New Beginnings

Pumpkin Pie

“Boss, they’re awake.”

“Good.”

I got up and walked to the office. Leith was awake and Isla was going in and out.

“Well, look who’s awake. Someone get them some water please.”

“On it boss.”

Isla looked up at me.

“Who are you?”

“Sophia Jones.”

“Was anything you told me true?”

“Everything was besides my name. Everything else was honesty.”

She shook her head.

“Why?”

“Mark hired me to bring you two to America.”

“He will kill me.”

“As soon as I get paid and you’re no longer in my custody, not my problem.”

Cole came back with two water bottles. I took a step forward toward Isla and Leith jerked.

“Relax I am just giving her some water.”

“Drink some first.”

I smiled and took a sip. I held it to her mouth and slowly let her drink some.

“Better?”

“Untie us.”

“Can’t do that.”

I turned to Leith and gave him some water.

“Relax, you’re finally going to be in America with your father like you two talked about.”

Isla looked at us.

“What?”

“Oh your son here has been having private phone calls with your ex husband every day. We hacked into your security system and heard the whole call.”

He shook his head.

“This isn’t what I wanted.”

“Oh I know. All I am doing is my job and after that, what happens isn’t my business.”

“You’re nothing what I thought you’d be.”

I squatted down and looked Leith in his eyes.

“Believe me, I know.”

“Does your boyfriend know about this?”

I chuckled then stood up. I opened the door.

“Baby, come here.”

Tariq stood up and walked over to us.

“What’s up?”

I turned to Isla.

“This is my boyfriend. He works with me.”

I kissed him. Then he went back to his seat.

“Do you know any other options?”

“No. I cannot afford starting a gang war with Mark right now. We are getting him moved and set up in a different area because he was causing issues in my state. So, I made a deal with him. Do this job and he leaves. I’m getting paid of course.”

“How much?”

“Classified.”

“Where is he moving?”

“Classified.”

She rolled her eyes.

“I deserve to know.”

“No, you really don’t.”

There was a knock at the door.

“We land in a few hours.”

“Thank you.”

I turned to them.

“Well, you two are traveling with me to Mark’s old estate. Once I get my money, I hand you two off to him. After that I am going home and seeing my puppy.”

“You’re heartless.”

“Not really. I have a job to do and I’m doing it. Mark wanted me to just kill you in Scotland and bring Leith only.”

She looked at me.

“Why didn’t you?”

“I don’t kill innocents. I only kill men that deserve it. Mass murders, rapists, abusers, all of them. I just came here to do my job.”

I opened the door.

“Cole, bring the drug.”

“Drug? What’re you doing to us?”

“To move you better and so you don’t fight, we are drugging Leith. He would put up a better fight. Relax, he will be asleep for a few hours which will give us time to get the money.”

Cole injected the drug into Leith’s neck and within a few minutes he was asleep.

“I can’t believe you’re doing this.”

“I’m sorry. I really did like you but I like my job more.”

I walked out and sat down. I put my face in my hands and started taking shaky breaths. I hate acting like this heartless person but I have to.

“Come here.”

Tariq pulled me onto his lap and hid my face so no one saw that I was hurting. 

“It’s almost over.”

“That doesn’t make me feel any better.”

“I know but soon we are going to be almost two million dollars richer, another ally, another job done, got to travel to Scotland, and spent time together.”

I chuckled.

“True.”

I fell asleep until we landed then they transferred Isla and Leith into the back of the truck. Tariq got in the passenger seat and held a gun pointed at them so they weren’t tempted to do anything. I started driving and within the hour we arrived at Mark’s home. He came outside and greeted me.

“Sophia, a sight for sore eyes. How was the trip?”

“It was well. Do you have my money?”

“Waiting to be counted.”

“Perfect. While we chat I am sending in my cleaners to count the money and to make sure none of the bills are fake. I’m not accusing you of anything, it’s just a precaution.”

“I understand. Did you enjoy Scotland?”

“I did. We saw a couple castles, rented a boat and watched the sunrise on the loch, walked around the area we were in a few times, went shopping, and did a lot in a few days.”

“Well I am sorry you had to cut your trip short.”

“It’s alright. I went there to do a job and have some fun and well, I did both.”

He smiled. He looked behind me and saw Isla and Leith in the back of my truck and Leith was asleep.

“Why is Leith knocked out?”

“We had to give him a sedative to move him because I didn’t want to risk him getting violent.”

“And he’s okay?”

“Yes. He will be a little dizzy but water and sleep will cure that. I assure you, my team and I made sure that no harm came to them.”

He took a breath.

“I don’t think you should kill Isla. I think it’ll hurt your son and make him hate you.”

“She will get between us.”

“Help her understand. Show her that there is more to this life than death.”

“How?”

“Show her what good we do to our community. My gang funds the churches and the shelters, Angel funds the schools for art and fashion, and I know plenty of others that fund other organizations. I personally make sure that every alliance and deal we make gives back to our community so we can build back and help people who need it. Show her that. Show her the good you have done.”

