Out of the Shadows

chapter 12

“Well long story short. My big sister, the one I’m always talking about is her mom. And she’s with Roc.” She said pointing to me.
“They were at the club with Roc last night for the party. We reconnected, and that’s where I’ve been all night. Bari, I found them. You always told me I would and you were right.” She said finally letting the night’s events take their toll on her. She silently began to cry and he got up and walked over to where she was sitting, he sat down next to her and gathered her in his arms.
“I told you that you’d find them, I hope you don’t forget about your new family. Although I’m happy for you, I’m sad at the same time.” He said smiling at her. I could tell he really cared about her.
“Never. You guys helped me when I didn’t have my family. You became that for me and that’s what you’ll always be.” She told him looking like the Nikki from last night. Confident and strong.
“So, my new family will have to meet the old family.” She said looking at me, and I nodded at her to let her know I was behind her all the way just like I knew the rest would be. Including Roc and the guys. It’s important to us so it will be to them too.
“As long as there is no disrespect we will all get along just fine.” I said looking at Jabari, and he just nodded his head.
“Anything for my little sis. I didn’t mean any harm, she’s been thru so much I can’t risk anyone else hurting her. Don’t take the shit I said personal, I don’t trust anyone but my people when it comes to her. I don’t have beef with your people, although me and Roc did tear shit up back in the day.” He said laughing like he was remembering the good old days.
“Awe yeah, he’s a mess so that means you probably are too. So, Jabari can you tell me where the rest room is. If you don’t mind?” I asked.
“You can use the one in my room Jade while I get some stuff together. Come on we’re going up now.” She said leading me up some stairs. I followed behind her to her room. As soon as we get in there she points me in the right direction and I go handle my business. When I come out she’s sitting on the bed holding a box looking at some photos.
“What are you looking at?” I ask her.
“Pictures of my pops, I figured Niq and Jazzy would want to see them. My dad was crazy about them. Like I said he thought they were good examples for me and Jo. I don’t know what she did to make daddy feel the way he did, but it had to be bad Jade. My pops was a great man. Once I found out he wasn’t my dad, it didn’t change how I felt about him. If anything, it made me love him more.” She said.
“Well looks like you found another great man, and don’t forget you just gained a few more. It will never replace him, but it should make it a little easier.” I tell her giving her a little smile. This emotional shit ain’t for me, that’s mom’s department. That’s why we need to get back to the house.
“You get everything you need, let’s get out of here.” I tell her. Just as we were coming down the stairs three niggas walked thru the door.
“Nigga, where you been? I been calling yo phone all night.” The light skinned dude said to Nikki.
“Man chill, I’m cool nigga. What the hell y’all on? Why y’all acting like I’m some child, I’m a grown ass woman.” She said real cool putting her hand on her hip. Then they all started cracking up at her.
“Naw, for real where you been nigga? We were really tripping on you not answering your phone.” Light skinned said.
“I found my family.” She told them and they all turned to look at me. They then turned back to her and she had that goofy ass smile on her face again.
“Jade I want you to meet my family. Well you already met Jabari. These fools are my two best friends Mason and Blake.” She said.
“Man, what we tell you about that shit. Quit giving people our governments. Damn. We don’t know her, she could be the FEDS or something.” He said walking towards me. This light skinned nigga is asking for it. But I didn’t say anything, I stood there and eye balled his ass right back. They were all looking at me to see what I would say. Still, I said nothing. Jabari stood there smirking, I hope they don’t think they’re scaring me. The chocolate nigga was leaning back against the wall checking me out. And he wasn’t making it a secret either. I turned to Nikki and she was smirking at me too. These fools crazy or something.
“Why should we trust her, you brought her to the house with you. She could be working with anybody.” Light skinned kept going.
“She’s related to Roc.” Jabari said looking at me.
“What the fuck is going on around here? Are you serious? And you brought her here, why?” He asked looking at her.
“Because she’s my family, we had this discussion Red. And you promised you wouldn’t do this. Any way you might want to be cool, my niece ain’t going for that bullshit.” She laughed.
“And how are you related to Roc?” He asked me.
“Oh, you talking to me now?” I laughed. He just smacked his lips.
“First off playboy never the FEDS, and I could care less about yo business. Whatever that may be. And Roc is my future step dad if you must know. Who acting like the FEDS now?” I asked cocking my eyebrow at him. They all fell out laughing at his face.
“Hi, I’m the real best friend. My name’s Boom. We try not to let him meet people, but it couldn’t be helped.” He said shaking my hand.
“Hi Boom, I’m Jade. Nikki’s niece.” I said.
“Yea he’s a fool, but we can’t get rid of him. Nobody will take him anyways, we already tried remember?” Jabari said shaking his head.
“Are you ready to play nice Red?” Nikki asked walking up giving him a hug. He looked down at her and I saw the love he has for her. He nodded his head laughing kissing her forehead. This is really her family. I’m just happy she had them when we couldn’t be there for her. I turned to the only person who hadn’t been introduced to me.
“And this creep is my best friend, slash big brother, Royal.” Nikki said. Royal pushed himself off the wall and walked up to me.
“Nice to meet you ma.” He said shaking my hand and giving it a squeeze. I looked up at him and he winked at me.
“Stick around it gets better.” I said winking back at him. He just chuckled while shaking his head.
“What you getting ready to do?” Light skin asked Nikki. Yea that’s what I’m calling him.
“We’re headed back to Rocs and I don’t know what we’re doing later. Why, what’s up?” Nikki asked. While we were walking out the door heading towards the car.
“Nothing major, but we’re having a little get together with the guys. And they probably bringing them ratchet bitches with them. You know you gotta be here, who’s gonna keep them off me? You know they always bring they ratchet ass friends with them. Don’t leave me hanging. Please…..” Red says.
“We might be free later when everybody paired up, what you think Jade?” Nikki asked me. I stood there thinking about what she said, we probably will be bored as hell. Before I could answer her Royal ask me a question.
“You wanna hang with me tonight ma? I promise you’ll have a good time, entertainment all night.” He said laughing.
“What type of entertainment?” I ask laughing.
“Girl these bitches and their friends so thirsty. They comical Jade, I promise they really be chasing these niggas around.” Nikki laughed with them.
“Plus, if she keeps them off Red that leaves me at their mercy. Open for them to harass.” Royal said looking at me like I was going to play his girlfriend or something.
“I’m sure you can handle them, what were you doing before you met me. You good, just act like I’m not there. We might slide down on y’all later if nothing shaking over at Rocs.” I tell them laughing too.
“Damn, it’s like that? You can’t help a nigga out?” He chuckled holding his chest like I hurt his feelings.
“Something tells me you’re use to the attention, you’ll be ok.” I tell him walking to the car to get in.
“I’m not getting the attention from anybody worth my attention though, so maybe you can help me with that.” He said coming towards me.
“Bye Royal.” I say getting into the car. Nikki laughing so hard she could barely start the car.