Trapped By A Taurus

Don't Trust No Nigga

As the lyrics of Khia's song filled the air, I found myself humming along, cruising through the picturesque landscapes of Alabama while enjoying a blunt. Accompanied by my friend Kelly, we had dropped off Ahlirah at his temporary stay with her grandmother and I had plans to meet up with the captivating Brick later on. However, I knew I had to keep my distance from Brick, as Drique was becoming increasingly curious about our interactions.

Upon arriving at my mother's house, I noticed her car was not there, but my Aunt Janine's vehicle was parked outside. With a gentle knock on the door, I entered the cozy living space to find my dear Aunt Janine dozing off on the couch, her peaceful expression a stark contrast to the chaotic whirlwind of my own life.

I made my way up the stairs to my mother's bedroom, eagerly searching for her collection of belly rings that she kept under lock and key. Despite being 46 years old, my mother still maintained a youthful and attractive appearance. People often mistook us for sisters rather than mother and daughter, thanks to her curvaceous figure and long, lustrous black hair that turned heads wherever we went. Her flawless brown skin was free of any scars, except for the two tattoos on her left arm.

After selecting a belly ring and carefully cleaning it, I retreated to my old room to sift through my drawers in search of midriffs. I found a pretty pink one and paired it with some skimpy jean shorts. As I gazed at my reflection in the mirror, I couldn't help but admire the changes motherhood had brought to my body. Gone were the days of being frail and slender; now I had hips and a derriere that spoke of womanhood rather than girlishness.

The sound of the front door opening and the familiar voice of my Uncle Red brought me back to reality. Uncle Red had recently split from his wife of 15 years and was now back living with my mother.

''Janine...where is Tisha... you know Cole been around town asking for her." I heard my Uncle Red ask my Aunt Janine.

Cole was my real fathers name. I wonder why he would be calling mama.

Cole dipped off on my mama when she was pregnant with me and i didn't hear much about him.  I went to the door and listened closely. 

"He's what?! Oh lord if Tisha finds out in town she's gonna flip.'' 

''I know...she never told him about Giselle...''

''I'm sorry Red i don't believe he gave Tisha herpes...Tisha been hot in the ass since daddy died...She was messing with Cole's best friend Hector too around that time you know."

''Nah...Giselle is definitely Cole's child...Hector went upstate before Tisha found out remember?"

''Well..it's time for Tisha to be real with that girl...She's not a child anymore.''

I grabbed my stuff and walked downstairs to the kitchen. My Aunt Janine got up and grabbed her purse and lit a cigarette. 

''I'm about to go down to the Dutch for a few.."She said. The Dutch was a local bar where all the old heads went to. They often played old music and daily fist fights at the bar. 

''Imma come with you...Imma need one once Tisha hear this shit.''

''Hear what?'' I asked just to see if they would tell me what i already knew. My Aunt Janine looked at my Uncle Red.

"Nothing, girl... Enjoy your weekend," she spoke with a smile, before turning and walking out of the room. Uncle Red followed closely behind, his presence fading as they exited. I took a moment to breathe, rolling a blunt before making my way back upstairs to my room.

Hours drifted by, and I eventually drifted off to sleep. The sound of muffled voices in the kitchen stirred me awake, my eyes scanning the clock to catch sight of the time: it was 12am. I couldn't help but wonder who my mother was speaking with at such a late hour.

''When were you going to tell me Tisha? On your death bed?''

''I'm sorry Cole. We were young and i was so angry about you sleeping with Miranda Miles.''

'' I can't believe this... I had to find out through my little brother that i had a daughter? Are you kidding me Tisha. "He said raising his voice a little.

''Come on now Cole...no need to get all upset.. yall were young.''My Uncle Red. 

''Red...if you find out you had a daughter after 19 years you would be pissed too.''He said. I walked downstairs and stood at the kitchen entrance. 

My father stood tall, his dark skin contrasting with the curls of his jet-black hair, clad in a leather jacket paired with jeans and boots. His handsome features made it all too clear why my mother had chosen him. The only physical traits I seemed to have inherited from him were his lips and the shape of his eyes; the rest of me was a reflection of my mother.

As I observed him, my mother, still in her work attire, met my gaze with tear-filled eyes. The exhaustion etched on her face was palpable, a clear indication of the burdens she carried and the challenges she faced upon returning home to this tumultuous situation.

"Giselle..''She started off.

'' You lied to me all my life. Its time to start telling me the truth.''

My mother shook her head and wiped her tears away. 

"After learning that your father cheated on me, I sought solace in his friend and ended up contracting herpes from him as a result of my retaliation," she revealed, her voice weighted with a mixture of regret and resentment. "However, instead of confessing my infidelity as an act of revenge, I made the decision to keep my pregnancy a secret from your father and ultimately ended our relationship."

''You are foul...''

''Giselle. all that matters is that i am here and i want a bond with you and my grandchild.''

"I need some time," I whispered as I began to ascend the stairs, feeling overwhelmed by a whirlwind of emotions. My mother's bitterness and deceit had left me reeling, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of numbness. As I glanced down at my phone, I noticed there were no missed calls from Drique. The thought barely registered, as I had already made up my mind to meet up with Brick at some point in the near future.

With a deep breath, I switched on the radio and let the soothing melodies envelop me as I sought solace in the comforting sounds, eventually drifting off to sleep once again.