The Aftermath

by Anna J.

  Stepping back to admire my handiwork, I made sure to clear all evidence that would trace this back to me, and I left her there. I changed my clothes back near the fallen tree and stuffed all the evidence in my book bag, then continued my walk through the woods, stopping back at the festival to get a snow cone and cheese pretzel before heading home.

  On the news the following morning I could hear Samantha’s mom talking to the reporter in a tearful voice because she hadn’t come home the night before. They began searching in the woods behind our school where they found her tied to the tree. She had huge black lumps on her skin where the bugs had bitten her, and her wrists were almost cut to the bone from her struggling to get loose.

  I laughed to myself as the reporter flashed Ashley, Jessica, and Kevin’s case on the news, trying to figure out who was the cause of all the terror that had struck Parkway High School that year. I snickered as I turned over and went back to sleep, enjoying the first day of my summer vacation.

  I woke up later in a hospital room with the tube removed from my throat. Although the pain was still there, it wasn’t as bad as the effects of the drugs they kept pumping in my system. My uncle was no longer there, but his girlfriend was asleep in the chair next to my bed. I have to honestly say that I didn’t like her very much in the beginning, but she had definitely looked out for me since she’d been in the picture. I closed my eyes and rested. When I got out I would take advantage of the rest of my summer because school would be starting in just another month, and I still had some planning to do.

  Tanya C. Walker

  Imust say that I was pleasantly surprised at how Monica had hooked me up when I got home. I was thankful, but she owed it to me. I spent years in the joint fighting bitches off me while she lived the good life, and after one visit I was free to go? It was like I got a get-out-of-jail-free card or something. That just made me wonder if she was really trying to leave me for dead all that time.

  Now, I know I was stupid for taking the rap, but at the moment I couldn’t think straight. She killed my husband right in front of me, and had no remorse as she popped cap after cap into his face. Marcus was abusive, but damn. I didn’t think it would go down like that, so I took the rap, not knowing I would do that much time.

  I spent almost four years locked up, but I must say she laced me pretty lovely when I was released. A brand new house, car, and my own restaurant were just a few of the trinkets I received. We had yet to talk, but I couldn’t help but hate her. Yeah, she had hooked me up, but she was fucking up too many lives, and when Shaneka told me about the whole Rico thing I almost lost it.

  Monica just didn’t get it. My new love, Shaneka, had it in for her ass, too. She promised me she would get Monica back, and when she did, I couldn’t wait to see the look on her face. When bricks started falling, the building would eventually fall down, and I couldn’t wait to see it tumble on her ass. She’d be just like the wicked witch from the Wizard of Oz with her damn feet sticking out from under the building, and I’d be right there to take those ruby slippers the hell off.

  Jasmine

  Curiosity Killed the Cat

  Iwaited until about two weeks after Monica came to my house to go visit her. Even though she had caused all kinds of problems in my life, I needed to know if I still had feelings for her. Call me crazy, but my heart still kind of went out for her.

  Things at home were still on shaky ground, but the babies and I were finally settled, and they were happy. James and I had had sex numerous times, but I couldn’t get Monica off my mind. Pretending it was her on top of me instead of James was the only way I could cum. Sad, but true.

  Being back at work from my three month leave of absence gave me plenty of work to do, but I couldn’t concentrate on any of it. My life had changed so much in the last couple of months. For a while I didn’t know whether I was coming or going.

  All morning I had been trying to get my files in order. I stayed locked in my office because every time I walked past Sheila’s old desk I wanted to scream. Why would she do that to me? I mean, no, we weren’t the best of friends, but I thought we at least had mutual respect for each other. It was crazy how it all went down, but something was telling me that Sheila really didn’t have a choice in the matter. I heard she was working for Judge Stenton now. Maybe I’d pay her a visit, too.

  After looking at the clock for the thousandth time I decided it was time I took a lunch break. The senior partners had been absolutely wonderful to me by making sure I had fresh fruit and plenty to drink for the babies, but I needed to get out and get some fresh air. I stopped to let Trish, my new assistant, know I would be taking an extended lunch. I put on my jacket and left with all intentions of getting something to eat and checking on the kids.

  On my car ride over to the school I found myself going in the direction of Monica’s house. I had planned to just stop and say what was on my mind because I was still pissed about the entire episode that happened at the house. I also wanted to know just what she knew about me fucking the twins, but when she opened the door all of that went out the window.

  Monica answered the door in a white wife-beater and pink cotton shorts that barely covered her ass. She had specks of paint on her clothes and skin, and her hair was pulled back into a sloppy ponytail. Her skin glowed and my clit jumped when my eyes made contact with her hard nipples. My mouth watered a little as I remembered how she tasted. Her belly appeared bigger than it was the last time I saw her, and it made her look even more radiant. Guys always said that pregnant pussy was the best pussy, and I was hoping that I would find out if that was true.

  We stared at each other without saying any words. I had to keep repeating in my head that she was pregnant by my husband, but it damn sure wasn’t working. Maybe if I just tasted her one more time . . .

  “Hello, Jasmine. To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?”

