The Devil Made Me Do It Read Online Free PDF Page A

“Esther, I haven’t seen you since the funeral, and even then you wouldn’t talk to me. Will you talk to me now?”
    Esther pointed, indicating Briggs should sit. She sat opposite him in her desk chair. To strengthen her resolve, she mirrored his entrance by crossing her arms and portraying a cold countenance. It was a difficult act. His presence transmitted reminders of love-filled days. His muscular biceps attached to the arms that once held her tight. His two lips the focus of many of her prayers to God, to keep her holy. Then his eyes swollen and bloodshot berated her conscience.
    Esther’s resolve was melting. She chewed on her bottom lip and sat on her hands. “What would you like to talk about, Briggs?”
    Briggs’s voice cracked, and his cleft chin jutted out. “You’re kidding, right? One minute we’re in love and we’re planning a future. The next thing I know, you walk out of the gymnasium and my life without a word. Esther, do you have any idea how I feel? No. Do you care?”
    Esther rocked back and forth. “What do you want from me, Briggs, an apology? I’m sorry. I’m sorry you weren’t first on my list when I lost my best friend. I’m sorry you weren’t second on my list when my other best friend lost her friggin’ mind.” Her lips trembled, and her composure slipped. “You weren’t on the list, Briggs. Everything is not about you.”
    Briggs jumped to his feet. “That’s what you think? I’m selfish and don’t care? Sheri was my friend too. Did you remember that when you were making decisions for our lives?” In a sudden fit of passion, Briggs swung double-fisted air punches to an imaginary foe, moving back and forth until winded; afterward he bent over with his hands on his knees breathing heavy with exertion.
    â€œYou’re making me . . . look, I can’t do this anymore. My mistake was thinking that if we talked we could get through this, but I can see it’s already a wrap. I’m gon’ step.”
    Esther waved her hand in the air at his antics. “What was that, Briggs? I’m sorry, but I didn’t ask you here. I haven’t even answered your calls.” In the face of his defeat and her guilt, her voice shrieked for both their pain. “Don’t you get it? I can’t do this!”
    Briggs moved forward and invaded her personal space. “You’re going to throw us away and not even fight for us?” He paused, desperation and hope battling in his eyes. Esther remained silent; and his eyes dulled with pain. They were over. His body stretched, his chest inflated with false bravado. “This how you gon’ play it? Girl, there is a line forming to get at me. You better recognize my worth.”
    Esther walked around Briggs. She strode across the room and flung open the door. “Here you are, still talking.” She opened and closed her hand in talking gestures.
    â€œThat was real nice, Esther.” Briggs’s eyes clouded, and he brushed past her without another glance. His long legs carried him out of her room and halfway down the hallway in record time.
    Numb, she watched him walk away. One fragile step into her room, and she collapsed on the floor. She was all cried out, so she lay prone and grieved. After a time, she crawled to her bed and pulled her packed suitcase from under it. She wrestled, gaining her composure. On shaky legs, she carried her suitcase out the door.
    She had intended to make a clean getaway and avoid drama. She’d had enough of dramatic exits. Esther was going home. Her grief had recently taught her to take only those memories light enough to carry.

Chapter Four
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    The deep baritone voice of Esther’s pastor resonated throughout the sanctuary. “I tell you, my brethren, it was not unusual that the bush burned. Many bushes burned during that time. That was the nature of things. We know about