Her Savior

Chapter 8

Maelynn

I begrudgingly stared at the cast on my foot. The doctor said I had a hairline fracture. I'm not too sure when exactly I got it. It could've been the fall or all that fighting I did. But the fracture is very small and will only take about six weeks to heal. Until then I have to be on crutches and use my foot as minimal as possible.

I flexed my toes and hissed in pain. Note to self, don't do that again. I sat back and watched TV. I found myself thinking about Tremaine. I can't believe he came for me. I know I called for him but that was out of instinct. In the short I knew him he made me feel safe and secured. I haven't felt that way in so long. I looked at the chair he occupied not too long ago in envy. I missed him. His presence comforted me.

I never did like company before. Someone always found a way to hurt me. With Tremaine it's different. For the first time ever no one was trying to hurt me. For the first time, I felt...safe. I don't get how a complete stranger like Tremaine makes me feel safe and secured. I know next to nothing about him other than the fact he takes care of his siblings like his own children. But even so, he’s been the only person whose presence brings me…peace.

My mind venture to him. I wonder how long this business is going to take. Does it have something to do with work? Wait, does he even work? I mean he has to right? He is taking care of Marcel and Chasity. He has a house he has to pay for. What job can I picture him doing? It's got to be a good job because that house was beautiful. He's only twenty-two. What can it be?

My mind traveled to what happened earlier. He shot that man with no hesitation. His eyes were cold and unforgiving. Was it because he was protecting me? He has a gun, not that I am surprised. Lots of people have guns nowadays especially if you live in the ghetto. It’s easy to get one if you know where to look. Plus, he was in a shady part of town. Is the gun for protection? Or work related? What could he do that involves a gun? My mind only came up to one thing. Something bad, illegal.

I chewed my lip nervously. Does that make Tremaine a bad person? Can’t be right? He’s always been so nice and gentle with me. He’s nice and gentle with Marcel and Chasity as well. Could it be a front? It’s a possibility but why? Is he secretly plotting something against me?

As soon as that thought came to my head I shook it off. No way. There’s no way he’d do that. Tremaine is the ONLY person I’ve felt safe with. I don’t get a bad vibe off of him at all. Even if he is involved with something bad, I don’t think that makes him a bad person. He’s twenty-two with two kids to take care of. A nine to five wouldn’t be enough for him and his kids to survive off of. He had to make hard decisions in his life I’m assuming. So maybe he just did what he thought was right. So if he is involved with illegal line of work, doesn’t mean he’s a bad person. Every part of my being believes he isn’t.

"Hey!" I jumped at the sound of a voice. It was Tremaine. My eyes got big and I started blushing. I was so deep in my thoughts I didn’t even hear him come back. "What's up with you?" He eyed me. "Why you so red?"

"Oh uh nothing," I mumbled. "Just uh...thinking."

"Thinking about what?"

"Uh um…a-are you in a-assassin?" I asked nervously. His face held confusion for a moment.

"What?"

I sighed. "Please don't make me ask again." I dropped my head in embarrassment. My face was so hot you could fry an egg on me. First, he chuckled. Then he started laughing. Hard. Like holding his sides, tears rolling down his face laughing. I huffed and crossed my arms. "I was just asking," I mumbled.

"God you’re adorable," he chuckled. I felt a weird flutter in my stomach when he called me that. “If you must know, no. I’m not an assassin beautiful.”

“O-Oh,” I said. “So um…why do you have a gun?”

“Protection,” he said. “Never know when you may need to use it. I don’t live far from out of the ghetto and I do work in some…questionable places so I have to keep something with me at all times. Does it scare you?”

“No,” I said. “I was just wondering. So um…what kind of work do you do?” For the first time since I’ve met him, Tre hesitated with answering me. I can see he was battling with himself on whether or not he should tell me. “If you don’t want to say anything that’s fine. I was just curious.

"It’s not that it’s just,” he sighed. “It’s kind of complicated. I guess you can think of me as a delivery man."

"Delivery man?"

"Yeah. It’s the simplest way I can put it. It’s hard raising two kids on my own so I had to find me something that’ll support us. A nine to five wouldn’t work because I dropped out of high school when Cel was born."

"So,” I breathed. “What you do…is it…selling drugs?"

He nodded. “But I don’t do that corner s**t. We sell product to other people and they sell it how they see fit. Recently, my boss has been looking to retire and wants to leave it to me so I’ll be running everything in a couple of weeks.”

I nodded in understanding. Like I thought, he had to make hard decisions to be there for Cel and Chas. And it made me feel good to know he trusted me with that information. I know in the drug business it’s better not to trust people but he took a chance on me. It made me feel…something. Maybe that’s why I found myself asking, “Tremaine…can we be friends?”

