dinner with you."  

Death of a Lover (pt.30)

Jean Luc ran as fast as he could as the thoughts of Analisette sped through his mind with each step. "I love you Jean Luc,Ill never leave you." She had said with a smile across her face but truth in her eyes. "I should have been better to her!Should have treated her like the goddess she is!" He yelled to himself as he continued running. Then he remembered ,"I don't believe you!You talk to him everyday,always texting or emailing!He wants you!Why would any man speak to a woman that much?!" Analisette began to cry,"So why are you with me?!You don't trust me!You cannot love without trust!" Jean looked at her tears then held her close to his chest,"I don't want you to cry.Its just that I don't want to loose you." He stopped running and placed his hands on his knees and caught his breath and thought,"I never wanted to hurt her or make her cry." He wiped sweat from his forehead and lip then forced himself to continue running.
His cellphone began to ring in his pocket.Slowing himself down and catching his breath he opened it,"Hello?" There was silence for a moment,"Jean? Its papa." He straightened himself up and replied,"Papa? My fathers dead Francois! What the hell do you want!" Francois cleared his throat then answered,"Listen you little bastard child,I seen your face on the news and Ive been trying to stop your mother from seeing her only son on the news for robbery!" Jean Luc seen an alley nearby with a building under construction next to it and began to walk towards it. "So what I stole a knife,"he said without remorse. "Jean have you completely lost it!Your not in France,this wont get swept under the rug!" Jean Luc rolled his eyes,"Listen Francois I don't care if I live or die! Tell my mother that I love her." He hung up and broke his phone in half and threw it in the garbage can outside of the alley.
As he walked into the alley his heart pounded in his chest and the words he had told his step father echoed in his head,"...I don't care if I live or die!" He fell in the darkness of the alley into a puddle of water. Tears began to fall from his face. He pushed himself to a kneeling position then sat on his heels. "I don't want to live!The woman that I love will never be mine!" He remembered how she had gotten up from the floor so fast to protect Adrine and how she took the hit for him. He held his fists to his face and screamed, "She would have done that for me,I don't deserve to live!" He stood up and remembered seeing her last performance. She walked on stage with such confidence. Seen me and didn't care,spoke to me,"When I met you,I knew. Our Love-simply put-grew.In your arms my love met your heart,then I decided from you I would never part." He Smiled when he remembered those lines. Then continued his memory of her poem,"But my art.Ended our start. Slowly you began to hate that part. Even though,my love tried with all its might to push through your misunderstood wall.Your main worry was who on my phone I would call.Our downfall." He got angry and walked over to a group of garbage cans and knocked them down and punched the wood that was covering the building that was under construction. Shaking the pain off his hand he continued his memory,"Its a shame but we cannot rewrite it.Found that together we cannot make it.Or fake it.With you I wanted to seek it,a life of loves reward.Instead of against,fight together with the same sword.I wanted to move forward.Toward marriage,kids,life.I dreamed of becoming your wife.But awoke to strife." He hit himself in the head with his closed fist repeatedly."She dreamed of that and all I did was accuse her of cheating and lieing!" He said to himself with tears pouring out of his eyes.He held his face in his hands and shook his head and continued to remember,"Knifed your words into my brain.You drove me insane.Without love you became pain.Stain my face with my poor tears.Cried,for you became one of my biggest fears." He lifted his head and couldn't believe he impacted her so much. He turned his head to the building that was under construction and seen an opening. Walking onto the construction site past warning signs that read "Hard Hat Zone" and "Warning no Trespassing" he could only feel the pain he had for loosing Analisette and regret of his mistreatment of her. He looked up at the structure as he heard thunder in the distance.Then Jean Luc continued to remember Analisettes poem and how she ignored him at this point and looked out to the crowd beyond him,"But I needed your cheers.I craved my fans and peers.Steered away from him for each and every one of you.Will I ever look back?Never cause my past was my clue."  