"Shh, lil man. She's sleeping." I heard. I opened my eyes to be met with Rihmeek's bare chest.
"Well, she was sleeping." I looked up to see him smiling then he poked my dimple causing me to giggle. "Goodmorning." I said, my voice hoarse and raspy. I started to stretch but quickly stopped when the pain took my breath away. Rihmeek's concerned expression caused me to let out a frustrated sigh.
"I'm okay." I said before he got a chance to ask.
He wrapped his arm around my back and rubbed it, "You think you need to see a doctor?" I immediately shook my head at his question. "No, no," I said before taking a deep breath, "I'm sure its just bad bruising or the worst it could be is a few broken ribs. Either way they can't do anything for it."
He looked like he wanted to say something but bit his lip instead before looking away.
"Come up here. What are you doing just standing there lil man?" I raised up and looked at Rich and he wearily smiled before slowly walking to the bed. "G-Goodmorning mommy."
I looked towards Rihmeek to make sure I wasn't the only one who thought he was acting weird but he didn't seem phased so it must just be me. "Goodmorning pumpkin. How did you sleep?" I asked, pulling him onto my lap once he made it onto the bed. "Good."
I kissed his cheek then the top of his head before squeezing him tight. "You didn't tell me you had a room here." I said.
He pulled away from me and crawled into Rihmeek's lap and I had to do my best to mask the hurt. Overreacting or not, I'm not use to him acting this way towards me.
"I-I didn't get a chance to tell you...yesterday."
When he spoke I couldn't help but notice him avoiding eye contact. I started to ask him what was wrong but I didn't want to stir up anything or make him feel bad.
"I like it. Your bed is comfy." I tickled his foot and he giggled, pulling it away.
"Why don't you go brush your teeth then meet me in the kitchen and we can make mommy breakfast?" Rihmeek asked him. He did as told and left the room. I sighed before throwing myself back into the pillows. I felt Rihmeek place his hand right above my knee and lightly squeeze it. "He's just worried about you."
I nodded my head wanting to believe him but a larger part of me knew my son and that look in his eyes wasn't worry. He's terrified of me.
"I'm going to go make breakfast." I had closed my eyes because they had started to burn with tears. I didn't want him to think I was being dramatic so I just nodded my head and waited for him to walk out. Once I knew for sure he was gone I rolled onto my side that wasn't bruised and brought my knees up to my chest the best I could. Tear after tear rolled down my face and onto the pillow. As I laid still silently crying I couldn't help but wonder what I did to deserve this. Pictures of Rich walking into the bathroom last night replayed in my mind and I cried harder. Just imagining what went through his mind breaks my heart.
Don't hurt my mommy
Don't hurt my mommy
Don't hurt my mommy
When he looked at me just a little while ago he looked at me the same way as he did last night.
I wonder if that's how he'll always remember me. The sun used to rise and set in my eyes according to him but now he's afraid to even look me in the eyes.
I shouldn't have picked the stupid fight with Eric to begin with. My mom always said my attitude would get me in trouble some day.
Thinking back to what Eric said to me last night I can't help but wonder if this is some sort of punishment from God or karma.
Is this what I deserve for committing adulatory? Even if so, what did I do that was any worse than what he did?
I allowed myself a few more minutes to pity myself then I decided to get up and go join them in the kitchen. When I walked in Rihmeek had Rich sat up on the counter and he was showing him how to whip eggs.
I leaned against the wall and watched in admiration. This is all I've wanted for the longest. Rihmeek and I used to talk about this life all the time when we were younger.
"You want to come help us mommy?" Rihmeek asked once he noticed me in the room.
"Of course." I pushed myself off the wall and walked beside them. "What can I help you guys with?" Rihmeek pointed to what looked like the ingredients to make french toast and I nodded my head. "So where did you go last night?" I asked. "Kept my promise." My eyes widened and I racked my brain trying to figure out what he could have done. "It's straight." He said.
I walked over to him and wrapped my arms around his waist. "You promise?" He kissed my forehead and nodded, "He's not gonna touch you again." He whispered in my ear.
After breakfast was done we ate and then I cleaned the kitchen while Rihmeek went to get Rich dressed. "I have a meeting in a little bit. You're staying here right?" I nodded my head.
"We'll stay tonight and then decide what we're going to do tomorrow." He nodded before opening the refrigerator to grab a water.
"What's Rich doing?" I asked. "Playing a game"
I walked over to him and wrapped my arms around him. "You didn't tell me you made him a room here." I said as I threw my head back to get a good look at his face. "It was a surprise."
He carefully put his hands on my hips and squeezed lightly. "So what did you do last night?" He chuckled then moved a hand to play with my hair. "I told you babygirl, I took care of it." I ran my hand over his chest and then kissed it. "I don't need you in trouble." I said.
