Between Sisters

By Kirby Butler

This was the day I had longed for ever since I was fourteen-years-old and had my daughter. Now, here I was 16 years later, about to meet my sister. Images of her raced through my mind. Would she look like me? Would she sound like me? Did she know about me? All of these thoughts raced through my mind. But, before I get from here, let me take you back to the beginning… well, when the beginning of my life of being a mother, anyway…

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Jul 15, 2019
• ISBN: 9780359791583

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Between Sisters

Between Sisters

By Kirby Butler

Copyright

Copyright © 2019 by Kirby Butler.

This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review or scholarly journal.

First Printing: ISBN978-0-359-79158-3

MACADIE

I felt the freezing cold wind biting at my ankles before beginning its whirly wind up my legs, around my body, and across my cheeks.  I inhaled deeply as I thrust my hands into my lap and lurched forward.

They’re here, Kris looked at me as he stood up.

I closed my eyes as I counted down from ten to one.  This was the day I had longed for ever since I was fourteen-years-old and had my daughter. Now, here I was 16 years later, about to meet my sister.  Images of her raced through my mind. Would she look like me?  Would she sound like me?  Did she know about me? All of these thoughts raced through my mind.  But, before I get from here, let me take you back to the beginning… well, when the beginning of my life of being a mother, anyway…

Rommel Davis had been the love of my life.  He and I had met when we were in day care together and became fast friends.  We lived in the same neighborhood in Petersburg, Virginia and he always played with me.  Well, Rommel and his two cousins Kristopher and DeShannon – or Kris and Desi as they were called.  He and I had a sort of flirtation until eighth grade when we finally started dating and I couldn’t have been happier – until I realized that Desi and Kris were always around.  There was never a time that it was just me and Mel, not for very long anyway.

Mel and I were standing in his driveway arguing one day about the fact that his cousins were always around.  It was a rainy April day and I remember standing at the bottom of the driveway, my hands balled into fists as I complained about Desi and Kris. Mel was one step away from me, holding an umbrella over the two of us as he listened and tried to lure me out of the rain. I refused to move.

Mel was adorable standing in front of me, his beautiful cocoa skin getting wet from the rain.  He had on a pair of jeans that were too big and hanging off his ass and a Michael Jordan jersey with a pair of red and black Jordan’s on his feet.  His left hand was raised maybe three inches from his face as he held up the black polka dotted umbrella, which probably belonged to one of his sisters.  His beautiful brown eyes were on me and I knew that I had his entire attention as he listened to every angry and annoyed word that flew out of my mouth.  Every now and then, he’d blink those gorgeous eyes and his long lashes would flutter but his focus would turn right back to me.  But today, the fact that he was just fine wasn’t going to be enough.  I was angry and I was going to let him know.

Cadie, just come inside, Mel reached his left hand out and touched my shoulder. We can talk inside.

No, I don’t want to, I yanked my arm away from him.  I don’t want Desi and Kris to hear and I don’t want all your brothers and sisters to know our business!  Every time I turn around one of your family members is in my face and I’m tired of it, Mel!!  When can it just be me and you without one of your thirty brothers and sisters or a million cousins around?!

He cleared his throat as he slipped his hand into his pocket.  Well, now you’re just exaggerating, Cadie, he cleared his throat.  I have three sisters and three brothers.

Whatever, I rolled my eyes as I folded my arms across my chest.

Look, I’m not about to stand out here anymore and risk getting sick while you ramble on and on about something you knew about before we started dating, Cadie.  You’ve been in my house since we were 4.  You’ve been in my grandparents’ houses and my aunts and uncles and you knew how close my family was on both sides. My grandmothers were best friends growing up, so… he shook his head.   When you come to your senses, you know where to find me.

Yeah, here, Desi’s or Kris’ house, I made a face.

At least you know, he reached out and took my hand and placed the umbrella in it.  It’s Ariel’s, so don’t lose it.  He leaned over and kissed my cheek before backing up the driveway as he shook his head again before turning and running into the house, closing the door behind him.

