Between the lines of love

FAAFO

Two weeks later

Penda

Why did I trust her? Why did I leave my baby alone with her? When my security team called and told me to watch the tapes, I felt sick to my stomach. I'm 9,000 miles away, and my baby was being hurt mentally, physically, and emotionally. The guilt is overwhelming. How could I have been so naive? How am I going to fix this? It's all on me because I wanted to believe in my little sister. I thought she could handle it, that she would be safe. We were just five minutes from touchdown when I got the call. In that moment, my world shattered. The helplessness I felt being so far away, knowing my baby was suffering, is indescribable. Now, all I can think about is getting back and making things right, but the fear and anger are consuming me. We were about to touchdown when I got a call.

"As anyone who knows me understands, I don't play when it comes to my best friend, Penda. I told you from the beginning to protect her at all costs! Either you bring her to me, or it's your head!" Kendall screamed through the phone.

"Where is she?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

"I'm not telling you anything!" Kendall spat back. "This is going to be handled. I've been calling my wife for the last hour, and she turned off her location. Is she with you? I'm landing now!"

"I talked to her earlier," he said, trying to piece together the puzzle. "She explained everything and said she was going to see Diane. But you know Tasia—no telling where she is. Don't worry, I'll find her. But I'm still not telling you anything!"

"You failed, Taraji, miserably," Kendall hissed before abruptly hanging up. All I could do was cry.

Kendall

Man, I'm going to fuck some shit up behind Tasia. She's the sweetest person I know, as sweet as candy, and she deserves nothing but love and kindness. When she first told me about the girl, I warned her to be cautious because the girl seemed unstable to me, but she wanted to give her the benefit of the doubt. Personally, a person only gets one chance to disrespect my lady, regardless of who they are. After that, they're done.

I had to find Tasia immediately; she was the only thing on my mind. I drove over to Mama's house and saw Teeny's and Rico's cars parked outside. I quickly parked my car, got out, and walked up to the front door. I knocked firmly, and Rico answered. He looked like he was ready to kill some shit and that meant anyone who dared to cross his path.

"What's up, big dawg? You good, gang?" I asked. "No, and I'm sure you know why. I want to see blood, Ken," he replied, his voice laced with anger. "Oh, you know I'll make sure of that. Is she in there?" I asked. "Yeah," Rico said, nodding. "She's in the tub, and Mama's in there with her, praying, crying, and comforting her." "Okay," I said, preparing to go inside. Rico stopped me.

"Kendall, that's my baby sister. I'd stop the world to make her smile. You know this, man. I'm so furious right now, I can't even think straight. I'm going to go smoke a blunt to clear my head, and then I'll join you."

"I get it. I'm going to check on her," I said.

"Aight, bet," Rico agreed, walking towards his car.

I went upstairs and knocked on the bathroom door. From inside, I could hear Mama Diane's soothing voice singing softly. She opened the door and let me in. As soon as Tasia saw me, she began crying even harder. I gently asked Mama if I could take over for a moment. She nodded, stepping out, and I grabbed a towel. I carefully lifted Tasia from the water, holding her close as she sobbed into my shoulder.

"I'm here. I'm always here," I reassured her, my voice steady despite my own anger. "I won't let anybody hurt you again, and I mean nobody!"

I carried her to her old room and laid her gently on the bed. As I examined her body, I was horrified to see the extent of the bruises. Each wince of pain she made only fueled my rage further. I went to get a gown from Mama Diane, dressed her carefully, and made sure she was well-lotioned. I took extra care to moisturize her hair and follow her skin routine before sitting beside her and watching her fall asleep.