Little Things Page 7

  “I’m going to ask Raya to be my date.”

  As he says her name, this sudden feeling of longing with a hint of jealousy surges through my body. For the past few months, I’ve had to endure their growing friendship. At first it was great. The four of us grew closer as a whole until recently—things changed. His advances toward her have increased and I don’t like it one bit. Not that Taylor isn’t a good guy, but he’s not good enough for her. She deserves someone twenty times better than him.

  “I hope she’ll say yes.” Taylor’s look of hope radiates throughout the hallway and I think to myself, he has it really bad for her.

  “What makes you think she won’t?”

  Taylor lets out a small sigh and breathes deeply. “Lately, she’s been distant. We used to talk on the phone at least once a day and I even visited her at work. But last week, she just shut down and hasn’t really opened back up yet. I really like her and I’m afraid if I push her to open up she might take off.”

  “I’ve noticed her distance, too. I’ll talk to her today and find out what’s going on.”

  Taylor breathes a sigh of relief and pats my shoulder. “Thanks, bro. Listen, I’ve got to get to class so I’ll talk to you later.”

  As I say good-bye to Taylor, Melanie walks up behind me and kisses my cheek.

  “Hi, baby, how was class?”

  I wrap my arm around her and she rests her head on my shoulder as I lean against my locker. I glance around to see if Raya is out of class yet, but don’t see her.

  “Class was class. Where’s Raya?”

  Melanie lifts her head up, “I don’t know, she wasn’t in class today. I called once it was over but she didn’t answer.”

  “This is the third day in a row that she’s been out. Taylor and I are worried about her. Have you noticed her distance lately?”

  “Yes, I asked her if she wanted to talk about it last week and she said everything was fine. Something’s wrong, Duke, and I don’t know what to do. I called her last night and left a message but no call back.” Melanie’s worried eyes frighten me and I pull her into a hug.

  “Don’t worry, Mel. We’ll figure it out.” I walk her to next class, give her a quick kiss, and tell her I’ll call her later. Next thing I know, I find myself walking toward the school’s exit. Time to tell me what’s going on, Raya.

  I walk four blocks to the train station and take out my cell phone to give her a quick call. The phone rings three times and goes to voicemail. Dammit. She’s worrying me. Glancing at the time, it should take me about fifteen to twenty minutes to get to her house. As I enter the train platform, the station announces that the train is approaching. I swipe my Metrocard through the fee terminal and run inside the train to take a seat. I try calling Raya again but no answer.

  My nerves are shot as I begin to think the worst. What if something happened? Maybe she’s hurt? I pray it’s just something simple—perhaps she’s sick and sleeping. Ten minutes pass and my leg begins to bounce in anticipation. Can this train take any longer? I call her again with no luck. Shit.

  The conductor announces that the final stop is approaching, Pelham Bay Park. I glance outside and realize that it’s pouring rain. No umbrella. Fuck. Can this get any worse? The train pulls into the last stop and I race out of the platform and down the stairs to the street. As I exit the station, the pouring rain beats down on my head as I run toward her house. My breathing becomes harsh and ragged as my heavy clothing bears down on me. All of my previous worries come crashing down on me and I feel a little panicked.

  A few minutes later, I turn onto her street and notice her house lights are on. At least someone is home. I make my way to the front door and ring the doorbell. The rain finally lightens up into a light drizzle. Glancing down, I see my new sneakers soaked. I shrug my shoulder and could care less about my damn shoes. Peeking inside the house through the front windows, I try to see if Raya’s mother is coming to the door.

  As I’m about to ring the doorbell again, it opens and a drunk, middle-aged man opens the door. I’m immediately hit with the stench of liquor and watch as he staggers to keep his balance.

  His words are slurred , “Yeah, what the fuck do you want, kid?”

  My instincts tell me this guy is bad news and I won’t put up with his crap. “You must be Craig, Raya’s step-father. I need to talk to her.”

