Page 83 of Slayin Villain
Later, wrapped in an old quilt on the twin bed, I scrolled through my phone out of habit.No texts.No missed calls.I'd changed my number, but some part of me had hoped, just maybe, he’d try.That Villain would hunt me down like he used to when someone pissed him off.Kick in a door.Show up furious and loud and real.After all, the club had the resources.He could find me if he wanted to.
But he didn’t.
Because I wasn’t his.Wasn’t his priority.Not even his problem anymore.
Just his consequence.
I tried to sleep, but the memories wouldn’t leave me alone.
The way his eyes went cold like I’d put a knife in his ribs when I told him.How he made me feel like a burden instead of a blessing.
And then, the way he used to kiss me, like he needed me to breathe.Like he wanted me only.Only to leave my bed for hers.Again and again.
I bit my lip, curling into myself, fighting the tears that always came at night.
I wanted to hate him.God, I needed to.But my heart didn’t work that way.
I loved him.
Still.
Even now.
And that was the worst part.
A soft knock came at my door the next morning.Mama peeked in holding a tray.
“Made you tea, baby.And some toast.Thought you might not be feelin’ too hot.”
She was right.Morning sickness was a daily hell.But I managed to smile and scoot up in bed.
“Thanks, Mama.”
She sat on the edge of the bed, brushing her hand over my hair like I was five again and scared of the thunder.
“You know,” she said gently.“You don’t have to pretend you’re not hurting.You ain’t got to be strong all the time.”
“I know.”
“Do you?”
I looked away.
“Don’t mean to pry, sugar,” she added.“But if that boy ever comes looking, you tell me.I got a rolling pin and a will.”
That made me laugh.Actually laugh.A broken, watery sound that caught in my chest.
She leaned in and kissed my forehead.“I’m proud of you.For gettin’ out.For protectin’ that baby.For startin’ over.”
“I don’t feel proud,” I admitted.“I feel… empty.”
“You won’t forever.”
“How do you know?”
“Because you’ve got me.And soon, you’ll have that little one.And you’ll fill up with joy again, one day at a time.”
After she left the room, I looked down at my barely there bump and let the tears come.