Jean began to ascend the structure and thought,"Her fans mean so much to her,I should have been understanding instead of trying to make her choose me over them. Ill make it right." He continued to remember her poem as he climbed the construction ladder against the building,"Paris,You hit my soul and heart and I wont lie,I'm scared of this divide.But I will never regret the ride.Just take it in stride." He had made it to the fifth ladder before he had looked down and became woozy off of the distance. It appeared that the side of the building where he was had been on fire and needed repairs. He entered the opening of the building and seen that the floor was brand new,"Probably just done,I wonder what had caused the fire? I could still smell the burnt wood in this room. Analisette loved that smell,every time I would light the fireplace she would sit close to it to smell the burning wood." He smiled at his memory of that then began to cry knowing he would never be able to experience her in that element ever again. Realizing that he would never have her in any element again made his heart feel as if it had been ripped from his chest. He seen a thick rope laying on the floor and seen his exit."I'm sorry Analisette,I should have cherished you,Never gave you any pain." He began to create a noose and kept speaking,"I don't deserve to live for the pain I caused you,My love.I'm sorry." He pulled the noose over his head and continued,"If I would have killed Adrine I could have had you,but instead you chose him,and made me hurt you." He seen Dust on the window,walked over and drew a heart and the letters "J" and "A" inside."If you would have told me you wanted to be my wife I would have changed.I would have let you do your art."He shook his head as tears fell rapidly down his cheeks. He slowly walked over to the end of the rope and picked it up and began to knot it to the construction structure and stepped out onto it. He remembered her last words to him,"Jean,I forgive you.But I want you to think the next time you want to try something like this. You have to understand,If you hurt him you hurt me.Ive felt too much pain from you already,the pain of you taking him away from me would be unforgivable.Leave,and never come back."  He looked up and felt drops of rain hit his face and herd more thunder and seen a lightning bolt travel across the clouds."God please forgive my actions,but life isn't worth living unless I have her in it.Please understand." As the rain began to fall faster he looked out into New City and recited the last line of Analisettes poem out loud,"This to you is my sweet goodbye." He closed his eyes then stepped off of the structure...

Unexpected (pt.29)

As the lights came on and the crowds began to gather their belongings and make way to the cabs or cars outside,Rick and Lolita stood a minute inside the club. "I just want to make sure he's gone before we leave,I don't want any problems."Rick said as he held Lolita in his arms.Looking up with drained eyes she replied,"But what about Analisette and Adrine?" He kissed her forehead,"They wont leave us,Ill just tell them why it took us a minute when we get to the car."
Outside Adrine and Analisette stood by the entrance."I wonder whats taking them so long,they were right behind us,no?"Analisette said to Adrine who scrolled through his phone looking for something. Analisette looked around hoping to wave them over if they passed by. "Maybe I should get the car,they remember where we parked right?"Adrine said in the glow of his cell phone.Analisette shrugged then noticed he was into his phone a little too much."What are you doing?"She said curiously. Looking on the screen she seen birds flying through the air hitting structures."What the hell is that?!" She said amazed that he was so into it. Looking up he smiled,"Only the best game ever made!" Analisette rolled her eyes and looked around for Rick and Lolita.The crowds were getting less and it looked like the last couple of people were leaving. Analisette squinted across the street and seen Samantha talking to the man she was with.
"Really I'm good,Maybe ill see you around sometime."Samantha said to Quinten as she created a barrier with her car door. He looked around then at her confused,"Will I?You seemed to change once that girl knocked your drink down." She smiled,"No that has nothing to do with it,don't worry." He pressed himself against the door and placed his hands on the top of it,"Will you let me take you to Charlotte's and a movie tomorrow night?" She searched her brain,before her knowledge of him she would have agreed. Noticing her response was taking a minute he told her,"Don't worry ill text you tomorrow and we will talk about it okay?" She smiled and got into her car and watched as he walked into his black Lincoln truck. Once he drove off she took a deep breath and looked up,"Could he really have done that to Lolita?Would he do that to me?He's everything I want in a man physically.Could he really be a monster?" She shook her head from side to side and continued to ask questions to herself until she noticed a man with light brown hair walking toward the club. She rolled down her window and yelled to the man,"Hey buddy,they just closed up!" He looked back at her with piercing eyes and continued to walk toward the club. Samantha shrugged and put her car into gear,"Try to help some people."