  He chuckles, “Raya isn’t feeling well. She’s in bed. She’ll be in school later this week. You can see her then.” Just as he ends his sentence, he begins to shut the door, but I block it with my foot and push it open with my left hand.

  “Listen, sir. I need to see her. I don’t care if she’s sick. I’d like to talk to her. Now.” I pierce my eyes into his, demanding that I see her.

  Craig stiffens, “Listen, son, if you don’t leave my house this instant, I’ll force you to leave and I have no trouble removing unwanted guests. Now, get the fuck out.”

  His liquored breath burns my nostrils. My hand clenches into a fist and my body heats up with a defensive anger. Just as I’m about to respond with my fist, Raya’s mother approaches us and opens the front door wide.

  “Duke, honey, how are you?”

  A feeling of relief washes over me and I thank god that her mother is here. “I’m fine, Ma’am. I just came to see Raya. We all miss her and want to make sure she’s okay. Can I talk to her?”

  Genna glances nervously at Craig before she responds to me, “Actually, Raya isn’t feeling well. She’s been really sick and it could be contagious, that’s why she hasn’t been in school. Don’t worry, as soon as she’s better, she’ll return.”

  She tries to assure me with a smile but I don’t believe her. Something’s wrong and her parents are hiding it from me. But what can I do? I can’t just barge into their home.

  “Can you please have her call me? I just need to talk to her.”

  “She will, Duke. Now, hurry on home. You’re soaked and I wouldn’t want you to get sick as well.”

  Craig stares at me with a rage I’ve never seen before and I feel an uneasiness descend upon me. I can’t leave Raya with this asshole here in the home.

  “You can leave now, kid.” Craig pulls Genna out of the way and slams the door shut. I peek into the house and see them head into the kitchen and out my line of vision. Shit, I know she’s in there. I walk down the front steps and around the side of the house to see if there are any windows with open curtains. Nothing. Shit.

  My body begins to heat to a boil as my anger builds up again. I comb my hands through my wet hair and grind my teeth. Maybe I should call the cops? What would I say? I suspect something’s going on because this guy is a prick and radiates a bad vibe? My instincts are never wrong. I know Raya needs me. Fuck it. I’ll call them.

  As soon as I take out my phone to dial 9-1-1, I get a text message from Raya and I read it.

  Raya: Backyard…now

  Me: Ok

  I wipe the rain off my face and walk to the backyard, but it’s empty. I glance around but no one’s here. My phone dings notifying a new text has been received.

  Raya: look up

  I look up to find her peering out of her bedroom window waiving at me and she immediately puts her finger to her lips, hinting at me to be quiet. I nod in response and watch her point at a ladder that’s leaning against the house. I give her an “are you out of your fucking mind?” look and she laughs quietly. I shake my head and chuckle silently as I make my way to the ladder. She “shhhs” me and pleads with her eyes. I pray that I don’t break my neck, as it’s still raining, and slowly make my way up the ladder.

  As I approach the second floor, I realize I have to walk on the roof to get to her window. Well, damn, I feel like Indiana Jones right now, coming to rescue his princess. Taking a deep breath in and out, I slowly and carefully walk across the roof toward her window, while holding on to anything I can. Did I mention I hate heights? Don’t look down, Duke.

  She reaches an arm out to me
and I grab on to it as I approach her window. Climbing in her bedroom as quietly as I can, she shuts the window behind me. I glance around her room to find it a very comfortable and spacious, typical girl bedroom. Posters on the white walls with green trim, décor on the dresser, and a few clothes scattered around. I turn around to face her only to notice her right eye is cut, swollen, and badly bruised.

  My eyes widen in shock and she immediately covers my mouth with her hands just as I’m about to express my anger.

  She whispers, “Duke, don’t. Please be quiet.” She creeps toward her bedroom door and fiddles with the doorknob to confirm it’s locked. Then she turns to me and pulls me into her bathroom and shuts the door.

  “Raya, what the fuck is going on? Did that bastard do this to you? How long has this been going on?”

