by Earl Sewell
“Keysha has no reason to lie, Misalo,” I said as I scanned the pool deck. Keysha had climbed in the lifeguard chair. She’d put on her sunglasses and was keeping a close eye on everyone.
“Whatever,” he said, dismissing my comment.
“So we get to this party and I don’t know anyone there. I thought Viviana and I would use the time to bond, but she left me as soon as we arrived. I was nervous and afraid. As the night dragged on, I began searching for Viviana, but couldn’t find her. It was then that I realized she’d set me up and left me. Her plan was for me to get busted for sneaking out of the house. Luckily, Carlo was there and offered to give me a ride home, but he wouldn’t do it unless I slow danced with him first.”
“Maya, your story sounds so lame.” Misalo was skeptical. “If that’s the case, how did Viviana tape you if she’d already left?”
“I don’t know. Maybe I just didn’t see her and she decided to record me,” I said.
“Or, Carlo picked you guys up in his car and drove you there himself because you were creeping around with him behind my back all of the time.” Misalo gave his own spin to the story.
“Misalo, stop making up stuff in your head that isn’t true. I swear, that is not what happened.” I attempted to put him back on the right track.
“You expect me to think that you actually snuck out of the house? I’ve asked you to do that for me countless times and you never would, Maya.”
“I did it that one time, okay. It happened,” I said more forcefully.
“Whatever,” he said. I could tell that he didn’t believe me.
“Now my turn,” I said, turning the tables.
“Your turn?” Misalo seemed surprised that I had an issue with him.
“Yes. I have questions of my own for you,” I said.
“I didn’t do anything,” he said.
“Ah, yes, you did. The photos that I sent to you. Why didn’t you delete them? Why did you lie to me like you had? You’ve humiliated me, Misalo. So many guys have tried to have sex with me because of those photos.”
“Okay, that technically wasn’t my fault. I didn’t really know that Viviana had gotten ahold of my phone and did that.”
“Dude! You should have deleted the pictures. She would not have had anything to forward had you done what you were supposed to do,” I raised my voice at him.
“I was stupid, okay. I never thought they’d ever leave my phone.”
I shook my head disapprovingly at him.
“I’m sorry,” he said. “I know I messed up.”
His apology didn’t seem sincere to me. I felt tears swelling. “Then you stooped so low by dating my cousin, Viviana. How could you even think that was cool?”
“It happened by accident,” he said.
“By accident! Are you joking! Do you understand what you’ve done to me?” I angrily barked at him.
“You guys are getting a little too loud over here,” Keysha spoke in a loud whisper as she walked past us. I had not noticed that she had come down from her perch.
“What was I supposed to think, Maya? Everything that I saw indicated to me that you and Carlo were an item. I even heard rumors that you and him had gone all the way.”
“What! I can’t believe you just said that to me. You should know me and know that rumor was a lie!” His words hurt me.
“I don’t know, Maya. I thought you’d never sneak out of the house, but you did. I never thought you’d date another guy, but you have. It’s hard for me to believe that you did not go all the way with him,” Misalo said as he began backing away from me.
“And what about you and Viviana? What does dating my cousin say about you as a person?” I fired back at him.
“So it is true. You did go all the way with him.” Misalo seemed transfixed on how far I’d gone with Carlo.
“Why do you even care? You were so busy running behind Viviana like she was the best thing that ever happened to you. How did you feel when you found out how she had played you for a fool?” I bluntly asked. My question left Misalo speechless and his ego bruised.
“I’ve got to go,” Misalo said and swam away to the other end of the swimming pool. He got out of the water, dried himself off and then left. I tried to hold on to my tears, but it was of no use. I buried my face in my hands and cried. I wanted Misalo back. I wanted the love we had to restore itself, but I didn’t know if we could forgive each other.
four
VIVIANA
I had just finished styling my hair and covering up my bruised skin with makeup. I put on a pair of sexy blue jeans and a nice top. I wanted to look as decent as I could because I had to speak to Misalo. I needed him to understand that everything I did and said regarding Maya was fully justified. After he heard what I had to say, I was certain he’d forgive me, and we could continue dating.
Once my hair and makeup were flawless, I called Misalo. I didn’t get an answer, but that did not stop me from calling him several times. After calling him at least ten times without an answer, I decided I’d go to his house and beg for five minutes of his time. As I walked out of the house, I saw Maya, who had just returned from the swimming pool. She looked as if she’d been crying, but I didn’t really care about her emotional state. I only cared about reclaiming Misalo before she tried to sink her hooks into him.
“Slut!” Maya spat the word at me as she walked past me. I flipped up my middle finger as I moved on out the door. While I walked toward Misalo’s house, I called him again, but still got no answer. As luck would have it, I caught up with him as he was exiting a local pizzeria.
“Misalo,” I called out his name as I quickened my pace to catch up to him. When he turned in the direction of my voice, his facial expression turned sour.
“What do you want, Viviana?” he asked disdainfully.
“I know you’re mad at me, and you have every right to be,” I began speaking at a fast pace.
