Page 23 of His To Obey

Standing I braced myself for the hug I knew was coming. She pulled me in tight and exhaled deep. Surprisingly I needed her warm arms wrapped around me. I exhaled as well and squeezed her a little tighter.

“How are you momma, you look beautiful.” I spoke as I pulled away and took my seat across from her.

“Really, thank you baby. I’ve been good. I got some good news.”

“Do you? Tell me, tell me, tell me.” I danced a little in my seat like a schoolgirl.

“My appeal is up for review!”

“What? Are you serious? That’s great news momma. How long does it take to review?”

“Oh, I don’t know baby, it could be months, but the point is, it’s finally being reviewed.” I smiled sweetly at my mother. She looked hopeful and the feeling was contagious. I would do anything to have her home and free. My mind drifted back to the day that changed our worlds forever.

“Your momma’s stingy ass ain’t helped me in weeks and I need it. Get over here girl.” He pulled at my covers, and I fought against his pull

“No get out of my room! You are my dad. You are supposed to protect me!” I scream.

My mom told me my parents are my protectors and a safe space, I should never feel unsafe around them. Up until now I never had a reason to feel unsafe.

Just as he lifted towards me, the door flew open and the light flicked on. I raised my hand shielding me from the brightness of it. My mom stood there with a shotgun and her large house coat on.

“Calvin, if you don’t want to meet the Lord, I suggest you get the fuck out of this room.” Her voice was calm damn near scary it was so calm. I cowered further in the corner afraid that her bullet may miss and hit me. Because I knew for a fact she was preparing to shoot.

“Get the fuck out of here Dawn, you black bitch!” He roared in her direction.

“I will be your black bitch Calvin, but you got three seconds to move before this black bitch light yo white ass up.” He chuckled before reaching on the ground and scooping up the liquor bottle. He raised it to his lips and slowly stood as he gulped down the brown liquid.

“Three.” My mom began her count down. I pulled my knees to my chest and covered my ears prepared for the blast. “Two.” She lifted the gun higher and aimed. “One…” Before she could shoot Calvin threw the bottle in her direction and my momma ducked just in time. It barely missed her head and shattered against the wall behind her. Her reaction caused a temporary distraction and Calvin lunged for her. He grabbed the barrel of the gun and they fought over it. Back and forth the gun moved. I watched in fear hoping he didn’t get ahold of it and he’d shoot my mom.

Shoving her into the wall he forced the shaft of the barrel into her neck. She tried to force it back, but he was stronger. I could see the panic on her face and my body reacted before I could register my movements in my mind.

“Get off of her!” I yelled jumping on his back, sending blow after blow to his head. He reached behind himself and pushed me off of him. My body went flying and I slid across the wood floor. A piece of the glass scraped across my side before settling in the flesh of my hip. “Ahhhhh.” I yelled out in agonizing pain as the sharp glass pierced my flesh and the alcohol coated the wound.

“You son of a bitch.” My mother attacked him like a wild animal. He fought against her blows until they both hit the floor. The gun flew out of her hand, and she turned and soldier crawled trying to get it. He pulled her back and shards of glass ripped through her forearm. She screamed but continued to move toward the gun. Kicking him in the chest he fell back slightly giving her enough room to get to the gun. Turning she aimed and fired just as he stood over her with the neck of the broken bottle.

Boom, Boom!

Two shots right to his chest. I screamed and covered my ears with my blood stained hands. His body hit the floor with a loud thud. My mom dropped the shotgun and ran towards me wrapping her hands around my body burying me in her chest.

“It’s okay baby. It’s okay.” I cried in her chest until our front door was kicked in by police. They handcuffed my mom and placed her in the back of a police car before a female officer placed me in another car and took me to the police station.

I was placed in the custody of my aunt and at my mom’s trial we sat in the front row when Judge Williams sentenced her to the maximum of thirty-two years for second degree murder under the classification of heat of passion. I was permanently placed in my aunt’s custody along with my brother who was already staying with her.

“The appeal has been presented over and over for years but it kept being rejected for review. I know it has everything to do with Judge Williams. But now that his old ass is on his death bed, they are considering it. All these years I should have been walking free. Judge William’s being Calvin’s grandfather was a conflict of interest. And they allowed him to be the judge on my case. Of course he would give me the max time. I swear they are all crooked as spines.” My mommas rant brought me back to the room.

“Well, it’s finally time to get you out of here.” I made a mental note to send a text to Counselor Rosewood as soon as I left.

“Yes, it is. I need to be home with my baby. I need to see her walk down the aisle and make partner.”

“Well, I don’t know about getting married but...”

“What? You made partner?” She was damn near on the edge of her seat with anticipation.

“No, not yet. But I feel close momma. I was invited to shadow at the St. Louis office for a couple weeks. Mrs. McCallum said she has narrowed down the candidates, and she has high hopes for me.”

“That’s great baby. I know the roll is yours.” She touched my hand and squeezed gently.

“Yea as long as her son stays out of my way.” I rolled my eyes