“Now what, motherfucker?” Spit flew from Bryson’s mouth and his chest heaved in and out. He pounded it hard then looked at me. “You dyke-ass bitch, stay the hell out of family affairs.”
I was stunned by Bryson’s actions, and I couldn’t hold back all that was inside of me. My man was hurt and so was I.
“Screw you, you grimy, down-low-ass nigga. How in the hell you gon’ call me a dyke, and yo’ ass out there fucking men? Or should I say, allowing them to fuck you?”
The direction of Bryson’s eyes shot over to Keith. His eyes, however, were locked on me. I could tell he was waiting for me to say more, but I fell back on the couch and held my eye.
Keith took deep breaths then addressed Bryson. “Get the hell out of here. Now! And don’t you ever come back!”
Bryson stood for a moment, looking as if he wanted to say something or as if he wanted to apologize. Instead, he rushed off and swung the door open. He left, leaving it wide open.
Keith limped over to me while holding his side. “Why did you say that to him?” he asked. “Do you know something that I don’t?”
I was about to tell him that my words had slipped, and I said them to upset Bryson. But then I decided against it. “I don’t know if it’s true or not, but Evelyn said—”
“To hell with what Evelyn said,” Keith shouted. He shouted so loudly that my whole body shook.
“You’re right,” I hurried to say. “But please go talk to your brother. He has all the answers you’re looking for.”
Sweat was on the thick wrinkles that lined Keith’s forehead. The mean mug was locked there, even when he rubbed my face and bent over to kiss my swollen eye. “Put some ice on that. I’m leaving to go find Bryson. I’ll be back later.”
Before I could say anything, he jetted.
I was so worried about Keith being gone. Hours had passed, and I kept calling his cell phone, but he wouldn’t answer. My eye was bloodshot red, and by tomorrow it would be worse. I lay across the bed, wondering where my man was and if he was okay. I now regretted what I’d said to Bryson. Keith seemed very concerned about it, and that was the only thing that probably caused him to leave. If something happened to him again, because of me, I would never forgive myself.
I wasn’t sure what time it was, but when I woke up, Keith sat on the bed next to me. He touched my face and apologized for what Bryson had done.
“You don’t have to apologize,” I said, slowly sitting up. “It wasn’t your fault.” I looked at the gloom expression on his face, knowing that he had caught up with Bryson. “So, how did it go? Did you talk to him?”
Keith nodded. “I did.”
“And?”
“And I don’t know what to believe. He told me about your visit. I was surprised to hear that you went to go see him, without saying anything to me.”
“I wanted to, but I didn’t want to confront you with something that may not have been true.”
“Regardless, you should have said something to me. In not doing so, it makes me feel as if I can’t trust you. I don’t like secrets, Trina. I thought you learned your lesson about keeping them.”
“I have, but this situation was different. With Evelyn being the source who provided the information, I wasn’t sure how to handle things. That’s why I went to go see Bryson, so that he could defend what she’d said.”
Keith fell back on the bed and lay flat on his back. He put his hands behind his head and gazed at the spinning ceiling fan. “After speaking to him,” he said, “what’s your take on the matter? What conclusion did you come to?”
I lay silent for a while then slightly shrugged. I didn’t want to say what I thought for real. I could tell Keith was hurt; I didn’t want to hurt him anymore.
“The truth, Trina. I want the truth.”
“Based on how I was when I tried to hide my preference from everyone, I have to be honest and say that I believe Bryson is on the down low. I’m not a hundred percent sure, but Evelyn was paid a substantial amount of money to keep her mouth shut. If you mother is missing some money, maybe that’s the money Bryson gave to Evelyn.”
“He has a gambling problem, and he’s always taking money from the family stash. Just not that much. Either way, you didn’t believe him when he told you he wasn’t involved with men?”
“No. Unfortunately, I didn’t.”
Keith lay silent for a minute, and then he got off the bed. He opened the bathroom door then turned to face me. “Just so you know, I didn’t believe him either.”
Keith shut the door behind him, after he went into the bathroom. I shook my head, upset that there seemed to be no end to the drama.
Chapter 18
Evelyn
I was sitting on the couch, eating buttery popcorn and watching Scandal. I was so into it that I barely heard the knocks on my door. Whoever it was they were going to stay out there because, number one, the person didn’t buzz me, and number two, Scandal was too good to be interrupted. I ignored the knocks then heard Bryson’s voice, loud and clear.
“Open the door! You and I got ourselves a little problem !”
I rolled my eyes and continued to chomp on my popcorn. “Go away, Bryson! I’m busy.”
I got back to watching Scandal, and minutes later, I heard a loud thud. The second thud was louder, and the third one caused the whole door to break off the hinges and come crashing down. I jumped and sent the bowl of popcorn flying at Bryson, when he rushed in. He resembled a madman in a horror movie. Sweat ran down his face, his teeth ground and his shirt was ripped. There was also a long scar on the side of his face. I quickly moved out of the way and jumped on top of the couch. I lifted my foot to keep him away from me and threatened to kick.
“Bitch, didn’t I tell you to keep your motherfucking mouth shut!”
