by S. K. Lessly
Okay, I know you are dying to get the details about me, so I won’t leave you hanging anymore. My doctor told me, with Josephine Cooper or Mama Joe holding my hand, that I had swelling on the brain from numerous hits to the head, and in order to help my healing, they had to put me in a medically induced coma. I was in a coma for nearly a month, but I didn’t wake for an additional two weeks.
My breath caught at the realization of how bad I really was. I was out of commission for a month and a half. He proceeded to tell me that my jaw was wired shut, I had three broken ribs, a bruised lung and kidney. I had a broken fibula on each leg, and my radius was broken in two places. My nose was broken, which they had to reset, and of course, my brain was in dire need of rest.
It was good that I was in a coma because they said if I wasn’t, I would have been in excruciating pain. I still felt uncomfortable and sore, but he said that was normal. He told me I would need a lot of physical therapy, and it would take a lot of work to get my body back to normal.
When I tell you I underestimated what was at stake, I was putting it mildly. I’d seen people go through physical therapy and thought, yeah I could do this. But when I started, I thought I was going to die. I had to strengthen my legs and learn how to walk all over again. I wanted to quit like the second day, but the Coopers wouldn’t let me. When I tell you the whole family are freaking psychos, I was putting that mildly too.
Malcolm came with me to every physical therapy class I had, and in like one week he was pissed off they weren’t doing a better job. He felt he could do better, and when I was released from the hospital, he took over my therapy. Malcolm took me to a beautiful four bedroom, two and a half bath beachfront home overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
Then the Coopers as a family brought me back piece by piece. Malcolm took over getting me back physically. He started off light, and I thought, yeah, I’m glad he took over. But he then went freaking crazy and started acting all drill sergeant on me. He yelled and pushed and didn’t let me slow down or rest or quit.
Mama Joe helped me get myself back by cooking. She and Pops were staying with me at the house, so every night we would cook something and bake on the weekends. Sometimes Liliana would cook with us, but most nights it was just she and I. We would talk and laugh, and as I got comfortable with her, I told her all about me growing up, my family and how I lived these last five years.
Pops and I sat around and watched action movies on the weekends. We would have marathons or even go out to the movies if some good action movie was out. We were obsessed and would get excited every time a good movie would make it to the screen. The more things were blown up, and more blood and gun fights and fights in general, the better.
After a while it was Liliana’s turn. She picked me up one day, and we rode to this empty storefront in town. When she opened the door and turned on the lights, I almost had a coronary. There were boxing bags and a large mat in the middle of the floor. She looked at me as she put her hair in a ponytail.
“I’m going to make sure you never get kidnapped again. No one will ever put their hands on you and get away with it. I will teach you how to defend yourself.”
“Your brother showed me how…” I told her, and she shook her head and laughed.
“My dear brother showed you like he was your boyfriend. I’m going to show you like you are my enemy.”
The next thing I knew I went down hard on my back. The air was knocked out of me, and I struggled to breathe trying to get the wind back in my lungs.
Liliana leaned over me and shook her head. “See what I mean… Don’t worry, sis, I’ll get you right before you know it.”
It took her about a month, and before I knew it I felt fifty percent like myself. The other fifty you ask… well let’s just say I’m still waiting for him to come back.
I felt so blessed to have this family in my life. This wonderful family took me in without even knowing who I was. They just took Josh’s word, and that was good enough for them. As I mentioned, I began to see pieces of me come back… I’ve found my confidence in myself again. Now don’t get me wrong, I still have nightmares, and I can’t sleep for long periods of time, but during the day I’m able to function like a normal person. I don’t think every person that I see is out to grab me nor do me harm, so that’s progress.
The doctors are very pleased at my physical recovery, and the therapist that I see thinks she can get me back to the way I used to be. I smiled when she said that, giving her positive upbeat emotions for the sake of doing it. I knew deep down that there was only person that would be able to bring me back completely.
I never imagined I’d miss him so much. Malcolm gave me the watered down version of how I was rescued. He told me that Josh was the one that found me in some sub–basement that looked to have been created just for me. Once he found me, he stayed by my side until he had to leave, and he sent me videos and emails while I was in a coma that I’d practically memorized.
When I needed to hear his voice and see his face, which had been every second of every day, I played a video of him, which is what I’m about to do right now. I went back into the bedroom to retrieve my IPAD. Once I was settled back in the patio chair, wrapped in the covers, I found one of Josh’s videos and pressed play.
His handsome face appeared and he smiled in the camera. I guessed he was using his phone to record. The video was shaky, and the sound wasn’t that good. But it did the trick.
This was the very first video he made.
I smiled and touched the screen as he said, “Sweets, I want to first apologize for not being there when you finally woke up. I hope you can forgive me, and I really hope you let me make it up to you.”
His smiled turned devilish, which no matter how many times I watched this I still blushed.
