The Ladder

Chapter 21 - Lost

Nashon had been looking forward to Sunday. He couldn't wait to see his family and then see Serenity. He hadn't spoken to Serenity all week. He texts her to tell her he was coming later that evening, but didn't get a response. He wasn't sure what a gender reveal was exactly, but he went and purchased Tisha an expensive stroller, the type that the celebrities push their babies around in. He rolled up to the house. his family and some neighborhood friends were in the yard with the barbeque on and the music pumping. Nash is here! Tisha shouted out. Girl, look at you! That belly's popping! Yes, cuz I don't think this baby wants to wait another four months. Aunty came out and hugged Nashon followed by Mel who greeted him with a handshake and a hug.

You're ready to see what's cooking up in that loud mouth oven? Mel joked. Boogie came up to Nashon and held him up. Your good blood? Ya, I'm good I can't wait to see what I'm having. Aye no matter what you're going to be a good dad right? You know that Boobie said with a big smile. The reveal was inside of two firecrackers. They counted down and then they both let them off in the air at the same time. Blue smoke shot out. It's a boy!

Boobie was ecstatic and ran in circles around the yard. Tisha was jumping and clapping. Even Mel was excited. Nashon hugged both of them and said congrats. The music cranked and Nashon grabbed a plate of ribs, potato salad and corn on the cob. He noticed Aunty had gone back inside so he went to check on her. Hey Aunty, how you doing? Sit down Nash, let's talk. What's up everything's alright? I got a call a couple of weeks ago from Ms. Carey from down the street and she asked me if I've seen the article about your engagement. I said not my baby, he would never get engaged without talking to me first. Well, she came over and bought me the Forbes magazine and just like she said, you and Tiffany Winters were right there on the page that read "newly engaged couple of the year".

Nashon how could you do something like that and not tell me. You mean to tell me this girl has your head so twisted that you forget to tell your own family something like this. Look, Aunty, I wanted to tell you but..but what? But what Nashon! You didn't think we should know? It wasn't our concern? What! I'm sorry I don't know what I was thinking. That's exactly it. You don't know what you're thinking with this girl.
She doesn't respect your family and now neither do you. Nashon I raised you as my own, I nurtured you and helped you grow into a loving respectful man. Now, I don't know what this girl has done, but this is not the Nashon I have raised. Until you find him you are not welcomed back in this house. But, Aunty. Aunty nothing. Get out! Get out right now! Go! Tears were running down Auntie's face.

Nashon had never seen her that mad. How could he hurt the one person that took care of him and was there for him through everything?
Nashon walked to the car, took out Tisha's gift and rested it in front of her and walked off. Where are you going Nash? He got in his car and drove off.

Nashon was calling Serenity as he drove to her house, but no answer. He had to see her. He got to her door and knocked. When there was no answer, he used his key. he went to her room and then her brother's room. It looked like no one had been there for days. The beds were stripped, and the clothes were out of the drawers.

What the fucks going on? He drove cross Serenity's mother's house. He could tell her mother was home by seeing her silhouette through the window. He got out of the car and knocked on the door. Serenity's mother swung the door open. What the fuck you want? Is Serenity here? Serenity? I haven't seen that bitch since she ran off with my son. That's my child, who the fuck she thinks she is! When you see that little bitch tell her I'm going to fuck her up. She slammed the door. Nashon was so confused. Why was all her stuff gone and she wasn't answering? Nashon stopped at the corner store and got a 6 pack of beer. He drove to the shore and sat in his car hoping Serenity would call. he whacked back one bottle after the next while he continuously redialed her number.

The next day Nashon sat at his desk and looked down at his phone. He had been calling Serenity all night and had called her from the time he got up. He hated not knowing where she was. Nashon had a busy week and a lot of catching up to do but he couldn't focus. He couldn't get his mind off of Aunty and Serenity. Tiffany had been calling all Morning to remind Nashon about their 5:30 dance class. He was not in the mood. He knew she would be mad if he canceled. Nashon couldn't think of anything that could cheer him up besides hearing Serenity's voice.

Nashon tried to think of who he could call to find out where Serenity was. He wished he had her friend Shani's number. Steve came by to have some small talk. Hey Shaun, how's it hanging dog. Not right now Steve. Oh sorry man, did I catch you at a bad time. Yes! Nashon shouted. Ok, dude, I'm sorry. Steve scurried off with his head down.

Nashon tried to get some work done but his mind could not focus. Hey, Lisa clear my schedule for the rest of the day, please. I'm going to be out. Yes sir, no problem. Nashon drove back to Eastshore and circled around. he went to the college to see if Serenity had classes. They told him she didn't have class until the next semester. Nashon grew more and more frustrated he stopped to the corner store and bought another six pack. Nashon went home and went to sleep until he was woken by his name being called repeatedly. Shaun! Shaun! Why aren't you ready? We have class! I've been trying to call you all day to remind you. Tiffany, I'm so sorry, I came home early cause I think I'm coming down with something. Shaun you know we have a class scheduled for Mondays. How am I supposed to cancel this late? You could have told me earlier you know. This is unacceptable. Tiffany walked out slamming the door behind her.

