When He Cheatin' and You Still Love Him 2

by Cachet

  First Katrina called me from the jail talking about the police done locked up her after finding drugs in her place. The shit is crazy to me because even though Katrina can be a pain in my ass sometimes with her hardheaded ways, she wouldn’t risk her freedom for no bullshit like that. At first, she thought that it was maybe the guy Junior that she’s been seeing, but after speaking to him, even he claims that it wasn’t his. So either dude is lying like a mutha’fucka to cover his ass, or those cops were the ones who planted that shit in her room. Either way I wanna know who supposedly made the phone call to the police in the first place and why. Since then I’ve had Shad, who constantly asks where his mommy is, and I’m stuck making up lies about her being on vacation. I’ve already hired her a lawyer to look into it, and I’m hoping that he can give me some good news because I would hate to see Katrina go down for something like this.

  Then the other day somebody cut Toya’s break line. Greg, who just happened to be driving her car that day, ran into a fucking tree and almost broke his damn neck. The doctors finally allowed him to go home yesterday, but even though he’s alright Toya is losing her mind. She hasn’t driven anything since the accident because she’s scared that whoever cut her breaks will try to do it again. She even went as far as to call a cab to take her to the hospital when she went to see how Greg was. Things have gotten so bad that she won’t allow the kids out of her sight. Her fear of something happening to them is the part that’s real fucked up because she has a right to be scared. It could have easily been her and my kids in that car. I hate to think about what could have happened, because even though I’m a fuck up at times, I love the shit outta my babies and would do anything for them. So trust me when I say that I would lose it if anything happened to either of them.

  If that’s not fucked up enough, I get a call in the middle of the night from Shanair. I was at a party I was throwing, and it was loud as hell. I was going to finish checking on the door and then call her back. I don’t know what it was, but something told me to answer the phone, and I’m glad as hell I did. I couldn’t hear her real clear at first because of the music. All I knew was that she was screaming, and it sounded like she was crying. My heart dropped. I didn’t know if she was calling to flip out on me about some shit she had found out, or if something was seriously wrong. I moved through the crowd as quickly as I could trying to get outside. Once I was there, I was finally able to hear what she was crying about.

  Shanair was hysterical as she explained to me what had happened. She said she was sleeping, and awoke to the sound of glass breaking. At first she thought someone was in the house, so she rushed to the room to check on the kids. Turns out someone had broken out the living room window and stuck a huge pit bull through it. The dog made its way up the stairs and tried to attack Shanair and the kids, but she was able to get inside the room before he could come in. I’m proud of my son for stepping up like a big boy and helping her close the door because ain’t no telling what would have happened if the dog had gotten inside the room. Once the police finally arrived with animal control, they cautiously made their way into the house. As soon as the dog heard them, he ran down the stairs and lunged at one of the officers, biting him on the leg. The other officer drew his weapon and shot him once in the head, killing him instantly.

  That night I went over to Shanair’s house and picked her and the kids up. With what happened, she didn’t want to stay in the house alone, and I didn’t blame her because I didn’t want them there either. Whoever did that sick shit could have been waiting to try it again, and I’ll be damned if they succeeded the second time. I offered to pay for a hotel room for them, as well as get the window fixed and the blood cleaned up from the carpet. I was surprised when she didn’t fight and tell me she could do it herself like she had done so many times before. I guess she was more shook up than I thought.

  After I checked them into the double bedroom suite, Shanair asked me if I could stay with them. You already know I didn’t have a problem with it since I had been trying to get next to her for weeks. Even though it took damn near a tragedy, I was happy as hell just to be around her. That night while the kids slept in the other room, I held the woman I love in my arms as she cried. It hurt to see the tears streaming down her face because I felt powerless. I didn’t know what I could do to make her feel better. I knew she was scared. She was alone with four kids afraid for her life, all while some sick son of a bitch thought it was funny to let a violent animal go inside her home. When Shanair finally dozed off, I laid awake trying to figure out what the hell is going on.

