Chapter 75

A/N: So much is about to go down. I'm answering hella questions at the end. Promise. Just read carefully & don't assume. This is NOT the last chapter.

-Shia

August

I was textin' and Mel walked in my room.

"I got them," he said.

"Got who?" I asked, puttin' my phone ta the side.

"The stalkers,"

"Did you just say dat wit a S?"

"Yeah,"

"So it wasn't just one person watchin' Esined? How many of them are we dealin' wit?"

"Two," Mel said. "This is them," he handed me his phone.

I looked at the pictures of them, confused. "Who the hell are they? Why is grown people stalkin' her?"

"Dats some guy named Boss. It's his street name. And, she's his hit woman,"

"You got her name?"

"Donna Evans,"

"Dats Es last name. You search her up yet?"

"Yeah. I saw pictures of her on her Facebook with Esined's dad and Uncle. She had a picture wit Eiram too. The pictures with Esined's dad were old, childhood pictures. Her pictures wit Don were mo' recently. The last picture she posted wit him was last year,"

"What time last year?"

"Around November,"

"Right befo' he went away fa a long time," I mumbled. "I knew not ta trust his ass,"

"You think he'd do all of dis ta his niece?"

"He's crazy," I said.

"True,"

"You got da setup fa graduation?"

"Yeah. I spoke ta y'all principal. We got da whole balcony,"

"How you talk her into lettin' you get dat?"

"I explained ta her somethin' is goin' on, and we have ta be up there ta make sure everything goes good. Then I paid her,"

"Hmm. How many people you got?"

"Seven. Three in the balcony, four in the crowd,"

"Aight. They placed randomly?"

He nodded.

"Where you sittin'?"

"Balcony,"

"Aiight. Esined gon' be five rows behind me. I'm in the front row,"

"I know. I got a copy of the seat arrangement,"

"You really on yo shit, but um... You know we can't just have a shoot out at the graduation, right?"

"Whateva happens, happens. Just as long as y'all and innocent people are good, I don't care,"

"Mel,"

"You want me ta tell Esined dat someone is tryna kill her at graduation?"

"She should have a warnin'. I don't want her ta risk her life just ta graduate. Dats crazy,"

"Then tell her," he stood up. "Eitha way it go, some shit is goin' down. I feel it, Aug,"

"I'ma tell her,"

"Gently. You know she a crybaby,"

"I'd be a crybaby too if people was afta me fa no reason," I stood and looked in the mirror.

"Don't forget yo tie," he said.

"I know. Which one?" I asked.

"Black,"

"Smart choice," I picked it up. I put it around my neck and he looked at me. "Wassup? You look unsure of somethin',"

"What I'm about ta say is gonna sound crazy,"

"What?" I fixed my tie.

"Don't take yo meds today,"

"I need those ta stay calm,"

"Just don't take 'em,"

I sighed. "Okay,"

"Thank you. You goin' right back on them afta,"

"I know,"

"Cool. Come ta my room when you ready,"

"Aiight," I mumbled and he left my room.

I sighed and messed with the curls in my head. I finished gettin' ready and I went ta Mel's room.

He sent the pictures of Boss and Donna ta me. He gave me a gun and told me where to put it. As usual, I tucked it in my pants.

"Auntie Pooka said she sorry dat she can't make it," he told me randomly as he stared at his phone.

"She said she'd come," I said.

"Somethin' came up. One of her workers messin' up her hustle,"

"Lemme guess, her weak ass fiancé can't handle it himself?"

"You know James can't do nothin' right," he started laughin'.

"I can't stand him," I laughed. "Bet he the one who messin' up,"

"Probably is. Blamin' his mistakes on somebody else,"

"Da usual," I shook my head.

"She dropped somethin' off fa you though," he said.

"What she drop off? I know it's expensive,"

"Does Pooka eva buy somethin' cheap?"

