“Really Pops. This is what it has come down to.”

  “You seem surprised. I told you to choose wisely and you didn’t. You went against your father and where I come from that’s an automatic death sentence.”

  “Oh, my God! Please don’t do this, Mr. Ramirez.” Rose` started to cry and panic.

  “This is all your fault young lady. I told you to move on with your life. Get her now!” Some of my father’s men came towards her and I started hitting and swinging at all of them motherfuckers. They were not about to hurt her. Seeing that they couldn’t handle me, all of the men joined in on beating my ass. My father sat there and continued to watch as they fucked me up. I looked over and one of the men was holding Rose` by her hair making her watch.

  “Nooooooooo! Please don ‘t hurt him. I’m sorry. I’ll stay awayyyy! I’ll stay awayyyy!” The sound of Rose` crying had took me away from the beating they were putting on me. That shit hurt worse than the fists and the bats that they were hitting my ass with. Slowly, I began to lose consciousness. As the blood dripped in my eyes and my vision started to get blurry, tears escaped my eyes as I watched my father raise his gun and shoot Rose` in her chest. Her body fell back on the bed. The worse pain I ever felt in my life shot through my body. It was the pain of my heart breaking as I watched my wife lay lifeless in a puddle of her own blood. I felt no pain from the beating that they were putting on my body. I closed my eyes and thought about all the shit we had been through in almost two years of being together. Was this how our love story ended? After all the fighting we’ve been through to make our family whole. Was God punishing us for our sins? One by one, pictures of my kids flooded my mind. Moments later, the feeling of bullets piercing my body ceased all visions that I was having and everything faded to black.

  TO BE CONTINUED!!!!!

  Chapter 1- Rose`

  I laid in bed completely still too afraid to move. They thought that they had killed me, but they didn’t. The bullet grazed my chest and that’s where the blood was leaking from. I wanted to scream out in pain as I heard the endless gunfire. In my heart, I knew they had killed Remy. Once the room became quiet, I laid in bed for a couple of minutes later just in case they were still in the house. The only sound that could be heard was gurgling. I sat up and I almost passed out at the sight of my husband. He was riddled with bullets and beaten beyond recognition.

  “Whyyyyyyyyyyyy! Please God somebody help me!” I was screaming and panicking. The blood was pouring out everywhere. I could see his eyelids moving, so I knew he was still alive, but barely.

  “RRRR…” Remy was trying to say my name, but I just kissed his lips to silence him. It didn’t matter how bloody he was. I needed to comfort him. The sound of the door being kicked in caused me to jump. Remy was already hanging off of the bed. I was able to pull him onto the floor with me. He grunted in pain from hitting the floor.

  “Shhhhh! Sorry baby.” I laid my head on his chest and I could feel his heartbeat slowing down. I couldn’t help but cry.

  “What the fuck!” I looked up hearing the sound of Boo’s voice. Seconds later, Peanut and my father came into the room as well.

  “Help me carry him out.” My father rushed over and tried to lift him up, but I didn’t want to let him go.

  “Please, Remy, don’t leave me again!” I was crying and holding onto him for dear life.

  “Let go, Rose’. We have to get him to the hospital.” Boo forcefully removed my hands and he assisted with carrying Remy out of the house. I could hear sirens so I knew the police and the ambulance had arrived. I sat in the same place on the floor rocking back and forth. I was covered in Remy’s blood. I couldn’t believe his father was the culprit. Remy is the sweetest man I know. Not just because he’s my husband. From the moment I met him, he was nothing but sweet, kind, and gentle. How could his family do this to him?

  “Mrs. Ramirez, you need medical attention. Let us take you to the hospital.” The paramedics lifted me off of the floor and laid me on a stretcher. Tears just fell from eyes. My heart was hurting so bad for Remy. How could we possibly have a happily ever after with so many people trying to rip us a part. All I want is to be happy with Remy and raise our kids together. From the looks of it, we might not get that.

