Two Faces 2: Mask Off: The Final Reveal

by Valarie Deshazier

  “I asked you did you want a cup of coffee, being that I was going in the kitchen.” Markel repeated himself.

  “Oh…yeah…yeah, I can use a cup,” Mary replied. When Markel walked out of the room Mary quickly picked up her phone and made a call.

  “Hello.”

  “Hey,” Mary spoke into the phone.

  “What’s going on?”

  “Do you have that information that I asked you for?” Mary questioned.

  “Yes, I have it.”

  “Good, because I’m going to need that as soon as possible,” Mary said to the person on the other end of the phone.

  “I can have that to you as early as tomorrow.”

  “Good, make sure you drop that off at my office and don’t give it to anyone,” Mary said.

  “I got you, don’t worry.”

  “It’s very important that you are in and out. Don’t talk to no one and call me when you have handled that. I can’t be in the office when you get there or eyebrows would be raised trying to figure out what is going on, and I don’t need that right now,” Mary said before she hung up the phone.

  “Your coffee is ready!” Markel yelled. Mary got up and went to the kitchen where she found Markel drinking his coffee and reading the newspaper.

  “What’s going on in the world?” Mary asked as she sat down to drink her coffee.

  “Same shit just a different toilet. There was another shooting out in Texas and another hurricane that’s about to hit Florida in the next two or three days,” Markel replied.

  “If it isn’t one thing it’s another. I just can’t understand how a person can just shoot up people and think nothing of it,” Mary said shaking her head.

  “Well, baby, it’s not for us to understand, but to pray for them,” Markel stated without looking up from the paper.

  “I have some running around to do, so I will see you later,” Mary said as she placed her coffee cup in the sink.

  “I thought maybe we could spend the day together. I can ride with you, and when you’re done we can go grab us something to eat,” Markel stated as he was getting up from the table.

  The look on Mary’s face was priceless. She was stuck at what to say. She knew if she told him no, he was going to ask why. There was no way she was going to allow him to find out what she was up to.

  * * * * * * * * * *

  Renee’ woke up to the smell of bacon. She was wondering who the hell was in her house and had the nerve to be cooking. She slowly walked down the hall and stopped at the hall closet to get her bat. As she eased around the corner she saw that it was Shay.

  “Bitch, what the hell are you doing here?” Renee’ yelled causing Shay to jump.

  “Bitch don’t be doing that, you scared the shit out of me,” Shay said as she slowed her heart down.

  “Why the hell are you in my kitchen cooking bacon and shit?” Renee’ questioned.

  “Not just bacon, but some eggs too. You want some?” Shay asked like it was all good.

  “You still haven’t answered my question. Why are you in my house so early in the morning in my kitchen cooking my bacon and eggs? And hell yeah, I want some,” Renee’ said.

  Shay just started fixing their plates without saying anything. Renee’ was starting to get annoyed, but she took a deep breath. After Shay fixed their plates, she placed Renee’s plate in front of her and then she took her seat.

  “You remember the guy I told you I met the other day, Shawn?” Shay asked.

  “Yeah, what about him?” Renee’ replied.

  “I just left his house,” Shay said slowly.

  “Okay and,” Renee’ said trying to get Shay to get to the point of the story.

  “We had sex,” Shay stated as she took a bite of her bacon.

  “For real bitch!!!” Renee’ said in her spill the tea bitch tone. Renee’ was happier than a kid in a candy store, because she knew that everything was falling in place.

  “Yes, for real, and I left his ass while he was sleep,” Shay said as she stuffed her mouth with bacon and eggs.

  “Why the fuck did you leave?” Renee’ said as she stuffed her face as well.

  “Giirrrlll that boy put in some work on this hot pocket. If I would have stayed, bitch he would have to marry me in the morning,” Shay said as she rolled her eyes thinking about how Shawn put it on her.

  “Daaammmnnn, the dick that good,” Renee’ smirked because she already knew that it was. Renee’ and Shawn met two months before she and Leon started dating. See Shawn is Blondie’s brother. Shawn and Blondie ran it down just how Leon was. He felt because he was well off, that he could have who he wanted at any time that he wanted them. She learned that Leon’s sister, Shay, wasn’t nothing but a tease. The three of them came up with a plan to cash out on Leon and Shay. So far, the plan was working.