"Cheap ain't in my vocabulary, baby," I mocked her voice, causin' Mel ta laugh.

"Soundin' just like her," he grabbed a bag from his dresser and handed it ta me.

"Ha, anotha one," I chuckled as I opened the gift, seein' a new Rolex. Dis wasn't just any regular one though. She went all out fa me like she said she was goin' to.

Gold, diamond encrusted Rolex.

I put it on my wrist and smiled. "Auntie Pooka knows my taste so well,"

"Why she ain't neva buy me one when I graduated?"

"I'm her favorite nephew, duh,"

"Dats a lie. You just da baybeh,"

"She told me I was her favorite. She really hooked me up,"

"You got almost two years worth of yo college tuition on yo wrist. Shit, you might be. How much was it?"

"I don't know," I lied.

Dis Rolex was seventy thousand dollars. I knew she pulled hella strings fa dis.

"Welp. You what ta do when you get into debt," he smiled.

"I ain't gettin' into no debt,"

"Said by many college students,"

"I make too much money ta eva go in debt. Debt is whack,"

He started laughin'. "You know how many rich people been in debt? Reality gon' supa punch you when you least expect it,"

"Aye, well ya know. Life is life and until dat happens, I don't have ta deal wit it,"

"Betta hope you keep Esined by yo side,"

"I am,"

"How much was yo shoes?"

"Six,"

"Six what? You betta say sixty dollars,"

I started laughin'. "No,"

"Hundred?"

I nodded, lookin' down at 'em.

"On them ugly ass shoes?"

"Boy, educate yo self. Dese are Balenciaga's. They woulda been five eighty-five if shippin' and handlin' wasn't forty dollars,"

"And you seem so proud ta just waste yo money on materialistic shit,"

"You act like I spend this much everyday,"

"You been swipin' yo card like crazy lately,"

"Well, I had prom wit Esined and I told her I'd take care of it all, so I did. Last minute senior events and now graduation. Besides dat, I'm gettin' ready fa college,"

Mel sighed. "If I don't see a change in yo spendin' habits, I'm cuttin' yo cards off,"

"You can't do dat,"

"I can and I will,"

"You act like you don't be spendin' hella money too,"

"On necessities. Things dat are necessary. I spend money on my kids and my girl. Not just ta stunt on otha people. I'm gonna have anotha child in dis world. I'll be damn if I ain't got it all togetha fa 'em and my girl,"

I sucked my teeth. "Aiight. I'll stop spendin' so much,"

"Mhm,"

There was an awkward silence, so I looked at my phone.

PoohBear: wya? 5:58 pm

Omw. 5:59 pm

My phone vibrated again and it wasn't Esined this time.

Chantelle: Will I still be seeing you after graduation? 6:00 pm

Yeah. 6:00 pm

I tucked my phone away and stood up. I looked at myself in the mirror once again befo' leavin' my room.

Mel and I headed off ta graduation, afta decidin' ta take his car.

Arriving at the school, I immediately went backstage and Mel went ta find his seat. I saw Esined and went ova ta her.

"Hey," I said.

She looked at me wit a worried expression.

"What's wrong?" I frowned.

"I don't know. You remember when I told you that I get this weird feeling in my stomach when I think something is wrong?"

"Yeah,"

"I don't know why, but I feel like something bad is gonna happen,"

"Well, um. It might," I admitted.

"What's going on?"

"The stalkers are here,"

"How? This is a closed off graduation. They can't get in unless they are related to someone. August, someone that goes here is in on-"

"Stop stop. Calm down,"

"I can't calm down. I don't want to say my speech anymore," she shook her head. "Baby, I wanna go home,"

"Esined, no. Dis yo moment. Dis is what you been waitin' fa. We stayed up long nights and you practiced yo speech just ta get it down. Don't let them take dis moment from you,"

"This moment isn't worth my life," she sniffed.

"Stop cryin',"

"Aug-"

"What I just say?"