  Raya begins to cry so I pull her into me and wrap my arms around her. My heart breaks for her. If I had known this was going on, I would have put a stop to it a long time ago.

  “Raya, please. Let me in. I’m here to protect you. Please don’t shut me out. I’ll do anything for you.” Her body trembles, so I pull her in closer and kiss the top of her head. I feel a tear run down my face and only wish I can take away her pain. I’m going to kill that fucker.

  I soothe her and hold her close as I rub my hand through her long wavy hair. Her crying is quiet but deep. We stand there for about ten minutes before she begins to pull away. Her clothes are now wet from mine and she shivers a little. I let go of her and pull her face up toward mine so I can take a look at her eye. It’s completely black and blue and swollen with a hint of dried blood on the corner.

  “Raya, when did he hit you?”

  She breathes deeply and looks away from me, “It happened Sunday night. He was angry at my mother and I got in the way and opened my big mouth.”

  My blood begins to boil, and I have to close my eyes to calm myself down, but can feel the sweat on my hands build up as my fists clinch.

  “Has this happened before?”

  “Yes, it’s been going on for a few years now. But this is the first time that he’s hit me. Usually, he yells and threatens to hit, but never actually does it, until a few days ago.”

  “Raya, you need to call the police. He’ll just keep doing it and every time it will get worse. I’ll go with you to the precinct if you want me to.”

  Her eyes open wide and she turns away to face her reflection in the mirror. “I can’t, Duke. If I call the cops, he’ll find a way to get out and come after my mother and me. He says he has friends in the department who will cut him loose if he gets locked up.”

  I look into her eyes through her mirrored reflection, “And you believe him? You think he can get out? Raya, look at yourself. He did this to you. How can you just sit here and let it go?”

  “For my mother; that’s why. I’m doing this for her. She wants to stay and I can’t just leave her here. So, once I turn eighteen, we’re out of here.”

  “Wait, what? Your birthday is next month. You’re leaving? What about prom and graduation? Were you going to tell your friends…me?”

  Another tear runs down her cheek and she wipes it away, “No, I wasn’t going to tell anyone. I figured a clean break would be best for us since no one will know where we go.”

  I look away from her and process her plans of escape. My mind runs a million miles per hour as I try to think of ways to get her to stay…but it’s too much to process at once. All I know is that I can’t lose her. I growl in frustration and brush my hand through my hair only to realize that I’m still wearing wet clothes.

  Raya laughs quietly and walks out into her bedroom and opens her closet. She digs into a few boxes and pulls out a pair of jeans and white t-shirt, then walks back over to me.

  “Here, you can change into these. They were my father’s.” She smiles and offers them to me.

  I reach my hand up to her cheek and rub it with my thumb. “Raya, you can trust me. You know that, right?”

  She grabs onto my hand caressing her face and leans into it. “Yes, I know, Duke. I’ve always trusted you, ever since day one.”

  “Good, then listen to me. Go to the police. They can help you.”

  She pulls her face away from my hand and walks away. “I won’t risk my mother’s life, Duke. I can’t do it.” She closes the bathroom door to allow me to change.

  I stand there, looking at my own reflection, and think about ways to help her….only to come up with one solution. I’ll go to the cops. I quickly change into her dad’s old clothes, which fit rather perfectly, and open the door to see her lying down in bed watching television.

  I sit on the bed next to her and caress her arm. “If you don’t go to the cops, I will.”

  She shoots up and turns to me, “No, you won’t. You can’t, Duke.”

  “Raya, I can’t just sit and watch you get beat up. This isn’t safe for you.”

  “Duke, please. It was just this one time incident. Everything’s been fine. Craig hasn’t bothered me at all. If I behave, he’ll stay away from me.” She continues to beg and plead for me to understand.

  “Raya, how can you ask me to keep this a secret? I can’t do this. What if he comes after you or your mother?”

  “Duke, he won’t. The last time I spoke up to defend her. If I do as he says, I won’t upset him.”

  I look deep into her crystal blue eyes and see her desperation and fear. “I don’t know if I can do this.”

