My Brother's Wife 2: What The Heart Wants

by Mona

  “Ri, please?” Andre asked again with his hand still extended to her. Although his eyes still possessed a lot of pain, gone was the anger and coldness. They now appeared rather soft and possessed a hint of desperation as he waited for her to make a choice.

  “Ms. Aeikan, are you ready?” Dr. Watson asked. Arianna then cleared her throat and without looking back at the doctor. She slowly made her way towards Andre. Once she reached him, he nodded his head at her as he grabbed her hand. She gave him a faint smile as they made their way towards the elevator. Once the elevator door opened, they stepped inside, hand in hand.

  Arianna waved at Angeline as the elevator door closed.

  Desmond turned his attention towards Dr. Watson. “Eh, doc, we will go see Mr. James and stay with him until his mom gets here,” Desmond informed the doctor.

  “Well, alright. Hopefully the three of you can calm him down despite the fact he is desperately requesting Ms. Aeikan,” Dr. Watson informed Desmond, Angeline and Edward as he walked away from them.

  “What the hell is going on with Malachi?” Angeline asked as they headed towards Malachi’s room.

  “I don’t know but he was in rare form when the EMT’s transferred him here earlier. Yeah, something is definitely off with him. I’m not sure what, but it’s a little more going on with him besides his obsession with Ari,” Edward stated.

  “Well, we about to find out. Whatever the hell is wrong with his ass, that nigga is foul as shit and the worst mistake he made was making an enemy out of Dre,” Desmond concluded.

  Two months earlier:

  Trenton Correctional Facilities

  Troubled Man

  Sherry Jenkins had been the Trenton Correctional Facility’s prison counselor for a total of sixteen years now. She’s had her share of cases and dealt with her share of inmates, however, one particular case caught her undivided attention as well as the inmate himself.

  As she sat at her desk, staring intently at one of her assigned inmate’s file, she heard a soft knock on her office door. “Come in!” She yelled out.

  “Hey girl, are you ready to go to lunch?” Sherry’s best friend and colleague, Adele Lance asked as she took a seat across from her.

  Sherry smiled as she tore her eyes away from the file. “Oh yes. I’m finally done with the final assessment on this inmate who will be released next week,” Sherry said rather excitedly as she glanced at the file once more.

  “Ohh, you mean the one you have been secretly crushing on for the past fourteen years since he has been here,” Adele said with a chuckle.

  “Girl, don’t make me slap you,” Sherry threatened and Adele laughed. “I have not been crushing on that man. I just find his story quite fascinating,” she admitted as she closed the file shut and slammed her hands on it.

  Adele cocked her head back as she laughed again. “Yes, that’s all I’ve been hearing about all these years; is how fascinating his story is and how what he did was so damn romantic and courageous. You just have been going on and on. But you can’t fool me. Your ass developed a little crush, which I can’t say that I blame you because he is definitely eye candy,” Adele responded with a smirk.

  “Okay, first off, you need to lower your voice. Second, he is my patient and a damn inmate who can’t do shit for me but cause me a whole lot of problems that I don’t need,” Sherry said in a voice above a whisper as she leaned forward on her desk.

  Adele just shook her head as she continued laughing. “Well, I don’t know about all that. The only two problems that I can see dealing with him; is you losing your job over him and him mooching off you upon his release. Now, he’s about to be released so your job would be safe and based on what we have learned about him and who he is associated with, I don’t think money will be a problem for him, which means the only thing he would need from your ass is some pussy.” Adele cocked her head back and laughed once more as Sherry simply rolled her eyes at her.

  “You know what, I’m done with you and this conversation,” Sherry responded as she shook her head at Adele and laughed.

  “You’re sick, you know that?”

  “Yeah, yeah, so they keep telling me,” Adele answered back as she sat up straight in her chair and crossed her legs. “So, wait. Before we leave, tell me what your final assessment is. What was your final session like with him?” Adele asked.

  Sherry leaned forward in her chair, placed her elbow on her desk and crossed her hands. “Okay, I will tell you but once again this is confidential. You know I can lose my job because of all of the shit I done told your ass in reference to his case and all the others.”

