Chapter 62

Morning, Esined (How August looked at her in the last chapter is in the mm)

I stared at August as he slept. While he slept peacefully, I messed with his chin hairs and smiled at him. I would often kiss his face.

I couldn't help but to think of the new things I had experienced with August last night. Just the thought of it could create butterflies in my stomach. I thought back on last night, biting my lip.

The thought of his head being in between my legs again made me want more. It was hard to believe that it was his first time doing that since he had done it so well.

I kissed August's jawline and he moved. "Babe," I cooed.

"Hm?" he mumbled sleepily.

"I love you," I kissed his cheek and smiled.

"I luh you mo', Pooh," his deep, raspy, and sleepy voice was in full effect.

"Wake up,"

His chest rose then fell. He didn't respond for a moment. "I'm up,"

"Can we talk?"

"About what?"

"How great last night was?"

"You enjoyed yourself?"

"Yes," I answer quickly, making him laugh a little.

"I'm glad I could please you,"

"That one thing you did with your tongue... My goodness," I sighed, resting my head on his chest. "Almost took my soul and the rest of my morals from me,"

He laughed. "You talkin' 'bout dat zigzag thing?"

I throbbed at the thought of it. "Yes. Then when you did the tongue flicks. I lost it. I was beyond ready to give you the pus-" I cut myself off and covered my mouth when I noticed him side eye me.

He laughed, shaking his head. "Nasty mouth,"

"I'm sorry," I apologized for my unintentional vulgar language. "Didn't mean to say that," I laughed,

"I'm really turnin' you out. Damn shame. You used ta be so innocent,"

"I still am,"

"Nah. You just a lil slow. Dats all,"

"You've been dogging me since last night and I don't appreciate it," I frowned.

"I'm sorry, Pooh. You know you a lil dingy,"

"Butthole," I mumbled.

"Don't be mad because yo marker runs out befo' you can connect da dots,"

"You're corny,"

"You luh me doe,"

"Not really,"

"Oh, August. I love you so much," he mocked my voice from last night, even adding a moan.

"I didn't say that," I lied.

"Yes, you did,"

"Why do you always have to pick on me? You're such a bully,"

He only laughed. "Why you so sensitiiive?"

I mimicked his laugh. "Why you so ugly?"

"False. I'm fine as hell," he smiled.

"I've seen better,"

He looked at me, dropping his smile and going immediately into a straight face. "Don't,"

"Oh my gosh. You get so serious," I frowned. "I'm joking, Snugga. No guy that I've seen looks better than my baby,"

"You shouldn't be seein' otha guys," he joked and we both started laughing.

My phone started vibrating and I reached over August, grabbing it. I slid answer on the unknown number. "Hello?"

August looked at me, rubbing my back softly.

"Is this Esined Evans?" a woman asked.

"May I ask who's calling?"

"My name is Beatrice. I work at the hospital and I have a patient who only has you as a family contact,"

I frowned at the unusual call. "Excuse me?"

"I'm sorry for the approach, but I'm not sure of how to say it. A man named Don was in an altercation a few days ago and it led him here. When asked if he had any family, he said your name. Your number was in his pocket,"

I felt my heartbeat speed up. "Is he okay?"

August looked at me with a worried expression on his face.

"He's okay. I'd rather report the rest of his condition in person, if that's fine with you," Beatrice spoke.

"I-Um. Okay," I said. I didn't know how to feel about just getting up and leaving.

She gave me the hospital name and it was far. It made me wonder where he was and what he was doing that led him there.

When I hung up the phone, I rubbed my face down with my shaky hands.

"What's wrong?"

I tried to speak, but nothing came out. I sat up on his lap.

"Baybeh, talk ta me so I can help,"

"I-I'll see you later,"

"Tell me what's wrong," he held onto me when I tried to get up.

"I'm not sure of everything that's happening right now, but I'll tell you when I know. Okay?"

"Where you goin'? How you gon' get there?"

"I'm getting an uber,"

"I can take you,"

"It's really far, Aug," I got off his lap.

"I don't care,"

I didn't want to tell him that I'd rather go alone. I didn't know if Uncle Don would want him there.

"It's fine," I dug through my overnight bag and grabbed a pair of gray leggings. I slipped them on and August watched.

"So our day is canceled now?"

"I'm sorry. It seems like every time we're together, crazy stuff happens," I pulled a hoodie over my head. I pulled my hair up into a messy ponytail and bent over. I pulled on my boots and stood up straight.

I tapped on my phone, setting up an uber ride.

August sat up and sighed.

I leaned over into his face and gave him a kiss. "I'm sorry. We'll definitely find some more time to hang out. Thank you so much for all of this. You really made me feel special. I love you a lot," I spoke softly.

