From
Bruises
To
Beauty...
By ReallyRashida
“From Bruises To Beauty”
Copyright © 2010 Rashida Williams
Published by ReallyRashida at Smashwords
Smashwords Edition, License Notes
Thank you for downloading this free ebook. Although this is a free book, it remains the copyrighted property of the author, and may not be reproduced, copied and distributed for commercial or non-commercial purposes. If you enjoyed this book, please encourage your friends to download their own copy at Smashwords.com, where they can also discover other works by this author. Thank you for your support.
To my Mother
From whom I inherited my love for books!
Introduction
If anybody would have told me that I would have been in an abusive relationship at 15 years old, I would have slapped them where they stood. Not Rashida. The baby of the family. Quiet, shy, and scared of my own shadow. A straight “A” student that loved church. I just knew that I would never be stupid enough to get involved with a guy that was abusive to me.
Life threw me a curve ball that I just couldn't catch. It wasn't until I was in too deep that I even realized what was happening to me. As smart as I was, I knew nothing about relationships, I lacked self-confidence, and felt as thought I was all alone. I couldn't tell my family what was going on. I was scared of getting in trouble and my friends just wouldn't understand. So I stayed with him until, surprisingly, he broke up with me. That started a vicious pattern of being with men who were abusive to me either mentally or physically. All the while falling deeper into depression.
Books and music have always been the food for my soul. A good book or one of my favorite songs could always turn my darkest time into a sunny day. Naturally, these were the things I turned to for help getting rid of my depression. Street Lit books were new so there weren't any that I could totally relate to at the time. “The Coldest Winter Ever” is a Street Classic. It shed light on girls like me and is the book that made me decide to become an author. It didn't give me tools that I could use to make my situation better though. Like drugs and alcohol, it was a temporary escape from reality but once the last page was turned reality continued to kick my ass.
That's why I decided to write books like this one. To give women and girls of this day and age what I wish I had when I was a teenager reading urban books: Instructions. As an author my mission is to always educate, entertain, and empower today's black woman. Tracey's story is a good one. A drama filled, page turner that you'll hate to put down that also teaches valuable lessons that you can use to make life easier before, during, and after abuse.
I am living proof that no matter how broken down you become, you can always turn your life around and live your dream. After reading this I am confident that you will be well on your way to being proof of that yourself.
Table of Contents
Chapter One: Blessings can be in disguise so pay attention! - Always keep your eyes open. You never know what people, places, or events that God will put in your life to bless you.
Chapter Two: The signs are hidden in plain sight. - If you're not sure if you're in an abusive relationship, look around you. The signs will jump out at you if you really want to see them.
Chapter Three: Action cures fear. - The only way to get rid of fear is to face it. Make a decision to stop being a victim and take control of your life.
Chapter Four: Bridges of Love don't burn easily. - Your relationships with your loved ones may suffer when you're in an abusive relationship. Don't worry, your family and friends still love you. When you're ready to make things right, they will welcome you with open arms.
Chapter Five: Relieve your pain and reclaim your power! - Once you leave your hurtful past behind you will be able to look at life through a fresh pair of eyes. Stand proud and relish in the feeling of being empowered.
Chapter Six” Always advance. Leave the past where it belongs. - Old habits die hard, but they do die. No matter how bad you may feel leaving, being rid of an abusive situation is the best thing for you.
Epilogue
Soundtrack
'Music awakens the heart...' -Margaret Feinberg
Just like a movie soundtrack brings the visual picture to life, music will bring life to the mental picture you create when reading a story.
Below is a soundtrack of songs to accompany you o your journey through this book.
Just press play and start reading!
Chapter One: “I Should Have Cheated” by Keyshia Cole
Chapter Two: “So Gone” by Monica
Chapter Three: “Deuces” by Chris Brown
Chapter Four: “Save Me” by Nicki Minaj
Chapter Five: “Coming Home” by Dirty Money
Chapter Six: ”Never Looking Back” by Erika Kayne
To listen to the soundtrack live online go to: http://BooksBassAndBeauty.blogspot.com/p/from-bruises-to-beauty.html
Chapter One
Blessings can be in disguise so pay attention!
♥
Tracey took off her sunglasses and looked in the mirror on her sun visor as she sat in her beat up 1990 Honda Civic.
“Ouch!” she whispered as she touched her swollen cheek. The bruise there was purple and tender. Next she examined her black eye and busted lip. The cut above her eyebrow had started to heal. Her eye, which had been swollen shut, was now slightly open. A scab covered the wound on her top lip.