  *****

  Never in a million years did I ever think I would be standing at a podium giving a speech in honor of my husband. As I looked out into the crowded church, I tried to get a glimpse at all of their faces to see if they are genuine or here to make sure he is dead. Who the fuck was I kidding my husband was loved? He looked out for everybody. Remy had a heart of gold and this turn out showed that. The twenty-four karat gold urn shined brightly as it sat on a beautifully decorated table next to a poster size picture of him. The church was packed to capacity and there was barely standing room. I looked at my family and I was glad they were here to support me in this difficult time in my life. I decided not to allow my kids to be here. This was something that was hard for me so I knew that it would be even harder on him.

  Lost in my thoughts, I forgot that I was standing at the podium and everyone was waiting for me to say something about my husband, my life, and my world. As soon as I got ready to speak, the doors of the church opened and in walked the Devil himself Remy’s father. I immediately became afraid and I ran towards Peanut and Boo. They were already on their feet with their guns out. I was in shock as I saw Madear aiming a shotgun like she was a killer or some shit. The mourners were now in a panic and it was pandemonium as they were running out of the church.

  “I’m here to pay my respects. I see you’re alive and well. You look good for a widow,” Reco said with an evil grin as he walked towards me as if he was going to hug me.

  “Nigga don’t get fucked up!” my daddy said as he stepped in front me still aiming his gun at him. Reco’s men were now aiming their guns at us and we were definitely outnumbered. Tears came to my eyes as I observed Remy’s men standing behind his father. These are the same niggas he put on and made it possible for their families to live a good ass life. I swear there is no fucking loyalty in the game these days.

  “Why are you here? Get the fuck out! Get the fuck out!” I started screaming as I hit his ass. Peanut and Boo pulled me back and held on to me.

  “Fuck that nigga! He has caused you enough hurt and pain. Don’t even give these motherfuckers the time of day. You know Remy wouldn’t want that. Plus, this motherfucker going to get what’s coming to his ass in due time,” Boo said as he aimed his gun at their ass.

  “Got that shit right, Bae! Fuck ass nigga walking around here killing his on flesh and blood,” Honey said from the pew she was now standing on. I swear she acts like she is not with child, but she down for good bullshit. That’s why I love her and Neicee.

  “Is that a threat?”

  “We don’t do threats around this motherfucker we make niggas front page of the newspaper famous. You got us fucked up and this shit ain’t over.”

  “As a matter fact, this shit is over. Your services are no longer needed. My youngest son will be taking over the Ramirez Cartel.” We were all looking at his ass like he was crazy because to our knowledge Remy was the only child. The doors of the church opened again and more niggas came in. I became light headed as I locked eyes with a man I thought I would probably never see again. I fainted, as Ace got closer to me.

  ****

  My eyes fluttered open and I took in my surroundings. I was on our private plane most likely headed to the Hamptons. I sat up in the master bedroom and saw that Honey and Neicee were in bed with me asleep. I stood up and walked out to see where everybody else was at. Peanut, Boo, and My daddy were all asleep in the living room area of the plane. My mother and Madear were in the guest bedroom that was aboard. I smiled as I took in the lavish interior of the plane. Remy went all out when he had this plane designed for our personal travel. Thoughts of my babies crossed my mind and I couldn’t wait to get to them. I was missing them like crazy. I rubbed my sore chest and shoulder from where the bullet had skinned me.

  I immediately began to become enraged at the very thought of Reco Ramirez. I swear I wanted that bitch ass nigga dead. Not to mention, this nigga Ace. I just couldn’t wrap my mind around the fact that his ass was out of prison. The worst part was him supposedly being Reco’s son. I swear I didn’t see the resemblance. Ace looked like he was full-blooded nigga. Shit seems so suspect to me. I couldn’t wait to get to the Hamptons; I had my hands full. I needed all the rest that I could get. I climbed back in bed and Honey was sitting up eating some pizza.

  “Your ass gon’ have heartburn eating that shit this late.”

  “Shhh! Bitch be quiet. I’m not even supposed to be eating this shit. Boo been on my ass since the doctor told me I had High Blood Pressure. I just be so hungry.” I couldn’t do shit but laugh as I watched her eat the whole slice including the damn crust. I laid my head back and stared at the ceiling.