"I luh you mo'. And I understand. Whateva it is must be serious and I'll be ready ta talk about it when you are. Will I see you again today?"

I nodded. "I'll make sure you do,"

"Promise?" he looked into my eyes.

"I promise," I said.

We locked pinky fingers and kissed.

"You have to because I haven't even gave you all of your gifts,"

"There's more?"

"A lot mo',"

"Awe. You really went all out," I smiled a little. "Hey, I have to go because my uber is pretty close,"

"I'll walk you down," he stood up once I moved back.

"Um, put on a shirt," I said.

He laughed and grabbed a tank top, pulled it over his head. He slipped on his slippers and walked behind me.

We went to the lobby and my uber showed up right on time.

August walked me outside and the uber was getting out of the car.

"Ms. Evans?" he asked.

"Yes,"

He smiled and opened the door for me.

I gave August a hug and a kiss. "I love you. I'll keep you updated, okay?"

"I luh you too," he pecked my lips. "I'll see you later,"

The driver stood patiently.

I smiled and got in the car after letting August go.

"Aye, bruh. Drive safe wit my lady in da car,"

I laughed and so did the driver.

"Will do, sir," he said.

The driver closed my door and I watched August set back. The driver got in the front and began to drive. August watched him pull off.

I looked forward after August was no longer in seeing distance.

The drive was quiet and no conversations took place. It wasn't awkward, it was a nice quiet. We didn't know each other, so we had nothing to say.

Once we arrived at the hospital, I thanked him and got out of the car.

I went to the front desk and asked which room Uncle Don was in. The lady looked up at me.

"Are you immediate family?" she asked.

"Yes," I said.

"Are you sure?" she looked at me funny.

"What is that supposed to mean?" I questioned.

"Well, he's a white male,"

"Well, have you ever heard of an interracial family?" I asked, becoming more defensive by the second.

"Are you immediate family?" she asked again.

"I already answered that. Can you just give me his room number?"

"I'm afraid that I cannot,"

"Why not? If you looked at the contact list, like you should have done in the first place-"

"What is your name?" she cut me off, rolling her eyes.

I placed my hand on the desk and looked up at the ceiling. I had to count down from ten to refrain from snatching her up.

"Esined Evans," I said, tapping my nails against the marble.

She then looked dumbfound. "Room thirteen,"

Still standing there, I stared at her.

"How else may I help you?" she asked.

"An apology would be nice," I said.

She was taken back and looked as if she didn't owe me an apology.

"Don't scrunch up your face now. Your level of ignorance and subtle racism has upset me and I deserve an apology. If I do not receive one, I would like to speak to some sort of authority,"

"My apologies ma'am. I'm sorry for offending you," she spoke.

"Thank you," I carried onto room thirteen and looked through the window. I could see Uncle Don sitting up with a woman in front of him.

His shirt was off and he was bandaged up in several spots. He had a blacked eye and a bandage above one of his eyebrows. I tried to emotionally prepare myself. I didn't want to cry, but it hurt me to see him like this. I didn't like the thought of him getting hurt.

I knocked lightly on the cracked open door.

"Come in," I heard the woman say.

I slowly pushed it open and Uncle Don smiled at me. I frowned once I took in his whole appearance. My bottom lip began to tremble.

His nurse left the room, giving us privacy.

"I'm okay, Caterpillar. I'm alright," he sighed and opened his arms.

I walked over to him, wrapping my arms around him lightly. I didn't want to hurt him. "What happened?" I asked.

"I guess I was in the wrong place at the wrong time," he sighed. "Guys came out the alley trying to rob me and got mad when I didn't have anything. Roughed me up,"

"Why do all of these bad things keep happening to you?" I looked at him.

"I don't know,"

"Are you okay?"

"I'm fine... I-I wanna talk to you about something," He patted beside him and I sat on his hospital bed.

"What's up?"

"I know it's a lot to ask for, but do you think you could help me find somewhere else to stay?"

"Of course. Was there something wrong at the shelter?"

"I just don't feel safe there anymore,"

"What's going on there?"

He sighed.

"Don't answer that. Hey, I'll find you somewhere else to stay. Even if I have to save up and help you get an apartment,"

"No no," he said, shaking his head.

"Why not?"

"How am I going to pay rent? I can't keep a stable job, 'Pillar,"

"I'll pay the rent,"

"Now you're insane. Keep your money,"

"I'm not letting you live in the streets or in some shelter. I should have tried to get you an apartment before instead of sending you to a shelter. That was a horrible idea. I heard crazy things happen at some of those. I sh-"

"Stop. Please," he stopped me from rambling on and on.