“Look what he did to me... He went too far this time.”
Her cell phone ringing interrupted her thoughts. She knew exactly who was calling when she heard the “I Should Have Cheated” by Keyshia Cole ringtone playing.
Tracey scrambled through her purse and found her phone buried at the bottom. “I thought I told you to stop calling me, Andre. What do you want?”
“Tracey, quit playin’. You know why I keep callin’. Where in the hell are you at with my son?”
“Like I said before, we’re not coming home yet. Don't call my phone again.” Tracey said then hung up. She threw her cellphone on the dashboard, buried her face in her hands, and started to cry. Tracey's cellphone started to ring again. It was Andre calling back. She grabbed her phone to answer it, then changed her mind and turned the power off.
“I can't keep going through this.” Tracey sobbed and looked around her car for a Kleenex but had no luck so she used her shirt to wipe the tears from her face. She looked in the visor mirror and gave Andre’s work a final glance before putting her sunglasses back on and getting out of the car.
Tracey had come to the public library to meet Sandra. She'd heard about Sandra from her aunt. Tracey's last fight with Andre had put her in the hospital. When she was released, Tracey took her son and went to stay with “Auntie” to teach Andre a lesson. She planned on going back to him in a few weeks.
A few nights ago, Auntie came home after bible study raving about this woman who had spoken to her class. When she handed Tracey Sandra's business card and said to call her, Tracy made an ugly face and shook her head.
“Auntie, I don't need nobody preaching at me right now,” she said with an attitude.
“Good,” Auntie said “'cause Sandra's not a preacher.”
~
Tracey stood at the entrance of the library and took a deep breath. She contemplated blowing the meeting off and going home.
“I got my life under control. What can this Sandra person do for me that I can't do for myself?” she thought. Tracey turned around to go back to her car. Before she could leave she began to feel a little guilty. “It's the least I can do since Auntie is letting me stay with her until this thing with Andre cools off,” she said to herself then turned back around and entered the library.
Tracey was to meet Sandra in Conference Room A. She peeked through the door’s glass window and saw Sandra speaking in front of a group of teenaged girls. Sandra looked up and noticed Tracey, so she motioned for her to come in. Tracey tiptoed into the room and quietly shut the door behind her. She stood at the back of the room and silently observed.
“Alright, ladies! That's it for today. Any questions?” Sandra asked the group.
“No ma'am,” the group said in unison.
“Okay then. You guys can go. Don't forget to bring your journals next week!” Sandra called after the girls as they filed out of the conference room.
Once the last girl left and closed the door behind her, Sandra approached Tracey with her arm stretched out offering her a handshake. “I'm Sandra. You must be Tracey. Nice to meet you,” she said with a smile.
“Nice to meet you, too.” Tracey looked Sandra up and down. Sandra was a beautiful woman. She wore an expensive looking paisley skirt suit with matching heels and jewelry. Her hair was pulled back neatly in a bun and her makeup was flawless. Sandra was in good shape, too. Tracey could tell that she was wealthy and took good care of herself.
“How in the hell is Ms. Goody Two Shoes gonna help me?” Tracey thought.
Sandra ignored Tracey's lack of enthusiasm. “I'm so glad you made it. Let's have a seat and talk.” Sandra started towards the large desk in the corner of the room. “How are you feeling, Tracey?” she asked without looking back.
“I could be better,” Tracey responded then took her seat opposite Sandra who sat behind the desk.
“Of course you can,” Sandra said. “So, tell me what brings you here. Your aunt didn't tell me much about you.”
Tracey rolled her eyes. “To be honest with you, I'm only here because my aunt wanted me to meet you. She said you could help me.”
“Help you with what?”
“I don't know. I'm good.”
“That's not what you said when you came in here, Tracey. Are you good or could you be better?”
Tracey didn't respond.
Sandra leaned forward in her chair and looked Tracey right in the eyes. “Look, I can see through that attitude you're throwing at me. There's something bothering you. Now you can either tell me what it is so I can try to help or get up and leave. I only help those who want to help themselves.”
Tracey was appalled. How dare this uppity chick talk to her that way! “Who the hell do you think you are? I got real problems, lady. Some you will never understand. You too far up on that high horse of yours to help me.”