  “Girl, bye. I’m not even going to dignify what you just said with a response. Now tell me, now.” Adele demanded as Sherry couldn’t stop laughing.

  “Okay, Okay. Well, first off, our session went quite well, except….” Sherry purposely paused just to mess with Adele who was hanging on to her every word.

  “Except…. What, what! Except what!” Adele demanded once again.

  “Well, except it appears he has a case of PTSD,” Sherry admitted while she reopened the file in front of her.

  Adele leaned back in her chair in a dramatic manner. “Bitch, shut up,” She expressed in a whisper as she stared at Sherry.

  “No, I’m dead serious. And why the hell are you so surprised? He’s not the first inmate I diagnosed with this,” Sherry expressed.

  “No, but he is so damn fine and sexy,” Adele replied.

  “Oh, because he’s fine he can’t have issues? Girl, you sound real ignorant right now,” Sherry responded as she glanced over the file.

  “Oh shut up. Now tell me, which PTSD is he suffering from and what exactly is wrong with him?”

  “Well, let’s see. First off, Malachi James is suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder which stems from anxiety.” Sherry informed Adele as she glanced down at the file once more.

  Adele scrunched her face and folded her hand above her knee. “Anxiety? Anxiety from being incarcerated?”

  “Uhh, not quite. It appears he experiences flashbacks and is suffering from severe anxiety based on almost getting raped as a kid.”

  “Oh my God,” Adele held her hand to her chest.

  “Yes, girl. Also, due to such traumatic experience he has developed a psychiatric condition called Delusional Disorder in which he creates things in his head. They become his reality. Things are exactly the way they are in his head and you can’t tell him no different. Now delusion associated with this condition can be bizarre or non-bizarre. In his case, it depends on how one looks at it.” Sherry concluded.

  Adele shook her head in disbelief. “Wow. That’s crazy. Looking at him, I mean from the way he carries himself you would never know. He seems so poised and well put together. Girl, he always have the female CO’s in a daze staring at him. They think none of the superiors notice but you know me, I don’t miss a beat.”

  “Yeah, I know your nosy ass don’t. Now, anyway, another thing that’s going on with him is a case of the green eyed monster,” Sherry continued.

  Adele scowled. “The green eyed monster?” She was confused.

  “Yes. It seems he’s a little envious of Andre Aeikan.”

  “See, now you’re about to give me a heart attack. Girl, what the hell do you mean he’s envious of Andre Aeikan, who by the way is also fine as hell. The same Andre Aeikan who is his best friend and who he calls his brother? The same Andre Aeikan who has held him down during his incarceration?”

  “Yes. That one. Okay, let me break it down to you. Andre and Malachi met at the age of seven. They clicked instantly. Now, according to Malachi, literally a week after he and Andre met, his mom received an eviction notice in which they were going to be evicted from the apartment complex they resided in. Andre over heard Malachi’s mom crying to someone on the phone and immediately went to ask his parents if they could help her. Now, although Andre’s parents didn’t know Malachi’s mom well, they agreed to help once they saw how important it was to Andre. And
re’s stepdad paid Malachi’s mom’s rent for a whole damn year. Of course she resisted at first, but the Aeikan’s insisted. From then on, Andre and Malachi formed a bond where they called themselves brothers. In which they truly were; brothers from another mother. Now that was one of many trials and tribulations they would go through together. Andre was there through it all, including the past twenty years. So basically their bond should be tighter than ever, right?”

  “Uhh yes, damn right. So what the hell is the problem?” Adele asked Sherry impatiently.

  “Well, two things. Something happened with the case in which that pervert tried to rape Malachi. Something where basically in Malachi’s words, Andre handled it, but he wouldn’t go into details exactly how Andre handled it. However, I get the vibe that although he was happy Andre handled it, like he says, he also resents Andre for it. Basically, when you compare the two men, you pretty much come to the conclusion that one had better luck than the other. Let’s face it, gathering from their background, Andre’s life seemed just a tad bit better than Malachi’s. I mean, Andre grew up in a home, not the projects, despite the fact it was right across the street. Andre grew up in a two parents household. Andre’s family had money. Andre always seemed to handle situations better. Andre didn’t almost get raped by a man, and oh yes, number two, Andre ended up with the girl.” Sherry concluded as she once again closed the file.