The mans heart was racing.He had tracked Analisette and Adrine to the club and waited until he seen her and Adrine alone to strike.He wouldn't get a better time than now.Seeing them laughing at whatever was on Adrine's cellphone made him furious. "She used to do that with me!"he thought before he lurked from the shadows.He pulled his hood over his head once the girl in the car had told him it was closed.For a moment he thought no one would recognize him. "He won the battle but I will win the war!"he thought as he pretended to open the door to the club. Then she spoke,"They just closed up man." Her voice was of angels and he it made him quiver. He couldn't reply his accent would alarm the both of them so he just nodded.
"Are you waiting for someone?Everyone left basically." Analisette said to the man in the bomber coat and hooded sweater. "Babe,come over here."Adrine said in an angry tone noticing the man wasn't talking back to her and she was talking to a stranger.She smiled,"What I'm just being friendly?Relax." As she began to walk toward Adrine he noticed the man was following her but she hadn't realized it yet. "Yo,what the fuck is your problem? Back the fuck up!" Adrine screamed at the man forcefully. Analisette was alarmed and thought  he was talking to her. The man began to walk faster behind Analisette. Adrine seen the glare of a metal object in his hand. Analisette stood frozen in her tracks still believing Adrine had spoken to her that way. Adrine ran to Analisette and pushed her away then realized he had pushed her to the ground. Looking up at him she seen that the man was about to strike with something shiny. She had to think quick as her world slowed down. She could feel her heart pounding at her ribs.Finally she pushed herself off of the ground and took the hit.
Falling for a second time to the floor she thought of the pain freeing her adrenaline. She felt the blood gushing out of her bicep and was thankful it wasn't anywhere life threatening. She looked up at the man who had sliced her and became alarmed,"Jean Luc?!" Adrine stopped looking down at her and the blood then looked at him enraged. Jean Luc dropped the knife and looked at Analisette then Adrine then back at her,"I'm sorry,It was meant for him." Adrine grabbed him and pushed him against the brick wall of the club."Meant for me?I'm right here right now!What the fuck you want to do?!"Adrine said feeling Jean Luc trembling under his hands. Analisette stood up and touched Adrine's arm,"Forgive him." Adrine looked at him with anger then softened his honey brown eyes when he looked at her. Analisette slide her blood stained hand down his arm to his hand then said,"You have to forgive him." Adrine looked at her hand on his and herd how much she wanted him to forgive Jean Luc. He wrinkled the middle of his eyebrows and looked at her,"Forgive him?" Analisette nodded her head with a half smile. Adrine looked deep into Jean Lucs eyes and said,"Listen to me you piece of shit,If it was any other situation i would beat the hell out of you.You should thank Analisette for saving you.Ill forgive you now,but you better not ever try to hurt us again or you wont be so lucky." Adrine slowly released him and stepped back with caution. Analisette walked over to Jean luc and put her hand to his face and said,"Jean,I forgive you.But I want you to think the next time you want to try something like this. You have to understand,If you hurt him you hurt me.Ive felt too much pain from you already,the pain of you taking him away from me would be unforgivable.Leave,and never come back." Jean Luc did as he was told and ran as fast as he could away from them.