“You mean the kind of problems you're trying to hide behind those sunglasses? Or the kind that has your spirit so broken down that you can't see a good thing when it's right in your face?” Sandra asked with a smirk.
Tracey's mouth dropped in an “Oh, no you didn't!” fashion. Before she could respond, Sandra continued.
“Yeah. I used to have those problems.” She stood up and pulled off her suit jacked then unbuttoned her shirt. Tracey gasped in shock when she saw the thick scars that covered Sandra's mid-section. “I solved my problems before they killed me. What are you gonna do about yours?” Sandra asked Tracey still staring her dead in the eyes.
Tracey was speechless. She just sat with her mouth open staring at Sandra's scars.
Sandra ran her hand across her stomach. “I'm not that far up on that high horse of mine after all, huh?” she asked.
Tracey reached up and rubbed her bruised cheek. “I guess not,” she said.
“So let's try this again.” Sandra said as she buttoned her blouse. She took her seat and folded her hands on the desk. “What brings you here, Tracey?”
Chapter Two
The signs are hidden in plain sight.
♥
Tracey took a deep breath and swallowed hard. “I-I'm sorry.”
Sandra waved her hand at Tracey. “It's fine. Don't worry about it.”
“Andre,” Tracey said.
“Who's Andre?”
“You asked why I'm here. Andre's why I'm here. I guess my aunt thinks you can convince me to leave him alone or something.” Tracey rolled here eyes.
Sandra shook her head and giggled. “Girl, I have no interest in trying to convince you to do anything. What your aunt wants is for me to mentor you. We have similar backgrounds so I'm sure that's why she thinks we'd get along.”
Tracey screwed up her face in confusion. “Similar backgrounds? How so?”
“Is Andre responsible for those bruises on your face?”
Tracey nodded.
“Well being abused for starters.”
“With all due respect, Sandra, Your situation was way worse than mine. This was one argument I had with my boyfriend that got out of hand. One fight doesn't qualify me as being 'abused'.” Tracey used her fingers to make the quotation sign to emphasize the word 'abused'.
“You're absolutely right,” Sandra told her. “One fight doesn't qualify you as being abused. But I'm sure all the other signs are there. You just don't see them.”
“Oh really?” Tracey said sarcastically.
“Yep. They're hidden in plain sight usually.”
“I think I'd know the signs if I saw them.”
Sandra leaned back in her black, leather office chair and folded her hands on her lap. “When my ex-husband and I first started dating he would come over to my house and help me pick out what I would wear before we went out. I remember thinking he was so sweet and attentive. Once our relationship got serious it went from him helping me pick my outfits to telling me what I could wear. Then he stopped me from wearing anything cute unless I was with him. He even went as far as not wanting me to wear makeup. Lord knows I love my makeup so at that point he wasn't sweet and attentive any more, he'd become clingy and controlling. Before I knew it he was hitting me.”
“He tricked you, huh? That's what you meant by the signs are hidden in plain sight?”
“Exactly,”Sandra said. “Tell me about your family. Do you have brothers and sisters?”
“I have a sister. No brothers though.”
“Are you and your sister close?”
Tracey sighed. “We used to be. I haven't talked to her in a while.”
“What about your parents? You close to them?”
“I talk to them sometimes.”
“So what about our friends? They're there for you aren't they?”
Tracey shook her head.
“Well, besides Andre who do you have in your life right now?”
“Besides my son, nobody.”
“I bet Andre has a lot to do with why your friends and family aren't around, doesn’t he?”
Tracey thought back to the last time she had spoken with her parents, her sister, and her best friend Shelley. Her parents decided that they would stop supporting her since she refused to leave Andre after this last hospital stay. Tina, her sister, caught Andre cheating and told Tracey about it. Andre denied it. When forced by Andre to choose who she believed, Tracey chose him. She hasn't taken any of Tina's calls since. Andre felt that the time Tracey spent with her friends would be better spent taking care of her family. So after several arguments, Tracey decided to put her friendship with Shelley on hold. She was a mother now. Her family was more important, right?
Tracey swallowed hard. “Yes he does.”
“That's another sign that's easy to hide in plain sight. Abusers isolate you from the people who love you without you realizing it.”
“Why would Andre want to do that to me? I stayed with him even though my family didn't want me to.”
“You just said it. Because they didn't want you to be with him. Getting everybody out of the picture gave him the perfect opportunity to manipulate you in a controlled environment.” Sandra said.
Tracey scoffed. “Manipulate me... I can't believe this.”
