Clouded Soul

25

I sat down staring at Mama talk to an officer. She looked mad as hell, and I knew I was going to get beat. I would've gotten beat even if I weren't involved. She hated police stations and the police. For me to even be here just boils her blood I bet. And not only am I in here, so is Corrine.

"Get them out of there, they are not criminals," she said getting aggravated.

I watched her argue and Shauna walk in. I told them to call Dominic's number and Shauna picked up. I acted like she was my mother instead of Mama. When she saw us all, she went over to the desk with a smile on her face, pushing in front of Mama.

"I'm here for Mercy and Marcus," she said sweetly.

"If you can head over there — as well as you Ms Reed — so that we can discuss a few things."

Mama looked Shauna up and down a couple of times.

"Why are you trying to pick up my daughter," Mama asked, folding her arms across her chest.

"I'm only here considering the fact that she called me to come get her and that she lives in my house," Shauna claps back instantly.

"Listen here bitch, I'm taking my daughter home. End of discussion."

Shauna scoffed and walked away laughing. Watching them caused me stress. Mama was most likely going to fight Shauna but I wasn't so sure she'd be winning. Shauna was like the girl version of Dominic when she got mad.

We waited almost an hour for them to let us out. Once I saw the officer come over with the keys, I knew what time it was. I smiled and looked behind him to see Mama following angrily. I grumbled and stepped away from the door of the cell.

"Come on out," the officer said to me.

I sigh and slowly walk out only to be greeted by a swift smack to the face.

"The hell is wrong with you Amari?! You think it's okay to get in trouble and shit, huh? Tell me. Do ya," she asked getting in my face.

I held my tongue and avoided looking at her because as soon as I looked her way, I just knew I was going to pop off. Not only was she running her mouth off at me after not having seen me for about a month, but she had the nerve to smack me across my damn face. I was pissed as hell.

"Mercy, you ready to go," Shauna asked appearing beside Mama.

"Yeah gladly," I say walking away with her.

"No, you're not going with her. I am your mother, Mercy. And I'm not finished with you," Mama said snatching me back.

"Get off me! Damn. You're not my mother. I never called you up here. You kicked me out meaning you don't want me. Keep it that way. I almost died...twice. You could've made sure I was okay instead of popping off on me. You don't even know the whole story. You don't even really know me anymore so you aren't my mother. You haven't been there for me for about a month. I didn't need you then and I sure as hell don't need you now," I yell pulling away.

Mama just stared at me confused but angry none the less.

"What do you mean Mercy? Died? You're exaggerating," she said dismissively.

I scoffed and shook my head feeling my face grow hot.

"Right before you kicked me out, this guy tried to rape me. He would've killed me had I not done what he said! I was at a bar and I was having fun with these two girls I met. We went outside just a building or two away and boom — a drive-by happened and everyone on that corner except me died. I'm exaggerating? Really?" I bucked.

Shauna grabbed my shoulders turning me around and wiping my face. By the time I'd finished talking I was in tears. She had to pull me into a hug and calm me down.

"Mercy is your daughter. I don't care what my child does...I will never kick him out. This is why she called me instead and why she is going home with me," Shauna said rubbing my back.

"I-I never knew that," Mama said trying to sound sympathetic.

"You never tried to check on her and find out anything either," she said as Marcus came over.

When he saw me crying he walked over a little faster and put his hand on my shoulder asking me, "Is everything alright, Mer?"

I nod and he squeezes my shoulder before turning to look at my mom.

"You can come back home sweetie. Please forgive me," Mama said reaching for my hand.

I moved my hand away and pulled Shauna and Marcus with me. No part of me wanted to talk to her or be around her. Her sympathy felt fake and it wasn't accepted. My feelings were a mixture of rage and sadness.

"Mercy don't leave me," I heard her say.

I just shook my head at her. At this point she just sounded pathetic and annoying. Something was telling me to turn back around and go with her but I wouldn't — no I just couldn't.

The whole car ride back home was quiet. Marcus and Shauna kept glancing at me from time to time — I guess to make sure I was okay. I wasn't okay though. My hands were trembling but I put them in between my thighs so that they wouldn't notice. This whole time I'd been scared of what Mama would say and scared she wouldn't let me stay with Shauna. I was scared to go back and see Dominic, especially after last night.

"We're here. Marcus you and Mercy can go up to Dominic's room. I think he's up. I need to do some things, okay," she said parking in the driveway.

I nodded and got out with Marcus, following him inside.

"What's up with you, Mer," he asked me as we walked.

I frowned.

"You're not that hard to read. What's still bothering you," he asked, stopping in front of the stairs.

"I...it's nothing," I lie.

Before he could check me on my bull, Dominic appeared at the top of the stairs wearing a hoodie, some jeans, and his Retro 1s.

"Why are you home so late? I was just about to come look for you."