The Ladder

Chapter 16 - That loud

Nashon went to his usual family dinner up his Auntie's. As usual, Tisha had something slick to say. How's your boujie girlfriend, Nash? You're not tired of her uppity ass yet? Nashon just gave her a stern look and continued dipping up his food. Now, Tisha if Nash wanted to talk about Tiffany, he would. So, don't start. Aunty said as she poured her drink.
Tisha looked at him and cut her eyes. Anyway, I have an announcement. Tisha what is it now? Aunty snapped. Tisha stood up holding up a glass. You lot ready for this? Everyone continued eating and didn't bother looking up. I'm pregnant! What!!! Aunty jumped up and Mel and Nashon mouths dropped open, showing the contents of what they had just chewed. Well, who the fuck for! Mel shouted. My baby Boobie. Boobie? Boobie from round the block? Ya lost ya mother fuckin mind! Now, calm down Mel, calm down. Aunty commanded.
Tisha always had a thing for thugs and Boobie was no exception he was the average corner boy that made enough money just to get high. Mel jumped up and loudly pushed his chair back and walked out slamming the door behind him. Nash, you better not say nothing, when you're stuck up behind that boujie bitch. Tisha snapped. Tisha got up and marched up the steps. Aunty just sat there shaking her head with her eyes closed as if she was praying. Let me help you pack up Aunty. Thank you, baby.

Nashon went to Serenity's after. He told her about the drama. She told him, you never know Boobie might just step up and be a good father. Serenity was always finding the positive side in things. He laid on her lap for a little while thinking. Aye, you know where I could get some weed? Nashon asked. Of course, this is the hood. You want me get you some? Ya, get me a quarter of that loud. K I'll be right back. Nashon hadn't smoked since he had moved to the city. It was hard to kick at first, but he was so in love with Tiffany he would do anything for her, and he knew she would not accept any weed smoker. Serenity came back fast. You want me to roll it for you baby. Yes, please. She rolled a two paper and took the first draw and passed it to Nashon. Nashon laid back in Serenity's lap and inhaled.

The next day Nashon woke up still in Serenity's bed. He had overslept. He didn't realize how strong that loud was. He called his secretary to make sure he didn't have any meetings scheduled for the morning and told her he would be in a little later. Serenity was up making breakfast and getting her brothers lunch ready for school. Morning, she said as she peeked around the corner. Why you didn't wake me last night. I tried Nashon, but you were out cold. That was some good shit though. I haven't slept like that in a minute. Well, maybe you should save that for weekends. Nashon thought about what she said and knew that would never be an option.

Aye, what times your class today? My first class starts 9:00 and I finish at 1. Well look let me give you a ride. Nashon dropped Kyle to school and gave Serenity a lift to the community college down the street.
Every head turned as the Lambo drove across. When he stopped, people stood still waiting to see who was getting out. Serenity hopped out with her books in hand. Nashon watched as she walked away. He noticed that Serenity was looking really good these days. She was getting her hair done by her friend Shani on a regular and had a long black straight weave that looked like her natural hair. Her clothes were new, and her style was pretty fly. A hint of jealousy went through Nashon's mind with the thought that other guys may be noticing her. He decided to wait for a few minutes to make sure no guys talked to her as she walked through the courtyard. Nashon realized he had never seen Serenity in the daylight. He always came after dark. The thought of that made him feel kind of grimy. Nashon called into work and told his secretary he won't be in for the rest of the day. He was going to be there to pick Serenity up after class.

Nashon drove around the hood while he waited for Serenity's classes to finish. He parked by the shore and looked at the water thinking about the time he brought Tiffany there. He thought about how much Tiffany had changed his life in the past three years and how different it was before her. He wanted to call her to see how her day was going, but he knew he couldn't. Nashon started to write his proposal speech as he looked at the water.