Tempting Forces

Chapter 4

Chapter 4: Eve's Angel



- Eve -

"Hey, wait." I called to Lana, grabbing my book. She threw me an irritated glance over her shoulder before continuing to walk away, even moving a little faster. I huffed, throwing her pen in my purse and grabbing the book before hurrying out the door. There was a few people in the hallway, so it was a challenge attempting to find her. I walked around the school for fifteen minutes, seven of that wasting time. I knew I came off kind of strong to Lana, that was just my personality, but I only wanted a friend; I had all these niggas on my back and grimy bitches wondering why. I had nothing but the memory of what could've been. Though our first meeting was indeed unorthodox, something about her intrigued me. The tough exterior, the facade, it was all too familiar. I wondered if her relationship status was how mine had been too...I shook my head at the thought, not wanting to delve into those locked away memories.

Sighing, I finally left out the school's side exit door to my car. Sliding in and cutting it on, I turned the radio up and just sat for a few minutes. Until now, I didn't realize how sleepy I was. After the eventful night at Sensational, I had collected almost $4,000. I left with all of it, too. Sebastian was feeling happy, I'm assuming. Ain't no way that man let a bitch walk away without his cut. I was concerned, but right now, I'm too sleepy to even care. He's going to want something eventually, but I'll be long gone before he could collect.

* * *
"Mommy! You counted to ten already! Where are you?" I crawled, stretching my arms and flexing my fingers. Stay in your room, baby girl, please. She picked the exact same hiding spot ever time. To her it was a game, but for me it was a safety precaution. He came home early today, slamming the door as he marched into our room. I shook my head, crying as he came closer. He was fuming as if he were a bull. Nose was flaring, eyes red and lips wet with the saliva he used to moisten them. Those same lips that used to whisper love and create pleasure.

"Bitch! I bet that's not even my fuckin' seed! You out here stripping and showing my pussy? My fuckin' body!" I crawled, the door was so close but so far away. It was as if I were in the little room from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. The room was getting smaller and smaller when it began so spacious. My mind was boggled as if it were the complicated black and white pattern running along the walls, meant to tease the brain.

I knew I wasn't being careful enough. I should've never began working at Fantasy. The easy money was just that, easy. Fast cash for a battered woman, trying to get away. Take her baby and disappear. How could I not think he would find out? He was Snoop. He ain't earn that name for nothing with his snitching ass. It was horrible, but I hoped one of the many people he crossed would kill him before I did. I hadn't planned on it.

Just when I was in reach of the door, my ankle twisted as he pulled me back, the skin of my stomach burning at the long tug on the carpet. The pain in my thigh prevented me from standing. He threw me like a rag-doll, laughing as he waved his Magnum .45...crazy motherfucker.

"You thought you was going to be throwing your fat ass on the pole and show every nigga what the fuck I own? Huh?" He yelled. What I feared most happened as Raven's little body ran inside the room. She immediately stopped, seeing her father holding the gun to the middle of my eyes. He didn't even budge. Looking from me to her, he grimaced.

"Daddy, please don't hurt mommy, she's sorry!" I heard her cracking voice. The violence she had seen before, even playing doctor for me. The gun was new, so I knew she had to be terrified. My baby was almost four, but I would've sworn she was my age in another life. I would do anything for her. Even put the mortal Satan himself to rest. I had to think fast! Knock the gun away...no he was too strong and I couldn't risk my baby getting hurt.

"Rae, daddy's just tired, go on. Mommy will be out in a second, okay?" She shook her head no, running over to my side and clenching onto my shirt, sticky with the sweat of fear. The perspiration of seeing the eyes of death. The liquid 'I can't push any further, give up Eve.'

"Get the fuck out!" Snoop yelled, frustrated with her tears. The gun was now pushing harder into my forehead. His thumb level with my eye. The same thumb that had caressed my cheek, where his wet kiss would still be prominent, telling me how much he loved me and little Raven in my swollen belly. What happened?