He was quiet for a brief moment. “Do you really want to be friends with me?”

“Yes.”

He nodded. “Okay beautiful, we can be friends. But only if you call me Tre. That Tremaine s**t ain’t going to work.”

“Okay,” I smiled big. It’s been a long time since I was able to call anyone my friend. I was happy that Tre would be my first one. “And um…you don’t have to keep calling me beautiful. I know you’re being nice but-”

“You think I’m being nice by giving you a compliment?

 "Well, aren’t you?"

"No. I’m being honest." I nodded as I played with my fingers. "Mae," he said it with such seriousness I had to look up. “You’re the most beautiful person I’ve ever met. And that’s the truth.”

I blushed profusely. “Thanks Tre. Besides this couple that knew me from when I was little…no one ever called me that. Everyone always said I was okay for a fat chick or said I was ugly because I was fat.”

“People who discriminate against big people can’t handle big people. They can’t handle your strength, your radiance, nothing. The only reason most people even discriminate against big people is because they are insecure themselves. They want to feel better by making you feel worse.”

“You think so?”

“I know so.” He sounded so sure I almost wanted to believe him. But what I don’t get is why they would be envious of me and what they’re so insecure for. I’m living alone, I have no one and they have everything I could want. What is it about me that makes people insecure? “It’s your strength.” My eyes widened as I realized I may have spoken out loud by mistake. “You look like you didn’t understand what I meant. I’m explaining why someone would bully you and what makes them want to do it. They’re intimidated by the strength you have.”

“You think I’m strong?”

“Yes. The world is a harsh place and it’s harder on those who don’t seem to fit it’s ‘image’. You made it this far alone. That takes a lot strength and courage.”

I nodded. I never really thought of it that way. I always felt weak when dealing with my problems. I’ve been living the way I’m living solely because I don’t know any other way. Is that really strength? Or just a cover up of me being afraid of doing anything else? I’ve always been on my own. No parents, no friends, no peace of mind. They all became things I was used to. I never thought of doing things any differently. Does that really make me strong?

"Where are you going to go when they let you out?"

"My apartment where else?"

"But you'll be on your own. How are you supposed to take care of yourself and get around?"

"The couple downstairs will help. I’ll be fine."

"You can stay with me you know."

"Thank you Tremaine. But I think it's better if I just go home. No offense."

He sighed. "Alright. I can take a hint. I'll take you home then."

I smiled at him. "Thank you Tre."

“No problem. But I do want to know, if they’re supposed to be taking care of you, how come I haven’t seen them come visit you?”

“I uh…didn’t tell them,” I muttered. “They had to pick up jobs in order to help me and I didn’t want to burden them anymore.”

“Even so, as your guardians they have to know things like this. You were hospitalized twice. If you’re not careful, the police may even arrest them for negligence.”

“I-I didn’t know they could get in trouble.”

“Yeah they could. But I added myself as an emergency contact so they won’t bother them as much. You should be more open to the people who care about you.” I nodded my head. I didn’t know me being quiet would’ve been more problematic for them. I didn’t want to cause them anymore grief. “It’s okay Mae. Everyone makes mistakes.”

“Yeah,” I sighed. I looked up at him. “For a high school dropout, you’re actually kind of smart.”

He chuckled. “Thanks.” Tre stayed with me for a few hours. It was filled with laughing and good times. He made me forget my fractured foot and any negative thing in my life. But he unfortunately had to leave to get Marcel and Chasity. If he's their father, I wonder who would be their mother. Does Tre even have a girlfriend? Maybe I should ask him.

Tremaine POV

"Pops when am I going to see my woman?" Marcel asked.

"When she sends for you obviously little nugget. She's hurt right now. I'll let y'all hang out when she gets settled in." I pulled up to the school and got them out. Chas obviously didn't walk. Laziest child ever. I carried her to class as she slept on my shoulder.

"You never carry me," Marcel glared at me.

"Boy you're seven and my son. Hell I look like carrying you around for?"

"Chas is four. That's only three years younger than me."

"Boy hush." We walked into her class. "Chas wake up. We're here."

"Five more minutes daddy," she mumbled.

"Didn't I tell you not to stay up past nine?"

"But daddy," she whined. "Dragon ball was on last night. I had to watch."

"And how did you know that?" I eyed Marcel.

"Well would you look at the time? Time to go to class." He tried walking away but I grabbed his backpack.

"Bad asses," I mumbled. "Alright little warrior, time to get down. I have some stuff to do."

"Okay," she said sadly. I put her down gently. "Bye daddy. I want spaghetti okay? Okay bye now."

"No we get lasagna."

"We get what the hell I make." I grabbed Marcel and started walking him to homeroom. Which, coincidentally, is his new math teacher's class. "Be good kid."

