The Devil Made Me Do It by Colette R. Harrell Read Free Book Online Page A

her daydream had them married with two children.
    Amused at her daydream, Esther was unlocking her front door when her cell begin ringing. “Okay, okay.” She juggled her keys, purse, and phone. “Hello?”
    â€œHey, did I disturb you?”
    â€œNo, Mom. I’m a little tired, so I headed home early. Everything okay?” Esther threw her purse on the couch, kicked off her shoes, and then walked out of her skirt. She talked while she unbuttoned her blouse.
    â€œWell, now, don’t get upset. I know how you hate change, but Pastor is taking a one-year leave of absence. He and the first lady are leaving at the end of the month to be with Jeanette in Arizona.”
    â€œYes, I heard. Phyllis called me,” she snapped, a ridge forming across her forehead.
    â€œShe should have waited. I didn’t tell you, because I knew you were at work, and I didn’t want to disturb you. Why add drama to your workday?”
    â€œYou’re right, Mama. I didn’t mean to snap at you. I’m sleep deprived.” Esther smoothed her fingers back and forth over her forehead.
    â€œIs anything wrong, baby?”
    â€œMother Reed said some things that have me thinking.” Esther rubbed even harder at the hard ridges forming over her eyebrows.
    â€œAnd . . .?” her mother said slowly.
    â€œChange takes time,” Esther said in a defensive tone as she moved toward her bedroom. She was carrying her skirt and shrugged out of her blouse.
    â€œIt’s time to move on. I’ve been praying for you. You don’t seem happy.”
    â€œHave I worried you?” Esther sat on the bed, in her matching bra and panty set. She picked the brush up from her nightstand and stroked her hair in a circular motion.
    â€œIsn’t that a child’s job? You take chances; we worry. You hurt; we hurt for you. You pierce your finger; we bleed.”
    â€œYou get cold, we put on a sweater,” Esther joked knowing their love was a two-way street.
    â€œHa, ha, ha, that’s real cute. Through it all, you and Phyllis are my greatest treasures.”
    â€œWe love you too.” Esther finished smoothing her hair into a perfect wrap and securing it with a scarf.
    â€œCourse you do, who doesn’t?”
    Esther fell back onto the bed laughing, then held her head from the jolting pain. This headache had snuck up on her. Hopefully, some sleep would cure it.
    â€œWell, I have to go. Your daddy is looking lonely over there all by himself.”
    Esther overheard her father in the background sounding crabby as her mother hung up, “Woman, I’m minding my own business, so don’t come over here bothering me.”
    She smiled, their teasing always made her feel warm inside. Tonight, she would have a peaceful sleep, with no past-life disturbances. She inhaled and exhaled deeply, willing her headache away. Her eyes half-mast, she watched the shadows of the waning day play against the skylight in her ceiling. Soon they drifted close. As night engulfed her, her mind fought against returning to a time in her life that was ruled by darkness.

Chapter Six
    1995
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    Roger clapped his hands in her face to emphasize his message. “I said you are not going out. You at that church too much as it is.”
    Esther flinched. She was a grown woman standing in front of her husband being scolded like a four-year-old. This man was evil and small-minded. The caramel angular face she had once thought so attractive now held a demonic quality to it, the gray-silver eyes piercing with cruel intent.
    She shivered and subconsciously crossed her heart with her right finger.
    â€œDid your big tail just make the sign of the cross against me, girl? So now I’m the devil?” he raged.
    Esther’s chin quivered. “Don’t call me names.”
    Before Esther could move, Roger snatched her backward and slapped her in the face. She backed away holding her cheek in disbelief. She knew he