Score: The Catch

Chapter Fifteen

"So, let me get this straight. Y'all drove to the store to get Erica some candy, but you got gas first? You forgot all about the candy, so you got back in the driver's seat. You saw Rock and he saw you. You opened the door and that bitch started running because he thought you was gone come after him? Then y'all  heard shots and saw Rock on the ground? Damn, son. That's fucked up. What you do after that? What Erica say?" Chris asked as we sat in his hospital room.

"Yeah, man. I left. To be real, I didn't know what to do. I mean, I was gon' to kill his bitch ass for doing what he did. But, somebody beat me to it. I mean, if I would've did it, I would've been under somebody's prison and you know that. But, if a police officer kill a black person, it'll get swept under the rug anyway, or he'll probably get off. It's almost like it's normal. He'll have some lame excuse and the judge probably'll believe it. I don't know, yo. Erica didn't really say much. I wouldn't say anything either. I guess she's taking it like I am. Just like me, she don't know what to do or how to act about the situation.  Anyway, when you getting out of here? Ain't nothing wrong with yo' ass."

"Psh, I hope in a few days. I need to get back to work. You need to come to New York with me and find a job." I knew I had to do something before this baby came and I had to take care of it. We haven't spent a lot of it, but Erica was right. It won't last forever.

"I know. I'll be back later on. I'm finna go home." We dapped and I walked to my car.

I walked in the apartment and went straight to the bedroom. "What you doing in the bed at ten? You usually up longer," I said to Erica when I saw her laying on the bed.

"I'm sleepy and I don't feel good. Plus, I had homework over break. My body is sore and I-"

"I get it. I got you, baby. You want me to use oil or lotion?"

"Oil," she replied and grabbed it off of the dresser. I gave her a massage and talked to her until she drifted into a deep sleep. Even she asked me about getting a job. I walked to my car and rolled a blunt. I needed some time to think to myself. I didn't know exactly where I was going. I was just driving, smoking, listening to music, and thinking about my future that keeps getting closer.

My phone vibrated while I was at a red light. The message came from somebody who knew I sold weed. He wanted a ounce. I haven't sold in a minute but I could use ths money. Well, I didn't need it. I just wanted it. I asked where he was and waited for a reply. Meanwhile, I looked in my car to see if I had enough. He texted me his location and I headed across the city.

"Wassup?" The short man greeted me. I nodded my head and we made the transaction. We talked for a little while longer until I felt like going home.

I walked into the bathroom to shower. When I finished, I put on some shorts and socks and laid down under the covers in the bed. Erica buried her head into my chest. I kissed her forehead and went to sleep.

"Hey, get back here!" The police officer yelled. He tackled him to the ground, grabbed his neck and started saying something that I couldn't hear because we were too far apart. What I did hear was four gunshots that sounded off.

"Where is my money?" I asked him as I searched his pockets. Erica was looking to see if anyone was coming.

I hit him with the butt of the gun before he dropped.

I killed him, Finally.

I jumped up in a cold sweat, just like I did the last time. Only Erica didn't wake up this time. I got out of the bed and went into the bathroom to wash my face. I looked at myself in the mirror for a few minutes before I got on my knees and put my hands together.

God, I just don't know. I don't know where to start this. I need to get it together, man. I have a baby on the way and lord knows, I don't want to bring it in this already cold world to stuggle, you know? Man, I just want to see them happy. I need guidance. Help me. Show me a better way. I know it's another one. If you don't do it for me, do it for Erica and the baby growing inside of her. I just need one chance. I try, Lord. I do. Walk me through these obstacles and forgive me. Amen.