One Night

Chapter 15: Bridges Crossed

XO POV

"Where to?" He asked me, looking at me in the driver's seat. "Bleek Park, it's about ten minutes from here." I answered. We drove in thick silence, for I feared once he knew my secrets he would run. When we got there I slowly got out the car, memories hitting me full force. Bleek Park was old, run down, but when I was a kid I thought this place was paradise. Ronny's face told me that he had obviously never been here. "Come," I said silently, grabbing his hand and walking to a lone bench. 

"Are you sure you want to hear everything about me?" I asked him nervously. Ronny nodded, "You're important to me Xo, I want to know everything about you." He said genuinely, his thumb gently rubbing around my knuckles. "So this park is a place where my life started to come to the direction it is in now. I was born in South Los Angeles, in one of the most violent and poorest neighborhoods around.' Ronny visibly gulped as I said that, but I continued. 'My house was broken into dozens of times, my bedroom the entrance route, but they didn't want me. They wanted my parents, my Dad was a drug dealer and my mom was his accomplice and she did favors for people." My voice started to get shaky as I relived those moments again. He tightened his grip on my hand and slid closer to me. 

"So my early childhood was spent in my bedroom, getting teased by my father's friends, or trying to get out of the house when I could. Well when I was eight years old, my father's number one trusted person kissed me, and my father, well he didn't like that. Next thing I know the two are fighting, and the other guy he pulled out a knife and stabbed my father, and he died." I said, my eyes welling up. "Xo," Ronny said softly. I ran my hands over my stomach, wanting to feel a comfort. "After my father died, my mother needed to make more money, she began working at clubs and as a call girl, bringing men into our home. She was a drug addict so any money we had went to drugs. When I turned twelve she told me we had enough money for vacation. I had never been on vacation, so I was excited. We drove in her latest conquest's car until we stopped at this house. She said we were staying there for a few days, and I had no clue so I got my little suitcase out and she said she'd be inside in a minute. Minutes turned to an hour and when I looked outside her car was gone. I never saw her again. That first home was one from hell, the house was moldy, dirty, and the guy who owned it just wanted the checks that came. Mr. T was a cruel man, and finally I told him how I felt and he gave me a good lashing. Next thing I know I'm sent to the Robinson Home, where I met Axel. That home was nicer, there were so many kids and the family who owned the home were pretty poor but I was as happy as I had ever been. They took us places like Bleek Park, and I was content. When I was 17 I was kicked out along with a few others because they felt we were too old so I got myself a job and a shit apartment. I applied for community college as a 17 year old. I got a scholarship which allowed me to attend UCLA where I met Stacey, Ursula, and Fiona. I worked hard, got valedictorian and worked my way until I earned my job at Cresta." I explained, glad to get that story off my chest, allowing me to talk about myself and feel okay. 

Ronny was silent for a moment, no facial expression except one trying to process everything. I was getting uncomfortable with his quietness. "Please say something." I begged. He looked up at me, "I can't believe I got lucky enough to love such a strong woman," He said quietly. I couldn't help but feel a smile creep up my face, my dimples deepening. "I'm so glad-wait did you say you loved me?" I asked realizing what he had just said. Ronny blushed but nodded slowly. "I love you Xo." He said, cupping my cheek, his chocolate brown eyes staring into mine. "I love you Ronny." I replied back, leaning forward with a little struggle due to my belly, and kissing him on the lips. Ronny pulled me closer to him, deepening the kiss. His tongue darted around my mouth, his lips warm and soft.  One hand was in my hair, his other hand on my stomach. I could have stayed like this forever, until a sharp pan ripped through me.