Choose Wisely

by Michele V. Mitchell

  “Nah I’m cool. If she wanted me to know about her new friend she would have told me,”

  I knew that it was time for me to go. I had my own problems. I sure as hell wasn’t trying to get mixed up in anyone else’s love life. I said goodnight to Darius and headed back to my table to wait for Shay and Tara.

  I followed behind Shay and Tara, while we made our way to the back of the parking lot. I had told Shay earlier to park behind the club. The parking lot there was much smaller and less chance of something happening to her new 2013 Chrysler 200 Convertible. Before we reached her car I heard a commotion.

  I motioned for my friends to turn around and be quiet. We stood behind the dumpster outside of the club. I told them to wait there, while I got a better look. I took off my heels and crept up towards the couple I saw arguing. I hid behind one of the cars in the parking lot. I got excited when I realized the couple having words was Lexi and Lou. ‘What’s going on here?’ I thought. I sat quietly and peeked around one of the cars in the lot so I could see and hear what they were saying.

  “Shut up! Lexi shouted. This was your idea! Now all of a sudden you are feeling some type of way!” I watched as Lou grabbed both of her wrists and hemmed her up on the hood of the car they were standing in front of.

  “Girl watch ya mouth before somebody hears you! You know what you’re supposed to be doing! I ain’t come here to watch you bullshit around, now where so-called man at?”

  “He went to his other spot, his friend Darius is closing here tonight,” she cried.

  He dragged her around to the driver’s side of the car and pushed her in the seat.

  “Lexi take your dumb ass home. I will see if dude needs help here. I guess I’ve been gone too long, cuz you acting like you don’t know who runs this shit!”

  He backed away from the car so she could pull off. I crept around to the back of the car, where I was hiding so he wouldn’t notice me as he walked by.

  My heart was beating fast. It felt like it would bust out of my chest. I could tell Shay and Tara were scared. Their arms were linked together. While they pretended they were looking for something by the dumpster when he passed by. I bet Shay didn’t have anything smart to say to him now. I thought. I waited for him to go back inside before I met my friends at Shay’s car. I didn’t know what was up with Lexi and Lou. But I was damn sure going to find out.

  Melissa

  My evening was going great. The only downside of my night was the evil looks Darius was shooting my way. He wasn’t even supposed to be here tonight. I knew he was upset because I didn’t mention Tyrone to him. I didn’t feel the need when I wasn’t even sure if I was going to see him again anyway. After my talk with Vicki, I knew it was time to put some space between Darius and myself. How was I ever going to move on if I continued to depend on him? He was angry but I knew he would get over it. Besides he went out on dates all the time and I never treated him any differently. I would smooth things over with him tomorrow. Tonight it was all about me.

  I had learned a lot about Tyrone this evening. He had been divorced for almost a year. He said his wife left him for another woman. They were married for three years and once he started traveling things just fell apart. I was kind of shocked to hear is wife was with another woman. It made me wonder was she always gay. Or did he turn her that way? He took me by surprise twice that night. Earlier when the waitress came and asked what we wanted to drink, he ordered my drink for me. I was grown I didn’t need a man to order for me. I didn’t want to spoil our evening so I figured I let it slide.

  Our night was coming to an end. Tyrone excused himself to check on the performers he had booked for the show earlier. I waited and enjoyed the music the DJ was playing. I was about to find a waitress an order a drink I actually liked, when Darius walked up.

  “So how’s your night going?” He asked.

  “It’s going alright. How about you?” I smiled.

  “It could be better Trina’s trrippin’ again. But you already know how that goes,”

  Trina was no good. She was an unfit mother as far as I was concerned. But it wasn’t my place to say so. I felt bad for Darius. He was going to have to find a way to deal with her for at least the next twelve years. I had always been his go to girl when he had problems with her. But things were about to change. I hoped he could handle it. But by the looks he gave me earlier I wasn’t sure.