I played clueless. “I didn’t say a word to anyone. What are you talking about?”
My eyes shifted toward the doorway. If I could just make it to the door and run to the elevator, security would see me. Then someone would be able to help me. But if I couldn’t make it to the doorway, there would be no way out of this.
I took my chances and jumped over the couch. I sprinted toward the door, but this was one time I hated my hair was long. Bryson grabbed my hair from behind, yanking it so hard that I fell backward. He straddled the top of me, and all I remembered seeing was him raising his fist and slamming it into my face. After that, I saw darkness, but felt numerous blows being delivered to my body. Blows that made my insides burn and hurt—hurt so bad that I seriously wanted to die.
I didn’t know what day it was, how many hours had gone by or where I was at. For a while, I thought I was dead because of the numerous white lights that flashed before me. The last things I could picture in my mind were Bryson’s angry face and his powerful fists. That was all, until somebody shook my shoulder and kept calling my name. I cracked my eyes open and everything in front of me was a blur. I could hear a voice, and the person in front of me looked to be a doctor.
“Next of kin,” he said. “Any family members? If so, who would you like for me to reach out to?”
The doctor showed me a piece of paper and pen. He placed it on the table in front of me and I began to write. The person’s name and number I wrote was Trina’s. Underneath her name, I scribbled the word, sister. After that, my eyes shut again.
I woke up, hearing a bunch of chatter. My vision was still blurred when I opened my eyes. I could barely focus. I blinked and saw Trina standing next to me. She squeezed my hand with hers and kept calling my name. I wasn’t sure if I was dreaming. Trina wasn’t smiling and a deeply concerned look was on her face. She called my name again. This time, I nodded to let her know that I’d heard her.
“Can you hear me?”
I nodded again and spilled a soft, “Yes.”
She released a deep breath. “Thank God. Thank you, Jesus.” Apparently, she’d been praying for me. I opened my mouth to speak again, but it hurt so badly because of the tube in my mouth. With th
at, I stayed silent.
“Don’t worry,” Trina said. “You’re going to be fine.”
A slow tear dripped from the corner of my eye. My whole body was hurting. I tried to move around, but couldn’t. Tried to move my arms, couldn’t do that either. Attempted to move my toes, but no luck. I closed my eyes and had flashbacks of Bryson beating the shit out of me. This time, I didn’t have to exaggerate like I did when Cedric attacked me. This was real. Everything that I played out in my head was real. Bryson tried to kill me. I wondered, who stopped him? Thought about if he was in jail. Hopefully he was, but I seriously didn’t know.
What I did know was that he’d found out what I’d told Trina, only, about his down-low status. I had only shared that information with her. I begged her not to say anything. I knew that if she did, it would come to this. It was evident that she didn’t care. It probably pleased her heart to see me laid up like this. She and Kayla always wanted to see me at my lowest point. Well, this was it. I hoped she was happy, even though she didn’t look as if she was.
I opened my eyes and stared at Trina. This time, she displayed a forced grin. For some reason, I could feel her squeezing my hand again, but I couldn’t feel much else but a severe headache. It was difficult for me to speak, but I had to ask her a question. I needed to know something, and I wanted to make her feel horrible for betraying me.
I stretched my mouth and mumbled to her. “Why?”
Trina inched closer so she could hear me. “Why what? What did you say?”
“Why did you tell Bryson what I’d told you? I begged you not to . . . to say anything. You promised me that you wouldn’t. Why, Trina? Did you want him to kill me?”
A fast tear fell down Trina’s face. She couldn’t even respond. After a few minutes, she whispered that she was sorry.
Yeah, I was sorry too. Sorry that, eventually, she’d have to pay for running her big mouth.
Chapter 19
Kayla
I was in awe as Trina sat at my kitchen table, asking me to go to the hospital with her to see Evelyn. Trina claimed that it would brighten Evelyn’s day and give her hope. Seeing me would be the best thing ever, and it would give us a chance to mend our friendship. There was no doubt that I felt terrible for Evelyn. I truly wished her well, but going to the hospital to see her was something that I didn’t want to do. Trina acted as if she didn’t understand why I didn’t want to go. So, I had to remind her why I was standing my ground about not going.
“I’m sorry, but I’m having a difficult time forgiving a woman—no, let me correct myself—my best friend who slept with my husband, got pregnant by him, used his money, lied to me about it, stabbed me in my back, preferred that I be homeless, and told my son that I’d lied to him about who his father was. I could go on and on, Trina, but I won’t. If you’ve forgiven her, that’s on you. More power to you.”
Trina massaged her forehead. “I know she’s done some horrible things, but I feel so guilty about telling Bryson what she’d told me. If I’d kept my mouth shut, none of this would’ve happened. I’m stuck in the middle, trying to be there for her, and trying to be there for Keith who has taken Bryson’s side. His defense is that Evelyn had a gun and threatened to kill him. Claimed all he did was go to her place to talk, but she pulled a gun on him. According to him, he was forced to defend himself because she was acting like a maniac.”
“Well, you did say there were bullet holes in the walls, right? And how do you know that what he said happened isn’t the truth?”
