The Bryson Blood Wars (14 page)

              Opal looked up and saw her baby sister’s face. She knew that Colton had called her here. A part of her wished he hadn’t, but she was glad he had. She needed someone. “Clover, hi,” Opal broke down in her arms. “I’m so ashamed.”

              “It’s okay. I’m right here,” Clover said and the sisters regained their composures and took their seats. “Ready to order?”

              “Yes,” Opal answered.

              Clover found the waitress and told her. “We’re ready to order now.”

*****

              “I can’t believe this shit is happening again.” Opal complained as she and Clover ate their dinner.

              “That bastard!” Clover blurted out with bitterness.

              “Clover, what’s wrong with me? Be honest,” Opal asked with desperation.

              “Girl, nothing is wrong with you.”
Damn that fucking Wallace!
Clover was really starting to hate Wallace for the way he’s destroying her beautiful sister. “You are the total package. If Wallace can’t see it, fuck him!”

              “I’m so sorry Clover,” Opal said.
More than you know.

              “Opal, you have nothing to be sorry about,” Clover insisted. “Kayson was an evil manipulator.”

              Opal wasn’t even referring to Kayson, but since Clover brought him up she might as well get something off her chest. “Clover, there’s something you need to know.”

              “I’m all ears,” Clover said with full attention.

              “I know I blamed you for Kayson’s death, and again, I’m very sorry. What you don’t know is, I also blamed myself.” Opal confessed.

              This was definitely news to Clover. She didn’t understand why Opal would blame herself. “Really? Why?”

              Opal began to explain. “Because the last time I saw Kayson, I had visited him in prison. He pissed me off so bad that I actually wished death on him.”

              “What did he say to piss you off to that extreme?” Clover asked.

              “Brace yourself because a large part has to do with you,” Opal warned.

              Clover sighed and let Opal proceed. “You might as well tell me, because he’s already done his worse.”

              “That nigga was so smug. Telling me he couldn’t help himself when you seduced him. Telling me you were irresistible and was turned on when you came on to him and how you turned out so beautiful and sexy. He hadn’t had great sex like that in a long time,” Opal reminisced.

              Anyone would think this type of thing would make Clover cringe in her seat with disgust and contempt. Clover would be the first to admit she was highly disgusted, but like she said before, Kayson already had done his worse. At this point, nothing surprised Clover about Kayson so she sat quietly and let Opal continue.

              “Not one time did he apologize to me,” Opal said with bitterness. “Oh yeah, he said he was sorry, but it wasn’t sincere. His ass had the nerve to blame me for all of this. Saying, and I quote: ‘I’m sorry, but if you wasn’t so fat I wouldn’t have to cheat.’ If you say the word ‘but’ after ‘I’m sorry’; it means you’re not really sorry. The deal breaker was when I found out he lied about Alex not visiting him. He promised me he wouldn’t have her visiting him. Fuck! What the hell made me believe and trust him?”

              “How did you find out he broke his promise to you?” Clover asked. 

              “The bitch came up there with Jacori in tow showing off her four month old baby belly added with that victorious evil smirk she always wears.” Opal answered.

              Clover was shocked. Shocked but not surprised. Remember, this was Kayson they were talking about. “You mean Kayson got her pregnant again?”

              Opal nodded. “I was so humiliated. Of course, Kayson acted like it was nothing that I caught him in a lie and broke his promise to me right in front of my eyes. He actually told her he loved her, Jacori and their new baby more than anything else in the world and their growing family were the only thing that mattered in his life while me, his wife, was standing right there witnessing it all. Alex told him that you and I was not going to get away with putting him in prison. That’s when Jacori rushed up to me and said: ‘you had my daddy locked up you big fat piggy!’ and stomped on my foot very hard. As you know, neither of his parents did anything about it. In fact, they were laughing. They actually thought that disrespectful shit was funny! I left without saying one word because I didn’t want to cause a scene or get arrested for what I might do to them. When I got in my car I screamed out: ‘Kayson, I wish you were dead!’ He was murdered the next day. I know Kayson was a terrible man, but he was still a human being.” Opal made sure to omit the events that occurred after Kayson’s death. She’s determined to take it to the grave, even if it means going along with Wallace’s plans. “Am I wrong for feeling guilty?”

              “No Opal,” Clover assured her, “you’re a sweet person with a great heart. You must remember Kayson’s murder wasn’t your fault. He was a child rapist. It was only a matter of time before he would get gang raped and beaten to death by his fellow inmates. Men like Kayson and Wallace don’t deserve your type of love and loyalty.” A single tear fell down Opal’s cheek and Clover leaned over to wipe it off. “Don’t cry. It’s all good.”

