Broken

28.

Izel

When August walked in the house, I was a little upset because he didn't tell me he was going anywhere, and I woke up to loud ass, annoying ass Travis.

"Aye bruh, come get ya girl befo' she have a whole panic attack."

"Don't be jealous because no one misses you." I flicked Travis off.

"Don't be jealous because no one miss you." He mimicked my accent.

"Leave my baybeh alone." August wrapped his arms around me.

"Where'd you go?" I frowned.

He looked at Travis and Travis looked around like he was clueless.

"I uh- I had ta go ta the sto'." He cleared his throat.

"Oh."

I hope he knew I wasn't stupid. I knew he was lying about something because the way him and Travis got quiet and things got awkward.

That's when I started to remember what Jasmine had sent him.

The doctors appointment.

"You were with Jasmine, weren't you?" I put my head down.

"Yea, dats my queue to go." Travis got up and walked upstairs.

"What makes you think I was wit ha?" August frowned.

"I already know she's pregnant and there's a possibility it could be yours - And I know you didn't cheat, but you don't have to keep it a secret that you've been going to her appointments. I'm fine with it, I guess."

"I'm sorry." He lifted my head up so I could look at him. "And that baby ain't mine. We talked about it today, and she's just - Delusional."

"I don't like the girl and all, but don't call her delusional." I punched his arm and giggled.

"Oh, so you wanna punch me now?" He grinned.

I punched him again just to test him, but as soon as I raised my hand, he started tickling me.

"A-August s-s-stop!!" I laughed.

"Say sorry, then i'll stop." He commanded while still going.

"o-okay! I-i'm s-s-sorry!" I screamed.

He stopped and leaned over to give me a kiss.

My phone started ringing and I saw it was my stepdad calling.

"What does that son of a bitch want?" August got off of me.

"Should I answer?"

August took the phone from me and answered.

"Hello?" He answered.

"Put it on speaker." I whispered.

He did as told so I could hear too.

"Who is this? Where's Izel?"

"Don't worry bout who dis is. Why you callin' ha phone?"

"Tell Izel her mother passed away and that the family is here. It would be nice if you could bring my daughter home."

August looked at me then hung up the phone.

I couldn't even say anything. The lady I wanted to get close with my whole life, passed away. I felt tears ready to pour down.

I got out of August's hold and went to my room and locked the door.

August

"Izel, baybeh please let me talk ta you." I said from the other side of the do'.

I could hear her crying and it was upsettin' me that she won't let me hold ha' or nothin.

"Aye man, give her a few more minutes." Travis walked pass.

"What's wrong with her?" My mom came out of her room.

"Her mama passed away today."

She put her hand ova' her heart and sighed.

"She'll eventually let you in, don't worry." She rubbed my back before walking away.

I sat down in front of the do' and I noticed her crying had calmed down.

I heard her unlocking the door and when she opened it, she ain't even look at me.

I got up and closed the do' behind me and sat next ta ha'.

"You wa-"

"August, I think he killed her." she blurted out. "Or she -"

"Don't say it. If he did kill ha', you already know dat nigga gon' rotten."

She laid her head on my shoulder and I felt some tears fall on my shirt.

"It's aight ya cry, stop holding dem tears in ma." I held her.

"Please don't leave me." She cried harder.

"I won't baybeh." I gave ha a kiss. "Ima be by yo side for as long as I live."