Sniffin', she pressed unda her eyes lightly. "How can you tell me to stop crying when people are trying to kill me? I can't be strong all of the time,"

"I told you ta stop cryin' because it's unda control. Mel got dis, baybeh,"

"What's his plan?"

"He got our people in the balconies. I don't know where he's sittin', but I'll find out,"

"In the balconies for what?"

"Ta watch them. We're ahead of them and ta be honest witchu, I don't think shit is gonna pop off. It's too many people in one room fa them ta try shit and not get caught. Even if somethin' happens, I'm not lettin' you get hurt,"

"You promise?"

"I promise. Everything will be okay, ya heard me?"

She nodded and I opened my arms. She walked into them and hugged me tightly.

I sighed, restin' my chin on top of her head. I rubbed her lower back. "You gon' go out there and do ya speech like you not scared, right?"

She nodded, lookin' into my eyes.

"Dats my girl," I smiled. "Whateva happens, just know dat I love you, aiight?"

She sighed and I could feel her shakin' in my arms.

"Esined,"

"I love you too," she managed ta say as tears began ta fall again.

I let her go and cupped her face softly, not wantin' ta press too hard on her makeup.

She looked at me wit dis look in her eyes. It was an indescribable look.

"I can't do this," she stepped away from me.

"Esined," I said. "Don't do dis right now,"

She shook her head as she backed up. She took off, goin' ta the girls dressin' room.

I sighed and started pullin' at my chin hairs.

It was hard for me ta be as soft and gentle as I wanted ta be wit her right now. I didn't take my pills and I felt so much pressure. Esined freakin' out doesn't help eitha, but I can't blame her fa it. I'd react just like dat if I was her.

"Positions everyone!" a lady said. She began ta read off names and I was in the first row.

I stood my place in line and looked around ta see if Esined had came out of the dressin' room yet.

"Esined Evans," the lady called out.

It was quiet and everyone looked around.

"Esined Evans!" she said louder.

Esined came out of the dressin' room and walked ova ta the lady.

She got her place and I grabbed her hand while she was walkin' by me. She looked up at me and I leaned down, placin' my lips on hers.

A few people awe'd, but I ignored them.

"You got this, okay?"

She nodded.

"And you look beautiful,"

"Thank you," she looked down and carried onto her place in line.

When the line was done, we were sent onto the stage.

We took our seats behind the podium and the audience cheered. Once the cheerin' settled, the ceremony began.

I sat through dis borin' graduation and watched the audience. I was lookin' fa anything suspicious and I was tryna find Mel. He wasn't in the balcony like he said he'd be.

I searched the balconies and saw some of Pooka's workers.

I dropped my eyes. I wanted ta look back at Esined, but she was rows behind me.

I should have smoked a blunt befo' dis. I wasn't calm enough and I couldn't stop bouncin' my left leg. I'm used ta Esined placin' her hand on my knee when she thinks I'm shakin' too much.

My phone vibrated, but I couldn't take a look.

I continued to watch the audience and I found Mel.

Mel was sittin' right next ta Donna and Boss.

I ain't know what he had planned, but I knew Mel was crazy and came up wit shit last minute often. I had ta follow along and keep up wit him as best as I could.

"And now, here's a speech from our Valedictorian, Esined Evans,"

I broke my stare at Mel and started clappin' my hands fa Esined.

She approached the podium, clearly nervous. She stared into the audience and I knew she saw Mel sittin' wit Donna and Boss at the top row. She froze, not sayin' anything.

"I-Uh. Well, this is no way to start a speech, but I guess you can never start and end things perfectly," she laughed nervously and so did a few others. "I am honored to be the valedictorian of my wonderful class,"

I listened ta her and mouthed the words of her speech.

I had practiced her speech wit her so much dat I started ta rememba it myself.

Mel

I sat next ta Donna, listenin' ta her whisper somethin' ta Boss. I stared at Esined, pretendin' dat I wasn't listenin'.

