True To The Game Part 12

During the following months, she stayed on probation. Qua played a lot of mind games. He even paid a friend of his to push up on her. The guy pulled along Gena in a candy apple red convertible Saab in the Starling Mall parking lot. He offered her dinner, then gave her some roses he already had in the backseat, which she gave right back. He talked real nice, giving her all kinds of compliments, but to no avail; Gena wouldn't give him the time of day. Quadir really gave her a hard way at first, then he started to ease up. Things just happened like they were meant to. Gena stayed right up underneath Qua. She was even with him when he would be taking care of business. She knew it was no place for her, and so did he. They did everything together. By the time Christmas came, she was staying at the apartment where he usually entertained his women. Gena felt so at home, particularly after she burned all the evidence that indicated he had a life before she came along. Gena cooked, cleaned, even did laundry all between trips to Bloomingdales and Ann Taylor. She had a ball hurting the feelings of every female who called for him. "b.i.t.c.h please, I'm his woman; you're a f.u.c.k. He doesn't care about you. Quadir, tell her you don't want to f.u.c.k with her." She would always pa.s.s him the phone, demanding her position be exposed. He would do it too. Gena had put her thing down, real hard. Her power and wiles were so strong that Quadir for once was keeping his interest. He liked coming home to her at night, and he loved her jealousy. She made such a fuss over every little thing that Qua soon realized that he would have to be a man about his extracurricular activities and keep them hidden from Gena. Quadir, being Muslim, didn't celebrate Christmas. But, he promised that every other year they could celebrate with gifts. One day before the holiday, he hid a box in the house and made her look for it. Finally, she found in the kitchen closet-a big box with gold wrapping paper and a red bow.

"Not my to-the-floor fur, Qua?" She kissed him before she even opened it.

"How'd you know?" he asked.

Gena paid him no mind, too busy now ripping at the paper. "How'd I know," she muttered, looking as if that was the stupidest question ever asked. Gena thought she would die. It was the coat she had been requesting for months. A mink, to the floor, the most beautiful thing she had ever seen in her life.

Everything was going so good. The past six months had brought them close, real close. The best part of the whole relationship was that they were on the same level with each other. Though they were both the biggest flirts in the world, it was clearly understood that there was no messing around. Quadir already knew that it would be stupid of him to think that there wouldn't be guys trying to see Gena; she looked too good. The brothers would always try their luck. Gena handled it though; she was never loose. She always maintained her composure and represented Quadir, which was a lot of representing. Qua had always been a flirt, except his flirting was different from hers.

Three days after Christmas a baby girl was born at 4:30 PM. She weighed six pounds, and fifteen ounces. She was a beautiful baby, with locks of black hair and beautiful brown skin. Cherelle, the baby's mother, was in the Germantown Hospital alone. She couldn't believe that she had given birth all by herself. She had paged Quadir and told him she was in labor. He didn't call back. Even though she wasn't absolutely sure it was his, she played the entire nine months as if it were. She was so glad she finally knew who the father was once she saw her daughter. She hadn't been too sure, but when she came out, Cherelle took one look at her and knew she would be called Quanda.

Qua knew his flirting was going to get him into trouble. That was even his New Year's resolution. No ho's in 1989.

Gena's resolution was much simpler: to save money. Something she'd never been able to do. Gena spent money as if it were falling out of the sky like rain. She didn't save one dime. It was 1989. She would be turning nineteen in March, and she didn't even have a bank account. Jewelry, clothes, shoes, even a fur. And no bank account.

If Qua left her today or tomorrow, if he went to jail, or if anything happened to him, she would have nothing.

1989.

SURPRISE.

The months pa.s.sed quickly. Ever since Sahirah's funeral, Quadir and Gena stayed together and everyone knew it. He let her drive the Range Rover while he drove the BMW.

He bought her a house in Montgomery County. It had four bedrooms, a pool in the backyard, and a huge front lawn that required landscaping. There were a total of eight chandeliers throughout the house. The vestibule, bathrooms, and kitchen were all complete with coordinating marble. The bas.e.m.e.nt was Quadir's. No women allowed, just his boys. It had a pool table, a bar, and sixty-inch-screen TV. He had a sound system throughout that could shake the entire neighborhood. The living room had eggsh.e.l.l carpet, off-white furniture, and contemporary marble. A large curio sat cornered against the wall where Gena had placed thousands of dollars worth of crystal. Where the furniture came from Qua didn't care. He did care that she spent $32,000 on the room.