“I'm here for you, sweetie. It's time to open your eyes so you can see the things you need to fix.” Sandra got up from her chair, walked over to Tracey and gave her a hug.
“Thanks, Sandra. I appreciate it.”
“No problem.” Sandra looked down at her watch. “Ooh! Girl, we gotta go. The library is about to close soon.”
Tracey pulled herself together and wiped her face.
Sandra put her jacket on and gathered her things. “Come on. I'll walk you to your car.”
♥
“I have a lot to think about.” Tracey said as she held the library door open or Sandra.
“You sure do. Not just for you but for your son.” Sandra said and exited the building. Tracey followed.
“I know. He doesn't deserve thi- Oh my God!” Tracey squealed. “My car!”
Chapter Three
Action cures fear!
♥
All four of the tires on Tracey's car had been flattened. She ran over to her car. There were huge scratches all over it. The scratches were so severe that she knew something much bigger than a key was used to carve them.
Tracey's heart started to pound and she began to hyperventilate. She grabbed her chest in an attempt to calm herself down. “Andre!” she said aloud in a panic. “How did he find me?” she turned to Sandra wide-eyed and full of fear.
Sandra pulled out her cell phone. “I'll call the police.”
“No, don't!” Tracey said.
“Why not?”
The thoughts in Tracey's mind started to run like a broken faucet. Andre had found her and this was his way of showing her that he would stop at nothing to get her back. Would calling the police help her or make him even madder, and ultimately, hurt her?
“Tracey, are you sure you don't want me to call the police?”
“Yeah, I'm sure. I'll handle it.” She dug in her purse for her cell phone then remembered she'd left it in the car.
“Look, you really should call the police if you think Andre did this. You could be in some real danger,” Sandra said.
“Just let me handle this. I have it under control. I'm going to call a tow truck first.” She figured this would buy her enough time while she decided whether or not to get the police involved. Part of her wanted to drop everything and go home to Andre right then and there. If she went now, the consequences wouldn’t be as bad as if she kept hiding from him. She knew that with every passing moment Andre was getting more and more angry.
Tracey turned on her cell phone and waited for it to power up. Once it did, she noticed the envelope icon at the top of the phone's screen with a number three next to it indicating she had three new voicemails.
“Sandra, can you call the tow truck for me?”
Eager to help Sandra quickly obliged. Once Sandra got on the phone and began speaking with the tow truck company, Tracey dialed her voicemail box.
“You have three new messages. To listen to your messages, press one.”
As Tracey pressed one she started to quiver and her heart continued to pound like she'd never felt before. She wasn't looking forward to what her son's father had to say.
The first message was nothing but a prank caller breathing heavily. Tracey sucked her teeth with an attitude then pressed seven to delete the message.
The next message was from a number she didn’t recognize. The voice, however was one she knew all too well:
“Yeah, it's Punkin. I know you're glad to hear from me again. Well, I got some good news. Your son's gonna be a big brother. Yep, I'm pregnant and it's Dre's. Just thought I'd share that with you so when he leave your ass high and dry, you'll know why.”
“Oh, hell no!” Tracey said. Her cheeks got warm and she clenched her jaw tightly. Andre is a cheater. Always has been. “I don't love them, Tray. I love you and my son. Don't worry about them chicks. They just jealous of what we have.” he would always say. She managed to ignore it, not only to keep the peace, but because she wanted her son to have the family she never did. One that stuck together good or bad.
For the most part, Andre's cheating never got too close to home. Punkin, however, was the one that just couldn't play her position as the sideline girl. She was determined to have Andre all to herself. She called him and showed up at his job constantly. Andre spent the night with her a while back. While he was sleeping she went through his phone and got Tracey's number. She's been playing on Tracey’s phone ever since.
Tracey didn't believe Punkin was really pregnant. This had to be another desperate attempt to get Tracey and her son out of the picture. Still, she pressed four to save the message just in case.
The third and final message was what Tracey dreaded to hear:
“So you think you can just take my son and disappear? I promise you, Tracey, I will find you. And when I do, you're dead.”
As Sandra ended her phone call she looked over at Tracey and saw the horrified look on her face.
“Don't worry. Everything's going to be cool. The tow truck will be here in about 20 minutes. You want to sit in my car while we wait?”
Tracey sighed. “Yeah.”
They got into Sandra's silver Mercedes SUV. She turned on the air to cool them off after standing in the hot sun.