I stood at the bottom of the driveway, holding the umbrella and looking at where he used to be. I waited a few minutes, expecting Mel to come back outside apologizing and listening to me.  But instead, he never came.  I sucked my teeth as I turned and headed home, even more pissed off that he had left me standing in his driveway all alone like that.  I reached the end of the street and turned the corner, grumbling to myself and literally walked into Mel’s cousin, Kris.  I started to fall back, but Kris reached out and grabbed me by the elbow and stopped my fall.

You okay, Mac? he asked as he helped me to my feet.

I’m fine, I looked up at him.  At least you helped me up.  Your stupid cousin left me standing in his driveway in the rain!

Mel? he made a face.  That sounds like something I’d do, not Mel.

Well, he did it, I sneered.

Kris held up his hands as he took a step back.  Damn… I’m sorry, don’t bite my head off.

I shook my head as I looked away from him.

Let me walk you home, Kris took two steps to the side.  Obviously you’re pissed and not seeing clearly.  So, let me walk you home and then I’ll head on my way.

On your way to Mel’s house, no doubt, I rolled my eyes.

Kris exhaled as he held his hand out for me to go ahead and walk.

I sucked my teeth and headed home.  He fell in step with me and we walked the three blocks to my house in silence.  Kris walked me to the front porch.  I closed the polka dotted umbrella and held it out to him.

This is Ariel’s.  Can you make sure she gets it?

He nodded as he held it next to him.  I don’t know why you and Mel are arguing right now, but whatever he did can’t be that bad, Cadie.  The man is with you and speaking to you every single day.  No matter what we’re doing – every night at ten he has to call you and tell you goodnight. We have been in DC visiting family and he’s gone to the phone to call you at ten to say goodnight.  Not many dudes are going to do that.

Ooh, a phone call, I rolled my eyes.  He’s always with you and Desi.  Every time I turn around the two of you are there – or his clan of brothers and sisters.

You’re an only child, so I’m going to let that comment go and I’m assuming you made a comment about his brothers and sisters earlier and that’s why he left your standing.

I just rolled my eyes.

He makes as much time for you as any 13-year-old boy can, Mac.  He’s got a curfew and two parents that are together so he can’t pit them against each other.   But he’s with you every day.  He rides the bus with you, walks you home before he goes home, has lunch with you and makes time for you.  Yo, I have no clue where my girl is, Kris laughed as he held up his hands and looked around. I haven’t spoken to her in two days.  I figure I’ll see her tomorrow at school.  But your little Oreo ass… Mel will call you tonight at ten to say goodnight.

I’m not an Oreo, I grumbled.

He just laughed.

I don’t understand why he can’t spend time with just me, I unlocked my front door and walked inside, leaving the door open.  I went into the house and saw my father’s note on the fridge, reminding me that he was working a double shift and would see me when I got home from school the next day.  He said that he’d call me tonight and he had left money for me to order pizza and he would call also me in the morning to make sure I was up for school.  I heard the front door close.

You can come in the kitchen, Kris. I know you’re inside, I sighed as I opened the refrigerator to get something to drink.  I hated being home alone.  I was scared to be home alone and usually I would be at Mel’s until it was time for me to go home. Then I’d hurry home, take a shower, and Mel would call and talk to me until I fell asleep.  That was our nightly routine, especially when my father worked a double shift at the college.

Kris rounded the corner and came into the kitchen.  I just wanted to make sure you were settled before leaving, he said.

I shrugged my shoulders.  I’m going to change.  Can you just stay down here until I get back and then you can go to your boyfriend’s house?

Kris laughed.  A little incestuous for Mel to be my boyfriend, don’t you think?

I laughed as I passed him and headed to the steps.  I suppose.  I’ll only be a few minutes.  You can watch TV until I get back.

