by J. Nichole
“Thanks for meeting with me today.” As I look around us to see who is within earshot, I lower my voice and say, “Have you been crying?”
In a soft whisper, she responds, “I’ve been crying every day since the incident.” Looking down at her books, she continues, “I’m not the one to make noise. I usually fly under the radar. But I just can’t let this one ride.” She looks up at me as a few tears trickle down her cheek.
“I understand. If you don’t mind, let’s start from the beginning.”
“It was a few weeks ago. I was in his office to speak to him about one of my assignments. I’m an English major with a minor in Journalism. Writing just flows for me, but picking article topics isn’t as easy.” As she talks I write down notes but I can’t shake the feeling I have that she may be telling the truth.
“Maybe I shouldn’t have been in his office late at night but I had just finished my evening class and wanted to start on his assignment when I got home.” She shakes her head and closes her eyes as if she is recounting the exact details of the night. “We talked about potential article topics, and out of nowhere, he told me I reminded him of his wife when they were in college.”
I lay down my pen and looked up at Kim. The one reason I thought he wouldn’t do something like this… his wife.
“I ignored the comment and thanked him for his time.” Kim’s voice begins to crack.
"Do you need a drink?" She looks to the coffee stand and then nods her head. Grabbing my wallet I walk over to the line.
The guys in front of me order their caffeinated beverages and move out of the way. “I’ll take two medium sweet teas.” Late night study sessions still haven’t turned me into a coffee drinker.
Handing Kim her sweet tea she smiles warmly and says, “Thank you.” The thank you seems to be for more than the drink.
“No worries. Just continue when you’re ready.”
After a few sips, Kim continues. “I stood to leave his office and felt his hand on my back. When I turned around he was too close for comfort. His hand fell lower and he…” My eyes squint as she pauses. “I don’t even know what to call it but he basically groped my butt. When I tried to back away he pulled me into him. I would have thought it was all a mistake until I was close enough to feel his erection on my thigh. Then he kissed my neck.”
My professionalism goes out the door as my mouth hangs open. I softly whisper, “I’m so sorry.”
“I struggled out of his arms and ran out of the door. I could hear him yell my name but he didn’t come after me.” She shakes her head. “By the time I made it to my apartment I was a mess.”
“Did you tell anyone or call the cops?” As I focus on her facial features I try to recall the picture of Mrs. Douglas in his office.
“No, I didn’t call the cops. I should have. But like I said, I’m not one to cause any drama. When my roommates finally made it home, I told them what happened and they insisted…well demanded that I call the cops.”
“Thank you for sharing. I’m sure this process won’t get any easier but if it’s any consolation, I believe you.”
Kim releases a soft sigh and a small smile warms her face.
“I will attempt to get Dr. Douglas’ perspective, but he may not say much because of the investigation. The article should be out on Friday.” Gathering my notebook I stand, but before walking away I lean over and hug Kim. “Take care.”
Kim’s body feels weak in my embrace. Before I let go, she says, “Thank you, Laila. Thank you for believing me.”
Leaving Up Late Cafe, I walk towards the Journalism building. With each step I contemplate my next action. I have to tell Evan this girl is telling the truth. The story replays in my head and as I hear Kim say ‘you remind me of my wife in college' a picture of Mrs. Douglas pops into my head. I close my eyes tightly to try to erase the image. Their resemblance is scary.
Students push past me as I slowly walk the hall. Instead of finding Evan, I walk directly into Dr. Douglas’ office. Not even knocking. I find him behind his desk, packing a box. “Ms. Jackson, how are yuh?” He looks at me with caution.
“Dr. Douglas, I don’t know where to start.”
“Evan has already told me about the article and that he assigned you to write it.” He places a few books into the box. “Yuh have a bright future ahead of yuh, and I have taught yuh to be a great journalist.”
With my hands crossed over my chest, I interrupt. “This is a test of my desire to be a writer. I have to write the truth as I know it.”
“Yuh do, dear. On the record, I cannot give you any details.” He signals me to take a seat. “But as one of my dearest students I do owe yuh an explanation.”
Taking a seat, I say, “Dr. Douglas, don’t tell me anything. I’ve seen your wife’s picture displayed proudly on your desk for the past year.”
With his eyes downcast, he takes a seat. “I’m losing everything. Today is my last day.” With his shoulders slumped he says, “I’ve lost my wife, my health…”
Standing, I say, “You were a great professor, Dr. Douglas and I’ll always remember that.” I walk out of his office quicker than I entered.
The walk to my geography class is somber. I'm tempted to run to my car and head home, but instead, I keep walking. My phone rings, but the thoughts swarming in my head are too dark to talk to anyone right now.
Taking a seat at my desk I reach for my phone to text Evan and a few missed calls from my brother display on the screen. As I open up the messaging app, a text from Nick pops up.
Nick: It’s important. Call me.
As the professor stands in front of the class, I grab my bag and quickly exit to the hall.
My fingers begin to shake as I press Nick’s name and the phone begins to ring.
“Laila, thanks for calling back. It’s grandma.”
Before he can continue, tears start rolling down my cheeks. “What is it?”
