Obsession

26.

"Bring it here"

They bring the pictures forward and he almost hands them back looking at the poor girls body.

"Stephen can you tell me what this is a picture of in evidence one A-D?"

Stephen stares at the picture and instantly gets pissed off thinking about that night.

"Her face after I smacked her around a few times. The bruise from me punching her, A swollen and bleeding lip from the punch. And um.... her umm. The slashes from her trying to commit suicide after our argument."

"Mr. Ace you're young. Have so much going for you. And you do stupid things like this." The judge says.

"To a woman that clearly loves you. Did your lawyer tell you that she tried to get them to make a deal with hers to get you released all because she violated the restraining order you have against her. That woman loves you young man and this is your first offense. She doesn't want to see you go into the system and I don't want to see anymore young black men in either. So what I'm going to do is sentence you to therapy and house arrest. You'll have a Parol officer come and check in every three days for 90 days. We're going to get your wife some help too. Be good to her Stephen y'all have another kid on the way. Don't make me regret this."

"You won't your honor thank you so much."

"Get home to your wife. Case dismissed."

They walk him out to transport and the tears began to fall. He couldn't believe he wouldn't be doing time. He expected to and didn't mind it. He would finally have time to think and get his shit together. Something he couldn't do with Raven around because of how beautiful she was.

The ride back to the county wasn't bad and he stayed silent most of the time except answering the driver and guards questions from time to time.

He came in, cleaned his cell, collected his things and was ready to head out the door. Walking out of the yard gates he couldn't believe who was standing outside waiting on him.

"Make her happy man. She's beautiful."

"Thanks bro."

He walks up and embraces his wife. Nothing else mattered at this moment but her.

"I'm sorry for everything momma. I swear imma get shit right this time."

She just nods and gets in before he shuts the door and walks to the passenger side. Tonight wouldn't end in sex and he would probably be sleeping on the couch for the next month.

"Soooo" He began.

"Just don't... please."

"Don't what Ray I just wanna talk."

"Talk about what ? How stupid I am? Or how happy you are that your wife is a fuckin idiot."

"You're not stupid or an idiot. I pleaded guilty. I should be in jail right now. I don't even know how this shit happened."

"Because my stupid ass took back everything I said. But it's fine while you're on house arrest in Georgia I'll be back in Cancun. I can't do this anymore. Seeing those pictures made me realize how fucking stupid I look taking you back and getting pregnant again. Your mom wants custody of the kids. Fine. So be it. I'm tired of fighting with y'all. Y'all won. I'm just here to have sex with you and give you kids anyways."

At this point he didn't know what to say. She was wrong but he didn't want to upset her by telling her that he cared and he loved her. But he did. He loved Raven with all his heart he just had a dumb ass way of showing it.