I went upstairs and took a shower before changing into a pair of sweatpants and a tank top.  I pulled my thick, naturally curly and wavy hair into a ponytail.  I stopped by the mirror and looked at myself before heading downstairs.  My sweatpants were a little too big, but I had pulled the drawstring to keep them up.  My white tank top was a size too small and showed off curves that I hadn’t realized that I had.  I turned to the side and admired my new figure that was forming.  I wondered if Mel had noticed my new body.  I had been afraid that I would have my mother’s figure – that of six o’clock…straight up and down.  But I could tell that I wasn’t.   I was getting curves and I loved it! 

You’re looking pretty good in those sweats, Kris’ voice came from behind me.

I turned around and saw him standing off to the side, looking at me and from the look on his face, he liked what he saw.  I pulled my shirt down a little over the top of my pants.

Thanks, I cleared my throat.

I just came up to let you know I was leaving.

Ok, I nodded my head as I walked over to him.  Thanks for walking me home.

He nodded, but his eyes were not on my face.  I gave a crooked smile as I put my hands on my hips.  My face is up here, Kris, I pointed to my face.

He looked at me.  I should go.

Why do you look at me like that? I took a step towards him.  It’s not the first time that I’ve seen you looking me over like that.

Because you’re gorgeous, Mac.  Your parents made a beautiful little Oreo.

I laughed. I am not an Oreo.

Yeah, you are. But you’re a nice little caramel coated Oreo.

I just laughed again.

I should go, Kris cleared his throat again.

I’m making you nervous, I took a step towards him, liking the fact that I was getting a response from him.

You’re my cousin’s girl and you’re standing in front of me looking really good in those sweats and tank, Kris took a step back.

I took two steps towards him and Kris backed up into the wall in between my room and my father’s room.  I gave a slight smile as I leaned my hand on the wall right next to him.  Kris took a deep breath.

You’re going to make me cross a line I don’t want to, Mac, Kris said as he looked at me.

What line would that be?

Just… take a step or two… or ten… back and no line will be crossed.

I leaned my head to the side as I smirked.  You’d never cross any line that involved Mel or Desi.

Just… he held up his hands.

I leaned forward so that I was just a breath away from him. What are you going to do if I don’t?

Kris’ hands gripped my waist as he pulled me against him. I gasped – a bit surprised that he had touched me and also surprised by what was pressing against me.  Before I could even process what was happening, Kris’ mouth closed down on mine.  I put my hands on his arms, ready to push him away, but for some reason, I found myself running my hands up his arms and to his head and pulled him closer to me as I opened my mouth and kissed him back. That kiss led to so much more than I had expected.  That kiss led to me losing my virginity to my boyfriend’s cousin.

What did we just do? Kris was on the other side of the room, his boxers on.  He began pacing the length of my room as he cursed over and over again.

I was sitting on the bed, my sheets pulled over me and feeling like the worst person in the world as the reality of what I had just done began to sink in.

Kris kept cursing as he picked up his clothes and went into the bathroom.  I wrapped my sheet around my body as I got up and hurried over to my bedroom door and closed it.  I locked the door before pressing my back against it and silently cursing myself.  Why did I have to test Kris’ limits?  Why did I get all in his face like that?  I should have just thanked him for walking me home and then shown him the door.  But no, I had to flaunt my newfound body in his face and test his limits and even when he told me to stop – I tested them.  And now, it was too late.  I had kissed him and… I had sex with him.  I had sex for the very first time with my boyfriend’s cousin. I had sex at 13.  I had to be the biggest whore that I knew!!  I had sex at 13 and not even with my boyfriend!

There was a gentle knock on my door.  I put my head in my hands.  Go away, Kris.

Are you okay? he had concern in his voice.

I covered my head.

I’m going to go, he said after a moment.

Fine, I leaned my head back against the door.

There was a slight pause and then I heard his feet descending the steps.  I waited until I heard the front door close before I got up and went to take another shower and wash the filth off of me.

That night – Mel didn’t call me at ten and I was a bit relieved.  I didn’t know what to say to him.  The next day, I didn’t go to school.  I told my dad I wasn’t feeling well and he let me stay home for the day.  I was thankful. I needed some more time before seeing Mel. I spent the entire day trying to figure out what to say.  By the time ten rolled around, I had prepared myself to speak to Mel… but he didn’t call me.  I was in my bed, my phone right next to me – and it never rang. 

