To Betray Me

Valencia

You never know how bad life has gotten until it is damn near taken from you. I know I made one of the dumbest decisions I have ever made in life. My kids were almost stuck with their father. Not that I don't trust him but no one is going to care for them like I do.

Walking into my mom's house the boys ran to me, "Mommy! Hey how was New York?"

"New York?"

My mom walked in and nodded, "Your business trip baby. They want to know about your business trip."

Nodding I took her hint, "It was great. Next time I am taking you guys with me."

"When mama!"

"Really soon. I'll even let you boys pick the pizza place and take y'all to the Lego store!"

They ran up to the rooms screaming excited. I took my baby boy from my mama and cradled him. Nothing but boys I am in desperate need of a girl.

"Thank you mama. I appreciate it a lot!"

"You need to get better baby. That was crazy!"

Vivian wiped tears from her eyes, "I thought I had held you for the last time man. My heart was broken."

Von nodded, "This week without you was enough for me. You are the third wheel Valencia. The unit needs you!"

"I know. I'm sorry. It's just getting harder as I realize that the man I love isn't in love with me anymore."

My man shook her head, "He still loves you. Y'all got married young and gave away yalls lil lives. Forever may come to an end but he never stopped loving you."

"How do you know that? He is cheating on me ma! That ain't love!"

"That's ignorance. You feel love. And just by the anger in your voice and the senseless decision you made, you still love him."

Shrugging I leaned back on my sister, "Yeah and look where that got me."

"I set you up with a minister from church. Small counseling session. Go."

"What! Mama I'm not talking my business to a stranger!"

She laughed, "You don't read blogs. A lot of strangers already know your damn business."

And she wasn't lying. There were photos of O'Neil out with different women at clubs and me leaving the hospital. This shit was crazy! I can't deal with all this. Maybe a session won't be so bad.

After arriving to the church I was directed to an office. There was this very handsome man behind the desk. Will make your knees weak kind of handsome.

"Uhm I'm looking for Bishop Tolliver."

He looked up and smiled, "That would be me."

"I don't have time for games sir. The older man with the salt and pepper hair."

He smiled, "I'm his son Harrison Tolliver. You must be Mrs. Fox, have a seat."

"I think I'll go and wait for your father to return."

He stood quickly, "You're nervous I get that. So let's just chat like two old friends. Tell me what's on your mind."

Looking around for a bit I finally sat down on the couch and wiped a few tears, "My marriage is over."

"Why?"

"I don't know! He cheats and cheats and cheats. You know I tried to kill myself."

He nodded, "Your mother told me. I prayed for you as hard as I could."

"Thank you!"

"So how did y'all meet."

I laughed lightly, "Rich girl falls in love with the neighborhood drug dealer, builds him up, marries him, bares his children, only in this story he doesn't get killed. He just kills me."

"Do you feel like its worth it anymore?"

"I don't know. I'll forever love him but my kids almost lost their mother and that bitch didn't even come and see me!"

"Watch your mouth in this place!"

Quickly I said a prayer, "Excuse me."

"Forgiven. Does he know how you are feeling?"

"Doubt it. We haven't spoken. I'm honestly not sure as of what to say."

He nodded again, "Go out with your friends tonight and then go see him and talk tomorrow."

"My assistant hasn't been to work in months I don't know where she is. My sisters are too scared of me right now to take me out. And everyone else only hangs with me because of my name."

He smiled and leaned against the desk, "Come by my place. We can chill and talk and clear your mind. Only if you're comfortable."

"Do you invite all the heartbroken women to your home for some conversation and casual sex."

He laughed, "Your mother and my father are great friends so I thought to go the extra mile but you're right. Go talk to him and hopefully it goes great for you."

"I am so sorry. That came out wrong."

"It's fine. Have a good day Mrs. Fox" He grabbed his bible and walked out.

I really need to watch my mouth but I took his advice and headed to the building. Imagine my surprise when I walked in and seen Lita sitting on his couch with her legs crossed.

"NaLita Reed what the fuck are you doing here! Dressed like that! And what happened to your fucking eye!"

She stood and started stuttering by now O'Neil walked in, "Oh you're alive. Great."

I swung and punched him in the jaw catching him off guard, "Why do you have her here! And what happened to her eye!"

"Her mama owes me money!"

"Lita find you some clothes and go wait for me outside!"

She walked out and Kahlia walked in, "If she watched her mouth her face wouldn't be swollen."

My body moved so fast I didn't know what was happening until I was on top of her banging her head into the floor. Voices floated around me but I couldn't hear them.

Once I got pulled off I pointed at O'Neil and charged him taking off my ring, "I am done! This is done! It's over."

"What! Put your ring on!"

"No I was on my death bed and you were a ghost. You have been a ghost for months now. Me and my children don't have to go through this and they won't. Fuck you and this marriage I am out!"

I went back to the church looking for Harrison but I only found his mother cleaning the office.

"I'm so sorry.."

She smiled, "Harrison went home for the day honey. You can go by his home if you want."

"Oh no that's out of boundaries. I'll just catch him another time."

"Nonsense. Go down to the corner and make a right at the third stop light make a left and his house is the one with the black gmc truck. He won't mind."

"Thank you."

Lightly she touched my arm, "It doesn't get easier baby. It gets harder and harder then one day you'll go to sleep and wake up and it'll all be over. There is no easy with this."

Following her directions I knocked on his door and waited for a few minutes before he came out onto the porch without his shirt.

"Can I help you?"

"I wanted to take your offer to come and chill and talk."

He laughed and nodded towards the house across the street, "Come inside the Church is watching."

"Huh?"

"The woman across the street almost almost tore down her blinds looking over here. Come inside."