Tracey sat tapping her foot nervously and wringing her hands. To calm her down, Sandra decided to make small talk.
“So, what did the police say?”
“I didn't call them.”
“You're going to call them once the tow truck gets here?”
“Maybe. I don't know...”
“I can do it for you, I don’t mind.”
“Just chill out. I'm a grown ass woman. I know how to call the damn police.”
Sandra knew why Tracey was procrastinating. One word: Fear.
“There's nothing to be scared of, Tracey.”
“Don't be scared? Hell yeah I'm scared! Look at my car! That should tell you how mad he is. Police? They can't do a damn thing to protect me.”
“So what are you gonna do? Go back to him? You’ll be dead before your son graduates high school. Real men don't hit women. Andre beats you because he's a coward. Don't be scared of him. You have to face your fears. Stand up to him if you want things to change.”
“It's just going to make things worse. I can't do it.”
“You can and you will.”
Tracey looked into Sandra's eyes. The strength and confidence she possessed burned within them. It was at that moment that something within Tracey changed. She wanted that confidence and strength that Sandra had so badly. She decided to finally face her fears and end all of Andre's abuse for good.
“I can and I will,” she told Sandra.
Chapter Four
Bridges of love don't burn easily.
♥
The tow truck arrived and took Tracey's car to her aunt's house. She and Sandra followed in her SUV. Tracey was silent the entire way there. She was in deep thought formulating a plan. Being rid of Andre for good was not going to be easy. She couldn't just jump into this battle feet first. She knew that she had to have some type of strategy. She thought of her family and friends and how she wished they could help her now.
Auntie was sitting on her porch swing reading the newspaper when the tow truck pulled into her driveway. “Oh my Lord,” she said then came down from the porch.
Sandra parked on the street in front of Auntie's house then she and Tracey jogged over to meet the tow truck driver.
“Tracey, what in the world happened to your car?” Auntie asked.
“I'll explain everything. Just let me get the tow truck driver situated.”
Auntie folded her arms and glared at her. “I know that ol' boyfriend of ours had something to do with all this.”
“Just give me a minute, Auntie.” Tracey went over to the driver and paid him.
“Do you want me to wait here with you until the police come?” Sandra asked Tracey.
“You know what? I'm going to wait until tomorrow to call them. I have some stuff to think about first so you can go, Sandra.”
“You sure?”
“Yes, I'm sure. I promise I'll let you know as soon as I call them.”
“Alright. If you need me before then just call me and I'll come running.”
“Thanks, girl. I'll do that. Come on, Auntie.” Tracey put her arm around her aunt's shoulders and helped her into the house.
Sandra said a quick prayer for their safety then got in her SUV and left.
♥
The next morning Tracey was awakened by the smell of bacon cooking. Auntie was the best cook in the entire family. Tracey's stomach jumped with joy. She hopped out of bed, brushed her teeth, and hurried down to the kitchen.
“Mama! Hi!” Tracey's son, Trey, welcomed her to the table. She went over to his high chair and smothered his face with kisses.
Auntie was at the stove. “Mornin' Sleeping Beauty. Trey was up at the crack of dawn so I got him up for you. Figured you needed your sleep after yesterday.”
“About that...”
“I know that boy did that to your car.” Auntie came to the table and sat across from Tracey. “I thought you said he'd never know you was here. How'd he find you?”
“I have no idea. I was at the library with Sandra talking and stuff. When we came outside to leave, my car was sitting in the parking lot on four flat tires all scratched up like that.”
Auntie shook her head. “I’m so sorry, baby. It hurts me to see you going through this.”
“No. I'm the one that should be sorry, Auntie. I didn't want to bring my drama to your house.”
“It's okay. You're my baby niece. It's my job to be here for you.”
“It's really my mother's job, but I've managed to make her and everybody else I love hate me.” Tracey took a deep breath and held back her tears.
“I know my sister and one thing she can't and won't do is hate one of her children. She may be disappointed in you, but she still loves you. I'm sure your friends still love you, too. It's not as bad as you think. Your bridges ain't burned yet.”
Auntie reached across the table and rubbed Tracey's hand then went back to the stove to finish cooking breakfast.
Tracey looked over at her son who was singing to himself and playing with a wooden spoon. He was clueless to the horror going on between his parents. She was determined to make sure he stayed just that happy.
Suddenly, a loud crash of glass breaking came from outside.