Adrine took off his shirt and wrapped it around her arm."Come on lets go to the Hospital." She looked at him like he was crazy,"No.I can stitch it myself at home." Adrine looked back at her,"What about the blood?" Analisette shrugged with a smile,"It wasn't much,Ill make more."Suddenly Rick and Lolita came outside and seen her bleeding. "What the hell happened?" Rick said looking at Analisette in shock. "I'm fine guys really.Are you ready to go?" Rick looked at Adrine who said,"Shes a soldier what can I say."
After explaining what happened on the car ride back to New City Apartments,they all parted ways. Adrine helped Analisette to her apartment and watched as she took off her shirt and bra and walked to her room. "Even hurt shes still the most beautiful woman in the world.But why does she have to tease me by getting topless in front of me." He bit his lower lip and thought of how nice it would be to take her again. She came out of her room with a black tank top and her hair tied back and black bikini underwear. "Do you need help mami?" he asked hoping she did. Analisette smiled,"No i got it.Do you want to learn this time?" Adrine went with her into the bathroom and sat on the toilet as she stood in front of the sink. He watched her with admiration as she told him the steps. She was trying so hard to teach him,but all he could think of was how beautiful she looked. Showing no fear with each time she entered her skin. "I have to wash this blood off of me,do you want to take a shower?"Analisette said finishing the last stitch. Dazed he asked,"What?Shower?Us?" She giggled,"Yes baby,lets go green and save some water." He smiled and took off his belt and unbuttoned his jeans. Analisette watched how egar he was, and slowly took off her tank top and underwear and slid by him then turned on the water.
As they both got in he held her close as the water hit them both. "You saved me tonight."Adrine said as one hand slid up her back then stopped at her shoulder blade. "I told you,I'd be your hero."She said as she kissed his chest. Adrine rubbed her shoulder blade and kissed her neck. "What are you doing?"she asked curiously."Looking for your wings."Adrine said with a smile as he pulled away from her neck.Looking up at him she said,"I'm no angel." He giggled then said,"Your my angel.Can I ask you something?" She looked deep into his eyes,"Whats that?" He looked just as deep into her eyes and said,"Will you marry me?".... 

Mona's Night Club (pt.28)

The night was starting to heat up and the crowds were entering Mona's Night Club which was nestled by the water in New City. The building was a remodeled three floor factory, Romona kept the original red brick from those days but changed everything inside. The First floor housed a full bar, lighted dance floor, bathrooms and Standing tables by the large windows that showed the awaiting clubbers and passer bys. The second floor balcony was  for VIPs and the DJ, hardly anyone went up there. Everyone knew that if someone looked down from up there that they were someone special and deserved their attention. The third floor was Romona's loft. Some who had seen it said it was well decorated and beautiful just like Romona herself.
Adrine,Analisette,Rick and Lolita walked into the club and headed straight to the bar. Analisette said,"Lets all do a shot! Its going to be a great night this place is packed and the music is bumping!" Adrine smiled,"Ill stick to water, since I'm driving.What do you guys want?" As Analisette,Lolita,and Rick deliberated Samantha had just walked in. She was wearing a skin tight sleeveless blue silk halter and liquid leggings with strappy heels. She felt out of her element but decided "fuck it, I don't want this dude to think I'm too tomboyish." After all, he did meet her in her mechanic uniform. She cased the place then noticed Antonio and walked over to him. Finally coming to an agreement Analisette said,"To having a great night out with old and new friends!" they all clinked shot glasses and threw them back. "Damn!"Rick and Lolita said with smiles. Adrine laughed,"What too strong?" Rick laughed,"Not as strong as you papi! could your shirt get any tighter?" Adrine looked down at his tight black "V" neck then up at him,"Its okay daddy,one day you'll get your muscles on my level!" Analisette and Lolita laughed. Rick shook his head,"Nah, I'm built for art not brawn." Adrine kissed Analisettes cheek then said,"I don't know why I always get the hots for Artists." Analisette looked at him like he was crazy,"Your bromancing hard!" Rick smiled then said,"Don't get jelly Alise!" Both Analisette and Lolita looked at each other and said,"Oh my god!"