  Monica flirted openly from the doorway, and for the first time I noticed her holding a paintbrush as I averted my eyes away from her face. I had to keep a cool head about this.

  “I just stopped by to talk to you and see how you were holding up. Do you mind if I come in?”

  “No, not at all. I was just about to make something to eat. Would you care for some?”

  “Sure.”

  I followed Monica into the house and into the kitchen after she hung up my jacket. Whatever she was in the midst of making smelled delicious, and as I made myself comfortable, she placed a bowl of beef stew and a tuna sandwich in front of me. I wasted no time digging in.

  We ate in silence, looking at each other periodically. I guess neither one of us could believe we were here like this. I think had we not been pregnant, we’d surely be locking ass because I’d be trying to rip her damn head off her shoulders, but today I had come in peace.

  “Listen, I was upstairs painting. Care to join me?”

  “Sure.”

  I followed her up the steps, glancing at the photos on the wall on the way up. I thought I recognized James in one of them, but I wasn’t sure. I made a mental note to look again on my way down. I stood at the door as she took her seat, the memories flooding my mind at a rapid pace as if they had happened yesterday. Not too long ago I posed for pictures in this very room. Now it looked totally different.

  Where there were stacks of paintings, easels, and camera’s, now only housed drop cloths, cans of paint, and brushes. The once white walls were now mint green with yellow borders, and Monica was in the middle of creating a mural.

  On one wall painted in a blue sky there were doves with ribbons floating from their beaks. There were also babies floating on clouds with wide smiles as angels tickled their feet.

  On another wall, she was painting Noah’s Ark. I could see some of the animals fully painted and just the outline of others. The room was beautiful, and I had to blink to keep tears from dropping.

  “Do you want a change of clothes so you can come in?”

  “Huh?” I was so lost in the mural I didn’t hear her say
anything at first.

  “I said, do you want to change your clothes so you won’t get paint on your suit?”

  “Sure, that sounds perfect.”

  When she opened her bedroom door I moved straight toward the bed. It was almost like there was a magnetic force pulling me over to it. The pleasure I had received on top of these sheets was unbelievable. I wanted to lay on them one more time, and . . .

  “Monica, can I use your phone?”

  “It’s by the bed.”

  I called Trish at the job and told her something I ate upset my stomach so I’d be in the next day. She wished me well, and that was that. I set Monica’s alarm clock for four thirty so I’d be up to get the kids from daycare. While Monica was in the closet I took my clothes off and stretched out on the soft comforter. It was now one o’clock, so I had some time.

  I kept telling myself that I just needed to know if I felt anything for her, but I already knew I did. When she came out of her walk-in closet, she dropped the clothes on the floor, surprised at what she saw.

  “Jasmine, I was just . . .”

  “Come here. Let me show you how much I missed you.”

  She was hesitant at first, but I gave her a reassuring look as she began to undress and make her way to the bed. I allowed her to lie on her back and spread her legs.

  Taking one of the chocolate pieces from the table next to her bed, I had a brief flashback of the ice sculptures that sat there on my first encounter with Monica. Looking back at Monica, I got into a comfortable position between her legs. Opening her lips with my thumb and index finger, I rubbed the chocolate against her clit, the candy melting on her hot skin, making her clit look like a chocolate-covered cherry.

  Taking my journey a little farther, I took the candy and circled the outside of her opening, licking it all off and starting over again until all the chocolate was gone. Monica moaned and gyrated her hips against my tongue until she came, depositing her honey on my face. I didn’t care. I kept her clit trapped between my lips until her shaking subsided.

  Kissing a trail up her body, I made sure to pay special attention to her protruding belly, no longer mad that it may have been my husband’s child. I decided we would cross that bridge later as I moved to her side and pushed her nipples together, blessing them with my mouth. As soon as I touched her with my tongue, rain began to hit the window panes.

  I let Monica touch my clit and finger my pussy with the same rhythm my fingers pleasured her with until we both erupted at the same time. Damn, it’d been a long time since I felt like this, and I wanted it more often.

  We fell asleep in each other’s arms after I licked her tears away, accepting her apologies and apologizing for the bruise James had left on her beautiful face. We woke up at four, giving us time to have fun in the shower, and giving me time to get dressed.

  Before we went downstairs, Monica showed me the middle room, which she’d made into her studio, and a few pictures of the baby furniture she would be ordering. We sat at the table for a second just staring at each other as I waited for the rain to subside.

  “Before you go, I have something for you.” Monica got up and gave me a box that she had stored in her kitchen. It was light in weight. I was skeptical.

  “It’s not a bomb, is it?” I said while shaking the box playfully, but serious at the same time.

  “No, but you can’t open it until you get home.” She giggled.

  “OK, I can live with that. Now let me go get the kids and get home before James gets there.”

  “OK.”

  When we got to the door, I put my jacket on and grabbed the box from her. She looked like she was about to cry. After giving her a hug and promising to call her, I ran to my car, trying to dodge as many raindrops as possible.

  When I pulled up to the school I opened the box out of curiosity, and was shocked by what I saw. Pulling them out one at a time, I counted thirteen pairs of underwear, belonging to both me and James. Damn, I guess we were both over there an equal amount of times after all. I decided I wouldn’t say anything to James. I’d just put them in the dirty clothes before I started dinner. It didn’t make sense to cause any more problems.

