Broken

4.

August

We sat in the car quietly as I drove down ta where she lived at. It was a very awkward quietness because I had a lot of questions ta ask, but I don't want ta make her more uncomfortable than she is now.

Anyone who isn't stupid would know that she's being beat on by someone in her household. You can't get a big ass bruise on ya fuckin' arm just from falling off ya bed. Plus, she came to school with a new one everyday.

"How come ya always wearing long sleeve stuff? It be hotter than Satan's ass out'chea." I joked.

"I don't know. Insecurities I guess." She shrugged.

She could have insecurity issues, but I know that's not the only reason why.

"You know, when I first saw that bruise, I thought you had got into a fight wit someone." I looked at her then back at the road.

"No." She looked out the window.

I pulled up ta the side of her house and she was about ta get out until I locked her door.

"Be straight up with me Izel. Someone putting they hands on you?" I frowned.

"N-no, I told you i'm just really clumsy." She looked down.

"Why are you lying ta me? The person threat you or some? This big ass bruise ain't just because of falling." I rubbed her arm.

"I fell down the stairs."

"Earlier you told me you fell of ya bed." I looked at her and she looked like she was about to cry.

"August I have to go. Please let me out." She said soft and low.

I looked at her one more time before unlocking the door. She got out and walked to her door and I saw her wiping her face. I hate that I made her cry but I don't want her going through this mess.

I sighed and pulled off from her house.

❁

When I made it home, I saw Travis sittin' on the couch watching his show while mama was playin' candy crush on her phone.

"Well, did you have fun on your lil date?" Travis smirked at me.

"I think she's being abused." I got straight to the point and sat me keys down.

"Abused?" My mama frowned. "By who?"

"Whoever she live wit. She keep'on lying to me though."

"Then that's her fault. She obviously ain't trying to be saved, so just hop off that case." Travis shrugged.

"She wants ta be saved bruh, I can see that shit through her eyes."

"Watch yo mouth boy." My mom popped me on my lips. "You tried to talk to her about it?"

"I asked her and she keeps telling me she clumsy. Ma, everyday she come to school wit a new bruise or cut and I'm not dumb, I know someone slowly killin' that girl."

"Maybe she got a dog." Travis said in a duh tone.

"I don't know anyone who'd hurt their child, I'm sorry August. You must like this girl?" My mama asked.

"I do, but she's too beautiful ta be goin' through allat. Ya know she barely smiles? And she got the cutest smile a nigga eva' seen." I smiled ta myself just thinking about her.

My mom popped me again and this time it actually hurt.

"I'm not gon' tell you no more little boy." She frowned.