I let out a small laugh. "I'm sorry. I guess I really am picking up on Aug's habits,"

"Aug?"

I laughed. "August is my boyfriend. You met him at church,"

"Oh him. How are you two doing?"

"Great," I said simply.

"That's good. I know he's treating you well,"

I nodded. "I would have been left if he wasn't,"

"I know, you're strong and you're not, you know... You wouldn't stay in an abusive or in a relationship that's hurting you, right?"

I felt like shade was thrown, but I ignored. "No, Uncle Don,"

"Good... Don't be one of those girls who see a good man and let him go because he's too nice,"

"Is this personal?" I asked.

"Depends on who you're asking,"

"You,"

He looked at me, side eyeing and I laughed nervously.

"When are you getting out of here?" I asked.

"Hopefully today. I've been in here for three days,"

"Wow," I shook my head. "Where are you going after this?"

"I don't know," he said as if he was unbothered with the condition he was in.

I took out my phone and began typing a message to my mama.

Mama, I'm at the hospital with Uncle Don. Things aren't looking well for him. 12:17 pm

Mama ❤️: What's going on with him? 12:18 pm

Some guys beat him up. I want to talk to you and Brandon about something... 12:19 pm

Mama ❤️: Let me guess. You want him to stay with us? 12:22 pm

Can he? He won't stay long, I promise. I'm gonna save up to try to get him in an apartment. 12:23 pm

Mama ❤️: I'll speak about it with Brandon. Why isn't he staying at the shelter? 12:25 pm

He said that he doesn't feel safe there anymore. 12:26 pm

Mama ❤️: He hasn't tried any other shelters? 12:27 pm

Mama pleeease! It's always hard to find him when he moves around. 12:28 pm

Mama ❤️: I'm talking to Brandon about it right now. I'll tell you what we have decided. Give us some time. 12:30 pm

How much time? 12:31 pm

Mama ❤️: However much time we need. 12:32 pm

I sighed and put my phone away. I turned to Uncle Don and his eyes were glued to the tv screen that was mounted up on the wall. I stared at his bandages, slowly reaching my hand to his. He looked at me then back at the tv screen. I rubbed the back of his hand with my thumb and messed with his fingers. I watched tv with him for a little while.

My phone vibrated and I used my other hand to take it out.

SnuggaPoo: U good? 12:48 pm

I'm good, babe. Still at the hospital 12:49 pm

SnuggaPoo: Hm. Okay. iLove u PoohBear 12:50 pm

I smiled to myself before responding.

I love you too, Snugga. 12:50 pm

Uncle Don and I watched Law and Order together quietly. I became anxious as I waited for my mama to respond to me about Uncle Don living with us.

When my phone vibrated again, I was just sure that it was her. Instead, it was Brandon calling me.

"I'll be back," I told Uncle Don.

He gave me a nod and I went to the bathroom of his room.

"Hello?" I answered.

"It's me," Brandon sang.

"Why do you play so much?"

He chuckled. "Okay okay. Me and your mother decided,"

"What's the decision?"

"No," he said.

"What? Bran-"

"I'm joking,"

"You and my mama both play too much," I sighed.

"I'm sorry," he couldn't stop laughing. "Alright. He can stay here for a little while. There are rules though and we'll speak to him about them when you both get here,"

"Okay. Thank you so much for giving him a chance," I said.

"Mhm. We'll see you when you both get here," he said.

"See y'all in a little while,"

"Bye bye,"

I hung up and tried to stop smiling. I was happy that mama and Brandon could put aside their differences and help my Uncle.

I went back to the room and I assumed that there was a doctor in there, discharging him. I made sure to tell him that he would be staying with us. It took a while, but when he was finally settled, we left this room and followed the doctor out. He received his papers and his bill.

I took it and sighed at the large amount on it.

"You aren't paying a single penny on this bill," Uncle Don took it back from me and folded it up.

"But-"

"But nothing. You've done enough. You just got me somewhere to stay,"

"Unc-"

"Esined, no. I'm not taking your money like that. It's my bill and I need to pay it. I'll find a way,"

I knew he was serious from his tone and him calling me by my name.

I sighed, defeated.

We left the hospital and out uber pulled up. We got in and went home.

-How are y'all?

Sorry for the lateness.

I'm sick af man.

Y'all know hella drama is about to come along, right? I'm excited lmao.

I already have this book and the next one all figured out. I appreciate the suggestions, but I don't need them. I like my book to be 200% me. Thanks a lot though. ❤️

Y'all are great. Thanks for being so patient with me.

I'm off to school now. Yes, it's almost 10:00 pm & I'm going to school lmao.

Excuse typos please.

Comments & Votes are appreciated.

Much love, Shia. Xoxo