Page 32 of Without You I Have Nothing To Lose

“Trust me, I do.”

Chapter Fifteen

Daizha

It’sbeenafewweeks since everything went down between Demetric and his parents. For the most part, things have smoothed over. He hadn’t talked to Juanita much, but he did text her a few days ago to check on her. Even though everything around us seemed like it was in chaos, I did reach out to my brother, and he asked me to come visit. I was skeptical at first because I haven’t seen or talked to my mother since. I didn’t know how she would take seeing me after I left her home and never looked back. She can blame herself for that.

“Are you excited about seeing your family again?” Jaylen asked. We were out shopping…well she was. I didn’t see the purpose of spending money on clothes that I didn’t need. I still have tags on stuff from our last trip. Plus, Demetric has been ordering me stuff from where he gets most of his things from. I was appreciative and glad he wasn’t trying to transform me. His sister did that enough. I also wasn’t used to anybody caring for and catering to me like he did. It all seemed like a fantasy that I was waiting to end.

“I guess. I think I’m ready to see my brother more than anybody. We had a cool relationship, and I can’t help but think that he’s going to hate me for leaving him with no explanation. I know he tried calling, but I left my phone at the bus station.”

“Damn. He probably doesn’t hate you, though. He wouldn’t have agreed to see you if he did.”

“I know. I just need to prepare to see them again after all this time. My mama is married now, and I don’t know anything about her husband. What if he’s an asshole? Then there’s Vince. What if he’s still there? I can’t handle that.”

“That’s why my brother isn’t letting you go by yourself. You don’t know what you’re walking into and he’s going to be there to make sure you’re good. Everything is going to be fine,” she assured.

We continued shopping, and I was actually enjoying myself. We were headed to the food court when I ran into Ariel from my old job.

“Daizha! Oh my God! I’m so happy to see you,” she rushed out and hugged me.

“Uh…hey, Ariel,” I greeted awkwardly because she still had her arms wrapped around me.

“I’m sorry. I just missed you, that’s all. You were the only one that I talked to at that stupid job. What have you been up to?” she asked.

“Nothing really. There’s nothing to do, so I just stay out the way,” I answered honestly.

“Sounds good. You look good,” she complimented.

“Thank you. We were about to have lunch. Do you want to join us?”

“Sure. I’m sorry for intruding. I’m Ariel.” She stuck her hand out to Jaylen to shake.

“Jaylen, and girl, you need a sedative. You’re hyper as hell.” We all laughed.

“So, I’ve been told.”

We all trekked to the Charley’s stand and ordered our food before finding a booth and sitting down.

“So, how do you know Daizha?” Ariel asked Jaylen.

“She dates my brother.”

“Oh…your brother was the fine stranger?”

“I guess, chile,” Jaylen laughed.

“Good. I didn’t like Gabe’s ass, anyway.”

“I didn’t even like Gabe. I’m so glad I was able to break those chains.” It was the truth. I was so hellbent on somebody loving me since I had nobody. I stayed and endured Gabe’s mental and verbal abuse for years. He had me brainwashed so badly that I started believing that shit. It was like me running into Demetric was the push I needed.

We continued to eat or lunch, and Ariel stuck with us for the rest of our outing. We exchanged numbers and promised to get together soon. When Jaylen and I got into the car, I had a FaceTime call come through from Demetric. When I answered with his shirt off and a wide smile on his face.

“How I beat you home, Dai?” he quizzed, moving through the house.

“Ask Jaylen,” I countered.

“Don’t ask me nothing!” she shouted as she drove out of the parking lot.

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