Til' Death Do Us Part: A Domestic Violence Anthology

By Vivian Blue

Gabrielle Branson is a middle school teacher who loves God and honors her marriage with her college sweetheart, Graham. Being a plus-sized woman, her husband constantly reminds her of her weight issues with his cruel nicknames and insults. As Gabrielle tries to lose weight to appease her husband, she begins to realize that her mental health is what’s more important.

Principal Alexander is the head of the school where Gabrielle teaches, and he’s had a crush on her for a while. He has an inclination for thick women because of his southern roots, and he feels that it’s time that he applies a little pressure to see if he can turn the head of the Family And Consumer Science (FACS) teacher that’s got his eye. He begins to flirt with Gabrielle and soon becomes her workout partner, which helps to boost Gabrielle’s confidence. This draws them closer and begins to make Gabrielle question her faithfulness towards her husband. Graham notices a change in his wife and begins to wonder what this will mean to their marriage. Is what’s good for the goose also good for the gander?

The Spirit Bohannon Story by Alexus Dominique
At the tender age of 16, Spirit Bohannon has a lot resting on her shoulders. Coming from a rather large family, she has to carry her own weight to help her parents get the bills paid on time. The fear of possibly losing her sanity behind all of the bills piling up runs her into the arms of Saieed "Fendi" Morris, a self-paid, 22-year-old who promises her the finer things in life. Spirit is all in. Being so financially stable, Fendi gave Spirit just what she'd been praying for: financial comfort. She was able to live carefree. She didn't have to worry about the stress of struggling to pay bills. Spirit would do anything not to go back to the struggle. That is, until Fendi's sweet love turns cold and his kisses turn into blows. There comes a point when Spirit has to make a choice between having the desires of her heart and having her life. Come along for this very dangerous and emotional ride as Spirit's life shifts what seems to be overnight. Watch as she learns that more money really does bring more problems.

Only When You’re Lonely by Fatima Munroe
“Everybody doesn’t want to see you shine, even those that break bread with you.”
– Tamara

Abuse is more than just physical; sometimes, it’s mental as well. Meet Tamara Summer, a self-proclaimed ‘legit hustler’ who runs across Charles Barr, a.k.a. Juice, and gets more than she bargained for. One minute she believes she’s in love, the next minute she’s questioning herself and everything that she knows to be true. When it’s all said and done, she learns a valuable lesson about love and relationships the hard way.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Royalty Publishing House
• Release date: Dec 16, 2016
• ISBN: 9781648403446

Book preview

The Spirit Bohannon Story by Alexus Dominique

At the tender age of 16, Spirit Bohannon has a lot resting on her shoulders. Coming from a rather large family, she has to carry her own weight to help her parents get the bills paid on time. The fear of possibly losing her sanity behind all of the bills piling up runs her into the arms of Saieed Fendi Morris, a self-paid, 22-year-old who promises her the finer things in life. Spirit is all in. Being so financially stable, Fendi gave Spirit just what she'd been praying for: financial comfort. She was able to live carefree. She didn't have to worry about the stress of struggling to pay bills. Spirit would do anything not to go back to the struggle. That is, until Fendi's sweet love turns cold and his kisses turn into blows. There comes a point when Spirit has to make a choice between having the desires of her heart and having her life. Come along for this very dangerous and emotional ride as Spirit's life shifts what seems to be overnight. Watch as she learns that more money really does bring more problems.

Only When You’re Lonely by Fatima Munroe

Everybody doesn’t want to see you shine, even those that break bread with you.

– Tamara

Abuse is more than just physical; sometimes, it’s mental as well. Meet Tamara Summer, a self-proclaimed ‘legit hustler’ who runs across Charles Barr, a.k.a. Juice, and gets more than she bargained for. One minute she believes she’s in love, the next minute she’s questioning herself and everything that she knows to be true. When it’s all said and done, she learns a valuable lesson about love and relationships the hard way.

Hand In the Cookie Jar by Vivian Blue

1

Ah… Snap!

I’m not about to wait around for your big ass to make up your mind, shouted Graham. I got a fine ass Latina waiting on me. A young thang who’s half your size and very appreciative of me. Your fat ass should be happy that I even be bother with you.

