by Mona
Ian cleared his throat as he continued. “So, I went ahead and granted Justine’s father his wish. The following day I broke up with Justine. It was one of the hardest things I ever had to do. What was even harder was the fact I tried to break up with her by writing her a note, but she wasn’t falling for it. She came to me crying saying she didn’t believe my letter and begged me to tell her the truth. When she kept carrying on and not letting up, I mean she insisted for me to tell her the truth and that she wasn’t buying my breaking up with her, I decided to use Rolonda to do it. As Justine went on and on, Rolonda just happened to be making her way to us when I just grabbed her and kissed her in front of Justine. The look on her face ripped my heart to pieces, but unfortunately, that gesture actually worked. Justine walked away from us with tears running down her face. After that day, she never said another word to me. A few weeks later, not only did Rolonda tell me she was pregnant again and I might or might not be the father, Justine left me a note in my locker telling me she was pregnant also. I knew for sure Justine’s baby was mine, because I took her virginity. So, when I went to try to talk to Justine’s father, he once again threatened me, and I punked out, once again. He made Justine move to Brooklyn to have the baby. I completely cut Rolonda off and she eventually moved out of town with Raymond. I graduated, went off to school and the NFL, and I never looked back,” Ian concluded his confession.
Everyone stood speechless as they stared at him. Andre broke the silenced as he was the first to speak. “Mothafucka, do you really expect me to believe that my grandfather was racist and had that much power to talk the team coach to help him blackmail a high school kid?” Andre asked with venom in his voice.
“Man, fuck all that!” Malachi yelled catching everyone off guard. “Mom, this man abandoned you and his daughter, and without even trying to see if I was really his son. He went to make millions and millions of dollars, living the good life while you struggled to raise two kids. We were on welfare, came close to getting evicted. Shit, I can remember times we went hungry. We struggled while this nigga became famous, living in mansions, driving fancy cars and living like a fucking king! I remember when Andre and I were fourteen and how he, Des and I would watch him on interviews and follow his games. This fool use to brag about the new sports car he purchased while the reporter would try to interview him about a game he just played. He was cocky and arrogant. Meanwhile, his ass had a daughter, a son and a possible son who he just turned his back on. After all that, he comes out of nowhere and you dealing with him again? Not only that, but you’re going to marry him?” Malachi expressed and questioned as he stared at Rolonda who wore nothing but a pure look of shame on her face. “And where the hell was he when Candace passed away, huh? Where the fuck was he!”
“Mal—” Rolonda began to say but was cut off by Malachi who officially lost it.
“And I’m sick of this shit! I’m sick of this nigga getting everything! Once again, he gets the upper hand!” Malachi yelled as he pointed his finger and now was face to face with Andre.
Arianna immediately jumped between them and Ian, Desmond, Patrice, Angeline, Rolonda and Lorette tried to diffuse the situation.
“Okay, I know you two are upset—” Ian began to say but was cut off…
“This nigga wanted his mom instead of my mom and on top of everything, he gets my sister too! This is some bullshit!” Malachi yelled.
Andre laughed as he attempted to edge closer to Malachi, but Arianna stood in his way as she faced him with her back to Malachi. Although Malachi began to seek professional counseling for the demons he battled with, including his jealousy towards Andre, the newfound information they had learned triggered feelings and emotions he currently was working on conquering.
As Malachi ranted, Andre laughed even more, triggering Malachi’s anger by the minute.
“Dre, stop laughing. You’re making this worse. Let’s go upstairs,” Arianna pleaded with Andre, trying to ease the tension.
“Aight, aight. I’ll stop laughing. I guess I had to see the shit for myself. Des did say the nigga seemed like he was jealous of me, but a part of me refused to believe it,” Andre admitted. Although he was no longer laughing, he wore a slight smirk on his face which pissed Malachi off even more. “It’s okay, bro,” Andre said. “Wait, I guess it’s a possibility that we can really be bros, huh?” Andre asked sarcastically.
“Dammit, Dre, stop. Let’s go!” Arianna stressed.
“Aight, I’ll stop,” Andre said as Arianna grabbed his arm in an attempted to walk away. Arianna felt the tension and the body heat coming from Malachi behind her back, making her extremely nervous. She prayed she could get Andre upstairs before Malachi went off, but that wish was short lived. Malachi’s demeanor suddenly changed. He wore a smirk on his face as he stared at Andre directly in the eyes. Although Arianna grabbed Andre’s arm, attempting to direct him towards the stairs, Andre, however, did not budge.
“It’s okay, little bro,” Malachi said, emphasizing on the word little, letting it be known that if in fact they were biological brothers, that he was older than Andre by three months to be exact. “You know, it just dawned on me that I may have something over you after all,” Malachi announced, while he continued staring Andre in the eyes.
“Okay, that’s enough, you two, “ Ian ordered.