“I don’t have anything to say to you.” Misalo turned his back to me and started walking toward his car.
“Please just give me five minutes to explain,” I begged him.
“Explain what, Viviana? You’re a sneaky liar, and I don’t like being around people like you. End of story.” Misalo’s words stabbed my heart.
“I deserved that and you’re right. I was sneaky and I stretched the truth in order to get back at Maya, but aren’t you curious as to why?” I asked, hoping he would be interested in understanding my justification.
“No.” Misalo opened his car door. I hustled over to the passenger door and pulled the handle. Thankfully the door was unlocked and I got in the car with him.
“What the hell, Viviana. Get out!” Misalo shouted at me. I didn’t move. I sat in the car with my head slumped submissively between my shoulders. I felt horrible about how I’d misled him, but I didn’t want him to hate me for it.
“Get out of my car, Viviana,” he yelled at me again. I looked at him and sniffled. Misalo met my gaze only for a moment and then turned away. “I’m not hearing it, girl. Get out before I come over and yank you out of the car seat.”
“Please, Misalo. Just let me get this off my chest.” My voice trembled and I smeared away the tears that were trickling down my cheeks.
“Viviana, get out of my car!” Misalo clenched his teeth as he spoke. I sat still and refused to move. I was going to make him hear me out one way or the other.
“Listen to what I have to say and then I’ll get out,” I promised.
“Talk.” Misalo released a deep sigh and finally gave in.
“Maya and I have been enemies for a long time. Because of her, my father is dead and I hate her for it. Because of her, my life was ruined. Being forced to live with her is the hardest thing ever.”
“So you used me to get back at her. I got it. Now get out,
” Misalo said.
“No, it’s not like that. I mean—” I paused and tried to determine if I should be 100 percent truthful or continue to lie “—yes. At first, I only wanted to break up your relationship because I had gotten so sick and tired of hearing her brag about how perfect you were.”
“Wow, with a cousin like you, who needs enemies?” Misalo’s words stabbed me deeply.
“I’m not an evil person, Misalo. I only tempted you by showing you a different way of looking at your relationship with Maya. That’s all. If you trusted her fully and were truly in love with her, nothing I said should have mattered.”
“You manipulated me,” Misalo said.
“No, I didn’t. I fell in love with you. I did everything I could to protect that love and prove it to you,” I explained. Misalo glanced over at me, and for a brief moment, I lost myself in his eyes.
“I developed real feelings for you. You’re the first guy I’ve ever dated who seemed to really care about me. You actually talked to me and not at me. Whenever I would think about you, I would smile. I didn’t anticipate developing true feelings.”
“News flash, Viviana. You played me for a complete idiot. If that’s your idea of affection, you can keep it.” Misalo let me have it.
I placed my hand on his thigh and said, “If you would give me one more chance, I will show you how serious I am about you.” Misalo’s head craned downward and looked at where my hand was positioned on his thigh.
“Yes. That’s what I mean. I am willing to prove how much I care for you. I want to give myself to you,” I said earnestly. I wanted to be intimate with Misalo in every possible way. I didn’t want him to deny my offer of reconciliation.
five
MAYA
“I can’t believe today is my last day of work,” Keysha said. It was Sunday at 10:30 a.m., and we were sitting next to each other on lawn chairs. We both had beach towels wrapped around our legs because the air had turned noticeably cooler.
“Well, I can’t wait until next summer because I’m definitely going to be working here,” I said, recalling how I enjoyed the excitement of being a lifeguard.
“I don’t think anyone will be coming to the pool today,” Keysha said, reaching into her bag for a book.
“Dang, girl! What are you reading now?” I asked sarcastically.
“Well, I have become pretty good friends with one of the librarians named Robbie. She knows how much I enjoy reading and makes some really good recommendations. I’m reading a Kimani TRU book.”
“Is it any good?” I asked.
“I haven’t started yet,” Keysha answered as I fumbled with my cell phone. I opened up my Facebook app and updated my status. I let everyone know that I was chilling at the pool with my girl. I then clicked on to Misalo’s Facebook page to read what his latest status update was.
“Oh, this is interesting,” I said aloud.
“What?” Keysha asked as she shifted on her seat.
“Misalo says that he’s going to an end-of-summer party,” I said.
“Really? Who is throwing a party? I haven’t heard anything about a party,” Keysha said.
“Hang on. I’m still reading the details. It’s an end-of-summer party and OMG.” I stopped reading.
“What?” Keysha asked.
“Jerry is throwing the party,” I said.
“What!” Keysha sat upright and moved closer to me so that she could see what was on my phone.
“See, it says Jerry is throwing the party.” I showed Keysha.
“Well, I’m not going to that,” Keysha said.
“Have you heard from him at all?” I asked, even though I already knew the answer.
“No, and I hope I never do.” Keysha’s attitude was clear. I knew for a fact that she didn’t like Jerry at all.
