Youngin' Blues: The Story of Reed and RaKeem (3 page)

“Come on. Let’s get you inside.” Keem helped Reed from the bed, and allowed her to lead the way through the cabin. The leather white seats shifted as they made contact with each of them. Reed was sloppily making her way out of the jet. RaKeem lagged behind her with her handbag in his right hand.

“Have a blessed night,” Carrie smiled.

“You do the same.” Keem said as he exited. “We right over here, Reed.” He pointed to the all black Phantom that was parked by it’s lonesome.

The lights were dimmed, but it was breathing. While they were at the game discussing business, his accountant was clearing the titles to his new town car. Neither he or Reed desired to drive, so neither would touch the steering wheel. However, they’d needed more space for their meetings. Most of which were held in the backseats of his cars.

“Oh wow, baby. You got it. That was fast.” She called out. “Really.”

“You know how that shit goes.” Keem shrugged. They’d just discussed the need for new wheels before entering the NBA game. Just hours later, they were awarded. “Come on. It’s cold out.”

RaKeem’s door opened, and he got out –one foot in front of the other. His slightly tapered cut could be seen under the light post that was just above his head. The night sky was beautiful. Looking upward, he kissed, sharing a brief moment with his deceased mother. There wasn’t a day that commenced and he hadn’t thought of her. Her death was still a fresh memory, and he’d wished that he had been in a better predicament to see her off to the heavens above.

Lowering his head from the sky, Keem walked around to Reed’s side. He pulled her door open, and stared at her alluring features. She was breathtaking, even after all of these years. It was uncanny that they’d never confirmed their union, but it had happened. With each year, they became a bit more attached to one another, solidifying what they already thought that they had. They’d willingly become man and woman, girlfriend and boyfriend.

Reaching into the whip, Keem grabbed Reed’s hand and pulled her out of the car. her long legs made way for the rest of her. Keem shook his head, and rubbed the perfectly aligned goatee of his. Reed was just fucking perfect. He was one lucky guy.

“Are you walking me up?” she questioned.

“Of course. What kind of question is that?” he turned and closed the door. Grabbing Reed’s hand, once more, he led the way into the dormitory that she resided in.

Although she could’ve gotten herself an off campus spot, or moved in with Keem, she chose to do neither. Reed wanted the entire college experience. Being on campus kept her focused, in her opinion. Being that she’d graduated early and was still much too young to be out on her own, everyone had agreed that her best interest was to be on campus.

Reed had started college at only seventeen, yet she had majored in three different subjects, elongating her undergrad years. At 22, Reed had spent the past five years in school, and was near the finish line. With only a few months left, she was excited about walking across the stage. Keem had big plans in store for her when the time came. He was so proud of his lady.

“How long will you be studying?” Keem questioned.

“Just a few hours.” Reed sighed.

“Don’t be up too late. Your test is early morning. If you’re too tired, studying would’ve been in vain.” He preached.

“I know. I won’t be all night. I’ll call you once I’m done.”

“Don’t bother. I’d much rather you rest.” Keem and Reed had made it to the door. He pulled the door open, and the heat welcomed them both. As usual, the lobby was packed with students. Everyone halted their actions, and stared. Royalty had entered their presence, and every move that either made was to be witnessed.

Keem and Reed bypassed the check in center. With his status, RaKeem wasn’t hounded for identification like the other guys on who came on campus. He had never even handed his over. Everyone knew who the hell he was. There was no questioning. Pulling out his small linen, Keem pressed the up button on the elevator.

While waiting, he gave head nods and low growls to the people that were dying to get a word out of him. All the while, Reed had her nose in the air. She hated the attention, but it came with the territory. Keem placed his hand on the elevator door, with his linen in between, and allowed Reed on first. The students that occupied the same building were trifling, and downright nasty. Keem hated the thought of swimming in their germs.

Up to the third floor, they traveled, both staring at one another. Reed traced RaKeem’s light colored eyes with hers. He was so perfectly constructed. Everything about Keem was ravishing to her. Never, had she ever seen a more handsome man. While in a room with hundreds, Keem was always the most stunning. In her twenty-two years of living, she’d never encountered anyone as amazing. Her brother had been the only man that had ever been of any influence on her, but Keem had quickly replaced him –in a few ways.

“Well, this is me.” Reed grabbed her designer bag from Keem’s arms. Unzipping the front, she retrieved her keys. “I guess I better get to these books.”