“Careful now, Ian. You almost sound like a real father and shit,” Andre cut his eyes at Ian as he then turned his attention back to Malachi.. “Plus, I want to hear what my big bruh has to say,” Andre expressed with more sarcasm.
“Dre, let’s go now, man. You two need to cool off, for real,” Desmond tried to intervene.” Andre decided to be the bigger person and attempted to walk away with Arianna still holding onto his arm. Everyone sighed a sigh of relief once Andre turned to head towards the stairs.
“Why don’t you ask Arianna who the best is? Nah mean, lil’ bruh, Malachi called out in a sarcastic tone as he mocked the way Andre speaks, causing everyone to freeze in shock. Arianna immediately blushed in embarrassment. She was forced to let go of Andre’s arm as he quickly charged towards Malachi, causing the women to scream in fear. Screams were heard throughout the dining room as Andre and Malachi duked it out, making it impossible for Desmond and Ian to break up the altercation.
Chapter Fourteen
One Month Later:
Andre & Arianna’s Home
“Aaah yes, it feels so good out here,” Angeline expressed as she, Arianna and Ava were lying down by the poolside.
“Yes. I can’t believe how warm it is out here for it to be September,” Arianna added as all three were laid out on the patio lounge chairs, sipping on Mango Margaritas.
“Yes, it does feel good out here,” Ava agreed.
“Well, I’m glad you’re out here enjoying the weather with us, sweetie, instead of being cooped up in your room,” Angeline said as she smiled at Ava. Although Ava eventually began to bounce back to her old self by going to work and attending her supervised visits with her baby at Jason’s house on Sundays, she still felt somewhat depressed without him full time. There were days she preferred to be alone.
“Well, since I get to see him tomorrow, it puts me in a good mood,” she admitted as she smiled.
Arianna and Angeline smiled as well. They were happy to see her spirits up. In addition to loosing temporary custody of the baby, they knew Ava was depressed over Jason and his sickness with HIV. Although she did a great job of putting on a façade within the past two years, inside, she was slowly dying. Once upon a time, she loved Jason beyond words and learning he was positive with such sickness tore her up inside. As much as she wanted to hate him for putting himself in that predicament, and possibly exposing her and their son, she couldn’t find herself to do so. Even now, she still was unable to feel hatred for him, despite what she said to him at the court house.
“Ava, are you okay?” Arianna asked as she noticed Ava’s mind drifted elsewhere.
“Yes. So, I guess you guys think I’m horrible, hu
h?” Ava asked.
Within the past month she pretty much kept herself isolated from everyone in hopes to avoid explaining what Jason revealed at the courthouse. Although, it’s been a month, she still wasn’t ready to discuss it.
“Of course not, Ava. We could never think you are horrible. The only thing we were upset about was the fact you kept so much from us. You went through some serious things and going through it alone, now that’s horrible, but not you. You were scared, so you made some drastic choices, but we can tell you love baby Cal. What’s important now is that you no longer have to go through this alone,” Arianna said as she stood up and walked over to Ava and gave her a sisterly hug.
“Yes and I second that, but sorry I can’t get up and hug you right now because this margarita is working its magic,” Angeline added causing them to laugh. “Speaking of baby Cal, did you fill out the paperwork to change his name yet?” Angeline asked.
“Yes I did, but now Jason is challenging that. I want to name him after my dad, but Jason wants to give him his name, making him a Junior.”
“Uugh!” Angeline expressed causing them to laugh once more.
“Don’t say it,” Arianna warned.
“I won’t say it, but you would think he would have redeemed himself by now,” Angeline pointed out.
“Doesn’t look like it,” Ava stated as she shook her head.
“So, anyway, enough about Jason. How’s it going working with Ezekiel Sanders?” Arianna asked as she remained standing.
“Oh, it’s okay. I though he was a jerk, but he’s actually pretty cool. A little cocky, but almost in a tolerable way. You know, not over the top,” Ava admitted as both Arianna and Angeline slowly grinned at her.
“Hmmmm,” Arianna replied with a sly grin.
“Oh boy, don’t start,” Ava said as she stood up with the glass of margarita in her hand.
“What? I didn’t even say anything,” Arianna said as she continued grinning at her.
“But, you were thinking it and I’m not trying to hear it. Like I said before, no more ball players for me. Matter of fact, I’m not thinking about dating anyone. I just want to get my son back and hope I remain HIV negative. Thinking of which, I’m about to get tested right now. I’ll see you guys later.” Ava hugged them both.
“Wait, Ava, real quick. It’s been two years, you should be okay now, right? I mean based on the research I’ve done, nowadays, after six months to a year, if your results have been negative, then you should pretty much be okay,” Arianna clarified.
Ava sighed and nodded her head. “No, you’re right. I’m just being a little paranoid, but I feel better by getting tested at least one more time after this. I’ll see you guys later.”
“I’m proud of her. She’s really shown a lot of growth,” Arianna said to Angeline as they watched Ava exit the pool area.
