Her Savior

Chapter 9

Maelynn

"W-What?" I said staring at him in shock. Did he really just say that?

"Mae I don't have time for games. Get your crutches and let's go."

"But-"

"Now Mae. I’m sure these people can’t expect you to live like this. You have literally nothing in this place."

"But I-" He suddenly swooped me up and put me on his shoulder. "Oh my god! Tre put me down! I have on a dress! My foot is fractured. Stop it! Stop it!" I kept kicking and screaming to get him off but he just continued on his merry way. We got downstairs and he sat me down on the couch. “Tre-”

“Which apartment is theirs?” I sighed, realizing that I’m not going to win with him. I pointed to the door and he walked over and knocked. I chewed my lip nervously as the door slowly opened.

“Yes?” Mrs. Hughes said. She looked up at Tre before her eyes fell on me. They widened quite a bit. “Maelynn? Child what happened to you?” She quickly rushed over to me.

“H-Hey Mrs. Hughes,” I said nervously. “N-Nothing really I just-”

“What the hell do you mean nothing? You’re all bruised and wearing a cast on your foot child. What’s going on?”

“Excuse me,” Tre said joining us. “Are you her guardian?”

“Yes,” she said straightening up to face him. “And who might you be young man?” She eyed him up and down suspiciously.

“My name’s Tremaine. You can call me Tre. A few weeks ago I found her battered and bruised on the side of the road.” She gasped and looked at me in disbelief. I dropped my head and played with my hands. “She’s been getting badly bullied at school and just the other day they pulled some prank on her and she was almost killed because of it.”

“Oh my lord,” even though I wasn’t looking at her I could tell she had tears in her eyes. “Why didn’t you tell us child? We’re responsible for you. We would’ve helped you.”

“I’m sorry,” I muttered. “I just…I know you guys have your hands full. I didn’t want to burden you.”

“Look at me Maelynn.” I did and the anger that flared in them made me flinch. “We think of you as our own child. You’re not a burden do you hear me?”

“Yes ma’am.”

“Thank you young man for taking care of her. I’m ashamed we didn’t know what was going on.”

“She’s pretty good at keeping things to herself. Being bullied isn’t something most people like to talk about so I understand. But I have some concerns. Why is she in an apartment by herself with no food?”

“Our place is only one bedroom so she wouldn’t be able to move in with us. I had no idea she was out of food. I’ll see how much I have and go get some things for her.”

“No need. I already decided to get her groceries and anything else she needs but the problem is she’s all the way on the fourth floor with no way to come down. What’s up with the elevator?”

“It’s been broke for months. My husband and I only get a small stipend to run this place. Most of the tenants don’t even have hot water. I know this isn’t the best place for her but here we can cover some of her expenses better and the rent is much cheaper here.”

“I see. I need a list of the things you need fixed ASAP.”

“Why?”

“I can’t, in good conscience, leave her in a place like this with no hot water and little possessions. I know it’s hard to survive on your own and I want to help in any way that I can.”

“That’s nice of you but-”

“Please,” he said. “I may have not known her long but I at least want her to be comfortable if I have to leave her here. I have the money to cover any immediate expenses.” They went back and forth for a while before Mrs. Hughes gave in. “Is there any way you can move her closer to the first floor?”

“There’s only one apartment she can go into but it’s a bit more expensive than the others. It’s been undergoing renovations.”

“Can I see it?” She nodded and led the way. Tre helped me up and made sure I could walk up the stairs. We came to the second floor and to a door.

“It’s only a bit bigger than the one she’s staying in. Renovations have just finished. Most of the other places will undergo similar renovations.”

Tremaine POV

She opened the door to reveal a much nicer space. The carpets were gone leaving wood floor throughout. The paint on the walls made the place much brighter. I went to the kitchen and saw no appliances. “We just got bought out by a new company. They want to remodel the place and will increase the rent in the next couple of months. It’s me and my husband’s job to find room in the budget to put in appliances in this place.”

“I see,” I said going to the back. The rooms weren’t too big but she had a lot of closet space. “Washer and dryer?”

“It’s the tenant’s job to bring things like that. We would only provide a stove and refrigerator. Since this is newly renovated it’ll be a few times more expensive than the one she’s currently living in.” I came back and saw Mae looking at the place in awe.

“I’m not worried about the rent. Would it be possible for her to move in here?”

“W-What?! But I can’t-”

“You can and you will. You’re not going to be struggling down those stairs every day. Mrs. Hughes, I’ll pay the deposit and six months’ worth of rent. I’ll also get her furniture and pay to get any repairs needed for the elevator and to get some hot water in this building.”

“I can’t let you do all of that,” she said. “I know you have a good heart son and you apparently care deeply for Maelynn but that’s asking too much.”

“Good thing you’re not asking. I plan on doing everything I can to help her.” The older woman stared at me for a long time.

“I’ll get the paperwork started. If you can provide her with the necessary appliances we may have enough room to fix the elevator.”

“Alright. Figure out what it would cost to get the hot water running in the meantime. Come on Mae, We’re going to get you some things so you can move in today.”

“But Mrs. Hughes-” The woman said something that made her blush and nod. “Yes ma’am.”

