Leanna.
I sat outside on the balcony of Chandra's house in the room she let me stay in until i find my own place and get me a job. I bit on my fingernails as i looked up at the night sky wondering how i let my life go out this bad.
I fell in love with a man who said he loves me but constantly beat on me, and i let myself rely on a man. When all i should rely on is myself. My mother taught me how to be an independent black woman, and she would be very disappointed if she really knew what was happening with me.
I haven't talked to my mother in forever to think about it, i'm too caught up with Ray's bullshit i haven't gotten the chance to actually check and see how my family was doing.
I pulled out my phone and scrolled through my contacts and looked at my moms number and sighed and decided to just call her. It took a couple of rings until i heard the line pick up.
"Hello?"
"Hey...mama." I answered a little hesitantly.
"Leanna?"
I chuckled a little bit from the confusing sound in her voice since i never really call her especially on a night like this, its like 11 'o clock at night.
"Yes, ma. It's me." I sniffled lifting my knees up in the lawn chair the breeze hitting my exposed thighs.
"What did i have to do to get my own daughter to actually call me?" She asked herself sarcastically.
"I'm sorry, ma. I've just been going through a lot." I frowned.
"A lot for you not to call your own mother?" She asked.
I bit on my bottom lip as I pulled on my hair nervous if I should just tell her what's going on with me or not. I hate the sound of my moms voice when she's upset with me and I especially don't want her to worry about me.
"How have you been?" I asked changing the subject.
"I've been better. Your father and I both started going back to church and things are getting better for us."
"That's great mom. That's real good to hear." I smiled.
"How are you and Ray?" Mom asked and I swear it was like all my stress flew right back in my face.
Hearing his name was like a slap in the face and every time I hear it I flinch.
I cleared my throat trying to come up with a good enough lie. "We're fine."
"Really?"
"Yes ma'am."
"Is that why he came over here today asking if we've seen you? Poor boy looked a mess, he was crying and saying that you haven't been home in a couple of days." Mom explained to me.
I literally hit myself with my hand. Why didn't I think Ray would do something like that?
"Mom, I just needed some space." I said running my fingers through my scalp.
