Page 29 of Bruised Hearts

“Yeah, that nigga didn’t even try to lie. He didn’t insult me by acting like he knew what I was going through, but he told me something I never forgot. If you want to stop being someone’s punching bag-…”

“Punch back,” we both said at the same time.

“I got up and went home with a new purpose. My lil ass charged in that door with my chest puffed out ready to fight the world. Well, I got one good hit, and that nigga beat my ass like he never beat me before.” Everyone else was silent, but Landon seemed amused. Me, I was locked in. Listening intently to this new information. “After he fucked me up, he drug me outside to the corner and left me there. Told me since I thought I was grown, I had to get out of his house. As a kid, I was devastated because as fucked up as my living situation was, it was home. Where the hell was I going to go? I ended up in a group home wondering where this nigga Devin was.”

“So, you could live with him?”

“Hell naw, so I could beat his ass. That nigga’s advice didn’t turn out like I thought.” Everyone fell out laughing, but hearing that made my chest cave. I never knew my advice was the reason he ended up there.

“Did you know that?” Blaise looked at me horrified, and it almost seemed as if she was pissed at me. I shook my head no in disbelief. Why did he never tell me that?

“At the time, I had no idea who he would be to me. I was lost, confused, and angry. One day, I called his ass up to vent and a forever bond was built. I said all that to say this, yeah, I’m Breaker the heavyweight champ.” He pointed to all the other people on the stage. “But these people, they matter. They are here to build you up on days you can’t do it yourself. They could be your Devin. Thank you!” Everybody stood up clapping and screaming, but I was stuck.

18- Landon “Breaker” Mercer

Walking around shaking hands, I kept glancing over at Pops. Something about his mood was off, but I couldn’t figure out what it could be. To anyone else, he seemed to be perfectly fine. Smiling, answering questions, doing all the right things. To me, his son, it looked mechanical. Finally making my way over to him, I waited for him to finish the conversation he was having. Leaning over to Moms, I whispered in her ear.

“Hey, is he good?”

“Yeah, and I’m so proud of you son. You had me back here crying.” Grabbing me, she hugged me tight before kissing me on my jaw. More people came over, so she was back engaged in their conversations. Pops turned towards me and gave me that same fake smile. Either Moms didn’t want me to know, or she don’t know her nigga like she thinks she does.

“I told you that you would do good.” When he grabbed me, his body was stiff. Leaning back, I looked him over.

“Pops, what’s going on?”

“Nothing, son. We need to get ready to get up out of here though. You bout done?” I knew he was withholding, but I nodded my head. Walking over to Jr I dapped him up and said my goodbyes.

“Thank you for coming. It meant a lot.”

“Anytime. Hit me up if you need something.” I hugged him and headed out. Once we got in the car, Moms was rambling talking about any and everything, but Pops was staring out the window in his own world. Every now and then, I would respond to Moms, but I had a lot on my mind. Before long, we pulled up to the house. I’m not sure if he realized it or not, but this was the first time Pops has ever left from around me and didn’t say a word. He jumped out the car and went inside. I was about to leave when I thought better of it. Getting out, I walked in behind them.

“How did it go?” Nana was still sitting in the same spot.

“Cool,” was Pop’s response, so now I know I’m not tripping.

“You gone tell me what’s up?” He looked around as if he didn’t know who I was talking to.

“Who?”

“You nigga. What’s good?”

“I told you I’m fine.”

“You’re lying, but what I can’t figure out is why?”

“Don’t yall come in here with all that ghetto shit. I’m in a good mood, and I don’t want to hear all this ruckus.” We both ignored Nana. I stared him down while he tried to look away.

“Devin,” I called after him. This nigga really tried to walk away.

“What do you want me to say?” I could hear hurt in his voice, but that only confused me more.

“Tell me what I did wrong.” I don’t know why it came out in a whisper, but the thought of me possibly hurting him was fucking with me. Pops looked up and his face softened. Dropping down, he sat next to Nana on the couch putting his head in his hands.

“It’s not what you did. It’s me finding out what I did to you.” Now I was really confused.

“Wait, what?”

“Why didn’t you tell me I was the reason you ended up in the group home?” Now understanding, I sat down as well.