“We’re probably going to be gone most of the day,” I told her. “Here’s my cellphone number so you can get in touch with us.”

She smiled at me. “Thank you young man. For everything.” I nodded and helped Mae out of the apartment.

“We’re probably going to get you some furniture and things first, then grab something to eat and then go shopping. Got it?” She nodded and let me put her in the truck. I first went to this furniture store I went for my things but Mae refused to accept anything brand new or expensive. So we went to a used furniture store and got her some decent couches, tables, chairs, they even had slightly used appliances. Mae was trying to keep track of everything I was spending so I made sure to hide the receipts from her. I had to pay extra to get them to move everything to her place today. I also got beds for both of the rooms, the softer and more expensive one will be in the one she sleeps in.

I texted Kels to let him know I won’t be coming in today because of an emergency. The boss will just have to wait until I get some free time to come in. After all of her furniture and appliances were taken care of we headed for the mall.

"Why are we going here?" she asked.

"Getting you some clothes. And I don't want to hear it. You're getting new clothes." I texted Shanice and told her to meet me at the front. I helped her out the truck and we walked to the entrance. Shanice was standing there. "Shanice this is Maelynn, Mae this is Shanice. She's going to help you pick out some stuff."

"Hi," Mae said shyly.

"Hey," Shanice smiled at her. "You're really pretty. How do you like the dress?"

"Thanks," she blushed. "And it's fine."

"Alright lets go ladies. We're on a tight schedule." We went to multiple stores. I let Shanice do all the heavy work. Once she got Mae's sizes she went to work. All I had to do was slide my card. I had to take multiple trips to the truck.

"I'm hungry," Mae whined.

"Oh shoot I forgot you haven't eaten yet. Alright let's go to the food court. Come on Shani. Food's on me."

"Alright cool." Mae sat at the table as I got her food. "So Mae, how old are you?"

"I’m seventeen, what about you?"

"Same. You don't go to South Central do you?"

"No. I go to North Jefferson." I let them talk and get to know each other. I think it'll be good if Mae gets another friend. As long as it ain't another dude. Soon they were laughing and enjoying each other's company. I checked the time. We still have a lot to do. "I don't have a phone," Mae said. "It broke a few weeks ago."

"Awe that sucks."

"You don’t have a phone?" I looked at her. "Why you ain't say anything?"

"No one asked before now," she shrugged. This girl.

"Wait here." I got up and headed to the Verizon store. I added a new line and got her the new iPhone XS max. I then got it wrapped. I'll surprise her later. I went back to the food court where they were finishing up. "Thanks Shanice for the help."

"No problem. See you guys later."

We went our separate ways. I took Mae to the grocery store. She had to get on the riding things. I got her just about everything she looked at twice or longer than a few seconds. She of course was against getting so much stuff but I ignored her protests. We then packed up the car. I drove back to her apartment building where a moving truck was outside. Mrs. Hughes and an older gentleman was standing outside.

“We’re back,” I said getting out and then helping Mae out.

“Who the hell is this?” the man said puffing out his chest. “What are you doing with Maelynn young man?”

“Uh…”

“This is the gentleman I was telling you about dear. The friend of Maelynn who found her?”

“You didn’t say anything about him being a guy!”

“Does it matter?” Mrs. Hughes said. “Stop being so square. A girl is allowed to have guy friends you know?”

“Damn guy looks thirty,” he mumbled. “Are you okay Maelynn? Why didn’t you tell us you were getting bullied?”

“I didn’t want you guys to worry,” she mumbled. “You already do so much for me. I didn’t think things would get so bad.” I watched as the man pulled her into a gentle hug. These people really do love her like their daughter. It makes me wonder about her real parents.

“We plan on going to the school first thing Monday morning,” he said. “These bullies almost killed you. We can’t just sit around and do nothing. This is serious Maelynn.”

“But-”

“No buts,” Mrs. Hughes said. “I knew things would’ve been hard for you but if I knew they were like this I would’ve pulled you out of that place a long time ago.” I still think they should but I’m not her guardian. “We were able to make room in the budget for the elevator to be fixed. Someone will be here tomorrow morning.”

I nodded. “Good. Just figure out what’s up with the hot water and I’ll get it fixed for you.”

“You’re doing a lot for her,” Mr. Hughes narrowed his eyes. “Why?”

“I feel like she’s struggled by herself long enough. I want to help make her life easier anyway that I can.”

“Looks like the only one that’s struggling is the movers. You two stop bickering and help.” Mrs. Hughes and Mae sat back and watched as me and the older guy helped them move all of her furniture and appliances into her new apartment. “Awe this is so nice,” she cheered. This woman was a slave driver I tell you that. Had us moving furniture all over this place. “Thank you young man, for everything. It’s embarrassing we couldn’t even care for her correctly.”

“It’s okay. I’m happy to help anytime.” I turned to Mae and handed her the phone. “This is for you.”

Her eyes widened. “But I can’t-”

“You already know I’m not taking it back so don’t even bother.” She shut her mouth and stared at the phone in awe. “I’ll be back to check on you later. I already set it up for you and put my number in it. Call or text me if you need anything.”

