Page 21 of Saved By the Game

“Hi, I’m Samantha Vonshire.” Please excuse my mother. She’s still grieving. She’ll snap out of her despair soon. Then she’ll talk your head off. I understand you’re acquainted with my man, Malik. I hope it’s okay we’re here. If not, we can stay at a hotel.”

“Nonsense. I wouldn’t dare allow y’all to stay at a hotel. We’re all family now. Malik and I will go to the kitchen and have a beer while you ladies talk.”

∞∞∞

“You look so beautiful, mom.” Bella spoke to brighten the mood.

“Here sweetie, I have something to give you. A letter came in the mail addressed to you from Paris. I wanted to open it for you, but I didn’t want to pry.” Mama Vonshire replied as she reached into her bag to retrieve the envelope. She handed the envelope to Bella. It was from Brian. All eyes were on her to open the letter. “Well, go on and open it.” Mama Vonshire urged her. There was silence in the room as Bella tore open the letter with her red, almond shaped fingernails.

Taking a deep breath, she read the letter aloud, causing her eyelashes to flutter. “Dear Bella, my beautiful fiancé. I hope this letter finds you well. I’ve been in jail pondering how to muster up enough courage to reach out to you. I know I’m the last person you want to hear from. I’ve done horrific things and treated you less than you deserved. I wanted to tell you that I’m terribly sorry. I’m begging for your forgiveness. I’ve met a chaplain in jail and joined the church. Things have gotten better ever since I’ve joined the church. I’ve found brothers in Christ. They pray for me and the chaplain has helped me understand the Bible better. You know I wasn’t a Bible thumper before, I was too worried about the flesh. I’ve changed and I’m becoming a new man in Christ. I don’t think I would’ve been able to handle these days in jail without God. As you may know, I have to go to trial next week. Pray for me. Although I know I won’t get released, I pray that the judge shows mercy on me. If Jesus endured death on the cross, I can handle my time in prison. Love always, Brian.” She closed the letter and put it down.

The mother and sister exchanged a look, a silent understanding passing between them. They knew Bella had recently gone through a difficult breakup. Now seeing her hold a letter from an ex was enough to spark protective instinct in both of them. Without saying a word, both her mother and sister wentto her side and hugged her. They didn’t know what to say. They both wrapped their loving arms around Bella.

“What happened to you sweetie? Tell me more about it.” Sandra spoke.

“Basically mom, I’ve been physically, mentally, and emotionally abused by Brian for three years. I’ve suffered in silence to keep my life. When we were in Paris for the Olympic games, he beat me so badly I ran away from him. I ran out of our hotel room into the hotel lobby. That’s where Adonis found me and saved me. Brian found and kidnapped me, holding me hostage for a few hours.. Adonis called the Federal law enforcement to search for me until I was found. Malik was our bodyguard when I slipped away from Adonis’ hotel room. Since he was the bodyguard on duty, Adonis fired him. He blamed him for me being kidnapped. Even though it was my fault because I left without telling anyone. I knew better but I didn’t think Brian would still be looking for me. I was wrong and I paid for my disobedience with more abuse while I was held hostage. He even put a gun to my head and threatened to kill me. I was scared but God heard my prayers. The police found me, and I went back to Adonis. Adonis has treated me like a princess from day one. I’ve been truly blessed to have him. At first, I wouldn’t dare move in with another man, but the way he pursued me, I couldn’t resist.”

“I’m sorry to hear you endured that trauma from Brian. I wish I’d known before now. I would’ve done something to help you. I’m just happy my baby girl survived. Now you’re able to tell your story and help someone else. It could’ve been worse. Lord, we thank you. We give God all the glory.” Mama Vonshire responded, throwing up her hand in praise.

“At least God blessed you with a better man. Sis, I’m sorry but that man Adonis is fine. He’s the star player of the DallasMaverick. I also read his recent GQ article, he’s an intelligent business owner. You’re winning with him. The only thing you’ll have to worry about is keeping the ladies off him.” They both burst out laughing from Samantha’s statement. She couldn’t deny her sister from acknowledging her man. Adonis was different. He was a Godly man with Godly values. Therefore, she didn’t worry about competing with another woman.

∞∞∞

The house had a unique layout, with a sturdy wall separating the kitchen from the living room. Though the two rooms were in close proximity, the wall created a natural divide, giving each space its own sense of privacy. The kitchen, with its soft hum of appliances, was tucked away from the more open, cozy living room. “Are y’all alright over there? It’s too quiet. I want to make sure Malik isn’t over there upsetting my man.” Bella stood up and asked.

