by Deja King
“Andre, you haven’t seen me in over a month and that’s the greeting I get?”
“How are you doing? Is everything all right with Melanie?” he said, trying to sound diplomatic.
“She’s fine, besides the fact that she misses her daddy. I was hoping we could go on a family vacation or something, maybe after you finished the movie.”
“Yeah, maybe,” Andre said in an insincere tone. Chantal walked over toward him and reached out her arms for a hug and a kiss but Andre turned away. “Chantal, not right now.”
“Then when, Andre? We haven’t had sex in months. I know somebody has been keeping your bed warm.”
“Chantal, don’t start or you’re—” Andre stopped midsentence.
“I’m going to what?”
“Make me say something that you don’t want to hear. Or maybe I should just say it,” Andre reasoned.
“That’s okay,” Chantal countered. “Whatever happened in the past can stay there. Let’s start off fresh. All is forgiven between both of us.”
“I can’t do that. You need to know I met somebody, Chantal, and it’s serious, very serious.” This was the sort of conversation Chantal wanted to avoid. Andre being so direct caught her off guard because she was hoping he wouldn’t want to discuss his infidelity, as in the past. For him to bring it to the open meant that what transpired was serious and he had no intentions of letting it end. Pure fear caused Chantal to immediately put her hands over her ears and begin shaking her head and screaming over and over again, “I don’t want to hear this! I don’t want to hear this!”
“Chantal, you have to hear this. You came all this way, and you need to leave knowing the truth.” Andre’s insistence was a clear warning that there would be no avoidance.
Chantal put her hands down and said solemnly, “What truth is that, Andre?”
“I’m in love with Tyler Blake and we’re getting married.”
“How can you be in love with her, when you are in love with me?” she cried. “You promised we would get married and be together forever.”
“Chantal, I never promised you that. You knew that I never had any intentions of marrying you. Those were your hopes and dreams, not mine.”
“You liar! You made me believe that if I just waited around and let you sow your wild oats that I would be the one. Well, I’ve waited patiently and I deserve to be Mrs. Andre Jackson.”
“That’s all you care about is a name. You don’t even know what being a wife is all about. All you want to do is party with your girlfriends and get high. Most of the time you’re not even functional enough to take care of our daughter. Do you really think I want someone like that as my wife?”
“Andre, most of the time I’m partying and getting high with you, so don’t blame me. I just want you to be happy and if that means drinking and partying with you, then I don’t mind.”
“Yeah, Chantal, but that’s the problem. We’ve been running the streets together for so long that I can’t even take you seriously as someone I can make my wife. I want a woman with something going on upstairs besides where the next party is at or what’s the latest Christian Dior bag. But those are your priorities and I need more than that from a woman. It’s cool if I’m just looking for a chick to have fun with but not when I’m trying to settle down.”
“I can change. I can be whatever you want me to be. We can make this work,” Chantal pleaded.
“It’s too late. I’ll always care about you, Chantal, because you’re the mother of my daughter, but I’m in love with Tyler. I want her to be my wife and nothing is going to change that.”
“You think that uppity bitch is so perfect. She’s no angel, Andre. She might appear to be dainty and sweet but from what I hear she is cold as ice. She will never love you the way I do. I would give my life for you, Andre. Tyler Blake will always put Tyler first and you’ll end up getting the short end of the stick. You deserve more than that.”
“Chantal, I know you’re hurt and I’m sorry. But you can’t begin to understand my relationship with Tyler because it’s beyond you. I need for you to just accept what I’m telling you and move on.” Even with the pitiful look on Chantal’s face it still didn’t reveal the level of devastation that was buried underneath.
“Andre, I’m not going to lie and say I’m happy about any of this. I love you more than I love myself and knowing our relationship is over breaks my heart. But I want you to be happy, I do. If Tyler is the one that can do that, then so be it.”
“I appreciate that, Chantal. Maybe in time we will all be able to get along.”
“I would like that.”
“I’m not trying to rush you off, but I have a few phone calls I need to make, so if you don’t mind, can I walk you to the door?”
“Oh sure, but can I use the bathroom first to freshen up? I came straight here from the airport and I feel a little sticky.”
“That’s cool but try not to be too long because I’m not sure when Tyler is coming back. I don’t want her to get the wrong impression.”
“I totally understand. I’ll be quick.” On the way to the bathroom Chantal couldn’t help but feel shortchanged by Andre’s dismissive attitude. He was so concerned about what Tyler might think that he didn’t even consider the fact that he had just dealt Chantal heartbreaking news and she was on the verge of losing it.
On the drive to Tyler’s place, William didn’t say a word. Tyler was actually relieved because she used the time to map out what she planned on saying to him. The minute they stepped foot inside Tyler went to the kitchen and poured herself a glass of champagne. She needed some sort of buzz for the conversation they were about to embark on. When she was on her second glass William finally initiated the discussion. “Tyler, you know you have to end this so-called relationship with Andre.”
“I had a feeling you were going to say that, but, William, I can’t. I truly love him and we’re getting married.”
