Pandora's Box

by Coffee

  She covered her face and cried into her hands when she heard him pull out of her driveway. She was hoping he’d beat down her door and tidal wave her with apologies she wouldn’t accept immediately but in time, she would. But he was gone.

  Blu peeled herself off of the door and headed into her bedroom where she fell onto the bed face first.

  She laid there in one spot for twenty minutes soaking until she heard her front door opening. Blu jumped up, rushing to her bathroom and locking the door behind herself.

  Shit! I forgot she was coming by. She needed to rejuvenate her face before Kanari detected something and started asking questions.

  “Oh, bae! Where you at?” Kanari walked through her house, looking for her.

  “In the bathroom. Be done in a sec,” Blu yelled out. Looking at her slightly puffy eyes in the mirror, she said, “You look a hot mess, you know that?” Splashing water against her face did nothing to refresh her look, so she just stepped out to face the music and the onslaught of questions she was sure would follow.

  “What’s all this?” Blu asked when she saw Kanari pulling items out of a bag and spreading them out on her bed.

  “I didn’t know what kind of food mood you were in so I came prepared.”

  “Mood?” Blu attempted to front. There was no way Kanari could have known that something was troubling her because she didn’t say a peep. Plus, she covered it well, so she thought.

  “Yes, mood. You thought I didn’t notice? You’ve been in one for three days now. And of course you tried to play it off like everything was Kool and the Gang, but I know when something’s wrong with your ass. I just don’t know what. But don’t think I came over here to pry either because I also know when you’re ready, you’ll tell me.”

  It was scary how well Kanari could read her even when she thought she wasn’t readable.

  “Now if you are feeling like binging, I bought your fav. A shrimp on french with an order of fries. Or if you just want to eat sweets until you get a case of tha sugar, then I got you on that, too. I have Twizzlers, Boston Baked Beans, Chico-Sticks, Lemon Heads, Noun Laters and then some. And if you in a real funk, I got a tub of Ben & Jerry’s in the freezer with your name all over that shit.”

  She chuckled slightly. “Cherry flavor?”

  “That’s an affirmative.” She beamed. Turning away from Blu, Kanari popped in their go to DVD of all times. There was nothing like good food, movies and conversations. That combination was a guaranteed smile creator.

  But when Kanari turned around, Blu had her hand over her mouth, muffling her cries. “Boo, what’s the matter? Don’t cry.” Her eyes watered automatically as she walked over to her with open arms.

  Blu cried harder the instant her head touched Kanari’s shoulder.

  “Calm down, Blu Belle, calm down.” She consoled her. After a few minutes passed and Blu was temporarily all cried out, Kanari walked her over to her side of the bed, pulled back her duvet covers and assisted her into bed. “I’ll be right back.”

  Kanari jogged through the house, ending up in the kitchen. She opened the utensil drawer and grabbed two tablespoons, then she headed over to the freezer.

  This is a job for ice cream.

  Seconds later, she reentered the room. Popping the lid off of the bucket, she handed it to her. Then she cleared everything else off of the bed and placed it on her dresser.

  Kanari took off her shoes and climbed in bed next to her.

  Blu’s shoulders were slumped and her eyes, droopy. She was definitely her name at that moment. She sniffled. “I know you want to know what’s up, huh?”

  “Unh unh. That’s where you’re wrong. I just want to eat this entire gallon of goodness with you and regret it when I’m sick as a dog later.” She smiled her way while reaching for the remote. “Hot Tub Time Machine?”

  Blu wasn’t ready to talk about how right Kanari was although she would have told her if she really wanted to know.

  Grateful that she didn’t have to pretend everything was cool when it wasn’t and also relieved that Kanari wasn’t forcing her to spill the tea, Blu returned her smile, faintly.

  “Hot Tub Time Machine,” was all she said.

  Chapter 16

  Minnie and Kamal

  Minnie looked at the calendar on the wall. Another Saturday, making it exactly one week since Yuriah had been in a comatose state, had arrived.

  She sighed but smiled a golden smile, nonetheless, as she looked at him with sweet eyes.