The family room had b.u.t.ter soft navy blue leather furniture and a custom-made light-blue carpet with dark blue trim. In the middle of the far wall was a fireplace. Another big-screen TV sat catty-cornered in the family room next to a stereo system twice the size of the one in the bas.e.m.e.nt. There were sliding gla.s.s doors that led out to the backyard and the pool. The kitchen had been remodeled and had everything from a dishwasher to a food processor. The dining room floor was black marble with a black mirrored dining room table that seated twelve in its center. A matching breakfront sat against beveled mirrors adjacent to a gray stone wall.

Their bedroom had rich, dark green carpet. A huge king-size bed connected to an elaborate wall unit, which stretched across the entire wall and sat facing the door.

The closets were filled with shoes and clothes. Gena and Quadir had so many clothes, neither rarely wore the same thing twice.

There were two extra rooms. One Gena made into an office, complete with a maple desk, computer, and fireproof file cabinets. In front of the desk sat two bone colored leather chairs. She had a bookshelf the size of the wall built for the room and went out to bookstores and purchased hundreds of books to occupy the shelves.

The other bedroom was really like a storage area, even though it was actually a guest room. Though the family rarely visited, Gah Git called every day.

Quadir stayed gone, as if he was lost and just couldn't find the house. Gena didn't understand it. He would stay out all night, usually not returning home until the wee hours of the morning.

Even though he was never there, he wasn't going anywhere either. She felt secure, and she felt happy. But Gena unknowingly had allowed herself to be isolated. Quadir had conveniently and successfully excused it as a safety precaution. None of her girlfriends was allowed in the house. That was first and foremost. Only a few family members had visited. Not only did Gena believe this was right, but also she protected her home and protected Quadir by all means. She never took anyone there. No one except family was to have their home number. She could only be paged. Traveling in certain parts of the city, even talking to certain individuals was a no-no. And, for the love of money, it was a small price to pay. It was nothing. She had no worries, but she was left alone.

One rainy day, Quadir stayed in. It was a treat to have him home. The two cuddled on the sofa with a blanket and popcorn and watched daytime TV. That's when a commercial came on. The "make each day count" speech, and "why waste another moment?" grabbed her. She turned to Quadir and asked if she could go to college, really wanting to.

"What do you want to study?" he asked.

"You know, I hadn't thought about it. But I like the idea of business management, and it would give me something to do, Quadir. You're not here a lot, and there's nothing left in the malls. I have everything," she said throwing her hands out in the air, really wondering what he expected her to do. Quadir was excited for her. He wished he had it in him to go to college with her.

"Maybe I'll go too."

"For real, I can go? You're going to come, Quadir," she said moving over to him, hugging his neck, and giving him kisses in a circle motion over his face.

"Well, I can't do it now. But, when things lighten up, I'm going back. I always wanted to be a dentist," he said trying to get her off his neck.

"I want you to be a dentist, Quadir. I think you would be a great dentist. I really do." She said it meaning every word, and he knew she knew what she was talking about.

"I love you, Gena."

"I love you back, Quadir."

With that Gena started college two months later, and was doing quite well. She occupied most of her days in cla.s.ses and her nights studying.

Hearing the BMW in the driveway, she peered out the bedroom window to see Quadir pull into the double door garage. She flew down the stairs and met him as he walked in the door.

"Hey, baby. You all right?" he said as she walked away from him into the kitchen.

"I'm fine," her voice kind of cold.

"What are you going to do today?"

"I want to go shopping and pay my credit card bill," she said following behind him.

Quadir knew that meant money.

"What are you doing?" she asked.

"Nothing. I got to be somewhere in an hour." He took off his clothes and left them in the middle of the floor for her to pick up.

"It's ten thirty in the morning. Where have you been?" All she needed to complete the picture was a little steam coming out of her ears.

"I been in the street."

