by Angie Hayes
We’d always meet up there; I would park my car and get in his with him. It was a lot safer than having him come to my apartment, especially since Troy still had a key. I knew he was capable of popping up at any time, and I didn’t want to risk them running into each other. Of course Shawn understood and didn’t trip. As he pulled to a stop in front of his mom’s house, he shut the engine off and asked if we could talk.
“I just want to thank you for making this visit home fun for me. Being away from my family and civilization takes a toll on a brotha.” Shawn said as he looked across the seat and into my eyes.
“Aww, don’t sweat it, that’s what friends do.” I told him with a smile.
“Is that all you see me as Alicia, just a friend?” he asked.
“Well, what else would you like me to see you as?” I asked confused.
“Listen, I know all about your situation with dude, and I’ve respected your space. These last few weeks I’ve gotten to know you all over again, and it’s reminded me of what I’ve been missing all this time. Truth is, I like you Alicia, I like you a lot.” He paused.
“I’ve like you from the very first time I laid eyes on you back in middle school. Why do you think I always use to tease you?” A chuckle escaped his lips before he turned serious again. “All I’m asking is that we keep in contact, and that you at least think about being more than friends one day.” Shawn caught me completely off guard with his confession. I guess my mother was right.
“I have no problem with keeping in contact, especially since you’re going back over there to another world, but I’m going to be honest with you, I need some time to think about pursuing anything further. I’m still trying to get over this whole ordeal with Troy, and I don’t want to use you as a rebound. That wouldn’t be fair to you.” I told him honestly.
“I understand, and I’m glad that you at least agreed to stay in touch. I’ll give you as much time as you need. There won’t be any pressure coming from my end.” He assured me.
That night I went home with so much on my mind that I didn’t have time to lay in bed and think about Troy. I wondered what life would be like with Shawn. He was really a good guy. I found myself reflecting back on the advice that I had given Keisha not long ago, and wondered if I should take it myself. Shawn left two days later, and in no time I was missing him like crazy. I kept my promise and stayed in contact by writing, Skyping, and emailing him daily. I even went as far as to send him care packages filled with goodies. I was being a great friend, even though I wasn’t sure if that’s all I wanted to be.
Chapter Fourteen
Troy
I finally decided to go to Alicia’s apartment and see what her ass had been up to. I haven’t heard from her in three weeks, and that shit wasn’t the norm for her. Usually she’s the one that comes crawling back trying to make things right, but not this time. I even asked Candy if she knew what was going on with her, and she told me that even she hasn’t heard much from her lately. Candy said that every time she called to hang out with Alicia, she would either tell her that she’s too tired from studying or work, if she answered the phone at all.
That shit didn’t sound right to me, and had me thinking that she was probably up to no good, so after work I did my usual pop up at her crib. When I walked in I found her sleeping on the couch with the TV watching her. She looked sexy as hell lying there with a pair of panties and a t-shirt.
I decided to wake her up with some head, because I knew she loved this lethal ass tongue of mines. Pulling her underwear to the side, I started to suck softly on her clit. Instantly Alicia began to stir from her sleep, and moans could be heard from deep in her throat. After I made her cum, I bent her over the arm of the couch and commenced to beating her pussy up. Damn, I missed this shit! Even though I have house pussy with Cass and Candy’s pussy on demand, Alicia’s shit is by far the best of all. Her shit always wrapped around my dick like a warm tight as glove. We continued to fuck for the next twenty minutes until we both came at the same time. As I lay on the couch catching my breath, Alicia got up and went into the bath room. I watched as her ass bounced from left to right, all the way until she was out of sight.
“Damn, I haven’t heard from yo’ ass in a while. What have you been up to?” I asked as she came back to the living room with me a hot rag.
“You know the usual, working and school. It’s almost time for graduation, so it’s crunch time. I’ve just been focusing on that.” She answered.
“So you mean to tell me you couldn’t pick up the phone and let a nigga know you were good?” I lifted my arms, so she could clean my dick off, all while looking her in the eyes.
“Troy please, if you wanted to know how I was doing, you would have come by. Besides, last time I checked the phone works both ways.” She replied smartly.
“Yeah, but yo’ ass is supposed to call me and make sure that I know what’s going on with you.” I found myself getting mad at how she was acting towards me. She was treating me as if I were any other nigga on the street.
“Troy just be honest and say that you’re used to me running behind you, and since I haven’t you can’t take it.” She said rolling her eyes.
“Besides, I do recall the last time you were over here you said some real foul shit out yo’ mouth. So to be all the way real, you should have been the one calling me.” she said.
“Here you go bringing up old shit again. A nigga ain’t come over here for this bullshit Alicia!” I told her getting loud; I had no intentions on arguing with her.
“Well why did you come over here Troy, to fuck?” She snapped.
“I came over to check up on you and chill, but I see you still on dumb shit. I don’t know what you got going on lately, but you better change yo’ tune back to where the fuck it was, and soon.” I warned her.
I was getting tired of the constant arguing with her dumb ass. We never used to be like this before, but now it’s like she’s starting to be my headache away from home.
