Ay baby, ay baby, ay baby, ayyyyyy! ;) I know y'all wanna slap me for not updating with my usual quickness. Explanation at the bottom. Anyhoo!
My thank you's as always and forever:
mikestar: aww, thank you so much! glad you liked it, that part was a fun scene to write! and she's coming next chapter I think, don't worry! :D thanks again for your review!
LovinHueyFreeman: hahahaha! yaaayyy, I love overdosing on cuteness! :D and LMAO, I know! I'm a disgrace! *hangs head in shame* but girl, I LOVED it. Smokey was hands-down my favorite. rollin'! :) and me too! guys that think outside the box and do something original are keepers. it shows how much they care and pay attention to you! and lolz, they might as well be! but still… we need to see it actually happen ;) and girl: deep voice + scruffy stubble + talldark&sexy nigga = I wanna freeeaakkk yooouuu! … aiight, I'll calm it down. ;) and lolz, EVERYBODY be seein' 'em! they wanna be playin' off that it's just normal and "friendly" behavior. but they need to stop dat lyin'. they know they want each other in much more than a "friend" way. and hellllll no, girl! real niggas can't be real niggas if they corny ;) hahaha, glad you liked that part! I loved writing it out! Riley is too sexy for his own good. seriously. :) thank you sooo much for your review, as always. and girl, as always, I ROLLED at your outro! Smokey a clown! one of my favorite lines (and excuse my language in advance): "You got knocked the FUCK out!" I was dyyyiiinnngg! and how he ran away after he says it always makes me laugh even harder! Chris Tucker did work on that role, man! :D
tierrayaoi: aww, thank you so much! I'm glad you liked this one! thanks for your review! :)
Edgar H. Sutter: hahaha, I'm glad you liked the fluffy cuteness! :) and you'll have to wait and seeeeee :D thanks for the review! :)
lilmissfiestie26: everybody loves to cuddle! :D and lolz, hmmm, could you possibly be onto something? :x glad you liked the chapter! and haha, oh don't worry. we find out about Huey's gift right now :) thanks for the review! :D
jazzyhue20: girl, Riley is sexy and he KNOW it ;) and that was a fun scene for me to write out, so thank you. and you have a very good imagination, I'll just say that! :) thanks so much for your review, girl! hope you enjoy this chapter as well! :D
Jazavelli: tsk tsk tsk, girl, you reviewin' on the job! hahahah! well THANK YOU! that means a lot, I got silly readers riskin' gettin' in trouble over lil ole me ;) and awww! thank you so much! your comment about the reviews really made me smile! I'm touched! :D and lmaaoooo, girl, you already know Cindy needs it… and she wants some Reezy ;) we'll have to wait and see what happennnsss :) and lolz, don't worry, we find out Huey's gift in this chapter. and Jamilah will be back next chapter hopefully! more of her cuteness soon! thanks so much for your review! don't get caught slackin' on the job! and do me a favor and cop a homie an iPhone? I must be the only person planet Earth without one. lmao! :D
bunnybabe247: closer and closer each chapter! it's almost here, don't worry! and RIGHT? I had seen the movie play on TV recently and had watched it (love the movie too), and I'm like… "DAMN if this don't relate to Riley and Cindy!" hahaha! thanks for your review! :)
Roronoa Star96: birthday time is heeerrree! we got a little ways to go before the actual moment, but we's close. that's all I'm gonna say. thanks for your review! :)
Paige1292: LMAO, girl you's a mess! but i'd switch whatever team I was on to get wit Reezy right quick, feel me? hahaha! yay, I'm glad you like one of my OC's! :D and thanks! they gettin' cuter this chapter! ;) Jamilah will be hopefully featured in next chapter for sure! :D more of her cuteness soon! :) thanks so much for the review! :)
Mr. Alaska: (19): hahah, yupp, Red's a mess! Riley know he don't ever let nothin' slide! and you… is… perverted. LMAO! are YOU thirsty by chance, Alaska? hahahahaha jk! ;) and I'm glad you liked the tattoo scene. Riley definitely ain't tryna hurt Cindy in any way. he a big sweetie :) and thank you, I'm glad you liked that idea! it just worked out conveniently. I wanted to use McGruder's initials any way, they so happen to spell out the word 'am' so I made it work. dat's what cleva hoes do. ;) (20): oh, you already KNOW dat homegirl wanna stare at his name on her ;) hahahahah, Granddad be a cock-block sometimes ;) Jamilah will hopefully be in next chapter for sure, don't worry! :D yuppp, Cindy can't even front. She love the taste of Reezy :) hahaha, glad you like the chapters! thanks for your reviews as always! I know you best update your story for I slap the taste outcha mouth (with love of course)! XD
genissis123: awwww, thank you so much FF buddy! I'm glad you liked the chapter! thanks for your reviews as always! :D
Deadzepplin: aww, thank you so much! I'm glad you like the story! :D thank you for your review!
DMICEPRINCE: awwwww, thank you so much! seriously! and lolz, don't be ignoring your siblings! XD thank you for your review! :D
Jor-El Smith: lolz! thank you! and who YOU tellin'? I know exactly whatchu mean, these weeks is killin' me, but I'm almost done! one more week! :) so glad that you liked the chapters! thanks for your review! :)
Dave The Wordsmith: ohmygosh, I KNOW! A Pimp Named Slickback is my DUDE! so freakin' funny! :D lolz, Riley and Granddad steady stayin' arguin', they so much alike. oh HELL yeah, Riley be marking what's already his ;) Huey and Jazmine… definitely some freaks. nuff said! lmao! Riley forever gonna have to sit through that movie with Cindy, as much as he wanna probably go sit in a corner and cut himself. lolz! LMAAOOO, they definitely that close to gettin' it in. we gonna see soon enough ;) thanks so much for your review! I'm now onto review your story! because I have a few words for you, my friend! :D
misseylady: LMAAAAOOOO! I rolled reading your review, girl! thank you sooo much, you don't even know how much I appreciate it! I'm real glad you like the story! this chapter goes out to you for makin' me smile the way you did! :D thanks for the review!
