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ChapterNine
Lavender
Lavender’s headshook as she listened to Jasmine recall the last ten years of her life. They were sitting so close, their knees were pressed together while they held hands. It felt like Lavender was looking in the mirror, except her older sister’s hair was shorter and her skin was a shade darker. She’d prayed to God so long for this moment, and when it seemed it would never come, Lavender questioned if God was even there.
After Jasmine was sold to a drug dealer who also ran a brothel, she spent nine months being used for her body. What Lavender didn’t know was that the whole time Jasmine was missing, both Choyce and Mercy were looking for her on Lavender’s behalf. When Mercy found her, they couldn’t locate Lavender to let her know that her sister was alive.
For quite some time, Jasmine busied herself with work, God, and therapy. Just like Lavender was worried about her, she was worried about Lavender. It wasn’t until year three that she began to lose hope—just like Lavender. Mercy stepped up in a mighty way, shifting from friend and confidant to lover. They were married two years later and were currently expecting their first child.
Lavender’s head shook in disbelief. “I just can’t believe I’ve avoided Memphis all this time because I was hurt over our parents and not being able to find you, and you’ve been here all along.”
“I’m just happy you’re here, Lavy. Honest. I’ve learned to not question God, so maybe He kept you hidden for this season of your life for a very specific reason. Whatever the case, I’m just glad to have my sister back. I love my husband and the small family he welcomed me into, but I’ve been so lonely without you.”
“Come here,” Lavender ordered, pulling Jasmine closer for a hug. “I love you so much, sis. You’ve made my heart and my life complete. I’ve been so lost without you. So alone and lonely. God, I missed you so, so much.”
“You’re about to make me cry again,” Jasmine whined.
“If you cry, I’m going to cry.”
“Well, I’m pregnant, so I have an excuse.”
Lavender laughed as she released her sister. “I got my sister back. That’s all the excuse I need.”
Jasmine rested her head on Lavender’s shoulder, and she quickly placed her hand on her protruding belly.
“Do you know what you’re having yet?”
“A boy. You came back at the perfect time. I’ve been happy about my baby but sad thinking about not having you all. While I still miss Mom and Dad, you’re more than enough for me.”
“I’m going to be here every step of the way, Jazzy. I can’t wait for my nephew to get here.” A beat of silence passed before Lavender asked, “He treats you well?”
Jasmine sat up. “Mercy?” Lavender nodded. “Of course. It took me some time to open up to him. Years. But he was patient with me.” Jasmine blushed and took Lavender’s hand into hers. “It was hard for a lot of reasons, and I didn’t make loving me easy, but Mercy’s a great guy, sis. I’m blessed to have him.”
Lavender nodded her approval before releasing an amused cackle.
“Here I was trying to work up the courage to have his ass killed because he was one of the men that took us. Meanwhile, you out here living your best life with the nigga.”
“Lavy!” Jasmine yelled before giggling. “What the hell?”
Her eyes rolled. “It doesn’t even matter, sis. Just know I was going to war for y’all.”
Though Lavender laughed, she was dead fucking serious. The restaurant was how she paid her bills and took care of her desires, but she’d turned to gambling like her father to be able to afford the hits she’d ordered on the Jerome family over the years. Now, she was glad she’d saved Mercy for last. What Jasmine said was true—there was a reason for everything. While she’d probably never know the reason God allowed her to be so consumed in sadness, depression, anger, and guilt that she couldn’t bear to return home for ten years, Lavender was just glad she was back now.
The brothers walked into the living room, holding beers. Choyce’s eyes were resting low, and she smelled marijuana when he came and placed a kiss on her forehead.
“Mercy wants us to stay while he barbecues. You good with that?”
“She doesn’t have a choice. Either she’s staying here or I’m going with her,” Jasmine answered.
“What she said,” Lavender replied, eyes following Choyce as he went and sat on the larger sectional.
Her eyes scanned the room and she felt pride for the life her sister had been living. Though their past had been traumatic, it appeared that Jasmine had been living a life of love, happiness, and peace. Lavender told herself that was all that mattered. And when they got back to Choyce’s place, she couldn’t wait to show him just how much she appreciated all that he and Mercy had done for her and her sister.