  *****

  The line at McDonald’s is long as hell. So long it makes me wonder why all of these damn people aren’t at work. When it’s finally my turn, I place the order for my food and stand to the side while I wait for them to call my number. Since there are quite a few people ahead of me waiting, I lean back against the wall. My phone vibrates in my pocket, and when I pull it out and look at it, I see that it’s from Shanair.

  NAIR: Hey, is everything alright??

  ME: Yeah the line was long as hell. Y is something wrong?

  NAIR: No, I was just wondering what was taking you so long.

  ME: Oh OK I’ll see you in a few.

  NAIR: OK

  I prepare to slide my phone back into my pocket, but stop when another message comes through.

  NAIR: Don’t forget my grape jelly!!

  ME: Lol I won’t

  When I’m sure that she’s finished texting, I slip my phone into my pocket and smile because that girl is crazy. She should already know that I know her like the back of my hand. I know everything she likes, and I never make a mistake when it comes to her food, so there was no need to ask about the jelly because I was already on it. When I hear the cashier call out a number, I look at my receipt and see that I still have three numbers ahead of me. While I continue to wait, I think about how things have changed this last week.

  After staying at the hotel for a couple of days, Shanair was finally ready to go home. Her only stipulation was I came there with her. I didn’t have a problem with it at all. In fact, I was happy to come home. Living in the hotel these last few weeks have killed me. Having Shad there with me didn’t make it any better because other than swimming, there is nothing for a three-year-old to do there. So when Shanair offered I jumped at the chance just to come back home. Once we checked out of the hotel, we stopped by the one I had been staying in, picked up my stuff and took it home. I was disappointed as hell when I found out that I would be sleeping in the guest room, but hey, what could I do about it.

  Since then everything has transitioned smoothly. Shanair is sill adamant about us not being together, but I’m working on changing that.

  “Hey, I knew you looked familiar. I remember you. You were the guy that was with Brittany that day.” I hear. When I turn to the voice, I see that it’s Brittany’s ex, Daniel. “How you doing my brother?” He asks putting his hand out.

  Just seeing dude again has me feeling some kind of way. I know I don’t fuck with Brittany no more, but I still can’t help but think that something was going on between the two of them while she was dealing with me. I glance down at his hand, before bringing my eyes back up and just stare at him. I’m trying to figure out what the fuck dude wants.

  “Can I help you with something Daniel?” I inquire, wondering why the hell dude is all up in my face.

  Seeing as though I’m not going to shake his hand, he drops it to his side.

  “I ain’t got no issues with you brother. I just came over here to put a bug in your ear.”

  “Is that right?”

  “Just listen to what I have to say my brother, and I will be out of your hair. When I broke up with Brittany, she made my life a living hell.” Daniel pauses and looks around. “I’m telling you, she just wouldn’t let go. It got so bad I had to transfer schools because she was popping up everywhere I went.”

  I snort and look at him like he’s crazy.

  “I know this sounds
crazy as hell, but the last time I saw you guys, my mother’s house was burned down.”

  “Okay, what’s that got to do with me?” I ask, wishing he’d get to the point.

  “It doesn’t. It has something to do with Brittany. I believe she is the one who started the fire.”

  I laugh because this dude can’t be serious.

  “You may laugh now, but it won’t be funny later,” Daniel tells me seriously. “I’m only trying to look out for you brother because I wish someone would have looked out for me. That beauty and sweet shit are only on the outside. Brittany is sick and the fact that her daddy is a fucking judge and can sweep all of the shit she does under the rug just makes her worse because she can get away with whatever she wants. If or when you decide to leave her, she will show her that ugly side.” Daniel pauses and laughs before he goes on to say, “I know you probably don’t believe me. Shit, if I were you, I wouldn’t believe me either. But for your sake, you need to listen to me brother…or at least be prepared to get the hell out of dodge when she doesn’t get her way.”

  “I hear ya, but this shit seems bogus as hell my nigga.” I snort, still not believing how shook this cat looks.

  “I know it does, but it’s the truth. Look, if you really don’t believe me Google a chick named Ashley Hooks, and you will get a glimpse into just how crazy Brittany can get.”

  “Ashley?”