And so Wednesday has begun. I'm tellin' y'all right now that Wednesday is gonna take up like 4-5 chapters. These chapters are gonna get long as HELL. So it pretty much goes without saying that this chapter is not the chapter where "the big moment" happens. I will let you know, trust me. lolz. For now, just grab a snack, get comfy, sit back, relax, and enjoy the beginning of Wednesday.
We just gettin' started :)
Disclaimer: I do not own any part of Aaron McGruder's The Boondocks or any of his characters.
"'The following is a completely fictional work of satire. Any similarities with actual rappers is totally, completely, coincidental.
Also, I ain't dissin' nobody's city, or region, or... whatever geographic affiliation you got. I love everybody.
Seriously. I really don't want any of you niggas running up on me at the club. I don't have no crew, and they don't pay me enough to hire bodyguards. I know how y'all niggas do. It's just jokes, man.'
Dictated. Not read. The management."
~Notice at the beginning of The Story of Gangstalicious
Riley's POV
I… am… done.
After ten balled up scraps of paper, going through about a hundred different pencils, downing four cans of Mountain Dew (followed by three and a half trips up to the bathroom), and six hours later… Riley was finished.
He stared at his masterpiece with a critical eye, checking for any flaws. He was a huge perfectionist when it came to his art, always spotting minor faults that others didn't see.
He looked… and looked… and after three minutes was still looking. But for the first time, he didn't see anything wrong with his creation.
This is the best work I've ever done.
"Boy… what are you doing?"
Riley slightly jumped and brought his eyes up to meet his grandfather's. He was standing in the doorway of the dining room in his pajama bottoms, holding a towel and a bottle of water. "What the hell are you doin' down here?" His eyes roamed over the table and floor littered with papers, pencils, and other various supplies.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry." Riley began quickly, standing from his chair and already beginning to tidy. "I'll clean it all up right now. I'm done. Whatchu bout to do, tae-bo?"
Granddad ignored him and walked closer, his eyes focused on the large piece of canvas paper directly in front of Riley. He let out a small gasp as he stared, his eyes running back and forth over the paper.
"Boy…." He trailed off, seeming almost speechless as his jaw was dropped. Riley picked up the paper, holding it so they could look at it better.
"I'm gonna give it to her today for her birthday." Riley quietly answered his grandfather's silent question. "Do you think she gonna like it?" He asked hopefully.
Granddad finally took his eyes off the paper and turned to Riley. He closed his mouth and blinked at him before giving him a small smirk with a roll of his eyes.
"I ain't got time for stupid questions, boy. I think you already know the answer. She would like it if you would've drawn a half-assed stick figure for her. But this… this is incredible, Riley. I know I don't tell you often, but you have real talent."
Riley gave Granddad the smallest of smiles, glancing down at the floor modestly. He had never heard his grandfather give him a compliment like that.
WHACK!
"OW!" Riley yelled as he held his aching head with one hand.
"Why the hell am I the last one to know that it's the girl's birthday? You done lost yo nigga mind by not tellin' me?"
Riley rubbed his head. "For real? I thought I already told you."
"Clearly not. The hell is wrong witchu?" Granddad now had his arms crossed, glaring at him. "Mm-hmm. Niggas wanna start thinkin' they all that and a bag of chips, start forgetting about the people that raised their ungrateful asses! This is exactly why I don't tell you often! Shame on you, keepin' yo granddaddy left in the dark! I oughta beat yo ass!"
"Aiight Granddad, chill!" Riley chuckled, stopping the tangent that was just beginning. "Can you beat my ass later? I gotta clean this shit up, figure out a way to actually wrap this, make some calls, and then try to get a lil bit of sleep, if any."
Granddad looked at him before nodding. "I'mma postpone yo ass-whoopin' this one time." He smirked, causing Riley to grin with an eyeroll. "But clean this up! Shoot. Ain't gonna tear up my house then walk away like you ain't done nothin', oh hell no." Granddad muttered, beginning to walk out of the room towards the kitchen.
"Where you goin'? I thought you was doin' tae-bo." Riley asked as he started to pick things off the floor.
"Never you mind. Mind ya business!" Granddad snipped in a playful tone as he exited.
This old nigga crazy as hell.
Riley sluggishly cleared the floor of garbage and used supplies before working on the table. As he started to sort through, he came across his cover gift, otherwise known as the fake gift that he'd give to Cindy. If Huey and Jazmine still planned on coming, he didn't really want to give his real present in front of them. Huey's stupid-ass comments and Jazmine's overemotional 'awwwww' would ruin the moment. Hell no. This was going to be a private event.
Riley rolled his eyes as he looked at it. Now this was a half-assed job. It took him less than an hour to whip it up and he wasn't even trying.
Damn, this is shit compared to what I just did. I'll be lucky she don't ball it up like it's trash. Riley thought to himself.
After he finished throwing away the garbage, putting all his supplies away, and hiding the cover gift in the entertainment center, he tiredly dragged himself up the steps as he held his gift rolled with a rubber band. Normally he hated rolling up his art, but this was special situation. He had a reason for doing what he did.
When Riley came to his bedroom, he slowly pushed open the door and peeked in. He grinned when he saw Cindy. She was sleeping right in the center of his bed (even though the twin bed was still in the room), her blonde hair was sprawled over his pillows, and she was curled up on her side, the covers tucked tightly around her body.
Riley stepped lightly into the room and quietly made his way to his closet. He kept an eye on her, making sure she wasn't going to suddenly wake up before he slid his gift on the top shelf. After, he walked quietly over to Cindy's side of the room. She had left her bag near the twin, making it easy for Riley. He leaned down and opened it, peering inside until he spotted her cellphone. He slid it out carelessly, knowing he had nothing to feel guilty about. He wasn't in it to be a nosy nigga, he was only there for a number.
He quietly made his way out of the room as he scrolled through her contacts. It wasn't long before he found who he was searching for. He hit dial.