“She passed away this morning.”
I lean against the wall to brace myself. “Dammit. Is mom okay?”
Nick sighs, and then says, “Dad says she hasn’t said a single word since Aunt Janet called and told her the news.”
“I’m coming home.”
"Wait, Laila. That's a bad idea. I'm not sure when the funeral will be. Stay put till I give you more details."
“Okay. Call me as soon as you know something.” What a day. Looking at the classroom door I decide against going back. With my head hanging low, I walk to my car.
“I’m glad you made it home safely.” Chris’ voice is comforting. “Wish you would have let me drive you.”
“I couldn’t let you skip your exam. I do appreciate your offer though.”
“How’s your mom?”
“She has been keeping herself busy. I think she is in denial.”
“What about you, Laila? You don’t seem as emotional as I would have imagined.”
“You’re right. We didn’t have the best relationship.” My grandmother didn’t believe in the purpose of Historically Black Colleges. She didn’t understand why there was a need for me to segregate myself from non-black people. She didn’t understand the desire for me to be engulfed in our culture.
“Sorry to hear that.”
“Now I wish I had more time to make it better.” My eyes begin to tear up. “I was so determined to prove her wrong about going to L.U.” I take a long breath.
"You'll make her proud. I'm sure of that. When are you leaving for Louisiana?"
"Either late tonight or early in the morning. We are waiting for Nick to get here."
My mom walks by, carrying a duffle bag. “I should probably get going and help my mom stay busy.”
“Alright. Call me when you can.”
“Will do.” I walk through the house in search of my wandering mother. When I get in the kitchen, I see a beautiful bouquet of flowers sitting on the counter.
My mom walks in behind me and says, “Tulips have always been your favorite. He did a good job.”
/> Turning to look at her with my head cocked, I ask, “My favorite?” Stroking my furrowed brows I continue, “Who are they from?”
My mom walks over to the flowers and hands me the card. “He must have heard from his mother. I called her a few days ago.” She pauses. “Well maybe he heard from Tanya. I’m sure you have talked to her too, right?”
I ignore my mom’s question as I read the card.
“My condolences to you and your family. If you need me I’m here. - Josh”
“I still think you two will end up together.” As my mother wipes the counter around the flowers she pauses. “Don’t get me wrong … I like Chris too.”
Grabbing her hand before she continues, I walk her over to the table and we sit down. “Mom, I know this is hard on you.”
She interrupts, “Laila, not now.”
“If not now, when?”
My mom drops her head. “She passed at eight in the morning.” Tears begin to roll down her face. “We are usually on the phone, but I was running late for work and I didn’t call.”
I stand up and wrap my arms around her as she sobs. Her emotions get the best of me and my face is suddenly bombarded with tears. Under my breath I say, “At least you spoke with her often.”
"Oh Laila, I know you two haven't been close this past couple of years."
“I should have done better. She was just so passionate about me not going to L.U.”
“But she was still proud of you. I would send her links to your articles and she’d tell me about all the people she would share them with.” She sniffles and wipes her face. “Okay I have to pull it together. I need to finish packing to get ready for this trip.” Looking at the flowers on the counter she says, “And you need to call Josh to thank him for the flowers and his thoughts.”
Half-smiling, I reply, “Yes ma’am.” I walk back to my room and grab my phone. I have to make this quick.
After a few rings, Josh answers the phone in a quiet voice. "Hey, Laila."
I whisper, “Are you busy?”
"I'm in class." Good this won’t be a long call.
“I just wanted to thank you for the flowers. Get back to class. I’ll talk to you later.”
“You’re welcome. Later.”
Looking at the time, we still have a few hours before we pull out. Can’t come to town without visiting my girl.
Laila: Hey girl, are you home?
Tanya: Yes, coming by?
Laila: On my way
Yelling to my mom, “I’ll be back. Going to Tanya’s house.” I grab my purse and walk out to the car. Before I can pull out of the driveway my phone rings.
“Hey, Nicole.”
“When are you going home?”
“Huh? I made it here this morning.”
“Oh…”
“What happened?”
“Um… nothing. Your family okay?”
“As good as can be expected.”
“Alright pass along my condolences. I’ll see you when you get back in a few days.”
“Wait… you sound real suspect. What happened?”
Nicole laughs awkwardly. “I was riding on campus and I thought I saw you in Chris’ car.” She takes a deep breath. “But obviously it wasn’t you.”
“So you know it was Chris’ car and you saw some chick in the car with him?”
“It probably wasn’t him.”
“Thanks for telling me. Of course I can’t let it go though, so I’ll call you back.”
“Alright, remember you just went Courtney on him not too long ago so keep it light. Talk to you later.”
Nicole is right. I'll call him after I leave Tanya's house. Hopefully, I'll cool down by then.
Rolling the windows down, I turn up the music and pull out of the driveway. On my way to Tanya’s house, I’m tempted to pass through Travis’ neighborhood but I shake that thought away as quickly as it enters. Travis, my ex-boyfriend, who should have been my first. The one who was arrested on my graduation night. Nope, no need to take a trip down that memory lane.
