Wrong Vengeance

by The Blakk Dahlia

  “And basketball.”

  She laughed. “And basketball.”

  “That’s great you have a good relationship with your father. That’s important for girls. Teach them how a man supposed to treat them.”

  She froze. Thinking of what Charles said. Brandy grew up with a good example of a man, yet she ended up with a guy like Jay. What went wrong?

  “You okay?” He asked, noticing her silence.

  “Yea. I’m fine. What made you want to get to know me?”

  “Well, I saw a beautiful woman sitting at the bar. Enjoying herself. Not trying to force herself on any man that walked by. You have this confidence about you. Like you know what you want.” He replied.

  “Hmm ok. Fair enough.” She nodded.

  “What made you accept the invitation?” He asked.

  “You’re handsome, smart, and easy to talk to. Plus, I liked the idea of beating you in basketball.”

  “I guess I’ll be hearing about this beating I took today until we play again.”

  “Of course!”

  A short period of stillness fell between them. Brandy continued eating her coffee cake as Charles dug into his cheesecake. Trying to think of more to say, her eyes wandered around the restaurant. Hoping that he’d be the one to break the silence, she drank the lukewarm sake.

  He had a lot to say but didn’t know exactly where her head was. Gaining confidence, he took a chance.

  “Look, I’m open and honest. I don’t play games with women. Like I said before, when I find a woman that I’m really into, I’m focused. I don’t want to make any promises, but I’d really like to spend more time with you. To see where this could go.”

  Brandy was totally caught off guard by Charles’ speech; yet captivated. The notion of their day together being a one-time date was out the window. She wanted to be totally in. She wanted to see the possibilities. Then as her hopeful feelings came into play, so did Jay’s memories. Like Charles, he also spoke of being with only one woman. As time went on, there was another woman, then another.

  “I’m the same way Charles. I only deal with one man at a time.” She said displaying little emotion. “We can definitely see where this goes.”

  “Good...Good.” He smiled, feeling relieved by her words but confused by the stone expression.

  After leaving the restaurant, Charles took Brandy home without giving the pressure of inviting himself in. Soft kisses on each other’s cheeks were the only intimate exchange, which made her want more. The first date with Jay ended in the bedroom, heavily initiated by him. She felt proud of breaking the curse of rushing into bed on the first date. It made her feel like a lady.

  Although Charles was very attracted to Brandy, he didn’t want to force something she wasn’t sure about. He desired to get to know her, invest his time, and show that he was worthy of getting intimate should that day come. The testosterone wanted to take over, but fortunately, he used the right head to think about what he was doing.

  CHAPTER 3: THE TEST BEGINS

  “Brandy.” He said holding her hand taking a walk downtown. “I want you to know that I haven’t been seeing anyone else since we’ve been dating.”

  “I kinda figured Charles.” She laughed. “You tell me all the time.”

  Their first date opened a door of making it a priority to see each other ever since. A few more basketball games, breakfast, lunch, and dinner dates. Along with surprise outings, usually initiated by Charles, when he was done with work and kid free. The man was falling fast and didn’t think twice about it. He wanted to be in Brandy’s company and made it clear within three months of dating it was time to make it official.

  “I just need you to understand and TRUST that it’s only you I want.” He explained. “I get the feeling that you’re holding back because you’re unsure of how I feel. I know you’re protecting your heart, but you don’t have to protect it from me.”

  It was more than a mere heart protection. Brandy was in a slump caused by the past. Keeping the details to herself, she allowed him to believe it was just that.

  In an attempt to bring her guard down, Charles constantly reminded her of his feelings. The guard quivered. Some days she was all in while other days brought on hesitation. She wanted to be with Charles, but that fear of the other shoe dropping, lingered.

  They took a few more steps in silence, adoring the crisp night air breezing by. His eyes were her legs counting the steps in black pumps and her eyes to the stars, they both hoped what they had was real.

  “Are you waiting for me to say something?” She asked turning around mid-strut.

