Page 19 of Still Yours

“I got caught up on some shit. But listen, look in my old phone that I left at your house and look for the name Lunden. When you find it, call him on three-way.”

A few minutes later, Kayla had Lunden on the line.

“Yo, my nigga. I got locked up with some shit, and I know they gon’ give me some time for this, bro.”

“Yooo, what the fuck, my nigga? What you need me to do? I got you,” Lunden replied with urgency.

“I need you to look out for my best friend, Pretti, the chick I told you about a few times and sent you a picture of. She ain’t got nobody, bro. She depends on me. When I find out how much time I’m getting, I need you to take her in. I’ma move her to New York because when I get out, I’m coming back home to Harlem. Can you do that for me, my guy?” Dexz asked, sounding like he was begging.

“Yeah, yeah, I got you. Just keep me updated. This shit crazy, bro, but I got you.”

Once Lunden and Dexz finished their conversation, Kayla went into a full rage. She was tired of Dexz and Pretti’s relationship, and she didn’t want any part of it anymore.

“You got me fucked up, Dexz! I’ve been down for you all this time, and the only person you worried about while you’re locked up is Pretti, little dumb ass?! That bitch ain’t learned how to live on her own yet at nineteen? This shit is over, don’t fucking call me no more. I’m done with you, it’s fucking OVER! I hope you fucking get raped in jail. Don’t drop the soap, nigga!”

The line went dead, and Dexz sighed as he walked back to the cell. He wasn’t even mad Kayla had broken up with him. He was angry he had to leave Pretti alone. So much crossed his mind as he sat up all night listening to inmates talk loudly. Kayla dumping him did sting a little as he sat in his thoughts, but he didn’t expect anything less from her. He figured as long as Pretti stayed down with him, he could get through his time.

When I get out, I’m marrying that girl, he thought as he lay with his eyes open on the steel bed.

Chapter 9

START OVER

Pretti sat in front of the courthouse with tears falling from her eyes. The system wasted no time sentencing Dexten, and she felt like her world was crushed. He was all she knew. Now she had to live without him for three years. She kept telling herself it wasn't that long, but she knew it would be a lonely three years.

She no longer had a job, and when word got around to other barbers, they didn't want to hire her. She knew her money was going to run out soon, so she immediately got a job at McDonald’s. She had three more months of school, and then she would have her cosmetology license. She figured she could take her license and start over in Arizona. It was cheap and still on the West Coast, so that was her next move until Dexz came home.

As she stood waiting for the lawyer, Milo finally walked up to her. She was so thankful for him because they wanted to give Dexten eight years, and he was able to buy the judge down to three years, plus a couple of years on parole since it was his first offense.

“Hey, Pretti. I'm so sorry this has you so upset, but that was the lowest they would go,” Milo expressed sincerely.

“It’s okay. I’m just glad he didn't get the eight years. I guess I can manage on my own for three years. That time will teach me to be more independent than I am.”

“Well, I was able to get a letter for you from Mr. Kingsley. I hope this helps you figure out what you want to do while he is locked up.” He passed her a folded yellow piece of paper.

“Thank you,” she said as she gazed at the paper. She unfolded it and read it. Seeing Dexz’s handwriting was soothing as she ran her finger across his words.

Dear Pretti,

I'm so sorry this is all happening. But I always knew this day would come, so I secured that for us. I haven't communicated with you over the phone when I call because these lines are recorded, and I don't want nobody comin’ to the crib and searchin’ while you're there alone. So, I had to send this letter through Milo. I know you probably were wondering what was going to happen now that you’re by yourself, but I got you. You have to move to New York, though. When I'm released, I'm coming to Harlem and never going back to Cali.

I have seventy grand stashed in my closet. You have to pull up the carpet and find the loose wood. It's all under the floor. Then I want you to pack all your clothes and take a one-way flight to New York. I plugged you with my best friend there. I'll put his number at the end of the letter; he already has yours. His name is Lunden, and he’s cool peeps. He will take care of you and get you on your feet. He got you a spot, and he's going to take you to find a shop to open. Don't worry about the money for your crib or salon. Just focus on running your business and getting to this legal money for us.

I love you, and I trust you with my life, so I know you will use my money wisely with the shop. Get the fuck outta Cali and live your dreams. Remember when we first became friends, I told you I'd invest in your dreams? Well, I'm doing it, so don't focus on me being locked up… focus on you. I'll be in touch. And remember, I love you, and when I get out, we will pick up where we left off when we went to dinner. I'ma think about you every day, love…

Your Best Friend,

Dexz

Tears fell onto the paper, making it hard for her to read. Dexz had never said he loved her, and she didn't know what he meant by picking up where they left off. She was never going to stop being his friend because he was locked up. The letter said so much that she didn't know where to start.

“Are you okay, Ms. Phoenix? Do you need a ride home?” Milo asked kindly.

She cleared her throat and wiped her eyes. “Yes, I'm sorry. I do need a ride home. Thanks.”

Milo took her home, and she immediately started doing what Dexz told her to do for survival.

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