Marriage Mayhem

by Samuel L. Hair

  As time passed, Mr. and Mrs. Siordia had been observing how special and exceptional Jermaine was treating their daughter, which caused them to grow fonder of him. Besides, they both knew that there was nothing that they could say or do to change Sylvia’s mind toward Jermaine. She was happily in love.

  Sylvia had not had sex with anyone since her last relationship, which was two years earlier. The last boyfriend she had, whose name was Eduardo, had cheated on her with her cousin and also with her two best friends. She discovered that Eduardo had been sleeping with them all for almost two years and unfortunately, everyone knew except her. With Eduardo being her first, her heart was completely shattered to pieces.

  Jermaine felt like this was something he should have done a long time ago. He felt that being with Sylvia was the right move for him. He told his mother and sisters about her, and they could tell by the excitement and enthusiasm in his voice that he really cared for her and would treat her very well.

  “At least she’s not one of those ghetto women that Jermaine is normally attracted to,” his oldest sister had said.

  “I’m happy for him,” said his other sister. “She’s nice, intelligent, and has positive things going on in her life.”

  Working out of the same office became a problem for Sylvia and Jermaine, mainly due to everyone being in their business. Each day when Jermaine arrived at the office, Reggie approached him, smiling. “Did you hit it yet, man?”

  “You’re getting kind of personal aren’t you, Reg?”

  “Just tell me if you hit it, man, that’s all I wanna know. I’ve got a hundred-dollar bet with Larry, Shane, Marcia, and even the boss, saying that you’ve hit it, so I need to know so I can collect my cash, man.”

  “Reggie, do you actually think that I’d let you know something that personal?”

  “Hell yeah, you my boy, ain’t you?”

  “Yeah, I’m your boy, Reg, but she’s my girl, and I wouldn’t say or do anything to hurt her.”

  “Damn, you fall in love too quick, man. That shit could be dangerous, you know. Check yourself, before you wreck yourself, man.”

  “Believe me, Reg, I know what I’m doing.”

  “Yeah, right. I’ll bet that you knew what you were doing when you married that nightmare too, huh?”

  “Chill, man, take it easy, Reg. Man, I really think you need to go buy yourself a can of business.”

  “Whatever.”

  One day during lunch Reggie, once again, began voicing his opinion toward black women.

  “Man, I’m telling you that a high percentage of black women be trippin’, and I don’t understand it. This one heffa name Pam kicked me dead in the ass with a pointy-toed shoe, and then busted the windows out of my Beamer. Like a damn fool, I took her back, and a week later the heffa stabbed me. That’s when it was time for me to say goodbye, you know what I mean? But being the pussy-whipped man I was, I accepted the heffa back again, man, and a week later I found out that she had fucked up my credit by using my identity to forge some damn loan documents to purchase all kinds of shit. Man, she had rented cars, maxed out my credit cards, and had even charged over three thousand dollars worth of shit from Victoria’s Secret. Yeah, she was just one of the many unappreciative women I took care of. After her, I dated another sista named Rochelle, right? Man, this woman didn’t have any shame about embarrassing herself in public. She would wait until she was in the presence of a crowd of people and talk loud and ghetto to me, you know? The bad thing about it was that she didn’t care who heard her, and didn’t give a damn about what she was saying. She was straight ghetto, man.”

  Listening to Reggie, Jermaine could have sworn that he had ultimately described Karen, but he did not care to comment at the moment.

  Mornings when Sylvia arrived at work, a few nosy coworkers would approach her and began making small talk in hopes to get some information about her and Jermaine so they could gossip.

  “How is he in bed?” asked Marcia.

  “Does he have a big dick?” Sandra boldly asked.

  “Have you exchanged juices yet?” asked Cheryl.

  “How is life with a black man?” Lisa asked Sylvia that same question just about every day.

  “Why are you guys so into my business? If and when Jermaine and I ever get intimate, believe me, you inquisitive hounds will never know,” replied Sylvia, directing her response to all of them.

