Trap House by A Boogie "Big gun like I'm Rambo, keep on talking I'ma back out, look who got the last laugh now; Nigga this is my trap house"

Dave lightly tugged the crook of Sage's arm, causing her to stumble back to where he was standing in the corner. She caught sight of his wink as the last of her guests for her babyshower were piling in the ballroom. She held out her hand and he led the way down the hall and into a private room. The room they stepped into was medium sized and brightly lit. Sage looked up at her man, he was clad in a camel colored button down and some slacks, probably his favorite designer, Tom Ford. Today his scent was Sauvage by Dior instead of his usual cologne and his hair was braided to perfection thanks to her.

"I just wanted some alone time with you," he said. He hasn't seen the mother of his child since they stepped through the door of the venue. Ella and Sage's mother had the privilege of setting up the tea party themed event. They made sure to have strict security at the entrance who only allowed those with full names and ID matched from the list. Dave spent most of his time being dragged around by Ella and Ezra introducing them to the close friends and family members that were invited. Most of them seemed to take well to him or at least tolerate the fact that he was having a baby with their loved one.

"You okay?" She questioned, her voice laced with concern. She stepped forward and latched her hands with his, "We can leave soon." The softness of her voice and the etched eyebrows encouraged a lie out of him. He was not okay, of course it wasn't something he needed to discuss with her.

"Yeah, baby." He reassured her. She hugged his side and felt his gun print. She gulped and pushed any pessimistic thoughts trying to intrude, she just wanted to enjoy herself. "Hey, you haven't had nightmares all week, that's a first."

Sage flashed a genuine smile because she was proud at the progress. They were both aware that this victory didn't mean that it would be the last of her nightmares or she wouldn't have her obsessive paranoia here and there, but it did mean she was closer to healing. Her nightmares had Dave embrace her with his arms and she'd slowly fall back asleep. If he wasn't home he'd try and talk her through the night but lately he's noticed they weren't as frequent. "Thank you for helping me through them...always. And baby I'm sorry I don't talk--"

"Listen, I never got to tell you this...but I wish I could take away the hurt and trauma from that time. I used to live with no regret but my biggest one is not being able to prevent that situation. And I know you gonna have your way of handling things so all I could do is be there for you." Dave finished his talking and noticed her eyes were watery. The tears were of joy though and she reached up and cuddled his neck. Their moment was interrupted by a soft knock at the door.

Before either one of them had a chance to answer, Ella waltzed in with a glass of champagne in her hand. "There you are, bestie!" She was ecstatic to see the woman who put all of this together with the help of her mother. Dave bent down and pecked her forehead before nodding to Ella.

"Wassup, Ella?" He gave her a small side hug and watched the two girls screech and greet each other.

"Oh nothing! Just came to see the mama and kid." She slurred. She was clearly intoxicated but she deserved it after weeks of hard work. Dave's phone beeped, signaling Aubrey's special ringtone. He excused himself and headed out the room to leave the two girls alone.

"This shower is marvelous," Sage said graciously. She hugged her best friend and pulled back. "I have something for you." Ella's facial expression twisted in confusion as her best friend rummaged through a coat closet and pulled out a white gift bag. It was on a hanger for easy access.

"Girl, this is your day! Why am I getting anything?" Her eyebrow perked as she swayed in the middle of the room. "Although I hope it's another Chanel bag."

She playfully slapped her arm in response but placed the handle of the bag in her hands. "It's just for appreciation. Thank you for being by my side and sticking by through thick and thin."

"You can't do this while I'm drunk, crazy." She sniffled a little and peeked through the opening of the bag, before grabbing what seemed to be a fabric scrapbook. Her eyes immediately started to well up as the cover of the book had a picture of the two of them from Sage's polaroid. Already knowing the sentiment that was going to be in the book, Ella struggled to hold back tears. She set down her champagne glass and glanced at the very first page that held pictures of just her and then the both of them, then pictures of the whole gang. "I love you. I didn't even know you were using your camera again."

Sage nodded in agreement, her heart bled with sisterly love. She snaked her arm around her slightly taller friend and gently placed her head on her shoulder. "I love you too."

"Enough of this though, we gotta go mingle a little more," Ella snapped out of her sentimental daze and turned to look at Sage.

"Yeah, let's go waddle back out there together before my mom freaks out about not seeing me," Sage agreed. The two laughed as they reintegrated into the get together.

***

Dave shut the door to the room that held Ella and Sage and answered the phone. The phone call came at the perfect time since he was able to slip away. "Yo," he acknowledged Aubrey on the other line.

"Yo, we know where Jay at. He just shot up the warehouse." Aubrey's voice had a sense of urgency, he stood by their Rolls, watching as Dave walked towards him. The men were parked a few blocks away from the venue.

"We gotta go. I ain't got no vest but fuck it!" Dave exclaimed. Finally approaching Aubrey, the two hopped in his car and sped away.

"I think that fuck nigga waiting for us. He's not stupid, my nigga, he's baiting us," Aubrey said angrily. His grip on the wheel tightened as he got stuck in traffic. "Fuck this!" He managed to weave through small cracks and crevices of the cars packed neatly on the street, accelerating them ahead.

"That's exactly why we taking the bait. Tired of playing cat and mouse."

The sound of honking and curses from fellow drivers caught in Aubrey's reckless driving could be heard. Ignoring them he amped up the music on the radio even further. The drive was worth it as it wasn't long before they arrived at a trap in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn.

"Man duck!" Dave bellowed as bullets sprayed their surrounding area. Instead of discouraging them from moving forward, the two inched closer to the door and bust it open with guns pointed.

Dave stepped in front of Aubrey and listened for more commotion upstairs but he was met with silence. Suddenly, an angry Jay appeared and pulled his trigger. Their reflexes were faster though as both boys dropped to the side and began to shoot back. Luckily, Jay's aim was poor and only managed to graze Dave's shoulder. He felt the blood trickle down his arm, but he ignored it since the adrenaline was all he felt. Aubrey got Jay in the leg, bringing him down but that didn't stop Jay. One thing about him was that he never backed down no matter what. He was consistent with trying to meet his end goal even if he was at a disadvantage. Dave didn't want to admit it but that was something he respected.

The three men were in a tight stairway blowing rounds into the wall. This was a dirty war, and the end was here and now. For a long time, it was like the two have been competing and orchestrating behind the scenes. In a split second Jay was staring down at the barrel of the gun before Dave pulled the trigger. The blood from his enemy splattered everywhere as his life was leaving him.

"He's gone?" Aubrey asked.

"Yeah, forreal this time..."

Endnote: Thank you for your patience and continued support! How do you feel about this chapter? Did it make you sad, happy, or angry? Was there anyone rooting for Jay? Do you think Dave and Sage are gonna live happily after now? What about Ella and Aubrey? Predictions?