BUTTERFLY EFFECT | KV

UNWANTED SEPARATION

OMNISCIENT POV|

Dess and Von sat in Kayla's living room, the low hum of the TV a faint backdrop to their conversation. Dess was still reeling from the news about Deshawn, her mind racing with worry. Von's phone buzzed again, another call from Durk. After a brief, tense conversation, Von ended the call and turned to Dess, a determined look in his eyes.

"Dess, I gotta go back to Atlanta, no company" he said, his Chicago accent heavy with urgency. "I need to get more details, tie up some loose ends. We gotta know exactly what we're dealin' with."

Dess's heart sank. "Von, no. It's too dangerous. What if Deshawn finds out you're gone and comes after me?"

Von reached out, cupping her face in his hands. "I ain't leavin' you alone, baby. Kayla gonna stay here with you. I'll be back quick, I promise."

Dess shook her head, her eyes filling with tears. "I don't want you to go. What if something happens to you?"

Von pulled her into a tight embrace, his voice soft but firm. "I gotta do this, Dess. We need the info, and I trust Durk to help me get it. I promise I'll be back before you know it."

Just then, Kayla walked into the room, sensing the tension. "What's goin' on?"

Von looked over at her. "Kayla, I'm headin' to Atlanta for a bit. Need to get some more details on Deshawn. I need you to stay here with Dess, keep an eye out. Can you do that?"

Kayla nodded, her face serious. "Of course, Von. I'll keep her safe."

Von turned back to Dess, his eyes filled with a mix of determination and regret. "I hate leavin' you, but I gotta do this. Trust me, okay?"

Dess nodded reluctantly, wiping away her tears. "Okay, Von. Just... be careful."

He kissed her forehead, then her lips, holding her close for a moment longer. "I will, baby. I'll be back soon. I love you."

"I love you too," she whispered, her voice breaking.

Von stood, grabbing his bag and heading for the door. Kayla moved to Dess's side, offering a comforting presence. As Von stepped outside, he turned back one last time, giving Dess a reassuring nod.

"I'll be back before you know it," he said, his voice carrying a promise.

Dess watched him go, her heart heavy with worry. She knew he had to do this, but the fear of the unknown loomed large. Kayla wrapped an arm around her shoulders, giving her a squeeze.

"He'll be okay, Dess. Von's strong. He'll get the info we need and come back safe."

Dess nodded, trying to take comfort in Kayla words. "I hope so. I just want this nightmare to be over."

Together, they watched as Von's car disappeared down the road, both hoping that the next few days would bring them the answers they desperately needed.

GETTING TO KNOW KAYLA |

KAYLA BENNETT
| KAYLA |
HAMPTON , GA 📍

After Von left for Atlanta, Dess felt a deep ache in her chest. The house felt emptier without him, and her anxiety was only slightly tempered by Kayla's presence. She decided to distract herself by getting to know Kayla better.

That evening, Dess found Kayla in the kitchen, putting together a late-night snack. She was a skinny , brown-skin girl with a quiet demeanor that contrasted sharply with Von's intensity. she glanced up as she entered, offering a small smile.

"Hey, Dess. Want some?" she asked, nodding towards the sandwich she was making.

Dess smiled back, grateful for the distraction. "Sure, thanks. I could use something to eat."

They sat at the small kitchen table, the soft hum of the refrigerator filling the silence. Dess took a bite of her sandwich, savoring the simple comfort of the food.

"Von talks about you a lot," Dess said after a moment. "He says you've always had his back."

Kayla nodded, taking a sip of her drink. "Yeah, we go way back. Von's like a brother to me. We been through a lot together."

Dess looked down at her sandwich, her thoughts drifting to Von. "I'm really worried about him. This whole situation with Deshawn... it's just so much."

Kayla leaned back in her chair, her eyes thoughtful. "Von's tough, Dess. He knows what he's doin'. But I get it, worryin' about someone you care about. This Deshawn guy, he ain't gonna find you here. You're safe with us."

"Thank you, Kayla I appreciate it," Dess said softly. "I just hate feeling so helpless."

Kayka reached across the table, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze. "You ain't helpless. You're strong for dealin' with all this. Von's gonna handle his business, and we'll be here keepin' things steady."

Dess found comfort in Kayla words and her steady presence. She realized she didn't know much about her and decided to change that. "So, what do you do, Kayla? Besides being Von's reliable cousin, I mean."

Kayla chuckled, a warm sound that eased some of the tension in the room. "I work in a hair salon". It keeps me busy and outta trouble."

Dess smiled. "That sounds like good, honest work. I bet Von's grateful to have you around."

"He is," Kayla agreed. "And I'm grateful to have him. Family means a lot, especially when things get tough."

They talked for a while longer, sharing stories and learning more about each other. Dess found herself relaxing, the warmth of Kayla's  company easing some of her fears.

As the night wore on, Dess felt a sense of camaraderie with Kayla . She wasn't just Von's cousin; She was someone she could trust, someone who would help them see this through.

When they finally decided to call it a night, Dess felt a bit lighter. She hugged kayla  before heading to her room. "Thanks for talking with me, Kayla . It really helped."

"Anytime, Dess," Kayla replied, her smile genuine. "We're in this together. Get some rest. Things will look better in the morning."

Dess nodded and headed to bed, feeling a renewed sense of hope. She still missed Von terribly, but knowing she had Kayla by her side made the burden a little easier to bear.