  Minnie then looked over at Kamal, who was just as obstinate as her when it came to not leaving her husband’s side.

  Everything he had to do, he did in Yuri’s room or within short vicinity of it.

  He had been sitting on the sofa talking on the phone all morning, ensuring that all of his business affairs were in order with his multiple laundromats and dry cleaning services.

  “Keyz is gonna swing by my CPA’s office and pick up payroll. He’ll call you and meet up with you today to drop that off. Deliver those checks to each of my managers no later than ten o’clock Monday morning and let me know if there is anything I need to personally address.”

  “I have it covered and I’ll give you a full report when we speak at 10:01,” Trena, the VP of Jones’ Enterprise clarified.

  Kamal hung up the phone and noticed Minnie was looking his way. “What up?”

  “Oh, nothing. Just thinking about this guy, me, you and how long we all have known each other. We were yay high.” She used her hand to measure two feet from the ground.

  “Yea and I was bad since you knew me as a juvie.” Kamal smirked at his knucklehead ways. “But things had definitely took a one-eighty in my life, fo’sho. And I owe most of that shit to my boy. He was the one person who refused to give up on me, even when I did myself.”

  Minnie caressed Yuri’s arm. “He’s such a good man. I only wish I would have known he saw me as more than just a friend a long time ago. I would have never made the mistake of getting to know G’Corey.” She frowned at the thought of them having been married. “I hate him!”

  Kamal nodded his understanding but didn’t speak on the G’Corey topic. He was already working on finding his location so the next breath he took would be his last. But he wasn’t going to share that with her.

  He noticed the detestation that swam in her eyes, giving her a hardened look when she appeared to be concentrating on her ex, so he swung the conversation back to what had her in a happy place.

  “You know my dude wanted to tell you on many occasions that you should be his girl. He was always sweet on ya. Everybody knew it but you.”

  That changed the tide of her mood immediately. She looked soft again. “I was too shy, too nervous and insecure and he was unafraid, bold and certain. Because of that, I didn’t think we matched. Besides, back then I only thought he showed me kindness because he felt sorry for me being the short, chubby kid people made fun of.”

  “So all throughout middle and high school when Yuri was your date for proms, winter formals and spring dances, you thought he was just being kind?”

  He gave her the you gotsa be kidding me look and she gave him a clueless stare, while shaking her head yes.

  “At that time, I one hundred percent thought he was doing it on the strength of friendship and nothing more. He should have told me.” She looked back to Yuriah and shook her head at him for being so hush about his feelings.

  “He wanted to, ya dig. But he was living that life. Always smart but too far out there to bring you with him. He respected you too much. But from a teenager, his plan was simple. He was going to better himself and his circumstances and then make a life with you. That was all he talked about: house, kids and you as his wife. That is until the day he found out you was serious about someone.”

  “G’Corey?” she said his name like it left a foul taste in her mouth to say those three syllables.

  “He never mentioned dude’s name, but he probably the same cat Yuri spoke of.” Kamal looked down at his phone
to read a text message that came through. He paused their conversation to check it.

  Shenae 10:46 a.m.: I’m here. Got the kids, food, and fresh clothes for the week.

  Kamal 10:47 a.m.: On my way down.

  “Minnie, hate to cut our talk short, but that’s my girl. She downstairs with my kids. You straight?”

  “I am.”

  “A’ight, we’ll be back up in a few.”

  As Kamal was exiting out of the room, the physical therapist was entering. Every day, he was one of the medical staff members who came in to care for Yuriah. His visits usually lasted thirty minutes. He would do different massage techniques to promote circulation through Yuriah’s muscles so he didn’t get bedsores from lying in the same position from day to day.

  When Kamal got off of the elevators, he saw Shenae weighted down with Double on her hip, his baby bag and a gym bag of clothes. Alongside her was De’Asia, rolling an ice cooler.

  “Daddy!” De’Asia all but screamed when she saw him approaching.

  He quickened his steps and lifted his big girl into his arms, flooding her with kisses.

