Page 9 of Unexpected Prejudice

“Alright.” With one simple word, his guy let go of my hair, and I fell on my arms and knees. “You have until next Saturday to get me this month’s and next month’s money.”

“Wait, what?” I stumbled back to my feet and looked at him. There was no way I’d have two payments ready in a week. “But—”

My words were cut off when he hit my jaw with the brass knuckles. The impact of his blow was so intense that it sent me off my feet. I landed hard on my back, knocking the wind out of me. When I sat up on wobbly knees, I spat out blood and rubbed my throbbing cheek. The right side of my face felt like it was on fire.

“I’ll see you next week, kid. Make sure you bring the money, or next time, we’ll make sure to talk with that pretty mama of yours.”

My mom only knew about the bank’s debt. She was clueless about the loan sharks, and I planned to keep it that way. I had no idea how I’d come up with the money, but I’d need to find a way because there was no chance I’d let them or anyone else hurt her.

I waited until they drove off before I carried myself back into our room while trying not to leave a trail of blood behind. After treating my wounds, which were painful but superficial, I went to the couch—my bed for the past three months. I moved it from the wall to reveal an air vent where I hid the money I’d earned from my job. Taking the lid off, I pulled out the few bills I had stashed there. Not nearly enough for two months’ payments.

I am screwed. So fucking screwed.

Sitting down in our small kitchen, I tried to eat my breakfast in peace, but since my mom was home, that wasn’t going to happen.

“I still can’t believe you got robbed last night,” she said for the third time as she walked around the room, trying to find her purse. “For God’s sake, Jordy, tell me again why you didn’t call me right away?” She stopped with her hands planted on her hips, waiting for me to let go of my bowl of cereal and answer her question.

I got up from the chair with the bowl in my hands. “Because you were at work, and there was nothing you could do. Like I said, they were on me one minute, and the next, they were gone.” I used the bathroom sink to wash the bowl then placed it on the tiny counter.

“We should have called the police,” she said, her eyes following me around the room.

“It was dark, and they wore masks, so I couldn’t see who they were. Besides, I only had a few dollars in my wallet, so the police wouldn’t care either way.” Lying to her physically hurt me, but I had no other choice. “I’m okay, Mom,” I promised her, even though it was far from the truth.

“Look at what they did to my baby’s face.” She stood beside me, her soft hand gently touching my bruised jaw.

“I’m not a baby anymore.”

“You’ll forever be my baby.” She stood on the tips of her toes to kiss my forehead. “Remember that.”

“I will.” I chuckled when she let go of me and continued to search for her purse.

“Finally,” she said once she found it and opened the red bag to pull something out. “There you go.” She handed me a medium-sized black object. “I want you to carry this with you from now on.”

I raised my hands and shook my head at the pepper spray. “No way, Mom.”

“I don’t want to hear about it, Jordan.”

I knew better than to argue with her when she called me Jordan instead of Jordy.

“Promise me you’ll carry it with you.” She pointed her manicured nail at me. She always said she wouldn’t be caught dead with bad nails. It was one of the reasons I was never surprised to find her doing her nails in the crack ass of dawn.

“I promise.”

“Good.” She straightened her outfit with her palms. “So, the next time someone’s trying to rob you, point that in their face and press it until they go fucking blind. Got that, baby?”

I chuckled. “Yes, Mom.”

“Good boy.” She winked and gave me another kiss. Checking her watch, she sighed. “Okay, I’ve got to go, but how about I fix your hair tonight? We need to put those braids in order.”

“No need. I’m going to get my hair cut today.”

She gasped dramatically. “Don’t you dare cut that beautiful hair of yours. I warn you, Jordy.” She then gave me half a smile. “I’m joking. Do what you want, but please don’t cut it too short. You have such beautiful hair, baby.”

“Mom!” I laughed.

“What?”

“We said enough with the baby. Besides, you’re going to be late. Go.”