              “You’re a great sister Clover, thanks,” Opal said with a half-smile. “I don’t deserve you.”
I really don’t.

Solomon was working out in the gym at the Atlanta Falcons practicing facility. He was still thinking about the news report he came across on his phone before he started his workout. “That’s some fucked up shit,” Solomon said out loud.

              “What’s that?” Bray asked when he happened to pass by Solomon hearing what he said.

              “I was thinking about the news report I saw before starting my workout,” Solomon said. “It was about this girl that was beaten to death viciously. She disappeared about three years ago and a fisherman and his grandson found her body at the bottom of a lake. The only reason the authorities were able to identify the body was because of her X heart-shaped tattoo on her shoulder.

              “What was her name?” Bray asked.

              “Her full name was Harissa Strawn but she went by her nickname,” Solomon answered. “I forgot what it was but it started with an X. What’s up?”

              “Nothing, but the tattoo description sounds familiar,” Bray said. “I think I’ve seen it before. Where I don’t know.”

              Solomon looked around to see if anybody was paying any attention to he and Bray’s conversation. When the coast was clear he said to Bray, “Listen, once again thanks for...you know.”

              “No problem,” Bray said. He still found Solomon to be cool people. He figured who he entertained in his bed was none of his business. “How’s Richard?”

              “He’s okay,” Solomon answered. “He went on a business trip this morning. He’s been in great spirits since his new friendship with Calista. She’s a great friend to him.”

              “That’s my baby,” Bray said with a proud smile.

              “You are a lucky man,” Solomon said.

              “Thanks and so are you,” Bray replied.

              “I’m glad Richard is a part of my life. Yes, our relationship is complicated, but hopefully that’ll change someday,” Solomon said with hope.

              “That’s why we’re trying to get this Super Bowl ring, right?” Bray said with confidence.

              “Right!” Solomon cheered. “I’ll admit Richard and I have our ups and downs, but we can honestly say we’re nothing like this couple we saw two nights ago.”

              “What couple?” Bray asked with curiosity.

              “Richard and I were having dinner with his brother Carter and his wife Zyna. There was this couple at the restaurant who caught our attention. I mean this nigga treated his woman like shit the entire date. First, he walked like three or four feet ahead of her. When they were sitting down eating their meal he was on his phone the entire time not paying any attention to anything his woman had to say, and flirted with every woman who passed by their table. The clincher was when another woman approached their table. Obviously, she was the dude’s side piece. We all couldn’t believe how comfortable this chick was approaching the dude with his woman sitting right there.” Solomon recapped in disbelief.

              “Did she actually sit at the table?” Bray asked, because he wanted to know how low and scandalous this hoe and nigga really were.

              Solomon nodded yes. “Not only that, but the side piece and the dude were all hugged up with each other laughing and having a good time. They didn’t even notice that his woman left. We didn’t think he cared because they never addressed her departure, nor did the dude chase after her.”

              “That’s foul shit right there,” Bray responded and shook his head.

              “Another thing about the dude. Carter mentioned that he looked like someone he had came across before. I have to admit Carter is highly brilliant, plus he’s an expert at recognizing faces.” Solomon said.

              “That’s wild, but then again it’s a small world.” Bray nodded in agreement. “I’m still tripping about grandma being cool with Richard and Carter’s father.”

              “So that was your grandma Richard always talked about?” Solomon concluded and Bray replied with a nod. “He always talked about how great your grandma was to him.”

              “That’s my grandma. Always giving love and support. I can honestly say my family and I don’t know where we’d be without her.” Bray said with deep gratitude and the two continued their workout.

Clover and Laliyka were relaxing in the living room enjoying a glass of wine after Lil’Sharp and Ray’s parent teacher conference. Sharp was in Sami’s room helping her with a school project and Myk was in his room watching cartoons.

              Clover and Laliyka were proud of their teens great reports and accomplishments on the school’s debate team. In fact, they’re going to New York in about two weeks for a debate competition. Lil’Sharp and Ray found Clover and Laliyka in the living room because they needed to ask Clover a question.

              “Mom, may we go to the office to practice for the debate competition?” Lil’Sharp asked.

              “Sure baby. Do you guys need any help?” Clover offered.

              “Not at the moment Aunt Clover,” Ray answered.

              “Okay babies, y’all know we’ll be right here if you need us,” Laliyka said.

              “Thanks momma,” Ray said, and the two took their leave.

              “Our babies are something else,” Clover said, and took another sip of her wine.

              “Yes they are,” Laliyka agreed. “Being champion debaters and now they want to become lawyers.”

              “I say go for it,” Clover encouraged. “Maybe our babies will change the world.”

              “You know Ray wants to be a cheerleader,” Laliyka volunteered.

