Hey guys, so this story is gonna be a whole lot of twists and turns. I'm going with this story as a request from a person who PM'd me a while back. Y'all gonna find out later, anyways, enjoy
Twenty five year old Jazmine Dubois felt the strong arms of her soon-to-be husband, Huey Freeman, wrap around her body early that Sunday morning. Sunday. That meant that they were off for the morning, at least until around noon.
She smiled a perfectly white smile and scratched her nose with her finger. She turned around, moving her mass of copper colored afro out of Huey's face, "Finally, "He muttered in a teasing tone, "I couldn't breathe all night. "Jazmine rolled her eyes, "Whatever Freeman, "She said sarcastically. She stood up in only one of Huey's shirts and her purple and pink panties from Victoria Secret. She sauntered into the bathroom, feeling Huey's eyes on her.
"What time is it? "He asked. She glanced at the wall clock in their bathroom, "8:30, "She replied. She heard the bed creak and Huey was up and into the shower before she could even leave the bathroom, "Hey! What's the hurry? "She asked. Huey sighed as the hot water touched his back, "I have a quick meeting this morning. "He replied, "I'll be gone until at least eleven or twelve. "
"Awe, that's not quick! "Jazmine pouted.
Huey chuckled, "Sweetie, this is about my hopeful raise, "He explained, "If I can convince them this project is well worth it, I'll get promoted. "
Jazmine smiled, "Of course darling, "She said in a sweet tone. Huey hopped out of the shower and quickly dried off, heading into his closet to change into his usual suit and tie look. Jazmine loved the body wash he used, and the cologne he wore. It gave her chills whenever she smelled it.
She walked into the bedroom just as Huey came out of his closet, fully dressed. He went into the bathroom and began to do his hair and brush his teeth, splashing on his deodorant and Jazmine's favorite cologne. He came back into their bedroom to find her sitting on the bed, waiting for a regular kiss.
Huey leaned over and planted a firm kiss on her lips, "I'll be back as soon as I can Jaz, "He assured her. Jazmine nodded, "I'll be waiting here, "She replied. He grabbed his brief case and headed out of their apartment.
"I love you, "She called out, but Huey had already shut the door.
Jazmine sighed and flopped down on the bed. Huey was always in a rush now-a-days, always looking for that next promotion or raise. Their wedding wouldn't be for another eight months, but Huey was dead set on giving her the fairy tale wedding of her dreams. And Jazmine sure as hell wasn't cheap.
She rubbed her head while staring at the ceiling. Jazmine worked at a vet clinic, but the place was closed on Sundays, which left her with little options whenever Huey left most Sundays.
She reached over and grabbed her IPhone and dialed her best friend: Cindy McPhearson. Cindy answered on the first ring. "Hello? "She asked.
"Cindy! "Jazmine shrieked into the phone. Cindy shrieked back, "Jazzy! "She giggled, "What's up girl? "She asked. Jazmine shrugged, "Nothing really. Huey just left for work. "
"Again? That nigga gonna wear himself out before y'all ever even get married for fuck's sake! "Cindy laughed. Jazmine rolled her eyes, "Language Cindy! Don't you have a baby with you? "As if on cue, Cindy's daughter, Daniella, cried out in frustration.
Cindy could feel Jazmine's eye roll as she replied, "Dani's fine ma, "Jazmine indeed roll her eyes, "Yeah, mm-hmm, I hope Caesar doesn't find out you talk to people on your phone while you're supposed to be looking after her. "Cindy chuckled on the other line, "He already knows ma, "
Cindy and Caesar had tied the knot two years previous. Caesar had finished his Associates degree and Cindy had gotten her degree straight out of high school as a cosmetologist. She worked for a long time before the two got married, and a few weeks after their honey moon, she had discovered she was pregnant. And then there came Dani. It was a bit rushed, but Caesar had insisted on Cindy being a stay at home mom for a while, since Dani was so young and he didn't want to pay a nanny or anything.
Cindy waved a toy in front of her daughter's face, "Aye, you wanna go out for a bit? It's been a while since we've had a girl's day out. "Jazmine smiled, "I'd love to. Be by your place in an hour. "Cindy nodded, "See ya then Jazzy, "And Jazmine hung up.
