Soulmates Dissipate

by Mary B. Morrison

  “Ms. Tanner, Shelly and I will do the dishes. You newlyweds have done enough.” Jazzmyne stood and gathered a few plates.

  “It’s all right, Jazzmyne. Shelly and I will do it,” said Mama.” That’s how I knew what she was getting ready to ask. It’s part of our special bonding time.”

  Jazzmyne handed the plates to Shelly.” I can respect that.”

  “Mother, I’m getting ready to go home,” Jada said.” Candice, I’ll talk with you tomorrow.”

  “Sounds good,” said Candice.” Be strong, girl. You want to go out Friday night? We only have two more Fridays to party.”

  “Sure. Where?” Jada asked.

  “Jimmy’s.”

  “What! Girl, you’re so crazy.” Darryl pushed Jada’s chair under the table and waited. “You know that’s the party until you drop or until you run out of ginseng, whichever one comes first.” Jada laughed.

  “Jazzmyne, would you like to go?” Candice asked.

  “I’ll think about it and let you know,” said Jazzmyne.” It’s been so long since I’ve been out.”

  “Well, you don’t have to worry about feeling out of place,” said Candice. “You’ll have a great time.”

  Jada looked at Darryl.” I’ll walk out with you,” he said.” Would you like some company tonight?” Darryl whispered softly in Jada’s ear.

  Jada winked.” Sure. I’d like that.” Jada gave her good-bye hugs and kisses to everyone.” Good night everybody.”

  Darryl followed Jada to her condo and parked in his usual space as if it were reserved just for him.

  “Are you feeling all right?” Darryl asked as they stepped off the elevator into Jada’s place.

  “I’ll be all right. I just need to relax and unwind.” Jada knew Darryl was not the one to discuss Wellington with.

  “I can help you do that,” he said. Darryl walked into the kitchen, poured two glasses of chilled champagne, and joined Jada in front of the fireplace. He handed her a glass. Jada sat on the couch. Darryl ran to Jada’s bedroom and returned with her chocolate-flavored cocoa butter lite oil. He sat on the floor and massaged Jada’s feet. Darryl gave the best foot massages in the world.

  “That feels so good.” Jada rested against the fluffy throw pillows.

  “I could make you feel better,” Darryl said.” Jada, I’ve been in love with you for almost sixteen years.” His thumbs rotated on the ball of her foot.” I’ve taken for granted you would always be there for me.” He paused and slid his fingers between her toes.” But when you said you were getting married, I tripped out. That’s why I stopped calling.” Jada remained silent. Darryl’s thumbs stroked the top of her foot.” For the first time in my life I felt like I had lost my best friend and my best lover.” Darryl braced himself on one knee and reached into his pocket. “Jada, will you marry me?”

  Jada’s lips parted. Darryl was quiet.” My head says yes because we’ve been together for what seems like forever. But my heart is still cloudy. I can’t make a rational decision about marriage at this point. But I promise you I’ll consider it.” Jada had already moved Wellington’s ring back to her right ring finger.

  “Well, at least wear the ring until you make up your mind.” Darryl kissed Jada’s hand.

  After Jada lost Wellington, she’d promised to always be true to herself.” I love you, Darryl. There’s a part of me that will always love you. I’m not saying no. I’m saying, not now. If it’s meant to be, we’ll be together.” Jada enclosed the box inside Darryl’s hand and wrapped her hands around his. She kissed his lips softly.” I’m going to take a shower.”

  “Mind if I join you?”

  “You know where the towels are.” Jada picked up the champagne glasses, put them in the kitchen, and went into her bedroom. She slowly unbuttoned her ankle-length dress and dropped it to the floor.

  Darryl watched Jada undress. The matching towels escaped his grip. His erection expanded. Jada watched it grow. She was always fascinated by the extreme contrast. When Darryl was limp, it didn’t appear he had much. But by the time he stopped, it was longer than The Ruler. She often teased him and said, “Tell another lie.” Then she’d watch him make it grow another inch. Darryl had incredible control over his dick.

  “It’s been a long time. You know I still love you, Jada.”

  Jada snapped her red thong. She turned and slowly walked into the bathroom and turned the shower on pulsating hot until it steamed. Then she turned it down a notch and stepped in. Darryl was right behind her. He massaged her neck and shoulders.

