Chapter Two

Anthony
I was really getting tired of my brothers being in my business I confronted them the next day at practice.
"Who's the punk ass that told Angie about my leg?"
Of course they played dumb.
"Nobody gon fess up? Well y'all don't have to keep telling on me like little bxtches, I told her everything. It's over," I said trying to hold in my hurt.
The rehearsal was tense. Nobody could concentrate. Then Uncle Drano walks in to go over the itinerary for the next city.
"I think we should put "She's Gone" back in the show."
"Naw, I'm not doin it."
"Ant this isn't just about you," Grady said.
"I'm not singing that song."
I walked out to clear my head. Grady follows me.
"Anthony! Anthony!" he called.
He stopped me before I left the building.
"I messed up Grady. I don't want to be like dad man," I shamefully admitted.
"Look none of us are perfect we all make mistakes. Look at me."
He was referring to his situation with his daughter's mother.
"I love her so much Grady."
I covered my face trying not to let him see my watering eyes.
"Just give her time and then go talk to her."
"You right. Tell Unc I'll be there in a minute."
I walk outside and call Ang.


Angela
I barely slept last night from crying. I never thought I'd love or trust another man after what I'd been through with Reggie. Anthony never physically hit me but what he said to me last night did more damage than any fist could.
"You okay?" Meech asked peeping in my room like a little kid.
I wiped my face. That gave her the answer.
"Well I made the boys some breakfast did you want anything?"
"I'm not hungry but thanks."
I turned toward dresser when I heard my cell phone ring.
"You want me to get it?" Meech asked.
"Please."
"It's him," she said.
I wanted so much to take the call but the pain wouldn't let me.
"I don't want to talk to him."


Anthony
"Ang I want to talk to you before I leave again. We leave Friday morning. Uhh...just give me a call or leave a message with my mom."
I wanted to tell her I love her but I knew that wouldn't help right now.
"We really need to talk about this Ang. Just call me."
I walked back into the meeting catching the ending of Uncle's speech. Once he left I found out I'd been out voted. We'd be doing "She's Gone."