Before Tina could even turn around good enough to look back at David Jr. to smirk again, he had made it over to the couch and slapped Tina speechless.
“Son, that’s enough! I raised you better than that!” David Sr. shouted at his son pulling up his pants and then grabbing Tina’s face checking on her out of concern.
David Jr. stared in disbelief and lost his composure even more.
“How dare you say anything to me about how I was raised! Maybe you have a point though—maybe this side of me does come from your upbringing. I can’t believe you are here fucking this bitch! My ex-girlfriend?! How the fuck can you do this? Forget about me, but how can you do this to mom?”
“Watch your language in my house, boy!” David Sr. continued to scold his son instead of dealing with the situation at hand as Tina grabbed her red face scrambling to grab her clothes off the floor and get dressed the best and as fast as she could.
“Fuck this! You talk to me now about this because you won’t get the chance later. You cannot possibly think this is right what you’ve done I’m fucking pissed. How long has this been going on?”
“I’ve been fucking your father off and on for years you bastard. While you were away at college playing house with that slut, I decided if I couldn’t have you I’d have your father,” Tina shouted.
“That’s enough, Tina!” David Sr. scolded her. “Leave me and my son alone so we can talk.”
“So this is true? You’ve been cheating on my mother with this bitch? The same whore who’s been fucking everybody in this town, including me? I just fucked her a couple months back. And then you bring her here to my mom’s home?”
Tina tried to run toward David Jr. to attack him but his father grabbed her and dragged her out toward the front door as she screamed obscenities at David Jr. A few moments later David Sr. had stepped back inside the living room.
“So how long?” David Jr. asked.
David Sr. paused for a moment before answering.
“Son, you know I have been doing some things that I should not have been doing for quite some time now. Tina hasn’t been the only one.”
“Yea, I know but how long with her or anyone that I’ve been seeing?”
“There hasn’t been anyone else that you know, son. I just got caught up with Tina. Why do you think I was so against you being involved with her anyway? I knew she was one of those type of girls.”
“Oh, so those are the type of girls that are ok for you to be involved with and cheat on my mother with?” David Jr. asked looking in disbelief.
“Son, you’re better than me. I know I’m shit for the things I’ve done to you and your mom. I never meant to hurt either of you. I’m sorry you had to see this.”
“Again, how long?” David Jr. continued for an answer.
“I’ve been seeing Tina off and on for years, son. It all started back when you left for college. She came to me for some counseling saying she was trying to move on past you and get herself together, then all of a sudden she was all over me and I just gave in. It’s been off and on ever since.”
David Jr. could not believe what he was hearing. He felt betrayed, and all this time he had always felt like he was the one that had been betraying Tina. Even if he had initially hurt her, this turn of events and discovery was not deserved. His ego was even more bruised because of his father’s role in all of this. And what about his mother?
David Jr. walked past his father towards the front door.
“Son, please tell me what’s on your mind. Let’s talk all of this out now.”
“What do you want me to say?” David Jr. asked as he turned around to face his father. “I gave up my life plans to come back here to take over doing what you wanted me to do. I did that, and now I find out how easy it was for you to fuck with someone that I was involved with—like, it never crossed your mind that you shouldn’t cross that line because she had been with me?”
“Yes, son it did but…”
“”But it still didn’t matter to you,” David Jr. interrupted. “And I don’t even give a fuck about that whore—it’s the fact that you are selfish and you would even do it. And I’m sitting here thinking you had quit cheating and was doing right by mom…it’s too much right now. I can’t look at you. I need to figure out some things. Just leave me alone.”
David Sr. looked back at his son with a tear running down his face. David Jr. wasn’t the least bit moved as he shook his head, turned back toward the front door, and stormed out of the house.
When the younger David called to tell Rhonda about these turn of events, she was about in just as much shock as he had been. She could hear the hurt in his voice as he told her the story of walking in on his dad screwing another woman. David had failed to mention that the woman was Tina; there was no need to bring up her name and rehash all of these memories from the past. He needed Rhonda now more than ever, and it felt good to be able to come to her like in the past and lean on her when he needed to. As she always did when they were still together, Rhonda offered empathy and words of encouragement that helped him feel much better.
“Thank you so much for being here for me. I’m really sorry for calling you so late with this mess. I didn’t trust anyone else to talk to about this; I didn’t want to talk to anyone but you anyway.”
“I’m glad I could be here for you David. I’m really sorry that you had to witness that. I couldn’t even imagine how you must feel. Are you going to tell your mother?”
“I tried calling her after I had calmed down some. I left that house and drove around for a long time trying to decide what to do. I came home and tried picking up the phone several times to call my mom but then I decided against it. How do you tell your mother that her husband is cheating on her? And would she believe me? Maybe she knows. I just don’t know—I’ll wait for her to come back before I say anything; let her finish enjoying time with the family.”
“Yea, that sounds like a good idea. Again, I’m so sorry,” Rhonda said really feeling sorry for David.