  “That feels so good,” Jada moaned. She relaxed at the touch of Darryl’s strong hands stroking her tense body. He brushed her hair to one side and ran his tongue along the nape of her neck. Then he gently caressed Jada’s chocolate mounds of pleasure. Her nipples protruded. Darryl was a patient lover.

  Jada faced Darryl. She sandwiched his perfect size ten between her breasts. Each time his head came up for air, she sucked it in and circled it with her tongue.

  Jada rubbed chocolate cocoa butter lite oil all over Darryl’s penis. She positioned the pulsating water over his erection. She squatted like she was doing a bench press. Froze. Then she alternated. Deep throat. Lemon twist. She kept going. He motioned for her to stop, but it felt so good to her she couldn’t. Jada inserted her finger in and out of her vagina several times. She slid her moistened finger into Darryl’s mouth.

  “Umm. Do that again,” he pleaded.

  When Jada’s head came up, Darryl pushed it down. Up. Down. Up. Down. She covered her teeth with her lips. She became more aggressive each time he pressed.

  Darryl’s toes curled and his eyes rolled to the back of his head as she worked him over.” I’ve missed you so much. Let’s go to the bedroom,” he whispered. Darryl turned off the shower.” I want to taste your dark sweet chocolate flesh.”

  Jada grabbed her towel. Handed Darryl his. She sprawled across the blue satin comforter and spread her legs parallel.” Welcome to Jada Diamond’s all-you-can-eat dessert buffet.” Jada spread her lips so Darryl could get a good view.” We have chocolate mousse, chocolate cream, chocolate delight, and chocolate supreme. And for the special, we have chocolate-flavored whipped cream delight supreme. Eat up, it’s all yours, Big Daddy.”

  Darryl dove in and started feasting. Jada purred as he stroked her clit with his tongue. She felt the tip dart in and out of her vagina repeatedly. Then he resumed stroking her shaft. She felt his long fingers penetrate her at the same time. “Yes!” she screamed. Jada closed her eyes and concentrated on the orgasmic flow. She was on the edge. She fought to hold on to the big one. Jada slapped the bed and rubbed it. Once. Twice. Again. The third time Darryl stopped. Jada liked their one-on-one tag matches. Darryl jumped up and stood with opened arms. Since she signaled for the switch, he got to choose the next position.

  Jada firmly hugged her arms around Darryl’s neck and wrapped her legs around his back. He inserted his head. She squeezed it. Slowly she lowered herself until he was completely inside. He lowered his face and bit her nipples. Jada’s pussy snatched Darryl’s dick like a kung fu grip.

  “Damn! Jada. This shit is illegal. You know this.”

  She galloped like she was horseback riding. She climaxed again and again. Darryl pressed his head as deep as it would go. Suddenly he pulled out. Darryl pumped cum shots on the wall, the nightstand, and the comforter. Darryl was definitely back on her active list. Jada freshened the linen. They dozed off in each other’s arms.

  The phone startled her. Jada rolled over and looked at the digital clock. Who could be calling her at six-thirty in the morning?

  “Hello,” Jada whispered.

  “Hi. I didn’t mean to wake you, but I really need to talk.” Jada turned over to see if Darryl was awake. He was sound asleep.

  “Is everything all right?” Jada asked.

  “Not really,” Wellington said. Jada detected the sadness in his voice. She tried not to awaken Darryl. Jada slipped from under his arm. She tiptoed into the kitchen
and poured a tall glass of cold water.

  “I sensed something wasn’t quite right with you.” Jada tried to sound concerned but detached.

  “How could you tell?”

  “Yesterday while at my mother’s house a strange feeling came over me and I began to feel weak. I sensed something was terribly wrong. I wanted to call, but then again, I didn’t.”

  “Well, you’re right,” Wellington said.” It’s not good news, but I’d prefer to tell you in person. Can you stop by my house later today, around noon?”

  Jada hesitated for a moment.” It’s not a good idea for me to come to your house. Can we meet at the New Orleans Grill downtown Embarcadero?”

  “Trust me Jada, you can come over to my house. It’s safe.”

  “No. I won’t come to your house.” Jada’s voice began to escalate. She lowered it.” We either meet downtown or we don’t meet at all.”

