I Love You But Your Brother Keeps Me Wet

by Stephanie Wilson

  “He’s getting the lead detective who’s in charge of the case,” Kevin said as he sat next to me.

  Waiting for the detective seemed like forever. People were in and out of station and not one person acknowledged us. Getting upset, I went to the desk and asked to speak to whoever had all day to have us sitting here, like we are not trying to figure out if that was my best friend that was on the news. My blood was boiling, everyone in the building stopped and looked at me.

  “Oh, now y’all see somebody. Find the sorry ass detective that is working the case of my best friend with y’all lazy asses!” I yelled.

  I sat back down and crossed my arms, both Kevin and Lucy were looking at me.

  “Hello, I’m the detective in charge, my name is Ben,” the white man held out his hand.

  Kevin and Lucy shook his hand, but I declined. I looked him up and down and rolled my eyes as we followed him to his office.

  “Please have a seat. How can I help you?” Ben said.

  Please tell me this is some type of joke. I rubbed the sides of my head trying not to explode on this man.

  “Look Ben, we need to identify the body that was aired on the news this morning,” Kevin said.

  He must have known I was frustrated, with all this shit.

  Ben went off to the side and grabbed a folder. He returned to his seat behind the desk and opened the folder. Inside he retrieved a polaroid photo and handed it to Lucy. In the photo, Vivian’s body laid there stiff. Her hair was tangled, two fingers cut off, face looked like it was beat with a bat, and she had a cut over her left breast.

  “No!!!! My baby, why my baby?” Lucy yelled.

  Kevin tried his hardest to hold her, but she fell to the ground. I placed my hand over my mouth, holding back the throw up that wanted to come out.

  Kevin pulled me into him and I cried. How could Anthony do this to her. He needs to be locked up. Meanwhile Lucy ran out of the office.

  “Do you have any idea of who would do this to her?” Ben asked taking out a notepad.

  “Yes, Anthony Hunter,” I blurted out.

  “Are you sure?”

  “Yes, I’m sure. Now go and find him.” I got up and stormed out the office.

  I got in the car and slammed the door. I cried my heart out, Kevin came in the car and caressed my back.

  “Let’s go to the gun store,” Kevin said as he started the car.

  He got on the highway. I laid my head against the window, we pulled up to Turners and got out the car. I told the man I wanted to take the test to get a gun license. He handed me a test while Kevin was walking around looking at different guns. The man told me there was a short class I needed to attend that was just about to start next door. I quickly walked over and sat and listened to the instructor.

  Once the class was finished we took the test that we were all given. In about ten minutes or so, the instructor came out and handed everyone their tests. I passed, “Yes!”

  Now, we had to go to another room for a quick lesson on how to shoot and handle a gun. I was first, so I listened to what the instructor told me to do. I aimed that gun at the target and thought about Vivian. “This one is for you baby girl,” I said as I shot at the target several times. When the man pulled the target forward. I was surprised at how close I was to the main target. I didn’t do bad for a beginner.

  I went back next door which was over an hour later. Kevin and the man in the gun shop were having a casual conversation. I handed him my certificate that I received, and my temporary permit.

  “You passed. Is there a special gun you had in mind?” he asked.

  “I just want something small for home protection, something I can carry on my hip or purse,” I said looking at nine-millimeter gun.

  “I like this glock.” I was pointing at the gun I wanted.

  “This one here is a good gun. It’s light and compact,” The man handed me the gun.

  I held it in my hand. I like the way it felt.

  “Do you like that one baby?” Kevin asked as he watch me.

  “Yeah, how much is it?” I asked the sales man giving him back the gun.

  “It’s on sale today for seven hundred,” he said.

  “I’ll take that.” I pulled out my credit card.

  “Okay, you can come and pick it up in twenty-four hours,” the man said. I slid my credit card and signed the receipt.

  “Do you have a hands-on safety course, where I can learn how to use my gun.” I asked the man as he pulled out an application for me to fill out to register my gun.

