Mook didn't hear anything I said. His red eyes lowered, and he lunged at me. With quick reflexes, I grabbed a handful of the powdered coke on the table and threw it in his face.
"Argh!" he yelled and stumbled around like a drunk. He was temporarily blinded. "I'ma kill you, bitch!"
I snatched my backpack and purse from the floor and flew out of his place and into my car. I'd barely had Deshoni strapped in his car seat before I hauled ass away.
<<<
I cried in the car softly as I pulled into the first late-night convenience store drive-thru available. As I waited for the essentials I ordered for us, I texted my best friend, Trek, and told him I was on my way with Deshoni. Minutes went by before he responded that he wasn't there, but to use the spare key inside the hanging pathos plant next to his front door.
Trek loved flowers. He was a big ass gangsta, but he also had a natural green thumb. I shot back my reply, then pulled out of the drive-thru once I got my order. It was a little after ten o'clock, so it wasn't super late.
The drive to Trek's house seemed to be hella long. We'd only lived half an hour away from each other, but it felt like it took me hours to arrive. My heart kept trying to steer me back to Mook, but my head said to continue to Trek.
For the first time ever, I listened to my head. "Whew!" I released another deep sigh.
My sobbing session picked up again. I was completely heartbroken. Did I have the strength to actually walk away from Mook? I wasn't sure, but only time would tell.
I'd finally made it to Trek's lavish three-story home. I entered his PIN code on his PIN pad, and once the gates opened, I drove through and up his driveway. My eyes looked in my rearview.
Deshoni was sound asleep. All that crying had tired my poor baby out. I'd make us all a big breakfast in the morning. Just staring at his little face made my tears resurface. This would be a long ass week for us, but I'd do everything I could to make the transition easier for us. We were safe and in a better space.
"Here goes nothing," I voiced out loud.
I exited my vehicle and removed Deshoni and his stuffy. We hiked up the three steps to Trek's front door, then dug out his key from his hanging flowerpot.
Deshoni and I entered Trek's lavish home. I then tiredly climbed the stairs and headed to the guest bedroom we usually stayed in when we came over. It was the next biggest bedroom, next to Trek's room.
I gently laid Deshoni on the bed. I made quick work of undressing him and giving him a good wipe down. Before I fully pulled up his fresh pull-up, I placed a little ointment between the creases of his thighs and around his private area.
He'd sat in that soiled diaper so damn long that I didn't want to run the risk of him catching a little rash. Tomorrow he'd get a good bath. Once my baby was snuggled in bed by the wall, I took my time and brought our things in.
I put Trek's key back where it was and made sure my car and his house were locked up. My body was worn out. I felt so heavy and drained mentally, emotionally, and physically.
My tears wanted to fall again, but I was already over crying. As broken as my heart was, I craved a hot shower and bed more than anything right now. I'd worry about my feelings and emotions tomorrow.
When I made it inside my new room for a while, I plopped down on the bed and scarfed down the room-temperature fast food. I hated eating so late, but if I didn't eat tonight, I'd be grumpier in the morning. After I ate my cheeseburger and stale fries, I jumped right into the shower.
Naturally, I cried a little more. A gut-wrenching cry expelled from me. My heart was shattered. I hugged myself tightly as the hot water pelted against my skin.
Niggas would never understand the hurt and pain they put you through. They'd never understand the sacrifices you make to forgive their mistakes and indiscretions. Women give men so much grace and fill their cups all day, every damn day. Yet, when we look around, that same grace, patience, or loyalty isn't reciprocated. The more I thought about that, the more I stopped crying. I grew angrier instead of continuing to pity myself. I should've been left. I deserved so much better. Deshoni was both of our son, and he deserved better. We'd survived without Mook. We had no choice.
Feeling pity for myself was out of the question. I had to be strong for my son and myself. Deshoni and I had a solid support system around us. My parents would forever be there for us, but I'd hear nonstop how they warned me to leave Mook. Well, they'd be happy to finally know I did. The only thing I feared now was if he'd really kill me.
After I scrubbed my body clean and moisturized, I dressed. I crept into Trek's bedroom, and his signature fragrance of citrus,spice, and a fresh, clean scent filled my nose. I instantly felt safe and loved.
He was really the only person I needed. His big steppa energy, soft touch, and nurturing presence would forever calm the storms in me. Since he wasn't here at the moment, I had to settle for my other routine.
I grabbed his tablet off the charger and exited his room. My eyes roamed over the room door next to his. It was the only room in the house I wasn't allowed to go into. Well, I could, but he said I wasn't ready for what was inside yet. How could I ever be if I didn't know what was on the other side?
I reached for the knob but then thought better of it. I'd been through enough for the day. I'd wait until I had the courage to find out.
I headed back into my room. Once inside, I slipped under the plush covers and settled in. I'd worry about tomorrow, tomorrow. I went to my favorite Lofi state of mind channel on WeTube and allowed the serene and animated channel to lull me to sleep.
Chapter 2
Trek Mounts
Iparked in the back lot of the nightclub. Besides the owners and managers, I was the only one with the privilege to do so. I had what they ordered, and they wanted their shipment.