“Auntie, take Trey upstairs now!” Tracey grabbed a knife from the kitchen then ran to the front porch.
Surprisingly, no one was there when she got outside. She ran down to the sidewalk and looked up and down the street. No signs of any strange people or cars.
A large, Alley Red brick had been hurled through Tracey's rear windshield.
“You've gotta be kidding me!” she squealed. Upon further inspection she saw that the brick used had landed on her backseat and had a note attached to it. She picked it up and removed the note. It read:
“I see you, bitch.”
“Oh, I got something for you to see!” Tracey said aloud. This was the straw that broke the camel's back. Any and all fear of Andre disappeared. It had been replaced with anger.
She finalized her plan the night before and finally had the courage to go through with it. She knew she would need her best friend, Shelley's help.
“Your bridges ain't been burned yet.” repeated in her mind as she stormed in the house and got her cell phone. The rush of adrenaline she had made her tingle all over. She was shaking so bad that she could barely dial her friend's number.
“Please pick up,” Tracey said as Shelley's phone started to ring. It rang four times before Shelley picked up.
“Hey, Tracey. What's up?”
The worry in Shelley's voice surprised Tracey. Auntie was right. She still cared.
“Hey, girl. I'm glad you answered.”
“Of course I answered. You alright? Where's Trey?”
“We need you. Can you meet me somewhere?”
“Absolutely. Where am I coming to?”
Tracey gave Shelley Auntie's address and told her to come right away. “Bring Phoenix if he's around.”
“I'll bring him. I'm on my way. Just sit tight,” Shelley told her.
“Thanks, girl.”
“No problem. Love you.”
“Love you, too.”
As soon as Tracey hung her phone up someone started banging at the door.
Chapter Five
Relieve your pain and regain your power!
♥
Auntie hurried down the stairs. She had Trey clutched tightly in her arms.
“Get the door, Tracey.”
“You expecting somebody?” Shelley and Phoenix wouldn't be there for at least 30 minutes so whoever was at the door couldn't be for her.
The knocking commenced. This time it was a little harder than before. Tracey went to the door slowly, kitchen knife still in hand. She looked through the peephole and saw two police officers.
“Damn,” she said. While she was talking to Shelley, Auntie went upstairs and called the police. Tracey gave her aunt a dirty look. She had every intention of calling the police, but she had plans for Andre first and the police would only interfere with that.
Tracey slipped the knife in her back pocket and opened the door.
“Hello, officers. What can I do for you?” Tracey forced a fake smile on her face.
“We got a call about a vandal.”
Auntie went over to Tracey. “Let 'em in, child!”
Tracey shot her another dirty look then stepped aside to let the policemen in.
“We noticed the car in the driveway. Is that what your call was in reference to? The damage done to the car?” The tall dark sinned officer asked.
“Yeah. It's fine though. I know who did it and I have it under control,” Tracey said. She’d say whatever she had to say to get rid of the police quick, fast, and in a hurry. Auntie however wasn't having it.
“Tell 'em the whole story, Tracey. Tell 'em about Andre.”
The officer pulled out his notepad and pen. “Who's Andre? He's the one who did the damage?”
Tracey sighed. “Yes, he's my son’s father.”
“You saw him do this?”
“No.”
“So how do you know he did it?”
Auntie put her two cents in once again. “He been beating this girl and terrorizing her for years. She left him to come stay with me, now he's doing all this crazy stuff. That boy needs to be locked up!”
Tracey's face got hot with anger. Auntie was truly screwing up her plan.
“We're going to take a look at the vehicle and file a report. You should really look into getting a restraining order.”
“Thanks a lot. I will,” she replied then led them out to the car. She showed them everything except for the note. She was saving that for her plan.
The police got all of the information they needed and were on their way. As they were leaving, Shelley and Phoenix pulled up and parked in front of Auntie's house.
“Take Trey inside, I gotta go talk to my friends,” Tracey said to her aunt. She obliged.
Once inside, Tracey went over to Phoenix's truck. Shelley got out and grabbed her friend in a tight hug.
“It's so good to see you, Tray. Oh, my God. Look at your face! He gon' pay for this. Where's Trey at? He's okay isn't he?” Shelley said.
“He's fine, girl. He's in the house with Auntie. Let's sit in the truck and talk.”