“Tyler, you don’t love this man. Six months ago you were positive you were in love with me. This is just a phase. It’s not uncommon to fall in love with your costar. After the movie ends so will your infatuation with Andre.”
“It’s different between us, William. I’ve been involved in enough relationships to know when it’s the real deal. This is the real deal, I promise.”
“I was trying to reason with you, but obviously that’s not going to work. Tyler, I’ve made you into the rising star you are now, and if you don’t stop seeing Andre you will leave me no choice but to take it all away.”
“Why would you do that to me? You know how hard I’ve worked in order to gain a position in this industry. I thought we were better than that.”
“I did, too. That’s why I’m asking you to end this. Tyler, I couldn’t handle continuing a business relationship with you knowing you’re involved with someone else.”
“Let’s say I did end my relationship with Andre? Eventually I’m going to end up with somebody.”
“Why can’t it be me? We’re so good together.”
“William, for one you’re a married man, and two I’m not in love with you. I believe our love came from a mentor-student bond. But we don’t have a romantic future together. It’s time for us to recognize that.”
“Well, then you need to decide what you want out of life. Do you once again want to stand in a man’s shadow or do you want to stand on your own as a movie star? The decision is yours. But, Tyler, if you continue seeing Andre then I promise I will do everything possible to cut your career short in this business, starting with axing you from Angel.”
“William, you can’t mean that.”
“Believe it or not I’m doing it for your own good. You’re letting some grimy hip-hop mogul who isn’t worthy of you come in and sell you a fantasy life and you’re falling for it hook, line, and sinker. Haven’t you learned anything from your past dysfunctional relationships?”
“Oh, and getting involved with a married man isn’t a dysfunctional relationship?”
&n
bsp; “At least I’m offering you something more than a ring and some half-ass financial security. I’m offering you something that is priceless, which is independence. None of these men want to give you that. They want to buy you as though you’re their prized possession. You have so much more to offer than that. With your talent the opportunities are endless, and I discovered that. You’re now asking me to sit back and watch you flush it down the toilet to become barefoot and pregnant.”
“That’s not going to happen. Andre is very supportive of my career,” Tyler said half-heartedly. She reflected on the conversation they’d had a few hours ago when Andre told her she didn’t have to work—she could stay home and make babies. She had to admit that a lot of what William was saying was true. Eventually Andre would try to get her to end the acting career that she had worked so hard for. She knew from her past experiences that one thing was for sure: nothing was guaranteed in love.
“You know that’s a lie, Tyler. But I’m leaving the decision up to you. Either you can choose a life with a man you don’t really even know, or you can trust me. I’ve delivered on every promise that I’ve made and I will make you the superstar that you’ve dreamed of becoming. But you’re going to have to do it my way. That means severing any sort of romantic relationship with Andre Jackson.”
“I need an ambulance now!” Andre bellowed to the 911 operator.
“Sir, calm down, what is the problem?”
“My ex slit her wrists. Yo, there’s blood everywhere. Please get somebody here now— I don’t want her to die.”
“What’s your name?”
“Andre.”
“Andre, what part of the house are you in?”
“The bathroom,” Andre said as he held Chantal, wishing she would open her eyes and say this was all a bad joke.
“Wrap a towel around the wound and apply pressure. Hold it there until the paramedics arrive,” the operator directed.
“Okay, okay, but please tell them to hurry up. My baby can’t die.” Andre stared at Chantal looking so helpless and innocent just like their daughter, Melanie. The thought of her dying had tears rolling down his face. He blamed himself for Chantal’s predicament. It never dawned on him how fragile she was. If she died, he would never forgive himself. Andre left the door unlocked for the paramedics and heard them as they came in the foyer.
“We’re up here!” Andre yelled out to the paramedics.
As they took Chantal away, Andre refused to leave her side. He rode in the ambulance and all he could envision was Melanie’s face and how devastated she would be if he told her Mommy was never coming back home. Andre began making a deal with God. “Dear God, if you let Chantal live I promise I’ll be a better man and a better father. Please dear God, forgive me for my selfish ways and don’t let Chantal pay for my mistakes.”
They rushed Chantal in for emergency surgery and Andre couldn’t stop pacing back and forth in the waiting room. When he heard his cell ringing he prayed it wasn’t Melanie looking for her mother. When he realized it was Tyler, he felt instant relief. “Tyler, baby, I’m so glad you called,” Andre said while breathing hard on the phone.
“Andre you sound terrible. Is everything okay?”
“No, I’m at Cedars-Sinai.”
“What happened? We’re you in a car accident?”
“No, it’s worse. Chantal tried to commit suicide. She slit her wrists.”
Tyler felt numb. She immediately felt that she was the cause. “Why did she do that?” Tyler asked, afraid to hear the answer.
“When I got home she was waiting for me and I told her we were getting married. She must have taken it harder than I thought. I went in my office and made a few phone calls while she used the bathroom. When I finished, she still hadn’t come out and I wondered what was taking her so long. I knocked on the door and got no answer. When I opened it she was sprawled out on the floor and blood was everywhere. It was the scariest shit I’ve ever seen in my life.”