"Shh, baby. Mommy's going to come play in a second, okay?" Right now it felt like that wasn't even a possibility. I had underestimated Snoop's dark eyes and mentally unstable thinking. He was going to kill me.

"Mommy, no, we have--Daddy no!" It happened so fast, the push of his trembling hands, the blood splatter, the gunshot sounds, the screams. He'd killed me. I knew it, but when my erratic breathing awoke me, I realized it was my screams and my baby's blood. Raven was gone, and as I pulled her cold body into mine, I looked around for Snoop. He was gone without a care in the world, I supposed. My baby was gone and the sick bastard was still alive and breathing.

I felt sweat all over my body as I looked around. I was in my car. Usher's Confessions played on the radio as I realized I had fallen asleep before I could even put my seatbelt on. My face was wet with tears and my hands clutched my face. It was all a dream, but it had all happened. I was walking proof, the ugly scars across various parts array my body. I wanted nothing more than to turn around and see Raven in her carseat eating animal crackers. Those were her favorites. I could hear her calling my name, telling me to come find her.

"Why me!" I cried, punching the stirring wheel. The horn had sounded and I jumped a bit. Reaching over to the glove department, I pulled out a few napkins and dabbed my eyes. Sometimes I wondered why I still pushed on, why I had to live through all of these horrid memories and dreams...nightmares.


I thanked God I was off from work the next two days. I made a quick drive to Deloris' Floral Shop and parked in my usual front spot.

"Good morning, baby." The older woman smiled at me. "I already have your usual wrapped and ready. You're a bit early this month. I was expecting you in three more days."

"Yes, I just wanted to go see Rae early and couldn't wait." She nodded, studying my face before walking around the corner separating us. She pulled me into her arms, tightening her grip when I returned it. I wanted to get all the damn tears out before I went to see Raven. She'd seen me cry too many times and I wanted to be as happy as I could when I went to go visit her gravesite.

"It's okay, sweetie. Here, let me get your roses." I nodded, wiping my eyes with the crinkled napkin I had stuffed in my fist. I could hear Raven's little footsteps as she was in awe of all other pretty flowers. Mommy! There's so many...oh, the white ones are so prettyful. Just like you, mommy!

Once Deloris returned with my flowers, I headed to see my baby. I smiled, remembering my little bundle of joy.

* * *
It had been a week since I went to school and a day since I went to work. After my visit to Raven, I hadn't had much nightmares and it was like she was there with me, holding her mommy's hand and lying in her lap. I missed her so much, and words can't explain a mother's love. After everything that happened, I don't think I could bare having another. What if I couldn't protect my baby? What if...no, no 'what if's' I could never replace Raven. I never would.

I was walking into class when all eyes looked up at me. Late again. The class was full of people, different races and different ages. I was one of the youngest, almost 26 years old. Raven would've been five in a few months. I moved through the aisles, ignoring the stares and quietly taking a seat beside a woman with graying hair. She must've been in her forty's. I saw Lana's face as I walked passed, but I didn't say anything or give a long stare. I didn't want to make her further uncomfortable since she seemed to be avoiding me like the plague. I assume she honestly thought I wanted her dude. I smiled, if she only knew.

"So today we'll be having a lab. I see you are all prepared and dressed accordingly. If you pay attention to the display, I will demonstrate what we will be working on," Mrs. Fletcher said. She winked at me after giving me a scolding look. I smiled. She was one of the reasons I was in school now. It was kind f funny, we actually met at the club. It was crazy seeing such a profound, classy-looking woman there. She was definitely not comfortable, and let me know over her few Margaritas. apparently it was one of her best friends birthday, and the woman wanted to enjoy her 'youth'. She told me about the school and all the wonderful programs they offered. I was sold! I could get out of this damn club and make something of myself. Make Raven proud.

