by Tiece
“They really are his. All three of them.” She happily said. “He gets to pick them up on tomorrow.”
“So soon?” Logan questioned while feeling bad for the kids at that point.
“Yeah,” Angel responded with not a care in the world about anything else. “I’m so excited.”
Logan nodded his head. “I can tell.”
“You don’t understand, Logan. I can finally have the family that I’ve always wanted. You know since we were kids that’s all I ever talked about.”
Logan sat quietly while thinking that it was true. Since they’d been youngsters in the 2nd grade, all Angel after talked about was being in a real family with a husband, kids, and the white picket fence. It came as no surprise to him that she’d feel that way being that her real mom had given her up for an adoption as a baby. Even though Angel had been raised by a loving, upper class family that took very good care of her; she never felt like she fitted in. This in turn always gave her the drive and need to prove herself. Her only problem was that she still was on the same mission when in reality she really didn’t have anything to prove to nobody.
“Angel, you know I love you like a sister. We grew up as next door neighbors. Hell, our parents are still best friends till this day and they’re STILL neighbors.” He teased causing Angel to chuckle a bit.
“This is true,” she chimed in. At that moment she could see in his face that he had some things to get off of his chest and rightfully so, she had it coming. “So, tell me what’s on your mind? I know you and I know there is something that you want to say.”
Logan looked over at her with a quaint smile. Angel was one of the smartest women that he known. She was also one of the prettiest. They just were never comfortable being nothing more than the best of friends. However, being Angel’s best friend came with a lot of perks that he liked more than anything. One of those perks was hooking up with some of her best friends; one in particular that he’d fallen in love with during high school.
“Earth to Logan,” Angel said with a snap of her fingers. “I think you’d zoned out.”
Logan shook his head to clear his thoughts. Anytime he was around Angel, memories of them hanging out with Jenny always surfaced in his mind.
“You were thinking about her weren’t you?” Angel somberly questioned.
“I always do; especially when we see each other. Even after all of these years, it still seem like yesterday when we were all together clowning around and living life to the fullest.” He said. “I can’t lie. I think I’ll always miss her.”
“There is nothing wrong with that, Logan. Even though she was your girlfriend, she was my best friend. I loved her before you did so you know I know how you feel.”
“I know you do,” Logan said. “It’s just harder certain days than others which is why I’m actually glad that you came over. I know that you’d been going through some things lately, especially with the loss of a second baby.”
“Well,” Angel quickly intercepted. “That’s why I wanted to come over. I need to apologize to you. We go way, way back and I had no business bringing up the past to try to get my way. I was desperate at the time and I wasn’t thinking clearly. I know that I said some hurtful things and that if it wasn’t for me, you would be behind bars. You gotta know that wasn’t me. It was all coming from raw emotion of me losing the baby.”
“Keep on,” Logan said with sarcasm as he listened.
“I never should’ve brought up that night. We were all at fought and wrong in our own ways. Plus, none of us were thinking straight. I mean we’d just left the party of the century.” She said speaking of a big birthday bash that one of their closest home boy’s had for his 21st birthday. “That was a wild night.” She added.
Logan rested his head back on the sofa. “It sure was,” he said. “And, it was the last night that I saw Jenny alive.”
“I don’t know why you continue to beat yourself up about that. All three of us made a decision to get in the car that night. At some point you gotta let it go.”
“It’s hard to let it go when I was the one driving. So, technically it is my fault. I should’ve been the one that died, not her.” He sadly said thinking about that night when they’d all had way too much to drink, and even though he knew it was a bad idea, he still attempted to drive them home. Next thing he knew, four weeks had passed and he was waking up in a hospital. At that time he was given the news that they’d had a fatal car accident and out of the three of them, one didn’t make it. Unfortunately, it was Jenny that didn’t make it. Neither of them had on their seatbelts and was thrown from the car. Angel was the smart one that night, even under the influence, she had on her seatbelt and came out of the accident unscathed. It was because of her that he didn’t do any jail time or was faced with charges. While he lay lifeless in a coma, she was lying to the police. She had told them that Jenny was the one driving since she was already dead on arrival by the time they made it to the scene. He could’ve done jail time, but Angel had took it upon herself to look out for his best interest. Because of her, he was able to go to college and now owned a thriving towing company.