  I noticed Tyrone making his way back to our table. I had finished the Corona Darius’s had brought me. I don’t know why but before he walked up. I slid my bottle in Darius’s direction to make it seem like it was his. Darius gave me a confused look.

  “Girl what are you doing?” He asked looking in Tyrone’s direction.

  “Nothing just take the bottle please,” I begged.

  He snatched the bottle and looked at me in disgust.

  “I know you ain’t frontin’ for this nigga? You and Donte both acting like ya done lost ya minds!” He stood about to walk away.

  “Don’t go I don’t want him thinking you left because he walked up,”

  He laughed, “You have lost mind, haven’t you?” I ain’t worried about that dude!”

  “I never said you were!”

  He was really starting to irritate me with his childish behavior. Tyrone must have felt the tension. Because he quickly asked me if I was alright once he arrived at the table. I was feeling very uncomfortable because I didn’t know what would come out of Darius’s mouth.

  “She’s fine,” Darius announced.

  I knew this encounter wasn’t going well. Maybe I should have let him leave when he was about too. I thought.

  “Tyrone this is my best friend Darius. Darius this is Tyrone,”

  I prayed one of them would extend their hand for a handshake, instead of giving each other the evil eye. ‘Thank you Lord’ I thought when I saw Tyrone put his hand out in front of Darius.

  “How you doing man? You want another Corona before you bounce?” Tyrone asked.

  “Nah man I’m good. Ya enjoy the rest of ya night. I got work to do. He kissed me on the cheek and stood.

  “I’ll call you later,” Darius smiled.

  It was complete silence at our table for at least five minutes. I didn’t know what to say. I was thankful when Tyrone finally broke the silence.

  “So your best friend is a guy huh?”

  “Yes we’ve been friends since we were kids,”

  “That’s cool. I don’t have many friends. But I would definitely make an exception for you,” he stated.

  “Really?” I beamed.

  “Yeah really I’ve heard we should be friends before we become lovers and trust I’m trying to be both,”

  He had me lost for words. He seemed a little possessive early on. But his words now have officially taken whatever doubts I had away. It was time for me to feel special and I think I’ve finally found the man to do it.

  Darius

  Tonight was crazy. I had to help Dontae with the club. Then watching Melissa with another man was too much. I know we’re just friends. But actually seeing her with her with someone else, made me look at our relationship in a different light. She has been there for me through thick and thin. I couldn’t imagine my life without her in it. It was time to be honest with myself. I loved her and I didn’t want her with anyone else. She was supposed to be with me. I needed to tell her before it was too late.

  I hurried to the kitchen to make sure the cook was finished cleaning. We were about to close and the kitchen had shut down a half hour ago. The cook was turning off the lights when I entered the room. He said everything was done and he was going home. I turned the lights back on to make sure everything was in order. Once I checked everything I went to find Melissa.

  The club was clearing out. I didn’t see Melissa I figured she already left. I grabbed my cell phone out my back pocket. I was ready to dial her number when one of the new bouncers stepped to me.

  “Is everything straight, because I was about to head out,” he stat
ed.

  I looked at my cell phone to check the time. It was a little after two in the morning. I was about to tell him to hold up. I realized he was the bouncer that had the confrontation with Sandy and her friends. Before I could speak my cell phone rang. I told the bouncer he could go. The call was coming from Trina’s house. I knew something was wrong if I was getting a call this late.

  “Hello, Trina?”

  I could hear a child crying. But it was hard to make out what the child was saying.

  “Jade is that you? Calm down so daddy can understand you,”

  “It’s not Jade Mr. Darius its Jazzy. Jade and I were playing and she fell off the top bunk. She hit her head and it won’t stop bleeding!” She cried.

  “Ok baby don’t cry. Where is your mother?”

  “I don’t know! When we woke up she wasn’t here,”

  “Don’t worry I’m on my way. Let me talk to Jade,”

  While I waited for Jade to pick up the phone I made sure everyone had vacated the premises. I quickly checked to make sure all the doors and windows were locked. I then snatched my keys from behind the bar and headed to my car.