“Thank you Tre,” she said. “I really appreciate all of this. I don’t even know how to repay you.”

“Don’t. I just want you to be safe and have an easy recovery.”

“How about you come back for dinner tonight?” Mrs. Hughes said. “At least let us show our appreciation.”

“Sure. I’ll be back later on tonight then. See you all then.” I turned and left. Since Mae lived so close to the school I was in there in no time. I parked and got out. I walked inside and went to get Chas. She was coloring when I walked in. "Chas."

"Hi daddy," she said. She put her stuff up and ran to me. She held her arms up and I picked her up. "I was good today. We get spaghetti right?"

"No,” I said. She pouted. “We’re having dinner with somebody so I’m not sure what they’ll cook." I waved to her teacher before walking out. We headed to Marcel's class. He was sitting at his desk with his teacher hovering around him. Again? "Whatchu did boy?"

"Nothing pops."

"Oh Marcel was wonderful today," Ms. Parker smiled.

"Oh okay. Let's go Cel."

"Mr. Gadsden I need to speak with you."

"Isn't that what parent teacher conferences are for?"

"Yes that's what I wanted to discuss. I would like to speak privately with you about Marcel."

“What for? I thought he’s been good so far?”

“He has it’s just-”

"Thot begone," Chas said. I bust out laughing. "My daddy don't want you. Come on daddy. Leave the thirst behind." Ms. Parker was caught off guard but I couldn't stop laughing.

"See ya Ms. Parker," I chuckled. I turned and left. I got them in the car and headed back to the house. "We’re going to the house and I’m going to take you to Donna’s for a bit. I need to handle some business but then after that we’re going to Mae’s house for dinner."

"Yay! Mae!" Chas cheered.

"I knew she missed me," Marcel said leaning back in his seat.

"Yeah iight lil nigga." I pulled up to the house and they hopped out quickly. I headed to the door and they beat me inside.

Maelynn POV

          I huffed as I looked around my new apartment. Apparently, the new owners are renovating floor by floor. The first floor had been closed off for a few months now to get everything done. I admit, it was nice but I knew I could NEVER afford this place on my own. I heard a few of my neighbors were now thinking of relocating because of the drastic changes and increase in rent that is sure to come once all the renovations get done.

          Just looking around I could tell Tre spent a lot of money. Sure most of my things came from a thrift shop and were used and he may have gotten some deals on everything but it was still entirely way too much. We just became friends and I don’t want him thinking I needed him to spend so much money on me.

          “Nice right?” Mrs. Hughes smiled while looking around. “I always wanted to put you in the nicer apartments but the rent was way out of budget for you. So nice of him to help you get what you deserve.”

          Mr. Hughes scuffed. “Yeah. Until he wants something in return.”

          Mrs. Hughes hit him. “He’s not like that. You should give him a chance.”

          “Have you asked yourself why he’s doing this for her? What is his motive? And where the hell did he get the money to even make any of this possible in just a day?”

          “He…runs his own business,” I muttered.

          “And how old is he Maelynn?”

          “T-Twenty-two?”

          “What?!”

          “Calm down dear,” Mrs. Hughes said. “Don’t forget you’re eight years older than I am. Besides, Lynn is seventeen. She’s capable of making her own decisions.”

          “That boy is still too old for her.”

          “We’re friends,” I insisted. My face heated up a lot considering the context of their conversation was sounding like he expected us to be in some kind of relationship.

          “Men his age don’t think of girls like you ‘friends’. You’re prey.”

          “Stop trying to scare the girl. She finally met someone that brings light and positivity into her life. Do you want her to continue about things alone?”

          “No but-”

          “Trust me dear. I have a good feeling about this young man. If I didn’t, none of this would be happening.” Mr. Hughes huffed and mumbled something under his breath. “Lynn, I’ll stay in the apartment with you for a few days okay? Just to make sure everything is alright.”

          “Okay,” I said feeling glad. Being alone really sucks and to have her here would be a big reassurance. Mrs. Hughes went about cooking us dinner while Mr. Hughes continued to pout about the place. “Don’t worry about me so much,” I said. “I’ll be careful. I promise.”

          “I hope so,” he sighed. “I can’t lose you too Lynn.” I nodded in understanding. “What do you know about him?”

          “I know a bit,” I said. “He has two kids and-”

          “Two kids?! At twenty-two?! Hell no. Call that man up and return everything. We’ll fix up your place ourselves if we have to.”

          “They’re his siblings,” I said quickly. “His parents weren’t really around so he’s raised them since they were young and they consider him his dad.”

          “Oh my, so he’s raised two kids all by himself?” I nodded. Mr. Hughes calmed down and his eyes soften just a bit. “That took a lot of courage to step up like that. Most people won’t even do right by their own kids.

          “I know,” I said. “He’s done a lot to make sure they have the life he couldn’t and ended up sacrificing a lot. I don’t know the details but I can tell. He’s not a bad guy, really.”

          Mr. Hughes sighed. “I guess I’ll give him a chance.” I smiled because I really want him to like Tre. He’s the closest thing to a father I have and I want his approval.