"What the f.u.c.k is the street? What kind of answer is that? You're always in the street. You never have any time to spend with me. You're never here anymore because you're always in the street," she stared him down, waiting for an answer.

"Gena, you know what I'm in the street doing? Hustling. Making money. You know, that green-colored paper you love to spend so much of? Look at it, Gena, ten thousand for a dining room. Where's the chairs, Gena?"

"You know they will be delivered next week."

"Yeah, for an additional eight thousand. Ten thousand and no chairs, and the bedroom, fifteen thousand dollars, Gena. Not to mention a living room no one can go into because it's white. That was thirty thousand right there. Our living room is someone's house. Your f.u.c.king wardrobe and jewelry is twenty working motherf.u.c.kers' salaries per year, and you got a problem with me 'cause I'm in the streets. Don't you think I want to come home? But what the f.u.c.k! When I do, I got to hear a bunch of bulls.h.i.t. I can't even get my d.i.c.k sucked because you're too busy using your mouth to ask me stupid questions like, where have I been all night." He stopped to catch his breath and she just stood there looking at him. He definitely needs some p.u.s.s.y, she thought to herself. He acted as if she were the one with the problem and not him. Finally, he calmed down and gave in a little.

"I got a surprise for you. Meet me here at six." He handed her a piece of paper with an address on it. From there nothing more was said about the hours he was keeping. Gena went downstairs and Quadir went into the kitchen. As usual, Gena had made his breakfast and sat his plate in the microwave. When he was done eating she followed him back upstairs to ask him for some money. She felt bad after hearing his speech about all the money she had spent. If he started hollering again, she was going to tell him to forget it and just walk away.

As she walked into the room he was on the phone, saying, "You what?" When he looked up and saw her, he just hung up the phone.

"Who was that?"

"n.o.body," he said with a stupid looking smile on his face.

"Quadir, please."

"It was Ra." She knew he was lying. She could tell. His beeper went off, and he picked it up immediately and turned it to the vibrate mode but he didn't call back the number. It vibrated again, but Gena couldn't hear it.

"I need some money."

"What's new?"

"Quadir, is there someone else?"

"No, Gena. Why would you ask me a question like that? Do you got someone else?"

"Of course not. It's just that you don't spend any time with me. I come into rooms and you hang up on people. What's that?"

"Gena, that is not true. We go to Atlantic City almost every week and we go out to dinner at least four or five times a week. h.e.l.l, you'd starve a n.i.g.g.a to death so we got to go."

"Sometimes I really think you don't love me."

"Come here."

Gena's fingers busily removed his clothes. Qua kissed her mouth and kissed nipples that reached for his lips in the promise of deep pleasure. He touched her with his wonderful, knowing fingers, becoming more excited with every moan that escaped her lips. She made him hold still while she worked her knees to the floor. She took him into her mouth and sucked, up and down, on the fleshy instrument G.o.d had provided him. Clenching his teeth to prevent himself from exploding too soon, Quadir picked her up with great strength and pinned her up against a wall. She was so wet and so hot. He hadn't seen her this pa.s.sionate in months, and he was taking every advantage he could of her. He knew she was an undercover freak and would do the mailman if he wasn't on his job. He turned her around so her back was to him and she faced the wall and in a standing position put his thing down. As she felt herself climaxing, she told him to come with her and he did. Releasing, as she basked in the heady state of shimmering pleasure, he whispered, "I love you."

Following her in to the bathroom, he stood above her as she was sitting on the toilet. She looked up, seeing his d.i.c.k pointed straight at her ear. "I've missed you too," she said, as he lifted her onto the bathroom counter. Wanting every inch of him inside her, she spread her legs open and let him in. He held her thighs so tight as he attempted to push his body and soul into her, all the while whispering in her ear, "It's all about you, Gena. All about you." Holding onto the counter's edge, she felt his body shudder, giving up the demon, releasing what seemed like all of his life force.

How could she doubt him after a shot like that? He is in the street. He'll never cheat. He loves me, Gena thought.

Finally able to move, Qua helped her off the counter, re-entered the bedroom, and turned on the CD player.

After they showered and dressed, Quadir went downstairs. She knew he was going to the safe. She didn't know the combination; he wouldn't tell her. In a few minutes, he returned and placed three stacks of money on the bed.

