“Tell me what happened.”
Baby girl reached for me, burying her face in my neck. I rubbed her back as I waited for her mother to tell me what happened.
“We were shopping so we could cook dinner together tonight. She was in one of those shopping carts, and I turned my back on her to grab a bushel of asparagus. It was only for a split second, but the next thing I heard was her screaming. When I turned to see what was going on, Nathan had grabbed her out of the cart.
“He started talking crazy about how I tried to ruin his life and that I couldn’t keep her away from him. He started rambling about how disrespectful it was for her to call another man daddy and all this other bullshit. I tried to pry her from his arms, but he took off running. I ran after him until we got out into the parking lot. We struggled for a little bit until he kicked me and knocked the wind out of me. I started screaming like crazy, and this man ran after him and got Symphonee back.”
All I saw was red as she ran the story down to me. Nathan hadn’t been an issue since I took Lyric from her aunt’s house, so I didn’t understand what his problem was. He made it clear early on in Lyric’s pregnancy that he wanted nothing to do withSymphonee, even going as far as sending her hush money. Why would he suddenly try to take her?
“Where is he now? Did you call the police?” I asked.
“No. You always told me not to call the police until I talked to you first. I planned to call you once I got in the car, but I was trying to calm down first.”
I nodded, understanding where she was coming from. “Are the groceries still inside?”
Lyric nodded. “Yes, I abandoned the cart when he ran off with our daughter. The last thing on my mind was that food. I left my purse and everything inside. The only reason I have my keys is because they were in my pocket.”
“Alright. I’m gonna go inside and get your stuff, and I’ll drive y’all home,” I suggested.
“I could go in and get your things for you,” Jacq offered, reminding me that he was still standing here.
“Why the fuck are you still here? Look, I appreciate you being there to help my family, but I’m here now, and your services are no longer needed.”
“I wasn’t talking to you, nigga. Every time we’re around, you’ve got your panties in a bunch. You should be thanking me because that weird mothafucka was about to run off with your child. Instead, you want to stand here with your chest out like I’ve done something to you.”
“You might have Gunna fooled, but I’m not easily swayed. I find it hard to believe you just so happened to be in the same grocery store, yet you don’t have any bags either. I appreciate what you did for my family, but I would appreciate it even more if you kept your distance.”
“You don’t trust me, and I damn sure don’t trust yo’ ass. At the end of the day, I’m tryna make some money. Like Gunna said, we don’t have to be friends to get money together.”
“You’re damn right I don’t trust you, and I better not catch you anywhere near my bitch or my daughter again. The only reason you aren’t on a slab at the morgue is because I respect Gunna, but don’t push your luck. I’m not sure what your motives are, but behind my family, I’m wreckin’ shit.” I never referred to Lyric as my Bitch, but homeboy had me hot.
“Heard you loud and clear.” Jacq smirked, then turned his attention to Lyric.
“I’m sorry you had to go through that today. I’m glad I was here at the right time. Someone like you shouldn’t be out here unprotected. Hopefully, the next time we run into each other, it’s under better circumstances.” He addressed Lyric, throwing slugs my way. I wanted to put him on his ass, but it wasn’t the right time or place.
“I don’t know what the two of you have going on but thank you. I would have lost my mind if something had happened to my child. You were a lifesaver today. I wish you had at least taken the money. I feel like I owe you for what you did for us.”
“No worries. You keep your money, ma. Just be more aware of your surroundings and get yourself a gun. This world is crazy as hell, and you never know what kind of danger could be lurking in the shadows.” He winked and then walked away. My trigger finger was itching like a mothafucka, but I fought through it. My family needed me, and I decided to put everything else on the back burner.
“Alright, guys. I like to add this sauce to my salmon. It has soy sauce, brown sugar, honey mustard, and some seasonings. I mixit together and then put it on the salmon when it’s at the halfway point like this. Then I’ll pop them back in the oven for about five to six more minutes.”
Lyric held up the pan in front of the camera as she showed them her food. She decided to go live on her page to cook or some shit. I watched from the living room as she gave them her step-by-step recipe and answered random questions from people who were asking questions.
“Yeah, girl. I love salmon. If I’m not eating chicken or lamb chops, you can expect to see salmon on the menu at some point. I like oxtail, too, but they take a long time to make, and my daughter has no patience when it comes to her food. Ain’t that right, Noodle?” Lyric asked, addressing my princess, who was sitting on a stool next to her eating grapes.
“Where is Noodle’s daddy?” Lyric read what I assumed was a comment on her live. I got out of my seat with the quickness to see what was going on.
“Who asking for me? I charge a fee to speak on camera.” I stood next to her with my shirt off. I leaned down to see what the comments were saying to make sure they weren’t being disrespectful.
TheHairQueen: Damn, is that Noodle’s daddy?!!!
MamaBearTye: He’s fine as fuck
JajaReal: I would have given him a baby too.
GooDeeMoe: Doesn’t he have like five other kids he doesn’t take care of?
ItstherealRiRI: He probably only there because he needs a place to stay
