A Gangster's Girl by Chunichi Page A

possibly be bad news. There was a letter from social services as well. We figured we would encourage her to read that letter just in case she decided to take custody of the baby.
    Tionna was glad to get home. She was happy to see the house in such great condition. We all ate and laughed and enjoyed each other’s company. Tionna was happier, but she still wasn’t quite her self. After we ate dinner, she inquired about the mail. We handed it to her and she glanced at each envelope quickly.
    â€œIs this all the mail?” she asked.
    â€œWhat? That’s not enough bills for you?” I said jokingly, and we all laughed—all except Tionna.
    â€œYeah, I was just expecting my test results from the health department,” she responded disappointedly.
    â€œWe hid it, girl. We thought that maybe you shouldn’t read it right away,” India admitted, hating to see her in such misery. Then, she went to retrieve the envelope and handed it to her.
    Tionna hesitantly opened the letter. After what seemed like an hour, Tionna began to cry. But this wasn’t her ordinary cry.
    â€œWhat does it say? What does it say?” Carmin asked impatiently.
    Tionna responded very slowly. “Well it says . . . that . . . that . . . all my tests, well . . . they were . . . negative. There are currently no traces of HIV or STDs in my system.”
    For the first time in a long time, we were all happy. This situation brought us all together as one. It even brought Meikell back into the group.
    â€œGuys, after all that we have been through, I have realized life is too short and that I need to make some changes. I’m going to give up escorting and dancing,” Meikell vowed.
    â€œYou’re making the right decision, Mickie. If you need anything, let me know. We’re here for you,” I said while smiling at Mickie to show my appreciation.
    We all began to hug and cry. At that moment, we all realized anything could happen to any of us at any time. Life is too short and we should cherish those we have, because they might be gone tomorrow.
    â€œOne . . . two . . . three,” Mickie counted.
    â€œFriendship is forever!” we all shouted in unison.

Chapter 7
    What Goes on in Cancun, Stays in Cancun
    Two years had passed since Vegas and I first got together, so we decided to celebrate by taking a trip for two to Cancun, Mexico. The flight there was great. It was Vegas’ first time flying and he was terrified. It was funny to watch the terror in his face as we loaded the plane and took off. I never saw him so afraid.
    â€œWill you be having dinner and drinks?” the airline attendant asked once we were in the air.
    Vegas shook his head vehemently. “No dinner for me. I don’t think I can hold it. But I will take a Remy and Baileys.” After his first drink, we began to drink shots of Quervo 1800. Before I knew it, Vegas was tore up and began yelling, “Shots for everyone.”
    His ass ended up buying the whole plane shots of 1800. Once we landed at the airport, things were chaotic. People were everywhere, yelling and reaching for our bags. We allowed one of the overly zealous guys to take our bags and lead us to the loading area. There were cabs, vans and limos waiting for passengers. We decided to go with the limo. On the way to the hotel, Vegas drank a Corona. The Coronas there were huge! They were in black bottles the size of champagne bottles.
    Once at the hotel, we checked in and headed directly to our room. The room resembled a small apartment. There was a separate area for the living room and kitchen, and through the French doors was the bedroom. Attached to the bedroom was an enormous balcony that overlooked the ocean. We could see everything on the beach. The balcony was equipped with a table, two chairs and even a blind we could pull down to block out the sun and add privacy. The bathroom had a standing shower and a whirlpool tub. There was even a telephone on the