Quickly, Jazmine got dressed and fiddled with her hair, forcing it into a messy looking bun. She slipped on a pair of skinny jeans, an airy short sleeved shirt, and a pair of dainty flats. She did her makeup with little to no mistakes, although Cindy could've done much better. She smiled at herself in the mirror while she brushed her teeth; an odd habit she had picked up when she began whitening them a few years back. She grabbed her phone, wallet, car keys, and extra hairspray and stuck it in her Michael Kors purse. She picked up an apple from the kitchen and headed to her car; a small little Kia, a gift from her parents when she had turned eighteen.
She backed up and began her way over to Cindy's.
Cindy lived in an apartment not too far away, and when she arrived, she found her and Dani already outside.
"Well damn, eager much? "Jazmine teased as Cindy strapped her daughter's car seat into the back, and then snuggly buckled her daughter up inside. She then closed the door and opened the passenger's door, sliding inside and slamming it shut, "Whatever Jaz, it's been a long ass time since I been out, "Cindy huffed.
She had dressed up for the occasion, wearing a black romper with almost-spaghetti strap like sleeves and a pair of sandals. Her makeup was done flawlessly, as usual, and she wore her blonde hair tied back into a long pony tail.
Dani was a mulatto, like Jazmine, with Cindy being white and Caesar being black. She had light colored skin and her hair was a mixture of blonde and brown. Her eyes were just like Cindy's, but she had Caesar's playful smirk on her lips. She was a beautiful baby.
Jazmine backed up and left the complex, "Where to? "She asked.
Cindy thought for a moment, "How about the mall? I've been needing to get Dani some knew clothes anyways, "She said. Jazmine nodded, taking off towards the Wuncler Mall.
They spent an hour shopping and looking around before finally deciding to settle down at the food court for a meal. Cindy had gotten pizza while Jazmine had gotten a burger. Dani ate what her mother had packed for her, and drank water from a cup.
"So, how's Caesar? "Jazmine asked. Cindy shrugged, "Still the same workaholic nigga he's always been, "But she smiled while she said it. Caesar really did try to give her and Dani the best life he could. He worked endlessly trying to make them both happy and healthy.
"So…has Huey heard from him? "Cindy asked casually.
Jazmine stopped for a moment to gawk at Cindy, "Cindy, really? "She asked. Cindy shrugged, "I just want to know, "She whispered.
Jazmine sighed, "No, he hasn't. "She replied with a sadden tone.
Cindy often asked about him…Riley Freeman.
Cindy and Riley dated while they were in high school. Riley had always been a year younger than her, so when she graduated a year before he did, they thought they could handle it. But Riley was still much of a child, much like how they both had been as children. Cindy grew up, Riley didn't. As a result, the relationship ended in a messy break up that resulted in both of their hearts being broken. At the end of high school, Riley had signed up and was shipped off to the army. They hadn't heard from him since. Ed Wuncler and Gin Rummy, two of his childhood friends, used to tell Cindy about Riley, since Riley communicated with them more.
But then, the years passed. Riley stopped writing to Ed and Rummy, and soon, it eventually stopped. One day, Ed came over to the apartment and said that Riley had gone MIA: Missing In Action. It tore Cindy apart, but a while later, she married Caesar.
"I can't believe you still like him, "Jazmine said. She understood it, but Cindy was married now with a child, "Cindy, Riley's never coming back, "Jazmine said with a heavy heart. Jazmine, too, missed the younger Freeman boy. Even though he had tormented her in their childhood, he was always a dear friend and often stuck up for Jazmine whenever the school bullies would pick on her.
Cindy shrugged, "I dunno, "She took another bite from her pizza, "I never thought that we'd end it officially, and when he left without saying goodbye, it kind of killed me a little. "She admitted. Jazmine nodded understandingly.