He nodded his head.

“For being so young, you are very wise.”

“I’m not wise, I care. And I want peace with you and your son because when he takes over, he is going to try to come for me and I do not want to have a gang war.”

“Neither do I. I’m in your territory.”

Cam and Manny walked out with the suitcases of cash.

“All of it’s here and it’s all clean. We are good to go.”

I looked back at Mark.

“I’ll wake him up and make sure you get to Colorado safely. I have people waiting for you so you can make a deal and start running your business.”

He shook my hand.

“Pleasure working with you.”

“You as well.”

I opened Leiths door and threw water at his face, waking him up. He opened his eyes and looked at me.

“Where are we?”

“Your fathers home. I convinced him to let Isla live.”

They looked at me.

“Why?”

“I’m not a heartless monster. I had a job to do and I know that if he killed Isla, you would kill him the moment you get a chance.”

Leith smiled at me.

“You’re not as bad as I thought.”

“Oh but I can be. Move.”

I pulled him out of the car and over to Mark. I cut the zip ties off of his wrists and walked away. I walked up to Isla and brought her over to them and cut her zip ties too. Before I could walk away I felt someone's hand on my arm. I turned around and it was Leith.

“I thank you.”

“For?”

“Bringing us all back together.”

“All I did was my job.”

Well thank you Mari- Sophia.”

I chuckled.

“You’re welcome. I have to get home now.”

I got in the truck and the cases were in the backseat. We went to the house and as soon as I pulled into our new driveway, I felt a wave of calm come over me. I smiled then I looked at Tariq.

“Home.”

“Are you ready?”

“More than.”

We got out of the truck and grabbed out bags. He opened the door and I saw all of our friends and family waiting for us.

“Welcome home!”

I looked at Tariq and all he could do was smile.

“You were in on this?”

“My idea.”

I kissed him then I started hugging everyone. The boys brought all of our things inside and put them in a room upstairs.

“Now I would love to catch up with everyone, but where is my dog?”

Rose walked up to me and handed me Apollo. His ears were standing up and he was so cute.

“My baby.”

I started kissing his little floppy head and they all laughed at me. We sat down and they all questioned up about what happened, what we saw, what we ate, everything. After a few hours I looked at Tariq and pulled him to the side.

“We haven’t told them all about the baby.”

“You wanna do it now?”

“I think it’s best.”

“Alright. But you’re doing it.”

I chuckled then he kissed my forehead. We walked to the living room.

“Can I have everyone’s attention please!”

They started quieting down and looked at us. I took a breath and Tariq grabbed my hand.

“We have some news, I’m pregnant.”

Corina chuckled, Cam and Michael gave each other the look, and everyone else started cheering.

I heard Michael say to Cam, “You knew and didn’t tell me?!”

Everyone came over and started hugging us and congratulating us. After a few more hours everyone started leaving and I walked upstairs to what our room is going to be and collapsed onto the bed. After a little bit Tariq came in and laid down next to me. I was half asleep when he started talking to me then I felt him taking my shoes off. I felt him take my clothes off and put me in one of his shirts then a few minutes later he came back and laid down with me. 

He wrapped his arms around me and we fell asleep immediately. I woke up to the sun in my eyes so I got up and walked downstairs. The cold marble floor against my feet felt amazing and relaxing. I took Apollo out of his cage and walked him outside and into the backyard. I sat on the concrete while he ran around the yard. 

I looked around and thought about all of the different things we could do out here. I started thinking about buying Tariq a grill and having a patio all set up for cookouts and stringing up some pretty lights. I felt a pair of arms around my waist and I could smell his cologne.

“What’re you out here brainstorming?”

“It’s going to be your birthday surprise.”

“I don’t know if I like the sound of that.”

“You will love it.”

I turned around and kissed him.

“Do you wanna start unpacking now or wait a little while for some people to get here?”

“Start doing some things now. I wanna get our bedroom done first thing.”

“Alright. So you wanna stick with the white?”

“Yeah. I like it.”

“What if the baby colors on it?”

“We can clean it. It’s not super hard.”

He chuckled.

“Oh boy.”

“Need I remind you that I was a child raising my younger brothers. I know a few tricks on how to stop them from doing it.”

“Well let’s get started on our room.”

“Can you run and grab coffee first? I’ll get started but I need coffee.”

He chuckled then kissed me.

“I’ll be back.”

“Thank you, I love you.”

“I love you too.”

He walked away then left to go get coffee. I went back to our room and put some shorts on and moved the dresser to where I wanted it to go. I started unloading the boxes when I heard Apollo barking downstairs so I took off running. There was a knock at the door so I opened it.

“Hello, did you just move in?”

He was a six foot, lightskin, waves, kinda skinny but a little thick, and decently attractive male.

“Yes.”

I picked up Apollo.

“Sorry about him. We are training him to be alert.”

“Well he was alert. He knew I was here before I knocked.”

I set him down and stepped outside then shut the door.

“I’m sorry. My name is Louis.”

