Jazz: Vol 3 of the Still Waters Series

Chapter 57

                         WARNING: THE FOLLOWING CHAPTER MAY BE TRIGGERING

Mrs. Duvalle was right.

She was so right.

And my heart soared.

But Rico's didn't.

When I told him about the baby, he told me that it wasn't the right time.

I cried.

And cried.

And cried.

Eventually he left.

And sent Ruby to "take care of it."

I told her to get the hell out or I would put a bullet in her.

She left.

After a while, Rico came back.

"Rico, you said I could have a baby," I gasped in between sobs. "You said that we could start a family. That you loved me..."

I cried harder.

"I do love you baby girl, and you can. I'll give you a baby when the time is right."

"Rico, you gave me this one. And the time is right because she's already here! She's already on her way. Rico, please..."

I was begging.

And I didn't care.

I wanted her. I knew it was a girl. I knew who she was. I had already seen her. In my dreams.

And I loved her.

Already.

So much.

"Please. Please Rico, please. You promised. You said if I was with you, we would be a family. You promised, Rico. This is our baby, Rico. I know her. I know who she is. I know her."

I placed both hands on my stomach and tried to calm myself down.

"Rico...please..."

He shook his head no.

"No Jazz. I keep tellin' you it ain't the right time. Business is changing. Her-on is down. Coke is picking up. I have to figure out how to make my shit sell, or we gone have to re-route the whole damn pipeline. Jazz..." He put his hand over the hand that I was using to protect my baby. "I don't have time for this shit. And I'm not in the mood for it."

I held his hand in both of mine.

Our eyes locked.

And I started crying again.

"She won't get in the way, Rico. And I can still do what I need to do. I can still do it all."

Rico's forehead creased and I could see that he was getting impatient. But I had to plead my baby's case. I had to protect her life.

I had to.

"Rico, baby..." I reached out for him and he slapped my hands away. Then he grabbed my throat and I gasped for air.