This motherfucker is delusional, said Principal Alexander. Why do you constantly put up with this asshole? He doesn’t love you because if he did, he wouldn’t talk to you like you’re not shit. This is a form of abuse, and it’s not okay for him to treat you like this! I make you smile each and every morning when I meet you on the track and say, ‘Hey, Mrs. Cookie’. Now, I can’t provide the lavish lifestyle that you’re used to…but I’m going to love you; every inch of those big thighs, large, beautiful breasts, and that bodacious ass because…you’re my Mrs. Cookie.

This is some bullshit! Is this nigga for real? He calls you ‘Mrs. Cookie’? asked Graham sarcastically. That’s proof that he thinks your ass is fat! And why are you wearing that ugly ass apron? That ain’t sexy!

Principal Alexander walked up to Graham and slapped him hard across the cheek.

You a whole bitch ass nigga, said Principal Alexander. And that’s what you do to those type of ignorant motherfuckers. You slap the taste out of their mouth.

Graham was in shock as he held his face. Gabbie and Mrs. Moore stood frozen as Principal Alexander walked over to his coat rack and grabbed his trench coat. He walked over to Gabbie, putting the coat around her shoulders.

You’ve stood here long enough showing my cookies, smirked Principal Todd. Gabbie smiled as she put her arms inside the coat. Now, let’s go…

Previously…A Month Before Gabbie’s 30th Birthday

‘Every chain…has got a weak link. I might be weak, yeah…but I’ll give you strength. Oh, hey. You told me to leave you alone. My father said, Come on home. My doctor said, Take it easy. Oh but your lovin’ is much too strong. I’m added to your… Chain… Chain… Chain…’

Sing it, Aretha, said Gabbie as she rolled out her freshly homemade buttermilk biscuits. Chain of Fools by Aretha Franklin was one of Gabrielle Branson’s favorite songs. She had a powerhouse playlist full of R&B divas that ranged from the 60s, 70s, and 80s until now. Gabbie loved good music because her life was like a playlist. However, she had no control over the rotation. Every great love story has a soundtrack to accompany those great moments in time that have happened in your life; those moments where every time you hear the key words sang by your favorite slow jam artist, a picture of that memory pops in your head, and either you’re going to laugh or cry.

For the past three years, those memories have been far and few with Graham, her so-called husband. He acted quite distant and secretive, but she hadn’t caught him doing anything. Also, Graham had been very verbally abusive. He was always talking about her weight and ridiculing her in front of others. At first, Gabbie thought he was just being the funny jokester that he was known for being, but here and now lately, the comments had been more degrading and hurtful. However, Gabbie was a positive person and tried to keep a positive outlook on her marriage. If she lost weight, it would solve a lot of their problems. Work wasn’t stressful, and that gave Gabbie the balance she needed. She’d been having a wonderful school year so far. Her students were enjoying their work and lab classes. Her fellow teachers, including her best friend, Sangria Santos, were excellent sources of love and support. And Principal Alexander…what could be said? He seemed to have taken a sudden interest in Gabrielle Branson, but what’s not to like? She was beautiful, intelligent, and a wonderful person. No one ever had anything bad to say about her, and she was always eager to help. Gabbie had come to the aid of Principal Alexander many of times, and don’t think he hadn’t taken notice. He’d been watching Mrs. Branson and always gave her praise and compliments, but it was just a man being polite…right?

Gabbie put the biscuits in the oven to bake, then walked over to the sink and pulled out a T-bone steak. She seasoned it as the music continued to make her body move to the beat. She wanted to make her husband of 10 years his favorite weekend breakfast. She prided herself in being a loving, faithful, and devoted wife who took her marriage vows seriously. When she told the pastor, ‘To honor and obey’, she gave her husband, Graham, complete control of her life.

See, Gabbie was a middle school teacher who taught Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) and Home Economics (Home Ec) at Turner Middle School in the Historic Ville Neighborhood in St. Louis, Missouri. Her husband, Graham, was an ad executive for a top African-American advertising firm in the city. He was a six-figure brother who loved the finer things in life, like fast cars, luxurious linens, expensive timepieces, extravagant trips, and young, thin women. Well, those weren’t the finest things in life, but he liked young, small women that were cute in the face, eight in the waist, and had a fat ass, which was the total opposite of his wife.