“You know what Troy; I don’t even know why the fuck I bother. These past three weeks without you have been an eye opener for me. It made me realize that not only do I want more, but I deserve to have more than this.” She said pointing back and forth between the two of us. “For the last three years I’ve given you my all and in return, all you’ve given me is lies, and frequent trips to the clinic. I’m tired Troy. I can’t do this anymore.” She yelled with tears fell from the corner of her eyes as she looked down at me.
“Yeah, I know I didn’t know that you were married in the beginning, but once I found out I should have left. Then the first time you put your hands on me I should have called it quits, but I stayed because I loved yo’ ass. Love isn’t enough anymore with you. You’re sucking the life out of me Troy, and I refuse to keep letting that happen!”
Hearing that, I lost it and knocked her ass to the floor. The next thing I knew I was standing over her body punching the shit out of her. I beat her until I was out of breath, and left out the door leaving her laying there in a fetal position crying. I felt bad for what I did, but it was her fault, because she wouldn’t stop running her fucking mouth. Not only was she coming at me sideways, but she started to talk about that leaving me bullshit, and I couldn’t have that. I’m not used to women talking back to me the way she did. That shit made me snap. Alicia will learn that she can’t leave me, I won’t allow it; she’s my addition.
Chapter Fifteen
Alicia
I don’t know how long I lay on the floor crying. I felt my face had swelled up, and my body was aching. Somehow I found the strength and crawled over to the telephone and called Keisha who rushed over.
“Oh my God Alicia, what the fuck happened to you?!” I woke up still on the floor to Keisha screaming.
She must had used to key I’d given her to let herself in. With fear in her eyes she tried frantically to help me up, but I was in too much pain to move.
“Ouch!” I screamed.
“I can’t believe this muth
afucka had the audacity to put his fucking hands on you, like you a nigga in the streets. Fuck that, I’m calling the police on his bitch ass!” Keisha yelled pulling out her cell phone.
“No” I moaned. “Please don’t call the police.” I begged as I started to sit up as best I could.
“What the fuck you mean don’t call them? This nigga just beat the shit out of you and left to go home to his wife as if it never happened.” She looked at me astonished. “You’re laying here all fucked up and you’re still trying to protect him?” She yelled at me.
I knew she was beyond mad, but I didn’t want the police involved.
“Please, I’m begging you!” I said to her again.
“Man, whatever. This is some straight bullshit. I’m calling Keith.” She said.
Keisha dialed his number and told him that it was an emergency and to meet her at my place. He agreed and told her that he would be right over. Next she called Candy and told her the same. As we waited for the both of them to show up, Keisha helped me over to the couch and got a rag with some ice to put on my face. All I can do is cry, as I try to wrap my mind around what I could have possibly done to deserve this shit. Fifteen minutes later when Keith knocked on the door. Keisha rushed over to let him in and once he saw my face the questions started.
“What the fuck happened to you?!” he yelled.
“Yo’ fuck ass friend…that’s what happened.” Keisha yelled in his direction as if it was his fault.
“Troy did this shit? Naw, couldn’t’ be. That’s not like him man.” Keith said.
“Well he did Keith! She doesn’t want me to call the police on his bitch ass, but I’m two seconds from doing it anyway. They need to go to his house and lock his ass up right in front of his wife and kids.” Keisha hissed.
“Wait a minute, what do you mean wife? Troy isn’t married.” Keith said sounding confused.
I knew right then that Keith had been left out of the loop as well. Keisha began filling him on everything we knew about Troy and his double life. Once she was finished Keith just stood there for a minute speechless.
“I can’t believe he never told me, and we’re supposed to be boys.” Keith said still not completely understanding.
“Look, I’m going over to talk to him and see what the fuck is going on. Just stay here with Alicia and I’ll be back.” Keith said heading out the door,
Just as Keith left, Candy walked in.
“Alicia, are you alright?” she asked hugging me so tight it hurt.
“Yeah, I’ll be fine. I just need a Tylenol for this headache.” I said still wincing in pain.
“No, what you need is a damn doctor to look at your face, and a police to file a fucking report!” Keisha snapped.
“Keisha please, just let me deal with this like I always have.” I told her with irritation in my voice.
“Like you always have?” she looked at me bewildered.
“You mean to tell me that this muthafucka has put his hands on you before? What the fuck is wrong with you Alicia? It’s one thing to be with someone while they are married, but to let him beat yo’ ass is another. He could have killed you!” She yelled with tears falling from her eyes.
I knew that what my cousin was saying was true, and I knew it hurt her to see me like this.
“I know, I just love him so much.” I said braking down crying.
“I was so caught up in everything with him that I overlooked everything else. Now I feel like I’m trapped. It’s like I can’t get out of this, even though I want to so badly.” I pleaded.
“Oh honey, yes you can. You don’t have to go through this by yourself. You have me and the support of auntie and uncle, but you have to help yourself as well. You gotta stop trying to protect him. Don’t you see that this isn’t love? Troy doesn’t love you Alicia, because love doesn’t hurt.” Keisha said consoling me.
