Cloudy Mirrors

by Shane Robert

  “Come on in man, I hope that bag has the stuff in it!” he exclaims.

  “The real question is, do you have the money?” I ask him.

  “Oh, we have the money and we are going to give it to you. Then we are going to beat your ass, send a message to Scottie. You guys need to stop low balling people on the slopes. It’s fucked up,” they say to me, tossing me a bag full of cash.

  I hand over the bag of cocaine, thinking of running off after because I don’t want my ass beat.

  As soon as they grab the bag, one guy reaches out and grabs me, pulls me into a choke hold while the second guy punches me continuously. Falling to the ground after multiple punches, I feel the blood drip down my face.

  Multiple kicks to the torso, and chest, I’m taking a beating. They finally stop and help me up, surprisingly. Toss me my bag of cash and giving me a stern look, their eyes telling me to get out of the house.

  They shout,

  “Check yourself or more to come bitch.”

  “Yeah, whatever, I got it. Payback’s a bitch though,” I say to them while bleeding all over their floor.

  Making it to my car, I open the trunk and toss the bag of money in there. Reaching inside my gym bag, I grab a towel to wipe o my bloody face off.

  ……….

  Laying on the couch back at Scottie’s place, I have an ice pack for my face and my stomach. I made the decision to come back to Scottie’s so I could tell him what happened in person.

  I hear his garage open and I get off the couch and take the bag of money to the table, emptying out the bills and making sure it’s all there.

  Scottie walks in and instantly sees my face and says,

  “What the fuck happened, bro?”

  Replying to him, “Don't worry, all the money is there; I just took a beating over the deal. We’ll get them back for this shit they did to me. They said we need to stop low balling people when it comes to selling drugs.”

  “Fuck that man, tomorrow we will round up some guys and go fuck them up. They will get what is coming to them!” Scottie yells in frustration.

  “Sounds good man, I’m going to go out back and smoke some weed. Take the edge off a bit and ease the pain. Is it cool if I crash here tonight?” I ask.

  “Yeah man, sleep in if you need it,” Scottie says as he walks to his bedroom.

  Gimping to the back door, I slide the door open, holding my bowl in one hand. Inhaling the weed is exactly what I needed after this beating. Smoking the entire bowl myself instantly made me sleepy. I head back inside and lay myself down on the couch where I rest for the night.

  Chapter 13

  Michael

  Waking just before midday, pain is shooting through my whole body from the beating the day before. Realizing no one is home, I walk to the kitchen and find myself a bowl of cereal. The best way to get the day started is a simple bowl of cereal. Tasty and filling.

  Grabbing my phone from the charger, I look at my text from Scottie. He let me know him and his boys would be there shortly and I need to be ready to go then. Taking a quick shower, the hot water burns on my fresh cut up face and gashed lip.

  By the time I finish my shower and get dressed for the day, I hear Scottie and a few guys coming inside the house.

  “Fellas, how’s it going? You ready for this shit? I ask them, “I’m Michael, by the way,” reaching out for a bro handshake.

  “I’m Teezy, let’s do this shit,”

  “What’s good man, I’m D,” they say to me like they have killed people before.

  These guys are fucking huge. Both like 6’6 and 250. One is African American and looks like he would crush you with his hand. The other a country boy, with a fat dip in his lip.

  “All right fellas, here is the drill. Put these gloves on and here are your masks. I only have three guns that aren’t registered so Michael, don’t worry, you won't have to use one. You can be the driver; any questions?” Scottie asks.

  “Oh, fuck all right this is going to happen, isn't it? Fuck it, let’s go,” I say nervously.

  ………..

  As soon as we turn off the street Scottie lives on, we take our masks out and slide them over our faces. This is really going to happen, we are about to kill people. I’ve never been in a situation like this at all. I was beyond nervous before we left, so we all did a bump right before.

  Trying to keep myself cool under the pressure, the drive is quiet, and my adrenaline is building up as we approach the house. I drive just past the driveway, so I could back the car in. That way when we were finished, it was an easy escape.