  “Yeah, we have a class twice a week, our next class would be Sunday. Call the day before to reserve your spots it’s sixty-five dollars a person.”

  “That’s not bad, I will be here.” I was signing the papers and making sure everything was filled out correctly.

  “Everything looks good. I will see you when you come and pick up your gun.” I shook the man’s hand and we left.

  “Do you want to go and get lunch?” Kevin asked as he started the car.

  “I don’t have a big appetite, we can get something small,” I answered him.

  “Do you want BBQ?” he asked pulling out the parking lot.

  “That’s fine, I could use a pork sandwich with a large coke.” He headed in the direction of Dallas BBQ.

  Kevin went in and got our food to go. I wasn’t in the mood to be around people. I sat in the car and it felt like someone was watching me. I looked around the parking lot and I saw no one I knew. Kevin came back handed me my coke and food.

  “Are you okay, baby?” he asked looking around.

  “Yeah, I just felt like someone was looking at me, maybe I’m just sleepy.” I said taking a sip of my drink.

  “Okay, let’s get you home.” He got back on the freeway and headed home.

  We walked in the house, I went to get out of my clothes and put on my gown. My phone went off letting me know I had a text. Sorry for your loss, lucky it wasn’t you!!!!! I hurried up and ran downstairs to show Kevin the message. He called the number, but no one answered, he tried again and got the same results.

  “Don’t worry baby, it’s all good,” Kevin said pulling me into him.

  I’m fine, if he wants to come for me then let him. I knew it was Anthony, but I will not let him break me. I sat at the table and ate my food. After I was done I went to lay on the couch and took a nap. Kevin stayed with me until I was fully asleep. I heard him leave, but I didn’t budge to ask where he was going.

  This nigga got another thing coming sending threats to my girl. I hopped in my truck, made sure my gun was under the seat, and drove to his house. I knocked on the door but no answer. I went back to my truck and waited to see if he would come outside. After hours of waiting, he never came outside. I was about to pull out the driveway when I was flagged down by a neighbor.

  “Are you looking for Anthony?” the older lady asked.

  “Yeah, he’s my brother and I haven’t heard from him in a few days,” I said to the lady.

  “You just missed him, he was here about two hours ago,” she said.

  “Okay, thank you very much.” I pulled away and headed to his office.

  Maybe his sorry ass decided to go to work. I pulled up to the building and there was a sign saying it was for sale. I shook my head and headed home. I pulled into my driveway and walked in the house. Joy was on the phone, I kissed her on the cheek and went upstairs to take a shower.

  “Baby, are you okay?” I asked tapping on the bathroom door.

  “Yeah, I’ll be out soon,” Kevin said.

  I sat on the bed and waited for Kevin. He walked out the bathroom with the towel around his waist looking so damn good, but I knew something was on his mind. He put his night clothes on and laid across the bed and exhaled.

  “Baby, talk to me?” I said rubbing my hand on his chest.

  “Joy, I went to my brother’s house, I went to kill him.” I sat up in the bed and looked at him as he did the same.

  “Are your serious, ba
by?” I asked.

  “Yeah, I am.” He looked me in the eyes and I knew he was serious.

  “Baby don’t do anything like that, he’s not worth it.” Even though I wanted to kill Anthony my damn self.

  “I know baby, I reacted too fast, but trust me he will have what’s coming to him,” he said with a stern voice.

  Those words sent chills up my spine. I sat there in deep thought, my phone ringing took me out my thoughts. Jessie name appeared on the screen, I haven’t talked to her since Costa Rica.

  “Hey love, how are you doing?” I asked.

  “I’m fine. I finally found a place, so I’ll be out there in two weeks,” Jessie said happily.

  “That’s great cousin. I can’t wait to see you.” I was happy for Jessie.

  “How are things going with you and Dre.”

  “We are doing good, he went with me to go look for a few places, we are taking it slow. I really do like him, he is very understanding and sweet.” she said sounding like she’s in love.