"Now?" she asked.

"Let her finish her speech, then take the shot," he mumbled.

My brightness was down on my phone and I typed a message ta everyone who I was wit.

They planned to send shots @ Esined after her speech. 6:54 pm

I made sure my guys in the balconies were ready.

I sent a message ta Viola.

Leave. Wait outside until u hear the crowd clap. When u hear it, pull the fire alarm 6:56 pm

I looked at the middle row and Viola stood up. She quietly left the theater and went ta the left exit.

I sat there in my seat and I listened ta them.

"The guy on the end is her boyfriend," Boss said.

"Calvin right?" she asked.

"Yeah. Get him too,"

I began ta mentally put the missin' pieces ta dis puzzle togetha. Once they said Calvin, I knew who had involvement wit dis. Boss and Donna were two people wit two different motives. They joined together fa a reason.

I stayed silent.

Boss stood and began to walk away.

"Where are you going?" she whispered.

"Don't panic. You know what to do," he walked away from her and I followed him with my eyes.

He went ta the left exit and at dat moment, I knew he had somethin' else up his sleeves.

I sent a text ta Sneak.

Left exit. Go out there now and find Viola. Pull the fire alarm and leave with her. 7:02 pm

I noticed a dread head leave the balcony and head ta the left exit. It was Sneak, so I was good.

Donna had a piece in her lap and she sat quietly wit it covered.

When Esined finished her speech, the whole audience stood up and clapped their hands.

Donna cocked her gun and it was nothin' anyone could hea' ova the claps.

"I don't think you should do dat, Donna," I told her.

She looked at me. "Are you gonna stop me, Craig?"

Confused as how she knew my street name, I tilted my head a little.

They knew I was closer and freely let me in on their plans. Dis was definitely a setup.

I glanced at August and noticed him inchin' closer and closer ta Esined.

I began ta worry when I noticed Viola hadn't pulled the fire alarm.

Attemptin' ta disarm Donna, I quickly placed my hand on hers, forcin' her ta point the gun down. She put up a small fight, but I hit her in the throat. She weakly fell back onto the seat, tryin' ta regain her breath. I took her gun and patted her down. I went ta the stairs.

Meanwhile, everything was happenin' so fast and the audience hadn't noticed a single thing.

Finally, the fire alarm was pulled. Pooka's workers came from the balcony and began ta exit as if they were regular people.

I raced down the stairs and others followed in a rush, afraid dat there was an actual fire.

My phone started vibratin'. I quickly answered it and Sneak began ta speak.

"We good bro. I got Viola and she's safe,"

"Aiight," I hung up and went backstage. I found August and Esined togetha. "Come on," I rushed. "We gotta go,"

They began ta run along side me through the hallways.

We left through the back entrance and I looked up, seein' Boss waitin' on us outside. He was leanin' against a black escalade, smokin'.

Tossin' his cigarette ta the side, he stood up straight. He crushed the cigarette, puttin' it out.

August moved Esined behind him and I stood beside him.

I held Donna's gun in my hand, grippin' it as Boss began ta speak.

"Nice of you all to join us," he spoke. "Hi Esined. You remember me, baby girl?" he smiled, wavin' at her.

Esined stood behind August, tears fallin' down her cheeks.

Boss looked at the Escalade and the doors opened.

Four people got out, only confusin' all three of us further. There were the four kids that tried ta give August trouble at Jake's party. The three guys were Dashawn, Jayden, and Ezequiel Moore. Their younger sister, Joslyn stood beside them.

Once last person got out of the car and I shook my head. It was Don and he was smilin'.

"I knew it," August said once he saw Don's face.

I noticed Esined tense up. Her eyes filled wit hurt and anger.

"So, I'll tell y'all what's going down," Boss said. "I heard some things about you two that weren't so good to my ears. What do you two prefer to go by? August and Melvin or Calvin and Craig?" he pretended ta be puzzled.