  Coming to a stop Scottie tells me,

  “Just wait in the car bro, keep it on; when we get back be ready to take off and get out of here. Drive normal, but drive straight back to my place and park in the garage.”

  Nodding my head, I’m assuring him I understand the plan and what to do. All three of them exit the car and walk up to the house, already wielding their guns in hand. I sit patiently in the car as they disappear into the house.

  Only a few minutes had passed, before suddenly I heard four gunshots, shortly followed by the three of them running out the door. Reaching to the back door and pushing it open, I also open the passenger door. All of them jump into the car and before they could close the doors, I was already out of the driveway.

  I don’t even have the urge to ask them what happened because I already knew. They all had blood splattered on them and I heard the gunshots. I knew they had killed both of those guys, and that the message was sent. Whoever those two guys were working for or with, will understand shortly.

  Before I knew it, I was pulling into the garage back at Scottie’s place., all of us standing in the kitchen, not saying a word until Scottie asks me,

  “You all right, bro?”

  “Yeah man I’m good, I think I’m going to head home though and get some sleep,” I say to him as I walk out the door.

  Not able to wrap my head around what just happened, I’m freaking out. I was just an accomplice to murder. Shaken up on the drive home, I realize I needed to see Megan; she would help me understand and hopefully calm me down. The only thing is if I tell her, she might kick me out of her life forever or bring down the hammer on Scottie.

  Taking the chance, I grab my phone and send Megan a text stating, “Hey, I’m sorry I know you said to leave you be for a bit, but I can’t. I need you, I need to see you. Something bad, really bad has happened and I believe you are the only one I can open up to about it. I’m on my way to my house now. I’m going to get sleep but in the morning or sometime tomorrow, if you have time for me to stop over that would be great. Message me back when you can.”

  Pulling into my driveway, I get a text from Megan, it was short but to the point. It states,

  “Message me when you wake up we’ll go get lunch, I’m here for you.”

  That was exactly what I needed, just that short text to bring my anxiety down enough for me to catch some shut eye without worry.

  Chapter 14

  Megan

  After my fight with Michael after finding him in my bathroom doing freaking coke, he’s the last person I’d ever expect to receive a random text from last night, but that’s what happened, catching me completely off guard. I swear I stared blankly at the text alert contemplating leaving it unread, letting him sit for a bit waiting on me to read and respond. The part of me that wanted to blow him off almost won. I could tell from the text on my screen he was in trouble. A part of me wanted to say whatever trouble you’re in is of your own making. You deal with it or ask Scottie for help, but I knew I couldn’t say that to him. Even though I wanted to so badly to just simply ignore him and pretend I didn’t care, the truth was I do care about him a lot, even though I hate the choices he’s making with his life. It’s a struggle for me because I have my boys to think about. Getting involved with someone like Michael is the worst thing I could do right now but I can’t deny how I feel about him, or how my boys feel about him. I can only hope that with some
time he’ll smarten up and see how horrible the choices are that he’s making. That my boys and I are worth more to him than coke.

  I’ve spent the entire morning checking my phone waiting for him to text me. I spent the night tossing and turning, stressing over what made Michael text me. I don’t know why but from how he was talking in his text I have this awful feeling in the pit of my stomach that makes me cringe. Sitting down at the table because I feel light headed and nauseous.

  My phone going off in my hand practically makes me jump out of my skin, glancing down at it, I see Michael’s name light up with a text saying:

  Hey, I’m up can I come over? We can just make lunch at your house.

  My stomach twists into a nervous knot as a mixture of emotions courses through my body. I type back a quick reply,

  Sounds good, I’ll see you soon.

  Lying back on the couch, I flick on the television to catch up on my shows that are piling up on the DVR until Michael gets here. It turns on to the local station which is showing the news and weather for today. I’m about to flick to the DVR list when something catches my attention. A picture showing up in the corner of the television as the camera focuses on the news anchor who says shockingly, “Later this hour we’ll be speaking with the sheriff's department to give you more up to date information on the homicide that occurred last night from what appears to be a drug deal gone bad. The police have told us this is an isolated incident and that the community to can rest assured that the perpetrator and any accomplices will be caught and punished.”

