Page 213 of The Ninth

So, a lot has happened since the shooting.

Kenzo hasn’t spoken a thing to me about any of it. I told him everything in that truck. From Pink and her man trying to start with me in the club, all the way up until I got followed just a few days ago. I also told him about me giving Juan’s girl’s number to his homeboy before I came home from The Ninth that day. And that I was at The Ninth. There were moments were he shut his eyes and sighed long and hard, but ultimately he just nodded his head. He didn’t look at me until I told him I had something to ask of him. That I didn’t want him to judge me or look at me different. And that I’ll never ask again.

I woke up in his arms at Man-Man’s around 5am. Kenzo was kissing all over me, hugging me, gripping on me. To my surprise, he told me we’re going home and packing. That we’re leaving. Within eight hours, I had my hair braided in blonde knotless, my entire body waxed, eyebrows done, and boarding a plane with Kenzo, Devyn, and Duke. I honestly don’t even know where we are but figured it’s the Dominican Republic since there’s a family villa.

“Devyn. I didn’t want to tell you or Duke because I didn’t want to argue with you, folks. I got other shit to deal with right now.”

The three of us glanced at Kenzo as we exited the plane, making our way into the airport. To be honest...I’m scared as fuck. I don’t know what the fuck he’s going to say when he finally talks to me about everything. He’s been on my hip since the shooting. Even throughout my appointments. I just hope my man can trust me after all that shit I did while he was in Cook County.

The first beautiful face I saw as we emerged from the line was Piper’s. She smiled, showing her pretty white teeth and deep dimples that matched Tevin’s. One tug on Mama J’s arm and they both came charging towards me. My heart fluttered as I dropped my things and met them halfway. The three of us collided, wrapping our arms tightly around each other.

“You don’t know how happy I am to see you both, G. I really needed this right now.”

Mama J, who’s as much as a crybaby as me, started bawling. Piper giggled,

“Your husband thinks the same, the way he drug us here from our beds! Speaking of...EXCUSE ME!”

I looked down, noticing Kenzo still had his arm wrapped around my waist. His face was a little softer, but not much better. Me and Mama J shared a look. Her’s asked what’s wrong and mine said not now.

We all looked behind us. Devyn had her back turned while Duke was rubbing her arms, speaking softly to her. Each of us swooned watching him bend done and kiss her forehead, gripping her curls and hugging her tightly. Piper sighed,

“Oh my goodness, she is as pretty as you said, Cassie...”

“You’re one to talk about pretty, Piper. Look how gorgeous you are! Agh, I always get so emotional seeing you. Like G, I’m not that much older, but you’ll always be my first baby.”

“Always...” Kenzo interjected, finally smiling.

“Coming from THE Cassandra Maddox is something! C’mon, grandma.”

I laughed as they both approached Devyn quickly despite her obviously being nervous. They embraced her as if they’ve known her for years, touching her hair and looking at her tattoos. Mama’s boy Duke looked so in love seeing the three of them.

Piper is such a doll baby. She’s twenty-one and grown, but I still see her as a little girl. She lost both of her parents around the same age I lost mine. Even after Kenzo went to jail, I flew to Arizona. We comforted each other the best we could.

“Ma!” Kenzo called out to her.

She smiled, joyfully coming to us, “Yeeesss?”

“Let’s head home. I wanna get Casie somewhere comfortable.”

“You know she’s not just yours! C’mon, Cassandra. Show me pictures of the house again!”

My right arm embraced Mama J as was we walked out of the airport together. My other hand slid through pictures on my phone, praying me and her son’s movie didn’t pop up. Kenzo walked alongside of us, still holding my hip tightly.

Chicago will always be my home. However, I often found home anytime I was with K3’s family. Besides my bonus family with Kelisha, this is as close as I’ve ever came to it. His mother and father gave me the same care and love my parents did. I got siblings with Tevin and Duke. A niece with Piper. They were all so honest and up front, you never had to second guess with them. It’s genuine love, and I understand why Kenzo did this right now.

He held onto me tightly as we drove through the Puerta Plata streets. The sun beaming low in the sky, salty air, and palm trees brought me a sense of comfort. Hearing Piper yap Devyn’s ear off for a change instead of mine had me smiling to myself. The only thing looming over me was the drama back home. I tried letting it go, but I can never fully get over almost losing my life.

When we got to the villa, Devyn was amazed. Duke couldn’t drop the smile off of his face while grabbing her things and showing her around. The place was huge with several rooms spread out. It wasn’t my first or even second time coming. Kenzo brought me often before he was arrested. The boys have been coming longer than they’ve known me.

“Do you have family here?” Devyn asked K3 as we walked inside the gorgeous place. Piper ran off to the kitchen where I’m guessing Micah was.

“I do, but not immediate. Like distant cousins and shit. My pop’s peoples are mostly back in the US, but he be linking up with a few people here.”

“Where is he?” I looked up at him realizing he was already looking down at me.

“He had to run an errand. Come sit down...”

We walked in the kitchen which had every window and door open. Micah was standing in the corner, smooching and macking on Miss Piper! The only part of her body you could see were her hands sliding up and down his back.