“I’d come in, but that would only hinder your studies.” Keem hissed, “So, I’ll just be on my way, love.”

“Okay.” Reed pouted.

“Come here.” He grabbed her neck, and brought her forward. Just as soon as she was close enough, he pursed his lips and kissed hers. The tense feeling that was present at first was now gone. She melted under his embrace. Keem was sure to break her down with each touch. He wanted her to relax, and allow her mind to be at ease before he took off.

“I love you.” Reed recited, pulling back.

“You’d better.” He tapped her forehead and backed up. Saluting her with his right hands, he blew a silent kiss, “I’ll holler at you boss lady.” He smiled.

“Alright boss man,” Reed saluted as well. it was a thing that they did, each time they parted ways. Kissing the air, she closed her eyes. When she opened them, Keem was standing at the opposite end of the hall capturing the kiss that she’d just sent his way. Grabbing it, it tucked it under his bosom, at his heart.

Fluttering commenced inside of Reed as she looked on. Each time Keem reenacted the gesture, it warmed her. It never failed. Reed’s cheeks turned beet red, and burned all over. Love was in the air, and she was soaking it all up.

“Goodnight.” Keem mouthed.

“Goodnight.” Reed returned, twisting her key and pushing her door open, she went inside of her dorm room. Closing the door behind her, she placed her back against it and slid down. Already, she missed RaKeem.

2

“Perfect!” KinZu smiled at her reflection. She looked amazing. Her unique heritage shining through her features. Her melanin infused skin, long slender legs, bright brown eyes, and plush lips were on full display in the backless top, pencil skirt, and a pair of Reed’s designer pumps. She looked amazing.

With exams and basketball season in, KinZu had barely seen much of her man, unless it was on the court or for a few minutes between classes. As understanding as she tried to be, she couldn’t help but to want some alone time with him. Besides, he was able to make every party that was held near campus.

After constant complaints, he’d promised her a date. KinZu was overly excited about the personal time, and couldn’t wait to be in his presence. For over two years, they’d been dating. With time, it seemed as they drifted further apart, but KinZu neglected to admit the facts. Like the naïve girl she was, she overlooked the signs of pre-separation. She figured it was all a phase, and soon they’d be back to their old ways.

“Good timing Kin.” She complimented herself. She was actually prepared and ready to rock and roll before the designated time. In just twenty short minutes, she’d be in the arms of her knight in shining armor.

KinZu figured that she’d take the time to clean the mess that she’d made. Little by little, she replaced the empty dresser drawers with the clothes that she’d taken from them. KinZu wasn’t as fortunate as Reed, and she was tremendously thankful for being roomed with the sweet soul. Whatever Reed owned, KinZu had rights to it. Reed was forever looking out for her. They’d met freshman year. While Reed was two years younger than KinZu, she was the more mature one. Life had caused her to mature much sooner than her time, but it was much needed.

When it was time to show and prove, KinZu always dug through Reed’s drawers. Sure to switch up her outfits and never wear one just as Reed had, people were clueless to the fact that KinZu was borrowing. She preferred it that way. It was no one’s business.

“I’ll have to try this next time,” KinZu eyed a silk shirt and GUESS denim. Had she spotted them the first go round, they would’ve been her choice. However, she had no time to change, now.

Just in the nick of time, KinZu had cleaned the crammed dorm room. It looked just as clean as it had before she began pulling things from everywhere. Tired, she flopped down on the bed and grabbed her phone, checking to see if Jonathan had texted.

Nothing.

Humping her shoulders, she laid back and dialed his number. Expecting an answer, KinZu grew worried when she didn’t get one. Hanging up, she called back, and got the same results. Sighing, she figured he was still getting dressed.

“He’ll call back.” She tossed her phone to the side. Lifting up, she fingered her wild hair.

Looking around the room, she wondered what she could do to busy herself. The growling of her stomach prompted her to run her eyes across her snack stash. It had definitely dwindled. When she was on her way back to campus, she would remind Jonathan to get her more. She was low on funds, and wouldn’t dare waste them on snacks. That was one bill that she preferred someone else to pay.

Standing to her feet, KinZu followed her eyes. Picking through her small batch of groceries, she found the very last pack of noodles, and decided to heat them up. Surely, Jonathan would be hitting her line soon, so she didn’t want to put anything too heavy on her stomach. They would be dining somewhere.