“So changing the subject, I was wondering if you were free tomorrow for New Year’s Eve. I really need to get away and I could drive the few hours to come take you out for dinner and maybe a movie? I figured maybe we could bring in the New Year together.”
Rhonda had plans with Ken during the day, and LaVerne that evening but she felt bad for David and didn’t want him to turn him away. She figured she could still see Ken before David got to town and then get some time in with LaVerne without having to cancel their plans completely. LaVerne would surely understand, Rhonda thought, once she explained the situation to her.
“You sure you don’t mind driving all this way in this weather?”
“Rhonda, I really want to see you—I’d drive through a blizzard to get to you if you say its ok for me to come see you.”
“I would love to see you for the New Year, David.”
A few hours later on the 31st Rhonda called Ken to see if he could get together earlier in the day because she had something come up and couldn’t hook up later before going over to LaVerne’s for the evening.
“Is everything ok, baby?” Ken asked with concern.
“Oh yea, everything’s fine—a friend from back home just had some drama going on with his family and needed to get away. I wanted to be a good friend so I told him that it was ok if he came to hang out with me for the New Year.”
There was silence on Ken’s end of the line.
“Ken, are you there?”
“Yea, I’m sorry Rhonda. I have to ask though, and it may be out of line but I’m wondering would this friend happen to be an old boyfriend or someone you dated.”
“Well yea, a long time ago but its not like that, Ken. I’ve known this guy since I was a kid and really he doesn’t need to be alone.”
“Is it the guy who broke your heart—the guy who left you and became a preacher.”
Rhonda had forgotten how she had opened up to Ken about her past relationship with David, sharing so much about
that experience. She was starting to regret having did that now.
“Well yea, that’s right—I told you about David. I had forgotten.”
“So you two are friends again?”
“We saw each other over the Christmas holiday and he apologized for what happened and I accepted his apology.”
“So now he’s trying to work his way back into your life now that he knows you have other options?” Ken continued questioning getting more irritated and angry by the moment.
“Ken, I don’t understand where this is going. I told you, David and I are just friends. I’m not trying to get back with him, and he knows about you.”
“Which is probably the main reason he’s trying to get here to you because he feels he has competition. Look Rhonda, its not that I don’t trust you or what you’re saying but I don’t trust him.”
“Ken, you don’t even know him!” Rhonda said as she became angrier with Ken checking her.
“And after all this time apart, you do? You trust him again that easily?”
Rhonda did not say anything.
“I’m just tripping Rhonda because you told me that you wanted to spend time with LaVerne because you two usually brought New Year’s Eve in together and you were concerned about her spending it alone. I don’t want you bringing in New Year’s with your ex-boyfriend or any other man besides me. I would imagine that you would feel the same way if I was to say that I was spending time with any of my exes.”
“I should not have even told you—I was just trying to be honest with you.” Rhonda said shaking her head.
“Rhonda, I’m glad you did but you have to understand my reaction. Do you get it?”
“To me it feels as if you are not trusting me. I already told you David and I are just friends; there is nothing more going on. You need to trust that I won’t let anything happen. So can you meet up earlier or not?”
“I don’t know Rhonda. I had planned on working up until time for me to pick you up for our reservation. I had everything planned out and I can’t change all of this so quickly at this last minute,” Ken said frustrated.
“Look I’m sorry Ken but…”
“No, don’t apologize Rhonda. Be there for your friend. Don’t worry about me. Don’t worry about our plans. I’ll talk to you later, ok?” Ken said before hanging up before she could even respond.
Rhonda sat there holding the phone speechless. She was shocked and upset by Ken’s response, but it made her begin to question the whole situation and whether or not she was making a mistake. Rhonda tried calling Ken back but it went straight to voicemail. She was hurt and instantly began to break down and cry uncontrollably. Rhonda kept telling herself that Ken was wrong for his reaction but at the same time she knew that something wasn’t right about all of this. Why was she willing to risk losing this new friendship with someone she cared for deeply in order to be there for someone who had treated her so badly?
Rhonda stopped crying long enough to pick up her phone and dial David’s number. When he didn’t pick up, she decided to leave him a voicemail and say what she should have said to him before when they last spoke.
“David, this is Rhonda. Look…I truly am sorry for everything you’re going through right now but I need to say this. We had our time together years back and I’m happy we have closure and can move on now being friends but there’s no need for you to try for anything more than that. Like I told you, I’ve met someone who I feel is a decent guy, and I think its foolish of me not to see where things can go with him because I’m wrapped up into my past with you and wondering if we have a chance. I don’t need that type of interference moving forward. Maybe you’ve changed and could be a better man and partner but we’ve had our time. It’s probably a good idea if you don’t come here today David. I’m sorry but I think that’s best. I’ll talk to you in the New Year. Happy New Year, David!”
Rhonda hung up knowing that when David got that message that he’d most likely try calling her back. She made up her mind that she would just ignore the calls. She tried calling Ken back and when it went to voicemail she decided to leave him a message also.