  “That’s good, I’m so happy for you,” I was smiling.

  “I’m coming out there tomorrow, will you be free?” Jessie asked.

  “I have to work, but we can hang out after if you want to,” I said.

  “Okay, lets double date,” Jessie said.

  “I’m down with that.” My phone flashed letting me know I had another call.

  I took my phone from my ear and a number appeared.

  “Jessie hold on I have another call,” I told her before answering the call.

  “Hello,” I said to the caller on the phone.

  “Hey, Joy, this is Lucy. I’m sorry I left out like that, I just couldn’t stand looking at my baby in that way,” she sobbed in the phone.

  “I understand, I really do.” I held back my tears.

  “Well, next week I will be having her funeral at Three Kings Church on 45th Street at eleven o’clock,” she said.

  “Okay Lucy, I’ll be there, don’t worry,” I said playing with my hair.

  “Thank you so much Joy, I really hope the cops find the person who did this. I can’t handle any more pain, I’m too old for this,” Lucy said.

  “I know they will, Lucy, get you some rest.” We ended the call. The phone transferred back to Jessie.

  “Hey Jessie, I’m back,” I said trying to cover up my hurt. Even though Viviana hurt me in the worse way possible, she still had a place in my heart.

  “Hey, Joy, you good?” she asked.

  “No, remember my friend Vivian?” I asked.

  “Yeah, how is she doing?” Jessie asked.

  “She’s dead.” Kevin wrapped his arms around me.

  “Wow, Joy, I’m so sorry to hear that. Do they know who did it?”

  “Yeah, they know. I just hope they catch the man soon.”

  “I hope they do too, that’s some fucked up shit,” Jessie said.

  “Yeah, her mom is having the funeral next week,” I said wiping the tears that were on my face.

  “I can come down and be there for you if you need me to. I know I didn’t know Vivian as well.”

  “I would appreciate that,” I said.

  “Okay, text me the information,” she said.

  “I will do that.” As I was on the phone, I sent her the message. “I just sent it,” I said.

  “Okay I should be getting it. Let me call you back Dre on the other line.” Jessie said.

  “Okay talk to you later.”

  “I love you cousin.”

  “I love you too, Jessie.” We hung up.

  Kevin released me, and I laid back on the bed. My phone went off, it was a text. Sleep well baby, just know you will always be mines. I showed Kevin the text his nose flared up. He called his brother on his cell, Anthony picked up after a few rings.

  “Hey bro, what’s good?” Anthony said.

  “Nigga kill all that bro shit. Stop with the fucking games!” Kevin yelled.

  “Or what nigga, you going to cry like a bitch, like mama did when daddy beat her ass!” Anthony yelled back.

  “This is your last warning, that’s all you need to know.” Kevin was now walking back and forth in the room as Anthony and he went back and forth arguing.

  I didn’t know what to say or do. So, I just sat there and watched as he walked back and forth.

  “Nigga you know where I lay me head if you ever need to come by and make a move. I’m not that little kid anymore,” Kevin said while putting on his shoes.

  “Kevin don’t let no pussy come between us. I know it’s good and all, but it ain’t that deep cuz. I can always get her back, so stop working yourself up,” Anthony chuckled in the phone and hung up on Kevin.

  Kevin was about to walk out the room, but I stopped him. I couldn’t let him leave. I needed him I couldn’t risk losing him too.

  “Baby, please don’t go, I need you,” I cried. I hate this emotional shit.

  “Shhh, baby no more crying,” Kevin said while taking hair out of my face.

  He walked me to the bed and laid behind me. I stared at the wall as Kevin held me. He was breathing hard, so I knew he was still mad. I fell asleep in his arms.

  When Kevin was no longer in the bed, I looked at the time on my phone and it read eight a.m. I really didn’t want to go in to work. I got out of bed and drug myself to the shower, ran the water and looked at myself. My eyes were puffy and red, the shower water was hot enough, so I climbed in and washed my body. After washing my body a few times, I dried off. Opening my closet, I grabbed a black pair of pants and my work shirt. I wanted to wear all black, I was in that kind of mood. I put my hair in a high bun, then walked and grabbed my purse, name badge, shoes and phone off the charger.