              “For real?” Clover replied with excitement.

              “Yeah for real,” Laliyka reiterated.

              “That’s great. She should go for it,” Clover said. “I still remember winning the state cheerleading competition. It was one of the greatest moments of my life.”

              “Yes it was!” Laliyka cheered. “We killed that shit, didn’t we?”

              “Yes we did, plus it was a great distraction from....” Clover stopped in mid-sentence and flashed back to the rape. The competition was about a month afterwards. Everyone thought it was too soon for her to be in a cheerleading competition after being raped but Clover insisted. “That bastard took so much from me. He wasn’t going to take the competition away from me either. I worked too hard for it.”

              “Good for you,” Laliyka said with admiration. “You know who I’ve been thinking about lately?”

              “Who?” Clover asked.

              “Mookie,” Laliyka answered.

              “Me too,” Clover admitted.

              Maycellia ‘Mookie’ Clofton was Clover and Opal’s older cousin. Mookie and Opal were very close. She was born and raised in Albany, Georgia and graduated from Morris Brown College. She became a data researcher for the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

              Mookie always referred to Opal, Clover and Laliyka as her babies. Clover and Laliyka owed their cheerleading success to Mookie. Being a cheerleader all through high school, college and briefly for the Atlanta Falcons Mookie whipped them into shape. Mookie was also very outspoken about her hatred of Kayson. She was Opal’s pillar of strength. Mookie ended up murdered by a serial killer who was never captured about two months after Clover and Sharp started dating. Mookie’s death caused Opal to hit rock bottom and accept everything Kayson dished out and now it looks like history is repeating itself with Wallace.

              “Her murder still gets to me, especially Opal,” Clover said. “I wish Mookie was here. She would’ve really given Wallace the business.”

              “How’s Opal holding up?” Laliyka asked.

              “Well she’s maintaining, but I don’t know how long she’ll last,” Clover said with worry.

              Laliyka shook her head and asked, “Why does she put up with that nigga?”

              “I don’t know, but I really hate him. For some reason he reminds me a lot of Kayson.” Clover said. “Also, I’m still getting those notes I was telling you about.”

              “Those notes about Wallace being a threat?” Clover nodded. “What do you make of it?” Laliyka asked.

              “I’ll admit it does have a creepy feel but I don’t think the person sending them means any harm.” Clover analyzed. “But whoever it is seems to know Wallace a whole lot better than both of us put together.”

It was Sunday afternoon and that means game time at the Georgia Dome. The Atlanta Falcons are hosting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. If the Falcons win this game they secure a wild card playoff spot. If not, they have to try to beat the undefeated New Orleans Saints the following week. Everyone was at the game, including family and friends. The only downside was Opal bringing Wallace, but since he was on his best behavior and everyone was having a good time, they decided to overlook it.

              It was almost two minutes left in the game and the Falcons were leading by three points. They needed a touchdown to secure the victory. During the break one of the teammates noticed the viewing screen getting ready to show a marriage proposal.

              “Hey check this out,” Joe Marcus, who was the cornerback, said as he pointed at the screen. I wonder who’s the lucky couple in here today?”

              “They’re about to show it in a minute,” Solomon said.

              To everyone’s shock the screen showed Wallace on bended knee putting a ring on Opal’s finger. The family couldn’t believe what they were witnessing right before their eyes.

              Wallace looked into Opal’s eyes with unconditional love and sincerity and began his proposal. “Opal, you are the most beautiful woman in the world. I know we’ve had our differences and I’m trying to work on them. I don’t want to lose you. I love you and I want you to be my wife. Opal, will you marry me?”

             
Give this nigga an Oscar!
Clover thought. If she didn’t know Wallace, his words would’ve touched her.
Please say no, Opal! You can do so much better!
Clover looked around and could tell everyone shared her thoughts and silent pleas to Opal to not say yes and dump Wallace once and for all.

              Opal was full of excitement. After all the mess and drama Wallace is finally showing his love and appreciation for her and now he’s asking her to be his wife. “Yes Wallace! I will marry you!” Opal blurted out and Wallace pulled her into a loving passionate kiss while the whole stadium cheered for them with their oohing and awing, except the family. They just gave fake ass smiles because, unlike the crowd, they knew the real Wallace.

              “Oh hell no!” Both Bray and Solomon shouted at the screen. The two were baffled about the other’s reaction.

              “Wait a minute? You know them?” Solomon asked Bray.

              “That’s Calista’s aunt’s sister,” Bray answered. “That guy Wallace is a complete asshole to her. How do you know them?”

              “Actually, I don’t know them at all,” Solomon said.

              “Then what’s with the negative reaction?”