  “Maybe.” He sneered.

  “Charles.” She said stopping in front of him. “I’m not seeing anyone else and I only want you. You should know that by now. These last three months have been great. I wouldn’t be giving you all of my time if there wasn’t anything between us. Just be patient with me. I don’t like to rush into things.”

  He planted a sensual kiss on her lips. She grabbed the back of his head, rubbing tiny hairs on his neck. Charles’ hands moved tightly around her waist as more confirmation that it indeed was authentic. That kiss sealed the deal. Their relationship was officially official.

  After the bliss settled, fear arose within Brandy, realizing what was happening. It was time for her to come out of “scared to try” and maneuver into working on that guard coming down for Charles.

  Am I ready? Is he ready? She thought.

  The remnants of her past with Jay just wouldn’t leave her alone.

  Charles called constantly, even just to hear her voice. Brandy never went to bed without a goodnight call when they weren’t wrapped in each other’s arms.

  It only took a month for him to make his way into her panties, through her heavy encouragement. She tested him to determine if he’d change afterwards. Waiting around for him to “lose interest”. Charles only wanted more time with her. However, that confirmation wasn’t enough to calm the mixed emotions.

  The rare breed of Charles displayed a good man at heart from day one. And through her guarded soul, he saw a woman whom he wanted to fall in love with.

  Making the relationship verbally official helped swing things in his favor, allowing her to be open, shaking the guard. To return the kindness of his consistency, Brandy held up her end in equally expressing her feelings for him through actions. The intentions weren’t set on pushing him away with fear; she knew what she had and didn’t want to lose Charles to another woman ready to take her place. Although the determination to be a good woman was there, some days it could not compete with the suppressed hurt.

  As she waited and waited, the monster never came. Charles wasn’t perfect; having those normal “man” qualities that drives women crazy. But all things considered, he was well above the rest.

  ________

  The day of their six-month anniversary arrived on a rainy Saturday. The plan was for him to come over for dinner, champagne, and pampering. The medium level of precipitation set the storybook romance tone for the intimate anniversary celebration.

  The morning was consumed with Brandy’s Brazilian wax, hair, and nail appointments. Shopping at the best stores in town to pick out gifts for him and expensive champagne. Lastly, candles to decorate the bedroom. Charles was in charge of making dinner since he always begged for an opportunity to show off his cooking skills.

  Carrying bags inside her home, the cell rang with Charles’ special ringtone. She dropped everything on the sofa to catch the call.

  “Hey baby! I’m all ready for you!” Brandy excitedly answered.

  “Hey babe.” He said in a dismal tone.

  “What’s wrong?” She asked unpacking the shopping bags.

  “I have some bad news. Monica was called into work. There’s shortage of nurses and she can’t find a sitter at the last minute. Chase has to stay with me until she’s done with the late shift. I can’t do tonight babe.”

  “What!?”

  “Baby I’m so sorry. I really tried t
o get her to find someone else, but it was impossible. I’m on my way to get him now.”

  Brandy paused. She couldn’t believe it. Those plans were made two weeks prior and the story of having to keep his son didn’t sit well with her.

  “Brandy. Are you mad at me?” He asked. “We can get together tomorrow.”

  “No. It’s fine.” She lied. “You have to pick up your son. I understand.”

  She didn’t want to celebrate the next day. That lessened the excitement and meaning for her. Listening to his faint car radio and the traffic he encountered rushing to pick up his son, Brandy’s face sunk to the floor.

  “Okay. Well um, just call me later.” She continued.

  “I know you’re mad.” He sighed.

  “I’m not. Honestly.” She replied trying to push out a smile.

  “Tomorrow, it’s just me and you. I promise, I’ll make it up. I told Monica to have someone else on standby just in case she’s called in. I can guarantee this won’t happen again.” Charles pleaded.

