It Started With Lake (Book 1)

Chapter 9: Emani

Nothing was going right. First, I told Gunner that we needed a break, and now I'm the bad guy. I wanted us to try to be friends, but I don't see that happening. Then, my mom is pissed and not speaking to me. And lastly, I started my freaking period. I'm so over this stupid week and can't wait for the weekend.

I knocked on Sasha's front door. I need some girl time, and she's the right person to put me in a good mood.

Sasha stepped onto the porch in her pink tank top and booty shorts. "Emani, you are here hella early. I didn't even bake the pizza yet. I thought you were coming at seven."

"I was too ready to get out of the house."

"Come on, let's go to my room," she said, closing the door behind me.

Inside, I hung my jacket in the enormous walk-in closet and took off my boots. A small white dog greeted us at the door, and I bent down to pet its fur.

"You got a new puppy?" I asked.

"I'm dog sitting. I'm trying to save up for a car," she replied, picking the dog up.

"Nice! It's so quiet; where are your parents?" I asked.

"They went to Jay's football game," she said. "They won't be back until tonight."

Jay is Sasha's older brother. He plays football at Ohio State University. I had a crush on him in 9th grade, but I never told Sasha. Then, Gunner came along a few months later.

I followed Sasha into her room. It's decorated in teal and silver, her favorite colors. I sat down on the king-sized bed and made myself at home. She had a lemon cookie candle burning, and it smelled fantastic.

"I feel like I haven't seen you in forever since the party," she remarked, turning the tv on Netflix. "Gunner told Jason you broke up with him. What happened?"

I grabbed the fire stick remote and paused the show. "I'm not happy with him, Sasha. He kept pressuring me to sleep with him, and then I just didn't feel butterflies anymore. I'm ready for something different."

"Well, I only want you to be happy. I could tell your heart wasn't in it anymore," she admitted, painting her nails. "Are you and Lake talking?"

"We are just friends. He's been there for me a lot lately."

"I see the way you look at him, Emani. You stopped looking at Gunner like that," she mumbled. "Admit it, you like Lake."

"Maybe."

Sasha looked down at her comforter then back at me. "I just feel like you've been keeping me out of the loop lately, and it hurts. You're supposed to be my best friend."

I felt guilty. "Fine, I like Lake. We haven't done anything physically yet."

She squealed and jumped up and down on the bed. "I knew it. So what else is going on?"

I wiped a bead of sweat from my forehead. "My mom and I are not speaking right now."

Sasha tilted her head. "Why?"

"I finally told her about something that happened to me as a child." I paused for a moment. "When I was twelve, my uncle tried to rape me, and I never told anyone."

Sasha's face was pale, and I reached for her hand. "Omg, Emani, I'm sorry I wasn't there for you."

I laughed. "Sasha, you didn't know me until high school, so it's not your fault."

"Oh yeah, I forgot."

Awkward silence.

"My mom doesn't believe me."

Sasha took a deep breath. "That's awful. She's in denial. I hope that piece of shit rots in prison."

"He's not locked up."

"What?!" Sasha practically yelled. "Why is he still out there?"

"I never reported him."

"If I ever see him, I'm going to kick him in the nuts, Emani."

I smiled. "I think Lake will beat you to it."

"He will have to get in line," she said, giving me a weak smile. "Are you really ok, though?"

"Yeah, I will be. Anyway, I want to focus on something else. What is this show about?"

After three movies, peanut butter cookies, and ice cream, I felt somewhat better. I was relieved that Sasha knew my secret and that I didn't have to hide it anymore. In her eyes, I'm still Emani, and that's all that matters.

I gathered my things and headed home. When I rounded the corner, I spotted my mom's car and a familiar Mustang in the driveway. This can't be happening. I felt goosebumps form along my arm, and my heart was beating fast. Too fast. I risked a peek at Travis as he got out of his car. He still looked the same, but he was out of shape now. His gut hung over his belt, and I giggled. Karma.

My mom appeared out of nowhere, and the two looked as if they were arguing. She pushed him against the car and grabbed his white dress shirt by the collar. He towered over her, but my mom can be scary as hell when she's pissed.

I hurried towards them. "Mom, what are you doing?"

"He finally admitted what he did to you. I'm going to kill him," she hissed, not letting go. "Travis, you're sick in the head to try to rape your own niece. I can't believe you!"

"I'm sorry, Latanya. I was a bad person back then, and I'm back to make things right," he pleaded.

I looked up into his dark chocolate eyes. "You can never make things right. You tried to rape me, and you can rot in hell for all I care!"

The look in his eyes made me take a step back. "Watch what you say, niece. I'm still your uncle."

Lake's words flashed in my mind. Brighter days are coming.

"Travis, get the hell out of here, and we will be pressing charges," my mom shouted, face red.

His expression hardened. "Do you really think anyone will believe the two of you? It happened years ago. There is no proof."

Travis was right. He didn't rape me, and it would be my word against his. Seven was the only person that saw him that night, and I'm not sure if that's enough.

"Fuck you," I shouted.

It was the first time I'd ever cursed in front of my mom, but she looked proud of me.

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Travis is backkkkkkk, and Emani is not having it! I hope you enjoyed this chapter 😈