The next morning Nashon called Serenity's number as soon as he opened his eyes. This time it didn't even ring it just went dead. What the fuck? He paid Serenity's bill so he knew her service was on. He sent her a text and waited for a response, but still nothing.
Nashon was unproductive at work all week. He was avoiding Tiffany because he knew she wanted him to go to a stupid cooking class. He made sure he was out of the house after work on Wednesday so she couldn't barge in and nag him about going. He drove around the hood again hoping to catch Serenity walking. He went back to her apartment and looked around to see if she left any evidence of her whereabouts. All the plates and pots were left in the cupboard and food was rotting in the fridge. The bathroom cabinet was cleared out. Nashon was growing more and more frustrated. He went to the corner store bought a six pack and got a quarter of loud from one of the boys on the corner. He went back to Serenity's apartment and drank and smoked till he was knocked out.

Nashon woke up the next day still laying on the bare mattress. It was 9:00 he was late for work. He called Lisa to see if he had any meetings scheduled. No Mr. Wallace, but Ms. Winters is here waiting for you. Oh shit, what's Tiffany doing there? Nashon wondered. She must have gone to the apartment first. Um Lisa tell her I'll be in a little later, please. Will do sir.

Nashon wasn't sure how to explain to Tiffany why he hadn't been home all night. All those nights he was out doing stuff and not getting caught he wasn't trying to get caught the night he really wasn't doing anything. Nashon left the house and jumped in the car. He looked like hell. He still had on his work clothes and they were wrinkled, and half of his shirt was hanging out his trousers. His eyes were red and swollen from drinking and smoking all night. As Nashon was driving though the hood he saw the back of a girl going into the corner store it looked like Serenity. He parked in front of the store and jumped out. It was her. Serenity! She jumped at the sound of her name. Nashon? What happened to you? Why do you look like that? Girl I've been calling you why you haven't picked up! Nashon shouted through the store. Nashon look we can talk outside. Serenity! Nashon shouted. Why the fuck haven't you picked up! Serenity looked at Nashon in shock. She put the items she had on the counter and walked out. Nashon followed right behind anticipating her answer. When Serenity got outside, she turned around to face Nashon. Look Nashon, I can't do this anymore. Serenity, what are you talking about? What can't you do? This! Nashon we are not together why do you treat me like I have to answer to you? Serenity what are you talking about? When have I treated you like that? Look Nashon I cleared my stuff out of the apartment. I haven't touched any money you sent me and I'm done. Serenity don't do this. Get in the car. No Nashon I'm done. You have someone else? Yes, Nashon I've moved on. Nashon's heart broke in pieces she was the only thing he had left that felt real. Ok, Serenity if that's what you want, I'll leave you alone.

Serenity walked back in the store and left Nashon standing on the corner broken. Nashon knew he had to snap out of it. If she moved on, it was nothing he could do. He still had to go home and face Tiffany. Nashon walked in his door relieved Tiffany wasn't there waiting for him. He got a shower and tried to snap out of his slump. He only had to make it through two more days of work and the weekend would be here.

Nashon went to work and tried to catch up on as much as he could. He didn't let his mind be idol to think about Serenity. That evening he stopped to Mel's bar after work. He didn't tell him what was going on he just ordered a drink and sat quietly at the bar. Mel tried to find out what was wrong, but Nashon said, look Mel I don't want to talk just keep the drinks coming. Mel respected Nashon's wishes. Nashon got home after 11:00 and Tiffany was nowhere in sight. Thank God. He thought.

Friday, he went work bright and early and buried his head in work. He knew Tiffany had plans for them for the weekend, but he did not want to see her. He tried to think of where he could go to hide. Nashon decided to check into a hotel Friday night. He visited the hotel bar and drank until it closed. Then he passed out in his room. He did the same the next day. Sunday Nashon decided to take a drive to the hood to see if he saw Serenity again. She wasn't around, so he bought a quarter of loud and a six pack and went to her vacated apartment and drank and smoked until he passed out. He woke up around 10 that night and got in his car to head home. He spotted Serenity's brother sitting on the steps outside a house. Aye little man, what's up? What are you doing here?
Kyle looked up with a bright smile. He walked towards the car. Hi Nashon. Why are you sitting out here like that? Well, me and my sister moved here and it's too much smoke. It's making me cough. Who's in there smoking? Shani, she smokes all the time. Oh Shani, you guys are living with Shani now? Ya I miss our old apartment. Look little man tell your sister to come out I need to talk to her. Ok.

