#MAMA SPADE PLEASE JUST ONE CHANCE /J | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

eyez-ff-blog · 7 years

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○○ eyez | twenty-four

The vibration and ringing of Jermaine’s phone brought him out of his sleep, and he groaned lowly as he lifted his hand to rub over his face. He slowly sat up in bed before he glanced around, grabbing his phone before he glanced down at the alarm he had set for himself. Turning the alarm off, he looked around the room to see that Beija had been gone for quite a while. The lingering scent of her perfume filled his nose, and he slowly moved out of bed as he grabbed his bag to go take another shower in the bathroom. From what he could tell, he was upstairs alone so he felt a bit more comfortable to take the thorough showers he usually did at home.

He grabbed a bath towel and a wash cloth before he entered the bathroom and once he closed and locked the door to the bathroom, he turned on the shower and made sure it got hot. He hopped in and began wo wash off, his mind still a bit empty as opposed to his racing and clustered thoughts. His focus seemed to be on the task of talking to Beija’s parents and trying to solidify his status. Every so often he thought about the sins he committed the night before with their little girl, and he almost wanted to laugh out loud. J was convinced that Beija’s father had decided how he felt, so it would be nothing but amusement for him to look in the man’s face knowing that no matter what Mr. Demarco felt Beija was in love and knowing her, she probably wouldn’t change her mind on it. It was kind of a petty thing to even think that way, but it could be say that he felt a bit of confidence.

Once he got out of the shower, he dried off before putting on some lotion and putting on his clothes for the day. He washed his face, brushed his teeth, and packed up what was his before exiting the bathroom, sitting his bag back in Beija’s room before he slid on his socks and sneakers. After lacing up, he headed downstairs to see the rest of the family in motion. “Hey,” He greeted, and was greeted back collectively as he retreated to the kitchen, seeing Alisha and Beija in the kitchen along with Chantel.

“Here’s the sleepy head! Hey there J,” Chantel greeted with a chuckle, and he smiled faintly before he nodded, walking over to give her a brief hug.

“I think I slept too long or y’all get up extra early,” He glanced at the clock to see that it was only nine in the morning. “Y’all some early birds,” He decided before he approached B from behind, grabbing her waist before kissing her cheek. “Morning, beautiful,” He mumbled. “Good morning, Mrs. Demarco,” He greeted Alisha as well.

“Boy, you don’t have to be so formal—you can just call me Alisha,” The older woman chuckled. “But I assume you slept well, right? There’s some breakfast for you in the microwave, by the way,” She said.

“I did, thank you,” He walked over to the microwave before decided to heat up the plate that was inside before taking it out. “What y’all got cookin’ over there anyway?” He asked.

“We’re making the usual sides—mama’s making her famous baked beans and I’m making the potato salad,” Beija explained.

“I can’t wait They’ll having you licking the plate,” Alisha assured.

“I see where babygirl gets her confidence and her skills from. I know those beans are gonna be great,” J chuckled, glancing back to open the microwave before he grabbed the plate and inspected the food upon it—the main dish seemed to be the biscuits and sausage gravy, with eggs and hash browns. “Even this breakfast looks good,” He commented.

“I told you my mama can cook. Where you think I got it from?” Beija chuckled a bit before J sat down at the table across from Chantel, starting to eat his food. “Then we got coleslaw, broccoli slaw, pasta salad, and cucumber salad in the fridge; we’ve got mac and cheese in the oven...we’re gonna make corn on the cob soon enough, dirty rice...” She listed.

“Don’t forget the lemon cake I made,” Chantel grinned.

“Y’all all cook?” J asked curiously.

“Everyone except for Marquis and Alonzo, pretty much. They’re as inept as you,” B joked, making the other women laugh.

“Oh, wow,” J drew out the ‘wow’ dramatically, laughing along with them. “You see how she do me, Alisha? Just a mess,” He complained.

“Don’t be bothering him like that. Remember, your father couldn’t boil water at one point and now he cooks all the time. He just needs a good teacher,” Alisha said.

“I’m teaching him stuff! Baby, can’t you cook a good omelet now? Tell them,” B pouted as she looked back at him.

“Yeah, she put me on to the veggie omelet thing so I can cook that now. Progress is progress,” He chuckled before he took another bite of his food.