  “Okay, see now your ass done confused me again. What girl? Isn’t Andre married to Arianna Aeikan; girlfriend who owns the company with him and who always rocks the flyest suits and shoes I’ve ever seen. Girl, did you see what she was wearing in the latest sports’ magazine article she and Andre did?” Adele asked.

  “Yeah, that’s the girl, and yes I did,” Sherry answered as she clapped her hands in a dramatic way. “To make a long story short, because we really have to get our asses to lunch, basically Arianna came into their lives when all three of them were ten. She and Malachi entered a teenage love at the age of thirteen up until they were fifteen, but Arianna’s sick nasty ass cousin was molesting her. Not only that, that same son of a bitch was the one who raped Malachi’s sister. So, in other words, Malachi killed for her and his sister,” Sherry admitted as she grabbed her purse from inside her desk drawer.

  “Girl! You‘ve been holding back on me! Why did you leave out all these extra juicy ass details? I didn’t know Arianna Aeikan was the same girl Malachi was in love with and the one he killed for. I thought it was a different girl,” Adele expressed as she stood to her feet.

  “Because, I had to hold on to a little bit of info just in case your behind slipped up or decided to snitch on me,” Sherry answered with a grin.

  “See, once again I’m not going to dignify that shit with a response,” Adele said as she rolled her eyes. They made their way to the office door. Adele turned to face Sherry. “Wait, real quick. How in the hell did Arianna end up with Andre if she was Malachi’s girlfriend back then? Is that one of the reasons why Malachi is jealous of Andre?” Adele asked.

  “Well, how Arianna ended up with Andre is one of the few things he would not disclose to me, but yes, I would definitely guess that is one of the main reasons he’s jealous, and trust me when I tell you, I don’t think it will be an everlasting brotherly love happy reunion when he’s released.”

  “Girl, this shit sounds like a Showtime movie special,” Adele stated and they laughed.

  “Tell me about it,” Sherry replied as she opened the office door and made her way out.

  “So, do Andre and Malachi’s family know about his PTSD, his delusional disorder and his true feelings towards Andre?” Adele asked as she exited the office.

  “Well, I think Andre has bit of knowledge of the delusional disorder. Malachi admitted how Andre and his two cousins use to make fun of the fact that he use to like to see things differently from what they really were. Back then, no one took it seriously. But with the PTSD and of course with the whole jealousy thing, Andre has no knowledge. As far as he is concerned, his brother Malachi is coming home and things will be lovely. His mom on the other hand has knowledge of his delusion issue, although she has no idea of what took place when Malachi was a kid as far as him almost getting raped,” Sherry concluded.

  “Wow. So wait, when you mentioned bizarre and non-bizarre behavior with his delusional disorder and you said it depends on how one looks at it, what exactly do you mean?” Adele asked.

  “Well, based on my observations, analysis and studies of him, it appears Arianna is still in his head. Like she’s still his girlfriend or maybe he feels he deserves her in some weird way after giving up his life. One might find that bizarre.”

  “Damn. This is some deep shit. I would love see how all this will unfold. What do you think will happen once he does get released?” Adele asked.

  “Oh, it’s going to be some shit,” Sherry admitted as they both laughed upon exiting the office.

  Present Day, 2010

  Jersey Shore Medical Center

  “Where the fuck is she? I asked you to do a simple thing as in go get her, and you couldn’t do that! I’m going to find her myself!” Malachi yelled angrily as he lifted the white hospital sheet which was covering his lower body. Getting out of bed was an easier task said than done as this was Malachi’s third attempt within the past hour, which he failed miserably.

  The desperate urge to see and speak to Arianna was his only concern since he grew alert and fully conscience over an hour ago. Never mind the fact he was in excruciating pain and was unable to remove himself from the bed. Never mind the fact he was savagely beaten by someone who has had his back and showed him nothing but complete loyalty. Never mind the fact that he had committed the ultimate betrayal and had possibly lost a true brother for life.