  “Yeah, she was my fiancée before Brittany decided to step in and put an end to it.” Daniel tells me with a far-out look in his eyes. He shakes his head. I guess he was attempting to clear his mind before he spoke again. “Look, I don’t know you man, but I know Brittany. I also know that she doesn’t like to lose, so if you don’t plan on marrying her and being with her forever, you’re already in trouble.”

  I lightly chuckle before responding, “I think I can handle her.”

  “Alright, you remember you said that.” He nods his head in my direction. “Well, I gotta get out of here. They are finally releasing my mom from the hospital, and we’re hitting the road.” Daniel reaches his hand out to shake mine. This time I accept the gesture. “You be careful my brother, and keep your eyes open.” And with that he quickly walked away with a McDonald’s bag clutched in his hand.

  “Number one-sixty-four!” Glancing down at my receipt again, I see that it’s my number the cashier is calling.

  Walking up to the counter, I check the bag to make sure that my order is right. When I see that it is, I turn to walk to away. Right before I exit the door, I walk back up to the counter and ask for Shanair’s jelly. I was too caught up in what Daniel said that I almost forgot. With the food and jelly in my hand, I make my way to my car. Placing the food on in the passenger seat, I slide behind the wheel and just sit. Immediately I begin to wonder if there is some truth to what Daniel told me, especially now that all this crazy shit has been going on.

  Could Brittany be behind all this shit? I wonder. Nah, it can’t be, I rationalize. It’s crazy because at first when Daniel rolled up on me I thought he was on some bullshit. I’d be lying if I said that his allegations weren't really making some sort of sense now. I never did find out how she knew Toya and Katrina’s names without me telling her. I mean she did follow me home that one day, she could have easily done the same thing when I went to visit them. As soon as the thought comes to mind I start to laugh. Ain’t no way in hell Brittany has done all the shit that has happened these last few weeks. I, for one, don’t believe she’s smart enough to pull those things off. I immediately come to my senses, because it would make sense now that I think about it, though. Everything didn’t start until I cut her off completely, and he did say that when he broke up with her she made his life a living hell.

  Pulling my phone from my pocket, I click on the web browser. When google loads, I type in the chick’s name that Daniel told me to look up. A few links pop up, but one in particular, catches my eye. It reads: Ashley Hooks Face Melted in Hideous Attack. I click on the link and read the story.

  Ashley Hooks, a 21-year-old law student, was doused with sulfuric acid on her way home from class one evening by an unknown attacker. The victim told officers that she was walking to her car when someone rushed up to her and threw the deadly liquid into her face. Due to the pain she was unable to see who her attacker was as they ran away, leaving her screaming and begging for help. The attack left Ashley scarred for life after suffering serious burns to her face, neck, and chest.

  Ashley told Channel 6, “Before my attack I was confident and felt beautiful. Now everything has changed. My life has been turned upside down, and what hurts even more is the fact that my attacker hasn’t been caught yet.” She goes on to add, “I’m going to have these scars as a reminder forever.”

  The victim lost her hair and eyelashes, and her injuries required skin graft surgery to cover her burns. She’s also suffered permanent scars on her arm, chest, and stomach and is almost blind in her left eye. She faces further reconstructive surgery, and must wear a silicon face mask.

  If anyone has any information about Ms. Hooks attacker, please contact your local police department.

  After I finish reading the article, I realize that my mouth is open in shock. That shit read like some kind of LifeTime Movie Network shit for real. If Brittany was behind this girl being burned, the other shit that has happened lately is right up her alley. A chill runs up my spine when I think about the fact that if she behind all of these crazy things, it’s all my fault for getting involved with her nutty ass in the first place. Then just that quick my fear turns to anger. My blood boils when I think about her putting my kids in danger because of the fact that I left her ass alone. She’s going to find out that Daniel and I are two different people. I don’t give a damn who her father is. Fucking with my family is fucking with the wrong one. I ain’t about to play with her ass. I decide to wait a few days to calm down before I pay her a visit. I’m hoping she’ll take heed then, because I would really hate to fuck Brittany up.