Gabbie was a big girl, but she was beautiful. She wore a size 18, but her thick thighs, 40DDD breasts, and firm, round butt made plenty of men double back for a second look because she looked good. Her skin was smooth like a Hershey’s Kiss, and her naturally long, thick black hair with auburn highlights flowed down the middle of her back like a $300 36-inch Remy weave sew-in. People always told her that she was cute for a big girl, and that was one point that Graham always stressed to her. ‘I didn’t marry you for your size. I married you because you’re fine as hell and you can cook. But you just so happen to be a big girl’.

Gabbie poured some eggs she’d beaten with a little cream into a hot skillet of butter. She wanted them to bubble up and start cooking before she scrambled them to Graham’s preference. He liked them to be a little wet, with melted cheese on top. The heavenly fumes of breakfast crept up the steps toward their bedroom, where Graham was on the phone with his mistress.

I’ll be there shortly, said Graham, putting on his watch. I’m going to use my usual excuse and tell her I have to work today. I’ll be on the highway and in Kansas City in a few hours.

Graham checked himself in the mirror. His sugar cookie skin with light brown freckles and broad features made women smirk at first glance, but his short, curly light brown hair with red highlights and those hazel eyes made them stop in their tracks and turn in his direction. He was an average build with a 6’3 frame that was draped with the best labels draped, which added to his appeal. Graham looked like money and smelled like money, and all the scoochies—graduated hoochie—were on his heels.

And you’re going to take me shopping, right Papi? asked Carmen. Remember, you promised me that we could go and get my True Religions and the new iPhone. The jeans I want cost $450, so make sure you bring enough cash because we don’t need Gabbie finding the purchase on the credit card.

Graham laughed. You have your own private card, Carmen, and she doesn’t get to see that statement. It goes right to the office, Graham explained.

So, that’s the one you had my cousin use to make purchases to send to me? You got it all planned out, don’t you, Papi?

Of course, baby. That’s why we’ve been able to mess around for all of these years, Graham replied.

You know our three-year anniversary is in a month, said Carmen. I remember you were late for your wife’s birthday party because you were too busy eating me on your desk instead of eating cake with your wife at Soho.

And I’ve been enjoying that little Mexican empanada ever since, Graham replied. Let me get off this phone so I can get ready to leave. I’ll call you when I’m about an hour into my drive so I can check on that thang.

Graham hung up before Carmen could say anything else. For some reason, she’d made up in her mind that Graham was going to eventually leave Gabbie, but little did Ms. Carmen know…Graham’s life would hang in the balance if Gabbie ever decided to leave him.

Graham came downstairs with his overnight bag in hand. His ad company had a hub office in Kansas City, Missouri because they did a lot of business with companies based there. Graham always managed to get projects that were based there because he sought them out to be with Carmen.

As Graham made it to the bottom of the grand staircase in their half a million-dollar home in Chesterfield, Missouri, the smell of Gabbie’s freshly baked buttermilk biscuits made his stomach growl. He decided that it wouldn’t be a bad idea to have breakfast with his wife. He’d been running in and out of town with Carmen more often for the past six months, and that wasn’t counting all the weekends that Gabbie had been spending alone. Graham knew some Saturdays and Sundays were the only time she had off, except holidays and summer vacation, so making himself unavailable was an art form that he perfected by pretending to be a workaholic.

What smells so good in here, BB? asked Graham, walking up behind Gabbie. He kissed her lightly on the cheek as she smeared butter on top of the biscuits. I don’t have a lot of time, so you have to make it to go.

You know I don’t like it when you call me that, said Gabbie, wiping her hands on her apron. And you can’t take this breakfast on the road. I made all of your favorites and you can’t eat them while you drive. Graham looked at the skillets and pot on the stove, so he knew grits was in one of them.

What you make, BB? he asked, opening the refrigerator door. He took out a V8 Splash and sat on a bar stool at the breakfast nook. Gabbie turned to look at Graham, then she rolled her eyes.

Why did you look at me like that? asked Graham. I don’t know why you don’t like that name.

What woman you know likes for her husband to call her ‘Big Back’ as their pet name? questioned Gabbie, plating Graham’s food.

I call you BB so other people won’t know, said Graham. Maybe it means big booty to them. But if you don’t want me to call you that, Gabbie…I will stop.

Thank you, said Gabbie, placing his plate in front of him. I put some butter and apple jelly on top of your grits like you like, and the apple butter is already spread inside of your biscuit because I know how much you hate for it to touch your eggs.