“Ken, I just want to say to you that I understand where you are coming from, and I’m sorry. I’ve called David and told him not to come here today. I just wanted you to know that. I understand if you don’t want to talk to me right now but please call me back. I would really like to still see you this evening for New Year’s Eve and go on with our plans. So just let me know if we’re still on or not. Again, I am so sorry for being so insensitive. Please call me.”
Rhonda ended the message and dropped her phone on the other pillow waiting for Ken to give her a call back. Hours went by and still no call from either Ken or David. Rhonda finally got out of bed to shower, get some things done around the house, and then start dressing. When she still had not heard from Ken, she became panicked again. I really messed this up, Rhonda thought to herself. It was about an hour before the time Ken had initially told her to be ready, so she tried calling him one more time, and again it went straight to voicemail.
“Fuck it! If he wants to play this game, fine!” Rhonda shouted. She threw on her jeans and shirt she had set aside for hanging out with LaVerne and decided that she’d be just hanging out with her girl like always. She figured she’d deal with Ken in the New Year, and just use the rest of this evening to cheer up and enjoy her time with her friend.
Rhonda was packing up her bottles of wine and snacks to take over to LaVerne’s when her doorbell rang. It alarmed her for a minute but then she got excited because she assumed it was Ken coming to let her know he had needed time to calm down and think but now he was ready to make up. Rhonda quickly walked to the door with a smile on her face ignoring her usual routine of looking through the peephole. When she swung open the door, she was surprised to find David standing at her door.
Rhonda stood staring at David speechless for a few seconds before David finally broke the silence asking if she was going to leave him outside in the cold. “Oh, I’m sorry—please come in,” Rhonda said thinking that it was possible that David may have not gotten her message she left him earlier,but from the uncertain look on his face she had a feeling he had.
Once she turned around to face David, he was standing so close to her she didn’t have time to think or react when he kissed her lightly on the lips wrapping his arms around her back. Rhonda’s initial thought was to back away and not kiss back, but as soon as she felt his arms around her it took her a few years back when she and David were a couple in love with one another and wanting a future together. She found herself falling into motion with him and kissing him back, which gave David the motivation to grab her tighter, back her up into the door, and kiss her harder and more intensely. It was when Rhonda felt David’s tongue entering her mouth, wrestling with hers softly, and realizing that she was enjoying it too much, that she tried pulling away.
“Wait, David stop. I’m sorry.”
David did as she requested and still standing so close up on Rhonda that she could not move. The truth is that she really did not want David to stop and she was doing a terrible job trying to act like she wanted him to.
“No Rhonda, I’m sorry. I…it’s no secret to you that I want you back in my life. And I’m sorry I’ve been coming on so strong but I need you. Not just because of all the BS going on in my life but I love you. I never stopped loving you. When I heard your message I had to get here to you.”
“So, you did hear my message then?” Rhonda said easing her way from underneath David’s arms.
“I did and I was a nervous wreck the whole drive here, hoping that you would open the door and let me here. I wasn’t even for sure you’d be here.”
Rhonda had given David her address when she was home over the Christmas holiday but never expected that he’d be so bold to map out his way to her place and just pop up.
“That did take some nerve, David. What were you expecting to accomplish by just popping up here anyway. I do have plans.”
“With him? The guy you like?”
Rhonda didn’t respond. She would start crying if she had to start talking about Ken, especially considering he never called or showed up. She wasn’t for sure where things stood with Ken.
“Rhonda, are you ok?” David asked as he noticed the sad look on her face.
The more she tried to hide it the more upset she got and next thing she knew she was crying again.
“Baby, what’s wrong?” David asked as he reached for Rhonda pulling her into his strong arms. “Please tell me what’s the matter. If I had anything to do with this please know I never meant to hurt you or put you in an awkward position.”
Rhonda couldn’t even manage to talk she was crying so hard. Having David holding and comforting her felt so soothing and she realized how much she really had missed him. Then within a matter of minutes she was so conflicted because she felt terrible for the argument she had with Ken and she was feeling hopeless that things would be right again.
David led Rhonda to her couch and sat down with her, pulling her into his arms so Rhonda could lie on his strong chest. They sat there in silence for about five minutes before Rhonda finally pulled herself off of his chest and looked David in the eyes thanking him for being there and letting him know that she was the cause of her own issues she was going through. That was the truth since she had allowed David and his situation to take precedence over her plans that she had with Ken, and then expected Ken to understand. How could I have been so foolish, she thought to herself for a brief moment.
“Are you sure you are ok?” David asked as he ran his fingers across her cheeks trying to dry her tears.
‘I am, I promise,” Rhonda lightly smiled at him. “So David, what are we doing? This…us?”
“I already told you how I feel Rhonda. I came here to pour out my heart to you and show you how serious I am about us getting back together. When I saw you, I just wanted you to feel how strong my feelings are for you. I guess maybe that wasn’t a good idea to just force a kiss on you like that.”
Torn Apart (African American Romance) Page 7
