Page 54 of Always There Bayou
Myhead was spinning because how in the hell was this happening? How in the hell had she planned all of this without me knowing? Why in the hell did I not catch the fact that everyone was smiling and being extra friendly to me from the moment I walked into the arena? Or that I was shuffled away before the start of the game to put on a new outfit that Chey and NalainsistedI wear to commemorate Cory’s retirement.
It had all been a setup, and my head was too in the clouds to notice until it was unfolding right in front of my face.
My head finally snaps back over to her. She takes a deep, shaky breath and then drops down to one knee, causing my hand to shoot up to cover my mouth. She pulls out a small box from her pocket and opens it to show one of the most beautiful rings I’ve ever laid eyes on. It was as uniquely crafted as one of my sculptures, with my birthstones surrounded by smaller diamonds, all on a gold band. It was so mesmerizing.
“Denny, I knew that I wanted today to be the day that I officially stopped playing around and made that promise to be yours forever,” she says. “I love you so damn much, and I couldn’t imagine a world without you in it. I don’t want to imagine a future without you in it. I want the whole world to know that my best friend is the love of my life and that they are my forever. I know from our many chats that you’ve always wanted an extravagant proposal, so I hope this lives up to it.” I nod frantically, and her smile widens. “Well, Bunny, will you do me the honor of marrying me?”
“Yes! Yes! A million times, yes!” I exclaim, and the cheers in the arena are at a deafening high once again.
Cory slides the ring onto my finger and then stands to pull me into her arms. We share a kiss, and the world around us fades away. My heart was full, and all I wanted was to take her into one of the private rooms and have my way with her. However, I knew that she still had a game to play, so I controlled my urges the best I could. All I knew was that tonight, I was gifting her with as many orgasms as she could take, especially because she’d recently become addicted to me going down on her. I was giddy just thinking about having her sweetness on my tongue once again.
Cory Tate -May 9th, 2025 - After The Game
I was on cloud nine as I walked out of the arena. Everyone was congratulating me and wishing me well for the future. It still felt surreal that this was my last game, but I couldn’t have asked for a better outcome. Not only had we won, but I was now the fiancé of the love of my life. Everything seemed to be going just the way I always hoped, and nothing could make this day bad. Nothing!
“Cory.”
I froze as a chill went down my spine. I quickly turned to see the last person I’d ever think I’d run into again. Standing a few feet away from me was Trevor. He looked a bit different, maybe more sober than usual? Either way, I was on high alert, and as he took a step toward me, I took a step back. When he realized that I wouldn’t let him get too close, he stopped.
“I didn’t come to bother you, I promise.” He says, holding his hands up in surrender. He pulls an envelope from his pocket and holds it out to me. “I didn’t know how else to contact you other than to come down here. I needed to give you this.”
“What is that?” I snap, staring at the envelope for a bit. It had my name scribbled across the front in handwriting that I’d never forget for the rest of my life. My heart skipped a beat. “W-Where did you get that?”
“I’ve, uh, I’ve had it for years,” he admits. “The day before your mom passed, she made me promise that I’d give you this letter. I should’ve given it to you years ago, but I was not in the right headspace. Cory, I truly loved your mom, and I know you won’t believe it, but I’m not the reason she passed away. She purposely took too much that night. I…I did all I could to save her, but it was no use. I-I’m really sorry.”
My head was spinning, and I felt my knees go weak. Before I could fall, Harley and Simone were at my side, holding me up. Denny came rushing over with Nala, Chey, and our families. Soon, I was surrounded by everyone in my life who loved me, and I guess that one thought stopped me from completely losing my shit. Uncle Darnell and my dad started to question Trevor, but I stopped them.
“Wait, please,” I said. Everyone paused, turning to look at me. I pointed to the letter. “Can I have it?”
“Yeah, it’s yours anyway,” he says, attempting to hand it to me, but my dad snatches it from him. He gave it to me instead. “I don’t want to cause any trouble. I’m just going to leave, but I want you to know that I’m sorry, Cory. I truly am. For everything. Oh, and congratulations on your retirement and engagement. I wish you nothing but positivity and peace. You deserve it.”
And with that, he walks off, leaving us all dumbstruck in the parking lot. Everyone asks me about the letter, but I don’t answer them. Instead, I rip the envelope open and unfold the paper. As soon as I see more of my mom’s handwriting scribbled across the page, I fall to my knees, sobbing. Tears partially blur my vision, but I manage to read every word.
Dear Coraline,
I know. I know. You hate that name, but it’s always been so perfect, just like you. Baby girl, I’m sorry that I wasn’t strong enough to be enough for you. Every day, I wish that I could be a better mom to you and the twins. I want you to know that none of this was your fault. None of this was the twins’ fault. I made some mistakes in my life that I wasn’t proud of, but I would do them all over again if it meant I’d be a mother to you three. Except this time, I’d be stronger. Better.
Coraline, I love you. I love Ian and Imani. Y’all will always be my heart, even after I’m gone. Y’all deserved so much more, which is why I never fought your dad when it came to taking y’all. Honestly, I’m grateful for him taking in the twins, too, because they’re not even his blood children. Tell him that I appreciate him, okay?
I never wanted you to stop your life worrying about me, which is why I constantly pushed you away. You deserve to be a kid, to be a teen, to be your own person. You shouldn’t have had to worry about me, and once I’m gone, I hope that this letter will finally bring you some peace.
I’m so proud of you and the woman you’ve become. Even if I can’t be there to see you play in the pros like you’ve always wanted to, or get to witness the love you share with Denny blossom (hopefully by now you’ve stopped pretending that you’re not madly in love with her), I know that you will do amazing things and be a fantastic wife and mother. I hope, no, I KNOW that you will be better at those roles than I.
Baby girl, don’t be too sad that I am not there anymore. I hope you find peace in knowing that I’m in a better place, watching over you and wishing nothing but the best for you, your siblings, and your dad.
I love you so much, and I’m proud of you.
Love,
Mom
I fold the paper up as tears continue to stream down my face. I let out a sob that I know can be heard back in the arena. Soon, I’m crowded on either side by people who give hugs and hold me protectively. No one said anything as I cried until I couldn’t cry anymore. Yes, I was sad, but I also felt a sense of closure that I hadn’t realized that I needed until now.
My momdidlove me.
I wish she were still here, but I was comforted in the fact that she was no longer struggling and suffering. She was at peace, and she was watching over me. She was watching over my siblings. She may not have been the world’s best mom, but she still loved us.
She still loved us.