Fifteen minutes after she’d scarfed down her noodles, KinZu’s phone still hadn’t rang. Grabbing it from the bed, she dialed Jonathan up again. She got the very same results as the first two times. Deciding to text him, she pulled the phone from her ear and disconnected the call.

She texted two question marks, and waited for a reply. Instantly, she saw that he’d read her message. The read receipt had given her the notion. Next, the three dots popped up, and KinZu waited impatiently for a response. Seconds later, the bubble with the dots disappeared.

“Hmph.” KinZu’s shoulders slummed.

She repeated her text, sending two more question marks. This time, he didn’t bother reading or responding. KinZu was saddened, immediately. Blowing out a frustrated sigh, KinZu tried to control the nerves that had began to run haywire. Tapping her phone against her leg, she tried to reason with herself. Guessing that Jonathan had gotten tied up momentarily, she waited another ten minutes before calling Jonathan back.

“Dammit, Jonathan. You always do this!” she yelled, throwing her phone back on the bed. “Why?” she questioned.

Feeling defeated, she pulled the chic top over her head. Next, she stood and pulled the skirt from her waist. Laying them both on Reed’s bed, neatly, she remained thoughtful of the fact that Jonathan would probably just be late. Keeping her face painted on, she laid across her bed and logged into her Facebook before following up with Instagram.

Devastation crossed KinZu’s beautiful face as she stared at a photo taken just minutes prior. Rachel Gregory stood in front of a full sized mirror with brass trimming and gold highlights. Her left hand was on her hip as she puckered her lips with her head tilted. Happiness was written all over her demeanor as she snapped the image. It wasn’t her that bugged KinZu, but her surroundings.

Seemingly, she was inside of Jonathan’s bedroom. KinZu had been enough times to remember the entire space, vividly. Continuing to stare, she recognized the white laundry basket in the corner. Also, she noticed the food and water bowl of Chino, Jonathan’s bull dog. Closing her eyes, KinZu rubbed her hands over her face, hoping that when she looked at the picture once more, the surroundings would change. To her dismay, everything remained the same.

Overwhelmed with emotions, she took a screenshot of the photo and sent it to Jonathan. Not bothering to wait for a reply, she stood. Grabbing a few facial wipes, KinZu stood at the mirror on the wall opposite of her bed and began to remove her makeup. She tried holding back, but the tears came.

Even under the thin layers of makeup, KinZu was flawless. She hadn’t needed it one bit, but she preferred to add the slight confidence booster anyway. She’d wanted to look extra special for Jonathan, and he’d stood her up once more. As time passed, it was more of the same thing with him. His neglectful ways were of habit, now. They were leaving KinZu to question all that she was attempting to build with him.

“I just don’t understand.”

She spoke to no one, but herself. Not searching for a response, she shook her head. Men could be so unbelievably selfish. While KinZu was waiting patiently for his arrival, he was home ignoring her –while entertaining someone else.

Rachel Gregory was one of the campus sluts. Being that she was a very attractive girl, she gained most of the athlete’s attention. Whereas others knew that all attention wasn’t good attention, Rachel soaked it up. She’d dated numerous players, both basketball and football. Jonathan was her latest.

Once KinZu was satisfied with the cleanliness of her skin, she oiled it down. The moisture that had been removed with the routine that she’d maintained over the past few years, KinZu needed to replace it. Her smooth dark skin was instantly refreshed and feeling much better. However, she was still in a funk about the image that she’d saw.

Logging back onto Instagram, KinZu found the photo and double tapped, liking it. Sure that Rachel and her cattiness would lead to her telling Jonathan. It was the only reason KinZu dabbled in her games. She was pretty sure that Rachel was only posting to be the messy young woman that she’d grown to be.

Hurling her cell across the bed for the hundredth time, KinZu pulled the covers over her head a screamed. She was so tired of being treated like the scum of the earth. For the past two years, she’d been nothing but good to Jonathan. Like many other men, he just couldn’t seem to get it right. It had been so long ago since things between the two had been okay, and KinZu didn’t see them getting better any time soon.

Heaving, KinZu’s chest caved in as the weeping commenced. Giving Jonathan the power over her being once more, she allowed his foolishness to bring her down –both emotionally and mentally. Each time he refused her, it hurt a bit more. KinZu hated the feeling.