We stayed silent.

"See, my boys and my girl went to a little party. You both seemed to have gotten in an altercation with them. My boys came home, clearly bruised and busted up. Now, I didn't like the sight of that," he shook his head. "No no. I did not. And what you just did to Donna was very uncalled for," he looked at me.

"What happened to Donna?" Don asked.

"He hit her in the throat," Boss shrugged. "Welp. Shit happens and she can't follow rules, so maybe you did us a favor," he chuckled.

"That's my daughter," Don said ta him, becomin' angry.

"Lower yo tone or you're gonna be right next to her," Boss said.

"Donna getting hurt was not apart of the plan,"

"Shit happens when people don't stick to plans. Now are you gonna keep talkin' or shut up?" Boss turned ta Don.

Don shut his mouth.

Boss turned back ta us. "Now, I'm only here for a few reasons. My boys want a fair fight and I want Esined. If I would have known Esined was mixed in with y'all mess sooner, I would have been made a move,"

Esined scoffed.

"Dat fight wasn't fair fa one reason. Yo boys weak as fuck and tried ta jump my brotha," I spat.

"Ooo," Boss smiled. "Watch ya mouth before I put a bullet in it,"

"Do it," I stepped up.

August and Esined pulled me back.

"Mel, no," Esined said. "He'll actually do it,"

"Better listen to baby girl. I'll pop one off fast, boy,"

I clenched my jaw.

"Now, since you got so much mouth, why don't you put the gun down and show one of my boys how much you can back up yo shit?"

"Gimme any one of yo boys and I'll lay him out,"

"Mel," August said.

"Shut up," I told him. I handed him my gun and took off my buttoned shirt. I tossed it ta him and Boss looked at me.

"Why don't you pick for yourself?"

"You. Let's go," I picked the tallest one.

Boss placed his hand on the boys shoulder, givin' him a squeeze. "You know what I'ma do if you lose," he patted his back and the boy took off his hoodie.

He walked up ta me and we moved in a motion fa a moment. We were tryna see who was gonna swing first.

He ended up swingin' first and I ducked befo' connectin' a right. He stumbled and Boss started laughin'.

Everyone stood on the side, watchin' us fight.

It got ta a point where I had him on the concrete. I was sendin' blow afta blow and Boss wanted it ta stop.

"Mel!" August called.

I got off of the boy and stood back.

"Damn," Boss said. "Get up, Dashawn,"

Dashawn sat up and touched his face.

"Get in the truck, witcho dumb ass," Boss said through gritted teeth. "Big for no reason. Embarrassing me,"

Joslyn stood on the side, frownin'.

I could see in her eyes dat she ain't want no part of dis and neitha did the boys. Eitha dat, or they just didn't wanna fight me again.

"Who's next?" I asked.

"August," Boss said.

August wasn't worried. His facial expression didn't change or anything. He stood there.

"Pick who you wanna fight," he said. "You seem pretty weak, you wanna fight Jos?" he joked, laughin' by himself.

"Nah. I wanna fight Don," August said.

"Babe," Esined whispered.

"Ooo. This is something I've been waiting to see,"

"August, whatchu doin'?" I asked.

"He wanna play games on my girl and put her through all dis, then I'm gon' fuck him up. Simple as dat," August handed me back the gun. He took off his Rolex and handed it ta Esined.

Don started actin' like he didn't wanna fight. "This wasn't the plan, Boss,"

"Hey, the boy wants to fight you," Boss said. "I'll break it up if he's beating your ass too much," he laughed.

"I'm not fighting," Don said.

"You wanna cause all of dis shit, but back down from a fight? You weak as shit!" August spat. "I'm gettin' my round,"

Esined held onto August. "Just let it go," she said quietly.