Angel sat there feeling bad for Logan. He had carried the weight of that fatal night on his shoulders since it happened and it definitely didn’t seem like he was ever going to let it go. In a way, Angel wanted for him to like Felisha a little bit in hopes that she would also feel the same way about him. If that happened then she’d let go of the fantasy that she and Mark would someday be a couple. She’d also be more willing to let Mark spend time with his kids so she could have a little time for herself and the new man in her life. That would’ve also given Logan a reason to let go of the past and move on with the future. However, she was erratically thinking at the time and hadn’t fully thought things through. But, now with the events that had taken place she didn’t need Logan to get close with Felisha anymore. Mark had gotten the paternity tests back and without a doubt she’d have to agree to some form of visitation. It was no way around it.
Angel touched the back of Logan’s hand. “Look, I’m sorry that I came up with the whole plan to take your mom and her sisters there for her birthday. I never should’ve asked that of you and now I just want you to know that you don’t have to keep any of this up. I know that Felisha’s unresponsive right now, but how long will that be? Plus, I think it’s wise now to walk away than to stay. What if you really get feelings for her? Then how is that going to play out?”
“I don’t know, but it’s not so easy to just walk away.” He told her as Angel frowned. “For years I’ve longed to have Jenny back, because I was the one that took her life. Knowing that she’s never coming back to me had erased all hope of ever loving the same. Even though I didn’t do physical jail time, I’ve been caged inside since that night. But, I can’t lie to you,” he began to admit. “Meeting Felisha that day did something to me. She awakened a part of me that I thought was lost. I enjoyed our conversations and the way she handled her business. I like the fact that she’s a great mother and she’s also cool people.”
“What do you mean cool people?” Angel questioned. “You haven’t known her long enough to be feeling her like that. Plus, what if things got serious and she ends up meeting your parents? I’m sure that eventually she’ll find out about us knowing each other and that’s not gonna be a good look if Mark finds out what I asked you to do. He’ll never understand that my intentions weren’t that bad.”
“Who says that Mark has to know anything? I’m definitely not telling Felisha, because I like her so none of this can come out without making me look like that bad guy, too.”
“I don’t know, Logan. I just want you to walk away now.” Angel said. “The main reason I wanted this was so that Mark and I could spend time with the kids. I need that in my life or I’m gonna go crazy. But now it’s happening. Mark is the father and he’s going to be a great parent with me on his side as his wife. The courts can’t deny him of his rights as long as his record’s clean. And, his record
is certainly clean. He owns a legitimate business and makes good money. Plus, he has settled down and is about to marry me. So, if Felisha wakes up then she’ll have to face the facts and allow him the time he needs to build a solid relationship with his children.”
“Is this solely for Mark or more for you?” Logan questioned out of concern. “I just don’t want you getting in over your head and things don’t work out like you’re hoping that they will. Say, what if Mark is able to spend time with the kids like that? Okay,” he paused to make sure that she understood where he was going, and then continued. “That’s a good thing for him, but where does that leave you? Does that mean that you’ll forever be in his life just because of the love that you have for his kids? I just don’t want you getting too attached to somebody else’s children and lose focus on yourself.” He said while thinking that she definitely looked much better since the last time he saw her. Her appearance was cleaner and her smile seemed to glow again. She was in a much better head space and he loved nothing more than to see her that way. However, he knew why her whole mood had changed. It was because of Felisha’s kids; kids that she wanted to spend time with, but exactly how much time?
