Page 16 of Walk Thru The Fire

Closing my eyes, I took a deep breath and told my mama and Stacks what happened the day I left. I let them know how Lance asked to see Jace before he left and how he and his brother, Maurice, forced me and Jace into another vehicle. I let them know he was planning on extorting money from the DeLuca’s in exchange for my return. I told them that was the last thing I remembered. When I finished, Jackson scoffed and mumbled something before he left the room. I couldn’t stop the tears if I wanted to.

“He hates me,” I cried.

“He doesn’t hate you, Kasha, but he is hurt. In his eyes, you made it seem like he couldn’t protect you and Jace. Knowing that he was already in deep with those boys, you chose to go and see him without letting him know. To men like that, that displays disloyalty. He feels as if he can’t trust you, and I can’t say I blame him.” My head snapped in my mother’s direction because I couldn’t believe she was blaming me.

“So, you’re blaming me?”

“No, I’m not blaming you, but you should’ve known better. Knowing you, you used Jackson’s age to determine that youwould take matters into your own hands because you didn’t want him to go up against Lance, especially after getting shot. I told you if you weren’t going to take him seriously, then you should’ve continued to ignore his advances. You chose to let that man in and he let you into his heart and you fumbled it.” I listened to my mama, and she was right. I didn’t tell Jackson because I didn’t want him to get hurt again. He’d already gotten shot by Lance. I didn’t want anything else to happen to him.

“Ma, what am I supposed to do now?”

“Let him have his moment and sort out his feelings.”

“But he hates me,” I cried.

“He doesn’t hate you. That man has been here since I called him. He left briefly to go home and get clothes, and I assume to get his businesses in order, but he’s been here. He’s been staying here at night so we can go rest. That’s not the actions of someone who hates you.”

I closed my eyes and took in everything my mama said, and it was overwhelming. I didn’t want to hurt Jackson, but I didn’t want him to get hurt, either.

“Ma!” I heard Jace’s voice, and my eyes popped open.

“Hey, baby. Are you okay?” I examined him the best way that I could.

“I’m fine. You scared me, Ma.” he cried.

“I know, baby, and I’m sorry.” I hugged my son and thanked God that he was okay.

“It’s not your fault, Ma. That nigga did that because he’s a punk. It’s okay though because I know Stacks and Uncle Buck gone make him pay for messing with us.” I declined to respond because I didn’t want to disappoint my son again by letting him know Jackson left and probably wouldn’t be back. I just enjoyed the moments with my family before I got tired and needed a nap. I didn’t know if Jackson was coming back or not, but I couldn’t be mad if he didn’t. I knew he needed some time. I justhoped that he gave me a chance to explain before shutting me completely out.

10

Chapter Ten

Stacks

I had to leave that hospital room before I said some shit to hurt Kasha’s feelings. Hearing her say that nigga hit her up to see Jace pissed me off because he didn’t give a fuck about that kid. If we were being honest, I was more of his damn daddy than that pussy ass nigga. I came outside to get some fresh air and to hit up Buck.

“Wassup, bro?” he answered. I heard Benny whining, so I knew he had him.

“Shit. Kasha woke up,” I revealed.

“Oh, shit. She good?”

“I guess, so.” I shrugged like he could see me.

“You go—Goldie, come get ya son!” he called out. “What you mean, you guess?”

“It means just what the fuck I said, nigga. I guess she’s good. She’s awake and talking.”

“Stop all that yelling. What you in here doing to my baby?” I heard Nic ask.

“I’ain doing shit to his lil’ ass. He in here gnawing at my damn chest like I got milk for his lil’ greedy ass. Lil’ ass stay on yo’ titties more than I do,” he fussed.

“Aye, man. I’on wanna hear that shit.” I frowned.

“Close ya gah damn ears then.” I heard him say something to Nic before telling her to give him a kiss.

“Sucka ass, nigga,” I joked.

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