"Yeah, yeah. See ya man." I shook my head. Was I really like that? Man was I a bad ass.

"Oh Mr. Gadsden," Ms. Parker came up to me with a big smile. "It's good to see you again."

"'Sup?" I nodded to her.

"I've been meaning to talk to you about something."

"Is it about Marcel?" I looked at the time. I needed to go get Mae from the hospital.

"Well...not exactly-"

"Then it can wait. I have to go. See ya Ms. Parker." I headed out the door and to my truck. I drove off and headed to the store. I know she doesn't have any clothes so I went to get her some more. I have to find something that'll look fitting on her. But it can't just be anything. She's got a fractured foot so I know putting on pants would be difficult for her. Maybe a dress or something. I pulled up to the mall and got out. I have a general idea of how to shop for a girl. Considering I'm all Chas has, I had to learn quickly. But shopping for a teenager is difficult. Especially since Mae is so closed off.

I walked inside of 'Rainbow' to see if there was anything I think she would like. Mae was plus sized so I looked around that section. Would she like short or long? Of course it can't be something tight. It might be uncomfortable for her. What colors does she like? I can't believe I was with her all day yesterday and didn't think to ask what her favorite color is. Some friend I am.

I scowled at the word. Friend. Mae is a beautiful girl and I would much rather have her bent over riding my d**k calling me daddy than have her just saying I was her friend. It took me a minute to realize why I’m so protective over her. And it’s simply because I want her in every way I can have her.

I’ve always been a bit more mature than kids my own age so I was never one to follow the crowd. I like curves and beauty. Both of which Mae has. She's also very innocent which is rare nowadays. I can see myself being her friend as well as her lover. Also the most important thing, Marcel and Chasity likes her. Marcel is one thing since he's a little me. But Chas is very selfish when it comes to me. She doesn't like just anyone.

"Hello sir," a preppy girl with long blonde weave and brown eyes wearing some tight ass shorts and a crop top came up to me. She was slim thick, brown skin with makeup caked on her face. It wasn't natural looking at all. She was giving me the f**k me eyes. She's a prime example of the girls I don't deal with. Just from a glance I can read her like an open book. She’s so built up with insecurities she doesn’t see her true self. She confuses her insecurities with ‘confidence’. She’s the type of girl who doesn’t like herself so she seeks approval from other people, mostly guys. A child basically. No disrespect to her, she might actually have a nice personality if she finds what she needs and stops looking for validation. "I'm Mavis. How can I assist you?"

"Yeah I'm looking for a dress."

"Okay. What size?"

"I don't know. I'll know when I see it."

"Well here's all the dresses we have in right now." She showed me what they had. "If you need anything at all. Please do not hesitate to ask."

"Yeah okay." She left and I started searching through the racks. This was a bit harder than I initially thought. There were too many of them to choose from and they all didn't look like they'll fit right. I need some help. But I am not calling the thirst bucket back over here. I don't even think she can help me. I need someone who can accurately help me size Mae up. I looked around the store a bit and saw a big girl coming out of the dressing room. Mae and she looked about the same size. "Excuse me miss?"

She turned to me and headed my way. "How can I help you?"

"Oh good, you work here. I need help finding something for my friend."

She nodded. "Okay I'm assuming she's plus sized?"

"Yes. I think you two are about the same size. I bought her something before but that was just a shirt and some jeans I was lucky enough to find fitting. I don't know what to look for in a dress."

"Okay you said we're about the same size right? So she's probably a size eighteen. It really depends on the fabric. What does she like?"

"I'm not sure which the difficult part is."

"Okay. Tell me about her."

"Well she's shy and a bit self-conscious."

She nodded. "I would say something loose and a bit neutral. Something long too. How tall is she?"

"Um...about five six? She also can't walk too well right now."

"Okay we'll go with something short." She started scanning the racks. "Okay I found something." It was a black dress with flowers on it. "Here's a jacket to go with it and we can grab some flats on the way to the register."

"Aright thanks. I at least know her shoe size." She led the way to the shoes and then the counter. The thirsty girl was glaring at the girl as she rung me up. "Aye thanks for the help. You think I can get your number?"

"Why?" she eyed me.

"Before you use the famous 'I have a boyfriend' line it's not what it seems. I actually have my sights set on someone else. I just want to get in touch with you if I may need some more fashion advice. For her and my daughter."

"You're not going to stalk me or anything are you?"

"Nope. I'll probably only hit you up for fashion tips. You can trust me."

"Well....alright." She gave me her number. Apparently her name is Shanice.

"Alright. Thanks shorty." I began walking out the store and headed to the hospital. I got there and got out. "Awe damn," I mumbled walking to her room. "I forgot to bring her breakfast. We'll just stop somewhere on the way back to her place. I walked in and found her watching TV. "Knock, knock."