“Logan, you always worry too much. I’m the man’s fiancé.” She said while holding out her hand so that he could take a good look at her ring. “He’s going to marry me. I don’t believe that he’ll ever leave me and someday I do believe that we’ll be blessed with a baby of our own. Meantime, I’m gonna love his children like they are mine.”
“But always keep in mind that they’re not.” Logan intercepted with a serious look on his face.
“Whatever,” Angel said as she stood up to leave. “Just do me a big favor and back off. I think that things will work out just fine from this point on.”
“And what if they don’t. Let’s say that Felisha wakes up today or tomorrow.”
“Let’s say that she never wakes up,” Angel said with sarcasm.
Logan lightly popped her on the leg. “Quit joking around. Now back to what I was saying. What if Felisha wakes up and decides that she wants Mark back and uses the kids to get him. Then what?” Logan questioned. “You said yourself that she’ll need a man in her life to keep her distracted. I do believe that I can be that man.”
Angel stood there contemplating the words that had come out of Logan’s mouth. It definitely made a lot of sense to her. “Good point,” she hesitantly said. “Well, how about if you just keep a close eye on her if she does wake up. But, no matter what; and I mean NO MATTER WHAT, Logan. You must always keep me in the know.”
“That won’t be a problem.” Logan told her with a smile. Not only did he want to keep an eye on Felisha, but he also wanted to keep a closer eye on Angel. Her unpredictable behavior had him a bit concerned.
Chapter 9
Dillon sat next to Zoe as they waited for his cell phone to ring. Rhianna’s cousin had called him to say that Rhianna would be calling him at any moment. Any moment had turned into ten minutes as they anxiously wondered what the call was going to stir up.
“I’m telling you, babe. Something about this is all off. It’s been damn near two since you heard from Rhianna’s cousin and now she’s calling just to say that Rhianna is about to call you. Mind you,” she said while looking down at the coach watch on her wrist. “It’s been twelve minutes since that call and your phone hasn’t rang yet. I mean, why is this chick playing these mind games? Just be a fucking woman and tell you if that lil girl is yours or not.”
Dillon sat there quietly listening. He figured that once things started to play in motion concerning Delia that Zoe would start to unravel. True enough, that’s just what she was doing.
“Are you going to sit there like what I’m saying isn’t right?” She questioned Dillon with an attitude.
“I’m not saying anything.” Dillon said as he glanced down at his cell phone.
“That’s the problem. You’re not saying nothing.”
Dillon looked at her, and then without hesitation he softly kissed her on the lips. “Everything that you’re saying is absolutely right, babe. I agree with you wholeheartedly. All she would need to do is tell me if Delia is mine or if I need to have a paternity test to find out if she’s mine. She is the one making things so complicated. Hell, I’m even starting to think that I should’ve just left it alone. If she wanted me to know that I had a child by her then she would’ve found a way to tell me. I don’t know what all the secrecy is about.”
“Same thing I’m saying.” Zoe cut in. She was feeling a bit on edge about the whole situation. A part of her just wanted to find out if it was true or not, and if it wasn’t true then it would be a great day in the neighborhood. However, if Delia turned out to be his then things could possibly change for them. “I just don’t get why she’s being so sneaky. Dealing with a woman like that makes me iffy. Since I left Chico I’ve kept up a guard for a reason. I don’t care to have to” deal with bullshit in relationships and from what I can tell, Rhianna is definitely full of shit.” She spat.
“Babe,” Dillon called out. “Just breathe a little bit and calm down. Hopefully she calls me and we can either settle this or put this all behind us.”
“Yeah, I’m hoping that we can put this all behind us.” Zoe mumbled just as his cell phone rang.
Dillon glanced down at the cell phone. He definitely didn’t recognize the number. “It must be her,” he told Zoe.
“Well answer it,” she anxiously responded.
Without wasting any more time, Dillon answered the call. “Hello.”
“Hey Dillon,” the soft spoken voice responded. “This is Rhianna.”