“Because I witnessed how upset Bryson was about being outed. And remember, I was on the receiving end of one of his rages too. He’s still denying everything, and I don’t believe anything he says. Keith and I keep clashing about this, too. I guess the truth will come out, during the trial.”
“Maybe it will, but if I were you, I wouldn’t put my money on Evelyn.”
I got up and went to the fridge to get a soda. A part of me was livid with Trina for being so foolish. But I didn’t want to say anything to hurt her feelings more. She felt responsible for this and had been running to the hospital almost every day to check on Evelyn. Trina said she was getting better, but Bryson had broken her ribs and given her a concussion. She could barely walk and needed therapy. Her headaches were severe, and Trina stressed how much pain she’d been in.
“I understand all of that, Kayla, but everything you just mentioned is in the past. You’re not going to harp on that forever, are you? The last time I checked, Cedric was the one who caused you the most damage. If you can forgive him, surely you can forgive Evelyn. I think you should go see her.”
I couldn’t hold back any longer. “Trina, personally, I don’t care what you or Evelyn thinks. I forgave Cedric because he was my husband. He took responsibility for his actions. In addition to that, he didn’t leave me high and dry. So please don’t compare Evelyn to Cedric. There is a big difference.”
Trina pushed and cocked her head back to look at me. “So, let me get this straight. The only reason you forgave Cedric was because he put millions into your bank account? Damn, Kayla, how selfish can you be? How can you make this all about money, when your friend was in the hospital clinging on for dear life? Excuse me for thinking you were better than that.”
The guilt trip was in full effect. And, no, Trina didn’t just go there, did she? I slammed my soda on the island and walked up to her, darting my finger. “How dare you call me selfish because I refuse to break my neck and run out of here for a tramp who brought this mess on herself? You have no darn idea what I’ve been through. When I was down and out, nobody was there for me. Surely not Evelyn who put me out of her place, knowing that I had nowhere to go. So while you think I should run to her bedside, I don’t get it. Please help me understand this, because I am deeply confused.”
Trina didn’t appreciate my tone or aggressiveness, as I’d moved closer to make my case. She picked up her purse and put the straps on her shoulder. This time, she was much calmer than I was.
“I can’t say anything to help you understand. But what I will do is ask you to reflect on the bond the three of us used to have. We were like sisters, and a long time ago, we never allowed anyone to come between us. We used to be able to laugh and talk to each other for hours, without arguing, judging, or hating. Cried on each other’s shoulders and could always depend on each other when one of us was in need. Then you married Cedric and things changed. You changed. We felt as if you left us behind because you did. Evelyn got jealous and she did everything in her power to be you and make you pay for what she considers you leaving us. I started to lie about who I was, and my secrets hurt everybody, including my immediate family. I say all of that to say that we’ve all made some mistakes. Every last one of us, Kayla, so no need to point the finger at one person. I’ll let you sit on that for a while. If you choose to come to the hospital, do so. If not, don’t. It doesn’t matter to me either way, but I also had to make my case for why I believe you should.”
Trina gave me a hug then she left. I stood in the kitchen, unsure about what to do. While she made some valid points, still, it was hard for me to go be by Evelyn’s side.
For the next couple of hours, I paced the floor and pondered what to do. Things with Cedric, Jacoby, and me were going well, and Jacoby had been spending more time with Cedric. Today they were at a St. Louis University basketball game. I called to see how everything was going. Jacoby said fine. He hurried to end the call, saying that I was making him miss the game. I was happy about their relationship, but so sad about how my friendship had turned out with Evelyn. Sad enough to change my clothes and head to the hospital.
Before going to Evelyn’s room, I stopped by the gift shop to get her a plant and a card. I didn’t know why I was so nervous to see her, but I was. I had known her for most of my life, but there I was frightened, as well as hesitant to enter her room. I took a deep breath, before pushing on the door and entering. Instantly, my eyes connected with Evelyn’s. She was sitting up in bed with her hair
all over her head. Trina sat in a chair next to her with a book in her hand. A wide smile grew on her face, and the smile caused me to display a little grin too.
“Hello,” I said, looking from Trina to Evelyn. “I hope I’m not interrupting.”
“No, you aren’t,” Trina said. “I was just reading Evelyn this good book. Girl, it’s juicy, drama filled, and hilarious. You may want to come in, sit down, and listen to this.”
I walked farther into the room and set the plant in the windowsill.
“Yes, what Trina said is true,” Evelyn added. “But good book or not, please stay. It’s good to see you.”
I cleared mucus from my throat and didn’t reply to Evelyn yet. Instead, I walked up to the bed and gave Evelyn the card. She opened it and read my brief message inside that encouraged her to get well soon.
“I’m trying to,” she said. “Every day I feel as if I’m getting better. Thanks to Trina for helping me with therapy, and thanks to you, right now, for making me feel as if everything will be okay.”
I nodded and took a seat at the end of the bed.
“Can I finish?” Trina said, holding up the book. “At least let me get to the end of this chapter.”
“Please do,” Evelyn said. “I want to find out what’s up.”
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