  While sitting at the dinner table later that evening, Sylvia made a suggestion.

  “Sweetheart, I think that us working in the same office will one way or another effect our relationship. I honestly recommend that, for the sake of our relationship, we should strongly consider working apart from one another.”

  “Yeah, babe, we’re on the same page. I was thinking the same thing. Reggie is all over me every day like white on rice asking me all kind of questions about us, and to tell you the truth, I’m tired of it. Tomorrow, I’ll call a few other local Realtors to see if they have any openings and if so, exactly what they have to offer. As long as I’m not too far away from you, I can deal with it, but you know how I get those sudden urges for your kisses.”

  “You’re so silly, but I love you so much for your understanding, your consideration, your love, and your—”

  “Stop flattering me, babe.”

  “I’m only telling the truth.”

  “Where have you been all my life?”

  “Within your reach, and waiting patiently for you.”

  While kissing and hugging, their bodies began overheating. Before things escalated, Sylvia pulled back and looked Jermaine in the eyes.

  “I think I’d better stop before we end up doing something that we promised we wouldn’t do until we’re married.”

  “I think you’re right, sweetheart.” He then kissed her forehead and walked her to her car.

  The next day after being interviewed and tested by the Antelope Valley branch of Coldwell Banker, Jermaine was immediately hired.

  Eight long months had slowly crept by, and then one day while watching a movie, Jermaine proposed to Sylvia. He could not hold back any longer. He paused the movie, and then got on his knees, giving Sylvia a serious, intense look. Then he took her hand.

  “Sweetheart, I thank God for you. Being with you these last few months has really confirmed my love for you, and I cannot go another day without asking you to be my wife. Sylvia, will you marry me?”

  “I thought you’d never ask. Of course I’ll marry you, Jermaine. What took you so long to ask? I love you so much, and I promise you that I will always love you, respect you, and be there for you no matter what.”

  “I love you too, Sylvia, and my promise to you is to always love you, respect you, cherish you, and do my best to keep you happy and content. Through sickness or good health, for rich or poor, through our good times or bad times, I promise to love you. “

  Two weeks later they got married.

  Sitting proudly on the front row was Mr. and Mrs. Siordia along with all of Sylvia’s brothers and sisters. Jermaine’s mother, his sisters, his nephew, and a few cousins were also present occupying the second row and the third row. Reggie and a few coworkers were also there. Members of the congregation and people that had known Sylvia’s family since coming to the United States happily occupied the remainder of seats.

  It had been Mr. Siordia’s idea for them to be married at church. Neither Sylvia nor Jermaine had protested. As a matter of fact, they thought it was a great suggestion. Jermaine and Sylvia appeared to be the happiest newlyweds in the whole wide world after saying “I do”.

  The following day, Sylvia wasted no time moving into Jermaine’s home. She had waited long enough and now she was ready to make love to her new husband.

  A couple months later, she became cheerfully pregnant.

  Chapter 19

  While growing up, Jasmine had never been too fond of her mother, mainly because of the things that she was exposed to and the way her mother treated her. Bad memories would haunt her mind prob
ably forever.

  Now being an intelligent, self-motivated young lady, it was not hard for her to distinguish what was real from what was actually bullshit. She remembered seeing her mother smoke crack on many occasions, and then her mother would always yell at her about one thing or another, and would even beat her for no apparent reason. Also, she remembered her mother bringing strange men into the apartment, and minutes later hearing the headboard bang against the wall and loud sex cries.

  She could never forget the time that her brother and her had to live in a foster home until her Aunt Jewell had come to her rescue.

  She often thought about all the violent fights and vulgar language her mother used toward men who she had moved into her apartment. She remembered being hit with an iron that was thrown at her by her mother. She remembered being slapped by her mother on many instances. Those memories had scarred Jasmine’s mind so badly that it was nearly impossible for her to forget about them.

  While shopping at Wal-Mart one day, Jermaine ran across Jasmine.

  “Hey, Jazzy, how are you doing?” It had been a while since they had last seen one another.