Ring…. Ring…. Ring….
"Hello?" He heard a groggy voice say into the phone.
"Sup, nigga? What it do?" Riley replied easily.
"… Who is this?" The man replied in an aggravated tone after a pause.
"Nigga, you know damn well who dis is! McPhearson's friend? I be comin' into work to take her ass to lunch? Had to almost curb-stomp a bitch the other day? Any of this ring a bell?" Riley rolled his eyes.
"… Okaayy. Why are you calling from her phone at… dude, why the hell are you calling me at 6:30 in the morning? She doesn't start til 9!"
"I know you betta calm dat tone down when you's talkin' to me, nigga! Reezy don't play dat shit." Riley snapped. "And I'm callin' to letchu know that C ain't comin' into work today. Hope it ain't a problem."
"And why?"
"It's her birthday. We's got plans. Don't she get a special day off or some shit?"
There was a small pause. "Not usually, no. Birthdays aren't normally included as special vacation days."
"Aw come on nigga, this is jank! It's my homegirl's birthday! I'm tryna act like a good best friend, plan all this shit for her, and you standin' in the way! Can't you make an exception? You know she the best trainer y'all every had. She got niggas lined up on her second day, steady bringin' customers to the business! I mean, why ya gotta be-"
"Oh my God," Riley was surprised to hear light chuckling over the phone. "Damn. Cindy wasn't lying when she told me that you were a complainer."
It was Riley's turn to laugh. "What? Homegirl be talkin' to you about me?"
Frank chuckled again, seeming in a slightly better mood. "Look… because I genuinely like Cindy as a co-worker and a person, I'll be willing to excuse her from work for the day."
Riley smiled. "Thanks, man. That's real decent. I appreciate it."
"Sure. Wish her a happy birthday for me."
"Aiight. But one more thing… what else my girl be sayin' to you bout me?" Riley held the phone close to his ear, ready for details.
"Oh no, man." Frank snickered into the phone. "I am not getting in the middle of that."
"Aw, come on. Do she talk about me a lot? She ain't talkin' shit, right? Mostly good stuff?"
"Good-bye."
Riley sucked his teeth with a smirk. "Forget chu then, punk! Later." He rolled his eyes as he ended the call.
Step One complete.
He'd been ready to put her phone back when a thought popped into his head. Out of curiosity, he went into her contacts again and scrolled through in search of himself. He wanted to see what she had him listed as. In his phone, he had her listed as "White GirL." Almost everyone in his phone had a different name. Jazmine: Mariah Carey; Huey: HATER; Granddad: Old Nigga.
Riley finally found himself and grinned. She had him as "Rileyyy :)" with a colon and parentheses punctuation behind it. A smiley face. She even had a picture for when he called. It was an older one, had to have been taken when they were in high school. She had caught him right in the middle of a laugh, due to his wide and open-mouthed smile right at the camera.
Wow…. But I don't have a picture for her! Well, shyyiiiiitt.
Riley opened the door to his bedroom again and went in. He walked back over to Cindy's bag and put her phone back where he found it. Then he came back around to the other side of the bed, reaching into the pocket of his jeans he'd never changed out of for his phone.
He made sure the noise and flash were off before he set up his camera. He looked at her again before he focused and steadied his picture.
Aaaaannndd CREEP! Riley thought as he clicked the shutter button.
He gave a casual shrug as he saved it. Best friends were allowed to creep on each other. He smiled as he looked at his picture. It came out beautiful, just like her, and was a nice shot. He planned on setting it as her caller ID picture later.
Riley then came out of his camera and headed back to the hallway. He had a couple of more things to do before he could rest. And it started with making a call to a hater and a fake-ass Mariah Carey.
35 Minutes Later
At exactly 7:14 AM, Riley walked into his room and turned off his alarm a minute before it was scheduled to go off. After three annoyingly long and drawn-out phone conversations and after finally finishing setting up a few last minute things, he'd had it. He needed rest. Riley trudged over to the other side of the room and shed his shirt, wife-beater, and pants before tugging on a pair of loose black shorts. He then set an alarm on his phone for 9 AM. Jazmine had told him that she and Huey would be at the house around ten, so Riley wanted to give Cindy (and himself) extra time to sleep. He slid the phone into the pocket of his shorts before he made his way over to the bed.
He slowly got on, being careful of his movements so he wouldn't wake her. He finally settled to where he was comfortable before he looked at her. She was facing him on her side, her head resting cutely on top of both her hands.
Damn, if she ain't the cutest girl I've ever seen. And damn, if I don't wanna… wanna….
Riley's eyes began to close, but his mind was still going.
Nigga, was you about to think 'cuddle'? The hell is up with that? Cuddling ain't gangsta!
… Is it?
Much too soon to Riley's liking, he felt his phone begin to vibrate in his pocket, waking him from his slumber. Before getting into bed, he had put his phone in his left pocket so that it wouldn't vibrate off the bed when it went off. He had to lift his arm from around Cindy to dig into his pocket and shut it off.
Wait, what?
Riley wearily opened his eyes to see that he was now much closer to Cindy than he'd been when he'd first closed his eyes. His forehead was close enough to almost be touching Cindy's, their legs were partially intertwined, and Riley had just lifted his arm from around her waist.
But what's this? Riley raised an eyebrow, glancing down. Cindy's arm was also draped over Riley's waist.
Now what he really needed to do was take a picture of that to taunt her with. But Riley decided that would be doin' too much.
It was time to wake this girl up. And in a good way for her birthday. Hmmm….
Riley scootched a little closer until the front of their bodies were all the way touching. Then he propped himself up on his elbow and started to work.
"Baaaabbyyy," Riley began with a grin, beginning to use his hand to lightly brush the tips of his fingers up and down her arm and side. "Wake uuuupppp…." He then leaned in and started to nuzzle his face on her cheek and neck, making sure to brush his stubble against her skin.
Cindy made a small noise as she began to stir slightly. It sounded like a sleepy giggle after Riley brushed the bottom of her cheek with his facial hair again. Riley smirked and put his lips to her ear.