  Before Shay could say anything else, her phone started ringing. She looked at Renee’ with a what should I do look.

  “Answer it bitch,” Renee’ told her.

  Shay answered the phone and by the way she was responding it could be safe to say that she was going to head back over to Shawn’s. Once Shay got off the phone Renee’ went in on the questions.

  “What did he say? Was he mad that you left? Are you going back over there? Did he sound mad?” Renee’ asked.

  “Damn, slow the fuck down,” Shay said. “I’m going to tell you. He asked me why I left and that he would like for me to come back. No, he wasn’t mad; just want to talk to me. Yes, I’m going back over there,” Shay added.

  “Well bye bitch,” Renee’ joked.

  “Whatever,” Shay replied.

  “So, what time are you going back?” Renee’ asked.

  “He wants me to come back now,” Shay informed her.

  “Oh, okay, that’s what’s up. Go on and take your ass back over there, so he can give you some of the good dick that had you in my kitchen cooking. Maybe this time you will cook in his kitchen,” Renee’ said that made them both laugh.

  “Who knows, he might get up and cook for me this time,” Shay stated.

  “Well put it on him then. You still didn’t answer my question though,” Renee’ said.

  “What question?” Shay asked.

  “How in the hell did you get in my house, question?” Renee’ replied.

  “Oh, my family owns this building, so I have access to every apartment,” Shay informed her.

  Renee’ didn’t say anything, just looked at Shay. She just took a mental note of that little piece of information.

  14

  Terrance left to meet up with some old friends, which gave Shanna the chance to leave Terrance for good this time. She had tried to leave before, but somehow, he would always get her to come back. Mostly by dragging her back. However, she packed her bag heading nowhere. Shanna really didn’t have anywhere to go, but wherever she ended up would be better than where she was.

  “Yo Shanna, is that you?” a guy said as he pulled alongside Shanna walking down the road. Shanna turned to see who it was, which caused her eyes to light up when she saw Lamar an old childhood friend.

  “Boy am I happy to see you. Can you please give me a ride?” Shanna asked hoping that he would.

  “Yeah, come on,” Lamar answered as he cleaned off the front seat for her to get in. Shanna put her bags in the back before she got into the car.

  “Where the hell are you going with bags?” Lamar asked.

  “I don’t know…anywhere I guess,” Shanna replied as she looked out the window.

  “What does that mean?”

  “It means that I don’t’ have nowhere to go, but I can’t and won’t go back to where I just left,” Shanna stated as she turned and looked at Lamar.

  Glancing over at Shanna, Lamar could see there was pain and hurt in her eyes. He didn’t push for more insight of what had or did happen, he just drove. He wasn’t sure as to where to go so he headed to the only place that he knew was the right place. When they pulled up to his place, Shanna just looked at him
as to say what we are doing here.

  “Don’t worry about nothing, I got you,” Lamar told her. He opened the back door and grabbed Shanna’s bags. He opened Shanna’s door for her to get out. As they walked up to the door, Lamar took out his key and unlocked the door. He opened the door and let Shanna walk in first, then he walked in and closed the door behind him. Shanna looked around in amazement at how beautiful Lamar’s house was. It was like she had walked into the house of the rich and famous.

  “Make yourself at home. I will put your bags in the guest room,” Lamar said as he headed down the hall. Renee’ just looked and smiled. She sat down on the loveseat that felt soft as a baby’s bottom. Sitting back, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath. At that moment she felt safe for the first time in the last year and a half.

  “Do you want anything to eat or drink?” Lamar said causing Shanna to jump. “There is no need for you to be neither nervous nor scared, I’m not going to hurt you nor let anyone else hurt you either,” he added.

  “I can use some apple juice if you have any,” Shanna answered.

  “I don’t have any apple juice, but I do have some red grapefruit juice if you want some,” Lamar informed her.

  “That will be fine,” Shanna replied.

