Page 95 of One Good Reason

“That girl… that girl,” she drawled.

“I know, Gema. I carry the same sentiments. And believe me, if it wasn’t for the sheriff standing right there, I would’ve made good on my threat.”

“Tell ‘em Tali. Tell ‘em what Joe Lee did. Maybe that’ll change their mind.”

Looking away from her, I shook my head as tears fell rapidly down my face. “We both know they won’t,” I blubbered.

“They might Tali.”

“No Gema, they won’t.”

“I don’t know why that child hates you so much, but the Lord don’t bless no vindictive soul.”

“She hates me because of what Joe Lee did to me. Gema I was five and she acts like I asked for it.”

Dropping my head in her lap, I sobbed. It was bad enough that I had to deal with my mama on account of Gema. But to have to look my abuser in the face was part of the fucking reason I was fucked up in the head.

My therapist had even suggested cutting my family off so I didn’t have to see him, but that shit was easier said than done. I never wanted to alienate Gema from her kids regardless of how fucked up they were. I didn’t believe her when she told me I would never heal until I cut all of them off but now, I knew the shit was true.

My mama knew exactly what she was doing. Her plan all alone had been to strip me of the one thing that kept me going, Gema. The minute they got her down there permanently, I wouldn’t be able to talk to her. Hell, I would be lucky enough to get an update on how she was doing. And I think that’s what was hurting me the most. I knew she was going to cut my access off. That shit was going to cripple me and I couldn’t function withoutGema. How the fuck was I supposed to move around like she didn’t exist?

“Hush up now, Tali.” Gema ran her hand through my hair. “Clear yo’ face up before we go back out there. Don’t you dare sit there and let Litha see you accept defeat. That’s what she wants. If I gotta go with her until you can get this settled, then I’ll do that, but don’t youdaregive her the satisfaction.”

“Gema, she’s taking you from me.”

“She ain’t taking shit. I got a phone and I know how to use it.”

“It won’t be the same.”

“It won’t but I also know it’s temporary.”

I could tell this was her way of trying to be strong for me. Gema knew just like I did that once she made it back to Warner Robins, shit was going to get real. But I understood her having to put on a brave face because only one of us could fall apart.

“Everything you need is in the box at the bank. You come get that and take it down to your attorney. Them discharge papers you got from the hospital; you take them too. Litha can’t prove I was abused so they gon’ realize she was grasping for straws. You understand me, Tali.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

After calming down, I packed enough of Gema’s stuff that she would need to be comfortable away from home. Before taking her back to the front, I ran upstairs and grabbed my favorite blanket off the foot of my bed and gave it to her. My number was already programmed on speed dial, and she knew how to use it. All I could do was hope they ain’t take the phone from her.

Gema wasn’t docile so if they thought she was going to go quietly they had another thing coming. My girl ain’t play the radio ‘bout me so I knew she was gon’ give they ass hell. We didn’t come out of her room until we were good and fucking ready. I refused to let Joe Lee help her to the car so I made sure to walk down the driveway. The closer we got to the car, themore that familiar feeling of something happening crept back up. I peeped around and saw the sheriff was standing to close to us for me to make a run for it.

Hell, even if he wasn’t, Gema’s ass was in no position to run either. Opening the back door, I waited for her to get in. Kneeling, I placed her purse in her lap and secured the seatbelt around her. “If that bitch makes one wrong move Gema, you call the police on her ass. Her or Joe Lee pedophile ass. You hear me?”

“I will Tali.”

“Good. Now give me a kiss so I can get these folks away from my house. The longer I look at my Mama, the more my trigger finger is itching and I ain’t’ trying to end up on the nightly news.”

Leaning up, I turned my head to the side so Gema could kiss me on the cheek. “I promise I’m coming for you Bertha Mae,” I avowed before rising and shutting the door.

I stood there and watched the sheriff pass Jalitha the stack of folded papers while she thanked him for assisting her today. Advancing on them, I got right in her face.

“You may have won this round, but bitch make no fucking mistakes. I’m coming for my grandmother and soon. You think that lil’ piece of paper did something. Just know I’mma make sure I ruin not only your life but that pedophile ass husband of yours. Papa Joe kept a lot of insurance. You must’ve forgotten that I hold the keys toeverything.”

The way she gulped let me know my words had gotten to her. Drawing my arm back, I jumped like I was getting ready to sock her in the face. Her scary ass damn near fell on the ground.

“Scary ass bitch!” I spat and stepped around her. Lord knows I respected my elders, but Jalitha had pulled me out of character today. I would repent for calling her out of her name tonight when I said my prayers.

“Get the fuck out my driveway!” I yelled over my shoulder before going inside and slamming the door. When I rounded the corner into the living room, Mrs. Jessie was sitting on the couch rocking back and forth.

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