After Eight years, Ghenesis Santiago leaves for Atlanta, Ga to try having a relationship with her father and his new family. While having to maintain her senior year in highschool and working with her brother and his Crew under her father's orders...
“Can you drive my truck? I need you to take me somewhere. Please.” His voice cracked on that last word, and I swear my heart damn near broke.
“Uh, yeah. Just... give me a sec to get my wallet and phone,” I said quick, throwin’ on my slides.
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Twenty Minutes Later
“Zeus…” I started slow, brows furrowed as I looked out the windshield. “Is this a… crack house?”
We’d pulled up to this raggedy-ass building on the edge of the woods. No streetlights. No people. Just dark windows and bad vibes.
He didn’t answer. Just popped the glovebox, grabbed his piece, cocked it, and got out the truck like this was just another Tuesday night.
My jaw dropped. What the hell did I just walk into?
I stayed my ass in the car, tryin’ not to freak out. My knee bounced outta habit while I watched the door he disappeared into. Five minutes felt like fifty.
Then it opened.
Zeus came out with a small child in his arms. A little girl. Couldn’t be no older than two. Behind him? Anisha—half-dressed, screamin', drunk, and mad as hell.
“GIVE ME MY FUCKIN’ BABY!” she screamed, stumbling toward him.
The baby started cryin’ instantly, her little fists grippin' Zeus’s shirt. He spotted me through the window and rushed over, puttin’ her straight into my arms.
“Put her in the truck,” he said firmly.
I didn’t even blink. Just opened the back door and climbed in with her, holding her close while she screamed.
“It’s okay, baby,” I whispered, rockin’ her softly. “You safe now… shh… it’s okay.”
Outside, I could hear the chaos. Anisha screamin'. Zeus cussin’ her out. Tires crunchin’ gravel as they circled each other like pit bulls.
“AND WHO THE FUCK IS THIS BITCH?!” Anisha slurred, pointin' toward me.
I saw Zeus step in front of the window, blockin’ her from gettin’ too close.
I shook my head and held the baby tighter. “You feelin’ better now?” I whispered, runnin’ a gentle hand down her back. Her cry had quieted into little hiccups. She looked up at me with them big, innocent eyes and for a moment…
I saw myself.
Small. Scared. Cryin’ for somebody to just hold me and mean it.
I kissed the top of her curly head and whispered, “I got you, mama. You ain’t gotta cry no more.”
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