  Lamar went into the kitchen to get him and Shanna some red grapefruit juice. When he came back into the living room, he found Shanna off into space.

  “Here you go,” Lamar said as handed her the juice.

  “Thank you.”

  “It’s no problem,” Lamar smiled. “You can stay here as long as you need to,” he added.

  “I don’t want to be in your way, so I will find me somewhere to go,” Shanna said sadly.

  “You will not be in my way and it would be good to have someone here with me,” Lamar continued to smile.

  “Maybe for a day or so, but then I need to figure things out,” Shanna said.

  “However, you are welcome to stay here as long as you need to. I’m always at work or in my office down the hall. So please make yourself at home. Whatever you need just let me know,” Lamar said.

  “Thank you, Lamar. You have no idea how much this means to me,” Shanna stated.

  “No need to thank me,” Lamar winked before he walked out the living room heading towards his room.

  Renee’ sat there for a minute or two before heading to the guest room. When she walked in the room she was just amazed at how beautiful the room was set up. It was just how she dreamed her room to be when she was in high school. Tears began to form in her eyes at the thought that Lamar remembered her ideal bedroom. She la+++++++++id across the bed and closed her eyes and just allowed her body to relax which was something she hasn’t done in a long time.

  Shanna had drifted off to sleep, but woke up to Lamar shaking her to get up so that she could eat. He had cooked some rice, green beans, oxtails, fried chicken, mac and cheese (homemade) with a glass of ice cold sweet tea.

  “You didn’t have to cook, I could have just ordered me something,” Shanna said as she sat down at the table in the kitchen.

  “It was no trouble, plus I have to eat too, so why not make enough for the both of us,” Lamar smiled.

  “It smells good,” Shanna stated.

  “I hope it taste as good as it smells,” Lamar said.

  “Yaaassss, this is so good,” Shanna said as she stuffed her mouth.

  “I’m glad that it pleases your taste buds,” Lamar smiled.

  “Yes, it does. I never knew that you could cook like this,” Shanna said between bites.

  “There are a lot of things that you don’t know about me, but hopefully you will allow yourself to find out,” Lamar replied.

  Shanna didn’t respond, but took a mental note and kept eating. They spent the remainder of the day sitting around talking and watching TV. It was a very calming day for Shanna, which was something she hadn’t done in a while. Shanna informed Lamar about her relationship with Terrance and how she wanted out. Lamar took a mental note of everything that Shanna said. When they talked about the old days of them growing up, Shanna learned Lamar paid attention to everything Shanna wanted and liked over the years. It was very touching to her to know that someone took time to not just listen to her, but take notes to what she likes and don’t like.

  * * * * * * * * * *

  “It was real nice spending time with you today,” Markel stated.

  “Yes, it really was,” Mary agreed.

  “As much as I hate it, but I need to go into the office,” Markel said as he gave Mary a kiss on her cheek.

  “It’s cool, I know you have a big case coming up, so go ahead,” Mary replied, happy that Markel was about to leave so she could handle what she needed to. It was time that Mary end the little game that she was playing. The true face of others was about to be revealed. After Markel left, Mary made a call to Mia so they could meet up in an hour.

  An Hour Later

  “Girl, why is the traffic so damn bad?” Mia said walking up to the table that Mary was sitting at.

  “I know it’s like fighting a bear out there,” Mary replied as they greeted each other with a hug and kiss on the cheek.

  “So, what’s the next move, because I’m ready for all this to be over?” Mia stated as she took her seat.

  “Well the only thing left to do, is bring everything to light. No need to drag it on any longer. Plus, I’m about sick of Randy’s ass anyway,” Mary replied.

  “You…girl I’m so over his ass until it’s funny. I just want to cut his ass open and let him bleed to death,” Mia said as she waved for the waitress to come over.

  “Damn bitch, you don’t want to cut his ass open, do you?” Mary laughed.

  “Yes, wide the fuck open,” Mia confirmed.

  “What can I get for you today?” the waitress asked.

  “I want a grilled chicken salad with ranch dressing and the shrimp Alfredo,” Mia told her.