  She looks down to my hands and grabs hold of them. “Duke, please. Do this for me. Nothing will happen.”

  I listen to her plea and watch as new tears emerge. Seeing her cry breaks my heart and all I do is bow my head and concede to her request. “Fine, I won’t do anything. But, if something else happens, I’m going straight to the cops.”

  Her smile curves along her lips slowly and she pulls me into a deep hug. “Thank you, Duke.”

  Duke

  The warm, bright sun makes my skin tingle. I close my eyes and take a deep breath of fresh air and suck in the scent of the salty ocean. The sand between my toes tickles and I let out a small chuckle. Lifting my head, I allow the warmth of the sun to melt into my soul. I hear laughter from a gorgeous and magical woman. The sound is so amazingly beautiful and absolutely turns me on. I open my eyes to find her, but she’s nowhere in sight.. The seagulls fly above, scavenging for their next meals. My gut tells me to search for her, to not give up. My journey along the beach continues for what feels like hours until I see her. About twenty yards from where I stand, I see her wearing a white summer dress that flows in the wind. Her dark, long hair waves as the breeze passes. She dips her toes into the water and squeals because it’s cold to the touch. Her vibrant laughter almost causes my knees to buckle. I did it; I’ve found her.

  I call out to her and run toward her, causing her to look up at me. As I close the distance between us, my breath is fleeting, my hands are shaky, and my heart beats a million times a minute. She reaches her hand out to grab mine and I pull her into my chest. Her beating heart pounds against my chest; I know she feels it, too—the tingling electricity, the alluring pull, and the undeniable attraction. My fingers comb through the strands of her soft hair and travel down to her hands and I grab hold of them. She pulls her head away to stare into my eyes and I’m fixed in a trance. Her crystal blue eyes suck me into another world—almost like a parallel universe—and we are the only inhabitants. Just the two of us.

  My right hand wraps around her waist and I move my left hand to brush along her cheeks. Damn, she’s so beautiful. I notice her lick her pink luscious lips and I almost lose it. Pulling her close to me, I suck in a deep breath as my lips are about to grace hers. As my eyes close, I tell myself to never forget this moment.

  Right when our lips are inches from touching, she whispers softly, “Duke, save me.”

  My eyes shoot open at the sound of her request, only to find her with tears in her eyes.

  “Raya, I will always pro
tect you.”

  She shakes her head and pulls away from me, “Duke, can’t you see? I’m already lost.”

  Immediately, the sky turns a dark shade of grey and the clouds let out a pouring, hard rain. I reach over to grab her arm to get her to safety, only to find she’s completely vanished. My eyes quickly scan the area to see if she ran for cover, but she’s nowhere in sight.

  “Raya, where are you?!”

  I run along the beach screaming her name over and over again. Panic and fear builds as sweat rolls down my skin. The hard rain stings and the thunder roars through the dark sky. My tired and weak body sinks onto its knees and I look down into the sand as a tear rolls down my face.

  At that moment, I hear a faint whisper coming from above, “Duke, save me.”

  I look up to find nothing; just the bleak dark sky.

  “Raya!!”

  Warm hands grab my shoulder and shake lightly. Soft lips kiss my forehead.

  “Duke, I’m here. It’s okay. Wake up.”

  My eyes slowly open to find her staring at me with concern and compassion. After blinking a few times, I realize that I’m still in her room, lying on the floor. Shit, I must have been dreaming.

  Her hands reach out to caress my face, “Are you okay? You were mumbling and shaking during your dream.”

  Letting out a deep sigh, “Yes, I’m fine. Just trying to gather my surroundings. It felt so real.”

  She smiles, “Come on, sit up. You’ll feel better after you’re off the floor.”

  She pulls me up and we sit against the side of her bed.

  I run my hands through my hair and rub my eyes. “Gosh, what time is it?”

  “It’s six AM. Craig just left for work.”

  I look at her and notice her bruised eye is starting to heal. I have the sudden urge to kiss her bruise, but decide it’s not the best time for that.