  “Save some of that for me,” Shenae said to Kamal when she was close enough to be heard. “Go back there and get that chest you left behind.” She directed De’Asia with the point of her finger.

  Kamal placed her on her feet. “Awww, Mama.”

  “Do whatcha mama said. Daddy ain’t goin’ nowhere.”

  She lit up and hurried off to get it. Kamal then removed both bags from her shoulder and kissed her like he didn’t see her just the other day.

  De’Asia hurried back and stood at Kamal’s side. She was the definition of a daddy’s girl and he was cool with it because Double stayed glued to his mama.

  “We gotta kill a lil’ time before going upstairs.” He reached for Double but he clung to Shenae’s shoulder. “Oh, that’s how you wanna act? Well, I got my own baby.” He picked De’Asia up again. “Nah, I ain’t worried,” he spoke to his twin who giggled at him, making funny faces.

  If Shenae didn’t know him pre-kids, no one would had ever been able to tell her he was a gangster about his.

  “Where do you suggest we go?” Shenae looked about.

  Kamal directed his question to De’Asia. “Wanna go to the gift shop and get Uncle Yuri something special?”

  “Oh, yea! Can I get something too, daddy?”

  “Are you the one who’s sick?” Shenae gave her eyes that only mothers give when they expect their children to answer correctly.

  “No ma’am.”

  “Alright, then. Don’t insert your wants into every situation. This is be nice to Uncle Yuri Day not De’Asia Day. Understand?” Shenae questioned.

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  Kamal picked up both bags while Shenae pulled the cooler. She headed to the elevator with Kamal behind her.

  “Psst. I gotchu,” Kamal told his baby girl and she beamed.

  Thirty minutes later, the family walked into the room to find Minnie in her usual spot, right next to her husband’s bed.

  “Hey, Auntie Minnie. Look what I got for Uncle Yuri.” She showed her the balloons and teddy bear.

  “Oh, that’s so beautiful. You picked that out yourself?”

  “I did. You think Uncle Yuri will wake up before we leave and see what I got for him?”

  “I hope so, baby, but he’s really tired. But they will be right here when he wakes up.”

  That made De’Asia smile before scampering off back over to jump on Kamal’s lap.

  Shenae walked up on Minnie and gave her a hug. “How are you?”

  “Hopeful. You?”

  “Tired, but I can’t complain.”

  The trio went back in forth in conversation, sharing stories of Yuriah and optimism for his full recovery. Then after thirty minutes, Double became very cranky, which ultimately cut their visit short.

  “I gotta get this lil’ boy home before they put us out. It was good seeing you.” Shenae embraced Minnie with her son still attached at her side.

  “It’s always good seeing you and the kids. Take care until next time.” Minnie waved at the fussy baby while speaking to his mom.

  “Same here. Call me if you need anything and enjoy the meals I made. Don’t let Greedy eat it all from you.” She poked fun at Kamal’s hearty appetite.

  Kamal looked at his incoming text and then to Minnie. “Munch and BG on the way up. I’ma walk them down. I’ll be back,” Kamal announced as if he had to. She knew he’d never be too far away or gone for too long.

  Minnie saw them out and then headed back over to Yuriah.

  She took her guy’s hand into hers and placed it at her cheek. Then she stared at him. “Wake up, baby. I’m ready to go home, too.”

  G’Corey

  “Aahhhh!” G’Corey yelped. On impulse, he grabbed the plastic Fisher Price bat that hit him over the eye, waking him from out of his sleep. “Aahhh!” He cried again because he reached with the wrong arm.

  His little five year old cousin ran out of the room when he saw G’Corey hustle out of the bed and charge after him. Man Man ran through the house screaming until he jumped into his mother’s bed.

  G’Corey came storming in there seconds later. “Come here, you lil’ mutha—”

  “Unh unh, don’t be talkin’ to my son like that. Bitch, is you crazy?” Skittles looked up at him with bugged eyes.

  “You need to control ya damn son, then.”

  “I don’t need to do shit, hoe. You in his house, in his bed.” She defended her deviant of a child.

  Man Man stood behind his mama, bouncing on her bed, making silly faces at G’Corey.

