18. Bless
CHAPTER 18
BLESS
W aking up this morning, I felt a familiar sadness pressing down on my heart. It was always the same on this date, the anniversary of Ri's murder. For me, it wasn’t just the anniversary of losing her; it was the day the man I’d fallen in love with had died also. It was the date that my fairy tale had turned into a heartbreaking tale of loss. And now, with the added torment of having revealed my devastating secret to Legacy, my heart felt like it was shattering all over again. All night, I had tossed and turned, haunted by the hurt I’d seen in his eyes.
Before heading to work, I had to make a stop at Darrell's house. I needed to give him my house keys so he could let the caterer and decorator in for Legacy's celebration while I was at work. I was nervous, scared that the guest of honor wouldn’t come to the party after learning my secret.
As I pulled up to Darrell’s house, my stomach churned with anxiety. I took a deep breath and knocked on the door. He opened it looking tired but happy to see me.
"Morning, Darrell," I greeted him, forcing a smile. "Here are my keys. The caterer and decorator will be there around noon."
As he took the keys, his eyes softened with concern. "You look tired, Bless. Everything okay?"
I bit my lip, trying to hold back tears. "I’m... okay. Have you talked to Legacy?”
Since he’d stormed out of my place the night before, I had been desperate to call him. I knew learning the truth would devastate him, but I hoped that NA and therapy had taught him how to cope with his pain without resorting to opioids. I wanted, no, I needed to make sure he was okay and still sober, but I was terrified of his potential wrath. His silence the previous night had been unnerving as if he were a ticking bomb ready to explode at any moment.
Darrell nodded as he left the doorway. "Yes, I talked to him this morning once I was released." He took slow, careful steps out of the foyer and towards the couch. It pained me to see him weaker than he had just been the last time I’d seen him.
I stepped into the foyer, leaning against a wall. He sat on the couch, wincing slightly. Then his eyes squinted as he studied me. His head tilted a bit as he asked, “Is everything okay?”
I forced the despair to wash away from my expression. I smiled big enough that it met my eyes. “Yes, everything is fine.” I quickly changed the subject. "Are you sure you’re up for the party? You just got discharged and today is already heavy enough."
He gave me a reassuring smile. "I need something to smile about. Joy will be there to help me out. We’ll be fine."
I nodded, wearing a soft smile. "Okay. Make sure you take it easy. I don’t want you overdoing it."
"I promise I’ll be careful. Now, go on to work. I got this," he said, settling back on the couch with his breakfast.
I nodded, giving him a small smile.
I walked to the door, despising how heavy my heart felt. As I stepped outside, I looked back at Darrell, making sure he was settled comfortably on the couch before I left.
"Go on before you’re late," he demanded softly with a smile.
As I chuckled, I could hear the pain in it. “Okay, see you later.”
I locked the bottom lock before closing the door behind me.
Walking to my car, my mind was a tangled chaos of worry and anxiety about Legacy. I kept replaying last night’s scene in my head, fearing he wouldn’t show up for the surprise party. As I neared my car, lost in these thoughts, I felt a sudden, sharp pain as someone yanked my hair from behind. A blood-curdling scream tore from my throat, filled with terror and panic. I knew that I was being robbed or carjacked. I struggled, but the grip was too strong. I was snatched around forcefully and a gun was immediately pressed against my head.
When my vision cleared, my heart sank. Raja’s laugh was cold, psychotic, and his eyes were filled with a murderous malice. His face still bore the marks from Legacy's attack, and his expression was twisted with hate.
“Did you really think I’d let you get away with playing me?” he snarled, pressing the gun harder against my temple. “Or let your boyfriend get away with trying to kill me?”
I could see his finger tensing on the trigger. Fear surged through me like never before. All I could think about was my kids and Legacy. Tears welled up in my eyes as I silently prayed. My entire body shook with terror, expecting the worst.
But then, out of nowhere, Raja was pulled off of me. Relief washed over me so intensely that my knees nearly buckled. Then I heard an explosive gunshot.
I screamed, flinched, and dropped to my knees. I waited to feel pain. But all I felt was the eeriness of the silence around me. I slowly opened my eyes, my heart pounding like an African drum.
Looking around, I saw Raja lying in the grass, lifeless. Crimson red blood flowed from a gunshot wound to his chest. My gaze shifted to Darrell, weakly hobbling towards a tree, trying to catch his breath.
“Darrell!” I screamed, rushing towards him. He looked so tired, and every breath seemed to take a monumental effort.
“Are you okay?” he asked, panting as he leaned against a tree. His breathing was labored and his eyes were filled with intent and exhaustion. In his hand, he held a gun.
“Are you okay?” My own voice trembled as I reached him, taking in the sight of Raja's body out of the corner of my eye.
Darrell nodded slowly, leaning more heavily against the tree. “I’m fine... just... out of breath.”
I placed my hand gently on his shoulder, tears streaming down my face. “Thank you. Thank you so much.”
I clung to him, shivering, and he held me with one arm bringing me closer. “You’re okay,” he promised. “You’re okay.”