Tanya's street is relatively quiet, and as I get closer to her house I turn the music down just in case her parents are home. I park on the curb and hop out of the car, skipping to the door. I’ve missed my best friend!
Before I can ring the doorbell, the door opens and Tanya is standing there with a wide grin on her face. We embrace each other and I say, “How’d you know I was here?”
“Girl, I heard that Lil’ Wayne coming down the street, and then it got quiet. Had to be you!” She laughs and pulls me into the house as she closes the door behind me.
Tanya walks in front of me, guiding me to her room, and I stop walking. “Wait. I think you are smaller now than you were before having Ava!”
Tanya bursts out laughing. The kind of laugh that is funnier than the joke. “Guess Ava keeps me moving. By default I may have lost a few pounds.” She smacks her side and says, “But don’t worry honey I still have my hips.” She shakes her ass, “And this booty ain’t going nowhere!”
We both laugh even harder. In Tanya’s room, I don’t see Ava. Tanya looks at me and says, “Randy’s parents have been helping out a lot.” She grabs one of Ava’s toys. “They have her today so I can study for exams tonight.”
With a smirk on my face I say, “Well isn’t that nice.” Plopping down on her bed I hug one of Ava’s bears. “Wish I would have known. I would have loved to see the little one.”
Remembering my encounter with Randy at the beginning of the year I contemplate telling Tanya. “So how are you and Randy anyway?”
Tanya sits at her desk and looks at me with her nose scrunched up. “He does what he can from afar. But we both acknowledge there is no chemistry between us.”
"Guess you wouldn't be mad if he were kicking it with other chicks?"
Tanya chuckles. "Naw. If I had time, I'm sure I'd be exploring my options too."
"Cool. I did see Randy at the beginning of the year with some chick on campus."
Tanya shakes her head. “And you wouldn’t have told me if I had a problem with it?”
“Good question. Guess we’ll never know.” I laugh and sit up on the bed. “I got some flowers today.”
Tanya looks at me with a raised brow. “From who?”
“Mr. Jones.”
With her mouth half open she looks at me with a blank stare. “My dad?”
I snicker. “No silly, your brother.”
Tanya slaps her desk. “Dammit. I told that boy to chill out. I’ve tried to tell him to back up while you and Chris are together.”
“You knew? Did he tell you?”
She sighs. "Josh told me a while ago that he was digging you. I said I would stay out of it."
“His timing is just off. He should have said something when Travis left me solo.”
“If it’s meant to be, it will be. But don’t worry about him. If Chris doesn’t mess up, then it’s just not meant to be.”
Oh Chris. Wish I didn’t have to ask him about who was in his car earlier. “Speaking of which… Nicole called me earlier and told me she saw him driving some chick around.”
Tanya shakes her head. “Since when is giving someone a ride such a big deal? You don’t want to be that girl that flips out about every little thing.”
“Says the girl who had me all around Fort Walton Beach looking for her man when he didn’t answer his phone.”
Tanya laughs. “We learn from our mistakes.”
Chapter Eight
“I’m glad you got home safely.”
I laugh as I shake my head. “Home?”
“Well you know what I mean.” Chris fumbles with his hands before looking at me.
"Yeah, I do. They always say, ‘home is where the heart is,' right?"
“That’s right. I won’t stay long; I know you have a lot of work to make up after being gone last week. I just had to see you before you got too busy.”
I lean in and give Chris a couple of pecks before his tongue finds its way into my mouth.
He pulls away, standing and adjusting his shorts before opening my bedroom door. “I better get out of here before I can’t leave.” He looks down between his legs and winks at me.
I stand up and follow him to the living room. Nicole is sitting on the couch and when she sees Chris, her eyebrows arch. “Hey.”
“Hey Nicole.” Chris keeps walking to the front door. Before leaving out he leans down and kisses my forehead.
I close the door behind him and stand to look at Nicole. "What?"
“Did he ever tell you who the girl was in the car?” She places her arms across her chest.
“No, because I didn’t ask.”
She cocks her head. “I’m surprised. I thought you would have had a few questions.”
“Exactly why I didn’t say anything.” I look around the apartment. “Where are the other two?”
“I’m not my sister’s keeper. No telling where they are. I’m about to leave though.”
“Alright, I’ll see you. I need to get some work done.”
My books are sprawled out over my bed. I randomly grab one and sit at my desk. I have to catch up on work from last week and write an article for the paper. Joy!
Economics is my book of choice. Guess it makes sense to get it out of the way before I get tired… although this subject will probably bore me to sleep.
Lawmakers could read this chapter on unemployment. Not very encouraging to know that the odds of landing a well-paid job when I graduate are low. Doesn’t make this chapter very appealing.
As I read, my eyelids get heavy and the temptation to close the book is weighing heavier. Instead of proceeding with the reading assignment I pick up my phone and send a text to Jason.
Laila: Do we have any quizzes for Econ this week?
A few more paragraphs into the chapter and I stop again. Maybe music will help me get through this reading assignment. I turn on Pandora and search through my stations. R. Kelly, Beyoncé`, not the right mood. I finally settled on Little Wayne. My phone dings with a message, from Jason.