“Hey, that’s pretty good! Alonzo still burns the toast,” Chantel said as Alonzo entered the kitchen from the backyard door. She grinned when he glanced at her, giggling when he sucked his teeth.

“You in here talking mess about me to the new guy, huh? Cool,” He shook his head slowly before he grabbed a bottle of water from the cooler in the corner. “Hey, Jermaine—you good at Spades?” He asked.

“I’m pretty good. Wassup?” J asked once he was able to swallow his food.

“Kieran needs a partner and since pops is holding down the grill he can’t do it. You down for playing?” Alonzo asked, uncapping the bottle of water.

“Yeah, sure. Just let me finish eating,” J nodded.

“Don’t take too long—no need to halt an ass whooping,” Alonzo made his way outside, and the women cooed in instigation.

“Alonzo loves a good game of Spades, but don’t let his slick talking get to you,” Chantel said with a small laugh.

Jermaine laughed to himself as he put the disposable utensil and plate into the trashcan. “I’m not even worried,” He walked to the cooler and grabbed a bottle of cranberry juice before he walked over to Beija and kissed the side of her head. “Let me go out here and kill this game,” He chuckled.

“Go get ‘em,” B laughed, and he smirked as he headed outside into the backyard area.

J paused for a second to look around the area, and admired the beauty of the seemingly endless yard of grass. The little girl he met the night before was playing in the grass with what he assumed were the Demarco’s dogs. The three brothers were talking at the card table while Mekhi was nearby at the grill and also manning a boiling pot—music was being played and the air was filled with the smell of smoky meat and charcoal.

“Come pull up a seat, J! Let’s play,” Kieran grinned, and J nodded before he sat down at the table. “Alonzo said you’re ‘pretty good,’ so let’s have a good game,” He nodded.

“I got you, man. We’re gonna win—no doubt about it,” J promised, and Marquis let out a low whistle before laughing himself.

“Look at this; aye, pops! Dude’s got a lot of confidence playing against us,” Marquis said, and Mekhi let out a low chuckle as he continued to keep his eyes on the grill.

“Mhm, I see. He and Kieran might have a chance if he’s about what he says,” Mekhi said simply, and J kept his focus on the table as the cards were shuffled and dealt.

A series of three games had went by, and J was proud of the fact that he and Kieran had won all three of them. Even after the last book was placed upon the table, Marquis groaned loudly as J and Kieran laughed and shook hands. “Gotdamn it, man. Y’all something else,” Marquis complained.

“I have to admit...you’re good, Jermaine. Real good,” Alonzo said before chuckling lightly.

“You ain’t think I was gonna come to the table and let you play me, did you?” J laughed a bit before Logan came running towards the table.

“Hey daddy,” She greeted before she looked at the score on the nearby notepad. “Ooh. Uncle Marquis got a big number,” She commented.

“Yeah, daddy didn’t win this one,” Alonzo chuckled as he rubbed the top of her head. “You done playing with Onyx and Royal?” He asked, speaking of the two pitbull dogs who were now resting in their dog houses.

“Yeah, I’m gonna get a popsicle,” She announced before she bounced into the house, closing the door behind her.

“How old is she?” J commented, glancing over at the door.

“Just turned five,” Alonzo said as he ran his hand over his head. “About to be fifty soon. She swear she grown,” The men began to laugh.

“That’s crazy, I remember when we saw her at the hospital still,” Marquis commented. “She was so small from being born premature,” He said.

“Yeah. That was a crazy time. And kinda ironic because apparently it runs in the family. Dad was a premie too,” He commented.

“Oh yeah! Wasn’t Beija premature too?” Kieran commented.

“Yep. By three months. I didn’t see her until she was like a month old; that’s when the hospital allowed mama to bring her home,” J sat quietly as he listened to them speak, just allowing himself to soak things in.

“But now babygirl’s going to kindergarten soon. And Kelsei’s pregnant too, now. Time flies so fast,” Kieran commented, speaking of his wife. “It’d be so cool if...you know, Rashaad was here with us,” He said quietly.

“I know, right? I’m sure he’d have at least two girlfriends. Maybe a baby mama,” Marquis commented, and the boys laughed a small bit.