  “What’s your drink?” the waitress quizzed.

  “Water with lemon,” Mia answered.

  “And what can I get for you?” the waitress asked turning to Mary.

  “I think I want the ten-piece honey wings with blue cheese and a sweet iced tea,” Mary said.

  “I will be back with your drinks in just a second,” the waitress said before walking off.

  “What do you think Markel is going to say when it’s all said and done?” Mia asked.

  “I know he is going to be upset, but he will get over it,” Mary replied.

  “Upset is an understatement. Markel is going to hit the roof when it’s all over,” Mia stated.

  “Like I said, he will be alright. I will deal with that then, but right now, Randy is on the chopping block and he has to be dealt with,” Mary said right before the waitress brought their drinks to the table.

  “I’m just saying, Randy and Markel have been boys for a long time,” Mia said taking a sip of water.

  “They are more than just friends, but frat brothers, so this is going to be a big blow to Markel,” Mary said.

  “You are right, so what do you want to do now?” Mia asked.

  Mary wasn’t sure as to what she wanted to do, but she had an idea. It was just getting it all to play out the way that she wanted it to.

  “I’m thinking of getting everyone together Friday evening for dinner and lay it all out then,” Mary said taking a sip of tea.

  “Here you ladies go,” the waitress said as she placed their food in front of them. “Will there be anything else I can get you?” the waitress added.

  “No, we’re good, but thank you,” Mia replied to the waitress. After the waitress walked off, Mary and Mia sat and ate and talked about how things were going to play out. It was past time for it all to come to a head. Mary and Mia knew that one or two people may be hurt by everything, but there was nothing they could do about it. They could only hope that it doesn’t be as bad as they thought.

  15

  “Baby, how much longer do I have to play this game with
Shay?” Shawn asked hoping Renee’ would say it’s over and he doesn’t have to do it anymore.

  “Only a little while longer and it all will be over, I promise,” Renee’ said giving Shawn a kiss.

  “I can’t believe you are allowing me to have sex with this girl. Matter of fact, I can’t believe I’m allowing you to have sex with that clown, Leon,” Shawn stated.

  “Well, my love, just continue to do what is needed so we can make this lick and be set for life,” Renee’ replied, giving Shawn a kiss. “Oh, and you are right…I’m allowing you, so don’t get it twisted and think you have a pass to be with other women. This is business, so know the difference,” she added.

  “Yeah…yeah, I know,” Shawn mumbled.

  “I hope you are being safe, because if that bitch come up pregnant that’s your ass Mr. Postman,” Renee’ said before walking out the door. Once Renee’ was out the door, she called Blondie.

  “What’s up Renee’?” Blondie answered.

  “We need to speed things up before I kill your brother,” Renee’ sounded off into the phone.

  “What has he done now?” Blondie laughed.

  “I think he’s forgetting what all of this is about. He isn’t focused like he should be,” Renee’ spat.

  “Yeah, I was thinking that too, so yeah we need to speed things up a little. I got it on this end,” Blondie reassured Renee’.

  “I’m about to hit Leon up in a few, so just be listening out for him to be calling you later,” Renee’ said.

  “Trust I have been waiting on this for a while now, so you already know where I am on this,” Blondie stated.

  “I will talk to you later,” Renee’ said before ending the call. Once she was at her car, she took a deep breath and called Leon.

  “Hey baby,” Leon said answering the phone.

  “We need to talk,” Renee’ stated not even addressing Leon.

  “Okay,” Leon replied dryly.

  “Are you home?” Renee’ asked.

  “Yeah, I’m home,” Leon answered.

  “Okay, well I’m on my way,” Renee’ stated as she ended the call, not giving Leon a chance to say anything. After sitting there for about five minutes, she finally drove off. It usually takes Renee’ no more that twenty-five minutes to get to Leon’s house, but this time it took her three hours. She had a few stops that she had to make before going over to Leon’s. When she got there, she used her key to let herself in. Walking through the house she didn’t see Leon. She started to call out to him, but didn’t. She continued to walk about the house until she laid eyes on him. She stood there just looking as if she couldn’t believe what she was seeing.