His smile went away, and his features suddenly grew serious. “I miss you so much, baby. I’ve never been more afraid of anything in my life, but the thought of losing you seeing you lying there hurt…” he let that thought hang in the air as he ran his hand through his unusually long hair. “So even though I’m gone, I have left you in capable hands. Ma and pops will take care of you, and Malcolm will keep you safe, not that you need to worry, but it makes me feel better knowing he’s there. Now a few rules… Don’t let my sister corrupt you.” He shook his head and laughed. “She thinks she’s Jackie Chan or something, and she’ll probably try and teach you something… tell her no.” I smiled, too late for that… “And please don’t believe all of the stories my mother may tell you about me as a kid. They aren’t true. I was a saint.”
That made me chuckle too. His mom had told me all about Josh as a kid and all the fights he got into because of his temper, and I believed every one. Putting him into martial arts she said saved him by teaching him some self–control, otherwise, he would’ve probably been in prison or worse.
Josh continued, “I’m hoping I can wrap this assignment up sooner rather than later and get home to you. Until then baby, every free time I get, I’ll make sure to email you or send you a video. Let me tell you in advance, some of the video might be a little explicit since I haven’t touched you or been inside you for a long time. Just thinking about you, tasting you again, holding you, shit baby, I’m getting turned on just thinking about you…” Josh adjusted himself and closed his eyes. I heard a knock, and his eyes opened quickly. He said, “I gotta go, Sweets… Please know that I will be very careful so I make it back to you in one piece. And I love you with all of me. See you soon.”
The video ended, and I stared at the black screen. I quickly started the next video, feeling the emptiness inside start to take over. I needed to see his face and hear his voice. I watched all the videos at least ten times, including the dirty ones, since Malcolm gave them to me a week ago. He was definitely true to his word and sent me a pornographic video of him talking dirty to me as he relieved himself. The video was only of his face, but I saw the pleasure overcome him every time he came, and after a while I started touching myself too
as he told me all the ways he would make me come when he got home.
When I would close my eyes, the only time I was okay with the darkness was hearing his voice tell me how much he loved me and hearing him get off by just thinking about the way I make him feel. It was our dirty time together, and I treasured it just as I did the other videos and emailed love letters he sent.
During the other videos he would tell me so many stories about him growing up and about his siblings. I haven’t met Shane yet, and he told me he was with him. I did, however, see him in one of the videos. He barged into the room Josh was in while he was making the video.
He snatched the phone from Josh and said quickly, “Hey, Sweets, I’m Shane…”
“You don’t get to call her Sweets…” I heard Josh in the background say.
Shane smiled. “I can’t wait to officially meet you. My little brother has kept you to himself for far too long. Malcolm says he doesn’t deserve you, and I have no doubt its true. So if my brother ever steps out of line, let me know. I’ll handle him.”
“You fucking wish you could handle me, now give me back my phone.”
Shane laughed. “Stop being a pussy, we got work to do… say goodbye to your woman.”
The phone was hurled in the air, and the picture was scrambled for a second then it focused on a frowning Josh.
He looked at me or rather the screen. “Sweets, you may not be able to meet my brother if he keeps this shit up.”
“Yeah, keep talking, pussy…” I heard Shane say then laughed… and said, “Don’t worry, Sweets, I’ll make sure he doesn’t mess around and get hurt.”
Josh shook his head and looked at the phone.
“Do you see why I don’t hang around my brothers… juveniles?”
Shane laughed and I heard him say… “Does she know about the baby powder incident?”
Even though Josh was shaking his head trying to be serious, I could see the grin he was trying to keep at bay. I knew just by talking to him how much he loved his family. They were the most important people in his life.
“Sweets, I have to go, as you heard… I also have to say goodbye for a little while. We are going dark, so I won’t be able to send you videos. The moment I get done I promise I’ll call you or send you another video. Love you, Sweets.”
That happened to be the last video he sent me. I got emails from time to time but no other videos were sent.
I put my IPAD down finally and sat there looking out as the sun kissed the horizon. Later today the Coopers are having a huge dinner. It’s the anniversary of Josh’s parents today. They’ve been together for forty–five years, and what I love about them is they still seemed to be deeply in love. It doesn’t matter who’s around them, Pops has no problem putting his hands and lips all over his wife. Sometimes I will see them cuddled in each other’s arms, touching and kissing each other. It makes me think about Josh and miss him even more.
Anyway, this night isn’t just about their anniversary. I will be seeing my family for the first time in over five years. Malcolm told me there were a few issues between Josh and my family. I vaguely remember him telling me that he met my parents and they didn’t like him. Well according to Malcolm, they really don’t like him now. Apparently I was taken from Pittsburgh to New Jersey by my kidnappers. When I was found, they took me to a hospital in New Brunswick. It was then that Josh took over. I had filled out my will and power of attorney when I read Josh’s. I also named Josh as my beneficiary and the person that would be in charge of everything I own as well as my well–being in the event I couldn’t.
So Josh, being the guy that he was, banned my parents from seeing me and making any decisions on my behalf. Apparently Nickels gave him all the documentation he needed, and my parents were helpless to stop him.
Since Josh was going out of town, he gave his brother power to make decisions. It was then that Malcolm had me moved to Maryland. He felt it would be better as a family to keep an eye on me, and they told me that each of them took turns sitting with me the entire time I was in the hospital.
