Natalie & King

Ch.9

Grapes, corn, string beans, pork chops, chicken breast. I scratched off the last items on the grocery list with a quick glance at King who slept uncomfortably in the shopping cart. His nose was still red and runny. Grocery shopping with him was always easy when he didn't feel well. He didn't reach for every single thing we passed or ask if I could buy him chocolate over and over.

After we made it home and I put the food away, I gave King another dose of medicine and laid him on the couch with his favorite movie playing. He didn't pay attention to it. I made him a bowl of soup with saltine crackers on the side and sat next to him while he ate. When he was finished, he curled up in my lap and let me cuddle him until he dozed off. I was torn between taking him to his room and leaving him in my lap as I studied. It wasn't often that I got cuddles like this anymore because he liked to do things on his own now. So I decided to keep him in my lap a little longer. I couldn't stop myself from thinking about how big he's gotten and just how far we've made it from Daren's basement. King's always been my light at the end of the tunnel. And as I rubbed his smooth baby face, I let the idea of me dropping out of school fade. I knew being in school was going to be better for his future in the long run, Bay was right. And then I started thinking about Bay. What was she doing? I missed her. I haven't seen her other than at work since Kohle came over almost a week ago. I knew she was busy with school, work and the baby but I was also nervous. Did Lamar get out of prison? Was she okay?

King stayed in my lap for three hours while I finished a packet of homework and put together my thesis statement. I placed my hand on his forehead, checking his temperature and smiled because he no longer had a fever. It was more than a cold he picked up at daycare; he had two ear infections too. My phone buzzed underneath my thigh, scaring me and making King jump. When he fell back asleep, I reached for it and saw Kohle calling. I had mixed emotions. Kohle was a really good friend and he was really good with King but I couldn't get over how much he reminded me of Daren. A wave of nausea washed over me before I answered the phone.

"Hi Kohle,"

"You seen that nigga Lamar? I'm gon' fuck him up. I swear to God." Kohle's anger came thru the phone and startled me. He sounded furious. Instantly my stomach fluttered. Did something happen to Bay?

"No...what's wrong? Where's Bay?" I positioned King on the couch so I could stand without waking him. Kohle grunted on the other end of the phone before he raised his voice at someone in the background.

"Nah fuck that nigga, it's on sight. Look Natalie, Bay's in the hospital. That nigga beat her ass unconscious and I'm gon' fuckin' kill him."

"What? Is she okay? Is the baby okay? Come get me, please." My hands were shaking nervously now and I felt like I had to throw up. I had to sit down so I didn't start hyperventilating.

"They were lookin' at the baby when I left. It ain't lookin' good. That nigga got me fucked up. Me and Tay out here lookin' for his ass now, I can't come get you ma."

"Kohle I need to see Bay. Please...come get me." I pleaded and headed into my room to change my clothes. If he didn't want to come get me, I'd take the bus. I needed to see Bay'Zell and I wasn't taking no for an answer. Kohle was quiet for a few seconds before he sighed.

"Aight, I'll be there in five minutes ma."

*********

Seeing Bay'Zell's bruised up body lying limp in the hospital bed shook me to the bone. Tears filled my eyes before I even approached her bed. Her pretty face was covered in bruises that were starting to turn dark purple. I felt my heart breaking. When I laid King on the couch, I didn't waste any time climbing in the bed with her. My hands trembled as I tried not to touch or wake her. Bite marks were going up her arms and I could see a big hand print covering her throat. Her lip was busted and had dry blood on the side of her face. Did they not clean her up? Her eyes were completely swollen and when her chest rose from her taking a breath, I could hear her wheeze. I couldn't take being in the bed with her. Her ribs were bandaged and she had a brace on her left hand. How could someone do this to her?