Page 109 of River & Crown
"Crown, why can't you let me handle this on my own?" River stepped into my space, reaching to grab my phone.
"River move," I warned.
"I don't understand why you and Chosyn always feel the need to fight my battles. I can take care of myself."
"Your fucking face says otherwise."
Mugging me, River folded her arms around her chest and flopped on the couch. She was such a fucking brat.
"I don't know how many times I gotta tell you that I got you, for you to understand that shit." I softened my voice and sat next to her on the couch. I reached for her legs and her stubborn ass moved out of reach.
"What's the fuckin' problem?"
"I don't need you to save me, Crown. I'm a big girl who has been dealing with big girl shit way before you came into my life."
"I'm not trying to save you. You're not a charity case to me, ight. I come on strong because I fucking care. Your well-being is important to me."
"My well-being is fine. I'm alive." She shrugged.
"You so fucking nonchalant 'bout this shit because you've never had a nigga who gave a fuck and stood on it."
"What?" She frowned.
"Whatever nigga you were fucking with before me might've told you he cared but the nigga didn't. That's why you're stuck on thishandling it myselfbullshit."
"You're such an asshole! Fuck you, Crown!" she spat.
"Fuck me because I wanna know who beat your ass?"
"No, fuck you for thinking Ican'thandle myself."
"Nah Four, fuck whoever made you believe your pain has to be silenced just to prove your strength."
"No one made me believe that," she said, narrowing her stare. River still didn't understand just how well I knew her.
"Keep lying to yourself and you'll never move on."
"What?" Her eyes ballooned, then slowly started to rest once she saw my confused expression. "I help people every day. I've pulled so many young girls and even grown ass women out of fucked up situations. What makes you think I can't do the same for myself?"
"You would have done it already."
What I said silenced the room. Four looked away, dabbing at her eyes. I let out a heavy breath, then called for her.
"Four."
I kept my voice soft to disengage whatever emotions she was ready to attack with.
"Yes, Crown?" She sighed.
I reached my hand out for her. It took her stubborn ass a few seconds but eventually she placed her hand in mine. I pulled her closer and motioned for her to straddle my lap. She gave in to me.
"Let me get that." I tapped her wrist, and she passed me her hair tie. I did my best pulling her curls into a ponytail, then took in her appearance. I pinched her chin to angle her face in different ways, making sure I caught wind of every cut, bruise, and scratch. The bruising wasn't crazy, but the gash above her lip looked like it might leave a scar.
"Crown, please," she whispered.
"Who did it?"
"I already said I?—"
