Niecey. . .
Why am I at my bachelorette party if my fiancé is nowhere to be found? I have been working my ass off for the wedding. The same wedding that is supposed to be tomorrow. The same wedding that is not going to happen because my fiancé has not been seen for about three weeks or so. Frankie told me to just continue the plans because she has a feeling he will be back. I don’t want to go off a damn feeling. He thinks he’s slick by not returning my phone calls. When I find him, I’m going to kick his ass.
It was my party but I only had one drink. Everybody was all over the strippers. I hate male strippers. They went too far. As much as I acted like I enjoyed this party, I really didn’t. I just wanted my man and my baby. I slipped into my bedroom, closing out the party. I called my mother to check on Malachai.
“Mommy, how is Chai doing? I hate leaving him alone.”
“Girl, he’s in there with his Daddy. That boy is ok.” His daddy? I never told her that Hakeem was out of town so I knew she wasn’t just playing.
“Hakeem is there?”
“That’s what I just said Deniece. I swear you can be so slow.”
“Mommy, put Keem on the phone. I’m not slow either.” I heard their muffled conversation. She told him I wanted to speak to him and he told her it was bad luck. He’s such a fool.
“Hey Baby. I was just about to call you.”
“Cut the bullshit, Hakeem. How could you do this? I was about to call off the wedding.”
“You wasn’t gone do that. Stop being a drama queen. Be at the church tomorrow. I need some sleep.”
“Hakeem, you are such an asshole.”
“You miss me?”Dang, I’m weak when it comes to him.
“Yes, I’ve missed you so much. Why’d you leave me?”
“I had to. But, I missed you too. What you wearing?”
“Hakeem, hush boy. I’m wearing pajamas.”
“You were just at your bachelorette party and you expect me to believe that?” I looked down at my red and black lingerie, black pumps, and my “Bridezilla” sash. I’ll make him suffer.
“Yea, I changed already.”
“You’re lying but, it’s cool. I love you, DJ.”
“I love you, too. Can I talk to my baby now?”
“Niecey, this boy can’t talk and he’s sleep. I’ll see you tomorrow afternoon. Get some rest.”
“Goodnight.”
I sat there up for hours. Tomorrow is the day my life will change forever. I will officially be Mrs. Hakeem Anderson.
I can’t believe I actually made it to my wedding day. I watched as Shawny made her way down the aisle. Chris carried Trinity in his arms. At the end of the aisle he handed Trinity to Shawny and kissed them both on their forehead. Next up was Frankie and CJ. They followed suit with baby Elijah. Amelia was the sweetest flower girl in the world. She was escorted by Dre, our ring/ baby barrier.
Hakeem thought it would be a bright idea to have our four month son escorted in with the rings. After everyone was set I made my way down the aisle. My First Love was being played by a saxophonist (another one of Hakeem’s ideas). I looked down the aisle to see Hakeem waiting with Chai in his arms. They were twins. Shawny and Frankie beamed at me as I walked slowly. All eyes were on me. As I approached Hakeem he handed me my baby. I smiled and kissed his forehead. I tried to hand him to my mother but he put up a fight. She pulled out a cookie and he nearly hopped to her. Just like his greedy Daddy.
Hakeem helped me up onto the platform and pulled me into a hug. “You’re wearing the necklace I got you for graduation.”
“You noticed.” I held on to the diamond heart that he gave me when we first got our condo. I loved it just like I loved him. The ceremony began and I couldn’t help but cry a little. He held my hand and kept wiping the tears before they dropped completely. It was time for our vowels. Ladies first.
“Hakeem Rashad Anderson, I love you with everything I have in me. You’ve always been here next to me. Anything I ever needed you had me. From the time I was 17 and scared until now. I’m 22 and we’ve done nothing but get stronger. You’ve given me everything I’ve ever wanted. You’re my best friend.” Shawny and Frankie both cleared their throats and everyone laughed. “I mean my best guy friend in the world. When I need you, you got me and I always got you. We always said we would Ride or Die and trust me, for the past four years that’s exactly what we’ve done. I could never love anyone more than I love you. Thank you.” He wiped the tear that slid down my cheek.
“Well, I decided I was going to just wing it and say what was on my heart at the moment. Deniece, from the moment I laid eyes on you, you changed my life for the better. You became so important to me in a matter of weeks. When I was all alone, you filled the emptiness with your presence. When I was doubtful, your smile helped me with my faith. I don’t know what I’ve ever did to deserve you but I definitely don’t want to complain. The reason I love you? I don’t have a reason. You’re a part of me. You’ve given me the one thing I’ve always wanted. A real family.” He walked over to my mommy to get Chai. “Thank you, for giving me everything I need.” I was in full fledge tears. We were kissing before the pastor even gave us permission.
“Hakeem, you are definitely the best I’ve ever had.” Hakeem rolled off of me and pulled me into his chest.
“Deniece, other than when you were a teenager, I’m the only you’ve ever had. But, I still wear that as an honor. So thank you.”I was too tired to even reply. We’ve only been here in this resort for two days and we haven’t even left the room. We had a week in this five star hotel to do what we did best: each other.
“Baby, it’s so hot. I really think you sweated my hair out.”
“I’m sorry.” He kissed my sweaty forehead. “I’ll go get us some ice.”
“We don’t need any ice. I’m cool.”
“I want you to be creative with the ice.” He smacked my butt and got up. He grabbed his draws and robe putting them on. “I’ll be back.”
“Hurry back Mr. Anderson.”
“I will Mrs. Anderson. I love you.”
“Oh god we’re one of those types. I love you, too.” I kissed his full lips then went into the bathroom to run myself a bath. I was in the bath tub when I heard the sound of a gun going off. I jumped out of the bath quickly and went into the main part of the sweet.
The door opened to our room and Hakeem walked into our room. His white robe was now stained with red. Blood was spilling from two wounds. One in his left shoulder and the other from his side. He walked straight over into my arms and collapsed.
“Hakeem, what happened? What happened, Baby?” He started to shake.
“Deniece, don’t trip. This was our promise. Remember?”
“Hakeem, what the hell are you talking about?”
“Ride or Die. ‘Till death do us part.” He smiled with bloody teeth.
“Hakeem, that wasn’t our damn promise. What about Chai?” He closed his eyes. “Hakeem, you better wake your ass up. You promised me you wouldn’t leave us. That was the promise. Hakeem? Hakeem!” I dragged his body into the hallway and started to bang on the neighbors doors.
“Somebody help me! HELP! HELP! Please, help me!” A few people came into the halls to see what was going on. “Don’t just stand there! Somebody help me! Call an ambulance!” I cried and held Hakeem tightly to my chest. “Baby, please breath. Just breath for me.” I rocked him for what seemed like a life time. A life time, waisted. I have nothing without Hakeem.
