PROLOGUE
Jen
# MLK Weekend 2003
I was getting ready to leave Sasha’s when Lace insisted on staying over with me. We packed the kids up, and Nika packed up DD, and we all left Sasha’s at the same time. I tried calling Axel on the way in to see if he needed anything while I was out, but he didn’t answer. I pulled into my parking spot, and Lace pulled in right next to me. I was ready to get into the house and hang with my man for a bit. I really wished Lace had stayed at Sasha’s. I wanted alone time with Axel.
“Hold on!” Lace yelled as I was about to enter the house.
“Can you give me a hand?” she asked. I walked back over to her car and grabbed T’s bag. Her hands weren’t full; she didn’t need the help. We walked to the door laughing about a story Sasha shared with us earlier that day. I opened the door and walked in. I heard Lace scream before I saw anything.
“Alisha, T,” she yelled, “come with me!” she said as she ushered the kids out the house. I stood there in disbelief. Axel was laid out on the floor. I ran over to Axel and attempted CPR, but it was too late. He was gone. I could tell he was dead by the dried-up foam that had come out of his mouth, and he had no pulse. I don’t remember screaming any, but I do remember crying and crying hysterically. Lace called 911 and must have called Nika and Sasha right after. They arrived within minutes of the cops arriving.