Woooh, Gabbie! shouted Graham. What did I do to deserve such a good woman? You spoil me to the max, baby! And I appreciate all of it.

Gabbie walked back over to the counter to get her breakfast. She sat down at the table next to Graham, and he looked at her with a stupid expression on his face.

Now, you know that shit ain’t gon’ fill your fat ass up, BB. You should have fixed yourself a plate like mine because that bowl of oatmeal, that bland ass whole wheat toast with a streak of butter, and that little ass bowl of berries ain’t gon’ fill those big bones. You need to quit trying to starve yourself just to look like those thick ass stallions on them reality TV shows. I mean you look good, BB…but you just wasting time. I’m the only man that wants you. And I know you ain’t trying to impress someone else.

Gabbie looked over at Graham in disgust. I’m not trying to look like nobody, Graham, Gabbie snapped. I’m trying to lose weight because my health is more important. And you know that I am faithful to you. I think I’m the one who takes our vows sacredly.

Graham’s phone began to ring as Gabbie dug into her breakfast. She loved her husband, but sometimes she questioned his fidelity. As her mind wandered, she wasn’t paying attention to Graham’s phone conversation until he began to smile and whisper as he peeked over at Gabbie.

I should be there in a few. I decided to eat breakfast with the wife, said Graham.

Is she sitting by you, Papi? asked Carmen. You know you play all day, she laughed, looking at herself in the mirror. I got on that purple furry thing you bought me last week. It was a complete surprise when I came home and my mama told me I had a package.

Is your mother going to be there? asked Graham, getting up from the table. I didn’t get that apartment for her to be over there all of the time.

What you saying, Graham? My madre ain’t welcome at your funky ass apartment? I’ve stayed in better, you know, snapped Carmen.

I doubt that seriously, but that’s neither here nor there, said Graham, walking into the pantry. I will be there shortly, and I don’t want your mother there. Do I make myself clear? Remember…I’m not the one who wants $450-dollar designer jeans.

Carmen held the phone for a moment. Alright, Papi. I will wake her and the kids up and send them home. They can come back tomorrow when you leave to go home to your wife!

Carmen hung up the phone, and that made Graham furious. Gabbie could hear Graham slam his fist down on a shelf, but she wouldn’t dare ask what was wrong. She knew that her husband was having an affair, and that it had been going on for years. A small part of Gabbie felt her weight had everything to do with it, but her deep rooted faith in God and her devoted loyalty to her husband gave her a small glimmer of hope that losing weight would make her husband fall hopelessly in love with her once again.

2

Checking On A Teacher…

I don’t know where he gets off calling me, baby girl…shoot! I pushed that fool in his forehead and walked on down the street, said Sangria.

See…you crazy, laughed Gabbie. You’re the only person I know who gets mad at a man they’re dating because he pulled up at a chinamen.

Sangria looked at Gabbie, offended. Friend…we were supposed to be going out to dinner, which meant we go to a nice place where we can sit down and dine, said Sangria. I was really hoping for Red Lobster because they’re having the endless shrimp. I love their scampi, girl! It gives me life.

Gabbie laughed as her best friend of 15 years talked about yet another disastrous date with her ‘can’t get right’ boyfriend, Alvin. He was the head janitor for the school and a few years older than Sangria, so his ways had a tendency to be a bit old school and sometimes fucked up. He was good to Sangria, though, and treated her like a queen.

All ya’ll do is go out to eat, said Gabbie. Alvin needs to push back from the table like me. How much he weigh? About 300 pounds? Sangria cut her eyes at Gabbie.

Yes, girl… she gasped. But that tongue and his magic stick always do the trick! Sangria stuck her tongue out as she bumped and grinded down to the floor. I’m a little bitch, and us little bitches love big men! They make us feel powerful…and they feed our greedy asses.

Both women laughed.

You make me sick sometimes, said Gabbie as she wiped tears from her eyes. Sangria was Gabbie’s roommate and eventual suitemate at Fontbonne University, where she first met Graham. Sangria was her maid of honor at their wedding as well as an attendee at any family function that went on with Gabbie and her family.

So, what did you do this weekend, girl? I know Graham got all up in those panties, Sangria smirked.

Nope! He worked in Kansas City again, Gabbie replied. "Once again, he’s