Unraveled - A Short Story Collective

by KR Bankston

  “What’s going on Lathan, is there something wrong?” she fished hoping he would let some of his reasoning spill out.

  Lathan sighed gently and told her he needed to talk to her, in person. “I know its late Chriss,” Lathan began again, “I promise not to stay long,” he added for good measure.

  Chrissalyn sighed gently and acquiesced. He told her he would be there in the next twenty minutes and disconnected.

  “So now what?” Chrissalyn said aloud to herself of her impending visitor.

  She thought they’d said all they needed to say. They were civil and got along decently enough that no one questioned it. As she fluffed the pillow Chrissalyn allowed herself to entertain the thought that Lathan was going to finally come clean with her about his feelings. Then what? Her mind immediately threw at her. What about Devon and even Alisha for that matter? Granted she didn’t care for Alisha, still she was Lathan’s choice. Then there was Devon. The two of them were exceptionally close now, with Chrissalyn seriously contemplating sleeping with him when he returned at the end of the week. Stop it, her mind chastised her. Chrissalyn sighed deeply and returned to the kitchen, removing the pan and placing it on the stove top just as the doorbell rang. Well here we go, she thought to herself as she headed to the door and opened it.

  *****

  Alisha was still an emotional wreck after finally leaving Sammy. What the hell am I gonna do about this mess? She thought to herself as she grabbed a beer out of her refrigerator. She sighed deeply not wanting to think about the one thing that would solve the issue. She loved Lathan with her whole being and he was the most wonderful man she’d ever known. He still wants Miss Thang though, and you know it, Alisha continued to think growing angry at the revelation. She needed help and she could only think of one person to call.

  “Hello,” Kina answered evenly seeing Alisha’s name on the caller ID.

  “Hey girl,” Alisha returned going on to tell her about her current state of affairs.

  “Damn Alisha, what you gonna do girl?” Kina asked feigning concern.

  She smiled slightly thinking of her friend’s predicament. Serves her ass right, she thought.

  “Girl I don’t know what to do, I mean I can’t stop seeing Lathan,” she whined.

  Kina sighed gently before she speaking. “Well, you could just be honest and tell him it happened, Sammy only has the one time on DVD, so you could say it only happened once,” Kina told her sincerely doubting Alisha would follow her advice.

  Alisha sighed deeply thinking about what Kina was saying. “Do you think Lathan would really forgive me?” she asked and Kina almost burst into laughter at her stupidity.

  “He’ll be pissed at first, but after he calms down, he might be okay with it,” Kina threw out. “But really, what other choice do you have at this point?” she added secretly glad Alisha had painted herself into this corner.

  Alisha sighed deeply again telling Kina she needed to think about her suggestions. “Why did this have to happen, now of all times?” Alisha whined again.

  Kina sucked her teeth quietly; annoyed Alisha once again was pretending to be the victim in a situation she’d created. “Well girl, if you need me, just call me, ok?” Kina threw out very much wanting to end the conversation. Her man was due home and she didn’t want to be distracted.

  She and Tae had been secretly living together for the last month. That was the important thing he’d wanted to discuss with her when he came over that night. Kina was thrilled that he wanted their relationship to go to the next level and immediately said

  yes. She’d been wonderfully happy since the day they got the apartment together. Tae was a wonderful man and Kina worked hard to keep him happy and their relationship good. She didn’t have time for foolishness and Alisha definitely had a surplus.

  “Thanks Kina, I will,” Alisha returned and the two disconnected.

  Alisha was stilling sitting and thinking about Kina’s suggestion. “It would have to be the right setting,” she mumbled aloud to herself as she thought of Lathan’s reaction if she confessed. Alisha was in a vice and it was slowly squeezing the life out of her. She began to think of what her life would be like with Sammy again as the tears fell. They would spend the rest of their lives struggling with her being the major breadwinner and him chasing one empty dream after the other. He’d want children and she’d be forced to support them alone. Alisha sobbed deeply thinking of the mess she’d made of her life right now. She wanted Lathan to stop caring for Chrissalyn and propose to her. She wanted them to be married and have a life together, but he kept her at arms length when it came to a permanent commitment. How am I gonna get through this? Alisha thought again miserably as she grabbed another beer and turned on the TV, needing the numbing distraction to clear her thoughts.

