Chapter 13 #2
I sighed and proceeded to tell them every detail of what happened to me up until now. I went through the motions of being sad, embarrassed, humiliated, and frustrated. Damien had taken me on a wild ride, and I was so happy that Truce came to rescue me from the dragon’s tower.
“If you don’t give that man some coochie, I definitely will!” Jas shouted, and Mama slapped her on her thigh as I laughed at both of them. “Ow! That hurt!”
“It was supposed to. I don’t know how I raised such a darn freak.”
“Speaking of freaks… Married mama?” I asked.
“Alex and I happened right after you left. That man… Mm. He was my peace during my grieving of never hearing from you. I thought you were dead, Jela,” she said, solemnly.
“I know, and I’m so sorry I didn’t listen to you. I was so wrapped up in his deceitful fairytale that I really did think you all were trying to ruin what I thought was a good thing.”
Jas shook her head. “We would have never stopped your happiness, Jela. Damien just looked sneaky and mean. I didn’t like him after the first year of y’all being together. Now, I know why. He was trying to break you before you even left here.”
“I’m just glad you’re home,” my mom said as she rocked Scottie in her arms. “But… what about this brother? What if he turns out to be just like his brother?” Mommy asked.
“He’s not. He beat Damien up before we left to come here. I know I’ll have to see Damien again, but Truce promised that he would protect me.”
“Baby, you don’t know that for sure. He seems nice, but he could very well be just like his brother—or worse. And I promise… I’ll kill him if he tries to hurt you in any way.”
“He won’t. I know you all don’t trust my judgment after what Dame did. Hell, I don’t trust my own judgment now. But… this thing with Truce feels safe—secure. I don’t get those vibes that I used to get with Damien with him. Truce is truly a godsend, and his family adores him.
“He treats his mom like she’s made of glass.
You always said, ‘Watch how a man treats his mama.’ Damien barely spoke to his mom unless it was at the Sunday dinners we attended.
And Scottie loves Truce. You should see those two together.
” I smiled, looking at my baby sleeping soundly in her grandmother’s arms.
“Okay. I trust you, Jela. If you say he’s your knight in shining armor, then I’ll believe you. Just be careful with this. Truce may be the angel you needed, but don’t think that devil ain’t lurking, looking for a way to dismantle your happiness again.”
“I hear you, Mommy.”
Jas walked over and rubbed Scottlyn’s back. “I’m going to have to have a talk with Miss Scottie. I can't believe she hurt my feelings like that.”
“I think it’s because she saw me hugging and crying on Mommy. I swear, she’s super lovable. She’ll warm up to you. I promise.”
“It ain’t nothing. I’m just glad to have y’all back home.”
“Me too, sis.”
We spent the rest of the day in my mom’s hospital room until visiting hours were over. The doctor told us that she would be cleared to go home tomorrow, so I was happy about that. I didn’t want to leave my mom, but I knew I’d see her bright and early tomorrow.
I had gotten to know Alex, and I could see why my mom loved him so much. He was very attentive and funny, and I could tell he loved my mom. I was glad she finally had someone to love after losing the love of her life.
Scottlyn had finally awoke during our visit, and as I told Jas, she warmed right up to her. It was over from there because Jasmine wouldn’t let her go back to Truce, whom Scottlyn kept trying to go to. It was funny and so heartwarming that it felt as if Truce was a part of our family.
When it was time to leave, I hugged and kissed my mom, holding her a bit longer for good measure.
We left the hospital after bidding my sister a good night with promises to link up with her tomorrow.
I didn’t want to leave her either, but she told me she had to get up early tomorrow for work, and since she lived with her boyfriend, I didn’t want to intrude on her space.
She fussed with me the whole way down to the parking garage, until Truce stepped in and told her he had me.
“Y’all making all this ruckus, and it’s really nothing for real. Jela and Chunks will be taken care of.”
“I know they will, Mr. Big Time, but that’s not the point. I haven’t seen my sister in a year. My house is big enough for them to come over, and Dre won’t care at all. He’ll actually be ecstatic that I finally have you back.”
“I know… I promise I’ll come tomorrow as soon as you’re home from work.”
“Fine,” she conceded. “You better take care of my sister… the right way!” Jas warned.
“That’s the only way I know, sis.”
“Mmhmm. Love you, sis. See you later, cupcake.” She rubbed Scottie’s cheek, and they both giggled.
“Love you more,” I told her, blowing her a kiss as she walked away, got inside her car, and pulled out.
“Well, Mr. Big Time. Where exactly are you going to take us tonight?”
He smirked and took my hand. “To the safest place on Earth.”