Bless
BLESS
My nerves were frazzled as I stood by watching the detectives talk to Darrell. Raja's lifeless body lay in the grass, now covered with a white sheet and enclosed in yellow crime scene tape. The sight was jarring, and I cringed, feeling a wave of nausea. The chaos around us was unreal—police cars with their lights flashing, neighbors peeking out from behind curtains, some on their porches or standing as close to the scene as they could get, and the murmur of their many conversations.
The ambulance had already left after Raja was officially pronounced dead by the coroner whose team was now preparing to remove the body from the scene. The entire experience felt surreal, like something out of a horrible nightmare. My eyes darted around, trying to make sense of it all, when I saw Legacy's car speeding into a parking space a few houses down. The spot in front of his parents' house was occupied by police cars, making it impossible for him to park there.
I nervously watched as he charged out of the car, not even turning the engine off before he ran towards us. As Legacy approached hastily, his eyes hardly met mine. The tension between us was painfully thick. Rushing towards us, he noticed the white sheet covering the dead body near the driveway. The sight nearly made him trip, but instead, he ran towards us even faster.
"What's going on?" His tone was filled with anxiety, but he could hardly look at me. “Who is that? Is Ma okay?”
After taking a deep breath, I explained, "Raja attacked me when I was leaving–" Legacy’s eyes grew wild with anger, stopping my words briefly. “He... h-he was about to kill me, but Darrell shot him."
Legacy's eyes softened slightly, but I could still see the conflict in them. He was torn between his anger with me and his genuine concern. "Are you okay?"
My heart ached when I noticed the frustration in his voice. I nodded, tears brimming in my eyes. "I'm fine. Just shaken up."
The detective, who had been speaking with Darrell, turned to us and said, "We're not pressing any charges. The Ring camera footage clearly shows the attack. It was self-defense."
“Thank you, Detective,” Darrell told him.
“We will most likely need to follow up with more questions.”
“Sure,” Darrell replied.
In response, the detective gave him a sharp nod.
As the detective walked away, I looked at Legacy, hoping for some sign of comfort or understanding. My eyes grew with hope as his eyes finally landed on me for a moment, but they quickly drifted away.
Looking at the white sheet, he asked me, "What were you doing here anyway?"
My mind raced, trying to come up with a lie. "I-I… just..."
"She came over to visit me before work,” Darrell quickly interjected, saving me from my own fumbling. “She hadn't seen me since I had the stroke."
Legacy's expression softened slightly and he turned to his father. "Dad, you need to go inside and sit down–"
"What did you do now?!" Suddenly, out of nowhere, the shrill of Charon's voice sliced through the tension. “Today of all days?! What now?!” She stormed towards us, wearing panic, worry, and rage in addition to her work slacks and blouse.
"Be quiet!” Darrell’s bark was so loud and strong that it caused all of us to freeze in silence. “I’m so sick of this shit!” He snarled with disgust as he glared at Charon. “You didn't even ask if everyone was okay!"
Legacy eased closer to his father, whispering, "Dad, calm down. Your heart can't take this."
When Darrell looked at Legacy, his eyes softened. "My heart can't take this either… not anymore son.” His eyes narrowed on Charon. “Go in the house. I’ll explain everything.”
Charon scoffed as she stormed off, muttering under her breath. My eyes bounced between Legacy and Darrell, wondering what to do or say.
Luckily, Darrell told us, “C’mon. Let’s leave the detectives and the coroner’s office to finish up their work.”
As he walked towards the house, Legacy and I followed. Walking side by side, I could feel the suffocating tension between us. I fought the urge to ask him if he was okay because I knew he wasn’t. He couldn't be. But at least he appeared sober.
Once inside of the house, we were met with the explosive sound of his parents’ bedroom door slamming shut. Darrell scoffed with disgust as he settled on the couch, looking exhausted. "Legacy, get me some tea, will you?"
“I got you.” Legacy rushed off as if he appreciated the opportunity to get out of my space.
As he disappeared down the hall, I asked Darrell quietly, "Are you sure you still want to have this party?"
Although his eyes were tired, he smiled. "We really need to party now."
I chuckled and nodded. "You’re right. I called off work while you were talking to the detectives. So, I’ll be home to let the caterer in. You can meet me there later."
"Thank you, ," Darrell said.
Listening to the sound of Legacy making tea in the kitchen, embarrassment and shame clung to me. Sighing, I leaned down and kissed Darrell on the cheek. "I'll see you later," I whispered.
I needed to leave. I couldn’t stand witnessing the hurt and resentment all over Legacy.
"Okay, sweetheart," he replied, patting my hand gently.
I quickly made my way to the door. With one last glance back at Darrell, I hurried out of the house. The sticky, humid June air hit my face as I stepped outside. I reached my car, hands trembling slightly as I fumbled with the keys. It had come with unfortunate circumstances, but I appreciated that I now had the day to myself without the kids and work, to think. I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself, but Raja’s covered body in my peripheral made that impossible.