"Fuck dat. I ain't lettin' it go. Dis dude stole money from you, lied ta you, and he helped dis sick ass nigga harass you. He ain't bouta keep hurtin' you and not have no consequences. He tried ta rob me and my brotha. I ain't lettin' shit go,"

Esined stayed silent.

"You shot me!" was all Don could argue back.

"I shoulda killed yo ass too!" August said.

I felt bad fa Esined. I knew she had so much love fa Don in her heart and she was still tryna let his wrongs sink in. While August and I saw right through his bullshit, Esined didn't. Things added up, but she was still processin' it all. She didn't want Don ta be the bad guy.

August stood in the middle, waitin'.

"Get it over with," Boss pushed Don towards him.

Don looked back at Boss and as soon as he looked back ta August, August cocked his arm back and landed a clean left on his face.

Esined gasped, coverin' her mouth.

"I know that hurt," Boss hissed befo' laughin'.

Don was on the ground, holdin' his face.

"Get up!" August kicked his leg and backed up.

Don was mad now. He stood and they squared up.

August was handlin' him and Don was tryin'.

Afta many failed attempts of hittin' August, Don finally connected a punch. Don swung again and August ducked. August leaned down quickly and swept Don off his feet, droppin' him.

My eyebrows raised in shock. I knew August had it in him, but I was still shocked dat somebody his size had so much strength.

Esined wanted ta break it up, but I held her back. "Melvin, stop them!" she cried.

August was on top of Don, swingin' lefts and rights.

"Dats enough, Aug!" I called out. I wasn't gon' physically break it up. Boss was too sneaky fa me ta just leave Esined standin' by herself.

Esined got out of my grip and ran ova ta them. Her heels clacked against the concrete.

She pulled on August's waist. "Stop, that's enough!"

He kept goin' and she yanked harder.

"Stop!" she used her strength, finally gettin' August off of Don. They sat a good distance from Don. Esined wrapped her arms and legs around August, holdin' him back.

Don was beat up pretty bad and it was obvious dat there wouldn't be a round two.

Esined let August go and they stood up. She placed her hand on his back, forcin' him ta walk back ova ta me.

"Damn boy, I guess you can hold your own," Boss said, clappin' his hands. "I could use you both on my side,"

"Dis ain't no recruitment," August said.

Jayden and Ezekiel went ta help Don off the ground. I watched them befo' lookin' at Boss.

"Now. Maybe we can make a little deal," Boss said. "I take Esined, or you two can work for me,"

"What is it dat you want from Esined?" I asked.

"She knows what I want," he chuckled.

"But I don't. What is dat you want?"

"I mean, look at her,"

"I done had enough of yo mouth," August started ta charge at him and Esined held him back.

"Tell ya brother to calm down. I'm not Don and I'll beat his little ass,"

"We'll work fa you," I said.

"I ain't workin' fa dis sick ass nigga," August said. "Do you know what he did ta her?" he asked me.

Suddenly, Don was arguin' wit Jayden and Ezekiel. It distracted Boss.

"Let it go!" I heard Boss yell.

I looked up at him and Don. They were fightin' ova a gun.

Don pushed Boss into the ground and aimed the gun, but it wasn't at August. It was aimed at Esined.

It felt like everything was movin' fast now. I yelled Esined's name and two shots went off.

August jumped in front of Esined, takin' the bullets

His body jerked back, fallin' on top of Esined. She screamed as his blood got on her. She immediately took his phone from his pocket and dialed a number.

Boss had got his crew and forced them into his Escalade. He sped off and I pulled my gun from my holda.

Don was sittin' on the ground and his head snapped up when he noticed me stormin' ova ta him. He tried ta move back. His hands shook while holdin' his gun. He pulled the trigger, but no bullets came out.

"Wait," Don pleaded as I aimed my gun at the center of his head. "Don't do this,"

I looked back at Esined and clenched my jaw.

Esined held August up in her arms. She was focused at helpin' him breathe. She was shakin' and had tears fallin', but still tried ta keep him up. She glanced at me and I looked back at Don.