"Bay, wake up. I've got somethin' to tell you." He whispered to her. He had stopped nuzzling, but his hand continued to stroke her side. This time Riley could've sworn it sounded like she let out a light and soft moan.
Daayuummm.
"Mmmm? What?" Cindy murmured almost inaudibly, her eyes still closed as she shifted her body slightly.
Riley had been ready to tell her when his eyes drifted back down to their bodies. More specifically, down and over to a prominent portion of Cindy's body.
Dat ASS.
Riley knew he was bein' a straight-up nigga. Such a typical male. He knew this. But at that moment, he didn't care. He flat out stared.
DAMN, Cindy had a nice donk. It was all that. Not ridiculously and overly big, but definitely not small in the least. It was perfect. So round… so thick… so sexy… so juicy….
Aiight nigga, snap the fuck out of it! Remember where you are and who's currently pressed up against you!
"What?" Cindy repeated herself sleepily, eyes still not open.
Riley finally tore his eyes away and glanced back up at her. Then he got an idea. His eyes drifted back down to her derrière again.
….
SMACK!
"OW!"
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" Riley yelled loudly, quickly giving Cindy a slight shove on her back before he rolled on top of her, laughing.
"BITCH, that hurt!" Cindy smacked his arm hard but was starting to laugh too. She was finally awake.
"Get used to it, you gettin' three more throughout the day. I'm gettin' you back for the four missed b-day smacks I missed." Riley grinned down at her with a sneaky smile.
Cindy shook her head at him as she chuckled. Then she gave his arm another hit. "Boy, if you don't get off me! You're heavy as hell!"
"Nooo!" Riley responded childishly, getting in her face. He smirked before he suddenly poked both of her sides. Cindy squeaked and jumped, gripping onto both his arms.
"Reezy, don't." She was trying so hard to keep her voice steady and the grin off her face. Riley raised an eyebrow at her before he poked her again, and then flat out began to tickle her. Cindy's laughter was contagious to Riley as she giggled loudly, kicking and squirming underneath his hold.
"Reez!" She barely managed to get out. "Nigga, quit!"
"Nooo!" Was his response.
Out of nowhere, his homegirl somehow found some strength. To Riley's surprise, she gripped his arms again and managed to roll Riley over, flipping herself on top.
Oh FUCK! Now THAT was sexy!
"HA!" She smirked at Riley's shocked face. "Who's got who now, bitch?"
… But oh heellll no!
"You musta lost it!" Riley laughed, grabbing her and rolling again. Unfortunately, he hadn't noticed how close they were to the end of the bed. Right as he rolled, they both began to tumble off the edge.
"Shit!" Riley cradled Cindy's head with the crook of his arm right before she hit the ground. The two cracked up, lying in a mess of sheets and blankets, Riley still somewhat on top of Cindy as he laughed into her neck.
"I'm... I-I'm sorry, girl!" He could barely get out through his laughter, hugging her head with his arm.
"Boy, you are so dumb!" Cindy couldn't stop laughing either as she finally sat up, giving Riley a gentle shove as he slid off her.
"You cold as ice, C!" His laughs were finally turning into snickers. "You gonna be mean to a nigga on yo birthday though? I'm steady bein' a good-ass friend. I called off for both you and me so we can have a chill day!"
Cindy dropped her jaw. "Are you serious, Reez?"
"Damn straight!"
"But how? I mean, when… how did you… I don't…." She seemed at a loss for words as she ran a hand through her hair, watching his amused smirk.
"I just… can't believe you remembered." She shrugged a shoulder with a smile.
Riley sucked his teeth playfully and gave her a level look. "They call me Memory, babe. I don't forget nothin'! And I haven't even been on Facebook in weeks. WHAT!"
Cindy giggled at him before leaning over and wrapping an arm around his neck in an embrace. Riley grinned and hugged his arm around her waist.
"Thanks, Reezy." He heard her say before he felt her soft lips on his cheek.
Riley didn't hesitate as he turned his head slightly to kiss hers too.
Cindy pulled back as she smiled at him. Then her eyes went a little lower.
"But nigga, whatchu doin' without a shirt on?" She chuckled. "Tryna play around half naked, I see."
Ohhhh, the white girl wants to go there, huh? Hmmmm….
"I know you ain't complainin' about that, bay." Riley grinned at her. "You know you like whatchu see."
"Oh please." Cindy rolled her eyes playfully. "Get over yourself."
Riley gave her a naughty look before he rose an eyebrow at her. Then he gave the sexy smirk right before he flexed his pec muscles at her, making them do a mini pec bounce.
Cindy cracked up and hid her face with one hand. "How do boys do that?" She exclaimed.
"I'm gifted." He shrugged casually as Cindy pulled her hand down. Then he grinned, starting up again.
"Boy, knock it off!" Cindy giggled, turning her eyes away. Her face seemed a little pink.
"What's the matter, C? Somethin' gotchu distracted or…?" He snickered when Cindy flipped him off, still trying to look anywhere but at him.
"Aw, dat ain't necessary, babygirl. Just consider this one of your gifts… you're welcome." Riley finally stopped giving her a show and stood up.
"You are such a hoe." Cindy grinned as Riley grabbed her hands, pulling her to her feet.
"As long as I'm yours." Riley smirked, still holding her hands. "But just for today though, since it is your birthday and all."
Cindy opened her mouth to reply, but stopped as there was a slight knock on the door.
"Come in." Riley dropped her hands and turned his head to see the door slowly push open. Suddenly Granddad appeared, his arms holding a giant tray.
WHAT!
Riley's jaw dropped at the full out breakfast buffet spread that was on the massive tray. Pancakes. Waffles. Syrup. Eggs. Biscuits. Gravy. Bacon. Sausage. Hash Browns. French Toast.
What the HELL?
"I heard, last minute, that it was somebody's birthday today." Granddad said in a nice tone, with the exception of shooting daggers at Riley.