  “I’m fine, and you?” She was delighted to see him. He was the only man that she had approved of her mother being with. Actually, she felt that he was too good of a man for her mother, and also felt that her mother would somehow lose him due to her bad mouth and actions.

  “I’m good. How is the baby and Raymond doing?”

  “They’re fine, thanks for asking. When was the last time you heard from my mother?”

  “Well, the last time I saw your mother she told me that when she’s released she’s marrying a woman she met in prison, and that was almost a year ago.”

  “Umph, I wouldn’t put it past her, Jermaine. My mother’s mind has been screwed up for as long as I can remember. She has always been a liar and a good talker. She tries hard to convince people into believing her and most times it works, but being around her for all those years, I can see right through her bullshit. I know that I really shouldn’t be saying derogatory things about my mother, but she’s given me every reason to,” explained Jasmine, beginning to cry. “She’s always been a good-for-nothing mother, and a first-class slut!” Jasmine had always felt comfortable talking to Jermaine. He was like a positive male figure she never had. She then continued pouring out her emotions.

  “Did you know that she had sex with my father’s cousin named Gary? Gary has pictures of her holding her pussy open, smiling and grinning. When I saw those pictures they blew my mind, Jermaine. And not only that, I was told that she gave my boyfriend’s best friend a blow job for a piece of crack, and he was only seventeen years old. I knew when I first met you that you were not her cup of tea, and I figured that sooner or later she would reveal her true identity and that you would have hell on your hands. Jermaine, you are actually the best man my mother has ever had. You’re the only man who cared anything about Stevie and Alexus. All those other worthless assholes, including my father, were nothing but street trash. Now she’s about to marry a woman, huh? I wonder has she been taking her psych meds.”

  “Jasmine, Lord knows that I was patient with your mother. I had prayed hard for her to someday let go of her ignorance, her filthy mouth, her being disrespectful to me, and turn away from her evil old ways. I tried everything possible to deal with her. I’m a firm believer that things happen for a reason, and finally I’ve gotten over her and found myself someone who loves and appreciates me. Your mother’s problem was that she didn’t know how to love anyone else, because she didn’t know how to love herself. I thank God that I’m all right now. No more stress, no more arguing every day, no more headaches or being stabbed by someone who supposedly loves you, and no more being verbally abused on a daily basis.” His look was solemn.

  “I’m happy for you, Jermaine. You deserve to be happy. I wish you and your significant other the best of luck, peace, and happiness. My mother has to be the stupidest woman in this world for acting so ignorant, inconsiderate, and unappreciative toward you.” She then hugged him.

  “If you ever need anything, Jasmine, and I don’t care what it may be; don’t be ashamed or afraid to ask me. I’ll always be there for you, regardless of what happened between your mother and me.”

  “Thanks, Jermaine, I really appreciate that. Have a nice day,” she replied, and then continued her shopping.

  Lately, Jasmine’s relationship with Raymond had not been going well at all. Due to the fact of them being together since junior high school and having a son, Jasmine tried hard to make her relationship work, but her efforts proved to be worthless and insignificant.

  Raymond was a good example of a lazy, irresponsible, insecure man, who had gotten used to Jasmine taking care of him. He had never had a job and had never attempted to find one. His idea of an ordinary day consisted of smoking weed, drinking beer, and hanging with his homeys, shooting the shit.

  When Jasmine came home from a long day of school and work, Raymond instantly demanded her to cook, then pressured her into giving him sex.

  Raymond’s insecurities had caused him one day to hide in the backseat of Jasmine’s car while she was inside one of her male classmate’s mother’s house studying for an upcoming exam. Raymond had automatically assumed that Jasmine and her study partner were having sex.

  After a few hours of studying, Jamal, her study partner, walked Jasmine to her car. No intimate gestures were made and no words of a possible relationship were exchanged, but out of the blue Raymond opened the back door and leaped out like a lion and began beating the college boy like he stole something from him.

  “Raymond, stop it!” Jasmine yelled.