“Yeah, and it’s funny because Logan looks just like ‘Shaad. It’s actually uncanny,” Alonzo said as the little girl returned outside with a slew of popsicles in her hands. “I thought you said one popsicle, mama,” He raised an eyebrow as he looked over at her.

“I did! And one for you,” She handed Alonzo a purple one. “And one for uncle Kieran, and uncle Marquis,” She passed out an orange one to Kieran, then a yellow one to Marquis. “And one for Mr. Jermaine,” She passed J a blue one.

“What flavor is this?” J asked.

“Blue raspberry, like mine,” Logan held up her popsicle before she took a quick lick at it. “Auntie BB told me you like that flavor,” She said.

“Auntie was right—it’s my favorite. Thank you Logan,” He smiled softly.

“You’re welcome,” Logan grinned before she gasped. “Oooh, Daddy—can I show Mr. Jermaine the dogs? Please?” She begged.

“Go ahead, ask him if he wanna see them,” Alonzo said.

“You wanna see the dogs?” Logan asked, and took Jermaine’s free hand when he obliged to her request. He got up and allowed her to lead him across the yard to where the dogs were laying in their houses. “The black one is Royal, and the gray one is Onyx,” She pointed them out.

“They’re very nice looking. I had a dog like this when I was a kid,” He watched Onyx come out of his dog house, and he allowed the dog to sniff his hand. “You like dogs, Logan?” He asked.

“Uh-huh. But my mama allergic so I play with them when I come to see granny and pawpaw,” She explained, sitting on the grass. Jermaine sat down next to her and they ate their popsicles while the dogs laid before them. “How did you meet my auntie?” She asked.

“Well, your auntie works for my record label,” He said, and he watched Logan’s eyes widen. “She looks for all the singers and rappers and stuff, and we met around a year ago,” He explained.

“You sing?” She asked.

“I wish. I rap,” Jermaine took a bite at his popsicle before chewing slowly. “And well, when I met your auntie I liked her very much. So we became friends, then I asked her to be my girlfriend,” He added.

“Ooh,” Logan giggled. “Auntie likes you a lot! She gets all smiley when you’re with her. Like my mommy does with my daddy,” She said.

“Really now? You think so?” Jermaine was amused at the little girl’s insight.

“Yep! I like you too. You’re really nice,” She smiled up at him, her lips as blue as could be.

“Well thanks, mama. You’re nice too,” J gave the girl a high-five before they went back to eating their popsicles.

The food eventually got finished—along with the multitude of sides came grilled hot dogs and hamburgers, sausage, beef ribs, chicken, brisket and steak. Along with the traditional Texas barbeque, there was boiled crawfish with potatoes, sausage and corn. For dessert was lemon cake, peach cobbler, fruit salad and ice cream. The family sat down to eat and afterward, they all headed out of the house to do their family tradition.

Jermaine wasn’t too familiar with what they were doing, but followed along just to participate and be a good sport. He drove in the car with Beija and her parents as they led the caravan of three vehicles, and it wasn’t until they reached a cemetery that he realized what they were going to do next.

He got out of the car once it parked, and he helped Beija out of the car as well before he walked with her through the yard, passing the various tombstones and monuments. Eventually they reached the proper tombstone and he read over it in silence—Rashaad Terrell Demarco, 1988-2002. Son, Brother, Friend.

He stood silently as he looked down at Beija, who was staring at the tombstone blankly. He wasn’t sure what she was feeling or what was going through her head as she stared at the final resting place of her older brother, but he knew that he wanted to comfort her. “Hey,” He mumbled, and she snapped out of her trance as she glanced up at him. “You’re okay. It’s okay,” He said, and she bit her lip before he wrapped his arms around her to hug her gently. The family continued to silently pay their respects, leaving fresh flowers and cards at Rashaad’s grave, giving him silent reminder that though his physical presence had been long gone, his memory wasn’t anything close to being forgotten. After they spent some time at the cemetery, they returned home and released some red balloons in front of their home—it was his favorite color.

The day got lighter in heart as it grew into the later hours, and by this time everyone was pretty much in good spirits due to the good food and liquor that passed through the adults. By this time, everyone was out in the back yard, and while Alonzo was helping Logan with the fireworks, everyone else was talking amongst themselves as they waited for the sun to disappear and the fireworks to begin.

