Wrong Vengeance

by The Blakk Dahlia

  “So, what are you going to do today?” He asked sincerely.

  “Not that it’s any of your business because you’re leaving me. But my friend Sheena is in town from Cali.

  “Oh yea, I remember you telling me she was coming.”

  “There’s a day party and we’re going. You know my birthday is in a few weeks so we are celebrating now since she’ll be out of the country on the actual day.”

  “The big 3-0. I know baby. We can do something special. Just think about what you want and I’ll make it happen.”

  “How Charles?! You’re leaving?”

  “I don’t know what else to do Brandy. Can’t you understand the position I’m in? I’m trying to keep you happy baby but whatever it is, it’s not good enough for you.” He surrendered.

  “So you leave. Ha! That’s smart. Just take our daughter and go. I have a party to get to.”

  “Go to your party. I’ll be hanging out with Eve.” Charles shrugged. “I love you Brandy.”

  She paused looking down at the floor. Not really wanting him to leave but the toxic vibes flowing through her veins wouldn’t allow a plea to get him to stay.

  “I love you too Charles.” Brandy responded looking into his sad eyes.

  He grabbed Eve’s things and leaned in to kiss her goodbye. Receiving his soft lips, Brandy wanted to cry, however pride convinced her to keep a stone face.

  According to her, Charles shouldn’t have thought of leaving to give them “space”. But didn’t realize that she was pushing him to the limit.

  Hours later, Sheena was at the door.

  “Girl. So how’s married life?” Sheena asked walking around admiring her friend’s home.

  “Annoying as hell.” Brandy scoffed. “I’m so tired of this man being weak.”

  “What? How is he weak? Seems like a good one to me.” She replied, confused.

  “See Sheena you don’t understand. I went through hell dealing with Jay and Charles doesn’t get that. So he needs to go above and beyond to make sure I don’t go through that again.”

  “You think Jay would have married you? Moved you into this nice home? Actually take care of you AND your daughter?”

  “No but...”

  “Stop it!” Sheena interrupted. “You have a good man Brandy. Whatever happened between you and Jay, that’s done. Get over that shit girl. You haven’t seen him in years so why is he even a factor?”

  “Jay isn’t a factor. At least I don’t want him to be. It’s just...” She paused. “I can’t shake the memories of what happened between us. It was devastating and I’m scared I’ll go through that again. It’s hard to explain. Nobody gets it. Not even my own husband.”

  “I get it. You’ve been hurt. But you have to find a way to release that. Don’t let that past destroy your present and future. You’ll end up a single mother.” She warned.

  Brandy was silent from her friend’s chastising, realizing that for the 1000th time, she’d gone too far.

  Sheena caught on to that and continued the lecture.

  “Maybe you should talk to someone about what you’re feeling. But you can’t take that out on your husband. Charles has proven himself to be a good man. He may not be perfect but he’s trying. Give him space but don’t give up. Step up to the plate Brandy. He’s already done that and more!”

  Brandy needed to hear the friendly lecture, but she wasn’t ready to receive it. Afraid that she had already driven her husband away; not wanting to get more advice from Sheena.

  “I’m ready to get out of this house.” She said, changing the subject. “Let’s go!”

  The day party was packed and entertaining. Seemed like everyone in Houston came out to celebrate a random Saturday. Brandy hadn’t hung out in over a year. Being a new mother and settling into married life didn’t allow time for happy hours or parties. Although she was content with being a wife.

  As she strutted around like a college school girl being turned loose for the first time, Sheena kept an eye out on her.

  Finding empty seats in the rooftop area, Brandy felt a familiar hand on her waist.

  “Hey stranger.” The familiar voice said from behind.

  She was almost speechless turning around looking at the man who hurt her straight in the eye.

  “Jay!” She shrieked. “What are you doing here?”

  “Partying just like you.” He laughed. “How you been?”

  “Good.” Brandy nodded, looking around. “Good.”

  Jay’s eyes immediately went to her ring finger. “You got married on me?”