"You ain't gotta worry about me. He ain't gonna do shit. Just stay out of it, okay?"
I nodded my head and agreed to stay in my place. I am probably better off not knowing what he did anyways.
"I'm leaving. I should be back in a little while."
After he left I went to go find Rich so we could talk. He was so concentrated on the game he was playing that he didn't even notice me walking in. "Whatcha playing?" I asked as I sat down beside him. "Basketball."
I laughed at him because that's all he is ever playing. From watching him he is good at it.
After he won his game he turned it off and turned on Netflix. "You okay?" I asked him.
He looked at me for a reason as to why I would ask and then it was like a realized.
"Yeah." He said before scooting back on his bed. "You know if you want to talk about anything you can talk to me, right?" He nodded his head and showed a toothy grin.
"I don't want you to be afraid to talk to me. Anything you have to say, I'm all ears."
I laid up beside him and watched what he was watching before he rolled over and laid his head on my stomach. "I'm sorry I didn't help you sooner mommy." I heard him say. I narrowed my eyebrows in confusion while rubbing the back of his head. "You didn't have to baby. You don't have to worry about that."
I felt him start to shake lightly and when I heard him sob I realized he was crying.
"Come here baby" I said shile pulling him up for a hug. "Nothing is your fault. Mommy is fine and Daddy took care of it. Everything is going to be alright." His breathing calmed and he whipped his eyes while pulling away.
"I heard you screaming at him but I was afraid. I didn't know what to do so I plugged my ears and pretended like I didn't hear it. I'm sorry mommy." He said as a few stray tears rolled down his cheek. "That's fine. Protecting me isn't your job, Bub. I'm supposed to protect you." I said. I feel terrible that he's beating himself up over this. "We're not going back there so you don't have to be afraid anymore."
Hearing that seemed to calm him down. He nodded his head and laid his head back down on my stomach. "I love you." I said.
"I love you more mommy." I pinched his cheek causing him to laugh. "Not a chance"
-
Rich and I had fell asleep watching cartoons and I woke up to my phone ringing. I walked out of his room and shut his door before walking towards Rihmeek's room to find it.
By the time I got to it it had quit ringing. I had never seen the number before so I didn't want to call it back in case it was Eric trying to get ahold of me. I had started to lay my phone back down before I got the notification that the number had left a voicemail as well.
I slid across my screen to listen and put my phone to my ear.
"Aye Nic, it's me. They arrested me and have me sitting up here at the police station. I need you to come pick me up and I'll explain everything." I covered my mouth while listening to him explain about posting his bail and the whole nine. Once the voicemail ended I called Michelle. "Girl, where have you been?" She answered. "It's been a mess Chelle. I need a favor from you right now and I promise I'll explain everything later." I said.
"Sure thing, what is it?" I walked into Rich's room and lightly shook him while explaining to Michelle that I needed her to keep Rich for awhile. "You know I don't care. Bring him on over. We're getting ready to eat so he can eat with us." She said. I thanked her then hung up so I could help Rich get ready.
I would take him with me but jail isn't anywhere I want him near. He doesn't need to see his daddy there anyways.
Once he was ready I rushed him out to the car and we sped to Michelle's house. Like she said, they were all sat down at the table eating spaghetti which just happened to be Rich's favorite thing she fixes so he was appeased.
I helped him make his plate then sat him down at the table. "I'll be right back, Bub."
Michelle walked me to the door and shut the door behind us. "Eric is in the hospital." She said. I looked at her shocked, "Since when? What happened?" I asked. "Someone jumped him and it was pretty bad. He had to have surgery." My eyes widened at the news. My shock wasn't fake because I really didn't have any idea what had happened. "Is he okay?"
"Just a little shaken up I guess. He said some stuff though that worried me. Just stay away from him for a little while, okay? You and Rich both. I don't want anything to happen to you."
I wanted her to elaborate on what she meant but I realized I didn't have time. "Like I said we'll have to talk. Maybe we can meet tomorrow for lunch or something." She nodded her head then pulled me into a hug. "Just be careful alright. I love you girl." I hugged her back and told her I loved her before heading to pick up Rich.
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I want to make something clear to a few of you.
This is MY story. Therefore, it will be written and updated how and when I want. Do you understand? I don't want any messages about my story being too slow, too boring, or anything else. If you don't like it don't read it, plain and simple.
This isn't meant for those of you who comment your opinions. I appreciate the feedback. The people I'm talking about will know it. Thank you, those of you who are patient and support this story. It means the world to me!
Please ignore any errors and leave me tf alone 😘