“Of course, we’re good. First off, you know my hands are trained in boxing. I think Malik knows not to try me.” They both clanked their beers, continuing their conversation. “You’re a lucky man. You got fired from one job and immediately began working for the University of South Carolina. How did you do it?”

“Man, it was God’s favor. I was devastated when you fired me. I’m not gone lie. I went back home and asked God in prayer to put me in a better position. I told God about all my wants and needs. I even told God about the woman I wanted in my life. After putting in tons of applications, I got a call the next day. I flew in for the interview and was hired immediately. Imet Samantha while she was working out. She was in the gym attempting shots and missed one. I caught the basketball and threw it back to her and we started talking from there.”

“Basically, you were flirting on the job. He chuckled.“See… You never stay focused on the job. You can’t blame me for firing you. I’m just kidding man. My fault for firing you. I was upset Bella was kidnapped. Thankfully, we were able to get her back safely. I went crazy searching for her all over the hotel.”

“It’s all good, bossman. I understand. I would’ve done the same if it was Samantha. She’s truly special to me.” Malik replied and shook hands with Adonis in truce.

Mama Vonshire took notice of Kybella fidgeting. She raised a brow in concern. “Kybella Vonshire what is going on with you? Why are you acting nervous? Do you have anything else you’d like to share with us tonight?”

She could always tell when something was wrong with her daughters. It was her discernment and mother’s instinct that kept her in tune. Mother Vonshire’ s discernment always kept her daughters out of trouble when they were teenagers. It was like she’d had an antenna to know if they were planning to sneak out. Bella thought about the times her mother caught them sneaking out for a party. Both sisters would have on their mother’s perfume and makeup. She’d make them clean their faces and work to replace her favorite Dior perfume. They couldn’t keep their door closed after getting caught trying to sneak out. Afterwards, she’d have them on every church committee to occupy their time. Bella decided to tell them the real reason for the visit.

“Have a seat mom, I have something to tell you. I didn’t ask you to visit me to tell you about my abusive relationship withBrian. The real reason I’ve asked you to come is for your support. I- I- I, um. I have signs of cervical cancer.” Her mother gasped. “I want you both to fly in the morning of my treatment I’m having a cancer treatment. I didn’t want to go through it without y’all.”

“Baby, I’m sorry. Oh my God. I had no idea. Yes, we’ll be there with you. Come here my baby.” Mama Vonshire held Bella tightly in her arms. She cried in her mother’s arms. Samantha rubbed her leg to assure her she was there.

“Don’t cry. My God is a healer. He’ll heal you. She began to pray over Bella and speak in tongues. Samatha touched and agreed with the prayer. The men gathered around them and joined in prayer too. The Holy Spirit was in the room. After praying, Bella wiped her eyes. Having her family there made her feel better. She became hopeful that she could fight cancer.

The next morning

The alarm rang and Bella hit snooze. She fell back on the bed and sighed. She looked to the side of her and saw the bed was empty. The aroma in the air smelled like bacon and coffee. She wanted to sleep a little while longer, but she had to make it on time for her doctor’s appointment. Wiping her eyelids, she stretched and put on her robe to walk downstairs. To her surprise, she saw her mother cooking breakfast. Adonis, Samantha, and Malik were all waiting at the table for the food. “Well, good morning beautiful! Have a seat for some bacon, eggs, and pancakes.”

“I tried to tell her that Mr. Davis could make breakfast babe, but she insisted on cooking. Your mom is a tough cookie. I hope you slept well. We have a full day ahead of us today.”

“I did sleep well but I was surprised to wake up in bed alone. I’d rather stay in bed all day than receive an awful cancer treatment.” Mama Vonshire began to play gospel music to lighten the mood. “Oh, God! Mama it’s too early for loud gospel music. I see you still wake up blasting gospel music like you did while we were growing up. I knew once you cut it on it meant it was time to wake up and clean the house.”

Adonis reached out for Bella to give her a hug. He gave her a soft kiss on the forehead as well. “Stop fussing baby. We’re going to have a good day. Eat your food, so we can go.”

Bella ate her food in silence. Her family tried everything to cheer her up, but nothing worked. She touched her head like she was in pain. “Baby, are you alright?” Adonis asked.

“My head is in excruciating pain. Can you please hand me a couple of ibuprofen pills?” As she went for the pills she fell back into his arms. “Bella!” Adonis yelled. “Oh no, let’s get her to the hospital. I think she fainted.”

Everything faded for Bella. Somewhere in the dark she thought she heard the stove click off. She felt her mama’s hands on her. Maybe she grabbed her purse. Maybe she prayed asking God to heal her. Maybe she dreamed it all.

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