Dillon nodded his head like she could see him. “I know,” he said as an indication that she had a voice that he could never forget. “So, what’s up? You got something that you want to tell me?”
Rhianna paused for a moment as she thought carefully about what she’d say next. “Well,” she started. “I hate that you even saw Delia to be honest. It’s really hard to explain, but I wasn’t expecting to see you that night.”
“Okay, I get all of that. I wasn’t expecting to see you either, but I did. Let’s just not beat around the bush here. Just tell me if Delia is mine or not.”
“It’s not that simple. I’m married now and I’m happy. Delia is well taken care of.” Rhianna said.
“That has nothing to do with what I’m asking you. Just tell me if you think that she’s mine or not?”
“Look Dillon, the only reason why I finally reached out is because I want you to let this go. It’s definitely complicated enough and I don’t wanna lie to you. I just can’t be completely honest with you, either.”
Dillon was literally trying to calm his nerves so he stood up and started pacing the floor. “Rhianna, are you serious right now? Are you even listening to yourself? In so many words, you’re telling me that Delia is mine, yet you want me to just let it be.”
“The only thing I’m saying is that I’m happily married. Why fix something that’s not broken?”
“We’re talking about a child, Rhianna. You’re not making any sense to me. Does that nigga you’re with feel like she’s his or don’t you know?” He curiously questioned. “That’s what the problem is. Go ahead and tell me. You were fucking around on me and got pregnant by another nigga.”
“The only person that I ever got with while we were together was Alicia.”
“Well, I ain’t talking about Alicia. You can’t get pregnant by her.”
“This call isn’t going the way that I’d hoped it would.” Rihanna said followed by a heavy sigh.
Dillon irritably shook his head. “How’d you expect it to go?”
“I don’t know, but I never should’ve called. Just leave well enough alone. Delia has two loving parents that adore her. Whether you’re the father or not, she doesn’t know it and we’re going to leave it that way. I’m sorry it has to be like this.” Rihanna said, and with that she ended their call.
Dillon was outdone as he s
at there in his feelings. Zoe wanted to ask him about the conversation, but unless he said something first she wasn’t about to open her mouth.
After they’d sat there quietly in thought for about ten minutes, Dillon finally said something about the call. “I can’t believe her. I think that she has lost her mind.”
“What’d she say, babe?” Zoe nosily pondered.
“She wants me to leave it be.”
Zoe frowned. “What does that mean?”
“Meaning that she’s happily married and that Delia is well taken care of by her and her husband.”
“That’s some bullshit,” Zoe let out. “How in the hell is she just gonna say something like that? This whole thing just isn’t right. I can feel it in my spirit that if you let this go and we decide to move on that she’s gonna pop back up in our lives. I mean, what if her husband doesn’t realize that Delia may not be his? What if she needs a blood transfusion one day? I mean, what kind of games is she playing here?”
Dillon disappointedly shook his head. “I honestly don’t know. I’m so at a loss of words right now until I really don’t know what to think or say about none of this. Rihanna is just not the woman that I used to know. I thought that we had a good thing going at one point, but apparently none of that was real.”
“I’m sorry to say it, but it be like that sometimes. And, you wonder why I act the way that I do.”
“I already know,” Dillon responded. He sat for a moment, deep in thought and then he said. “Fuck it. If she wants me to let it go then I will. I’m not going to stress over this mess any longer. She even said that she hated for us to see each other that night, and honestly I hate it, too.”
“Babe, just calm down. I can only imagine how you must feel, but if she doesn’t want you to be a part of Delia’s life then that’s the way it has to be. With her acting so irrational, I’d think that maybe you were actually the side nigga and the husband was the man. She’s not worried about how you feel or what you think. She’s worried more so about her husband and his reaction if he finds out that Delia belongs to someone else. In the end, this will not fall back on you. You reached out and you did what any loving person would do. You asked for the truth. She just wouldn’t give it to you. Now, you gotta move past it and if it’s meant for the truth to come out then it will.”