Charmed By A Steel City Hustler

Lois:

I was released from the hospital and readmitted just a few hours later. I arrived home to find the message icon blinking profusely. Something in my gut said to listen to them. I had turned my cell phone off while sitting with Lola in her room. I prayed so hard that she would move some part of her body.

Any slight movement so that I would know she was still with me. Walking towards the end table, I hit the red light. My father-in-law's voice boomed through the small speaker.

"Lois where the hell are you? Adonis has been poisoned. I don't know what the fuck is going on, but my son is dead. Your tramp ass and that fucked up nephew of mine are to blame! Call me whenever you pull that street thug's dick out of your mouth!"

My body was shaking as I slid onto the couch and tears flowed down my face. "My son is dead" kept going over and over in my mind and I could not fathom it. I picked up the phone and dialed my mother's cell. She picked up immediately asking how I was doing and sounded sad.

"M-mom Adonis he-he he's dead. Zeus I-I-I-I."

I dropped the phone and began to scream out in agony and anger. I started to throw things around my living room until I couldn't move. I don't know how much time had passed before a strong knock came at the front door. I couldn't move, my body was numb.

The police announced themselves and still no movement. I loud crash rang out and my front door flew open falling off the hinges. Two officers and EMS personal rushed over to me. They surveyed my home and asked a bunch of questions that I refused to answer.

"Ma'am, your parents gave us a call. They were concerned that you may try to take your own life or worse. We are going to take you to the hospital and these cuts checked out. Your parents are already in route," I said nothing as my body was loaded onto a gurney and wheeled out of my home. The ride to the hospital was made in a semi-conscious state for me. I believe they gave me valium or some other drug to keep me calm.

One Week Later "Ashes to ashes, dust to dust."

Father Turner spoke as dirt was thrown on top of Adonis' casket. I sat with my mom and other family members by my side filled with grief. Adonis and I were amid chaos before he passed and that would forever haunt me. Yes, I had fallen out of love with him, but he did not deserve to die suffocating within his own skin.

The funeral was unbearable with the Paul's sitting on the opposite aisle from me. Zeus blamed me and Bash for his son's demise. He had a tense conversation with Malcom just before the funeral. The result was Mr. and Mrs. Malcom storming out in a fit of curse words and threats. I have emptied the contents of my stomach several times today and could barely see straight.

The various family members and coworkers began to walk away from the gravesite. The pats on the shoulder and condolences were going in one ear and out the other. I was frozen in my seat unable to speak. Adonis could no longer hear me. An apology didn't feel right as I never felt guilty after sleeping with Bash a few times. I never pictured him gone entirely. My stomach began to grumble signaling hunger pains. There weren't too many food options that I could keep down these days.

"Sweetheart come on let's get you back to the house. There will be a repast and people over. You need to eat and be with loved ones right now. My grandchild will not be stressed out."

I went to respond and heard the clearing of a throat. The cologne was unmistakable along with his commanding presence. I looked up and there was Bash, dressed in an all-black suit with a royal blue tie. His hair was freshly cut, and beard trimmed to perfection.

He greeted and hugged my mom. She looked between the two of us and walked toward the awaiting limo. Bash took a deep breath and sat in the vacant seat next to me. We sat in silence for a few minutes and then he spoke. "Lois, I apologize for this turmoil you are currently going through. I'm sorry that I can't be here to console you the way I should. There is a lot going on right now. Everything that I am doing is to provide a better life for my child." I had not said out loud who the father was to anyone. Bash had clearly claimed it as his own without any confirmation. The status of my pregnancy had still not completely registered for me. There was so much chaos around me and focusing on myself while those I loved were dying seemed to be selfish.

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"You don't have to say anything right now. We can talk about it later. I just wanted you to know that I will always be here for you no matter what the future holds for us. I want to let you know in advance that all these events are stemming from events that were in play long before you and I ever were. There are still more bodies that need to drop, and I can't promise they won't break your heart as well."

I looked up into his face and the determination was evident. Bash was going to take the life of my father for a crime he committed decades ago. I had never gotten to speak with my father or Bash about what Adonis told me. The tears began to stream down my face as his eyes apologized for his future actions.

Bash leaned over kissing my forehead then stood and grabbed at my hand. He pulled me up and escorted me over to the limo. I got in and sat next to my mother as she folded her loving arms around my body. I had been staying at my parents' house in a state of depression since I received that voicemail.

"The Lord will guide you through this tough time Lois. I know you have been led astray by the devil recently. Ask for forgiveness my child." "What do you mean mom?"

I scooted back from her embrace to look in her eyes. Disappointment replaced the sadness from an hour ago. My mom was never a confrontational woman. She had always let my father be the decision maker in our household. I never judged her for their old-fashioned style to relationships. I got the feeling she was about to piss me off something serious.

"Lois I am saying that the Lord punishes those who have sinned. Sometimes the severity can be more than one can bear. You have been given an opportunity with this baby to—"

"Mom please don't finish that sentence. Sins? Forgiveness? Do you have any idea what daddy is capable of? I thought not, so please just don't."

I turned toward the window giving her my back. She didn't say anything that had not already crossed my mind. I wasn't worried about looking guilty in the Lord's eyes. I had my own self-loathing and depression to deal with.

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A Few Hours Later I had instructed the driver to drop me at the hospital to visit with Lola. My mother had made me so uncomfortable that I could not stand to be in the house with her. I had been at my parents' since finding out about Adonis' death. Now I was thinking that I needed to check into a hotel.

I sat at Lola's bedside recounting the earlier events of the day to her. Leaving out the part about my pregnancy and Bash potentially being the father. That fact would have her never come back to us. It is a proven fact that coma patients can hear everything going around them.

"Lola, I could use my big sister right now. Your advice is always horrible, but it puts a smile on my face sis. I haven't smiled in so long or had a reason too. Burying Adonis today put a lot into perspective for me and I am ready to change my life around for the better. I am sorry that you found out about Bash and me the way you did. I know my reactions afterwards were pretty harsh. Yes, they may have been fueled by other emotions, but make no mistake you are my blood and I do love you. Please get better so that we can work past this."

I heard a door open behind me and it was my father dressed in his funeral attire still. Leo probably scolded my mother for allowing the driver to be here. My dad was a total control freak. If I am honest with myself, he is a lot like Adonis in many ways.

I guess it's true about little girls falling in love with a variation of their daddy. He came over toward us and sat on the opposite side pulling her hand to his mouth. My father bowed his head and said a quick prayer then looked over to me. "Lala will forgive you because she loves you, just as you do the same. I however cannot ask either of you for forgiveness. I brought this plague upon you both and look where it has led us to."

I didn't say anything to my dad as he continued to speak. He went into great details about his dealings with Zeus and Malcom back in the day. A bunch of shit that didn't explain Porscha or her death. We were in a hospital and not the optimal place to incriminate oneself. My father stated that he was going to end the feud once and for all.

Again, I felt a cold chill run down my body at the look in his face. Leo Jennings was old but stupid was not on his resume. Bash and my father were both determined to come out on top. I had no idea who would be left standing. Either way, I was going to lose someone else very important to me.