That’s how the woman that fucking birthed me treated me. Made me seem like the bad guy when I ain’t done shit but loved her.
My first heartbreak was Pop’s death, then her after she nursed me back to health and the policy money was spent. She ain’t loved me the same. I’ve been alone since the day we put Pops in the dirt.
The afternoon’s air had clung to me, and the heaviness mirrored what I felt. “You took my husband away from me.”I didn’t mean it. It came out in the heat of the moment. Now those were words I couldn’t take back.
The look, the hurt and pain that washed over Courtland’s face was etched in my mind. It left me breathless as the pipes of his truck rushed away from the community.
I leaned against the side of my car holding my chest.
I still remember that awful, dreadful day.
I was nursing a two-month-old Maleek on the night of Andre’s fight.
“Don’t forget your bottle.” I pointed to the dresser as Andre was about to pass it.
“That’s why I married you,” he complimented, kissing my lips and rushing off, almost forgetting the water bottle on the way out.
I giggled as I rocked Maleek.
He grabbed him and kissed him before handing him back to me. “See you in a little bit, Leek.”
“Alright, Ma.” Courtland rushed into the room.
I side-eyed him. “Is your homework finished?”
“Yeah.”
“It better be, otherwise he’ll be staying home,” Andre said, coming back into the room.
“Yeah, Ma. I got this.” Courtland groaned.
“Alright now. I’m taking your word for it.”
“Come on, Court,” Andre called out.
“Gotta go, Ma.” He made a dash for it before kissing the side of my head. “See you Maleek.” He pinched his cheek.
“Love y’all!” Courtland yelled out.
Maleek giggled then whined after realizing Courtland was leaving. For him to be small, he understood when his brother wasn’t around. And when Courtland got home, he’d sit and play with him, feed and watch him while I did things around the house. He was such a good brother.
They rushed out the door.
After getting Maleek down for bed, I ate and cleaned.
Sometime later, Andre’s manager stopped by.
I thought nothing of it.
Back then, I trusted him more than I should.
The house was quiet except the television being on for background noise. But there was this feeling that I couldn’t shake. Like the hairs on the back of my neck stood up.
The phone rang off the hook followed by knocks on my door. It woke Maleek up. Everything happened at lightspeed. WhenI opened the door for my sister Melinda, the weariness on her face scared me.
She took Maleek from me.
“Theresa, have a seat.” She sat down, cradling the baby.