As we prepared for our lab, I went to wash my hands. turning around, Lana was behind me. I half-smiled politely and moved around her. Her face was soft and her hair was pulled up into a bun. She looked calm, cool, and collected. Though I wanted to say Hello, I kept it simple and moving, avoiding her annoyed attitude. I was at peace, at least for this week, and I didn't want anyway to mess that up. Good always has to end somewhere, I guess.

After our lab, class was dismissed. I made small-talk with Mrs. Fletcher before leaving. As I was walking out towards my car, I saw a figure's shadow behind me. Slowly turning, I saw Lana slightly out of breath. Hmm, look who's chasing who.

"Hello..." I trailed off, seeing her hold up a finger.

"Alight, I'm good. I um, I jut wanted to apologize for being kind of a bitch to you lately. I'm not really like that, I just-"

"It's okay, you owe me no explanation. It was nice seeing you." I nodded, turning to go to my car, but her shadow remained. "What's up?" I questioned.

"I...I, ugh! Nevermind." She gritted through her teeth, grabbing her temples. I laughed, thinking of Bad Boys and how Martin Lawrence would 'wooh-sah'. She was obviously stressing over something. I saw myself in her, she was a bit younger than me, but not but too much. I just wish I could go back, change time. Maybe we met for a reason...maybe I was meant to help her, like I wish somebody would've did for me.

"Lana, you want to grab some brunch or something?" I suggested. She was thinking about it, I saw it in her face, but like I expected she would, she declined. "You know, I'm not going to bite. I just figured you could use a little relaxation, and what's better than food therapy? She laughed, and shook her head.

"No, it's not that. I cooked before I came, I had a little extra time this morning. The baby is staying with her Godmother." I nodded, and opened my bag to retrieve my keys.

"Well I guess I'll see you later?"

"Well...you said relaxation? There's a spa...up a few miles. I haven't gotten a massage or a good foot rub in a while." I smiled, agreeing.

"Well, there's no need in paying all that money for just a massage. How about you let me? I could give you a mani-pedi, but only if your shit is clean and not all that dead skin and--yuck!" We both laughed, and she slid her foot out of the work booties. Wiggling her toes, she pointed down to the bare-toes.

"My shit is nice, thank you. I just haven't painted them.

"Alright, alright. So it's set? I do you, you do me?" Her smile faded and her cheeks tinted a soft red. I smiled slightly, seeing her mind was obviously in the gutter. "Naughty, naughty, Lana. I meant the toes, boo." She tried to laugh it off but I could tell she was uncomfortable. She just needed to relax a little, I was not trying to push up on her. Was it something I said?

"That sounds fun. I'll just call Trey."

"Nope, no phones. Relaxation, Lana. Gimme," Reluctantly, she handed me the phone and I slipped it in my bag after powering it off. Little Trey would just have to worry. No one but Sebastian was checking for me, and I could care less about him at the moment. Last week's money had me considering doubling it, but I shook away the thought, telling myself that was a one night thing.

* * *

"So this is my home," I greeted in a poor British accent. At least she laughed, walking up the porch with me. Walking inside, you could smell the oils and fresh incense that had burned out. Along the shelf were pictures of my family, who all seemed to have disappeared when they found out about Raven. Their pictures were only space holders. Raven's out numbered everyone's, of course. The first one you saw was her in a cute red and pink tu-tu, holding three white roses. Her hair was slicked back in a ponytail with a white ribbon. It had been the last Valentines Day we shared.

"This little girl's so beautiful! Niece?" I walked up the stairs, ignoring her question.

"Give me a minute, I'll get everything." I went in my bathroom to get lotion, nail polish, and all of that. When I returned, she'd made herself comfortable in the chaise lounge, shoes off and hair falling at her shoulders. Eyes closed, she looked peaceful. With further inspection, I saw she was sleep. I could feel her, I was kind of tired to. I walked over to her and shook her to make sure she was sleep. She was, so I used the wool blanket that was thrown over the back of the couch. I usually wrapped up in it when I was watching a movie here. She cuddled into it, and I smiled, walking to the kitchen.

I made a quick Alfredo chicken and pasta before taking a nap myself.

