Page 51 of A Major Love

He pulled out one of his premade meals and went to the microwave. Every day, I felt bad that he couldn’t eat the delicious food I enjoyed, but it didn’t seem to bother him too much. He was disciplined, and I was impressed by his willpower.

When he joined us at the table, I noticed he wouldn’t look at me. I had no idea what was going on, but I would try to get to the bottom of it when his family left. I tried to pretend his behavior didn’t bother me, but I was very much bothered, although he was the only one who noticed.

“Have you started the new project yet?” Freya asked.

“We almost have everyone in place and should be starting within the next two weeks,” Major responded.

“Are you excited?” his mother asked.

“You know I don’t like people in my business, so this is out of my comfort zone.”

“Your fans only see bits and pieces of you, so you’re kind of a mystery to them, but that’s what’s going to make it successful,” Freya said.

“This ain’t about money, but hopefully my doing this will serve its purpose. I’m glad y’all came over because there is something I want to discuss.”

“This sounds serious, Son. Everything okay?” Mr. Lloyd asked.

“Everything is fine, but there’s something I want to include in my memoir and documentary that’s very sensitive, but I won’t do it unless everyone is comfortable with it.”

His parents looked at Freya because they knew exactly what Major was referring to, and the sensitive information affected her more than anyone. I didn’t meet Major until after the situation had occurred, but once we grew close, he’d shared the details.

“Only Freya can make that decision,” Mrs. Lloyd said.

“Why do you need to include something that happened to me in your memoir?” Freya asked.

“It’s a part of my story, and I don’t think I would’ve pursued boxing had it not happened.”

The summer before Major entered high school and Freya entered sixth grade, something unimaginable happened. While Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd were at work, and Major was walking home from football camp, someone Major thought was a good friend went to his house.

Dontrell and Major had been friends since elementary school, and he’d been to the Lloyd’s home many times. They’d fed him and given him a safe place to go when things were rocky at home. So, when Freya saw him at the door, she didn’t hesitate to open it.

Unfortunately, Dontrell was not who the Lloyds thought he was, and when Major got home, not even ten minutes later, he found Dontrell attempting to rape Freya. Her shirt was torn, and she was naked from the waist down. Had Major arrived a few minutes later, Dontrell would’ve succeeded.

Major blacked out and beat Dontrell so badly that he was unrecognizable. Unfortunately, while Dontrell was on his way to the hospital, Major was arrested. Although Dontrell was ultimately charged and convicted of attempted rape, assault, and a few other things, Major had a legal battle of his own.

Dontrell had the audacity to press charges against him, but thankfully, the judge who presided over Major’s juvenile case was not only the older brother of five younger sisters but also a part owner of a boxing club.

He gave Major probation and required that he become and remain a member of the boxing club until he graduated high school. It was life-changing for him in many ways.

“Okay,” Freya agreed.

“Are you sure? Because I can mention it but gloss over the situation if I need to,” Major offered.

“I’m sure. I think it’s important to tell the whole story,” Freya said.

There was a heaviness in the air, and Mr. Lloyd tried to lighten it by saying, “Have y’all talked about kids yet? I need a grandson to balance out Maja’s girl power energy.”

My eyes met Major’s, and I expected a smile, but his face was blank.

“I’m ready whenever Dynastie is ready,” Major said, keeping his eyes on me as he spoke.

He called me Dynastie, which confirmed my suspicions about his attitude toward me. Conversations continued to happen around me, but I wasn’t tuned in and didn’t contribute.

After his family packed food to take home, the leftovers were put away, the Lloyds left, and Major and I were alone again. I couldn’t wait to confront him about his attitude.

“What the hell is your problem?”

I tried.I really tried, but hiding my frustration with Dynastie was damn near impossible. My family didn’t say anything, but I knew they sensed it. Obviously, Dynastie did too.