“So let me get this straight. You were telling me that I should have forgiven Viviana when she called me up and asked for help when she was getting a beat down, but it sounds like you haven’t forgiven Jerry at all.”
“That’s different,” Keysha said.
“How?” I asked, giving her a chance to explain.
“Jerry and I could have had something really special, but he was too much of a jerk to realize it. But that’s water under an old bridge now. Anyway, considering all the drama that took place at his last party, I’m surprised he has the guts to throw another one,” Keysha said.
“Wait, wait, wait. Go back to the part where you said you and Jerry could’ve had something special. Would you date him again?”
“Oh, God, no! Dating him was one of the biggest mistakes of my life,” Keysha said as she repositioned herself and opened her book.
I turned my attention back to my phone and noticed that Viviana had posted a comment on Misalo’s wall.
“What the hell!” I blurted out.
“What?” Keysha looked at me, startled.
“Viviana just posted something stupid on Misalo’s wall,” I said as I read her post again.
“What did she say?” Keysha leaned toward me.
“She said, ‘I’ll be there, too, baby. I can’t wait to see you.’”
“Is Misalo still seeing her after the stunt she pulled on him?” I glanced at Keysha.
“I don’t think so. I hope he’s not that damn dumb,” I said as I began typing with my thumbs.
“What are you posting?” Keysha asked.
“A nasty message to Viviana that says, ‘I know you’re not online flirting with my boyfriend, Viviana!’”
“Ooo! You’re just going to call her out like that?” Keysha asked.
“Yeah, I want the world to know what type of tramp she is,” I said, feeling rather evil. A few seconds later my phone buzzed, indicating that a response had been posted. I checked my phone and read the response from Viviana out loud.
@Maya. Yes I will be there with my man, and if you try to holla at him again, you’re going to have to deal with me.
@Viviana. Find your own boyfriend! Misalo is taken, slut!
@Maya. You’re the slut with the nasty pictures. Obviously he didn’t like what he saw because he has been with me.
“Oh, that was a low blow,” said Keysha, who was looking over my shoulder and reading the messages with me.
@Viviana. After you lied!
@Maya. Get over it!
@Viviana. I don’t think so! You need to watch your back!
I posted and then shut off my phone.
“Dang, I am starting to think that Viviana might have some serious mental issues,” said Keysha as she rubbed the tension from my shoulders.
“She’s crazy, Keysha. That’s what I’ve been trying to explain to you,” I said as I combed my fingers through my hair.
“I see what you’re saying,” Keysha said.
“Keysha, I’m going to that party, and I want you to come with me,” I said.
“Oh, no. I don’t want to run into Jerry,” Keysha said.
“You probably won’t even see him. There should be tons of people there anyway,” I said.
“Why do you want to go?” Keysha asked.
“Because I want to confront Misalo,” I said.
“You’ve already done that.”
“I’m not done with him yet,” I said.
“Then call him and meet him somewhere,” Keysha suggested.
“No. I want to surprise him. I want to catch him completely off guard and force him to give me real answers.” Keysha and I looked at each other for a long moment without saying a word. She finally broke the silence.
“How long do you think it will take?” she asked.
“I don’t know. It shouldn’t take too long. Come on, Keysha, I really need your support,” I begged.
“Fine! I’ll go
,” Keysha reluctantly agreed.
* * *
The party at Jerry’s house was massive. Kids parked their cars in the middle of the street because there were no more parking spaces. Since the party was in the middle of a weekday and had begun at 1:00 p.m., none of Jerry’s neighbors were home to complain. Keysha and I followed the throngs of kids racing down the sidewalk toward the sound of loud music and squealing voices. Once we were inside, unfortunately the first person we ran into was Jerry, Keysha’s old boyfriend. He was wearing a white T-shirt and blue shorts. His eyes were bloodshot, and I was sure it was from drinking, smoking or something else.
“Keysha.” He smiled and stepped toward her for a hug. Keysha moved out of his way.
“Oh, it’s like that?” Jerry asked disappointed.
“Yeah, it’s like that,” Keysha said.
“Come on. Don’t tell me you’re still mad at me?” Jerry whined.
“Jerry, what you did to me was awful.” Keysha raised her voice.
“Give me a break. You’re overreacting, Keysha. Besides, that happened so long ago. You shouldn’t hold grudges. I haven’t held any against you.” Jerry smiled again.
“I don’t have time for this. Maya, let’s find Misalo and then get out of here,” Keysha said, moving away from Jerry.
“Hey, Keysha,” he called out to her as we continued on. Keysha and I turned back to look at him.
“What?” Keysha asked, annoyed.
“Get out of my house!” Jerry said.
“What?” Keysha repeated, insulted.
“You heard me. Get the hell out of my house. Remember, this is my party. Not yours. Now get out,” Jerry said more forcefully.
“Jerry, give me a break, okay,” I said, stepping toward him. “Keysha didn’t want to come. I begged her to walk over with me. We’re just here to find Misalo, and then we’ll leave.”
“You can stay, Maya. But Keysha. No way. She has to go.” Jerry stood his ground.