  “Mr. James, please, don’t try to get out of that bed. Do you not understand you have suffered fractured ribs?” Nurse ward attempted to reason with Malachi as she also tried to re-cover him with the white hospital sheet.

  “I don’t give a fuck about all that. I just want you to get Arianna St. Jean for me,” Malachi spat.

  “Eh, Mal, you are one disrespectful ass mothafucka, you know that?” Desmond questioned as he, Angeline and Edward entered the room. Malachi sighed in frustration as he closed his eyes and leaned his head back on the bed.

  “Excuse me, nurse Ward is it?” Desmond asked.

  The nurse turned facing Desmond’s direction. “Yes sir,” she answered as she smiled.

  “Would you mind if we have a minute with Mr. James here?” Desmond politely asked.

  “No, I do not mind at all. If you need me please don’t hesitate to press the nurse’s button over there on the arm rest,” Nurse Ward stated as she headed towards the door.

  “Sure thing,” Desmond replied.

  “Also, I’m sorry, I hope I’m not being rude or out of line due to the obvious circumstances, but I was wondering if you were by any chance Desmond Aeikan who use to play for the Lakers?” She asked.

  “Yes ma’am, in the flesh.”

  “Oh wow. I thought that was you,” she responded excitedly as she brought her hand to her chest in a dramatic matter. “My husband is a huge fan of yours and so am I, ever since you did your acting debut in that movie A Woman’s Love, with Raquel Jennings. He is going to be so ecstatic I’ve seen you in person,” Nurse Ward expressed as she smiled at Desmond.

  “Thank You, ma’am,” he kindly replied as the nurse exited the room. Desmond then made his way towards Malachi’s side as he caught a glimpse at Angeline who stood on the other side of the bed. He smirked to himself as he noticed she was staring at him during his brief exchange with the nurse. He also noticed she didn’t look too happy at the mention of his old flame, Raquel Jennings. He slowly shook his head as he turned his attention to Malachi. “Eh, nigga, I don’t even know where to start with your ass. I don’t even know where to fucking start and plus, I know you seen us calling you for the past two weeks. Your ass went MIA after Dre’s party. You didn’t even answer y
our own mother’s call. Then, you send her some bullshit text letting her know you straight and that was the last she heard from you until we get a phone call from Ed that your ass is here in the hospital,” Desmond addressed Malachi as Angeline and Edward listened on.

  Malachi remained unmoved with his eyes closed as Desmond continued. “Oh, so you don’t have nothing to say for yourself? Oh, aight, nigga. At least we know your ass can finally text now and shit,” Desmond concluded as Edward and Angeline snickered.

  “Mal, are you okay?” Angeline asked Malachi as she reached over and gently touched his shoulder.

  Malachi finally opened his eyes as he glanced her way. “Yeah, I’m cool,” he replied as he forced a smile. “Is Arianna okay?” He asked.

  Desmond looked at Edward wide eyed as he pointed at Malachi. “You hear this nigga? He still asking about her after the shit that just went down.”

  “Des, man, shut the fuck up! I’m not in the mood for your bullshit right now!” Malachi spat.

  “Eh, nigga then get in the mood. You foul as hell, Mal. You not only went after her but you going to refer to her by her maiden name? What did I tell you? Huh? Didn’t I tell you nothing good would come out of this? Didn’t I tell your ass to let it go. You going to betray a nigga who has been nothing but loyal to your ass over what; huh? What? And then your dumb ass is the one who put them together in the first place. I knew you two knuckle heads were hiding something. You going to ask your best friend, your brother, to be with your girl and then get mad that seventeen years later they not only still together but they’re very much in love with each other. See, I know for sure your delusional ass is crazy,” Desmond expressed causing Malachi to finally snap.

  “Man, Des fuck all that shit you talking! That nigga gets every fucking thing! And I’m sick of the shit! He ends up with everything! Every fucking thing! What the fuck do I get! Huh? I lost twenty years of my life. Twenty fucking years!” Malachi yelled in a state of rage. His eyes were blood shot red and behind them told a story of a troubled soul. “Yeah, right now I don’t give a fuck! He didn’t give a fuck about my feelings so I damn sure don’t give a fuck about his!” Malachi yelled in a state of rage.