Jermaine had been nursing his Hennessy for the longest time, wondering how he would approach Mekhi and what he would say to him. He knew the best policy was honesty, but he was convinced that the man was an impenetrable wall—most men were when it came to their daughters. But J knew he’d have to suck it up and do it. He was too damn old to be scared and cop out. So he slowly got up from his seat and walked over to Mekhi, who was listening to the music playing and smoking a cigar. “Mind if I sit?” He asked.

“It’s a free country, son,” Mekhi said, and Jermaine took a seat before he finished sipping on his drink. “I was wondering when you were going to come over here. It was going to happen eventually,” He said, and J nodded slowly.

“Glad you know. So let’s talk,” J said before swallowing a wad of air, sitting up a little straighter. “I’m sure you probably looking at me crazy. I’m just some dude your daughter brought home, and you’re probably wary,” He began.

“Before you even start, let me just explain something to you,” Mekhi began, and Jermaine raised an eyebrow slowly. “I’ve done my research on you—the moment Beija told me who she was working for, I did my research. I know who you are. I know where you’re from and how you’ve came up,” The older man ran a hand over his shortened curls as he spoke. “I know about your ex-wife, I know about the tabloids, and I know what my daughter allowed me to know about you and her. I know you mean no harm but I am still inclined to question you. Do you understand why?” He asked.

“Because that’s your kid,” J assumed.

“Exactly,” Mekhi looked over at Jermaine after taking a swig of his Red Stripe beer. “I raised my sons with the expectation that they’d be like me. It’s different with Beija; I had more pressure in being the best man I could be for her. What she saw in me would be what she looked for in other men, Jermaine. It forms her opinions on significant others, on herself, on the world around her. I want her to be happier than Alisha and I ever were,” He explained. “You seem like a good guy—you’ve charmed my family, and even got Alonzo to accept you, which is no easy feat. And my daughter...she loves you. I see it in her eyes whenever she speaks of you,” The two glanced at Beija, who was dancing with Chantel in the yard. She laughed loudly as the two began to sing along with the lyrics. “I’ve never seen her so happy...even when she shows us joy, it wasn’t like this...it feels different. She’s different, and I feel like you have something to do with it,” Mekhi admitted.

“I ain’t doin’ much, Mr. Demarco. I just do what I feel is right for her. Her happiness and health means a lot to me,” J explained. “Like I told your son last night—I love her. She means so much to me, and I’m trying to do right by her so that my past doesn’t repeat. I don’t wanna be without her,” He admitted.

“I believe you when you say that,” Mekhi sighed before he looked over at Jermaine again. “Please take care of my daughter. I’m asking you, man to man,” He said.

“Beija’s good. She’s gonna be alright. Even if, God forbid, we don’t last—she’s stronger than you know. But I’m a man of my word. I’m gonna be there for her,” J promised.

“That’s all I ask. If you keep up your word, you’re good with me,” Mekhi held out his hand, and J smiled as they shook hands.

“Hey, come on grouches!” Beija ran over to the men, chuckling as she placed her hands on Jermaine’s shoulders. “Fireworks are about to start. Come on,” She grinned.

“Alright,” He nodded at Mekhi briefly before he took Beija’s hands and allowed her to lead him to a place where they could watch the show clearly.

“I see you and my dad are getting along. I’m so glad,” Beija said with a chuckle as she hugged his torso. “You actually was a big hit with everyone. Even my brothers, I’m so impressed,” She laughed.

“I’m just glad they accepted me. Thank you for bringing me here and letting me experience this with you,” He leaned down and kissed her forehead.

“Of course,” She chuckled lowly as she rubbed his back, gazing up at him. “You’re a part of my family now, and this is how we do things. Together,” She said.

Jermaine felt this weird warmth overcome him, and he bit into his lip slowly as he nodded slowly. “Family,” He repeated, glancing up as the first firework soared into the sky, displaying colors amongst the night sky. He looked down at Beija as she stared at the sky, her eyes lit up with excitement as the bursting colors reflected in her eyes. J let a smile spread across his face as he stared down at her for a moment, and then looked back down at the sky.

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