The DJ said over the music,"This next one is for all the sexy ladies in the building tonight,get to the dance floor,DJ Cyclo wanna see you move them hips!" Samantha looked up and whistled loudly,DJ Cyclo looked down and waved at her. "I didn't know he was back in town,that's crazy."Samantha said to Antonio. "How do you know the DJ?"He asked curiously. "We used to race our cars together when we were younger. Lost track of each other when he went off on a DJ tour with other DJ's in the region,I herd they went all over the world." She replied. As Samantha and Antonio watch as all the women went on the dance floor, they seen how each woman danced with every ounce of sexuality in their body.Samantha directed her attention to Antonio who was staring at them with want,"Which one you gonna take home Tony?" He looked at her as if a child getting caught watching porn then looked down and said,"I cant take anyone home,they don't want me." Samantha reached over and pulled his face up by his chin,"You could have anyone you want,you just have to go after what you want without fear." Antonio held his head high and said,"I want that one." He pointed at Romona who was talking with the bartender.  She was wearing black stiletto heels that accentuated her long legs that led to a black pencil skirt with a nearly see through white button up shirt and a noticeable black bra. Her dark red hair was twisted up by a pencil and she looked around the club about every two minutes with her beautiful green eyes. Samantha looked at him shocked,"Damn you aim high! You do know that's Romona the owner of the club." Antonio smiled,"I don't care.I want her. Help me get her." Samantha shook her head with a smile,"This one is going to take time man,its early.Lets wait a little while before we take down the gazelle."
"Everyone get on the floor! Its heating up in here! lets GO!" said Dj Cyclo over the microphone. Adrine and Analisette stood at one of the tables and watched as Lolita and Rick danced. "Shes working the hell outta him."Analisette said with a smile. "Rick got some moves though, hes keeping up." Analisette looked up at him,"Thank you for bringing us here tonight. We all needed this." Adrine smiled and looked back at her,"No problem baby,I'm just glad your having a good time." She looked back at them dancing then back to him,"You saved her you know?Minnie too.Your a hero." Adrine shook his head with a smile,"No I'm not.I just did what anyone should do." She looked around the club then at him,"Do you honestly believe that anyone here would risk their lives for someone else?" Adrine looked around then looked at her,"Don't be too quick to judge,Everyone does whats right when they are faced with something life threatening." Analisette smiled then leaned in for a kiss,"I would be your hero." Adrine leaned in,"You already are."
Lolita looked over at Adrine and Analisette kissing and smiled,then continued grinding on Rick.As she switched from her back to his chest to be face to face with him she seen a man walking through the dance floor. He looked familiar to her so she stared at him and slowed her pace of dancing. Rick kept up and didn't notice she was looking anywhere else. The man was light skinned and muscular and was walking towards two people she noticed lived in the same building. She watched as he talked to them and as he began to walk in her and Rick's direction. She continued dancing and as the three of them passed by the man she was watching looked back with a smile at the man the girl from her building was talking to. She stopped moving. Rick took a second to realize she stopped dancing. "Whats wrong baby, are you okay?" He asked concerned. "That's him.From the party.I know its him.Ill never forget that smile."She said as tears began to fall out of her eyes. Rick walked her off of the dance floor over to Adrine and Analisette.
Samantha smiled as Quinten asked,"What do you want to drink beautiful?" She shrugged her shoulders,"What do you suggest?" He smiled then told the bartender,"Get this beautiful girl something Sexy and Sweet." The bartender nodded then began to take different alcohols and crushed ice and blended it. Samantha looked at Antonio who was at the other end of the bar, close to Romona but not saying a word. "Hold on Quin Ill be right back,I'm slacking on my wingman duties." Quinten nodded and watched as she walked over to Antonio.
