Page 6 of Bully

I’d always been my sister’s protector. Not just physically but emotionally and mentally too. If there was ever anything I felt could hurt her, I wanted to keep it from her. With Gabriella, I didn’t subscribe to the narrative that she had to suffer or struggle or experience unnecessary pain to prepare for the real world, and I felt like that was how I’d be with Innah too. Life would be hard enough for them. I wouldn’t be hard too, but I would, however, be the rock that crushed anything and anyone for them and kept them steady. But for the first time, I decided to be completely honest with my sister… even if I knew the truth would hurt her.

“Yeah, it was because of that situation. I can’t say it was because of you because you didn’t ask for that to happen.”

“How did we get to this? What did he want with you? He…” Her mouth snapped shut and she looked over at our parents who were in their own world before continuing. “He killed Andre, right?”

I bobbed my head. “Right. In exchange for the favor, I agreed to do whatever he needed me to do because he handled that. At first, he wanted me to throw games, but I said no.”

“That’s why you retired?” she asked with watery eyes.

“Yeah. And before you start blaming yourself for that, that was my choice. I didn’t want him to think he could use the court against me. I won’t allowanyman to have that kind of power over me. I chose to retire; I wasn’t forced to.”

“Oh God. You gave up your dream because of my bullshit. I’m so sorry, Bully.”

“You have nothing to apologize for, Sis. I’d do anything to keep you safe.”

With a shaky breath, Gabriella wiped away a quickly fallen tear. “Is it over now? Whatever he asked you to do… it’s over, right?”

“Yeah, it’s over.”

Relief washed over her face as she hugged me. “I’m sorry you had to miss your wedding and the first six months of your baby’s life. Had I known me telling you the truth would have led to all this—”

“Hey, don’t even go there.” I cupped her cheek and forced her to look at me. “You can come to me about anything. There was no way for me to know he’d wait five years to ask for his favor. It’s done now, and I’m going to focus on restoring what my time away has fucked up. But I need to know that you know this isn’t your fault.”

Even though she nodded her agreement, I could tell she was still holding the weight of what I’d just said. Hopefully time would release her of it, because I didn’t know what to say or do. And I honestly didn’t have the capacity to. My sole priority now that I was back home would be getting back on good terms with my girl and establishing a relationship with my baby girl.

I chilled with my family for a little while longer before emailing my business manager and the managers for my athletic store and shoe store. After setting up meetings with them to get updated on how business had been, I sent a text to my crew’s group chat.

Me: I’m home.

4

Innvy

“You havegotto be fucking kidding me.”

Releasing a shaky breath, I looked around the backyard. It was my bright idea to move into a small three bedroom home in a quiet cove, and I felt like today, God was punishing me for it. Staying in Bully’s home made it hard to move on because of all the memories. The crew wanted me to get a large starter home because they were sure Bully would return soon and we’d continue with our life plans. Stubbornly, I opted for something small enough to feel cozy and be big enough for my daughter and me, and now… I regretted it.

The small home didn’t have enough room for a full backyard, but I had a gated-in square of concrete next to a small patch of grass behind the house. I had to walk through the gate to put the garbage and recycle bins on the curb for pickup. This morning, it was so windy the gate slammed shut and locked me out. I hadn’t taken the time to set up the garage code, so that was no help, and I didn’t know any neighbors yet.

On top of that, I’d literally just gotten up, so I only had my robe on. Completely naked underneath, I hadn’t even bothered to grab the tie. All I did was slip into my slides and rush downstairs to make sure I didn’t miss the garbage pickup. Now I didn’t knowwhatto do. The last thing I wanted to do was explain to my neighbors how I’d gotten locked out of my own damn house while my baby was inside. I didn’t know how long it would take a locksmith to get here, but I didn’t want to leave her inside for too much longer.

Deciding the only thing I could do was hop the gate, I climbed up the garbage can and did just that. My landing was horrible, so I scratched my arm, legs, and chest. All I could do was laugh because in the process of me climbing, my robe opened. I’m pretty sure my neighbor’s camera caught the whole thing.

As I walked back into the house, my laughter immediately fizzled out at the sound of Innah’s cries. I rushed up the stairs, not even bothering to tend to my cuts. I took the time to wash my arms and hands before going into her room to scoop her up. At the sight of me, her tears stopped and she smiled.

“Hey, mama’s baby. I’m sorry I wasn’t here as soon as you woke up.”

I sat on the rocking chair and grimaced as stinging pain shot through me. After drying her face of its tears, I changed her and started her morning routine, then did mine. As I dried off, my doorbell rang. I wasn’t expecting anyone, so I hesitantly made my way downstairs.

“Who is it?” I asked, leaning against the door.

“Moore… your next door neighbor.” He paused briefly. “I uh… saw you on my camera and I just wanted to make sure you were okay.”

“Shit.” I smiled as I unlocked the door. It was too funny of a situation for me to be embarrassed. And besides, I was just happy to be back inside with my baby girl. As I opened the door, I greeted him with, “Hi.”

“Hey, you good?” My smile widened as I leaned against the door. He was definitely attractive, but I had no time to be looking at a man these days. Between Innah and work, my hands were full. Plus, my heart still wanted Bully, regardless of how dumb that made me. I wasn’t waiting for him, but the love I’d reserved for him wasn’t interested in being given to anyone else.

“I’m fine. How much did you see exactly?”

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