The Ladder

Chapter 11 - The Obamas

Nashon drove to Eastshore in the Lambo and Tiffany followed behind in the BMW. He told her to park behind the house and she drove with him to the front in the Lambo. The party was already pumping and the yard was full. The barbeque was smoking, and people were enjoying themselves. when Nashon pulled up in the Lambo everyone stopped and turned towards them. Who the fuck is that, P Diddy? Mel shouted out and everyone laughed. Nashon hopped out in his off white Versace linen top and pants. Oh shit, that's Nashon! He opened the door for Tiffany who was wearing a yellow flowy summer dress with heels. Oh, fuck the Obama's have arrived! Someone shouted from the crowd.

Mel rushed over with the specula still in hand. Look at my boy! Aw, shit your looking fly as a mother fucker boy! look at you! Give me some love blood. Mel stepped back to get a good look at Tiffany. Wow, so this is the Tiffany. One thing Nash, you didn't lie. Girl ya fiiinnnne!
Tiffany extended her hand to shake Mel's hand, before he could hug her. Oh oh yes how you do Mel mocked. I'm fine thank you, Melvin. It is good to meet you. Melvin? you told her my names Melvin? Oh naw baby it's just Mel. Good meeting you Mel. Tiffany said with a conservative tone. Come on through and meet everyone. Momma! Nash and Ms. Tiffany are here! Oh my God, there's my baby. Look at you Nash, boy you look like a million bucks, give me some sugar. Aunty this is Tiffany. My my my, Tiffany I've heard so much about you. You are stunning. Thank you. I'm sorry I didn't catch your name. Tif this is my Aunty who I've been telling you about. Good afternoon. Very nice meeting you. Tiffany extended her hand for a handshake. Aunty put her hand on her hip and looked at her hand like it was the plague. No no sweetie we don't do handshakes around here, we give hugs. Aunty extended her arms and Tiffany just stood there with her hands to her side and looked around. Well, never mind then. Aunty dropped her arms.

Well, let me introduce you to the rest of the family. This is my daughter Latisha, Tisha for short. Hey now, look at my big cuz what's up blood, what ya saying. Nashon gave her a big hug. So this is the Tiffany that's been keeping you away from us. Tiffany extended her hand and Tisha smacked it thinking she was giving her five. Tiffany pulled her hand back confused. That's you right there? I got to see that whip, that shit is tight! Cuz you really be stepping up in these streets! That shits fuckin lit.

Tiffany wasn't used to hearing that type of language, especially coming from a female. Hey, sis, you want some ribs? We got some steak on the grill, pork chops, what you want? Oh, I'm actually vegan. A what gan? Girl ya shitting me right? You don't eat no meat! Well, fuck me Nash. You got yourself a fuckin plant eater! Tisha chuckled and walked over to the Lambo and looked into the window.

Nashon put his arm around Tiffany's waist as he walked her through the crowd. He greeted everyone and introduced Tiffany. Man, Nashon you be fresh as a motha fucka fam! One of his friends shouted. Shawty fine where you find her at! Another friend shouted. Tiffany whispered to Nashon; what time are we leaving? Nashon knew she felt uncomfortable this was far from the environment she was used to. Her daddy would flip if he knew he had his little princess in the hood. I'm just going to grab a plate real quick babes, you want some beets and potato salad. Yes, I guess.

Nashon grabbed some plates and led Tiffany into the house. So this is where you lived Shaun. Yes, this is it. Been here since I was 10. Tiffany looked around at all the pictures placed around the house. She sat at the table looking really tense and uncomfortable, barely eating her food.
We had a lot of great memories growing up here. We had some fun times. Aunty took good care of us and even though we didn't have all the things you might have had growing up, we still had a great childhood. I see. Tiffany said as she continued to look around. Hey, Nash we taking shots come on, Tisha shouted. I'll be out in a minute. You want a shot babe, it might loosen you up a little. No, go ahead I'm fine right here.

Nashon sang happy birthday and took a shot. Mel, wait right here I have a surprise for you. Nashon ran in the house, kissed Tiffany and said I'm going to bring the car around babes. He ran out the back door grabbing the keys out his pocket. Nashon drove the car around blasting Biggie. Once he got to the front he jumped out. Mel happy birthday man here's ya new ride. No way, not the Beamer you're giving me the Beamer no way! I love you blood for real, this is the best fuckin birthday, for real man.

Mel jumped in the car and pumped the music louder bopping his head. He got back out and gave Nashon a big hug. Look man you can't be leaving us this long, you can't just forget about the hood. We are still here. We miss you blood. I know Mel, I know. Tiffany was standing on the porch watching, she couldn't wait to get home and far away from that environment and she vowed never to return.