Page 12 of Through the Fire

I felt the coolness of the engagement ring hanging from the chain I bought for it. My life looked nothing like I thought it would, and the pain I was carrying hurt so bad. I couldn’t understand why God would place this burden on me. Now, I was too afraid to let Shyheim in because I was certain if I loved him, I would lose him too.

My phone chimed on the counter distracting me. As if he’d heard me think of his name, it appeared on my screen.

Lieutenant Troy:Look up

I read the message again before my head shot up. He stood on the opposite side of the doorway, holding up a box of pizza from Pizza Palace. For a minute, I was frozen in place. It was like the harder I pushed him away, the harder fate pushed him right back to my literal doorstep.

Finally, placing the phone down, I stood slowly. My fingers began tap dancing against each other as I walked to the door. I was already in an emotional place, and here he came being sweet for absolutely no reason. I unlocked the door then stepped back to let him in.

“Heim… what are you doing here?” I asked despite the fact I was sure I knew the answer.

He lifted the box of pizza. “I couldn’t get you off my mind. I know you miss lunch when it gets too busy here. Since it’s your cheat day, I wanted your pizza to be on me.”

His thoughtfulness pulled at my heartstrings.

“I appreciate it because you’re absolutely right. I did not get to eat today and I’m starving.”

I avoided his eyes because I wasn’t sure what I’d see in them. I was at war with myself. Part of me knew I had to save him from the inevitable while another part of me wanted exactly what he was dishing out. Heim followed behind me to take a seat next to me on the sofa. He set the pizza and paper plates down on the table.

“Mm… That smells so good,” I cooed.

My mouth was practically watering from the aroma of melted cheese and marinara sauce. I rubbed my hands together right before the bell chimed as the front door flew open.

A woman stood there with fire in her eyes. I got ready to let her know we were closed when I saw Shy Shy at her side. Shyheim shot to his feet as she marched toward us dragging Shy Shy behind her. The way she was handling her made my heart hurt. That tiny, sweet girl didn’t deserve that. I felt myself going into mama bear mode ready to protect her from this deranged lady.

“Kianni, what are you doing here?”

“I tracked your phone with Shy Shy’s iPad. Instead of being in this bitch’s face, you should’ve been coming to get your daughter.”

Shyheim’s head jerked back. “You got me fucked up. Don’t be tracking my shit, Kianni. I just got off, but whatever I do with my time, isn’t your business. Shy is supposed to stay with you tonight.”

“Well, I got shit to do. Here take her.” She pushed Shyla roughly toward us. Immediately, she went to wrap herself around her father’s leg.

“Push my fucking daughter again, and I’ma forget you’re her mother.”

Kianni shrugged her shoulders. I took the time to study her. She wasn’t an ugly girl physically, but her behavior placed her in the category. She was dressed in an Ed Hardy sweatsuit and white block walkers. Her neck, wrists, and fingers were covered in gold. It wasn’t hard to tell what type of woman she was when she shouldered her Chanel bag.

When I motioned for Shy Shy to come to me and she did, her mother’s eyes turned to me. She studied me then smirked.

“He ain’t shit, girl. Don’t let him trick you into thinking otherwise.”

With those parting words, she turned and marched out of the shop. Shyheim followed behind her fuming.

I bent down with my attention on Shyla. “Are you okay sweet girl?”

Her chin was resting on her chest, but she glanced at me and nodded. The tears in her eyes had me pulling her into me for a hug.

“It’s going to be okay.”

I consoled her to distract her from her parents’ loud voices arguing outside the shop. Eventually, Shyheim marched back inside. I swore the walls shook from how hard he slammed the door. He leaned with his hands against the wall. His chest heaved up and down as he attempted to calm himself down. His body became deathly still, and I could only imagine what was going through his mind. Once he was calmer, he locked the door then walked over to us.

In between watching him, I was busy wiping away Shy Shy’s tears.

“Come here, Smiley.”

She rushed over to him. He scooped her up with ease and held her close to him.

“It’s okay. Don’t cry, baby.”

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