“I can’t tell my momma and daddy. I don’t want them getting into any trouble behind my stupid ass choices, especially my daddy. Promise me Keisha; promise me that you won’t tell.” When she didn’t reply right away I asked again. “Please, promise me.”
“The only way that I won’t say anything is if you swear to me right here and now that you will leave him alone. I’m not playing with you Alicia! Change your locks, hell; you can move in with me if you need to, just let him go!” Keisha commanded.
I nodded my head assuring her I would.
“I’m serious Alicia, because if you don’t one of y’all are going to be dead, or in jail, and I don’t it to be you!”
“Yeah boo, Keisha’s right.” Candy finally chimed in.
“You need to just let his ass go. All you’ve been getting since you’ve been with him is the short end of the stick. You can’t compete against his wife.” she continued as she rubbed small circles in my back.
“I hear you both, and I promise Keisha I’m done with Troy. You can bet that, I can’t take this any more.” I swore.
It was right then and there that I was officially done with Troy’s coward ass.
Chapter Sixteen
Keith
I left Alicia’s place and hit Troy up, asking him to meet me at Friday’s for lunch. I had to find out what the fuck was going on. Now I know that I’ve been gone since high school and shit has changed, but Troy and I have still managed to stay in contact. So to hear that my homeboy that I grew up with, and considered like a brother was married fucked me up! Especially to hear it from my lady’s mouth and not his is just crazy. Troy damn sure ain’t say nothing about it that’s for sure.
I always knew that he lived with that older broad that he had kids by, but never did he say that they were married. This shit is confusing as hell. Then to top it off he’s putting his hands on a woman, now that’s the shit I don’t like. I despise a nigga that do shit like that, but since Troy is my boy I gotta give him the benefit of the doubt and hear him out.
Once I pull up, I text Troy to let him know that I’m in the parking lot. He texted back telling me to come inside because he was already seated, and as soon as I enter I spot him sitting at the bar.
“Damn man, about time a nigga got some time for me.” Troy said as we gave each other a pound.
“Nigga please, yo’ ass be the one missing in action.” I said.
“Nah, never that.” He said as the female bartender walked up and took our orders.
Once the waitress left, I decided to cut the small talk and get down to business.
“Listen man, I just left Alicia’s crib and she was there all fucked up. She was crying with her face swollen, and lips busted. Keisha called me over there, and when I walked in they told me that you were the one responsible. Now you know I don’t get in yo’ business, but what the fuck is going on?” I asked hoping this nigga a be truthful with me.
“Ah man, Alicia’s ass will be alright.” He said waiving his hand in a dismissive way like it wasn’t nothing.
“She started popping off at the mouth so I had shut her ass down that’s all.” Troy said as he lifted his glass and downed the dark liquor the waitress brought back, before turning his attention to the game on the mounted television as if beating on a woman was no big deal.
“So since she was talking shit you whooped her ass?” I asked as I started felling myself getting pissed off.
I used to watch my father beat my momma’s ass when I was younger. When he was finished with her, he would set his sights on me, because I was the only one who tried to stop him. I used to wipe my mother’s blood away and help her to cover the many bruises she had. So because of that I hated men who put their hands on a woman.
“Man I ain’t whoop her ass; I just hit her in the mouth. That shit wasn’t even hard. Damn nigga, you acting like you her daddy or something asking me questions and shit.” Troy said laughing, but it was far from a joke.
“She may not be my daughter, but she is someone else’s daughter. Keisha wanted to call the police on yo’ ass, but I told her to chill and that I would holler at you to see
what the play was.” I informed him.
“Damn that bitch needs to mind her own fucking business.”
“Hold on now dog, you gone have to watch that name calling with Keisha, because she ain’t nobody’s bitch.” I snapped on him. If I wasn’t pissed before, I damn sure was now!
“My bad, I just get heated when I hear about the police getting involved in my business.” He said shaking his head.
“It’s some other shit I wanted to ask you. I hear that your married, what the fuck is that about?” I asked starring at him.
“Oh yeah man, I married Cass a few years ago.” He said without a care in the world.
“A few, how many years is a few?” I asked shocked.
“Nine” He answered.
“Nine!” I shouted.
“Yeah, she’s held me down for so long so I said fuck it, but it ain’t’ shit though.” Troy said shrugging his shoulders nonchalantly and continued to watch the game again.
He picked up one of the wings that the waitress brought out and took a bite.
“Man, why you ain’t say nothing to me about it? I’m over here looking lost and shit when they telling me about you!.” This nigga is crazy as hell.
How the hell do you get married, and not even tell your boy?
“Like I said it ain’t nothing, just a piece of paper.” He said.
Did this nigga just say it’s just a piece of paper?
“So did Alicia know from jump that you were married?” I asked because although I knew he was with Cassandra and they lived together, I never thought that they were married.
I was just under the impression that Alicia knew his living situation and took it for what it was. I never mentioned it to Keisha, and she never said anything to me about it.
“Nah, not at first. She ended up seeing us out and asked me about it. I told her yeah and she went off crying and shit, threatening to leave me. I fucked her real good, and she shut up about it.” He answered.