  “Fine. I’ll see you there at twelve.”

  “I’m going to go back to bed.” Jada yawned.

  “Thanks. Bye,” Wellington said.

  Jada slipped under the covers and cuddled underneath Darryl. She began to wonder what could possibly be wrong in the World of Wellington the Great. Maybe Jazzmyne had broke the news to him about their mother.

  Jada got out of the bed. She looked for Darryl but he was nowhere to be found. She looked in the bathroom, the kitchen, and the living room. She looked out the window. The space where he’d parked was empty. When the doorman buzzed, she thought it was Darryl.

  “Yes.”

  “Ms. Tanner. Candice is here to see you.”

  “It’s okay. She can come up.”

  “Hey, girl. What are you doing out so early?”

  “Girl. It’s almost three. You must have had a long night,” Candice said.

  “Are you sure? “Jada rushed to the nearest clock.

  “Yes, I’m sure. Why? What’s wrong with you?”

  “I was supposed to meet Wellington at noon. He really needed to talk. He sounded like he had a lot on his mind. I have to call the restaurant.”

  “It was meant to be, Jada,” said Candice.” He probably wants to have his cake and eat it too and personally I think he has eaten you enough. Don’t bother to call him. He’ll be just fine with his wife.”

  “I have to at least call the restaurant.” Jada pressed 911 and hung up. Then she dialed 411.

  “Fine. Do whatever you like. How many times are you going to let him use you? I’m going home. Call me later.”

  “Thank you for calling the New Orleans Grille.”

  “Yes, is there a gentleman by the name of Wellington Jones in your restaurant?” Jada crossed her fingers.

  “Sorry, but we don’t page our guests. If you’d like to leave a message, we’ll do our best to deliver it.”

  “This is an emergency,” Jada insisted.” Let me speak with your manager.”

  “Hold, please.”

  Jada tapped her nails on the kitchen table.

  “Are you still there?”

  “The question is are you all there? “Jada snapped.

  “They really don’t pay me enough to provide telephone entertainment. Are you Jada?”

  “Yes. Yes I am. Is he still there?”

  “No. He’s not. But he did leave a message for you. He said, ‘ Thanks. ‘”

  “Is that it? Hello! Hello!” Jada pressed the off button on her cordless and sighed. Maybe Candice was right. It simply wasn’t meant for her to see Wellington.

  Chapter 21

  Wellington nervously paced the floor in his office. He wondered what could be so important that Jazzmyne had to come over immediately. He looked intensely at the photo of his mother. Jazzmyne undoubtedly had the same eyes. He heard a car door shut. Wellington opened his front door. Walter walked in as if Wellington were expecting him.

  “Wellington, man, you cannot continue to bury yourself in your work and never leave the house. You’ve got to get out,” Walter said. He followed Wellington into the kitchen.

  Wellington grabbed the pitcher of orange juice.” Want some?”

  “Sure.”

  “Have you ever heard of solitude?” Wellington asked.

  “Solitude has nothing to do with it. You’re becoming depressed. You’ve stayed in your house day after day. When was the last time you went out?”

  “Monday.”

  ‘Today is Friday, man! You haven’t been outside in four days. Look, I’m going to chill here with you for a while then I’m coming back to pick you up at nine. We’re going out tonight. And I’m not taking no for an answer.”

  “Suit yourself. You’re overreacting.”

  “Well, I’m not overreacting about Melanie. I wish I could convince you to visit her. Wendy says Melanie asks for you all the time. It’s not right that you don’t visit your wife. She’s suffered enough from the accident and the miscarriage.”

  Wellington sipped on his juice and stared at the big screen.

  “You’ve already made one mistake,” Walter continued.” With all her faults, man, she’s still human. And she still loves you. Jada clearly doesn’t want any part of you. She stood you up. She doesn’t return your calls. Forget about her. Move on with your life. She’s moved on with hers.”

  “Walter, I’ve already told you. You don’t understand. So, I’m not going to explain it to you again. Jada will always be a part of my life. I’ve accepted that. Now, if you don’t mind, I have work to do before the stock market closes,” Wellington said.

  “I’ll be back at nine.” Walter rinsed his glass, set it on the counter, and walked out.