  When I walked in the house James was already there, and he had started dinner. The kids ran upstairs to wash their hands and change their clothes so I could help them with their homework before dinner. Jalil ran right to James for a hug, but Jaden made a beeline for the steps. I pretended I didn’t notice. I left the box in the car when I saw James’s car in the driveway. I didn’t want to answer any questions, and he’d surely have some once he saw the contents.

  I sat down at the table, kicked off my shoes, and waited for the kids to come back down. James walked over to me and tried to kiss me, but I faked a cough before he got too close. I had since washed my face and brushed my teeth at Monica’s house, but I didn’t want him to get too close and possibly smell her on my skin.

  “How was your day, sweetie?” James asked as he stirred the contents of the numerous pots and pans he had on the stove. He looked good in his dress slacks and button-down shirt, but I barely noticed because I had Monica and our afternoon together on my mind.

  “It was OK. I just tried to catch up on some work.”

  “Are you sure? I called your office to check on you and the babies, and your secretary said you left early with an upset stomach.”

  I was stunned to silence for a split second because I wasn’t expecting him to come at me with that. I didn’t factor that into the decision to leave early. I shook it off and came back with a lame excuse.

  “Yeah, I went to Grandma’s Kitchen for lunch, and I think the greens were a bit much. I went to my brother’s house to lie down for a while because it was closer from there to get the kids than coming all the way home.”

  OK, so I told a boldfaced lie, but so what? He’d been lying to me for months. Plus, I knew he’d never call my brother to confirm my stay, but I’d be sure to call and give them a heads up just in case.

  “How are you feeling now?”

  Before I had a chance to answer, the kids came running into the room, saving me from having to lie again. I immediately began helping them with their homework, thoughts of my afternoon with Monica heavy on my mind. I decided I would continue to see her, but James could never know. I wouldn’t see her as much as I used to, but I would still see her.

  James set the table after the kids were done with their homework. He served all of us before he sat down. We all lowered our heads to say grace, looking like a fake-ass happy family. I didn’t know how all of this was going to end, but I was sure the outcome wouldn’t be good.

  I listened as my husband and kids conversed. After our meal was done and we had dessert, I bathed the kids and put them to bed. I took a shower and put on a pair of comfy pajamas before getting into bed. Normally, I would have put on something sexy, but I didn’t feel like pretending tonight. I wanted to go to sleep with the feel of Monica’s touch on my skin.

  Not long after I got in bed, James joined me after taking his shower. I lay in his arms and he rubbed my belly until I went to sleep. My last thought before I submitted to slumber was to remember to get that box out of the trunk of my car. It was his turn to take the kids to school, so I’d have time to go out there and get it after he left in the morning.

  James

  The Saga Continues

  Since all of this craziness had been going on, I’d been trying my damnedest to keep Jazz happy. Lately, Monica had been on my mind a lot, and I badly wanted to grip her by her damn neck. We had an understanding from the beginning. I would let her have sex with my wife once, and that would cover any charges for three sessions. That was the entire reason for setting up the damn threesome, but come to find out they were getting it on like crazy. Jazz had already told me they were, but it didn’t hit home until I heard it from Monica’s mouth. I’d been looking at Jasmine sideways ever since.

  I don’t know what came over me when I hit Monica. I guess I was just so mad I coul
dn’t help myself. Jazz pissed me off too, asking Monica questions when I had already told her what I wanted her to know. That conversation was supposed to be over, and there she went bringing up old shit. If we were ever going to move past all of this, then we needed to let it the fuck go. Why keep talking about shit we couldn’t change?

  Then Jazz jumped on me like I did something wrong—like she was taking Monica’s side. Now, don’t get me wrong, I ain’t no woman-beater or no shit like that. My father brought me up to have the utmost respect for women, but that bitch was running her mouth and saying shit she had no business speaking out loud. OK, she was pregnant, but I didn’t hit her in her stomach, did I? Hell, her face wasn’t pregnant.

  After that Jazz started acting all funny and shit, and when I called her at work to check on her, Trish said she had already left for the day because she wasn’t feeling well. I called her brother’s house and her cell phone, but no Jazz. She said she went to her brother’s before she got the kids. I guess she got there after I called. I didn’t bother to call and confirm because they were family, and I knew he’d just go with the flow. But something wasn’t right. I could sense it. I had been trying my hardest to remember what that comment was that Monica had mentioned about some personal trainers for Jazz. I didn’t know what that was about because Jazz didn’t have any personal trainers that I knew about, but Monica was trying to hint at something. I don’t know, maybe Jazz is going to the gym and she doesn’t want to tell me. I don’t know.

  After I called Jazz at the office that day I drove past Monica’s house. I thought I saw her car parked on Monica’s block, but I knew that it couldn’t have been and I made up my mind to ignore it. And if she was indeed there I’m sure it was for a good reason. She seemed a little uneasy when she came in, but I just let it go. If I was going to forgive her, there was no need to keep reliving the past. The trust had to start somewhere.