“It’s nice to meet you. My name is Sophia.”

He shook my hand then chuckled.

“I’m sorry you just look familiar.”

“Well debating on from where, that might be a good or bad thing.”

He started laughing.

“No it’s a good thing, I’m sure of it.”

“Well if it helps my last name is Jones.”

His eyes lit up.

“Are you Marcus Johnson's stepdaughter?”

I smiled then looked away.

“Oh that’s not a good look.”

“No I just haven’t talked to any of them in a while now. I moved out and well, a lot has happened.”

“Sorry you probably don’t recognize me because we haven’t seen each other in like seven years but I’m Toya’s step-son.”

My eyes got wide.

“Holy hell.”

I gave him a hug then we started laughing.

“Yeah it’s been a really long time.”

“You look completely different from when you were ten.”

“And you when you were thirteen.”

“So do you live alone?”

“No with my boyfriend. He should be back any minute now with coffee because lord knows I need it.”

He chuckled.

“Your mom loves her some coffee.”

“Sadly I got her caffeine addiction.”

We laughed again.

“Well it was good seeing you again and just knock if you need anything. It’s been a while since I’ve seen a familiar face.”

I smiled.

“Same goes for you cuz.”

He left and I went back inside and went to the room. I finished unpacking his boxes and mine then I worked my way into our private bathroom. I heard the door open and shut then Tariq laughing at the dog.

“I’m back!”

“Coming!”

I ran down the stairs and saw him in the kitchen. He handed me my coffee then he made a face.

“Who’s cologne is that?”

“How-”

“Who was here? I don’t wear cheap ass cologne.”

“Damn, you don’t gotta do my cousin dirty like that.”

He took a breath.

“Relax, our neighbor came over to introduce himself, I found out he’s my aunt’s stepson, we caught up because we haven’t seen each other in seven years, he gave me a hug then left.”

“That’s it?”“Yes baby. He wasn’t even flirting before we realized we were cousins.”

I gave him a kiss then we sat down.

“I was working on our bathroom but I finished all of our clothes. I didn’t want to do our bed and hurt myself so I decided to wait for the boys so you guys can do that. While we wait can you start in the kitchen and I will finish the bathroom and come help finish the kitchen?”

“Sounds good to me.”

“Perfect.”

I gave him a kiss then walked upstairs. I opened one of the last few boxes and started organizing the bathroom. I played some music while I did that then I opened Tariq’s suitcase to get his bathing things put away but I saw a little baggy that had a smaller ring case in it. I remembered that he bought a ring for his mom so I set it on the dresser and finished unpacking his things. 

He came upstairs after a little while and saw that his suitcase was open.

“Did you go through my stuff?”

“No I was getting your bathroom stuff out of your bag so I could organize it. Why?”

“Where’s the ring?”

“I remembered you got it for your mom so I set it on the dresser.”

“Did you open it or anything?”

“No?”

I looked at him.

“What’s with the game of twenty questions?”

I was just wondering.”

“Mhmm, what’re you hiding?”

“Nothing. I promise you baby I am not hiding anything I was just wondering why my stuff was open and where the ring went. It wasn’t cheap and I don’t want to lose it.”

“Alright.”

There was a knock at the door so we walked downstairs and it was Cam, Michael, Cole, Manny, and a few of Tariq’s friends.

“Who called for some manly men to help move in?”

I chuckled.

“You must have the wrong address because we called for some guys with balls not a group of pussies.”

Tariq started dying laughing and Cam and Michael chased me through the house and started tickling me. When we were done we walked back to the living room.

“Okay so I know I am the boss and you are tired of taking orders from me but if something goes wrong, pregnant or not, I am beating you ass with your own leg. So, I need Tariq and Cam to go set up the bed and make sure it lines up with the dresser. All of the furniture is in the garage.”

We started unpacking everything then I heard a crash upstairs so I sprint up there and I saw Tariq and Cam on the floor, crying laughing.

“What happened?”

“This i***t dropped it on his foot and said, ‘pumpkin pie assholes.’”

I started laughing. They got up and calmed down and finished setting up the bed then I put the sheets and bedding on the mattress then we went downstairs and they tried putting the couch in the living room. 

“Hell no. Baby I love you, but you are not putting this couch in this living room. It’s going in you man cave and do not try arguing with me. I have a couch on the way here that matches better and isn’t girly.”

He looked at me.

“Do I have any say in this matter at all?”

“Nope now get this ugly thing downstairs.”

They all started laughing then brought the couch into the basement. I walked into the garage and started bringing the boxes into the living room. I opened one of them and saw the dildo so I closed it immediately and ran it to the room and put it under the bed. I walked down stairs and they all stared at me.

“Can I help you?”

“Why’d you run up there like that?”

“Don’t worry about it.”

Cam and Michael tried walking towards the stairs.

“I really wouldn’t want to see what it is if I were you two.”

“Why?”

“Do you really want me to flat out just say it and gross everyone other than Tariq out?”

They looked at each other then it clicked in Tariq’s mind.

“Oh shit.”