Choose Wisely

by Michele V. Mitchell

  “My bad,” I took her hand and lead her to the sofa.

  “Are you hungry?” She asked.

  I ignored her question, kissing her lips and pulling her towards me.

  “I’m so glad you decided to give us another chance,” I stated.

  “Baby, we both made mistakes. It’s over let’s move on,”

  I glanced over at my coat.

  “Remember how I use to always get you cards, to express how I felt,”

  She started nibbling on my ear. I was starting to lose focus.

  “Yes I remember,” she whispered in between nibbles.

  I pulled away.

  “What’s wrong?” She asked.

  “Nothing I just need to get something,”

  I walked across the room and reached inside my coat pocket. I pulled out the card. I had gotten earlier and handed it to her. She grinned, while opening the card like a child at Christmas. I watched her lips closely as she read the card quietly. She looked up with tears and shock on her face. She repeated the last sentence I wrote on the card.

  “Will you marry me?” She cried out, not believing what she had just read. She placed her hand over her chest in shock. I decided to tease her a bit.

  “Yes I will marry you,” I stated boldly.

  She looked confused.

  “Huh?” She responded.

  “You just asked would I marry you. Didn’t you?” I asked.

  “I was reading what you wrote!” She jumped up.

  “Okay let me stop playing with you,” I kissed her lips, and then pulled out a 2.5 karat diamond ring. I got down on one knee and popped the question.

  “Will you marry me?” I smiled.

  She threw her arms around me, while crying with what I assume were tears of joy.

  “Oh my God! Yes I will marry you!”

  She stood back, and I placed the ring on her finger. She was definitely excited, her hand wouldn’t stop shaking. I took her hands and placed them next to my heart.

  “Thank you baby for believing in a man like me, I’m going to give you the world,” she placed her hands on my cheeks.

  “I know you will,” she agreed.

  The next thing I knew we were kissing and rubbing on each other like we use to do in the old days. Her body was so soft. I had missed her. I was ready to make up for lost time. I pulled on her belt. Leading her to the bedroom, she suddenly smacked my hand away. My heart sunk.

  “What’s wrong?” I asked.

  She leaned in and kissed me on the mouth.

  “Nothing is wrong. Finally everything is the way it’s supposed to be. I just want us to do this right,”

  “Meaning?”

  “Meaning that if we’re both serious about this and about our roles at the church, we need to wait to have sex until we’re married,”

  `Man, she just said the words, I wasn’t trying to hear right now. I closed my eyes, and pulled her back towards me.

  “Ugh! If you want to wait until we’re married, then that’s what will do,”

  I took a step back, my eyes were roaming her entire body.

  “Somebody help me! Cause I need a cold shower!” I groaned.

  She laughed.

  “I’ll run you some water,” she smiled and gazed into my eyes.

  “I love you,”

  “I love you more,” I confirmed.

  While in the shower I found myself singing. I hadn’t sung since my mother passed. She was gone and I couldn’t change that. All I could do was live my life the way she taught me. I was good man, and a good person because of her. I had lost my way for moment. I was thankful God and Sandy hadn’t given up on me.

  I got out the shower and headed to Sandy’s room. She was sleeping with her cell phone still in her hand. I wondered how many of her friends knew we we’re engaged. My thought was disturbed, by the ringing of my cell phone. I hurried out the room to answer the call.

  “Hello,” I whispered.

  “Are you busy?” Lexi asked.

  What did she want? I thought I had made myself clear.

  “Yeah I am. What’s up?”

  “I’m sorry if I interrupted your evening. I just wanted to apologize for how I acted earlier,”

  “It’s cool,” I replied, as I tried hurrying her off the phone.

  “Well I’m not going to keep you. Thank you for everything. I’ll text you in the morning,”

  “Goodnight Dontae,”

  “Goodnight,” I hit the end button on my cell, and quietly made my way back to the bedroom.

  I slid under the covers next to Sandy. It had been an emotional day. I was exhausted. I placed my cell phone on the nightstand. I hoped that would be the last call from Lexi. Sandy and I were in a good place, and I didn’t want anything or anyone to ruin that.

  Melissa

  I opened my eyes, said a small prayer and hopped out of bed. It was nine o’clock in the morning, and church started at eleven. I picked up my cell phone, hitting the power button. I had turned it off after I spoke with Sandy yesterday. I didn’t want to deal with talking to Tyrone or Darius. I still couldn’t believe Darius wanted to be with me. I was so confused. There was only one thing to do. I would give my problems to Him. Through Him all things were possible.

  “Dear Lord, I know I already prayed this morning. But I still need you. Lord, you are understanding and know all things. I need to know what to do. I have two great men wanting to be with me. I’m not sure what to do. Lord I want to please you by making the right choice. I ask for your guidance and wisdom today. I love you Lord I need you Lord. In Jesus name I pray amen.”

  I noticed my cell phone was blinking, which meant I had messages. I sat on my bed and placed my cell phone to my ear. I had four messages. Two calls from Tyrone, one call from Darius. The last message came from my sister. She sounded excited. She said she had some big news, and wanted to wait to tell me in person. I was curious to find out what had my sister so happy. I hurried to get ready.

