ASHLEY

30

    Kenneth P.O.V.

  Trash is thrown in its rightful place; the garbage. Clothes are out where they belong, the dirty clothes basket. I've been cleaning up since Bria surprised me by agreeing to come over. Of course I wanted her to say yes but I didn't think it would actually work out that way. Bria is a bit stubborn so she's usually stuck in her ways.

   It was really nice hanging out with her yesterday, even though we had others tagging along. It felt almost like old times. Bria just doesn't understand how much she means to me and that sucks. She's like family to me. There's no other person I can think of that I can go to and talk with about very personal secrets. Not even Omar. Of course I trust him but there's just some things you don't want to share with everybody.

   Believe me, if I could tell her the real reason why I left I would. I just...can't. It's way too complicated and way too risky and dangerous for her to go and get herself wrapped up in. She doesn't need that negativity in her life. That's not what I came back to Phoenix for. I'm not trying to mess up her life right when it's about to start. She'll be going off to college soon. She always said she would. I hope Angela follows the same path. I just want the best for both of them and they don't even know it.

   My phone buzz with a text message from Bria that says I made it home. And I have the baby. Are you coming to pick us up or what?

   I text back don't get slick little girl before I leave you over there.

   You the one wanted me to come over.

   Okay Bria. I'm otw. Just as feisty as she's always been. That's where Angela get a it from. I'm sure Kayla picked up on some of that attitude too. As far as I've learned, the two of them are joined at the hip. Me leaving allowed room for them to bond. I'm glad she was able to find somebody to help mend her back together when I took off the way I did.

   Ugh!

   I just have stop thinking about that. Stop letting it get to me. I can't go back and change the past. Besides, Bria is willing to work on our relationship. That's a good start.

   Slipping on my faded jeans and a t-shirt, I grab my keys and Forces, Slipping those on as well and getting in my car. If she didn't have her friend's baby I would have picked her up with my motorcycle, give her a run for her money. When I pull up to her friend's house I text her I'm outside. She doesn't respond to the text but comes outside holding a yellow car seat with Da'Markus inside. I get out and help her strap him safely in the back seat. Then take the baby bag off her shoulder and place it in the back as well.

   "How old is his mom?"

   "Stephanie's seventeen."

   I nod. "And his dad?"

   "Deadbeat," she answers nonchalantly. As if she weren't expecting anything less from Da'Markus's father. Maybe she knew him and knew what type of person he was. I couldn't imagine leaving my seed. Sure it's easy to say I wouldn't because I'm not faced with that responsibility but I would like to think I wouldn't be one of those deadbeats. I've seen way too many females struggle with taking care of their child because the father left. As far as what I've seen its hard either way but when you don't have the father it just looks worse.

   That's exactly why I stay wrapped. If a female ever tell me I don't need a condum because she on the pill I'm dragging that lil' hoe out my crib. Trying to get me to bust a nut in her and get her pregnant with my seed. Its not about to go down like that. If I'm going to have a seed it's gone be on my own terms. I have to be careful out here nowadays. Females stay tryna trap somebody. It's crazy.