  “Daddy?” She questioned.

  “Yeah baby it’s your daddy. Are you ok?” I asked.

  “I’m bleeding!” She gasped.

  “I know I’m on my way. I need you to be a big girl. Can you be a big girl for daddy?”

  “Yes,” she sniffled.

  I stayed on the phone with her until I pulled in front of Trina’s row. She lived in the same projects I grew up in. Our projects were different from what some people were used to. The houses were connected and set up in rows. I was furious. I stomped up to the medal door and knocked.

  Jazzy opened the door. I saw my baby girl crying holding a towel up to her forehead. I picked her up and removed the towel. She had a big gash I knew she was going to need snitches. I asked Jazzy to find their coats so we could go to the emergency room. I scanned the living room. It was way too quiet in the house.

  “Where’s your brothers?” I asked Jade.

  “They’re at mom-mom’s house,” Jazzy chimed in.

  “Was your mother here when ya went to bed?”

  Jade shook her head yes. I figured she must’ve put them to sleep and left. Who leaves a six and eight year old home alone? I thought. I put on Jade’s shoes and told the girls everything was going to be alright. I held her in one arm and her sister in the other. I sighed as I walked to my car. I hated hospitals. But I would do anything for my baby girl. I was starting to think Trina knew that and was using it to her advantage.

  Once we left the hospital I called Trina’s phone. Of course there was no answer. I was so proud of Jade. She got her stitches and never shed a tear. She was fearless just like her old man. I decided to take the girls back to my house. I couldn’t reach their mother and I knew they were tired. I was so frustrated. The system was built to protect the mother of the child. But what about the men like me? I did what I was supposed to do. I didn’t expect a medal. But give me credit where credit was due.

  When we arrived at my house it was almost five in the morning. I couldn’t believe I hadn’t her from Trina yet. I picked up both the girls and put them in Jade’s room. I couldn’t believe I hadn’t heard from their mother yet. I was starting to get worried. I decided to call Trina’s mother after the fourth ring I left her a message that I had the girls. This entire situation was pissing me off. I went to the fridge and grabbed a beer. I sat and stared at the wall. ‘Where was this dumb ass girl?’ I thought.

  I opened my eyes when I heard footsteps. I turned to see Jade standing in front of me.

  “Hey baby girl you alright?”

  She rubbed her eyes and ran to me. I opened my arms and held her tight. I wanted her to always feel safe, especially when she was with me.

  “Where’s mommy?” She asked waiting for me to assure her that everything was fine.

  I sat her on my lap and rocked her back and forth. What do you say to child when you don’t have the answers?

  “Baby girl I got you. Daddy just needs you to go to sleep. Everything will be fine once you wake up,”

  She closed her eyes as I caressed her hair. I loved this little girl. She was supposed to be dreaming of princess’s and fairies instead she was worried about her crazy ass mother. I gently rocked her until she fell asleep.

  Once Jade was sound asleep I carried her back upstairs and placed her in the bed next to her sister. I looked at Jazzy she wasn’t mine but I loved her just the same. I kissed them both on the cheek and quietly shut the bedroom door. I was exhausted but I knew I wasn’t going to be able to sleep until I knew what was up with Trina. I felt lost. I decided to do something Melissa said I should always do. I got on my knees and began to pray. If I couldn’t get the answers I needed maybe he could help me.

  “How you doing God, it’s me Darius. I know you haven’t heard from me in a minute and I apologize about that. So much has been going on and I really need you. I don’t know where to begin. I’m trying to change my life around but it seems like people won’t let me. I need to be here for Jade. I don’t know what’s going on with her mother. I pray that she’s alright. God please help me because things are getting out of control. Thank you God and Amen.

  I stood and made my way back downstairs. I shut off the lights and was about to go to bed when I heard my doorbell ring. I prayed it wasn’t someone with bad news. When I pulled open the door there stood Trina. She quickly threw her arms around my neck.