  On my way to church, I stopped by my bank. I had to make sure I gave my tithes and offerings when I got to church. It amazed me how some people thought that if they gave an offering the pastor of the church would automatically do what they wanted with it. I mean sure there probably were some pastor’s like that. But not mine. My father always said we give because we’re blessed, and we’re blessed because we give.

  I personally didn’t care what the church did with my offering. If there were any wrong doings, then they would have to answer to God not me. My father taught me and my sister early on that it was our responsibility to help our church. The church couldn’t run without help from the congregation. One of my favorite scriptures is;

  Luke 16:10, One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.

  Every time I would read that scripture it reminded me to give what I had with a faithful heart and God would supply all my needs. He was my Father and without Him there was no me.

  I picked up my bible and made my way inside the church doors. The choir was just about to sing. I found a seat in between my father and son. I glanced up to see Sandy smiling at me. Still smiling, she shifted her eyes across the room. I looked over too see Dontae flashing his pearly whites at her. It was good to see him back. ‘This must’ve been the news Sandy was talking about!’ I thought.

  I would like to say service was awesome. But I barely heard a word the pastor said. My mind kept wondering back to Tyrone and Darius. The only thing I did hear was the pastor mentioning Sandy. We all knew she was close to graduating. He mentioned that he noticed that she had a lot of congratulations on her Face Time page. He wanted her to know that everyone who congratulated her was not happy for her. He wanted all of us to mindful of whom we let into lives. The truth is there are good and bad people in the world. We all needed to be a little more careful who we entertained.

  After church, I talked with some of the other members until I noticed my sister standing alone. I ru
shed to her so I could get the latest on her and Dontae.

  “I see someone’s happy,” I smiled.

  She smiled back, waving the back of her hand in my face.

  “Yes I am!”

  I grabbed her hand so I could inspect the diamond shining in my face.

  “Oh my God, I’m so happy for you! Have you told daddy yet?”

  “No Dontae wanted to speak with him first. He’s taking him out to eat so they can talk. Do you mind if David goes with them? I think Dontae wants all the back-up he can get,”

  We both knew he wasn’t one of our father’s favorite people lately. We were daddy’s girls. He always said if we hurt. He hurt and Dontae had hurt Sandy on several occasions.

  “That’s fine. This will give us a chance to catch up,” I stated.

  I needed some advice with all I had going on. Sandy and I said our goodbye’s to the men in our lives. Then we decided on where to have lunch. We agreed to meet at TGI Friday’s on Union Deposit Road. It was one of my favorite restaurants, and their prices were affordable.

  Our hostess escorted us to our table, handing us each a menu. She advised a waitress would be with us shortly. By the time the waitress arrived we already knew what we wanted to order. I placed my order and excused myself to use the restroom. When I arrived back at our table, my Pepsi was sitting there waiting for me.

  I wanted to talk about my problems. But my little sister getting married took precedence. Even though I was happy, I was also concerned. She and Dontae had been through a lot together. And even though I believed he loved her. Sometimes love just wasn’t enough. I thought. I took a sip of my drink, while thinking of how to address the matter.

  “First let me say congratulation sissy! When I got your message you had news this never came to mind. I’m just going to ask, what happened to the girl he was seeing?”

  “He told me last night, that he cut all ties with her, except for working at the club. He still allows her to keep her job,”

  My eyebrow immediately went up. Before I could say anything, she continued on.

  “I know what you’re thinking. How will they be able to work together? I thought about it myself and I have to trust him. You see who’s wearing the ring!” She boasted.

  “Yes I see. But that doesn’t mean I’m not going to worrying about you. You’re my baby sister. It has always been my job to look out for you,”

  “I know, and I love you for it. But I’m grown and I know what I’m doing. When Dontae and I first got together we were young. We both had a lot of growing up to do. No relationship is perfect. And if you can go through all we’ve been through…..” She was tearing up, and had to compose herself.

  “If you can go through all we’ve been through and still find your way back. Then it’s meant to be,”

  Listening to her showed me that she was able to handle whatever life had to throw at her. My little sister had grown up right before my eyes. She could make her own decisions. My only job now was to be there if and when she needed me.

  We finished lunch and headed to our cars. I never did get to talk with her about my situation. I realized no one could help me but God. My father always told me, when you have a problem and you can’t find the answer. Call on Him. He is never wrong and He knows all things. I had a decision to make and only He alone could help me.

  Darius

  I’d just finished packing my lunch when I received a phone call from Trina. I swear the only reason I answered her calls was to make sure my daughter was straight. Before I could even say hello, she started barking.

  “I need you to get your daughter!”

  “Wait minute! Who are you talking to like that?” I shouted.

  She paused for a second.

  “I’m talking to your sorry ass!”

  Normally I would have just hung up on her. But I wanted to make sure baby girl was all right. Plus I had spoken to a family lawyer, who advised me to get as much evidence I could to prove that she was an unfit mother.

