Page 230 of The Ninth
“Last we spoke to Micah; he made it out of surgery. Is that true?” she asked quietly.
“It is. He had surgery twice. A high fever made them rush and take him back in to look for infections. They claim he’s straight and we just gotta see when or if he’ll wake-up.”
“He’s going to wake-up, Kenzo. He needs all of the positive thinking and energy from us he can get. I’m not going to let any of us sit here and grieve Man-Man until he’s in the dirt which will never happen. You know that.”
I looked into her eyes and nodded.
“Chin up and chest out, fuck nigga!”
That shit had me dropping my head back, crying laughing at this girl. I’m unsure if she has a serious bone in her body. Jokes aside, her words were true. I shouldn’t be in here moping like a bitch if my brother still has life in his body. It ain’t over until it’s over.
“How you feeling, Cassie? I’m sorry you had to leave there so abruptly. Have you ate or slept?”
By the look on her face, I knew the answer was no.
“I’ve done my best. Devyn is a wreck...but I can’t blame her.”
“We gotta get you home, folks. You don’t need to be out, stressing.”
“I’ma be wherever the hell you are, Houdini!”
I chuckled as her phone buzzed in her pocket. As she pulled it out, she told me how Duke has a piece of her heart and she’ll never leave until she sees his eyes open and mouth moving.
We both seen that it was Tatianna FaceTiming her. I immediately held her tighter as she answered.
Cassie: Hey—Tati? What’s wrong?
Tati: CASSANDRA! THEY KILLED MY BABY DEDDY! SOMEONE CALLED ME AND TOLD ME PONCHO IS DEAD! HIS MAMA JUST IDENTIFIED HIS FUCKING BODY.
Cassie opened her mouth to speak but nothing came out. Instead, she just watched Tatianna fall apart inside of Kelisha’s arms. Doodas stood behind her head, also crying seeing his mother in distress. For Tatianna and her son’s sake, it was sad to see. I almost wanted to hang up for Cassie just so she didn’t have to subject herself to anymore guilt.
Cassie: Tatianna...my baby. I’m so sorry. I know you’re so hurt and it hurts me to not be with you.
Tati: I’m hurt, Cass! Aunt Tami and Uncle Cash. My deddy. Doodas’ deddy. Everyone keeps fucking leaving me!
Cassie: I would never leave you. We’re going to get through this together, my girl. It’s always been you, me, and Kelisha making a way. Before there was a Poncho, it was just us and even after. It hurts right now, but you still have such a beautiful life in front of you.
Tati: I love you, bitch. Are you home yet?
Cassie: I love you more. I am.
Tati: I’ll see you soon...
Cassie: Kiss my Godson for me. Let me know as soon as you’re back.
Tati: Bye.
Cassie: Bye.
The phone hung up, leaving Cassandra staring at her lap. My hands grabbed her beautiful ass face, bringing it to mine. I didn’t say anything and she didn’t either. My eyes asked her if she remembered what we talked about. What she asked me to do to that slime ass nigga. For the Kenan shit, the drive thru shit, for Tati. Most importantly, me telling her she couldn’t blame herself if I did.
She blinked, nodding her head slowly. I kissed the stray tears off of her face, briefly reflecting the errand I ran while waiting for Duke to come out of surgery.
“Thank you, Papa...”
“Anything for you, Cassie.”
“There you are!” My mama rushed to us, looking just as stressed and tired as Cassie did. She hugged me tightly before kissing Cassandra’s head. “Come! We waited all this time for an update just for the doctor to say he asked for Devyn!”