  “Yes, I did.” She replied confidently. “We have a daughter too. Eve.”

  Jay nodded getting uptight about the news. He always thought that she would be available whenever he wanted to backtrack or whenever his new interest kicked him out.

  “So where’s your husband?” He asked in a rigid tone. “I don’t wanna cause no problems by saying hello.”

  “He’s with our daughter. My friend Sheena is in town and we needed some girl time.”

  “I feel ya. Can I sit down?” He asked pointing to an empty chair beside them.

  “No.” Sheena chimed in.

  She knew by the look on Jay’s face that he would be nothing but trouble. However, Brandy had another idea, continue to make Jay jealous with talks of her new husband and daughter. It was her way to feel vindicated and finally rid the remains of hurt he left behind.

  “Aw c’mon Sheena.” Brandy laughed. “It’s cool Jay. Sit down.”

  Jay didn’t hesitate to take a seat, just for an opportunity to get back in her head. Sheena was worried that through her friend’s tipsy haze, he would accomplish the mission.

  “I’m going to go get another drink. I’ll be back.” Sheena said excusing herself. “Brandy...Be good!”

  “I’m always good.” She waved to her friend.

  “What’s her problem?” He asked giving an irritated expression in Sheena’s direction.

  “Nothing. She’s just over protective that’s all.”

  “You don’t need protection from me.” Jay flirted.

  “Really!?!”

  “Yea really. You think you do?”

  “YES! As I remember you put your hands on me.”

  “Now stop that Brandy. That was a long time ago and plus you asked for that.”

  “How?!” She asked stunned.

  “Running off at that mouth of yours. I warned you.” Jay moved closer. “Let’s not think about that. We’ve both grown and we don’t need to bring that up.”

  Brandy didn’t know what to say. Thinking that he would be jealous and remorseful, the loitering bachelor of her past was the total opposite.

  “So what are you doing these days?” Brandy patronized.

  “You know me. I’m still hustling. My boy doing his rap thang and he said that he’ll help me start DJing. I just gotta wait on this equipment to come in and I’m straight.”

  “So you have a lead on possibly DJing?”

  “See, that’s why we always had problems.” Jay replied catching on to the cynical response. “You never wanted to believe in me and my dreams.”

  “You had a lot of those Jay. A LOT!” She laughed sipping her drink.

  “Lemme get some of that.” He snatched the drink out of her hand.

  “Same old Jay.”

  “You love it.” He winked before downing the cocktail. “You been thinking about me?”

  “Not at all.” She lied. “I have a husband and a daughter. No time to think about the past.”

  “Ok. But now that I’m here we can talk about us.” He said placing the empty cup on the table. “I’m single and I think we should try again.”

  “Jay, I’m married now! There is NO trying again with us.”

  “We can. I mean you don’t have to leave him just yet. Let’s just spend some time together and see how things go. Gradually progress in our friendship and then get back on track with our love.”

  “What kind of shit are you smoking these da
ys?” Brandy asked insulted.

  “Brandy...”

  “Jay please go away. You come over here, NOT taking responsibility for hurting me. Drink up my cocktail, THEN talk about us getting back together and after I told you that I’m married!?!?”

  Jay grew impatient with disagreement to the outlandish idea. “So you’re still bitter huh?”

  “No. I’m wiser and I’m smarter. Smart enough not to let the likes of you back in. Goodbye Jay.”

  “See. Same old Brandy. Gotta let that past go.” Jay said getting up shaking his head.

  Sheena made her way back as Jay left.

  “I see that didn’t go well.” She said relieved.

  “Of course it didn’t. You know that fool drunk my liquor!” Brandy pointed to the empty cup.

  They both laughed at Jay’s shenanigans. Luckily Sheena came back to the table with two drinks for them to enjoy. Unfortunately the next round made Brandy emotional.

  Missing the man she was in love with, she took a break to the bathroom and called Charles. The convo with Jay encouraged her to work things out and convince her husband to come home.

  “Baby.” She said as soon as he answered.