  As Walter drove off, Jazzmyne pulled up in the driveway. Wellington’s mind raced at the speed of lightning.” Hi. Come on in.”

  “I apologize for such short notice,” Jazzmyne said.

  “Don’t mention it. Would you like something to drink?”

  “Only if you have plastic cups.” Jazzmyne laughed.

  “No such luck,” Wellington teased.” What would you like?”

  “Your orange juice looks good.”

  “Okay, have a seat in the family room. I’ll be right there.” Wellington poured Jazzmyne’s juice into an eight-ounce glass.

  “I hooked you up with a smaller glass. How’s that?”

  “Perfect.” Jazzmyne’s eyes roamed the room. Wellington waited for her to say something, but she didn’t. She shook her leg.

  “So. What was so important?” Wellington asked.

  “I’m just sorting where to begin and end,”Jazzmyne said.

  “That’s easy. Start at the beginning and don’t stop until you get to the end. How’s that?”

  Jazzmyne took a deep breath.” Wellington, I’m your sister.” Wellington didn’t respond.” What I’m about to tell you may make you angry. But you have a right to know.”

  Wellington stared into Billie Holiday’s face and listened. Jazzmyne started at day one, all right. She went back to Katherine, Cynthia, and Susan’s history in Mississippi. Wellington felt anger. Hatred. Disgust. Jazzmyne continued. Wellington’s knee moved up and down.

  “So, the fact that Cynthia’s last name is Jones is coincidental?” Wellington questioned.

  “Perhaps,” Jazzmyne answered.” But I’d bet it was by design. Like Susan’s.”

  “So, it’s a possibility I’ve just married my half sister?”

  “Sometimes small towns are too small. Let’s hope not. Our mother said Susan swore Keith wasn’t the father.”

  “Did you tell Jada?” Wellington rubbed his head.

  “I had to tell someone. And she was the one I could trust. But this is not about Jada. Wellington, your father, Keith Thompson, lives in Oakland. Here’s his address and phone number.”

  Wellington stood and covered his ears as if he didn’t want to hear another word.

  “I’ll let you sort through all of this. Let’s talk again tomorrow,”Jazzmyne said.

  Wellington gave Jazzmyne a brotherly hug. He rocked her in his arms.” As frustrated as I
am, I’m glad to have you in my life. You have no idea how painful it was for me. Not knowing my parents. My sister. My niece and nephew.” Tears streamed down Wellington’s face.” I’ll call you, tomorrow.”

  Wellington walked Jazzmyne to the door. He went into his office and removed Cynthia’s picture from the wall. He forwarded his business calls to the voice mail paging operator and drove off in his car.

  Cynthia had stooped to an all-time low. He’d never forgive her for this. Wellington busted through the door. He finally found Cynthia and Chris on the third floor in the sunroom.

  “Cynthia Elaine Jones.” The words crawled out like a snake on its belly. Cynthia sat up and stared at Wellington. Chris jumped up and stood in front of Wellington.

  “Son! What’s the matter with you? Back up off of your mother.”

  The word “mother” hit Wellington below the belt.” She’s not my mother. But her sister is.”

  Chris stared at Wellington. Cynthia was quiet.” Cynthia. What is Wellington talking about?”

  “Yeah, Cynthia. What is Wellington talking about?”

  “Stop calling your mother Cynthia!”

  “I’ll never call her mother again as long as I live. You could have told me Jazzmyne was my sister! I’ve missed over thirty years of her life because of your games. Why didn’t you tell me?” Wellington paced the hardwood floor.” Answer me! Answer me, damn it!”

  Chris stared at Cynthia. Cynthia remained silent.” Cynthia. I think you owe Wellington and me an explanation.”

  Cynthia stood and stepped up to Wellington. She stopped two inches from Wellington and stared up into his eyes.” That bitch! Katherine vowed never to tell anyone. If she hadn’t been such a slut—and stole my man—you would have never been born a bastard.” Cynthia’s spit splattered across Wellington s face.” All my life I’ve sacrificed for you, for her. And this is the thanks I get? I should have let our grandfather rape her like he raped me! I hate you! And I hate your father!”

  Wellington dropped to his knees, pressed his hands together, and prayed in silence. He heard something fall. He opened his eyes. Cynthia was on the floor holding her chest. She gasped for air.