-2:42am, the next day
Mariah

We all anxiously sat in the waiting room waiting for the doctor to come give us some kind of information.
We've been here since we got off our flight and I'm drained.

"Here baby." I handed Dorian a cup of coffee

"Thanks." He said as I sat beside him

"I brought you a water and some snacks from the vending machine." I turned to Kendra

"I'm fine." She shook her head, completely zoned out

"Ken, you need to eat something for the baby."  Rio reminded her

She exhaled deeply before taking the water and a snickers. "Thanks."

"No problem. You need anything else?"

"I need Omari to be ok, that's what I need." Her eyes watered but she blinked them away

Literally soon as we landed from Mexico, we got a call from Tim saying there had been a shootout at one of the warehouses. Tim was only shot in the shoulder and hand, but Omari got hit pretty badly.

"Just try to keep a positive mindset. Here drink some water mama." I opened the water for her

As she took a sip of her water, I briefly turned my attention to Dorian, who was clenching his jaw and zoned out as well.

"You ok?" I asked

He didn't answer at first, he just leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees.

"Baby."  I softly nudged him

"Huh? Oh yeah I'm good." He nodded

I already knew he was over there plotting his revenge against the niggas who did this, and when he's like this there is no talking to him. So I pecked his cheek and turned my attention back to to Kendra.

"Family of Omari Woods." The doctor came out

We all stood up and went to where the doctor was standing. 

"I'm his wife. I-Is he- Is he ok?" Kendra's hands were shaking

He sighed "I'm sorry ma'am. He didn't make it."

"NO! NO!" She screamed

"Fuck!" Dorian turned away from everyone

I knew he was crying because he was trying his hardest to not let anyone see his face. I wanted to go comfort him, but Kendra looked like she was about to faint.

"I got her. Go." Rio whispered to me

I nodded and rushed over to him "Come here." I wrapped my arms around his neck and embraced him tightly

He bent his head down, crying into my shoulder.

*

I laid in the bed, massaging Skylar's scalp. After we left the hospital, Kendra went home with Rio, and Dorian and I went to pick up Skylar from Joyce's.
But since it was past her bed time, she played with us for about 10 minutes before going to sleep on the car ride home.

Once we got home, I laid Skylar in bed and took a quick shower. Dorian insisted on staying downstairs to make a phone call. He was mostly likely rounding up his crew so they could go get revenge for Omari.

"Hey, you ok?" I asked once he entered the bedroom

I could tell he'd been crying but he still said "Yeah. I'm good."

"Aw baby." I got up and walked over to him "I'm sorry about Omari." I delicately placed my hands on the side of his face

When I looked into his eyes they looked black and full of rage. I knew he wasn't up for talking right now.

"I'ma be back soon, a'ight?" He moved my hands

"Dorian-"

"I really don't feel like hearin' what I should and shouldn't do." He said before going to the dresser

"So that's all you can think about right now?"

He sucked his teeth "Don't start."

"Fine." I mugged him "But it ain't gone bring him back."

He ignored me while going in the drawer and grabbing his hoodie. "Love you." He mumbled before going out the bedroom door

What a way to celebrate our engagement...

-6:00am
Dorian

After pulling up in the driveway, I turned my car off and sat with my thoughts and a half full bottle of Whiskey. I know Mariah's still probably upset with me for leaving out last night, but I had to murder the niggas that murdered Omari. He one of the most loyal niggas I know. I couldn't let his death be in vain.

I can't believe they really killed my nigga man...I've known Mari for 15 years, 15 years of brotherhood ended just like that. I know it's part of the game, but this shit still hurt.

I got out my car and locked the doors then headed to into the house. Mariah was in the kitchen drinking some coffee and talking on the phone.

"I know Kendra, and trust me Omari knows that you love him." She stood at the counter

She didn't know I was behind her yet so I wrapped my arms around her. She looked back to make sure it was me with a small smile of relief.

"Ken, we'll be over once Skylar wakes up. Ok?" She spoke into the phone "Alright. I love you too." She said before hanging up

We stayed in silence with my arms wrapped around her for a few seconds before I spoke.

"I'm sorry for getting upset last night." I pecked her neck

She sniffled, turning to face me with teary eyes "I'm sorry too." We embraced each other

"I love you." I pecked her cheek before we pulled away

"I love you too baby. I just don't wanna' lose you the way Kendra lost Mari...I'm scared D." She looked down and played with her nails

I put my finger under her chin and lifted her head up "You ain't gone lose me, ok? I swear."

Mariah nodded and I pulled her back in for a hug.

Part of me knew that wasn't true. Even though I like to think I'm invincible, I'm not. In this game there's really only two ways out, death or jail. I could always choose to leave it, but I love the hustle too much.

Let's have a moment of silence for Omari...even though he was a cheater in his last living days.

A'ight moment over

Y'all pep lil miss RyRy done got engaged? 😜

-Carlisha ❤️