  Chapter 16

  Shanair

  When the alarm clock goes off, I kick my feet in frustration. It’s too damn early to be getting up when you’re not going to work. The buzzing sound continues to blare as I place my head underneath the covers. When I can’t take it anymore, I reach and hit the snooze button before rolling onto my side. I was halfway into dreamland, when I feel someone nudge me. Without looking, I already know that it’s Terry. I continue to lay in the same spot pretending to be sleep until I hear him speak.

  “I know yo’ ass ain’t sleep girl. I saw you roll over.” He laughs.

  “I don’t feel like going,” I whine.

  “Well, you really don’t have a choice. Now get up, we can stop and grab you a little something to eat before we go.”

  “Ugh!” I say flipping the covers off of my head.

  I have my seven-month checkup today, and I don’t feel like going anywhere. I’m sleepy, my head is hurting, and my back is killing me. All I want to do is lay in my bed and rest. Why is that so hard? I am so tempted to call and cancel this appointment, but I know I can’t. The reason being is that my doctor is going on vacation for a month, and she wants to check and see if everything is okay before she leaves. I started to tell her ass that I’ll be waiting here for her to return, but she insisted that I come in. Since she only had an eight a.m. appointment, I’m forced to get out of my bed at the crack of dawn.

  After showering and handling my morning hygiene, I feel a little better. I’m still sleepy as hell, but my headache is gone. Back inside my room, I go into the closet and remove the sky blue sundress from the hanger. With my stomach growing by the day, dresses are a lot easier to wear. There are no buttons, and most of the time I can just slip them over my head. Once I’m dressed, I slide my feet into a pair of matching flip flops, grab my purse and head downstairs. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse is playing on the television, and both Kendrick and Shad have their eyes glued to it. Terry, on the other hand, is on his phone typing away.

  “Are you rea
dy?” I snap when I see him texting.

  I know we’re not together, so I don’t have a reason to be upset, but I am. Honestly, I think I always will be.

  “What’s wrong with you?” Terry inquires with a raised eyebrow.

  “Nothing. My back just hurts.” I lie.

  “Well, I have the cure for that.” He tells me standing up. “I just booked you for a two hour prenatal massage for one o’clock today.”

  “Stop playing!”

  “I’m serious.” He smiles. “I noticed the way you been hobbling around here and wanted to do something nice for you.”

  I laugh and smack his arm.

  “I have not been hobbling.”

  “Yeah…okay.” He says and we share a chuckle.

  “Thank you, though. I really appreciate it.”

  “You know I got you,” Terry tells me with a wink. “Alright boys, let’s go.”

  Kendrick uses the remote to turn off the TV, and the four of us walk out of the door, headed for Terry’s car.

  Our first stop was Denny’s where we had breakfast. Since I was hungry, I ordered the Grand Slam with a meat lovers omelet on the side. It felt good to be out and about with Terry, and the boys. I ain’t even gone lie it felt like old times. I’d be lying if I said that I didn’t miss having a man because I do. I miss being in a relationship. I miss having date nights. I miss lying in the bed with someone. I miss making love, and most importantly, I miss Terry. Sometimes when I’m alone in my bed, I want to go into the guest room and climb under the covers with him, and just lay there skin to skin. Quite a few times I almost did. That was until I stopped myself because I knew that if I did go in there, it would cause more harm than good. You see, I love and miss Terry so much, but I also believe what I said before. We are actually better off apart.

  After breakfast is finished, we all pile back into the car and head to the doctor’s office. Kendrick, Shad and I are the first to enter the room because Terry couldn’t find a closer parking space, so he dropped us off at the door. The waiting room is not as crowded as it normally is, so I hope that that means that we won’t be here long. My fingers are crossed because knowing my doctor that doesn’t mean a thing. I can’t understand why she books appointments back to back like she does. Then when you complain to the staff, they act like they are the ones with the attitudes. That shit kills me. I have to catch myself because I really want to say, “What the hell are you mad for bitch, at least you get paid to be here!”, but I keep my cool. Doctor White is a sweetheart, though, and one of the best OB/GYN’s that I have ever had, so because of this I deal with the waiting.