"Hi,Romona.How are you tonight?" She said to her sweetly. Romona looked at her with a smile,"Do I know you?" Samantha half smiled then replied,"Regretfully no,but I'm sure you get this all the time and you could stop me now if you aren't interested." Ramona looked at her curiously,"I'm listening." Samantha smiled big,"I want to be your friend,Honestly. I'm real great friend material." Ramona laughed,"How do you expect me to believe that?" Samantha laughed with her,"I thought you would never ask!" She tapped Antonio on the shoulder and he looked back at her with a smile,"This is my friend Antonio and he could tell you all about how great of a friend I am." Antonio couldn't believe she did it,"Hello Romona,I'm Antonio." Romona smiled and said,"Hey I'm Romona. So is she all she says she is?" Samantha seen Quinten raise up her glass and said,"Oh,my drink is ready.Ill be back in a little.Keep talking.Ask him twenty questions." They both watched as she walked over to Quinten. "She is a great friend,I have been watching you working hard all night and couldn't build up the courage to say anything to you. Until this moment."Antonio said with a smile. Romona was interested,"Really? Lets talk in my Office."
Quinten and Samantha were talking when she realized she hadn't even touched her drink,"So tell me what does this drink taste like so I could be prepared." Quinten smiled,"Its just like you.Give it a taste." She slowly brought it to her mouth. Before she could take a sip,someone bumped her hard causing her to drop the drink on the floor. When Samantha turned to look at who had bumped her,"What the Fuck is wrong with you!" Analisette looked at her,"Sorry Sam,I'm such a klutz. Come with me to the bathroom and Ill clean you up." Samantha and Analisette went to the bathroom.Analisette grabbed a handful of paper towels and asked, "Sam,What do you know about that guy your with?" Samantha watched her and started dabbing a few spots that hit her shirt then replied,"I just met him.What is he like your ex or something?" Analisette stood up and wet another paper towel,"Sam I know in school we never really talked but I have to tell you something about this dude and i need you to trust me." Samantha leaned against the wall of the bathroom and replied,"Tell me, I want to know." Analisette turned around and leaned against the sink behind her,"He helped fifty guys rape Lolita." Samantha shook her head. She knew about Lolita being an escort. She didn't want to believe that such a sweet man could assist in something like that."How do you know that Lolita didn't just have sex with Fifty men?" Analisettes eyes began to water. It hurt her to know that someone who only knew that she slept around would say that so simply. "Sam,he gave her a roofie.She had to go to the hospital.She escaped and that's why she was going to jump.Please believe me,he is not a good dude. Stay away from him." Samantha had herd enough and checked in the mirror if she had anything else on her clothes then opened the door to leave the bathroom. "Sam I know about your parents,please just listen to me."Analisette said desperately. Samantha looked back,"You don't fucking know me!" Then she left.
"Are you OK Sam?I ordered you another one."Quinten asked handing her another drink. She looked at the glass then at him. Analisette walked by and looked at her and the drink then gently touched her bicep and returned to Adrine,Rick and Lolita. Quinten watched as the woman touched her arm the walked to her group.He recognized Lolita as she talked to the girl who had touched Samantha's arm. Anger grew inside of him. Samantha broke the silence,"Actually Quin,I think ima take a bottled water."
"Alright everyone let's go! Its the last set of the night! and the Last call for alcohol,"DJ Cyclo said over the music. Adrine took Analisette on the dance floor. "Show me what you got baby,don't hold back," he whispered into her ear. Analisette grinded her ass against his growing muscle and told herself,"I'm not stopping until its as hard as a ROCK!" Rick had convinced Lolita to get on the dance floor one last time before they would leave. They danced face to face and Rick held her tight to his body. She whispered into his ear,"I don't know where I would be without you." He smiled then replied,"I feel the same way." Lolita let a single tear slip from her eye then whispered into his ear again,"Promise me you wont let me go." Rick reached up and placed his hand on her neck and mouthed "I promise," then kissed her confirming that truth....