"You gonna meet me at six, right?"

"Yeah. How much is there?"

She couldn't take her eyes of the piles of bills in front of her. What bag would she use to carry all that cash?

"Seven or eight thousand."

Quadir was ready to go. "I'm taking the jeep. I'll see you later." She was holding out a piece of paper, which he pocketed then kissed her good-bye. He got as far as the jeep before curiosity got him.

Lying Still I'm lying still and I sense you're there Your fingers all over, touching everywhere.

I feel your strength, I feel you inside You're taking me someplace insanities hide.

On top of me now, you feel big and strong You're making me open, and you're taking control The deeper you're able, the deeper you'll go 'cause you have the power, and I can't say no.

Giving me all and everything that you've got I feel you inside me, so warm and so hot.

I'm lying still now, I'm sweating and wet It's four thirty a.m. And you're not home yet.

Where are you, what are you doing, and who are you doing it with?

Qua turned the key in the ignition and went to work. Happy.

Gena called Tracey to see if she wanted to go with her to the mall. She and Tracey had become good friends since Sahirah's pa.s.sing. The girls talked for a few minutes before Gena left to pick her up.

They went to the Gallery Mall in Center City, something Gena did every day and never got bored with. The established department stores were connected under the ground. It was many shops in a s.p.a.cious wonderland. It was like a shopping amus.e.m.e.nt park, and it felt real good to be able to buy whatever she wanted. She picked out a lounging robe for Gah Git and paid for a belt Tracey was admiring. Quadir now had a dozen more pair of polo boxers, and Gena got a couple bottles of perfume for herself and her cousin Brianna. Her only choice was to buy a fragrance she didn't already have.

After leaving the mall, Gena went to Gah Git's house. She was so happy to see her grandmother and fell right into her arms. Of course, Gah Git was always glad to see Gena.

"How's my baby? Come on in here and sit down. Where's Qua? How's he doing?" Gah Git was asking questions so fast, Gena hardly had a chance to answer.

"Quadir is fine. He's at his store."

"How are you, Tracey?" Gah Git said, finally acknowledging her.

"I'm fine. How are you?"

"Oh, I'm pretty good. My leg hasn't been bothering me, praise the Lord."

"Gah Git!" Gena hollered her name so loud, she scared her grandmother half to death. Gena remembered the packages and headed for the door. "I got you something from the mall. It's in the car."

"What's the matter with her? Child scared me half to death." Pausing she waited a few seconds and then asked, "Gena know about the party?"

"No, she's worried Quadir has forgotten her birthday," Tracey said.

Gena came running back in. "Here you go, Gah Git."

Gah Git's face lit up at the contents in the bag. "Oh, Gena, baby, thank you! It's so nice. I can't wait to wear it tonight. You hungry?"

"No."

"What about you, Tracey?"

"No, thanks."

They both turned their heads to the clatter on the porch and the opening screen door.

Bria and Brianna, Gena's twin cousins, came bursting into the house. They were drop-dead gorgeous, wore their long hair in wraps just like Gena, and were identical except for a mole on Bria's right ear lobe, plus she had larger feet. Gena couldn't stand Bria and Bria couldn't stand Gena.

"Brianna, I got you something."

Taking the bag Gena handed her, Brianna exclaimed. "I been wanting this for so long. Thanks, Gena. Do you think you can loan me twenty dollars?"

"What you trying to do?" asked Gena.

"Nothing. I just need twenty dollars. Come on, please?"

"Here," said Gena, handing her a twenty-dollar bill.

Bria was mumbling something under her breath. She could not stand it when Gena came around. Everybody acted like she was some G.o.ddess. With the presence of her archenemy now full faced, Gena decided to leave. She dropped Tracey at home then found Quadir engaged in a c.r.a.ps game on the corner of the Av. After Quadir lost a couple thousand right quick, Gena followed him to his new store. It was a nice corner storefront property. Quadir sat and told her his plan of opening up a beauty salon. Gena worried for a minute but soon realized that her man was all about her. "This is for us. This beauty salon is for you. I want you to decorate it and run things for me. Run the business, our business. So, you down, or what?"

"You know I am, baby. I love you, Quadir," she said kissing her man.