it was a typical new york night. cold as fuck, even though it was just a couple of degrees out 3 days ago. despite the cold, stokeley went out on the balcony on a mission.
he got up out his bed and pulled a hoodie on as he slipped on his slides. he reached over to the nightstand where he hid his contraband, newport's.
opening the balcony door made him question the decision he was about to make. he looked at the outdoor pillows claudia had bought the other day, then the table. there was a big ass ring where a supreme ash tray used to be.
-
"babe, stop fucking smoking."
"it's easier said than done." he said, taking a puff of his cigarette and ashing it on the tray.
"i understand, but you talk about us living this long, amazing life, you getting money, me modeling, having kids. you smoking is gonna cut that short."
he sucked his teeth. "stop guilt tripping me, i'm a grown ass man. i quit on my own time."
"ok. but here."
claudia placed one of those blu cigarette pens on the table, it was menthol flavored, meant to give the same sensation as smoking a cigarette. ski rolled his eyes, picking it up.
"this shit ain't gonna work, but i'll try it. only cause you said so."
-
he looked down at the cigarettes, feeling a slight wave of guilt take over him. he genuinely cared about what she said, but it seemed like her an everyone else didn't understand how it was. when you've been smoking for ages, stopping is a slow and trying process.
he opened up the empty box to be greeted by a piece of paper wrapped around the last cigarette he had.
i know it's hard, but u can have this last one. i'm here 4 u. don't force urself - xxx c <3
he sat there, watching the cars go by. hearing the people walking down the street, the note marinating in his head.
he stuffed the note in his hoodie pocket and dropped the pack of cigarettes off the balcony.
he took the blu pen off the chair he had left them after their talk this morning. he took one puff, determined to change his ways for the sake of their future. it was only for her.