The sniffling pulled Reed from the temporary trance that she’d placed herself into. Opening her eyes, she looked towards the area that was occupied by beds. Two twin sized beds sat next to one another with matching comforters and string lights trailing the posts and bottom. To the right of her was roommate’s side of the room, where the sniffles were coming from.

“KinZu.” Reed called, lifting herself from the floor.

Standing, she placed her purse on the small table that they’d placed by the door. Dropping her keys right beside it, Reed stepped out of her shoes, and placed them at the foot of her bed. When she found the time she would place them where they needed to be. At the moment there were more pressing issues, such as her roommates unwanted tears.

“Kin.” She called her by her nickname.

“Huh?” KinZu cried, seemingly breaking down more just as she answered Reed.

“Honey, it’s okay. What’s the matter?” Reed asked, climbing into KinZu’s bed. KinZu was hiding under her covers, where the light was unable to reach. She’d been crying for the last two hours. By now, her head was hurting, nose was snotty, eyes were puffy, and her voice was horsed.

“I… I…” She couldn’t get her words out without crying harder, so Reed intervened.

“It’s okay. Calm down and then we can talk. Lift up.” Reed slid under the covers and waited for KinZu to lift her head. She grabbed the book that she’d need to study with and then got situated. KinZu laid down on her legs once she’d gotten comfortable.

Opening her book, Reed zoned out as KinZu finished getting her tears out. Knowing that she just needed to be comforted, Reed didn’t bother trying to get anything out of her. Soon, she’d be ready to talk. Already knowing that her tears were results of something that her lousy boyfriend had done, Reed could wait for the details.

Ten minutes later, KinZu was up, wiping her face and getting herself together. Reed hadn’t taken her eyes off of her book. This was nothing new to her. Every week, KinZu was crying over something new. She’d be so happy when she just dumped the scum that she considered a man.

“What happened?” Reed closed her book, and focused on KinZu, ready to hear the newest “mistake” that she was willing to cry about and then cover.

“Johnathan and I made plans tonight, but he stood me up. I’ve been calling him all evening, and I’m getting nothing.” KinZu admitted. She hated when that happened. She and Johnathan hadn’t been able to hang as they usually did. With basketball in season, they barely saw one another. He’d promised to sit some time aside for her, but she had yet to be on the receiving end of any. It was only lie after lie. “But, Rachel just posted on Instagram. She’s over his house, and I can tell because of her background. I know his room.” She added, biting her lip.

Reed knew that there was more to the story. “And why are you in here crying? I mean, wouldn’t it be justified if you went over?”

Reed couldn’t understand KinZu half of the time. She loved her to death, but she wasn’t for the stupidity. Had Keem ever tested her in the many ways that Johnathan had KinZu, he’d be one sorry ass nigga. As much as she loved him, he was never to play her like a fool.

“I don’t want to start any drama, Reed.” KinZu shook her head from side to side.

“Drama? You wouldn’t be the one starting it. When people willingly play with your emotions, anything that comes behind it is their fault. At least that’s the way that I see it. I’m so sick of him walking all over you. I swear Kin, you think that sticking this shit out makes you a rider or makes him consider sticking around any longer, but it doesn’t. Continuing to let him treat you like this won’t solidify anything. When it’s his time, he’s going to go. I suggest you leave or toughen the hell up. For real. He’s doing whatever the hell he wants because he knows that you’re not going to do a thing about it.” Reed rolled her eyes into the back of her head at the thought of Jonathan. He was so damn whorish that it barely made sense.

“I know. I just feel like this will all pass. Once he realizes that I’m the one who’s really for him, things will change. I know they will.”

“Kin, you’re my girl, but you should really listen to yourself. So how long are you willing to wait for this change that may or may not happen? Sorry, but I just don’t see it.”

“I’m going to wait until I can’t anymore. I know you may think that I’m crazy, but I can’t leave because you want me to. I’ll always go back. I have to get tired, Reed. When I get tired, I’ll leave.”

KinZu was correct about one thing. She had to want to leave for herself. Otherwise, she’d forever run back. Reed just prayed that she grew tired of Jonathan’s shenanigans sooner than later, because she deserved so much more than what she was being offered. If she let him, he’d only continue to break her, and she didn’t deserve to be broken. KinZu was the sweetest girl that Reed had ever known.

“You’re right, Kin. I just can’t help but to get upset at the fact that you’re crying your eyes out every single week about this guy. He doesn’t deserve anymore of your time or tears. That’s just the fact of the matter.”