“Yes, she has,” Angeline agreed as she sipped on her drink.
“Okay, so, I’m about to leave you for about an hour. I’m heading over to the steam room. It always helps me when my muscles are aching,” Arianna said to Angeline as she placed her hands on her lower back.
“What’s wrong with your muscles?” Angeline asked as she eyed her.
“Well, it’s more so my back than my muscles. My back has been killing me lately,” Arianna stressed as she rubbed her lower back.
Angeline grinned at her. “Oh okay. Either, your little monthly friend is coming or you and Dre have been having some crazy make up sex.”
“Well, you’re definitely right about my monthly friend. Although, I haven’t seen it yet, that has to be the reason for these crazy back pains I’ve been having, because there hasn’t been any make up sex going on between Dre and I,” Arianna informed Angeline.
“Really?” Angeline questioned with curiosity.
“Yupp, he’s still in the guest room. Plus, after what happened at my mom’s dinner, things been real strained between us.”
“Yeah, well, give him time. I hate to say it, cuz, but you messed up big time. Andre wasn’t always my favorite person in the past, but he’s really stepped up and proved himself. Shit, I’m not even mad at him for what you told me he confessed to you about. He was hurting and had a weak moment, but the fact that he stopped it before it went further and he came and told you, really says a lot,” Angeline said. “So, just give him time. As far as Malachi is concerned, you need to make a choice,” Angeline continued as she raised her brow at Arianna.
“A choice? What do you mean a choice? I’ve chosen Dre.”
“Have you? Because from what I see, you’re still confused. And please don’t tell me how you haven’t spoken to Malachi. There’s a difference between you avoiding him because you’re mad at him for what he said at the dinner, and you avoiding him because you’re trying to work on your marriage. I know you, something happened after you had sex with him. Something you can’t shake. Now, you still love Dre very much, I’m sure, but you can’t stop thinking about Malachi. You need to get it together and make a choice. Then you wonder why Dre won’t touch you? I love you and I don’t mean to be so hard on you, but this has gotten so damn crazy. Now they might be brother’s for real? Uugh. And I agree with Malachi. I think it’s disgusting for Mama Ro to hook back up with Ian after he went on to live a life of luxury while his kids struggled. At least Dre’s mom found someone to do for her and Dre,” Angeline expressed.
“Yes Angie, You’re right about everything. I will think about what you said. Now off to the steam room I go.” Arianna made her way to the entrance of her home. Stopping, a thought came to mind. “Oh, Angie, while you giving out all this great advice, I have some of my own. Desmond is one of the best. A true winner as far as I’m concerned. You need to stop being so scared and stop playing games and let him in,” Arianna shouted.
Angeline frowned up her face. “Let him in? Let him in where?” She asked.
“Girl, stop playing!” Arianna shouted. “Let him in your heart. Shoot, let him in between your legs! Just let him in!” Arianna shouted once more as she busted out laughing before entering her home.
Thirty minutes later
Arianna felt a hell of a lot better as she sat on the bench in the corner full steam/sauna room with a built in shower Andre installed for her months earlier. While she leaned against the wall, she closed her eyes as she slowly felt her body relaxing. She was unsure of what was going on with her body lately, but the pain in her back seemed to disappear momentarily. Just as she felt herself on the verge of drifting off, she heard the glass door to the steam room open, causing her to open her eyes. Her heart skipped a beat as she watched Andre make his way in. As she eyed him from head to toe through the steam that clouded the room, she noticed he was shirtless, wearing only a pair of sweatpants, looking so damn sexy, and for some reason Angeline’s words echoed in her head. “Then you wonder why Dre won’t touch you?”
A month and a half had passed since she gave into temptation and did the forbidden act with Malachi. The million dollar question Angeline, Ava, her mom, Mama Ro and Patrice had been asking her is does she regret it? Truthfully; not quite is the answer. The main thing she regrets more than anything was Andre walking in on them. Her heart almost stopped that night. To say she was mortified was an understatement. What bothered her the most was the pain in Andre’s eyes. She was unsure what hurt him the most; her betrayal or Malachi’s. If she was able to turn back the hands of time, would she turn Malachi down? Honestly, she wasn’t sure. Learning of that deal he and Andre made pissed her off at first, however, once her anger subsided and she thought more and more about it, she slowly grew to understand why he did it. Her heart smiled, the more she thought about it, not to mention thoughts of him consumed her in those two weeks she avoided Andre, despite the fact she was upset with him as well. Although she understood why he did it, she was still somewhat upset that her choice was taken from her. Neither one of them thought about how it would make her feel. Yes, they were both trying to protect her, but who she wanted to be with sh
ould have been her choice. It seemed throughout all these years, she never really had a choice on who she really wanted. As she thought about it in the past few weeks, she had begun to feel like a pawn in their little game and their vendetta against each other. She had started to question if either of them really loved her at all. To say she was confused was truly an understatement.