"Hi Tre," she smiled at me. She looked at the bag in my hand. "What's with the bag?"

"Clothes for you."

"You didn't have to buy me clothes."

"Are we going to have a repeat of this all the time?"

"Only if you keep spending money on me."

"Well I guess this is going to be a broken record on repeat. Anyways here, go change so we can go."

"I don't think I'll be able to change. I can't put any pressure on my foot and I doubt I'll be able to keep my balance."

"Okay change here. I'll stand outside for a few minutes. Just yell when you're finished." I stepped back outside to wait. Then my phone rang. It was Kels. "What's up?"

"Just checking in on that girl. She straight?"

"Yeah she's good. She goes home today. Couldn't convince her to come to my place though. Told her what I do too."

"What she say?"

"Not much but I think she understands. At least she isn’t scared of a nigga."

"That’s good. You must really trust this girl to let her in on what you do. Took you forever just to talk to people at the trap.” That’s true. I’m not one the easily trusts people but I’ve already told her more things about myself than most people in my life. “Iight I’m going to let you get back to your woman. The boss man wants you at the trap ASAP."

"Yeah alright." I hung up and knocked on the door. I heard a soft come in and let myself in. She was sitting on the bed dressed. I eyed her thighs which were on full display. Thank you Shanice. "You look good," I spoke huskily. This girl is too sexy for her own good.

"Thanks," her face flushed red. I chuckled. "Tre, how'd you know my size?"

"Lucky guess," I shrugged. The doctor came in with her prescription and she was discharged. This time, with crutches. I pushed her in the wheelchair to the truck. I then had to pick her up and place her inside. "Alright what do you want to eat?"

"Uh...I'll eat at home. I think I just want my bed to be completely honest."

"Are you sure? How can you cook on one leg?"

"I'll manage. I'll be okay."

"Mhmm," I side-eyed her. "If you say so. Now tell me where this apartment is." She gave the directions and I noticed it was not that far from Marcel and Chas's school. So that's how her little ass could escape so quickly last time. We pulled up to the building and I admit it wasn't too bad considering where it was. I got out the car and went to her side to help her out.

"Thanks Tre I-"

"Whatchu thanking me for? I still got to take you to your place."

Her eyes got big. "N-No you don't have-"

"But I'm going to. Let's go Mae." She hopped her way to the door. The stairs smelled bad but it might've just been the old carpets. The elevator wasn't working which was a sad disappointment. How is she supposed to get up and down these stairs every day? We got to the fourth floor and she went to a door.

I saw the nervous look on her face as she got her key. I watched her unlock the door and quickly went inside. I know she was probably going to close the door on me so I went inside right after her. "I'm inside so you can-"

"Stay? Don't mind if I do." She sighed and closed the door. I looked around a bit impressed. The space was tiny but it looked good. The carpet was clean aside from stains that were probably made from other tenants before her. Her couch was a bit tattered but not in terrible condition. Her kitchen was pretty open. All the appliances were a bit outdated. The floor was torn a bit. I started walking towards the kitchen. "Tre, please don't," she begged.

I ignored her and looked in the fridge. Nothing. Then the freezer. Empty. I looked in all the cabinets and there wasn't even a crumb of food. I looked in the bottom cabinets and found very little pots and pans and kitchen utensils. I breathed out deeply, a bit pissed that she was willing to come back here and starve. I walked out and looked at her. She was sitting on the couch playing with her hands. I went into her room. She said she wanted to eat so maybe she has snacks in her room. I know that's where I keep mines. Far away from the crumb snatchers.

Her bed only had a thin torn blanket on it and one struggle pillow. The bed looked uncomfortable. I went to the closet and she had barely any clothes. A few shirts and sweat pants. That's it. Aside from the outfit I got her which was hanging on a hanger on the other end of the closet. I stared at the empty area for a while longer before leaving. There was a door right across from her bedroom and I walked in. It was the bathroom. The mirror was dirty and had what looked like permanent splotches on it. The floor was in terrible condition. The tub was rusted and the toilet looked like she tried to clean it but it won't return to its previous glory. I noticed clothes hanging up on the shower rod. Is this where she washes her clothes?

I closed the door and walked back to the living room. She was sitting in the same spot doing the same thing. I took one last look around. Like I said, the place wasn’t in terrible condition. She has a roof over her head, running water, and a place to call home. That’s three things most people aren’t lucky to have. But it was clear she was struggling to survive. That shouldn’t be the case.

"Let's go Mae," I said heading for the door.

"W-Where are we going?" she said in a low voice.

I turned back to her and looked her straight in the eye. "We’re going to the people who are supposed to be taking care of you."