Serenity peeked out. Nashon was waiting by the door. Look Serenity I don't know what's going on, but you can't have little man living like this. You have an apartment that's paid for, for a year. Now quit being stubborn and do what's best for your brother. Look Nashon I don't want nothing from you, ok. Nothing! Serenity started to cry. What's wrong with you what did I do to you for you to switch like this. You lied! Lied about what? You have a whole fucking fiancé and you had me believing you cared about me! Serenity I do. You don't! You can't!
You're getting married Nashon! Married! I told you everything about me. I shared all of me with you and you couldn't even tell me the truth! Look Serenity I'm sorry. No, You're a sorry asshole Nashon! I hate you! Leave me the fuck alone! Serenity shut the door in his face.

Nashon bought two six-packs and some more weed. He took it home with him. He called in sick for work the next day and drank and smoked until He fell to sleep. He woke up to Tiffany screaming his name.
Shaun! Shaun! Where have you been! she shouted as she walked up the steps, stepping over clothes. Shaun what is wrong with you! And what's that smell smoke! Shaun, have you been smoking? Shaun just turned over putting his back to Tiffany. Shaun have you lost your mind!
Tiffany looked around in disgust at the empty bottles laying around. Shaun, I don't know what's gotten into you, but you need to fix it really fast. Shaun! Shaun just closed his eyes and pulled up the covers. Look Shaun whatever's going on needs to stop. I would not have you embarrassing me. Call me when you get your shit together. Tiffany stormed out.

Tiffany did not call Nashon and he did not call her. Weeks went by and Nashon just went to work and home and drank until he passed out. His numbers were decreasing at work and the election for partner was nearing. A month went by and Nashon hadn't heard from Tiffany, Serenity, or his family. He was sinking into a deep depression. He needed Serenity. He couldn't go on without her. He didn't even care if Tiffany left him. He only cared about his boo.

Nashon thought long and hard about what he could do to get Serenity back. He had an idea. He went to Q's cars the next morning. Hey Q. Hey, my boy! It's been a long time we've missed you around here. How ya been. Been good. Busy but good. Aye, I heard about that big engagement. Congrats. One thing you were determined to get that stallion weren't you. Ya Q I had to have her. Nashon said with a monotone. So, what brings you here? What's this car number five you're buying? he joked.

I see that big Lambo outside, sorry we don't have anything like that in here. Actually, I'm looking for a more economical car. Oh, you want to be inconspicuous I see. Ya, something like that. I have just the car. This baby is sleek, sexy, but economical. Q showed Nashon a white Volkswagen Passat. You know what Q that's exactly what I need. Ok well, it's yours. I'll ring you up. You can sign the paperwork and come back in two days. I'm going to actually need it now. What about the licensing and rustproofing? Just give me a temporary plate for now and I'll deal with that later. Whatever you say. Q was a skinny fast-talking Italian. He could have been a pretty successful businessman, but he got greedy and started gambling. Now, he is up to his neck in debt. He always looked out for Nashon, but at the end of the day, he was all about money not so much loyalty.

Nashon parked the Lambo in the staff parking and drove the shiny white Volkswagen out of the showroom and headed to Eastshore. He was not going to take no for an answer. He was going to get his woman. Nashon drove up to the dark green deteriorating house and knocked on the door. A guy answered with no shirt on covered in tattoos, a bandanna around his head and a spliff in his mouth. Who's you? he asked Nashon. I'm here to see Serenity is she here? Nah, think she said something about going laundromat or some shit like that.
Nashon's blood was boiling. He felt like gripping that wannabe thug by his neck. But he played it cool and walked off. Serenity didn't strike him as the type that would date a thug. He thought her standards were a little higher. Nashon was pissed to think he was going to throw everything away for a thug lover. He drove cross the laundromat and saw her with who he guessed was Shani walking towards the house lugging heavy bags of laundry. He wanted to stop and offer her a lift but his ego told him no. This is the life she wants to live with that thug. Let her.

Nashon stopped at the corner store and got his beer and some papers. He already had enough weed, so he never went short. He got in the car and drove to the vacant apartment. He went in with his beers and sat on the bed. He started thinking about all the fun times they had in that room. All the laughs and play fights. He tried calling Serenity. Hello. Hello Serenity. Yes, Nashon. Look I came looking for you. I heard Shani's brother told me. Oh, Shani's brother. That's who that was? Yes, Nashon what do you want? Look we need to talk. Can you come to the old apartment, please? Ya, I guess so.

Serenity walked in the door. She was wearing skin tight jeans and a tight striped spaghetti strap top that showed her belly button. Oh, you got a new car I see, was her first words. Nashon stood up and walked towards her. He started hugging her tightly even though Serenity wanted to resist she ended up hugging him back. Nashon started crying uncontrollably. I'm sorry Serenity I never wanted to hurt you. Nashon looked into her eyes. Serenity I love you. I'll give up everything. I'll give it all up I just want you. Tears started falling down Serenity's face. She felt he was sincere. Serenity will you give me a chance to be your man? I want to be with only you. What about your fiancé Nashon. I'm going to call it off. Serenity I realized you're the one. I want to spend my life with you. I would do whatever it takes even if it means risking it all. I love you too Nashon. They kissed passionately and made their way to the bed and they made the most passionate love they had ever had.