My words stop when I feel someone yoking me from behind. I was so caught up in punishing Kita that I didn’t realize she didn’t embark on this stupid mission alone. Cherelle, Rush’s other text message bully and cousin, drags me off Kita. As she does, I kick my legs out, aiming at Kita.
Cherelle is quicker than Kita but not quick enough. I quickly gain control and latch my arms around her and pull her down. We tussle and I end up on top. I pound her face with more fury than I had with Kita. I’m giving her the business too until Kita’s big ass pulls me off Cherelle. When she does, Cherelle scurries back and gets up. All three of us are on our feet. I’m outnumbered, and maybe outmatched, but I’m even more outraged. They came here for a fight and I’m going to give them one.
Right when I square up, my front door opens and the sound of my daughters’ voices distracts me. “Close the door and go back in your room,” I rush out right before they get me.
Kita and Cherelle rush and tackle me like two fucking linebackers. All I can think about is my babies seeing this and they take full advantage. They ram into me and something happens with my foot. I lose all balance and fall back, hard. Averi’s scream is the last thing I hear before my head hits the large flowerpot on the side of my door.
Chapter 23
Xai
Although my baby still hasn’t unblocked me, I’m still on a high from last night. She didn’t keep me shut out. She opened her door and admitted she still loves me. That’s all I needed to know. I took my ass home, showered, and slept like a muthafucka. I even got my damn appetite back. I fucked up one of the donuts Trista brought to the shop this morning and I’m at Phat Fish now waiting on my fried red snapper dinner.
“Eighty-one,” the man at the counter yells out. I’m eighty-three so my food should be up soon.
Phat Fish is a staple on the Southside. It fed Kadean and me too many nights when we lived in The Manor, and sometimes, I just want hot, fried fish. It’s a “you buy, we fry” seafood marketand restaurant. Since they cook to order, it’s so much better to call ahead. If I hadn’t, I would be waiting in the long ass line outside.
“Eighty-two,” a different man on the other end of the counter calls out right when my cell vibrates in my pocket. I pull it out and see it’s Adora. I can only imagine how big and goofy my smile is as I answer.
“Hey, love.”
“Xai…Xai,” Averi stutters through sobs.
My fucking heart drops in my stomach as I turn and rush out of the restaurant. Whatever is wrong, I’m coming to fucking fix it.
“Averi, what’s wrong?” I ask.
“It’s Mommie,” she begins and I hear Romi wailing in the background.
Fuck!
“They fought her. She fell and hit her head,” she cries and I’m already in my truck.
“Where are you? At the house?” I ask, trying to keep my tone calm. She’s already hysterical and I don’t want to scare her more.
“Yes. Home. She’s on the porch,” she cries.
“Is she moving? Talking?” I ask.
“Not a lot,” she says and I exhale.She’s moving.
“Okay. I’m almost there. Where’s Romi?” I ask, trying to keep her preoccupied by anything but her momma being hurt.
“She’s right here.”
“Can you tell her to get your momma’s purse and keys?” I ask.
“Okay. Romi, get Mommie’s purse out of her room,” she says, then sighs. “She getting it. You coming right now?” she confirms. Her little voice is mixed with fear, concern, and anxiety.
“Yes. I’ll be there very soon,” I say as I barrel through the city, saying fuck it to all traffic laws.
“Romi got her purse.”
“Good. Tell her thank you.”
“He said thank you,’” she says.
“Do y’all have on shoes? When I get there, we’re leaving. I need y’all to be ready.”