  “Hi. Eve’s doing fine.” He replied.

  “I know Eve will always be fine with you. I was calling to check on my husband.”

  “Oh! I’m good. Watching TV while baby girl takes a nap. Having fun at your party?”

  “Not really. I want you to come home Charles.” Brandy begged in a drunk voice.

  “I will. But we need some space Brandy. I told you I wasn’t leaving for good.”

  “But I want you home toniiiiiight. I m-miss you.”

  “I miss you too. But what I don’t miss is our crazy arguments. We need to sit down and talk.”

  “And we can do that to-niiight.”

  “Nah you’re drunk. We need to talk tomorrow when you’ve slept off that alcohol.”

  “Are you serious Charles?!?! I’m really trying here and you’re re-rejecting me! You know what, stay wherever tha hell you’re at. Just bring me my daughter tomorrow!” Brandy yelled and hung up.

  On her way back to the table, she tried to hide the disappointed sentiments from Sheena. Just as they were getting into some girl talk, Brandy’s old friend Dre came over with two friends.

  “Miss Brandy.” He said standing in front of her.

  Impartial to Dre in that moment, she was amused that someone wanted to throw her some attention. Six feet tall with long dreads and a nice beard that made the women go crazy. His bright skin illuminated the colorful tattoos up and down his arms. Unlike Jay, Brandy could at least count on Dre having his own drinks.

  “Hey Dre.” She said hiding her left hand. “How are you?”

  “Good. Could have been better if my friend didn’t cut me off.”

  “I’m sorry. Things came up at work and I lost track of a lot of friends.”

  Sheena was disgusted by her friend leaving out the fact that she was married with a kid. She wanted to snatch her out of the situation but if Brandy couldn’t see what she was doing, nobody else could make her see it.

  “These are my friends Larry and Morris. Can we join y’all?” He asked pointing at two equally handsome gentlemen, standing off to the side pretending to like the music.

  “Sure come on! This is my friend Sheena.” She replied, discreetly sliding off her rings, placing them safely in her purse.

  His friend, Larry, quickly sat beside Sheena to avoid being the odd man out. They struck up a conversation while Dre and Brandy caught up. The two talked about everything except her husband and Eve. Brandy only went to Dre when she felt insecure about her relationship. That day was the perfect opportunity to get some needed attention as Charles wasn’t ready to talk to when she demanded.

  “What are we doing after this?” Dre asked after ordering a bottle.

  “I don’t know. Do you have any suggestions?” Brandy flirted. “I’m up for anything.”

  He leaned closer so Sheena and his friends couldn’t hear. “Let’s get rid of our friends and spend some time together.”

  “Ummm.” Brandy hesitated. “I-I-I don’t know.”

  “Why?”

  “I don’t want to leave my friend. She’s visiting from out of town.” She whispered.

  “My boy Larry can take care of her.” He urged. “C’mon girl. You know you owe me some time.”

  Brandy wanted to leave but not with Dre. She knew that would only get her into trouble. But she couldn’t deny that she was enjoying the attention.

  “Let me think about it.” She said taking a moment to find some sense of sobriety.

  It didn’t work. Her inner desires yearning for male affection were giving in, gravitating her towards Dre. The more he flirted, touching her, and giving insincere compliments, the more she thought less about her family.

  “Aye man we’re about to go get something to eat.” Larry said referring to himself and Sheena. “Y’all coming?”

  “So you’re just going to leave me?!” Brandy asked her tipsy friend.

  “I. Well Larry’s taking me to get something to eat. You need to come too!” Sheena managed to say through her liquid encouraged haze.

  “No she’s coming with me.” Dre replied. “We’re about to leave in a minute. Lemme take care of this tab.”

  He pulled out a wad of cash from his pocket. Brandy didn’t have the slightest idea as to where he got it from. She didn’t ask any questions, just sat back; relieved that money wasn’t coming from her.

  “So where are we going?” She asked. “I drove my car.”

  “You’re not driving anywhere. We’ll come back and get it tomorrow.” He replied handing the server money.