When I came to and was coherent, the power over my health was then mine. Malcolm told me my mother had been calling almost every day, so when I was able I gave her a call.
Our conversation consisted of her crying for the majority of the time. I let her cry, but for me I didn’t have any tears to share. She flooded me with apologies, and I just listened quietly. She asked if she could see me, and I told her it would be okay if it was just her. I didn’t want to see anyone else, and if she couldn’t do that not to bother coming.
Well, needless to say, she didn’t come. I didn’t expect her to. My father had been the king of that household for a long time, and there was no way he would let her come without him. I wasn’t that heartless though. I mean, over the weeks I spoke to her at least once a day.
Mama Joe wanted me to invite my family to dinner today. I didn’t want to. I didn’t want to make their night a circus, and I knew it would be just that. My father had been a complete ass, and I really didn’t have much to say to him. He had asked to talk to me, and I should feel good about that, but I didn’t. So most times when he grabbed the phone I either didn’t say a word or hang up.
I know it’s childish, but to be honest, the sound of his voice made me want to vomit. I’m not exaggerating either. But Mama Joe and Pops sat me down and talked me into seeing them. All they wanted to see was that I was okay. Mama Joe told me how horrible my mom felt, and she told me as a mother if she couldn’t see Liliana, she would raise holy hell.
I wanted to point out that Mama Joe was by far a better mother to Liliana than mine was to me, but I didn’t. I just nodded and gave my mother the information about tonight.
I stood and walked into the bedroom and crawled back into the bed. I loved this bed. It was the largest king size bed I had ever seen. The comforter was very soft, but so were the sheets. I mean, every day I hated getting out of the bed because it was so cozy inside, and I couldn’t wait to get in the bed at night.
I let my eyes drift closed as I thought about tonight. I needed all the strength I could get to deal with my family. I mean, I do miss my mom, but my sisters and my dad, I could do without.
I’m a different person now than I was when I lived there. I should and will be able to handle seeing my family. I just hope I can keep the contents of my stomach down when I see my father.
Chapter 22
Kenya
“You look beautiful, Sweets.”
Malcolm kissed my cheek and placed a loving arm around my shoulders.
I smiled. “Thanks Jo.”
I was wearing a plum colored, beautiful, floor length sparkling formal gown. This chiffon/satin underlay dress had an open front slit and a shoulder strap with sparkling beads, sequins and rhinestones on it. The design, which was my favorite part of the dress, wrapped around my torso, and the back of the dress looked like a corset with a lace up tie.
We were heading to a hall in Ocean City at a restaurant that was nestled on the shore, and I have to say, displayed a beautiful setting. The inside was decorated elegantly with flowers at every table, candles everywhere and white tablecloths and chair covers. There was a live band playing soft music, and as you entered the hall, you saw a huge picture of Mr. and Mrs. Jeramiah Cooper with the saying underneath their picture ‘45 years and counting’.
As the night went on I drank every glass Malcolm sat in front of me. I was a bag of nerves, and I knew they could tell. I watched the crowd that consisted of the Coopers’ friends and family, waiting impatiently for my family to arrive.
“Don’t be so nervous, everything will be fine,” Liliana told me.
She was sitting next to me at the family table in front of the hall. I smiled in her direction, and as she gripped my hand I instinctively grabbed hers.
“I hope so. I just… I haven’t seen them in years, and I really don’t know what to say to them.”
Liliana moved closer to me and looked in my eyes. The time I’d sp
ent with Josh’s family Liliana and I had gotten close. She would stay up with me sometimes, and we would just talk. Besides Josh, I’ve told her a lot of things that I haven’t ever repeated. How my father made me feel useless for so long that I know the moment he sees me I’ll feel like that again. It’s something in his eyes that you couldn’t help but notice.
Liliana said, “Don’t worry about anything. First of all, we will be by your side the whole time. We won’t let anything happen to you.”
“I know, it’s just… I really don’t know what to say to them. I mean, I just left home and didn’t look back. I was gone for years. I know I have some explaining to do, but I just…”
“The hell you have anything to explain. They didn’t look out for you back when you needed them. So fuck’em. You don’t owe them any explanation. Hell, they’re lucky you’re even talking to them.”
I nodded but didn’t reply.
I’ve said before Liliana reminds me so much of Josh. He would probably tell me the same thing. I knew my father would make me leaving and what happened to me my fault. I really didn’t need him to tell me that. I felt like it was my fault on my own. It didn’t matter what my therapist said or Malcolm or how many times Josh mentioned it in his videos. I still felt if I didn’t go after some stupid box I wouldn’t have been kidnapped. And if you hadn’t noticed, the box I went back for is still where I left it.
As the night went on I started to loosen up. I danced with Malcolm, Liliana’s husband, Nolan, and Pops. I was laughing with Josh’s great grandfather when I saw my mother walk in the room. My smile fell from my face as I saw my father come in behind her, my two sisters, and Wayne.
My mother spotted me, and I saw the emotion overtake her. I moved slowly away from grand pop to my mother. When I got close to my family all of their eyes fell on me. No one said a word to me, but my mom, when I got close enough, pulled me into an extremely tight hug.