              “That’s the couple I was telling you about from the restaurant.  That was the dude who was treating his woman like shit and Carter thought he looked familiar.” Solomon explained.

              “This is fucked up,” Bray said with a sigh. He couldn’t believe Opal was going through with this fiasco. This man has humiliated her time and time again, privately and publicly.
Maybe she’ll come to her senses in the end.
Bray silently hoped.

              It was time to head back on the field. Bray still couldn’t believe what he had just witnessed. The ball was snapped and Bray was in such a daze about the proposal he lost focus and threw an interception.  The safety from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who caught the ball took off like a bat out of hell.

             
Shit!
Bray thought angrily to himself as he and the rest of the team tried to tackle him, but it was no use. He was taking it to the house and time was running out fast. It looked like it was all over until the safety fumbled at the ten yard line which was forced by Solomon. He scooped the ball right up and ran it all the way back for a touchdown. It was a close call, but he made it right before the buzzer. The Atlanta Falcons were going to the playoffs. The team celebrated on the field and on the sideline.

              “We did it! We’re in the playoffs! You did your thing, Bray!” Joe congratulated.

              “No this game belongs to Solomon!” Bray turned to Solomon and they bumped fists. “Thanks for the rescue tackle!”

              “No problem man,” Solomon said. “I think I know someone else who needs rescuing.”

              He and Bray glanced over to Wallace and Opal’s direction and observed them enjoying their newly engaged bliss. “I couldn’t agree more,” Bray agreed.

“I try to be the perfect wife and mother. The best all-around and sometimes I don’t feel like it’s enough. Ever since Kayson took my virginity I’ve always felt like I wasn’t good enough.” Clover addressed the rape survivors group with Skyla and Mai in attendance.

              “Clover, that’s not true, but I understand how you feel,” Skyla said with empathy. “I had my virginity taken away when I was nine and it took me all the way till I was thirty to give my heart and body to a man. Max showed me I was a woman worthy,” Skyla walked over to the podium where Clover was standing and put her arm around her. “You don’t have to put yourself under this pressure. You’re prefect just the way you are.”

              “She’s right,” Mai joined in.

              “I know but it’s hard sometimes,” Clover said, as Skyla led her back to her seat next to Mai.

              “That’s what we’re here for. To build each other up. It’s impossible to do it alone.” Mai said and hugged Clover. “I know, I had to learn too. It takes the power of the group to guide you to the light.” She added.

              “Thank you so much,” Clover said before the next person took the podium.
Light bulb!

*****

              After the meeting was over everyone headed out to the parking lot. Clover rushed to catch up with Skyla and Mai. “Skyla! Mai! Wait up!”

              “Clover, what’s up?” Mai asked as she and Skyla stopped in their tracks waiting for Clover to approach.

              “Thanks for all your help back there,” Clover said.

              “Anytime Clover, you were there for us,” Mai said. “If there’s anything we can do for you, we got you.”

              “I was almost hoping y’all would say that, because I need you guy's help with something urgently important,” Clover said.

              “Sure, what do you need?” Skyla said.

              “Y’all remember Wallace’s marriage proposal to Opal at the Falcons/Buccaneers game, right?” Clover recapped with a highly disgusted eye roll.

              “I remember. It was something.” Skyla said, and Mai nodded in agreement. They were being nice about it. “Why, what’s up?”

              “You guys know how Wallace is and the way he treats Opal. I refuse to stand idly by and watch her flush her life down the toilet,” Clover ranted.

              “And you shouldn’t,” Mai agreed.

“Back at the meeting when you said that it takes the power of the group to guide you to the light?” Mai nodded and let Clover continue. “I came up with an idea. It’s a longshot but I don’t know what else to do and it was the only idea I could think of.”

              “Any idea is better than no idea at all,” Skyla said.

              “Exactly and I need you guys help with this idea,” Clover said.

              “Of course we’ll help, if we can,” Mai said.

              “What’s the plan?” Skyla asked.

              Clover began to explain. “Alright here it goes. I’m going to set up a meeting with close family and friends to help me convince Opal not to go through with this wedding. I think if we stand in a united family front on this, Opal will see she has love, support and no one will judge her in any way, shape or form. That way she’ll see the light and Wallace’s evil spell over her will be broken.”

              Clover continued to formulate the plan. “Since Lil’Sharp and Ray are in New York for their debate competition, I know Laliyka will be down. Also, I need to contact Sharp, Colton and Calista and tell them to come.” Clover faced Skyla and Mai to explain their roles. “Now, here’s where I need you two. Skyla can Myk and Sami spend the night with you? This is a sensitive matter and I don’t want to risk the chance of them being in the house with the ability to eavesdrop.”