  “Tomorrow? Oh No I need my car Dre!” She whined.

  “Let’s go girl.” He stood up, extending his hand.

  Reluctantly, Brandy took his hand, following him out of the party. Passing by her ex, she gave a funny look as he was trying to count dollars and coins to buy a drink. Jay took a look at her and smirked thinking Dre was her husband.

  That was the last time she’d ever see Jay again as he eventually ended up in prison due to a robbery conviction.

  Sitting in the passenger seat, Brandy’s mind raced with regret and confusion. Not having a clue as to what she was doing in Dre’s car while her husband and child were at a hotel for the night. She rationalize her actions by replaying the last conversation with Charles. That reminder helped her to relax and enjoy the ride; and repeating to herself that she would not “go all the way” with a man who wasn’t her husband.

  “Why you so quiet?” Dre asked noticing Brandy in deep thought. “What you thinking about?”

  “Nothing.” She replied quickly.

  “Hmmm. Ok.” He mumbled.

  He didn’t care to press the issue, he only asked to break the silence. The one thing on his agenda was getting her into bed.

  Reaching his apartment, Brandy felt glued to the car seat. She wanted to move but hesitant about how she could convince him to let her leave before the end of the night.

  “You going to stay in the car?” He laughed.

  “No. I’m-I’m getting out.”

  Taking a deep breath, she proceeding to get out the car.

  Dre led her into the living room and she swiftly landed on the sofa. Staying on the sofa meant there would be no temptation in the bedroom.

  “You want something else to drink?” He asked, pouring a small glass of Jack.

  “Sure.” She kept her eyes forward. “Whatever you’re having is fine.”

  “Good.”

  He came back with drinks and Brandy gulped hers down to help ease the weird vibes. It didn’t work.

  “Damn!” Dre squinted. “You want another one?”

  She nodded hastily.

  “What’s wrong with you?” He asked giving her a strange look.

  “Nothing. It’s cold in here.”

  “Oh...My bad. I like to keep the air on.” He replied stand
ing up. “I’ll turn it down.”

  Twenty minutes and three shots of Jack later, Brandy and Dre were having another round of small talk. He was growing impatient with her not catching his random insinuations to move the party into the bedroom.

  “Do you smoke?” He asked pulling out a small brown paper bag. Another ploy.

  “No. I’m just a drinker.” She said loosing up.

  “Take another shot then.” Dre urged.

  She did just as he said. Throwing back a double shot of Jack.

  “So what REALLY kept you away from me all this time?” He asked rolling up a blunt.

  “Well honestly...it WAS work. I’m-I....”

  CHAPTER 9: CAN’T FIX BROKEN GLASS

  Brandy awoke at 3 am, shivering. Dre turned the air back on the while she was asleep and disappeared. With her head pounding, she rushed to the phone. Needing to find Sheena and her car.

  20 missed calls, 11 voicemails, and 30 text messages were waiting for her. Mostly from Charles and Sheena. Trying to figure out what was going on, she looked down and found herself naked from the waist down, under a thin white bed sheet. Her emotions running wild, Brandy stumbled attempting to stand.

  The strong stench from the empty Jack bottle and their shot glasses made her sick. Making it to the toilet, Brandy hurled everything she ate and drank the day before. Not daring to look at herself in the mirror, she walked out of the bathroom and peeked inside of a dark room. Through the bathroom light shining through, Dre was sleep in his bed. Attempting to scurry back to the living room to find the rest of her clothes, he woke up.

  “You up, finally.” He yelled out.

  “Yea.” Brandy said in between coughing. “I need to go.”

  “Back to your husband?” Dre emerged into the living room, shirtless with a pair of sweatpants. “He’s been calling you all night.”

  “Wh-What are you talking about?”

  “Your husband. Charles right? He’s been calling. Your home girl too.” He continued, walking into the kitchen. “I was gonna answer, but I ain’t wanna be disrespectful...”

  As Dre rambled, Brandy dialed her husband. She needed to hear his voice in order to feel better.