The next morning I was up and dressed well before it was time to go to school.  I was even at the bus stop a little earlier, hoping to see Mel.  But, he never showed.  I got on the bus and headed to school, and Mel never got on the bus.

I didn’t see him until after homeroom, when I went to his locker to wait for him.  Mel and Desi rounded the corner and I stood up tall the second I saw him.  I noticed that their third partner was missing.

Hi, Mel, I reached out and touched his arm.

He pulled his arm away but didn’t look at me.  My heart stopped.

Mel, can we talk? I hugged my books to my chest as I looked at him.

Did you want to tell me that you fucked Kris, because I already know, he looked at me.  He told me Sunday night.

I felt as if the floor had been ripped out from underneath me.  All I could do was just stare at him and blink, not quite sure of what to say.

He shook his head as he slammed shut his locker and walked away from me.

That was the last time Mel had spoken to me.  Then, two months later, I had climbed into his bedroom window – much like I had when we were little and when we were dating.  Mel was in his bed, fast asleep when I opened his window and climbed inside.  I sat on the floor just under the window, my knees pulled to my chest, and just cried into my knees, half afraid to tell him why I was here.  My crying must have woken him, because the light beside his bed turned on and I heard my name.  I lifted my head and looked up at him, the tears streaming my face.

Cadie, what happened? Mel hopped out of the bed and was by my side in a second.  Is everything okay?

I shook my head as I put my head into my hands and cried again.  The last time I had crawled into his window and cried my parents were divorcing.  I was eight-years-old at the time and Mel sat next to me, holding my hand, and let me cry for a good two hours.  He never said a word.  When I couldn’t cry anymore, he put his arm around my shoulder and I fell asleep right there under his window, my head resting on him.  That’s where we were the next morning when his mother came to the room with my father and my dad took me home. But that was five years ago.

This time, Mel sat right next to me on the floor and put his arm around me and I cried into his chest for a good twenty minutes.  He just sat there quietly; his arm around me, and let me cry.  Once I had gathered myself together, I lifted my head and looked up at the boy that I had loved for so long and asked myself how I could mess that up.  I had hurt this person more than anyone ever should; yet, he still climbed out of his bed in the middle of the night and held me while I cried.  He still loved me enough to hold me.

What’s wrong? Mel asked gently.

I wiped my eyes with the back of my hands.  I looked up at him and my bottom lip quivered and the tears began again.  It took me a good five minutes to regain my composure.

I’m pregnant, I blurted.

Mel’s face changed from concern to anger to heartbreak to sympathy in a matter of seconds.  He put his arms around me and held me in his arms as I cried again.  I put my arms around him and sobbed.

Once I had gotten myself together, Mel helped me to my feet and walked me over to his bed. He sat me down and told me to calm down.  He went to the hall and picked up the phone.

Yo…yeah, you need to get over here, Mel kept his back to me.  Because you done fucked up, Kris, that’s why.

Kris came to the house a few minutes later and Mel sat there with me while I mustered the courage to tell him that I was pregnant.  Kris looked at me with a blank stare; the same blank stare that his parents gave him when Kris and I told them that I was pregnant one month later.

Wait, I’m confused, his mother, Mrs. Lopez, shook her head.  Aren’t you dating Rommel?  Shouldn’t Tatyana and James be sitting here hearing that you’re pregnant?  She furrowed her brow as she looked at me for a second and then turned to her husband and then Kris. Did I miss something?

Mel and Mac broke up, Kris cleared his throat as he looked up at his mother.  They broke up three months ago.

When you got pregnant? Mrs. Lopez pointed to me. Her face slowly registering what was happening.

I nodded my head as I held the pillow in front of my stomach.

Mr. Lopez sat back on the couch as he looked at his son.  You had sex with Rommel’s girlfriend, Kristopher?

Kris looked down at the floor.  Yes, sir.  His voice was barely