  Monica, his ex-girlfriend and mother of Chase. He thought she was the one, but her unrealistic relationship standards caused them to part ways. She cared more about how the public perceived them versus focusing on what they had together.

  Remaining friends, they worked to give their son the best, despite having a broken home. Monica eventually moved on, marrying an electrician named, Tony. Needless to say, Charles was happy to receive the call that she’d met someone else, meant less drama for him.

  “I really wanted to spend today with you, but things happen. It-its fine baby.” She replied, ready to end the conversation.

  “Thank you for understanding.” He said relieved. “Like I said, I’m making this up to you.”

  “Alright. Talk to you soon. Bye.”

  Brandy hung up and turned off the phone. She didn’t want to hear from Charles for the rest of the day. Although she said everything was fine, the looming thoughts told her that there was a possibility of a huge lie. Jay cancelled dates all the time, which usually meant he was out with other women.

  Following the memories of her ex, hypothetical scenarios of what Charles could be doing flowed. Along with the surge of Monica joining in on that imagination.

  “I’m not stupid.” Brandy said to herself. “All this running around for nothing!”

  Thinking that wine would help her to relax, she popped open a bottle. With the glass filled to the rim, she watched movies in the living room. The daytime rain turned into an evening down pour. The liquid relaxation, threw her deeper into bad emotions. Angry at the idea of Charles blowing her off and using his son of all people as an excuse.

  “Something’s up. I haven’t heard from him since this morning and I know he’s out with that baby’s mama. Damn it! Just when I was beginning to fall for him this shit happens.” Brandy said aloud pouring another glass of wine.

  She didn’t hear from him because the phone was powered off. In midst of trying to forget about Charles’ cancellation, that important detail was forgotten. Instead of simply turning the phone back on, she drove herself crazy with imaginations of him spending “family-time” with Monica and Chase.

  “On our anniversary?!? Really!?!? Dammit!”

  Popping bottle #2, Brandy contemplated on ending their relationship over this mishap. She didn’t want it to be over, but if he was going to play around, she’d rather be alone.

  Just as she was about to grab the phone to contact Charles in a wine-filled rage, the doorman buzzed. Her man was on his way up to see her.

  Looking through the peephole, she found Charles standing on the other side. Wet from running around with no umbrella. He’d rather chance catching a cold than to waste any time in getting to his lady. Showing up at that very moment saved their relationship. Still livid, Brandy opened the door with no hesitation.

  “Hey babe! I just had to come see you today.” Charles breathed heavily, holding flowers and a gift bag. “I’m really sorry I had to cancel at the last minute.”

  “It 9:30 Charles. Now you want to see me?” Brandy asked shaking the wine glass at him.

  “I text you earlier and tried to call you.” He replied confused. “Monica’s mother came home early from a church function and volunteered to watch Chase. Is your phone dead?”

  She then remembered turning off the cell. Not wanting to admit that to her man noticeably exhausted from running around the city.

  Charles on the other hand, was in disbelief. He never saw this side of her. Brandy had gotten sassy with him before, but nothing that a soft kiss and reassuring words didn’t fix. He wasn’t expecting that type of demeanor, he told her the reason why things changed. Even gave Brandy an opportunity to express how she really felt. To him, they communicated about everything, coming to a mutual understanding. Making the effort to still find a sitter for his own son was supposed to win her over.

  The truth of the matter, he wasn’t lying. Monica WAS called into work and couldn’t find anyone else to watch their son. Throughout the day, Charles called around to Monica’s relatives to do him a favor in trying to salvage the anniversary date.

  “Umm is everything ok?” He asked. “Can I come in baby?”

  “Yea.” Brandy said with an attitude.

  Leaving him in the doorway to wipe his feet on the welcome mat, she went into the kitchen to gather her thoughts. Which was hard to do because the wine had taken over.

  “Baby. What’s wrong?” Charles asked closing and locking the door.

  “I’ll let you figure that out.” She replied slamming the wine glass on the counter.