  10

  Lathan was lying in bed replaying the earlier conversation he’d had with Chrissalyn. She’d listened intently the entire time he’d talked, never taking her eyes from him. “Chriss, I’ve been wrestling with my feelings for you for a while now,” he’d begun as she sat. “I know I’ve taken you on a roller coaster and around the world with this,” he’d ventured on as she continued to sit and observe. “But I’m finally ready to tell you the truth about how I feel,” he finished and took a deep breath, hoping she would say something, anything at this point.

  “So how exactly do you feel Lathan?” Chrissalyn had asked her tone giving away nothing about her emotions at this point.

  He’d cleared his throat nervously and began again. “I care for you deeply Chriss, I can’t even lie anymore,” he’d told her. “I want more than anything to be with you and be the man in your life,” Lathan had ventured again. “I came over here tonight to see if you felt any part of what I feel for you, for me,” he’d thrown out. Chrissalyn had continued her silence and Lathan’s heart began to fear he’d waited too late to open up to her.

  “What about Alisha?” Chrissalyn asked simply still watching him intently.

  Lathan sighed slightly. “I should have ended that bullsh--,” he’d begun and caught himself, “that association a long time ago,” he corrected himself. “I’m going to take care of that though, this week as a matter of fact,” Lathan had added for good measure once again.

  Chrissalyn sighed softly. “What is it you want from me Lathan?” she’d asked warily.

  Lathan couldn’t blame her for being suspicious or cautious at this point. He’d been playing with her heart so long, it was no great surprise she kept it closely guarded now.

  “I just want a chance to make you smile, make you laugh, give you the love and respect you deserve,” Lathan had answered softly. “To know the joy of making love to the woman I love with all my heart,” he added finally growing silent again. “I know you’re thinking about Devon, and hurting him” Lathan piped up again, as Chrissalyn nodded slightly. “I would never want to do anything to bring my friend pain Chriss,” he started again. “But I can’t deny any longer how much it kills me that you’re with him” he finished boldly putting everything on the line.

  Chrissalyn sighed again, sipping her tea and continuing to remain silent. “How do I know you’ll follow through on your promise and end it with Alisha?” she threw back, “After all, you’ve tried that a couple of times, only to end up with her again,” Chrissalyn finished looking directly into Lathan’s eyes, seeing the love her carried for her and hoping he couldn’t see the excitement that knowledge brought, in hers.

  “I swear to you Chriss, it’s over,” Lathan told her earnestly.

  Chrissalyn sighed gently again.

  “Then be Missouri,” she said finally of the show me state, and Lathan told her he would.

  He’d risen then, everything being said that needed saying. She’d walked him to the door and opened it for him.

  “This week Chriss, I promise” Lathan told her again earnestly standing close enough to feel her body heat.

  Chrissalyn had simply smiled slightly without reply. Lathan took a chance and kis
sed her, softly and gently on the lips. Chrissalyn again gave him a look, but it said everything Lathan needed to know. He’d smiled and made the promise once more before leaving her and returning home. Tomorrow is Monday, and its time to start putting the wheels in motion, Lathan reflected as one final conscious thought drifting off into a fitful sleep.

  *****

  Chrissalyn was still reeling from shock. For too long she’d been waiting on Lathan to see the light and end this thing with Alisha and for too long he’d been letting her down. What about Devon? Her mind threw at her. He would be hurt, but Chrissalyn had to admit she didn’t care for him anywhere near the level she cared for Lathan and it was better that she be honest with him about it. Then you should tell him now, her subconscious charged her, making her feel guilty for leading him on all this time. You knew it would never work out, her mind told her again and Chrissalyn sighed deeply. Though Devon was a wonderful man and would make some woman a wonderful companion, she just didn’t think it was her. She decided she would sit Devon down when he returned and end their relationship.