I walked up the steps and peeled my scrubs off before cutting the shower water on. I discarded the rest of my undergarments and got under the warm spray. I stayed in for a little while before finally getting out and wrapping a towel around me. I was way too relaxed and my muscles never felt better. I dried and slipped on a spaghetti strap camisole with green boy-shorts.

Mmm, my silk sheets felt so good!

"...over. Eve? Scoot over."

"Hmm?" I woke up, feeling a nudging at my side. I turned my head to see Lana's sleepy eyes. "What's wrong?" I asked, scooting over and rubbing my eyes.

"It's really cold down there. I couldn't find the thermostat and I'm tired as hell." I giggled, moving over. "For real girl, feel my arm," I jumped away, feeling the cold skin.

"You can go to the guest room, the sheets are much thicker than this." I knew she'd probably still be cold under the silk, since it was thin. I didn't like thick covers, so it was perfect for me. If I got cold, I'd just turn on the heater.

"Oh, um...this is okay." We were quiet for a little bit, before I felt her cold hand trim against the small of my back. I shivered at the coolness and turned my head, looking at her over my shoulder.

"What happened there?" She wondered, still running her hand over what was probably my scar. I sighed, closing my eyes. I didn't even feel like discussing that. Did we have to? I surely didn't want to. She continued to run her finger across it and I sighed as her fingers began to massage me.

"You don't have to tell me," A yawn followed and I hoped she'd go to sleep, but her massaging continued until it lulled me to sleep.

Waking up, Lana was fast asleep. I stretched, arching my back. When I fell back on the mattress, my stomach growled, and I remembered the Chicken Alfredo I'd made. It sounded good as hell! Beside me, still in her scrubs, Lana was snoring with an open mouth, hair falling out of her bun. I laughed, covering my mouth so not to wake her. She was so cute.

Maybe we could be friends. I didn't know though, I hadn't had one of those, any real ones at least, in...ever?

I went into the kitchen to make me a plate in the quiet house. As I began to pour a glass of wine, I heard walking around upstairs, and knew it was Lana. She rushed down the steps, skipping a few and looked around, slicking her hair back.

"What's wrong?" I asked, putting the glass down.

"It's almost 5! Trey is probably worried sick." Or not.

"Hey, relaxation, remember? You're going to be okay. I'm sure he's disappeared on you before, let him sweat it."

"No, he's changing. We're actually doing good." She said, finding her shoes. I shrugged, pouring my drink. She'd followed me in her car, so if she wanted to leave I wouldn't stop her. She wouldn't listen to me anyway, and I knew that from experience. I was stubborn just like her.

"My bag is on the couch, your phone's in the first pocket." I placed my plate in the microwave, setting it on forty-five seconds. I sipped from my wine, expecting to hear the door close, but instead Lana walked inside the kitchen. Her eyes were on her phone and her lips were tight. I looked at her over my glass with a raised eyebrow.

"What's-"

"He didn't call me. I have no missed calls...he text me once, asking if I saw a pair of his shoes. He can be such an ass sometimes!" I smiled, shrugging. I guess that was my way of saying told ya so!

"Whatever...I guess I'll stay a bit longer. I don't have to pick my niece up until ten." I nodded, pointing to the pot on the stove.

"Help yourself. Forget about your dude, it'll be fine... I'm going to enjoy this food and then finish my mani-pedi you neglected to do. You are welcome to join my friend." She laughed, setting her phone down on the granite counter and walking to the stove.

"Sorry about that, I got you, I promise." We both finally sat at the large table and enjoyed the food over laughter. It was refreshing, I was glad to be in her company. I just hoped she wasn't shady....I had met too many of those in life. I was grateful she hadn't pushed any of her questions from earlier. I didn't know her that well and I sure as hell wasn't about to share my life with her, not now anyway.

"There's something about you," She began to stare at me, narrowing her eyes. "You're so...shut off." I half-smiled.

"Oh Lana, if you only knew."