  I instantly freeze, and the thought of Michael and Scottie being behind this makes me cringe.

  I hope Michael didn't actually do the killing, because I'll never be able to look at him the same. I'm glad the boys are at school; I don't want them around during this.

  Before Michael was around, Scottie got into some trouble like this before. The people went after Scottie and put him in the hospital. I can’t see Michael getting trapped into this stuff.

  “Knock, knock,” I hear as Michael walks into the house about thirty minutes later. My heart leaps into my chest the moment I hear his voice, and instantly crashes into the pit of my stomach the second my eyes land on his badly bruised face.

  He rushes over to me and gives me a hug, holding me tightly. Not saying a word, he looks at me intensely, trying to say so much with his eyes--the most being sorry.

  He cautiously brings his lips to mine as he cups my face in his hands and kisses me before pulling me back against his chest. Burying his face in my hair he murmurs, “I'm sorry, I'm terrified. Have you seen the news yet?” he asks me.

  “I did,” I answer hesitantly. “Please tell me you had nothing to do with that drug deal, homicide crap all over the news. Michael…” I sigh with frustration and sadness. Overcome with emotion and devastation, my head spins and I feel as if I’m going to faint as the words I was praying wouldn’t be said are spoken.

  “Yes, it was us--but, you have to believe me when I tell you, Megan, I didn't kill them. I promise! Scottie and his guys did. I just drove Scottie’s car, that’s it,” Michael states, nervously looking like he’s about to fall apart in my arms. It helps me somehow find the strength I need to keep myself together. I need to stay level headed and be strong. I could kill Scottie myself at this very moment for sucking Michael into this fucking nightmare.

  “It’s okay. I believe you. I just...I don’t know what I think right now, Michael. This is bad. Really bad. And look at your face,” I say with sadness laced in my words as I reach up and gently caress my thumb over his cut lip and then his bruised cheek. How did this happen to you if you were just the driver? Help me understand, please?”

  Nodding, he answers softly, “This happened hours before Scottie and his friends killed those men. I went over to sell to them, and they paid me but then as I went to leave, they went through with what they did what they promised when I arrived, beating the shit out of me. They said we needed to quit low balling people. But now they are both dead, fucking dead, and now I’m scared that somehow the police are going to find out we were involved and put all of us away. I don’t even know why the fuck I ever agreed to go along with them last night. I was just so fucked up and adrenaline pumping as I let anger get fueled by the need to retaliate. Before I knew it, we were speeding away from a fucking murder scene,” Michael tells me, clearly shaken up.

  “I see. Well, all I can say is I told you so, but I'm here to listen and help you understand,” I say while pressing another gentle kiss to his slightly swollen lips.

  “That's the thing, I don't understand; all I know is I'm stuck. I don’t understand why I want to be a partier. If my parents find out, they’ll kill me before the fucking cops have a chance to arrest me. Everything is spiraling out of control and I feel like no matter how hard I am fucking trying, I can’t fix it. All I wanted to do after was snort cocaine and forget the world.” His frustration is pouring off of him as his entire body becomes rigid and fear fills his eyes.

  “Let’s just make lunch and relax for the day, nothing crazy. Would you like sandwich and salad or soup and sandwich?” I ask him to try to cheer him up.

  “Soup and grilled cheese sounds nice to me. After all of this shit, Scottie’s still throwing that fucking party. Of course, he expects me to attend. Are you going to Scottie’s party this weekend even though you now know what we did? I don’t know if I can go without you. I’m going to go crazy trying to not think about those two guys dead because of me.”

  Pulling out two cans of tomato soup and grabbing the essentials for grilled cheese, I answer him, “Yes I think we both should go; maybe tonight you'll realize you don’t need this shit. I'll get a babysitter for the whole day and night. We can go get a couple’s massages beforehand and then go to the party together. I think after what you’ve been through, a few hours of relaxation are exactly what you need, what we both need,” shooting this idea to Michael, hoping he likes it. I just want to get his mind thinking about happier things and him doing things that won't kill him or destroy his damn life.