Tracey wanted street justice and she knew Shelley was the one to help her. Shelley's father was one of Cleveland's most notorious gangsters. He ran the city and could get anybody that he wanted dealt with. Shelley's boyfriend, Phoenix, was her dad's number one enforcer. What Tracey wanted was for Phoenix and some of his boys to find Andre and rough him up. She wanted him to feel what it's like to be beat so badly that only time in the hospital and prayer will heal your wounds. She wanted to hurt him the way he hurt her. Then she'd call the police so he could go from the hospital straight to jail.
“Think you can do that for me?” Tracey asked them.
“Hell yeah. We got it covered,” Phoenix said.
Shelley chimed in. “You know how much we love you so we'll make it happen. That dude Dre gon' get his. Believe that.”
“Good. You have all the details you need so you're all set. The police are already looking for him so y'all need to move quick.”
“Okay, cool. I'll call you when it’s done, ” Shelley told her.
The two friends got out of the truck and hugged then Shelley and Phoenix left.
Tracey went inside and found her aunt and her son on the couch watching cartoons. She sat down next to Auntie then picked up Trey and sat him on her lap. She ran her fingers through his curly, brown hair.
“I know you're mad at me for calling the police but it had to be done. I can't have that boy terrorizing you no more,” Auntie said.
“I'm not mad because you called. I got mad because you didn't believe that I would call. I'm telling you, Auntie I'm done with him. You'll see.” Tracey leaned over and kissed Auntie on the cheek. “Thank you, Auntie. For everything. I love you.”
“Love you, Tee Tee,” Trey said happily.
Tears welled up in Auntie's eyes. “I love y'all, too.”
♥
Tracey knew that she and her family were no longer safe at Auntie's house so she called Sandra and asked if they could stay with her for a few days.
“Of course, Tracey. I'll be there to get you guys. Give me 20 minutes.”
Tracey packed up her and Trey's things and Auntie packed her bags. Sandra arrived promptly 20 minutes later. As she walked up to the front door she noticed the busted back windshield on Tracey's car. She shook her head.
Sandra knocked on the door and Tracey answered a few seconds later.
“You got here quick,” she said with a smile.
“I'm just glad that you called. Y'all can stay with me as long as you need to.”
“Auntie! Sandra's here!” Tracey yelled. Auntie brought her bags downstairs.
“Hello there, Miss Sandra. It's good to see you again,” Auntie said.
“Likewise, ma'am. Let me get those for you.” Sandra grabbed Auntie's bags and took them out to the truck. Tracey followed with her and Trey's bags. They loaded everything up then got in the SUV and were off to Sandra's house.
A few minutes into the car ride, Tracey's phone began to ring. Andre’s mother was calling her. She didn't feel like talking to her right now considering the circumstances. Maybe she wanted to check on Trey she figured then answered the phone.
“Hey, Pat. How you doing,” Tracey said dryly.
“I'm okay. I got Dre on the line, hold on. Hey, Dre?” Pat said.
“Yeah, Mama, I'm here.”
“Okay. I'm about to lay this phone down so y'all can talk in private.”
Once she sat the phone down, Andre began to speak.
Chapter Six
Always advance. Leave the past where it belongs.
♥
“Tracey? Tray?” Andre's voice made her want to vomit at first then her heart softened. He was the first person to call her 'Tray' and it was his idea to name their son after her.
“Hello,” Tracey said.
“Damn, girl. I thought you hung up. A nigga gotta call through his momma to get in contact with you, huh?”
“What do you want? I really don't have time for your b.s. right now.”
“You don't have time for me? You done got a lil' freedom now you think you tough?” Andre laughed. “That's cute. But, look I'm in the County. I need $200 for my bondsman. Take that over to my mother so I can get the hell out of here.”
This time it was Tracey's turn to laugh. “What are you doing in jail, Andre?”
“That crazy chick Punkin set me up. She called me crying and all hysterical talkin' 'bout her baby daddy beat her up. I went over there to help her and the police snatched me up. She lied and said that I beat her up. She's a nut case, Tray.”
Tracey laughed even harder. Finally Andre was getting what he deserved. She didn't even have to do the work.
“That's too bad, Dre. Looks like you'll be in jail for a while. Beating women finally caught up with your ass. After slashing my tires and throwing a brick through my window you expect me to bail you out? Not gonna happen. Sorry.”
“What are you talking about? I ain't do nothin' to your car. I don't even know where you've been staying.”
“Don't lie to me. I got your little note and that voicemail.”