Cindy popped a hand over her mouth in shock, barely covering her wide smile. "Oh my gosh!"
Riley's jaw was still dropped as he stared at Granddad before turning back to Cindy.
"Well shit, since we apparently gonna go around treatin' her like she's a damn princess…."
Cindy let out a surprised squeal as Riley scooped her up in his arms before he tossed her on his bed. "You dragged it, Granddad! She really need all this though? You see she only weigh bout five pounds."
"If you don't shut yo ass." Granddad ignored Riley as he sat the large tray down in front of Cindy. "Wait, there's one more."
Riley and Cindy stared at him as he momentarily left the room, seconds later coming back with another tray! This one had fewer items, but still! Fruits, breads, bagels, toppings, a mug of coffee, and a big glass of orange juice… the good kind obviously.
"I can't believe it!" Riley continued to complain as Granddad walked with the tray to rest it on the night stand. "I never got no food brought up to my room in my life!"
"Nigga hush! Keep whinin' and you won't get this." Granddad snapped. He lifted the mug of coffee from the second tray and extended it to Riley with a knowing look. Riley had to admit, he was shocked and slightly touched. Granddad had never done something considerate like that before. He took the mug and gave him a slight grin, but quickly reverted back to a normal expression. He didn't want Cindy to think it was a big deal.
"Thanks, but do I get actual food?"
"Oh hell no. I didn't cook for yo crusty black ass." Granddad transitioned right back to the old nigga Riley knew so well. "This is for Cutie-Pie. My gift to her." He gave Cindy a smile as he moved the cup of orange juice to the tray in front of her.
"Thank you so much, Mr. Freeman. This is so sweet." She extended an arm out to him, gesturing for him to hug her. He chuckled before he leaned in, receiving a big kiss on the cheek by her as he patted her back. Riley noticed as Granddad hugged her that his eyes shifted over to the side of her head, then down to the bed, then snapped up to Riley. He raised an eyebrow at his grandson as if to question why Riley had tossed her into his bed.
This man's about to start.
"Cutie Pie, I think you need to start callin' me Granddad." He smirked at Riley before pulling back and smiling at Cindy. She beamed as Riley rolled his eyes behind her and put a hand to his head.
Granddad then excused himself, leaving Riley and Cindy alone. Riley shook his head at her. "You is so damn spoiled."
Cindy gave him a smirk as she poured syrup over her pancakes. "Eh, it comes with the color of my skin. I didn't ask for the treatment. I was born into it."
"Hoe." Riley grinned, snatching a piece of bacon off her tray. "Mine!"
"Obviously I'm not gonna be able to eat all this. Help yourself."
"Girl, you don't have to tell me twice." Riley smiled as he plopped down in front of her, beginning to pick food from her plates.
He was only helping her out after all.
The two talked and laughed as they ate, enjoying their relaxing morning. Cindy got full rather quickly, leaning back against the headboard as Riley continued to eat from her tray that she'd pushed to the side.
"What time did you get to bed last night, Reez?" She asked randomly, rubbing her full stomach.
Riley took a big gulp of his coffee, giving himself time to stall. "Uhh, I dunno. A lil while after you went to bed." He shrugged before taking another sip.
Cindy furrowed her brow. "Really? It seemed like much later than that."
Riley grinned. "Why? You miss me last night or somethin'?" He turned it around on her.
"In your dreams." Cindy chuckled with an eyeroll. "I only noticed because I just laid in bed for a while. I didn't go to sleep right away."
"Ooh. Somebody can't sleep unless I'm beside her, huh?" Riley was having fun with this.
"Shut up, nigga!" Cindy grabbed a grape off the other tray and threw it at his face. Riley leaned back and caught it gracefully in his mouth.
"OH! Nice tryyy." Riley stuck out his tongue with chewed up grape on it.
"Choke on it, bitch."
"Daaaangg. No love on your birthday." Riley chuckled. "What's the matter, baby? You sad you gettin' older?" He snickered when his only response was to receive a deadpan glare.
"Don't even trip over that, C." Riley smiled easily. "You the baddest older woman I know. Forever young and sexy, ma."
Cindy cracked a grin and rolled her eyes. "Nigga, whateva. Stop tryna butter me up."
"You don't look a day over eighteen. Still in high school, bay." Riley continued to sweet talk her with his naturally smooth charm.
"Reezy," Cindy giggled, giving his arm a push. "You always tryna be cute, boy."
"I ain't tryin' and I ain't bullshittin', girl."
"Mm-hmm."
"You know you love me."
"Whateva makes you sleep better at night." Cindy smirked.
"Oh, bet?" Riley leaned forward with a matching smirk.
"I want you to try and tell me right now that you don't love me." Riley challenged, raising an eyebrow.
Cindy just stared at him with her smirk, slightly shifting her jaw as she rolled her eyes.
"Can't even say it, can you?" Riley leaned closer, getting in her face.
"What… ev-verrr…." Cindy enunciated slowly with a grin, tilting her head up at him.
Riley's eyes slightly lowered to her lips as she said the words. He was so close to her. She was bein' so damn cute right now. And those lips…. They just looked so… kissable.
What would she do if I….
Riley and Cindy both jumped as the door to the bedroom suddenly swung open, Jazmine and Huey entering as if they lived there.
"What the fuck! You don't know how to knock on a goddamn door? One of us coulda been changin' or some shit!" Riley went off immediately, feeling slightly anxious as his heart was beating fast.
He had really been thinking about kissing her right then…. And he'd almost done it.
"Well, seeing as though you're both in here, it would be a little strange if one of you were changing…." Huey replied, raising an eyebrow at his brother.
"Nigga, you-"
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" Jazmine cut the brothers off as she squealed and tackle-hugged Cindy on the bed.
"I wish you would've dumped one of these trays all over my bed, yellow-bone!" Riley snapped as Cindy and Jazmine laughed. He received a light smack in the head by Huey.
"What are you two doin' here?" Cindy asked with a big smile as they sat back up.
"What do you think? We're here for your birthdaaaayyyy!" Jazmine grinned as she stood from the bed.
