Member-only story
Black Love/Black Women/LoveStory
Quid Pro Quo
Protect Him. Protect Her.
Kia has been sleeping over every night since I got out of County Jail. The entire world found out about her Family Secret. That her uncle had been doing terrible things to her.
I have my own shameful family secret. The day is fast approaching and the time has come for me to share before it’s too late. We are sitting Indian style facing one another on my bed.
“Kia, I’ve got something to tell you. I’m kinda embarrassed to say.”
“Bae, you can tell me anything. I will never repeat what you say. I love you no matter what.”
Tears well up in my eyes. I look away. Kia touches my face.
“Kade, it’s OK. Just take a deep breath and say it.”
I do as my Heart commands.
“My cousin Tanya comes down here to my basement room every Friday night after she gets paid and gets a package from Unc. She kisses me down there and makes me kiss her down there.”
“That fucking bitch. She’s 24 and you’re only 14. How long has she been doing it?”
“Since I was 12. She told me never to tell. But since you have been staying with me now tomorrow is Friday. I only want you. I never want to kiss another girl.”