I gripped the gun and looked down at him.

He was froze in his place and just begged me not ta kill him.

I looked at Esined and she put her head down, focusin' in August.

I started ta debate on if I was gonna pull the trigger.

I thought about so many things in life dat I could lose out on if I did. I couldn't miss any parts of my soon ta be new life wit Viola and our child.

I looked back at Esined and noticed the worried look on her face.

I heard police sirens and an ambulance. I put my gun back in my holda and pulled my shirt ova it.

"It's yo lucky day," I said, leanin' down. I stared into his eyes. "Just know dat whateva happens is gonna come back and hit you. And dis ain't ova. I will see you around,"

Don tilted his head a little. "Is that a threat?"

"It's a promise. I'm gonna personally find you and fuck up your whole life,"

He turned his head away from me, avoidin' my hard stare.

I grabbed him by his jaw and forced him ta look at me.

He groaned and I made my grip tighta.

"I will fuckin' kill you," I stared at him and ignored his pain filled cries. "You hea' me?" I squeezed tighter, causin' his face ta scrunch up.

He tried ta turn away and I heard a crack.

I let him go and spit out blood along wit a tooth. "I'm not playin, Donald,"

I stood up and made my way ova ta August and Esined.

August was focused on breathin', but he started ta panic once I got near.

"Mel," he said.

"Don't talk," I said. "Just breathe,"

"It hurts," he groaned.

The ambulance had arrived along wit the police. August was taken ta the hospital while Esined and I were detained. Don got caught tryna get away and was arrested.

When I was in the police department, I had ta talk. I told the full story and didn't lie.

I sat quietly outside the interview room as they took Esined in. It took a while, but when she came out, she seemed ta be upset.

"Whatchu tell them?" I asked lowly.

"The truth," she said.

"Me too,"

"Did they tell you how August is doing?"

"They don't know yet,"

"It's been like two hours," she sighed. "I'm worried,"

"August is strong. He'll be fine,"

"The craziest shit always happens to me," she shook her head. "I'm sorry for bringing y'all into my mess,"

"You ain't know what they had planned. It's cool,"

She rubbed her face down.

"Who was Boss?" I asked, lookin' at the side of her face.

"He's from my past," she said.

I decided not ta question her and let it stay at dat. It wasn't my business and she didn't have ta tell me. I was just curious.

I rubbed my face down and sighed.

"I wish you would have killed Don," Esined said quietly.

"I thought you didn't want me to,"

"I was indecisive, but then... I looked down at August in my arms. My hands covered in his blood. His breath becoming shorter and shorter. It felt like my heart was slowing down with his..." tears fell down her cheeks.

I tried ta maintain my composure on the outside, but on the inside, I felt fa Esined. I wanted ta cry wit her.

"To know that Don was aiming at me and my boyfriend took the bullets. Bullets that weren't meant for him. Bullets that could have taken his life-" she paused. "Bullets that might have taken his life, since we don't know his state,"

She sniffed. "Seeing my baby like that," she shook her head. "In that moment I could have overkilled Don with my bare hands,"

I cleared my throat and she turned ta me.

"We have to get him, Mel. I can't just sit around and let him continue to ruin my life. I have to get him. He can't get away with this," she looked into my eyes. "He can't,"

"He won't," I said. "I promise,"

-Hey boos.

How are y'all?

Did y'all enjoy the update?

I wish Boss got his ass whooped too. Maybe another time. 😉

I decided not to make this the last chapter. Maybe a few more then an authors note.

We all know August isn't gonna die, so y'all better not be tripping lmao.

But I'm gonna skip the hospital scene bc it can get overly cliche real fast if I add that. So the next chapter will be maybe a month or three later.

ANY QUESTIONS?

Excuse typos please.

Comments & Votes are appreciated.

Much love, Shia. Xoxo.