  “Oh thank God your home! I can’t find the girls!” She exclaimed.

  I told her to come in and have a seat. I knew Trina better than she knew herself. I figured once she realized the girl’s won’t home she come directly here. Once her mother finds out she left them alone, she’d better pray she didn’t call children and youth. I would have to talk with her later to make sure that didn’t happen. But right now, I had no intentions on telling her the girls were upstairs safe and sound until I found out why she left them in the first place.

  I sat down next to her, as she pulled out a pack of Newport’s from her purse. Her hands were shaking as she lit her cigarette. I couldn’t believe she didn’t notice how calm I was. If she would have told me this news a few hours earlier, I probably would have killed her. I honestly didn’t understand how she could be so selfish.

  “Did you check with your mother? Maybe she came and got the girl’s,” I suggested.

  “She doesn’t have them. She would have called me if she came and got them.”

  “Ok why don’t we call the police?”

  I knew she wasn’t trying to call the police. She didn’t want the world to know she was an unfit mother. By asking these types of questions, it would only be a matter of time before I broke her. I wanted to ring her neck. But I had to play it cool to get the answers I needed.

  “Trina did you hear me? Why don’t we call the police?” I repeated.

  She gave me a look like I was crazy for asking such a question.

  “The police, we don’t need no police all up in our business! I came here so you could help me find them!” She barked.

  This woman was unbelievable! She would do anything to save herself. She had no idea the girls were with me. They could’ve been dead in a ditch for all she knew. But I guess she would do anything to keep the heat off her. I was disgusted. At that moment I wished I never met her.

  I was done listening to her. I just wanted her out my house. I stood and walked to my door.

  “What are you doing?” She questioned.

  “I’m wondering how I ever got involved with you. You don’t care about nobody but yourself! The girls are fine! I picked them up when Jazzy called my phone. Jade needed to go to hospital and they had no idea where you were so they called me,”

  She jumped up and put her finger in my face.

  “What the hell do you mean their upstairs? You had me here worried about my girls and their right upstairs!”

  I pushed her hand away. I
was heated.

  “You weren’t worried about shit! If you were that concerned you would have never left them in the house alone! Anything could have happened to them!”

  “Don’t you dare tell me how to raise my children! When ya ass was in jail, I was the one holding them down not you!”

  “How the hell were you holding them down? Your mother is the one who’s been raising them. They would still be with her if she wouldn’t have gotten sick. Just admit you’re a sorry excuse for a mother!”

  “Fuck you Darius! Go get my kids!”

  She tried to get pass me and go up the stairs. I grabbed both of her wrists.

  “Get off me! You’re hurting me!” She yelled.

  I let go before I did something I would regret later. I had never felt so vexed in all my life. This woman really wanted me to hurt her. I stepped back and tightly squeezed my banister to release my frustration. I gritted my teeth as I said my next statement;

  “You need to go now. The girls are sleep and I’m not waking them up. I think its best you go now before things get out of hand,”

  She fixed her clothes and snatched her purse off the couch.

  “You can say what you want. But I will be back for my girls,”

  I closed door behind her and said a quick prayer.

  “Thank you God! I know if it wasn’t for you. I would have really hurt that girl!”

  I was tired; I checked on the girls one last time and headed for bed. Something had to be done about Trina and soon I thought.

  Melissa

  I woke up feeling sick to my stomach. I guess my body wasn’t use to drinking such strong alcohol. I made a mental note never to let Tyrone order my drinks for me. I dragged my tired body out of bed. I looked in the mirror my eyes were red and puffy. I lugged myself down the hall to David’s room. He was still asleep. He was my pride and joy. I had him two years after I started community college. I knew my father was disappointed when I told him I was pregnant and not married. He wanted me to finish college. I explained to him I could still go to school and raise my son. I actually planned on going back to school in the fall for communications.