Cruel Summer

Chapter 7

Thursday, September 6, 2018

~Ryan~

"I can't believe he's gone." I said sniffing as I sat on the edge of my bed.

"Baby, he's in a better place. I know he wouldn't want you to worry." Caleb said as he rubbed my back, and was too engaged in his phone.

"What's up? Huh? I haven't been spending time with you. I know you were sick at first for the first few days, but you're fine now. You just left out to get more clothes and stuff, so it's not an excuse." I said as I folded my arms.

"Baby, can you chill? You just mad because we ain't did it in two days." Caleb said as he got closer to me.

"Can you stop? I'm not in that type of mood. Plus, I'm not feeling too good." I said as I pushed him away.

"What's wrong?"

"My body is just acting weird. I wonder if it's something to do with my pills. My cycle went off, but I'm starting to spot again. It feels like I'm having cramps again, too." I said as I rubbed my stomach.

"Babe, what if you're pregnant?"

"Huh? What? No! I'm not."

"My mama thought she lost me when she was pregnant. She told me that sometimes people who are pregnant have different symptoms. It's not like it's strange."

"It's not that deep. My body isn't just getting adjusted. Did you forget that I switched to the pills instead of the shot?" I said sighing.

"Go buy a test."

"I'm not buying one."

"Bab—"

Caleb started to speak, but was interrupted by a phone call.

"Um, this is an a important call, baby. Let me get this. By the way, we getting a test. That's the last of this convo." Caleb said as went into the bathroom.

I rolled my eyes as I left out the room and went down the hallway towards Marcus' room.

"Oh, you gotta go to work?" I asked as I stood in the doorway.

"Yeah. Remember the guy who had a private party last week? Well, he told his friend about the coffee shop and gave us great reviews. His friend and some of his colleagues are coming tonight."

"Wow, I never thought a coffee shop would be so popular." I said as I sighed.

"What's wrong? You okay?"

I shook my head no as I looked over at Chance's bedroom.

His door was closed. I try to pretend he's gone to an away game, but I know I shouldn't train my mind to do that.

I started breaking down as Marcus caught me.

"I want my brother back! I want him back! I want my baby back home with me. I wasn't ready for him to go. Why did they take him from us? A stupid gun!" I said screaming as Marcus held me.

"There are stupid people out there, baby girl. I wish I can see him, too. That's why I took all these extra hours at the coffee shop. If I didn't, I would be losing my mind right now." Marcus said as he held me as he started getting choked up.

"He won't grow up to have a life like us. They took him too early from us. I'm angry!" I said as I let the tears escape.

"I kno—"

"Ry, I need to talk to you. Now." Caleb said as he stood in the doorway.

"Hey Caleb, she ain't—"