  “Sounds like a date, count me in, babe. Thanks for letting me see you today. I know I don’t deserve you, but I truly am grateful for having you in my life. I really needed this. Needed you to just listen and tell me everything will be okay. You really calmed me down and listened; I appreciate it,” he exclaims, walking over and helping get things fixed for lunch.

  ………..

  Lunch was nice and quiet. We both just ate our food and helped each other clean up.

  Michael is leaning up against the kitchen counter; I can’t stop looking at his bruises. Seeing them and knowing he’s hurt and how it could’ve been much worse makes my stomach twist into knots. It’s only been a short time, but I’m really falling for him.

  “Hey, I have to go get the kids in about a half hour; do you plan on staying here while I go?” I ask, deciding to push the morbid thoughts from my head, while putting the last dish in the strainer. Michael hands me a dish towel to dry my hands.

  “I think I would like to ride with you if that's cool?” he asks, flashing me a sexy smirk while reaching to lace my fingers with his, tugging me out of the kitchen. I toss the dish towel onto the kitchen counter, following him into the living room. He sits down onto the couch, and peers up at me as I stand between his spread legs.

  “Yes! The boys would love that and so would I!” I exclaim, wrapping my arms around his neck, and beaming down at him. I love how great he is with my boys. I should let him hang out with them more and give me some free times. They haven’t had another person in their life to put their needs before their own besides me. I want nothing more to give them all the love they need and deserve, but I can’t do that alone. I know Michael is young, and his head is not where it should be, but my past leads me to these types of guys and ‘m not sure why my heart takes me down this road. Every moment I spend with him I feel our connection growing stronger. “How about we enjoy our last bit of alone time?” I say breathlessly a
s his hands find my waist and clench tightly onto me. I get lost in his whiskey colored eyes as they stare back into my crystal blues. I instantly catch a buzz off of his intense gaze as his eyes grow dark and intense. The spark between us is seconds away from igniting into a full-on inferno.

  The second our lips meet, as I sit on his lap, surpass buzzed, my head spins as I get drunk off his kiss. His lips move softly against mine, taking extra care not to hurt his bruised, split lip. We gently deepen the kiss as his hands slide to my ass, cupping it in the palms of his hands. I moan against his lips as my lips part just enough to allow his tongue to slip into my mouth and gently caress mine as they twist together.

  Michael pushes my Spandex shorts up, exposing my ass. The tight friction of that along with the feeling of his hands kneading my ass and his mouth on mine has my body screaming to be fucked. I’m dripping wet as his fingers slide along the inside of my shorts, rubbing his fingers along the outside seam of my thong. I moan into his mouth again as two fingers slip inside my panties and begin rubbing my slick sex. The second his fingers find my clit, my head spins and my knees buckle.

  Needing to regain some control, I break our kiss and try to break the spell he has cast over me. He’s always pleasing me, I want to please him for a change. Grabbing the hem of his shirt, I tug upwards on it, quickly pulling it over his head, all the while knocking his hat off while throwing his shirt to the side, revealing his rock-hard body, with perfectly defined muscles that flex with every move he makes. The bruises on his ribs make the need to please him that much more overwhelming.

  His perfect V-line is my weakness. I slowly slide my hands down his chest and stomach meeting his amazing V-line. I want to trace it with my tongue, getting onto my knees, working my way between his legs before finally kissing on his dick to tease him. I stand up, kissing him one more time, before I begin doing what I’ve wanted to do all day. I start trailing kisses all over him again, bringing his attention back to my body. First pressing gentle kisses to the bruise on his cheek, before making my way down his neck. I stop at his pierced nipple, playfully swirling my tongue around the cool metal before continuing my way down. He falls back against the couch, with desire burning in his gaze as he watches me make my way down his stomach, kissing a path down his rippled abs before finally darting my tongue out to trace the deep cuts that make the sexy V I love so much. Grabbing his dick, I quickly get to work taking his large cock in my mouth, and wrapping my lips around it.