  Chrissalyn sighed deeply knowing the pain she would bring him, but assured herself it was for the best. Having settled the matter in her mind, she lay down and closed her eyes, waiting for sleep to take her.

  *****

  Devon was still brooding about what he’d witnessed the night he’d come home early from his trip. He’d arrived at Chrissalyn’s house, finding Lathan’s car parked in the driveway. Why won’t he back the fuck off? Devon thought to himself. He’d witnessed the goodnight kiss Lathan had given Chrissalyn and he was furious.

  Damn, I’ve got to make her forget his ass, he thought again angrily. Chrissalyn had called earlier saying they needed to talk. “I’m not going to let you breakup with me Chriss,” Devon said aloud to himself as he headed to his room. He needed to make a few calls and set up a few things. He was going to end Lathan’s pursuit of Chrissalyn once and for all. “And we’re going to finally make love,” he said aloud once more as he dialed his cell phone. Three phone calls and forty-five minutes later, everything was set and in place. Saturday is going to be a night Mr. Lathan Archer won’t ever forget, Devon thought acidly to himself as he readied himself to head over to Chrissalyn’s place. Devon had already made up his mind he would do whatever he had to in order to save their relationship. He called her on his way to see if he could possibly gauge her mood.

  “Hey baby,” Devon said pleasantly once Chriss answered the phone.

  “Hi Devon,” she replied amiably.

  “You need me to stop and pick up anything?” he threw out trying to keep her talking.

  Chrissalyn thought for a moment and remembered she wanted some ice cream. She relayed the information to Devon who cheerfully told her he would stop and pick it up.

  “Thanks Devon, I really appreciate it,” Chrissalyn told him and Devon assured her it was no problem.

  They disconnected and Devon continued to think. We’ve got to make love tonight, he thought to himself knowing once she went past that barrier there was no turning back. He sighed deeply as he entered the grocery store.

  Chrissalyn was reflecting on her pending conversation with Devon. It was already Wednesday and she still dreaded it. She really didn’t want to hurt him and she already knew he would be. Damn why is this so hard, Chrissalyn wondered. She actually was a lot more attracted to Devon than she wanted to admit. His kind ways and sweet disposition had made a serious impression on her. He was focused, knowing exactly what he wanted and had no fear of going after it. As much as Chrissalyn wanted to deny it, those things turned her on completely. She also found herself very curious about the actual act of making love to Devon and wondered if he would indeed be the sensuous caring lover she’d imagined him to be. Stop, Chrissalyn reeled her mind back in. She was in love with Lathan. Are you sure? Her mind challenged her once again. “Of course I love him,” She said aloud as her mind once again rebelled.

  “What the hell is going on with me?” Chrissalyn chided herself. This was what she wanted; it was what she’d been waiting months for and now she was tripping? He’s still with Alisha, her mind started in again, and he’s

  made this same tired promise too many times already, her subconscious finished contently.

  Chrissalyn was scared. Scared Lathan would once again let her down and leave her hanging, break her heart, and bring her to tears. Maybe she should stop being foolish and learn to love the man who was trying so hard to love her back. Her head was starting to hurt when the doorbell brought her back to the now and she rose to open it, still unsure whether she could follow through with her plans.

  Devon sat watching Chrissalyn waiting for her to speak. They’d enjoyed a wonderful meal and ice cream desserts. Now they were relaxing in her den. Devon loved the room. It was warm and inviting with the plush sofa and recliners she’d put in. It was tastefully decorated in various shades of green, with matching lamps, shades and artwork. The room took you from completely energized to relaxed snooze in one fell swoop.

  “What did you wanna talk about Chriss?” Devon asked gently as he stroked her face, sitting close to her on the sofa they shared.

  Chrissalyn sighed deeply. She wasn’t so sure anymore about Lathan, but she wasn’t sure she shouldn’t go ahead and end it with Devon either. Sensing her indecision, Devon lifted her chin and looked into her eyes. “We don’t have to talk right now,” he told her kissing her immediately and ending any protest she may have wanted to make.

