2 weeks later:
After settling from their vacation; Kross and Destiny resumed the regular programming—taking care of the kids and diving into their work. The two were still soaking up the fact that they are newly engaged. Close friends and family showed their full support hearing the news, sending nothing but love and congrats their way.
While on set of a photo shoot, Destiny couldn't ignore the sound of her phone blowing up. The photographer took notice; calling a 10 minute break. She silently thanked him, rushing over to retrieve her cellphone. A thread of text messages displayed on her screen from Deedra.
Her eyes immediately began to water reading the 3 messages Deedra had sent. Destiny could feel the lump in her throat even though she was seeing red. The thought of not realizing her sister was experiencing such pain caused her blood to boil. She read over the messages, trying to calm herself.
Dee-Dee 💖
I'm sorry I didn't tell you this before.. I was honestly scared and didn't know weather to leave or not. Brandon and I have been having some relationship problems. At first I thought it was natural as a couple to not see eye 2 eye, but then he became aggressive when I didn't agree with him on things.
- Sent at 2:15pm
I love him Des but I can't continue to be his Piñata anymore. I've covered bruises to protect him. Last night he threatened to kill me in my sleep and that was truly the LAST straw.
Sent at 2:16pm
I really don't want to go back to mamas, can I stay with you & Kross until I figure something out? I know this is a lot, but I just need to go before he does something crazy.
Sent at 2:18pm
Gathering her emotions, she replied to Deedra with a simple "of course"; adding a red heart next to the message. Thankfully, the photographer got some good shots today and didn't need her for anything else. Deciding to head out; she grabbed her belongings, exiting the studio complex. When she got into her truck, tears fell from her eyes.
She tried her best to raise the 3 of her siblings right, somehow, in the moment—she felt as if she failed Deedra. She didn't see the signs because well, she was checking for them. Her mind drifted to her late friend, Ashanti and the last conversation they had. She ignored the signs then too; only to attend her best friends funeral mere months later due to her taking her own life.
She would be damned if the day came where she had to bury her own sister because no one was there to be the strong support she needed. Starting up the truck, she pulled off quickly, speeding down the street. She would kill about her younger siblings because as the big sister; protecting them meant everything. Domestic violence wasn't anything to play with or take lightly.
Once a man raises his hands at the woman who he claims to love, he'll do it again, and again. Men like to prey on the weakness of a woman—you show him that you're willing to stay and work it out after him physically abusing you is just like saying; hey, I'll be your punching bag. It's easier said than done, however, putting up with the violence should never be an option or a choice.
Arriving at her destination thirty-minutes later, Destiny removed her body from the truck, walking over to the house without a clear mind. She sent powerful knocks to the door; sounding as if she were the police, here to arrest a wanted person. Moments later, the door could be heard unlocking.
"Destiny?" Brandon frowned, looking at Destiny, who he damn sure wasn't expecting to see. "Your sister isn't here." He informed, "She been acting funny lately." He felt the need to disclose. "Funny how?" She asked, trying her best not to smack the life out of him before he could form words in his mouth.
"She, uh, be staying out late and stuff like that. When I talk to her about it, she get all aggressive." He said, shaking his head as if he was the innocent one. "Do I look like I was born yesterday?" She grilled him. Brandon swallowed the spit in his mouth, "N-No." He answered. "It was a rhetorical question, Sherlock." She eyed him with disgust.
"I know exactly what you've been doing to my sister." She took a step towards him, causing him to back up. "What you mean?" He foolishly questioned. "Oh, now you wanna act clueless? Okay. I got a clue for you, blues-fucking-clues; you go anywhere near my sister or lay a finger on her again, you won't live to take another breath." She spoke with seriousness in her voice.
The look on Destiny's face told Brandon everything he needed to know— she wasn't one to play with. He took her words to heart, agreeing to stay away from Deedra. With that, Destiny went on her way; leaving him stuck in the frame of the door, scared shitless.
- - -
Later that evening, Destiny helped Deedra get situated into one of the many rooms in the house. She couldn't help but to stare at the bruises on the side of Deedra's face now that she was no longer using makeup to hide it. "How long ?" She asked, exhaling. "How long what?" Deedra raised an eyebrow.
"How long has he been putting his hands on you?" She asked, claiming a seat on the bed while watching Deedra hang her clothes inside of the spacious closet. She sighed, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Three, maybe four months now." She shrugged as if it were nothing to take serious.
"Why didn't you tell me sooner Dee? You know you can talk to me about anything." Destiny questioned, sadden that her sister didn't feel comfortable enough to share what she had been dealing with for 3–possibly 4 months. "Des, you have worried about me, Lani and Darnell our entire lives. You have your own life now and I didn't want to burden you." Deedra admitted.
"What? Dee you could never be a burden to me about something as serious as this. I'm your big sister, and just because I have my own family now doesn't mean I stopped being there for you guys." She expressed the truth. Deedra sighed, taking a seat beside her sister. "I know. It was just hard to accept." She shook her head, "I know he's a good guy, so I always painted over the ugly person he acted as."
"You can't do that anymore, Dee." Destiny grabbed her sisters hand, "You are beautiful. You are a queen. No man should ever lay a finger on you when he should be kissing your feet." She stated. "You are absolutely right. I know better, but I-I was scared to lose him." Deedra voiced, tears now falling from her eyes. Destiny wiped her tears away with the pad of her thumb.
"I know, I know Dee. But when you see those red flags; you must listen." Destiny warned. "I'm done Des, really." Deedra assured. "It's not worth the pain. I'm too young for it. I need to live my life to the fullest." She said, drying her face of tears. "Exactly. And, it's his loss. Your vibe is unforgettable sista." Destiny playfully bumped her sisters shoulder, bringing Deedra to a small chuckle.
"Thank you." Deedra let out, looking up at her big sister. No matter the situation, Destiny was always there for her. She was grateful to have a big sister who not only has her back; but guides her in the right directions. After their conversation, Destiny allowed Deedra to get back to unpacking her things.
Stumbling across the brochure at the bottom of her duffel bag, she pulled it out into full view. She read over the words before picking up her cellphone from the nightstand. She took a deep breath before dialing the number listed at the bottom right corner.
The line rang for what seemed like forever until a woman answered the phone. "Hello, thank you for calling PlanParenthood. My name is Bessi, how may I help you today?" The woman questioned from her end of the phone. It was like Deedra lost the sense to speak because she couldn't bring herself to a response.
"Hello? Are you there?" The woman questioned not hearing an answer from whomever at the other end of the line. "Y-Yes. I'm here." Deedra finally spoke, clearing her throat. "My name is Deedra Jones—I'd like to schedule an appointment for a abortion."
- - -
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