“Baby, I’m so sorry. I feel responsible.”
“It’s not your fault. If anyone is to blame, it’s me. I should’ve been more sensitive to the situation. I mean damn, she is the mother of my child. I treated her like she was just some random chick that meant nothing to me. If she dies, I don’t think I could handle it, Tyler. I would feel as though I actually took the knife and slashed her wrist. I would’ve killed my daughter’s mother.”
“Don’t say that, Andre. You’re being too hard on yourself. I’m going to pray that she pulls through this.”
“I appreciate that, baby. I see the doctor coming out. I’m going to talk to him and I’ll be over there later on tonight.” Andre hung up the phone and marched straight toward the doctor. “Hi, I’m Andre Jackson. I came in with Chantal Morgan. How is she?”
“Mr. Jackson, I’m Doctor Stein. We’ve basically performed a miracle on your friend. She is going to pull through.”
Andre was so relieved that he grabbed the doctor and hugged him. “Oh, thank you so much! I’m so grateful that you saved Chantal’s life. She’s the mother of my beautiful daughter and I wouldn’t have had the heart to tell my angel that her mother was dead. Because of you and God I no longer have to do that. Thank you.” The doctor seemed a tad overwhelmed with Andre’s speech but at the same time he admired his heartfelt declaration.
“I’m always happy to save a life, Mr. Jackson, especially one that seems so precious to you. You can go in and see her, but she’s still out of it. Tomorrow morning she should be coherent.”
Andre sat next to Chantal and held her limp hand. God had answered his prayers and he was determined to keep his word. Even though he still had every intention of marrying Tyler, he would help Chantal with whatever she wanted to do with her life. Whether it was opening up her own business or pursuing some other career, she would have his full support. Although Andre had already set up a healthy financial trust fund for his daughter, he would also provide one for Chantal, too. He figured since he couldn’t give her what she really wanted, which was his last name, he could give her the next best thing, which was financial security.
When T-Roc got word that William was seen going into the bungalow and thirty minutes later leaving with Tyler, he was in high spirits. He would’ve given anything to have audio on the hysterics he knew must have taken place. He considered bugging the room but felt it was way too risky. His source also informed him that Chantal had made her way over to Andre’s house. T-Roc was counting on Chantal to cause a huge confrontation that would send Andre into a state of uncontrollable madness. Once that happened, he planned to seize the opportunity and step into Andre’s shoes.
William left Tyler’s place, struggling with his thoughts. The walk to his car seemed much longer since he was breaking down the entire situation in his mind. He wanted to believe that the lecture he had given her regarding Andre would resonate, but he wasn’t totally confident. Tyler seemed to genuinely love Andre and that scared him. William couldn’t believe he missed the red flags that would’ve indicated that Tyler’s heart was straying. When he walked into the bungalow and witnessed the two caught in their own ecstasy, William’s first thought was to strangle the lovebirds. But he knew no matter how physically fit he was, Andre’s strength would’ve overpowered his. William never carried a weapon of any sort and when he surveyed the room there wasn’t one in sight. He was actually happy because the rage that erupted inside of him when he saw the two made homicide plausible, which he knew he would have regretted later.
When William got back in the car he slammed the door and began pounding his fist against the steering wheel. He was normally so in control of his emotions, but grasping the severity of the potential catastrophe hit him like a ton of bricks. After sitting in his car for an hour outside of Tyler’s house trying to get his anger under control, William finally started the ignition. As he backed out of the driveway he noticed the final light go off in the house. He hoped that Tyler had come to the right decision and planned on ending her relationship with Andre
immediately. If she didn’t, William would have to come up with a plan to break up the pair permanently.
F O U R T E E N
Where Do Broken
Hearts Go?
Andre sat with Chantal for almost four hours before deciding to head over to Tyler’s place. He knew she would be asleep at this hour, but he yearned to be next to her and feel her love. After his agonizing ordeal with Chantal he desperately needed the positive energy that only Tyler could give him. He slowly walked up the stairs and turned on the light on the nightstand next to her bed. She was lying on top of the blankets, which enabled Andre to get a clear view of the white negligee that hugged her body. Her angelic face seemed at peace. Andre sat on the edge of the bed, wanting to watch her rest forever. He decided before lying down next to this pure-looking specimen he would take a long hot shower.
The hot water pouring down his body was rejuvenating. He felt this was a new beginning for him and Tyler. Now that their secret had been exposed there would be no need for the sneaking around that Andre never wanted anyway. From the moment he and Tyler made love he wanted to share his feelings with the world. Stealing kisses here and there and whisking off for discreet rendezvous made Andre feel as though they had something to be ashamed of when he knew they didn’t. He sometimes privately wondered if Tyler was embarrassed about their relationship, but brushed it off as one of the side effects of being in love for the first time.
Andre felt he would no longer have to be weary of such insecurities anymore since he and Tyler were free to show their devotion to one another. Soon they would be husband and wife and no one could come between them. Andre crawled in bed next to Tyler and the instant his body touched her soft skin he became aroused.