“Look, Tray, I swear I don't know what you're talking about. I did leave that voicemail and I'm sorry. But that stuff about a note and your car has nothing to do with me. I've been in jail since yesterday. Matter of fact, right after I left that message all this mess with Punkin happened. Ask my mother where I've been. I swear, Tray. I wouldn't be surprised if Punkin did that to your car. She's crazy, man...”
Tracey sat in silence. Punkin did leave her a nasty message the day before and she’s really good at causing drama. Maybe Andre was right.
“You know what? She did try to get in contact with me. I saved the voicemail. I'm going to call the number back.”
“Don't worry about her. Just come get me.”
“No.” she said and hung up. “Change of plans, Sandra. I need to go back to Auntie's house.”
♥
They arrived at Sandra's large seven-bedroom home. The guest rooms that they were in were more like hotel suites. Sandra helped everybody get settled in then Tracey pulled her to the side.
“Can I go back to Auntie's now? I left some of Trey's stuff.”
“Sure. The keys are in my purse.”
Tracey got in Sandra's SUV and started the engine. Then she called the number she retrieved from the message left by Punkin. She answered on the first ring.
“Hello. I knew you'd be calling,” Punkin whispered.
“I got your note. I think we need to discuss this in person. Meet me in 20 minutes.”
“Where?”
“You know where,” Tracey said then ended the call.
Twenty minutes later, Tracey pulled into her aunt's driveway and parked behind her car. Just the sight of it pissed her off. What pissed her off even more was the sight of Punkin who had gotten there first and was sitting on the stairs. Her face looked twice as bad as Tracey's. Punkin stood up and went on the porch. Tracey approached her.
“You're pregnant so I'm going to try my best not to put my hands on you. I asked you to meet me here so we can get this arguing mess over with. You don't have to destroy my car. You can say whatever you have to say to my face.” Tracey glared into Punkin's eyes. She returned the stare.
“You can't be that stupid. You actually believed Dre? The only reason I did that stuff to your car and left that message was because he made me do it. I saw you and your son at the store and followed you here. I told Andre where you've been staying so he came up with this plan to scare you to make you come back. I’m not even really pregnant,” Punkin said.
“So how did Andre end up in jail? He said you put him there.”
Punkin looked confused. “Jail? Who? Dre's not in jail. He's at my house passed out on the couch right now. I had to sneak out to come meet you here.”
Tracey gasped. The phone call she got from Andre came through his mom, not directly from the jail. He was the ultimate momma's boy so she was sure he was able to give her a sob story to get her to three-way call Tracey. Punkin and Andre were pointing fingers at each other. Tracey didn't know who to believe.
Suddenly she got that feeling in her gut. She studied the bruises on Punkin’s face and looked her in the eyes. She'd seen that look a million times before. It was pain. A pain that only Andre could cause. She saw that same look when she looked in the mirror everyday. She thought about Sandra. “That must be the same thing she sees when she looks at me,” Tracey thought.
“You said Andre is at your house sleeping right now?'
Punkin nodded her head. “Yep. You can see him if you look through my living room window.”
“Take me there. I have to see this for myself.”
“Alright. Follow me.”
♥
Tracey was surprised to see that Punkin lived just a few blocks away from Auntie. She followed behind Punkin and when she pulled into her driveway Tracey kept going and parked at the corner. She walked back up the street to Punkin's house then crept across the grass to the front window and peeked through the curtains. There lay Andre sprawled across the sofa sound asleep.
Tracey quickly backed away from the window and ran back down the street to Sandra's SUV. Once inside she banged her hands on the steering wheel and started to cry. She couldn't believe that she fell for Andre's lies. Again. Punkin was right, it was all a trick to get her back. He was really the crazy one and she vowed to never, ever give Andre another opportunity to hurt her.
Tracey pulled out her cell phone. She called Shelley and told her the police had Andre. Then Tracey called the police, told them where Andre was, and gave them Punkin's address.
She wiped the very last tear she'd ever cry over Andre from her face then drove back to Sandra's house never looking back.
Epilogue
Tracey's story didn't end when she caught Andre that day. In fact, the real story has just begun.
Was Tracey able to really stay away from Andre? What deep dark secret is Sandra hiding behind her scars? What is Andre's biggest fear? Punkin IS pregnant! Why did she lie about it? Get the answers to these questions, the complete epilogue, and other exclusives on the characters on my RAW Characters Blog!
http://ReallyRAWCharacters.blogspot.com
###
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