"But how was all of this-"
"Riley's the one that planned it all!" Jazmine said quickly, shifting her eyes to give Riley a quick look and grin.
Is J tryna give me some cred? Riley thought to himself as Cindy turned to smile at him.
"Really?" She asked.
Riley shrugged with over-exaggerated modesty. "Maybe."
"By the way, we let Caesar know. But he couldn't come this morning because he had work." Jazmine told Cindy with a slight shrug.
Cindy gave a small frown as Riley was fighting hard not to smile.
Awwwwwwww.
"Alright, can we get on with this? We've only got about a half hour before we need to leave for work." Huey told Jazmine.
"Yes! Come on, b-day girl! Your presents await downstairs!" Jazmine said in a sing-song voice, pulling her friend along by the hand.
"What? You guys have presents?" Cindy's voice was shocked as she was tugged out the door. Huey began to follow, but Riley quickly jumped from his bed and gripped his arm, stopping him.
"Aye, what the hell did you get her?" Riley asked, his voice quiet.
Huey gave him a smirk. "Now that would ruin the surprise, wouldn't it?"
"Nigga, I swear. You betta not'ta done her dirty. I will slap the shit outta you." Riley's glare hardened.
Huey just raised an eyebrow, continuing to smirk. "You seem on edge. Tense, almost. You, uh… a little stressed, Riley?"
"The fuck are you talkin' about?" Riley snapped.
Huey's expression remained the same as he shoved Riley's hand off his arm, turning to walk to the door.
"All I'm saying is..." He paused to glance over his shoulder as he left the room. "You need to find a way to… release all that tension you have…. It's not a good look."
Riley dropped his jaw as his brother continued down the hall.
That motherfuckin', no good, hatin'-ass, dick-headed, punk-ass BITCH!
… But damn… how long has it been since I got some?
Riley got his thoughts in check as he grabbed the two trays to take downstairs. After he came down the stairs and walked through the hallway, Jazmine suddenly appeared as she came from the kitchen, headed back for the living room with a can of soda in her hand.
"Aye, hol'up!" Riley whispered, knowing Cindy was right in the living room with Huey. "What'd my brother get her?"
Jazmine rolled her eyes with a smile and chuckled. "Nervous?"
"Don't play with me, J! I'm serious!"
Jazmine put a hand on her hip. "I was there when he got the gift, Riley."
"You approved it?"
Jazmine giggled slightly. "For this gift in particular, yes."
"What the hell does that mean-"
"Reezy, hurry the hell up and get in here! I wanna know what the hell these niggas got me! And Huey won't gimme my damn bag!"
"Calm it down and be patient, Caucasian. We had to be patient for years until there was finally some 'equality' in America." Riley could just picture his brother rolling his eyes and air-quoting.
"Don't you even start with dat bullshit, man! I ain't had nothin' to do with that!"
"No, just your people."
"Nigga, I-"
"DON'T MAKE ME COME IN THERE!" Jazmine yelled down the hall.
"You better get in here before little white girl gets herself hurt on her birthday."
"Nigga, I'll set a match to yo afro!"
Jazmine and Riley gave each other a look and an eyeroll.
"I'm going in there before this gets out of hand."
"I'mma put these away. But aye. If his present's some bogus shit, don't think I won't hesitate to beat dat high yellow ass, girl."
"Yeah, yeah." Jazmine grinned at him, bumping her shoulder into his arm as she passed by him.
"You think I'm playin', but I ain't. I got the right considerin' we's family. Practically blood, sis."
"Whatever, little brother." Jazmine called over her shoulder.
Riley grinned, continuing to walk to take the trays to the kitchen. Her ass got on his last nerves most of the time, but he really did consider her like the sister he never had… she was an annoyin' one, though.
After he took care of that, he strolled into the living room to see Cindy lightly bouncing in her seat on the couch. Granddad was in his recliner trying to remember how to work his digital camera. Jazmine sat on the other couch with a grin, Huey beside her… he looked much less enthused.
"Yay, Reez is here! Let's go, let's go!" Cindy said excitedly, gesturing for Riley to sit next to her.
"Who goin' first?" Riley asked, glancing over to Huey and Jazmine as he sat down.
"Ladies first." Huey gestured to Jazmine, slightly sarcastically. She nudged him and rolled her eyes before standing.
"Fine." She stuck her tongue out at him before walking over to Cindy. She sat on the other side of her with a big smile.
"Welllll, I almost ran into a little trouble pulling this off, being as though it was last minute. But I'm amazing, so here you go." Jazmine handed Cindy a small blue envelope with a pink bow.
"What ever could it be?" Cindy was grinning as she began to tear open the top. Riley tried to get a look as she peered inside, reaching for….
"AAAAAAAAAHHHHH!"
Riley jumped and scooted a foot away from her, holding his ears, as was Huey. Granddad just chuckled as he started taking pictures.
"VIP TICKETS TO SEE USHER PERFORM LIVE?" Cindy screamed incredulously as she jumped to her feet, hopping up and down like a child. "How the HELL did you pull this off?"
Jazmine laughed. "My mom's still tight with Ush." She shrugged a shoulder coolly.
"Yeah, because she's still fuckin' him." Riley snorted under his breath. "OW!" He held his head as Jazmine threw a book from the coffee table at his head, Huey kicked him in the shin from the couch, and Cindy stomped on his foot all at the same time. "DAMN, I was playin', y'all!"
"This is incredible! I can't believe this! We're going to see Usher!" Cindy dove on the couch and hugged Jazmine on the side.
"And you're going to meet him too! These are backstage passes."
"Shut up! Girl, he is still so fine!"
"You ain't lyin'." Jazmine grinned as she pretended to fan herself. "Have you seen some of his live performances of Trading Places, where he brings a fan from the audience to sing to? Giirrrll, if that were me, I'm tellin' you, I would-"
"A-ha-HEM!" Jazmine stopped herself when she saw Huey loudly clear his throat with a pointed glare.