  “All I want is happiness. Why can’t I be happy?” Tears fell from my eyes and I hurried up and wiped them.

  “Everything is going to be okay, Sis. This shit ain’t gon’ do nothing but make you stronger. All this is for the best. You know these niggas got some shit brewing.

  “I know. I love you and Neicee so much. Thanks for leaving the Chi and coming with me.”

  “I love you too. You know we family. At this point, we’re all we got.” I felt so bad that we all had to relocate due to the bullshit. This shit had to get better because I felt like I was losing my mind. All I wanted and needed at the moment was my husband.

  About three hours later, we had made it to our home in the Hamptons. It felt like we were living in a castle. The estate was huge. Everybody basically had their own wings in the house. I was so glad my mother and father were back together and had made shit official. They’re still crazy as hell, but I wouldn’t take them any other way. I was surprised Madear was ready and willing to come out here and help us out. Lord knows we need it. The long flight had me feeling real dirty, and all I wanted was to take a hot bath.

  First, I had to go and check on Remy. Yeah. I know what you’re thinking, but my baby was fighting to survive. That whole memorial service was fake. We wanted the streets to think he had checked out, but he was still here fighting. It looked bleak, but I refused to give up on my husband; he’s so strong and I know that he will come out of this shit. He needs to. I don’t know how I will survive without him here with us.

  I checked on the kids first and they were all asleep. Our nanny Anna was a Godsend and was highly recommended from Remy’s friend Thug. The nanny that takes care of him and his wife’s kids sent her out here for us. After checking on the kids, I made my way to Remy’s room. He needed around the clock care. We had a live in doctor and nurse on call at all times. He was still in a coma and on a ventilator so he needed to be supervised at all times. When I walked inside the room, the nurse was washing him up. I immediately became angry.

  “Don’t ever bathe him. That’s my job. Please go and read over your application. That was a direct order.” I walked over and snatched the sponge from her hand. I looked and Remy’s dick was hard as hell. If he wasn’t in the condition he was in, I would fuck him clean up.

  “I’m sorry, Mrs. Ramirez. His colostomy bag needed to be changed and I made a mistake and made it burst. I couldn’t let him lay in waste.” I felt kind of stupid after hearing that.

  “It’s okay, Lana. I’m sorry for yelling at you. I’ll take over from here. Thanks again.” I moved closer to Remy and placed a kiss on his lips.

  “Hey Baby. I’m back. I missed you so much. You need to hurry up and wake up so that I can tell you about all the bullshit that’s going on. Things are so crazy. The memorial service went off without a hitch. They most definitely think that you’re a dead. Now all you have to do is come up out this coma and get your revenge against your punk ass father. I swear if you don’t wake up soon, I’m going to get his ass myself.”

  As soon as those last words left my mouth, I saw him move his hands that were in restraints. He’s been doing that a lot lately. The doctor said that was a good sign so I was happy about that. I knew he heard everything I was saying and he didn’t like that part about me getting involved. Even in a coma he is still trying to be protective over me. I knew that I wasn’t supposed to, but I climbed in bed with him and fell asleep as soon as I laid my head on his chest.

  I jumped up feeling someone rubbing their hands in my hair. I looked up and Remy’s eyes were now wide open and he had tears coming from his eyes. I couldn’t help but cry and kiss all over him morning breath and all.

  “Oh, my God! Thank you baby for coming back to me. I thought you were never going to wake up. We’ve missed you so much.” Remy couldn’t talk because he had a tube in his throat. I could tell he wanted to say something, but he couldn’t. He started pointing towards the tube.

  “Let me get the doctor and the nurse.” I immediately jumped up and went to wake everybody up.

  “Are you crazy running in the house and screaming like that?” Madear said as I bumped into her running down the hallway to the living quarters we had for the medical staff.

  “He woke up, Madear!”

  “Girl what the hell are you talking about?”

  “Remy! He woke up!” I took off running and I got the medical staff. Minutes later, I made it back to Remy’s room and the whole family was standing around the bed. It warmed my heart to see everybody showing their emotions for him. At this moment, my family was the fucking best if you ask me. They could have been anywhere else in the world, but they are right here with us. They might not be related to Remy by blood, but their loyalty runs deep for him. From the look on his face, I knew this shit meant the world to him.

