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I soaked in the hot bubble bath until the water chilled. My warm surroundings gave me the urge to fill the tub again with hot water and relax in the tan colored bathroom all day. I sighed, snatching the gray bath towel off the rail. I snuggly wrapped it around my body, staring at my reflection in the mirror. The weak smile rose then fell. I was a mess. Who was I kidding? My life was in shambles, all because I didn’t want us to lose our family’s home or our business. My father had worked so hard over the years to provide for us. The least I could do was make this sacrifice, even if it was taking all the strength I had. Tomorrow, I need to rest so I’m ready for work Monday.
After I climbed into my clothes, I exited the bathroom, then leaned against the door frame, watching my brother furiously pound on the game controller. “Hey, little brother. How are you doing?”
“I’m good,” he stated, never tearing his eyes away from the game.
“Shoot!” he shouted, tossing the controller on the floor of his messy bedroom.
He hopped off the floor, embracing me. “Good to see you, big sis.”
“Staying out of trouble, J?”
He smirked. “I slipped five hundred dollars into Dad’s wallet last night. I told you I could help out.” He plopped on his unmade bed.
I tugged my hair then sighed. “Are you out of your mind? I’ll get the money back from Dad. You give it back to whoever gave you that dirty money!”
He smacked his lips. “No, I’m pulling my weight.”
“No, the fuck you aren’t!” I pointed, yelling in a whisper.
“I told you, I got this.”
Jordan slipped a charcoal-gray sweatshirt over his head. “I don’t have to sit here and listen to this bull!”
He yanked his varsity jacket off the bed post, slamming his shoulder into me as he exited his room.
I ran behind him, halting at the top of the staircase. Jordan ran down the stairs toward the front door.
“Jordan!”
The red door slammed behind him.
My mother ran out of the kitchen. Her wide eyes landed on me. “What happened?”
“Jordan is acting out again.” I walked down the stairs into the kitchen, flopping on the stool at the brown ceramic countertop.
My mother’s soft hand rubbed my back. “Malaysia, you can’t control everything and everyone.”
I slid my fingers through my long black hair. “I know. I just want Jordan to be safe. Not run down to the city and get into trouble.”
My mother sat at my side, sipping one of the two hot cups of tea.
“I pray every night for Jordan’s safety. Ever since he heard about the trouble with the shop he wanted to help. I told him you would handle it, but he was hell bent on pulling his weight.”
I sniffled and hunched over the counter, wiping my nose. “Mom, he’s selling drugs!” I turned, throwing my arms around her neck, never wanting to let go.
“I know, Malaysia.”
We held each other, drenched in one another’s tears.
I held the cell to my ear, staring out the window of the Cadillac Escalade in a daze.
Hello, Daddy.
How’s my baby?
I could be better, Daddy. I sighed.
Your mother told me what happened between you and Jordan. I’ve talked to him, Malaysia. He refuses to listen to reason.
