When You Know It’s Real(35)

Apparently, he had a virus of some kind that took over his whole body and wasn't responding to normal medications. There was no real explanation, but the doctors said stuff like that happened from time to time. It could have been something simple that had spun out of control. Either way, I didn't really care. As long as he was good now, it didn't matter to me. I hated seeing him like this, that shit broke me down. I was my son’s keeper, and not being able to do anything about him hurting or being in pain was fucking with my mental. I was just happy that we had it under control now.

I glanced across the room at Anj, who was balled up in one of the chairs asleep. Her drunk and high ass had pissed me off beyond explanation. I wouldn't even let her deal with the doctors because her dumb ass smelled like weed. What kind of shit is that? It was just embarrassing, but I had a trick for her ass. When Hari was released, he was going home with me. For how long, I didn't know, but I needed her to understand that this was unacceptable and was not going to happen again.

“What’s up, Jock? He good?” I glanced at the door when I heard Siah’s voice. He stepped inside looking just as concerned as I was. His eyes moved around the room and landed on Anj before he was back to me again.

“Yeah, for now. They don't know what the hell happened. Some type of virus and shit, but he’s good. Fever’s down and he’s finally asleep. Cried for like three hours straight, though.”

Siah looked over his shoulder and then back at me.

“I have Nonie and Kizzie with me. I told them to wait outside, though.”

“Fuck her, they’re good, they can come in,” I said, glancing at Anj. “Her dumb ass was drinking and smoking instead of handling her business. Maybe she needs to see another women deal with her son, ’cause if she don't get her shit together then you can just call Kizzie Mama Kiz.” I laughed.

“Nigga, you dumb as fuck. You can't just make Kizzie raise your seed.”

“I don't have make her do shit. She’s already in love with his little ass. You know Hari be pulling ’em like his pops.”

I grinned, thinking about how Kizzie had just took to him. It was sexy as fuck watching her do it too. I didn't get that feeling from Anj, because I hated her ass, but with Kizzie it was different. It made me want to plant a hundred more in her so that we would be in that shit for real.

“I'm not fucking with you like that, but hold up.”

Siah stepped out the room and then returned a few minutes later with Nonie and Kizzie. Kizzie eyed Anj, looked right at me and then reached for Hari. I lifted him from my chest, careful of his IV, and handed him over. I didn't really care if Anj had a problem with it or not, and I knew she was going to have one. In her delusional mind, we were a family, no matter how many times I told her I didn't want shit to do with her that wasn't connected to our son.

“Aww, he looks so pitiful,” Kizzie said, poking her lips out just before she kissed his little face. He balled up in her arms, but didn't wake up.

“He’s good now,” I assured her.

Nonie walked over and hugged me. My sis looked so sad, but it was cute though. “I’m sorry he’s not feeling well, Jock.”

“Don't sweat it, Pretty. He’s good now since his step mom is here.”

Kizze looked up at me and rolled her eyes just as I heard Anj’s voice.

“Who is this holding my son, Jock?”

Nonie and Kizzie both turned at the same time and Siah mumbled, “Here we fucking go.”

“My business is who the fuck it is. Don't worry about it.” I snapped, causing Anj to look at me like I was crazy.

“Can I have my son, please?” she asked, looking right at Kizzie, who I could tell was annoyed.

“Nah, he good. In fact, why don't you head home and clean your ass up first. Then you can come back and see him,” I said to Anj, which really pissed her off.

“Jock, really. I’m not leaving my son here with them.” She pointed at Kizzie and Nonie, which made them both snicker.

Neither of them were the type to tolerate disrespect, and I knew shit could get bad real quick. Siah did too, so his arm moved around Nonie’s waist, pulling her back against him.

“Stay out of it, Pretty,” he said calmly.

“Yes, really.” I reached in my pocket and pulled out my phone to make a call.

“Yo, head up to Memorial. Anj will be out front waiting. Take her to her crib for me. Aight, bet.”

“Let's go.” I lifted her purse from the cart by the door and grabbed her arm. “I’ll be right back. Keep an eye on him for me.” I winked at Kizzie who shook her head and then looked down at Jahari.

Once we were in the hall, Anj spoke up. “Jock, that’s so disrespectful. Are you fucking her? Is that why she’s holding my son like he belongs to her? I can't believe you would treat me like that.”