Read Online In Love with a Thug by Reginald L. Hall - Free Book Online Page B

bragged.
    â€œWell, you know what they say…”
    â€œWhat?”
    â€œYou shouldn’t buy your lover shoes cuz he’ll walk out of your life,” he said, grabbing his bag from the counter. I giggled and we walked toward the door. I looked down at the floor and began smiling, thinking how last night was a perfect evening and how I couldn’t wait until later tonight.
    With Anthony leading the path we walked out of the store and onto the street. Two teenage boys ran over quickly to us and began waling on Anthony with balled-up fists. I began to scream as the other two boys ran toward me. I quickly threw up my guard as fast as I could before they began punching me in my face and stomach.
    I managed to free myself, only to see Anthony lying on the ground and the other two boys kicking him non-stop. People began to crowd the scene in front of the sneaker store as all four boys scattered. I held my face to stop the pain as I kneeled down to Anthony’s body. His head lay pressed against the concrete.
    â€œSomebody call an ambulance,” I yelled with tears welling in my eyes. People continued to stand around speechless and motionless.
    â€œAnthony,” I yelled. I didn’t really want to move him but I did want to check to see if his heart was beating. The crowd began to grow as I heard police sirens in the distance. The wind began to blow as Anthony’s body shivered. I rapidly took my jacket off to cover his body. In minutes the paramedics bombarded their way through the crowd.
    I stood up and out of the way so the medics could do their job. They worked on him for about five minutes before placing a brace on his neck and positioning him on the stretcher.
    â€œAre you with him, sir?” the Caucasian man asked who helped to place him in the ambulance.
    â€œYes, I am,” I said, grabbing Anthony’s belongings and hopping in the back of the van.
    After about two and a half hours at the hospital and after I had been examined I was allowed to go in and see Anthony. Doctors said Anthony was lucky considering the type of beating he had suffered. God had given my friend a second chance at life. He had suffered a broken rib cage, a broken jaw, and a dislocated shoulder with a few minor cuts and bruises.
    I walked into the room where Anthony lay asleep. I said a silent prayer to God thanking Him for sparing Anthony’s life. He was the only family I had. I walked over to him and kissed him on the cheek. I would be back to visit him first thing in the morning.
    Â 
    It was half past one when Trudy buzzed the intercom to tell me that Bryant was downstairs. I told her to send him up.
    Being as though I was officially seeing him now, there was no need for me to be fully dressed. I met him at the door wearing nothing but a T-shirt and a pair of boxers. He walked in wearing a gray-and-black sweat suit and carrying flowers.
    â€œHey, Bryant,” I said with a semi-smile.
    â€œHey, Baby. These are for you.” He handed me the bouquet of fresh cut roses and calla lilies.
    â€œAww, Bryant, thank you,” I said, reaching up and planting a kiss on his soft lips. He walked in and sat down in the dimly lit living room. I went into the kitchen to put the flowers in a vase of water, with him following behind. The light in the kitchen was much brighter than the light in the living room. I knew it was only a matter of time before he saw my face so I sat the flowers down on the counter. I quickly turned around to get the questioning over.
    â€œDamn, Baby, what happened?” he said, examining my jaw.
    My eyes began to fill up with tears again. “Me and my friend Anthony got into a fight today down South Street,” I explained. I looked down at the floor and then back at his face.
    â€œShit. Are you okay?” He grabbed both of my arms and stared directly into my eyes. I tried to hold back my tears but I couldn’t.
    â€œI’ll be okay, but my friend is hurt