Big and Aimee: Beautiful Chaos by Charae Lewis Read Free Book Online Page A

plastic bag in the corner and hurriedly snatched it up.
    “Put it in here,” Dillon demanded.
    The worker put everything in the bag and said, “You really don’t know who you’re fucking with.”
    Dillon grabbed the bag from the guy and hit him in the head with his pistol. The guy dropped immediately, and Dillon took off toward the back door. He ran to his car and hopped in. He laughed as he started his engine. He couldn’t believe he had scored that much cash along with the heroin. He knew he was going to get a hefty sum for the drugs and he couldn’t wait to feel that money in his hand.
    ****
    Big maneuvered his car with one hand as he gripped his mother’s hand with the other one. Elle was seated in the passenger’s seat as she looked out of the window. Big was taking her to a rehab center that was located on the south side of Milwaukee. Big’s sister, Danica, sat in the back seat along with Zaria. After much pleading, Tara had finally let Big spend time with his daughter. He wanted Zaria to see her grandmother off since Elle would be in rehab for ninety days. Big could tell that his mom was nervous because her palms had become sweaty. During the drive, Elle had been silent, and Big prayed that she wasn’t having second thoughts.
    “You good, Mama?” Big asked her.
    Elle turned to him and gave him a faint smile as she nodded. She had become lost in her thoughts as she looked forward to becoming sober. She wished she would've done it years ago just so she could be there for her children. Elle knew that her kids didn’t hold a grudge against her, but truthfully, she held one against herself. She would never forgive herself for choosing alcohol over her children.
    After thirty minutes, Big finally pulled up to the center. He found a parking space and then everyone got out of the car. Big popped his trunk and grabbed Elle’s luggage. The family walked inside where they were greeted by a counselor.
    “Hello, my name is Kelly. You must be Elle.”
    Elle nodded her head and gave Kelly a handshake.
    “Welcome to the St. Francis Rehabilitation Facility. I’m glad that you're here to get help. We’re going to do everything in our power to ensure that you reach sobriety and maintain it.”
    Elle released a sigh and began to tear up. She knew she was making the right decision to get clean, but she was scared of the challenges ahead. Her body had become so dependent on alcohol that she knew the sickness would be waiting on her.
    “Well, I’m going to let you say goodbye to your family,” Kelly said and then walked off.
    Elle then turned to Danica as tears continued to pour from her eyes. Danica hugged her tight as she began to tear up. “Mama, don’t cry. This is going to be the best decision of your life.”
    Elle wiped her tears away with the back of her hand. “I know, but I’m scared.”
    “Why are you scared?” Big questioned.
    “I’m scared that I’m going to let you guys down and I don’t wanna do that.”
    “Mama, you can’t go to rehab for us. You have to get sober for you . You’ve been abusing your body for years, and it’s time to get healthy. Okay?” Danica said and hugged her again.
    Zaria tugged on Big’s hand, looking up at him. “Daddy, why is Grandma crying?”
    Big picked her up and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “Grandma is crying because she’s happy. Ain't that right, Ma?” he said getting Elle’s attention.
    Elle looked over and instantly gave Zaria a kiss on the cheek. “Yeah, baby, Grandma is happy. You promise you're going to come see me?”
    “Yes,” Zaria replied excitedly.
    Kelly returned and grabbed Elle’s hand. “Are you ready, sweetie?”
    Elle nodded and wiped her tears. Big reached over and gave her a hug and a kiss on the cheek.
    “A’ight, Mama, good luck. Call me if you need anything,” he told her.
    “I will,” Elle said and grabbed her luggage before she walked off with Kelly.
    Big wrapped his arm around Danica and pulled her close. “She’s