CHAPTER TWELVE IESHA #2
There was quietness for a moment, then he said, “Look, I don’t have time to babysit your feelings, Iesha. I got real shit going on right now. Shit that you don’t know if you wanna deal with, remember? I’ll hit you later.”
He ended the call, and my heart was crushed.
I knew he was going through a lot and because of my actions three days ago, he didn’t trust me enough to bare his heart to anymore.
I just wished he could understand that I was just trying to figure out what was best for me.
Maybe that wasn’t how I was supposed to be when it came to love. I didn’t know.
My phone chimed, making the money sound.
That meant I had an order. I supposed it was no time like the present to get started on it.
When I opened the email, it was for a simple flyer for a local business.
I huffed, knowing that it would only take me a few minutes.
Before I could get into Photoshop, my phone vibrated. It was a text from Seven. I opened it.
I’m sorry for snapping on you. I’m just going through a lot. One of my best friends is dying, and that shit is my fault.
I could feel my emotions bubbling up in my chest as tears accumulated in my ducts. Let me be there for you. I can go to you or you can come here.
I anxiously waited for what he would say. When the text appeared, I held my breath until I finished reading it.
I need a break from the hospital, but I don’t want to be too far away. Are you sure? You said you didn’t want to be in this shit.
I closed my eyes and knew he was supposed to be here with me. No matter what was going on in his life, I knew his heart. I needed to stop running scared. He needed me.
I’m sure, Seven. I want you here with me.
I’m on my way.
A slight smile appeared on my face, but it left just as quickly as it appeared.
I was happy he was coming over, but I had to prepare to comfort him to the best of my abilities.
Like him, I didn’t have but a couple of semi-close friends outside of my family.
If something happened to any of them, I would lose my mind.
I had to put myself in his shoes, so I would know what he needed.
All I would want is loving arms wrapped around me, telling me it would be okay, even if the odds said it wouldn’t be.
I changed into some leggings and a T-shirt, forgoing wearing a bra, and waited for him to arrive.
I made up in my mind that I would be whatever he needed me to be in order to comfort him, because I felt like this could go one of two ways.
Either he would be quiet and just wanted to rest, or he would want to fuck to exert nervous energy and get the feelings off him.
I went to the kitchen and grabbed a bottle of water, then heard a soft knock on the door.
I nervously made my way to it. After checking the peephole, it was like I could feel his sorrow.
I opened the door and noticed it was drizzling outside.
Seven was wet but not soaked. He walked in past me and as I closed the door, then locked it, he pressed his damp body against mine. Jesus.
“I missed you,” he whispered, causing my body to shudder.
I slowly turned around, sliding against him, to face him.
His gaze was penetrating my soul. I slid my hands up his chest and eventually around his neck as he stooped slightly to allow me to do so, since he was almost a foot taller than me.
He wrapped his arm around me and what happened next shocked the shit out of me.
He started crying audibly. It wasn’t loud, but I could hear him.
“PJ is fighting so hard. I just . . .” he pulled away from me and quickly wiped his face. “I’m sorry.”
I shook my head. “This is a safe space, Seven. You know that or you wouldn’t be here.”
He swallowed hard and nodded, then went to the couch and flopped on it. I went to sit beside him, but he pulled my leg across his lap, forcing me to straddle him. His erection seemed to already be at full potential. He slid his hands up the sides of my thighs to my ass and gripped it.
“I love you. Thank you for taking the risk of being with me. I need you, girl. Honestly, that was why I was afraid to tell you what was going on. I wanted to prove to you that I could be who you needed.”
I put my hands to his face, forcing him to look at me.
“I’m sorry for making you think you had to prove anything to me.
I’ve known you for a while. I know you love me.
I don’t want you to change who you are. I just want you to sometimes evaluate your delivery.
I love you, Seven. I fell for you a while ago.
I understand that bullshit will pop up from time to time.
I can’t punish you for what happens when it comes to your past decisions. I’m here. Okay?”
He bit his bottom lip and wrapped his arms around my waist, squeezing me to him. He kissed the side of my head and whispered. “I need you, baby. Please . . .”
I lifted my head and kissed his lips. “You got me however you want me, Seven. I promise I won’t bail on you again.”