  I took a deep breath and made sure my phone recorded our call. I wasn’t sure if what we said could be used in court, but I was making sure I had all bases covered. I loved my daughter with all my heart. And it was time to do what I had to do to keep her safe and out of harm’s way.

  “Trina what’s wrong? I asked.

  “I just told you, I need you to come get your child. I have something to do!”

  “Are you drunk?” I could feel myself getting frustrated.

  I have to go to work. If it’s not an emergency than I can’t come get her,” I stated.

  “You know what; I’m just going to call my mom!” She hung up the phone before I could respond.

  I couldn’t stand her. If I knew what I knew now I would have never messed with her. I was learning the hard way. You have to choose wisely before you got involved with someone. Just because they look good, doesn’t mean there good for you.

  I wasn’t at work two hours before my cell phone rang. I asked my co-worker to cover for me, while I took the call. I didn’t recognize number but I did know the voice. It was Jade’s older sister. I braced myself because the last time she called this late it wasn’t good news. This call was even worse.

  She told me their mother had left them again. This time, she left them with some man named Jo-Jo. She explained how the man took her little sister in the back room and wouldn’t open the door. My body froze for a split second. I told her to unlock the front door and I would be right there.

  My job was only ten minutes away. But I got there in about five running red lights, and driving like I was in a scene from the Fast & Furious. I jumped out my car not even parking. I rushed towards the house and opened the front door. I saw Jade’s sister sitting on the couch crying. I ran up the steps and kicked the door in. I wasn’t prepared for what I saw. There was a man with his pants down standing in front of my child.

  All I saw was red. Nothing made sense in my head. I just knew I had to hurt this man. He was trying to hurt my baby. I had to hurt him. Tackling him to the floor, I started banging his head until I saw blood. I didn’t stop there I couldn’t. My fist hit his face over and over again. I stood and kicked him repeatedly. I continued his beating, until I heard my daughter crying, and asking me to stop.

  I finally came back to reality. I looked at my bloody hands, then down at the man who was no longer moving. I grabbed Jade and went downstairs.

  ‘Oh my God what have I done?’ I thought.

  I sat Jade next to her sister. They were both crying. I did my best to calm them down. I kneeled down in front of them.

  “I need you two to listen to me. Daddy is sorry. I hurt the man upstairs. But he was trying to hurt you I don’t know what he would have done if I didn’t get here,” feeling like I had just had an outer body experience.

  I knelt down and hugged my girls. They were young but I knew they understood. As I was about to check on the man upstairs. There was a loud knock at the door. No average person would knock that hard. I couldn’t believe this was happening. I swung the door open and was standing face to face with the Harrisburg Police. I explained the situation and was still asked; if I had any weapons and to put my hands behind my back.

  A female officer took the girls out. They explained they would go to the station until their grandmother picked them up. I heard the sirens, as I was escorted to the squad car. I knew it was the ambulance; I closed my eyes and prayed I didn’t kill the man.

  When I opened my eyes, I made eye contact with Jade. My heart sank as I realized she was watching her father being put inside a paddy wagon. I had tried so hard to turn my life around. All I wanted was to do right by my child. A tear rolled down my face as I was forced to watch her scream for her daddy and there was nothing I could do.

  Melissa

  I sat in my car staring at Dauphin County Prison. Darius had been incarcerated for almost a week now. I heard from Donate that even though he made bail he wouldn’t be released because he was still on parole when the incident hap
pened. I was told he would be going somewhere upstate until he went to court. It was all over the local news how he almost killed a man for trying to molest Jade. The crazy thing was, the media was more focused on his past rather than the real issue at hand. Our community thought he was hero. But their opinions didn’t matter. It’s what the courts thought that counted.

  I walked inside the county jail feeling anxious. I had come to let him know that I loved him too. And I planned on being by his side no matter what. I went to the front desk and showed the guard to forms of identification. I noticed there were lockers to put my items in. I searched in my purse to find change for the locker.

  Once my items were secure I took a seat and waited. I watched as a female guard came into the waiting area. She directed us to stand in line to be searched before we went back to see the inmates. I’d been searched before. But this search felt degrading; the guards made me take off my shoes, and hold my arms up to the side.

  She then told me turn around, so she could search me. She looked like a man, patting me down from head to toe. I closed my eyes, praying she would hurry. My body grew stiff as her hands roamed my body. She was enjoying this way too much. I thought.

  I was relieved when the search was over. It was worth it, knowing I was about to see Darius in a few minutes. I followed behind the other women in line into a small room, which had stools and some sort of glass that looked like plastic. I sat at the last stool on the end. It made me feel like I had more privacy then I actually did.

  My heart was beating so fast that I automatically started rubbing my chest to try to calm down. I watched as the men walked towards the specific windows that their loved ones were sitting. I picked up the phone in front of me, when I saw Darius strolling in my direction. He looked so good even if he did have on a bright orange jumpsuit.

  “How are you?” I asked.

  “I’m all right. How are you?”

  I looked around the room, watching as guards paced back and forth. He didn’t belong here. He was turning his life around. It just wasn’t fair. I gazed into his eyes. He looked tired and sad. There was no doubt in my mind. I was going to ride with him. I was going to be his rock.