"How are you and Huey? "Cindy asked. Jazmine shrugged, "We're fine, why do you ask? "She questioned. Cindy shrugged, "No reason. "
Cindy had heard that Huey and Jazmine were still having problems. Huey worked long hours and stayed away most of the time, leaving Jazmine home along for much of the day when she returned from work. Jazmine spent her time looking at baby clothes and wedding dresses and whatnot with her mother, Mrs. Dubois. But lately, Jazmine and Huey had been arguing over another thing; money.
Cindy had heard from Caesar that there was money disappearing, and Jazmine didn't know why. Huey had said he went to the bank to file a complaint that their account had been hacked, but there had currently been no reply. Jazmine was just even more worried, and Huey was having to work even more to make up for the lost money.
"We're fine, Cin, "Jazmine assured her best friend. Cindy nodded, "Okay, "Was all she said. She didn't want to delve into any unnecessary drama.
They finished up their lunch and went back to shopping.
A young man hopped off a train. He was rugged and smelled of alcohol and smoke. It was late at night. He marched his way off of the platform and out of the train station, tipping his hat at people who walked by. He carried with him a single backpack that looked like something you'd go camping in; huge and packed to the brim with clothes. He wore a pair of camo pants, a white muscle shirt, and a camo hat. Around his neck was a dog chain with his initials on it. His boots were scuffed.
He made his way to a bus stop, where the plump black bus driver recognized him as he boarded, "Well, well, I ain't seen you in years! "She exclaimed as he sat down behind her. He gave her a good old fashion smile, his beard could make any girl swoon.
"Been a while huh, "He said in a low gruff voice. He gave her the money he needed to be on the bus, "Well, well. You've changed a lot. You're not that same boy I knew a long time ago. "She commented.
Once the last person had boarded the bus, she closed the doors and began to drive, "So tell me, how was it? Everything you imagined? "She asked him, glancing up at him in her rear view mirror.
"And then some, "He replied, scratching his head.
"Ha! I'd think so, "She scoffed, "My nephew went and joined the Air Force, know what happened to him? Got blasted over the Atlantic, "She made the sign of the cross, "Lord bless his soul. "
"But I'm here, ain't I? "The young man replied with a sly grin. The woman bellowed with laughter, "By some miracle you are! "But she gave him a wholehearted smile, "It's good to see ya again boy. Welcome home. "
"Yeah, thanks, "He said, slouching down in his seat. He tipped it back some and pulled his cap over his eyes. The bus driver made a noise, "Already sleeping? Ain't you sleep enough on that damn train boy? "She asked with a hint of laughter in her voice.
The boy replied: "I'm still tired. "
She shook her head, "You slept on the way up here so many years ago. "She commented.
He chuckled, "You still remember that? "He asked. The woman nodded, "Mmm-hmm! "She spoke as if it were yesterday she watched him board the bus and sleep in the same spot he was sleeping in now.
"Been how many years? "She asked.
"Not that long, "He shrugged. "Five, six years? "He yawned.
"Too long! "She laughed. She made a few turns and they entered the downtown area of Woodcrest. She stopped at a bus stop, where most of the other riders got off. Only a few riders remained, including the young man. The bus driver continued on her route until he was the last man on the bus.
"Honey, you got a place to stay? "She asked.
He shrugged, "I know one place. "He directed her where to go.
She pulled up to a small mini mansion in the suburb area. It was old looking and unkempt. The grass looked as if it hadn't been cut in years or so. He hopped off the bus with his things, "Thank you ma'am, "He said, tipping his hat to her. She gave him a warm smile, "I always drive this bus at this hour of ya ever need me! "She called out to him as he turned to walk away. He turned back to wave at her before she closed the bus doors and sped off down the street.
He approached the small mansion and rang the doorbell. He could hear creaking on the other side of the door; that was a good sign.
The door opened, and a man with a cane and a hunched over posture answered. He had greying hair that was slowly disappearing, and a permanent scowl on his face, "Who are ya? What do ya want? "He asked in a loud voice.
The young man smiled a little, taking off his cap and exposing his cornrows. He had to duck down a little so the old man could see him, "Granddad, it's me, "He said, a hint of mischief in his voice.
The old man's eyes widened, "Oh my lord…Riley? Is that you? "He asked. Tears welded in his eyes.
