Women that say No

Chapter 36

"Alright that's the last of the last." Steph said as he shut the storage garage where the bulk of my furniture was now living.

I couldn't put any more pressure on my father, his health was far more important than my well being.

"Thank you so much Steph, I really don't know what I'd do if you didn't help me out."

Steph shook his head taking a hold of my right hand smiling.

"This is what men are suppose to do." He replied.

In a turn of events I was out on the streets basically and Steph allowed me to move in to his home.

3 bedroom, 2 story house, in the richest part of town. To my surprise Looks honestly could be deceiving but I was no one to judge nor ask how he could afford such a spot in a gated community and quite marvelous interior decorating.

Power and Allure had the spare bedroom that was fully furnitured as a guest bedroom initially.

"We'll have to get them some toys." He smiled as we stood at the door of the bedroom.

"Absolutely not! They have enough and you have extended your help far enough. I can't let you do that."

Steph cut his eyes blowing his breath as if I had taken away his joy. "If you say so woman. Make yourself at home. This is your home just as much." He stated.

"You've been too kind honestly. I don't even know how to begin repaying you. First thing first I'm applying for jobs everywhere so we'll hopefully be out your hair in the next couple of weeks."

"Oh woman, relax. You can start by repaying me with that dinner you said you would cook me ages ago."

I blushed, "okayyy What would you like, it's the least I could do."

"Surprise me. I'm a sucker for shrimp so anything with that is a plus. I'm go take the kids out for a little bit and let you get to doing yo thing in the kitchen."

"Take them where?"  I asked catching the anxiety feeling my body.

"Just to the playground or to monkey joes Letem burn off some of that energy."

"Um', it's okay you don't have to do that." I hurriedly said. "Besides Power And Allure need a little nap, we've been up for nearly 72 hours packing that house. Thank you though. Actually How about I take them all on a store run, get some of that shrimp you like, and you rest you've been helping me move also." I explained stumbling on a word a two.

Stephs face relaxed as he smiled uneasily. "I get it Madison, you don't trust me. That's aiight, you're a mother that's what's your suppose to do. We'll build that in due time. Look why don't you just kick back and I'll let the kids go in the back and play. While we talk and I turn into a little chef boy Steph, cool?"

I sighed nodding knowing he was right and agreed.

I took a seat on the stool as Steph took two bags of shrimp out the freezer preparing to let them thaw out as he occasionally glimpsed over at me.

"You're being weird." I laughed resting my head on to my arm.

"You're an interesting person. I want to know about you, about Power, and more about Allure."

I swallowed, feeling as if I needed to vent.

"I was raped twice." I just openly announced in a soft tone.

Steph paused in his tracks laying his eyes on me with the look of utter confusion as a facial expression.

"Raped, twice?" He repeated now walking over to me forcing me to look into his eyes.

"Yes, twice. Both power and Allure are products of rape."

"Damn, I'm sorry that happened to you. No one would've ever known. You're such a strong woman—."

I shook my head smiling. "I bet you're wondering how that is possible."

"Nah you don't have to tell me if you're not comfortable."

"I'm comfortable Steph."

"When I was in college I was raped and then I was raped by my attorney who was prosecuting my rapist."

Steph jaw dropped figuratively as his eyes read pure confusion, shock, and a hint of anger.

"I know Steph, it's hard for me to even believe. I'm not as perfect as every one thinks. I come with a hell of a past and baggage. I've been carrying this secret around so long it's weighing on me. Now I'm just at a point where I have to either bury it or face it head on."

"Your lawyer raped you? Rick?"

Without saying a word I nodded yes.

Steph clenched his jaws.

"What the fuck!?" His hands clenched into fist as he pasted the floor.

"You want me to take care of this nigga?"

"What?! No! No, no no! Ofcourse not. I didn't tell you this to have you throw your life away. Steph! This isn't your problem."

Silence fell over the both of us as he stood staring at me in a daze, before walking over and covering his arms around me.

"You don't deserve what you've been put threw."

"—don't make me cry. I've been strong so long."

Steph pulled back enough to look down at me and kiss my forehead softly. "You don't have to be anymore, I got you."

I exhaled for the first time in a long time a breath of relief. It felt good to finally speak about my demons.

"Tell me— what do you plan to do?" He asked referencing the ultimatum I had spoke of earlier.

"I've been threw this before." I started as our hug slowly turned into the gripping of one another's hands. "It's not an easy battle, it's not an easy battle financially, morally, or emotionally. Right now I'm not in the position. Besides, I have bigger issues to fight for right now. Like the custody of my baby Allure and assuring Power and I get the needed help for what we've been through."

"Whatever your decision is. I want you to know I got you. I got us. I'm in this for the long haul. I can't imagine having to fight for custody of your child let alone for justice of yourself, but ain't no other way up but from here I want you to know that and never doubt it Madison."

His words were rays of assurance that he slump I was in wouldn't last forever and that for once in a long time someone was really in my corner.