  “Who’s this? What’s going on?” Jamal yelled, attempting to shield Raymond’s punches, but failing.

  “Nigga, I’ll kill you!” Raymond yelled, while socking Jamal in the face and head.

  “Stop it, Raymond, I said stop it!” Jasmine was crying and yelling simultaneously.

  “Shut up, bitch, because you’re next. I know you’ve been fucking this nigga! You can’t tell me that you ain’t been fucking him! You’ve been talking to the nigga on the phone damn near every fuckin’ day, and now you at this nigga’s house? Bitch, please! What kind of fool do you think I am? I might not go to college like y’all muthafuckas, but I ain’t stupid, bitch! Get your ass in the car and let’s get the fuck outta here! You’ll get yours when we get home!” said Raymond, giving her an evil look.

  Jamal laid helplessly on the sidewalk with a busted nose, a knocked out tooth, two black eyes, and a couple knots on his forehead.

  Jasmine was embarrassed, upset, and indignant by Raymond’s unnecessary actions and assumptions. He had never gone to the extent of ever hitting her, but instinct told her that this situation brought up the possibility.

  When they made it back to the apartment, Raymond rushed over to her computer and picked it up and slammed it on the floor. Then he grabbed her 17-inch flat-screen monitor and slammed it to the floor. Jasmine stood helplessly watching. She did not want to say anything that would make him even angrier.

  Raymond then grabbed a bottle of bleach off the kitchen counter and poured it over her furniture, and then went to the bedroom and bleached all of her clothes. Feeling that all his frustrations were not completely compensated, Raymond then grabbed a butcher knife and stormed outside to her car and, like a madman, sliced all four of her tires.

  Jasmine figured he had gone a little too far now.

  “Why are you acting like a damn fool, Raymond? Jamal and I were only studying for an exam, and nothing more. There is nothing going on between us, but classwork and studying! Maybe if you were in college or naturally smart I could confide in you, but unfortunately you chose the streets as your way of life,” said Jasmine, and then he cut her off.

  “Bitch, you’re a goddamn lie! What kinda fool do you take me for? Y’all muthafucka’s were studying, all right; studying different fuck positions, that’s what y’all was studying!”

  �
�Fuck you, asshole! You’ve crossed the line now. You know what Raymond, you’re not an asset in any form to me, you’re a fucking liability. I’ve been paying your way through life ever since my first job. I’ve bought your clothes, pay your cell phone bills, put gas in the fucking car that I bought your sorry ass, and I’ve been feeding you and providing a roof over your worthless head, and this is the thanks I get? Fuck you, Raymond; I’m finished with you! I’ve had enough! You’re history, and I want you out of my fucking apartment and out of my life right fucking now!” Jasmine was furious. It took a lot for her to get angry, but Raymond had gone overboard.

  “Aw, you’re just trying to get rid of me so you can move your college boy in here, but it ain’t happenin’, bitch! Hell no, I don’t think so.”

  “I could care less about what you think, Raymond. Time has proven that your thinking is so fuckin’ ghetto and distorted, that I really don’t give a damn what you think anymore. I want you out of here, and I want you out right now! Not tomorrow, not the next day, not next year, but right fucking now!” She stood with her hands on her hips with a serious look.

  “I ain’t goin’ nowhere, so you might as well take your ass to bed and sleep it off, bitch! I’m the man of this muthafuckin’ house, now take your ass to sleep while you’re still ahead,” insisted Raymond.

  Raymond then grabbed a can of beer and then made himself comfortable on the sofa and began playing a game on his PlayStation.

  Frustrated, Jasmine sat at the edge of her bed, thinking. Realizing that she could not physically put Raymond out of her apartment, and not really wanting to get the police involved, she made the decision to call her Uncle Bobby and her Aunt Jewell for assistance. She told them everything that had taken place.

  Minutes later Bobby and Jewell were knocking on Jasmine’s door. Hearing the expected knock, Jasmine exited the room and responded. Raymond was so caught up playing the game that he did not hear the knock, but had observed Bobby and Jewell’s presence.