"We'll talk about it later." Jazmine winked at Cindy as they both giggled while they fantasized. Huey and Riley both rolled their eyes.
Chicks and Usher, man.
"So look forward to going to see him in about three weeks." Jazmine gave Cindy another hug. "Happy birthday!"
"Thank you so much, Jazz! This is awesome!"
Jazmine stood from beside her and walked back to her seat beside Huey. "Top that." She boasted childishly.
"You know I could care less about comparing gifts. Especially for her." Huey smirked, rising from the couch with a small red gift bag. He teased Cindy with it, holding it out to her before pulling it back again.
"First of all, I'm going to let you know that my wife forced me to buy you a gift. I really had no choice."
"Nigga…." Riley warned, glaring up at him.
"Second," Huey ignored him. "You better be damn grateful that you're getting this, considering the fact that I thought of the idea, picked it out, and bought it for you with my own money. So you're welcome." He finally handed the bag to her.
"So thoughtful, Huey." Cindy rolled her eyes with a grin. "I wonder what gift you could possibly get me. I'm almost scared."
Huey shrugged a shoulder as he stood there with his arms crossed. Cindy began to dig into the bag, pushing past the tissue paper.
"I'm feeling… a shirt?" She pulled it out slowly, revealing what looked to be a men's plain black t-shirt.
The fuck did this nigga get her a t-shirt for, in men's size! Yeah, she sometimes be rockin' 'em, but a t-shirt though? I'm ready to start smackin' the shit outta him AND Jazz for even-
"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" Riley gave Cindy an incredulous look as she started cracking up, staring at the front of the shirt that he couldn't see.
"What's so funny?" He asked, moving closer. "What's on the front?"
"Oh my God!" She was still laughing as she quickly stood to her feet. "Hold on!" She walked to the front of the room with her shirt and began to put it on over her beater, her back to everyone. Riley looked to Huey who was just smirking, as if this was the reaction he'd been expecting.
"Nigga, the hell?" Riley tried to question him before Cindy turned around.
"Check out this shirt!"
The oversize black t-shirt fell to about Cindy's upper thigh, but looked cute as hell on her as she posed with her hands on her hips. Riley then read the words in bold, white letters, appearing to be in Nike font and style.
SAY IT LOUD. I'M (ALMOST) BLACK AND I'M PROUD.
Riley cracked up, causing Cindy to start laughing again too.
"Nigga, you stupid as hell!" He laughed, but reached a hand out to slap Huey's. "But aye. That's good, man. Fuckin' hilarious." Huey smirked as he slapped his brother's hand.
"What the hell made you decide to do this?" Cindy asked him with a big smile.
"I was looking around forever for a gift before I stopped by the custom t-shirt place in the mall. I was going for something original and something that you'd definitely remember who it was from. Once again, you're welcome."
"The funny thing is that you probably don't think I'll wear this in public."
"Oh, I know you'll wear it in public." Huey shook his head at her.
"Thank you soooo much, Huey!" Cindy began to walk closer to him.
"Oh come on, this isn't hug-worthy." Huey tried to back away.
"It's my birthday, I'mma hug you if I want to, dammit!" Cindy snapped, before embracing him. Huey groaned.
"Boy! Shut the hell up and let her hug you! The hell is wrong with yo hatin' ass?" Granddad barked as he took pictures of Cindy's smiling face as her arms were around Huey. His face looked a little less than happy.
"Smile, Huey." Cindy teased.
"Fuck you." He replied, lightly pushing her off him. He received a hard whack in the butt by Jazmine.
"Behave. It's her birthday." She scolded with a grin, leaning back in her seat.
"I know you better behave with that." Huey smirked at her.
"Uhh! Cut dat out, niggas! We don't need dat!" Riley groaned, making a disgusted face. Huey rolled his eyes as he sat down next to Jazmine again. Cindy smiled before her eyes fell on Riley.
My turn to shine.
"I'm guessin' it's my turn, y'all." Riley grinned, rising from the couch. Cindy was still standing in the middle of the room, now with a hand on her hip.
"I dunno, Reezy. You got some tough competition to beat." She told him with a smile.
Riley scoffed. "Please. They ain't got shit compared to what I got." He smirked as he passed her to go to the entertainment center. He reached into one of the drawers to pull out what he was searching for.
"Here you go, girl." He turned and handed her a medium-sized black velvet box.
The noise in the room seemed to die down as Huey, Jazmine, and Granddad were now at full attention. Cindy's eyes slightly widened as she slowly took it from him.
"Reezy?" She asked questionably as she placed her hand on the lid. Riley shrugged a shoulder.
"Open it."
Cindy did very slowly… then cracked a big grin, turning it to show to the others.
Inside the box on the small cushion laid her diamond studs and platinum watch.
"Don't I spoil her rotten, y'all?" Riley grinned, tossing an arm around Cindy's shoulder and hugged her head. She giggled into him. Riley noticed that Huey, Jazmine, and Granddad's jaws were dropped as they stared at the jewelry. It then clicked that they didn't know about the bet. They probably thought he went out and bought her the expensive-ass shit. This caused him to snicker. Cindy must've noticed too as she also started laughing.
"Guys, he didn't buy this for me. These are mine. He won them in a bet." This caused everyone to slowly lose their shocked expressions. Cindy then gave Riley a light shove off her with a smile.
"Thank you, my cheap-ass nigga. I love them." She told him playfully.
"Giiiirll, first of all, I just gave you a bomb-ass tattoo for FREE. Second, I am giving you back shit that I won in a bet. Reezy don't ever do dat so this betta be like Christmas for you! And third, it don't really matter. The prize for me was beatin' you in the game, baby." He smirked, earning another light shove.
"Whateva, nigga!" She laughed at him, making Riley grin.
"But aye, I do got one more thing for ya." He made a move for the entertainment center again and reached into the same drawer. He pulled out his paper and held it to his chest as he walked back over to her.
"I made this for you." He turned it to her.
"Riley, oh my gosh!" She nearly dropped her small box as she gasped, holding the paper with one hand to look closer.