  “Step out everybody. Let me get his vitals and get these tubes removed.” Doctor Abdullah came in and started ushering all of us out. I wanted to be right there, but I left out with the rest of the family.

  “I’m about to go and cook a big breakfast for everybody! I told yall God is good all the time. He has his hands on this family.”

  We all agreed and hugged one another. I started to get nervous because so much time had passed since the doctor had gone inside. Instead of me pacing outside the door, I headed to my room and took a quick shower. I wanted to be clean and refreshed when I laid eyes on my baby again. I couldn’t believe my baby had woke up.

  “Come in!” I yelled out hearing a knock at the door. I had just finished coming my hair up into a messy ponytail.

  “Mrs. Ramirez, we need to talk,” Dr. Abdullah said as he walked in the room at the same time he gestured for me to have a seat in the chair that sat at the vanity.

  “Is Remy okay?” I became scared as I looked at the expression on the doctor’s face.

  “He’s going to make a full recovery, but he’s paralyzed from the waist down.” I laid my head down on the vanity and I cried so hard. Why is God punishing my husband like this? I thought to myself. I knew it was not the time to give up. He needed me more than ever right now and I intended on being the best wife to him ever.

  *****

  With all of the injuries that Remy had sustained from being shot, he had to sleep in a separate room from me. I hated sleeping without him. Since we made it out here, I haven’t had a good night’s rest. Looking at the clock, I realized it was four in the morning and time for me to give him his medicine. I was dreading trying to give it to him. He had been giving me a rough time and I just didn’t know what to do. Madear had been stepping in and helping out with his care. He would never fight her, but he would always fight me. This shit was hurting my feelings because all I wanted to do was support him during his healing process.

  I got up from the bed and made my way down the hall to where Remy slept. I slowly crept inside and he was sitting up struggling to change his Colostomy bag. As soon as I made it all the way over, I noticed that it had exploded and feces were everywhere. I didn’t say anything I just went and grabbed all the items I needed to clean him up.

  “Don’t!” he said as he knocked my hand away.

  “Stop it, Remy. Let me clean you up. You can’t do this by yourself.” I moved closer to him and I tried to kiss him on the lips, but he moved his face. That hurt me so bad, but I didn’t want him to see me cry. Instead, I put the gloves on and started to clean him up. As I cleaned him up, I noticed that his dick was twitching. I continued to clean him up and change his linen. The nurses at the hospital had taught me how to change it and clean his linen with him still in the bed. After putting him on some fresh boxers and a T-shirt, I grabbed the lotion and rubbed him down with it. As I put some on his feet, I noticed his dick twitching again.

  “Just hurry up and get out.” He caught me looking at it and he hurried up and pulled the cover up over him. Any other time I would have gladly walked out of the room because I didn’t want to upset him anymore than he already was. However, I wasn’t about to do that today.

  “Why are you being so damn mean? All I’m trying to do is help you. I’m your wife. We are in this together.” I moved closer to the head of the bed so that I could look into his eyes.

  “I’m tired, Rose’, and I really don’t feel like talking. Can you just give me the medicine and leave?”

  “Of course, Remy.” I grabbed the meds and gave them to him one by one followed by some water to wash them down. I wanted so badly to say something else, but he had been cold enough and I didn’t no how much more I could take. I kissed him on the cheek and left out of the room. I damn near ran to my room trying to get inside. I fell across the bed and cried so hard. I was at my wits end. I was physically drained and I no longer had any fight in me.

  Chapter 2-Remy

  Death has got to be easy because life is hard. Never in all of my years did I think I would be in wheelchair and rocking a fucking shit bag. Not to mention, at the hands of my father. Growing up, I looked up to my father. He was like my hero. So for him to stand around and watch his henchmen beat and shoot me had hurt my heart to the fullest. I’m a man and I can hold my own but for my parents to treat me like a stranger has me fucked all the way up. All of this because I love my wife.