  Devon kissed Chrissalyn deeply his hands gently caressing her body as they embraced. Chrissalyn found herself becoming more aroused as they continued to kiss. Devon gently laid her down on the couch, never disengaging from her lips as he did and began slowly undressing her. Make him stop, Chrissalyn was thinking to herself as Devon continued. Her body, however, was screaming for his attention and enjoying every moment.

  Devon felt Chriss begin to respond as he removed her blouse and the bra underneath, his hand caressing her bare breast as the nipple hardened beneath it. Her breathing had become ragged and uneven as his hands traveled downward toward her center. “Mm, Chriss,” Devon murmured as he gently removed her skirt.

  She was wearing a beautiful royal blue silk thong. Devon loved the feel of it under his hands as he caressed her through it. You can’t do this, Chrissalyn’s mind tried again as her body quickly told it to shut up. “Devon, wait,” she managed to get out before he kissed her again silencing her once more as he continued to his work.

  Devon deftly removed the thong and touched her, finding her very aroused. “I think you want this,” Devon said softly as he left her lips and kissed his way down her body. Chrissalyn couldn’t deny the heat coming from her body as Devon gently parted her legs and buried his tongue in her softness. Chrissalyn moaned deeply as he tasted her bringing her closer and closer to orgasm. Oh he is so good, Chrissalyn thought breathlessly as the first wave hit her and she cried out in ecstasy.

  “You’re delicious,” Devon murmured as he returned to her nipples and gave them special attention.

  Chrissalyn was on fire with want for the man touching her right now. Her hands roamed freely over Devon’s firm, toned body helping him from his pants and freeing his erection from his boxer briefs.

  “Chriss,” Devon murmured softly as he kissed her once again and lowered himself on top of her, entering her.

  Chrissalyn moaned deeply feeling him inside her as they began to make love. Too late for regrets now, she thought to herself enjoying the things Devon was doing to her. He was indeed every bit the sensuous lover she’d envisioned. They made love for the next forty-five minutes slowly and intensely as Devon brought her to two more orgasms, before she felt him hold her tighter, groan deeply and finally reach his own blissful end. Chrissalyn sighed deeply as they lay enjoying the afterglow. She couldn’t feel guilty about what’d taken place between them remembering how wonderful it’d been. Now what? Her mind asked as Devon held her and gently kissed her forehead. Chrissalyn pushed al
l those questions from her mind as Devon returned once again to her lips to start the process all over again.

  Wow no more weird snacks before bed, Chrissalyn told herself as she awoke bathed in sweat from the erotic dream she’d just had. She’d seen Devon earlier, but she hadn’t been able to bring herself to say the things she thought she wanted to say. Instead she asked him to be patient with her and understand she was at a crossroads right now. He’d asked her if this was about Lathan and she’d answered honestly. He’d been quiet for a few moments and Chrissalyn knew he was hurt, still Devon was the perfect gentleman. He’d kissed her softly and assured her he would be patient and allow her the space she needed to make her decision, even if it meant losing her.

  Chrissalyn couldn’t describe what she felt at that moment, given the huge gamble Devon was taking. She sighed gently as her breathing returned to normal and she lay down again to try and go back to sleep. Well at least Saturday night will be fun, she thought to herself yawning widely. Devon was taking her to DCA’s employee appreciation gala. Even though she didn’t work there anymore, Chrissalyn knew everyone would be glad to see her. The gala was always live with plenty of food and drink, colorful participants, and a wannabe hip DJ. She chuckled to herself once more before allowing sleep to once again find her.

  11

  “You think I’m playing with you huh?” Sammy threw at Alisha as they talked. He’d called and once again ordered her to come over. Alisha sighed deeply as she answered.

  “Sammy, please,” she began, trying to get him to see reason. “I can’t just walk up to the man and say, yo playa its over,” she replied still trying to buy time.

  She had no intention of breaking up with Lathan. She just needed to make it to Saturday to put her plan into action.

  “Yes the hell you can,” Sammy threw back angry as hell. “I’m tired of fucking around with you Alisha,” he spat once again giving her an angry glare. “Either you break the shit off, or I will,” he finished evenly and opened another beer.