Riley had done a sketch remaking the old childhood picture of them, the one from where Cindy was piggy-backed on him. Riley had only done the drawing in black and white, thinking it would suffice.
"This is AMAZING!"
White Girl say what? Riley lifted a brow as he watched Cindy's eyes travel over the paper, her jaw dropped.
"Riley, how the hell did you do this? This is sick!"
This is shitty. The hell are you talkin' about?
"Really?" He asked with a slight chuckle. "You really like this?" Cindy whipped her head up to him.
"Do I like it? I LOVE it! You are so talented!" She then wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly, standing on her tiptoes. Riley just grinned as he hugged her back. His grin grew as he felt Cindy's lips on his cheek again.
Damn, he loved when she kissed on him. He'd do practically anything to feel her lips on him, even if it was just his cheek. It felt so good.
"This is one of the best gifts ever! Thank you!" She whispered in his ear. Riley fought the urge to shiver.
And goddammit, this old nigga's over here takin' pictures!
Riley cleared his throat as he finally released Cindy and gave her a smile. "No problem, girl. Happy birthday."
If this is how she reacts to this piece of shit… I can't wait to see how she gonna react to her real gift.
Several minutes later after many pictures, laughter, and conversation, Huey and Jazmine headed out to go to work. Granddad had gone into the kitchen to do dishes while Riley and Cindy were in the living room, looking through the pictures that he had taken.
"Hahh, look at Huey's face. He looks like he hates you." Riley snickered as he pointed to the picture of Cindy hugging his brother.
Cindy giggled. "That boy know he loves me deep down."
"Yeah, way deep down, underneath more hate." Cindy nudged him with her shoulder continuing to scroll through.
"Aye, uhh, there was somethin' I wanted to ask you." Riley told Cindy, glancing over to her.
"What's up?"
"Well…." Riley stood up from the couch, quickly itching at his neck.
Nigga, you ain't got nothin' to be nervous about! Spit it out!
"I didn't wanna ask in front of Huey and Jazz cuz they be nosy-ass niggas, but uhh…." He tried to be cool about it. "In addition to my other gifts, I was kinda wonderin' if you'd want a nigga to take you to a club downtown to celebrate tonight."
Cindy's eyes lit up slightly, a small grin beginning to form. "For real?"
"Yeah. After we put Mila to bed, Granddad gon' be here with her so we could go if you want. I'd take you to my favorite joint, a club called Snapz. It's dope as hell, always jumpin'. They got the best music, some of the old hip-hop jams mixed in wit some of the current stuff. They got real nice bars wit some of dat good liquor. And cuz it's downtown and further out of 'Whitecrest', they even be gettin' a lot of negroes in the club." He snickered.
"Shut up." Cindy's eyes went wider with excitement and shock.
"Dead-ass." Riley grinned.
Cindy looked down for a minute, scrolling a bit through the pictures before glancing back up to Riley.
Oh shit. Riley instantly thought. She gonna ask it. Don't do it…. Girl, don'tchu do it! Don't-
"Is this gonna be… like a date, Reezy?"
Dammit. The question that no nigga in the world wanna answer. I ain't havin' this!
Riley gave a quick eyeroll as he sucked his teeth. "Man, why do chicks always ask that?" He exclaimed, earning a slight giggle from Cindy, who shrugged. Riley continued. "If a nigga say no, then a bitch wanna be all offended. If a nigga say yes, it ain't always a good thing and it makes it turn fuckin' awkward." Riley crossed his arms. "It's whatever the hell you want it to be, girl."
Yeah, how do YOU like the pressure?
Cindy giggled again and rolled her eyes at his behavior. Then she stood from the couch and handed him the camera back before she started to walk by him.
"It's a date then." She told him with a small grin, brushing down his arm lightly with her hand as she went past him.
… Yes….
Riley stood there with a stupid grin as he watched her begin to make her way out of the room.
"Aiight, then." He smiled, nodding his head. "I'll pick you up at ten?" He called behind her.
Cindy giggled and smirked over her shoulder at him. "I'll be waiting by the door." She told him playfully as she turned the corner completely.
Riley continued to smile as he glanced down. On the screen of the camera was the shot of Cindy giving Riley that kiss on the cheek.
Tonight… is gonna be a good night…. I can already feel it.
Awwwww snapz. It's gonna get interestin' tonight! :D
Yes, I know this chapter was kinda a cutesy filler, but it was still necessary. You see some Riley and Cindy bonding, gettin' closer and closer… I mean, he was about to kiss her for goodness sake! Damn that Huey and Jazmine. Steady interruptin' niggas. :) But we all know that wouldn't have been the right time anyway. Don't worry… it's coming…. At least you know he's already thinkin' about it ;)
Haahhh, what'd you think of Huey's gift? He a clown, ain't he? But he know he care about Cindy. He just too… Huey to ever admit it :)
And shyyiiiiit, I sorta speakin' through Jazmine when I was talking about Trading Places. Have you seen videos of Usher doin' one of those performances live when he brings ladies from the audience up? Seriously, go look up dat shit. Just YouTube "Usher OMG Tour Trading Places" and you should find 'em. He always wearin' white, lookin' sexy as hell. I'm tellin' you, these chicks in the video are some lucky-ass bitches. :)
Disclaimers: Uhh, can't really find any this chapter (that and I'm bein' too lazy to really look). I don't own product rights to Mountain Dew I guess?
What's gonna happen nooowww, y'all? Finally some long-awaited Jamilah cuteness? Extra sweet Riley and Cindy cuteness? More action to lead closer and closer to "the moment"? All of the above? Ding ding ding! ;) PS: Most of next chapter will be in Cindy's POV for ya!
Stay patient, my dears. I'm havin' finals next week so hopefully this long-ass chapter will hold you. One more week after this one and I'm DONE, bitchesss! Home for the summer with plenty of time for writing. So hang with me! Update quickly following May 4th. Wait for it! ;)
Pray for me on these finals, y'all! LMAO!
~Schweetie