  “You shouldn’t be treating that boy like he untouchable. Somebody gon’ lay his lil’ bad ass out. Might be me.” G’Corey iffed at him.

  “Oh, but I’ll shoot a bitch for playing with my son and don’t think ‘cause yous family that’s yo ass is an exception to that rule. Fuck with ‘em, bitch, and see.”

  “Ahh ha! Ahh ha! You can’t hit me.” Man Man antagonized.

  Skittles turned around to face her child. “Get yo funky ass in that bathroom and brush your damn teeth, boy. Shit smell like you ate groceries.”

  He covered his mouth while giggling and hopped off of the bed. He walked up on G’Corey with caution and then skirted off when he was past him.

  “All he like to do is fight and you think that shit cute. See how cute it is when he clock yo stupid ass upside yo head.” G’Corey warned the young mother.

  “Man Man ain’t crazy, but I wish da fuck he would test me.” She slapped her chest. “Anyway, I ain’t raising no pussy. Maybe if Aunt Dee would have had the same concept with you, your ole puss ass wouldn’t be duckin’ off here.” She laughed as she spit out sunflower seeds into a crumpled piece of paper.

  He pointed his middle finger at her. “You’sa a real bitch. Fuck you, Skits.”

  “Nah, fuck with me, hoe.” She laughed even harder than before. His serious face always cracked her the hell up. “Let me stop fuckin’ with you, cousin. You gon’ tell me why you showed up at my door like a thief in the night, though?”

  He sat on the corner of her bed. “New Orleans too fuckin’ hot right nah. So I need to chill for a minute.”

  “And where the fuck yo wife and baby at, hoe?”

  G’Corey turned to face her, wearing a disgusted look. “You know you got a dirty fuckin’ mouth, bruh?”

  “Ass. Fucker. Cunt sucker. You don’t have to kiss it, bitch, so it shouldn’t matter what the fuck I got.” She poked her tongue out at him. “For real, though. Answer my question.”

  His phone began ringing from the other room. “Hold on.” He got up and headed across the hall to get it. It was his mother.

  He answered. “What’s up, Ma?”

  “That’s what I want to know. I haven’t heard from you in days.” Irritation reeked from her voice.

  “Didn’t you tell me not to come back once I left?”

  “Sure did but that didn’t have nothing
to do with you calling me. I heard that you was involved in some shooting. Is that true?”

  He shook his head no. “Nah, Ma. It ain’t true.”

  “Mmhmm. Just like you told the truth about Minnie, huh?”

  “Ma, is this what you called me for? To vex me?”

  She smacked her teeth. “Didn’t know I needed a reason. Anyway, I got a letter from Tracie. Want me to read it?”

  “Not really, but go ahead.” G’Corey’s mind wasn’t on Tracie, never was. He only placated her because he didn’t need her turning state, gaining her freedom in exchange for his.

  She opened it, cleared her throat and began reading.

  Baby,

  I would ask you how you doing but you not locked the fuck up, so you blessed. Well, I’ma get straight to the point. What’s up with my bail money? I know you got set back and I’m being super patient but it’s been four months now. How much longer do I have to wait?

  I need to see you. I need to see my son. I need to be home with the both of y’all. Be the family you promised you wanted from our previous letters. How is he, anyways? Have you been to visit since my last letter? My auntie said whenever you call her you barely ask about him. You can’t be doing no shit like that if you want me to believe in what you’re writing me. Let him know he is loved by you. I’m not fuckin’ playin’, no.

  This letter is short because I had those things on my mind and I wanted to get them off. The next one will be long and nasty, though. Oh, yea. Thanks for putting money on my books last week but put a fire under your ass with getting me out. I don’t want to sit in this bitch ‘til these white folks decide to give me a trial date.

  On some real shit, I love you. And you better be loving my ass back for all the hell I’m going through.

  Go see your son.

  Tracie

  G’Corey’s eyes marbled in his head. The last thing he wanted to do was appease her, but he had to. “Text me her address and I’ll call you later, a’ight?” He just hung up without hearing her say bye.