  Charles walked over into the kitchen, placing the roses and gift bag on the counter. He held his woman from behind, kissing slowly on her neck. Anything he could do to calm her down.

  “I got you roses and a surprise baby.” He said.

  “Umm...ok...thanks.” She replied unmoved.

  Releasing her, he leaned against the counter gawking at the angry stance in a sexy pant suit.

  “Sooo are you going to tell me why I’m getting this attitude?”

  Charles wasn’t happy with how Brandy was acting. However, he felt it would be better to remain peaceful and figure out the real issue instead of fighting back.

  “On our six-month anniversary, you just HAD to cancel on me? Are you sure you were where you said you were?”

  “Wait what!?!? That’s the issue?! Me picking up my son. You’re mad about that?! Charles snapped.

  He didn’t want to cancel and felt guilty, although the reason behind it was important. Still refusing to stoop to her level of bad vibes, he pulled out his phone and began scrolling through messages between him and Monica. After finding the evidence for Brandy to see, he tossed the exposed phone on top of the roses and walked into the bedroom.

  She picked it up which revealed that her man was right all along. While skimming through the texts, the anger turned into embarrassment. She created an entire situation about him lying and it was the total opposite.

  Once again, it hit her that she wasn’t dealing with another Jay. Charles never gave any reason to second guess what he said. Brandy just didn’t want to give him the benefit of the doubt, instead surrendered to the negative thinking.

  “Charles! Babe!” She called out.

  He turned on the TV instead of answering her.

  “Lemme make it up to you.” She suggested, rushing into the bedroom. “I’m sorry baby.”

  Brandy didn’t give him a chance to respond. Immediately kissing his neck while rubbing his shoulders. He didn’t give in at first but after he felt nibbling on his earlobe, he couldn’t resist. Charles didn’t want a fight. But he didn’t like the fact that he had to prove himself to her after all the effort he’d put in since their first date.

  “Your ass has A LOT of making up to do.” He said before kissing her lips.

  “I know. I’m sooo sorry. Please forgive me. I just got wrapped up in wanting this day to go perfect and you cancelled so I just...”

  “W
ent to the worst-case scenario instead of believing your man.” He sternly interrupted.

  Brandy looked to the floor in shame. They shared a lot with each other, but she never told him about the tumultuous relationship with Jay. The reason she was so insecure in the first place.

  “Just let me take care of you tonight. You hungry?” She said looking him

  “No, I made dinner for me and Chase. You?”

  “I’m full of wine.”

  He pulled her head up from the floor to meet his eye contact.

  “You need to eat.” Charles said with a straight face, noticing the glaze in her eyes.

  “Guess I can order a pizza or something.” Brandy smiled.

  “Go take care of that then you can come back and take care of me while you wait on food.” He commanded.

  His tone and demeanor turned her on. Knowing he meant business about making things up. She hastily agreed because rift was caused by jumping to conclusions. Charles was gentle towards his lady, but he wasn’t a pushover.

  Some men can be more patient than society gives them credit for. Chopping up weird behavior to “women just being women” so that’s what he did. However, if Brandy kept up the “crazy woman” act, it would only be a matter of time when she’d push him to a point of no return.

  As promised, Charles was “taken care of” in the bedroom. Then a few more times after the pizza came. The rain stopped and there was only the sounds of leftover drops falling from trees outside of the window. The two laid in bed holding each other glaring off into the moonlight.

  “Please forgive me.” Brandy said breaking the sensual silence.

  “I love you Brandy.” Charles whispered. “I’ve loved you since the moment we locked eyes on our first dinner date.”

  And just like that, their relationship went to the next level. No man had ever told “I love you” first. By him saying those words without any pressure from her, he meant it. Charles confessing his love made her feel comfortable enough to talk about the deep-seeded issue. The issue that needed to be dealt with before walking into this next step. Deep down, she wasn’t prepared to lose him. But she didn’t know how to control the fire within; slowly burning at the hole in her heart.