Riley gave a soft smile, "Yeah Granddad. It's me. I've come home. "
His grandfather, Mr. Freeman, ushered Riley Freeman inside, "Boy what the hell! I got told from Ed and Rummy that yo dumbass went MIA. "He cackled. Riley chuckled, "Yeah, that's a long ass story Granddad. "
He strode into a dirty living room; a familiar place. This was where he grew up from eight to eighteen, when he left for the army. It still smelled and looked the same since the day he left.
"Where's Huey? "He asked his grandfather, who was stumbling in with his cane. He sat down on the couch while his grandfather took his place at his recliner, setting his cane aside, "Yo brother finally got the guts to ask that sweet little girl, Jazmine, to marry him. They getting married in like eight months, "He scratched his head. "They live in an apartment together near the downtown area. "
"That's good I guess "Riley shrugged. He placed his bag on the couch and kicked off his shoes, "It's good to be home. "He sighed.
"It's good to have you home, "Mr. Freeman gave an almost toothless smile, "I've been living with Ruckus lately. His old ass is asleep right now. I got lonely after Huey and you left, thought might as well let the old bastard live here until our dying days. "
"That's nice of ya Granddad, "Riley laughed. He leaned back, "How's Cindy? "He finally asked. The question had been burning in his throat for years now.
Granddad made a grunting noise while he shifted his position, "She's fine, she's fine, "He replied coolly.
"Where is she? What she been doing all these years? "Riley asked. He couldn't wait to finally see Cindy for the first time since he had left. It had been forever since he had seen her, and they hadn't departed on the best of terms. He wanted to make amends with her as soon as he could.
Mr. Freeman made the grunting noise again, "Riley my boy, a lot of things have changed since ya left Woodcrest, "He began. He didn't want to hurt Riley's feelings, but he had to find out, "Riley, Cindy…well…she's married now, "Was all he could say.
Riley felt the world around him freeze for a moment, "Sh-she's what? "He gapped. Mr. Freeman sighed, "Riley, Cindy got married a few years after you left. She married Caesar. You remember, one of Huey's friends. They got hitched, and they have a little girl now. Her name's Dani, and she's just like Jazmine; a mulatto little cutie, "Mr. Freeman was waiting for Riley to explode in rage, but to his surprise, he didn't.
"I always knew she would move on eventually, "Riley mumbled, "I was just hoping that maybe she wouldn't have. "He leaned his head back further, putting his hands on his head. The information did shock him, especially since she had married Caesar.
"I'm sorry Riley, "Mr. Freeman sighed, "You didn't really leave on good terms with Cindy anyways. "
"Yeah, I know, "Riley huffed, "I was hoping to fix thing up with her, catch up and maybe…, "He shook his head, "Forget about it. I'm not about to ruin the relationship she's in just because she's moved on already. "Mr. Freeman nodded. He couldn't believe how mature Riley had gotten. If this had happened before Riley had left for the army, he probably would have beat a nigga up. But he was being mature about the situation.
"Ya think I can see them tomorrow? "He asked.
Mr. Freeman nodded, "I'm sure, but they might be surprised. After all, you are considered dead around here. "
Riley laughed, "I can imagine. "
Mr. Freeman stood up, "Here, ya can sleep on the couch tonight. Your old room is more of a storage room right now. We can get it cleaned up so you can sleep there until ya can get back on ya feet. "
Riley nodded, standing as well, "Thanks Granddad, "He said. He stuck his hand out for a handshake, but Mr. Freeman only took his hand and pulled him into a bear hug, "I'm glad ya home grandson, "He whispered, "You had me thinkin ya were dead for a lot of years. "
Riley nodded, "I'm sorry Granddad, "He replied.
Mr. Freeman gave him a pillow and blanket and let him take a hot shower. After the shower, he fed him whatever was in the fridge, and put him to sleep on the couch.
Riley stared up at the ceiling. It was a familiar ceiling, but it seemed different. Everything was different now.
He shut his eyes so tomorrow would come faster.
I hope y'all like this first chapter. I'm gonna try to keep this story as a short little thing, but I don't know bruh.
Xoxo, queen