  I walked downstairs and my phone rang. It was Kevin.

  “Hey baby, I had to leave early to take care of some business. I’ll be home around five or six,” Kevin said when I picked up the phone.

  “Okay baby, I was wondering where you went off to so early. I’m about to head off to work myself,” I said while putting on my shoes.

  “Okay, call me on your lunch break, I should have some good news by the.” Kevin sounded happy.

  “I will that.” We ended our call and I headed out the door.

  I started my car and pulled out the driveway. I decided to get on the highway to avoid all the lights. As I got on the highway, I noticed a car at a high rate of speed following me. As I go in and out of lanes, so did the other car. The other cars on the highway blew their horn at me as I cut them off without using a signal. Traffic was getting heavy, so I got off on my exit and took the back road to work. I checked my review mirror and the car was nowhere in sight. I exhaled, my palms were sweating. My heart was beating so hard, it felt as if it was going to rip through my shirt. I pulled into work and placed my head on the steering wheel, trying to control my breathing and my heart rate. BEEP…BEEP I jumped hearing the horn. I looked over and it was Oliver. He waved hi to me and I held my chest and waved back with a slight smile. Only if he knew he scared the shit out of me. “Get it together, Joy,” I said to myself. I grabbed my bag, attached my badge and went in to work. I clocked in, put my bag away and hurried and made a cup of coffee. I took a sip and exhaled, I needed that cup of coffee to calm my nerves. Once I felt I was ready to work, I walked to the window, counted my register, signed my name on the slip, and removed the sign that said, Next Window.

  “Next Customer please,” I said waving my hand.

  “Good Morning beautiful,” the older man said while handing his check to me.

  “Good Morning Mr. Shavers,” I said while pulling up his account information.

  Mr. Shavers was a regular, he always called me beautiful, even in front of his wife. He asked me plenty of time to go on a date with him and I always declined.

  “How would you like your bills Mr. Shaver?” I asked while opening my drawer.

  “All big bills baby,” he answered smiling from ear to ear.

  “I pulled out five hundred-dollar bills and co
unted it to him; one hundred, two hundred, three hundred, four hundred, five hundred. Would you like an envelope?” I asked.

  “Yeah, can you slide your number in there as well?” He was so serious.

  I laughed and gave him his money and envelope. He took the money and gave me a wink.

  “One day, Joy, you going to be my lady watch,” he said and left the window.

  I laughed and waved goodbye to him. Work was flowing, and I was loving it. Before I knew it, lunch time had come. I walked to the breakroom and realized I didn’t pack a lunch. I grabbed my purse and decided to walk to Subway, it was next door anyways. When I walked in, it felt like everyone was looking at me. The line wasn’t too long, but it was crowded with other people. Scanning the room with just my eyes, I seen no one I knew. I shook off that feeling and looked at the menu specials. I decided on a tuna melt, with a chicken soup, my phone vibrated it was a text. You look beautiful today, we will meet again. I hurried and called Kevin to let him know that I’m getting a new number. I’m tired of Anthony playing games on my phone. I called T-Mobile and told them I needed a new number and they changed it just like that. I sent a group text out informing of my new number.

  Chapter 15

  I called Kevin back and let him know why I changed my number.

  “I got another text from Anthony saying how nice I looked. I think he tried to follow me to work, but I lost him taking a back road,” I said all in one breath.

  “He’s just not going to learn, is he?” Kevin was upset.

  “Baby don’t work yourself up. What’s the good news you had to tell me,” I said changing the subject.

  “I got the building baby, it’s mines, and Mr. Walker still wants to work with me. He also told me that he has four other business partners.”

  “Wow baby that’s good, I’m proud of you. That’s some good news,” I said while placing my order.

  “Yeah it is. How is work going?” he asked.