Choices

by Skyy

  “Oh, girl, don’t let the ponytail fool you. Denise is all stud. She is the aggressive one in the relationship by far. She just isn’t as hard as Cooley, but there is nothing soft about her at all. And before she got on the level she’s on now, Denise was known to have a few girls gone in the head too. She’s broken quite a few hearts.”

  Lena looked at Carmen, surprised by the statement. “Are you serious? I just can’t see Denise hurting anyone.”

  “Well, she wasn’t a ho like Cooley was, but she did have a few relationships. That was until that bitch came along.” Carmen laughed, remembering the past. She suddenly frowned and added, “Dumb-ass broad fucked up by sleeping with that man.”

  “What are you talking about? That’s what happened?” Lena asked. Denise would never tell her why she was the way she was, or what happened with Crystal.

  “Yeah, I remember hearing about that fight. Denise walked in the room and found her ex fucking some man. She got to fighting in the dorm and everything. She hasn’t dated anyone since then, right?” Misha added.

  “Right. I actually ended up becoming her roommate after that. Then she became one of my best friends. I don’t know where I would be without her and Cooley. They are like family for real.”

  Just then Carmen’s cell phone rang. She read her text message and immediately started to feel funny. “Damn, you guys. I forgot about something. I’ll have to meet y’all in a few hours.”

  “Oh, that must be Nic. Girl, I am so happy for you and her, and she is fine as hell.” Misha hugged Carmen.

  “Thanks. Well, I’ll be back.” She said good-bye to her friends and headed back across the campus. She had some unfinished business to take care of.

  “Hey, baby.” Tameka opened the door to the hotel room as Carmen walked in. She tried to kiss Carmen, but she pulled away. “Damn. What’s that for?”

  “I just came to tell you that I can’t do this with you anymore. I am not going to fuck up with Nic for you anymore,” Carmen said to Tameka, who wasn’t paying attention to her at all.

  “Carmen, don’t start that shit anymore. You know it’s about me and you. You aren’t going to leave me for that punk anyway.”

  Up until now Tameka was right. After their altercation, Tameka continued to call Carmen until she talked her into meeting to get some things of Carmen’s that she had. Carmen met her, only to find out that Tameka had other things on her mind, and Carmen quickly fell back into Tameka’s bed. Ever since then Carmen had been seeing Tameka again, even though she was with Nic.

  “No, Tameka. I am serious. I can’t do this anymore. Nic is a wonderful girl, and I am happy with her.”

  “You are in love with me. You know it, too.”

  “No, I’m not.”

  Tameka grabbed Carmen and pulled her into her arms. “Yes . . . you . . . are.” She passionately kissed Carmen.

  Tameka’s soft lips pressed hard against Carmen’s made her weak, and she promptly gave in.

  Carmen knew she was wrong, but she let Tameka sex her anyway. She wanted to say no, but her body and soul said yes to her. She moaned, as Tameka stroked in and out until she came from the strap. Immediately afterwards Carmen got up and put her clothes on, trying her best not to cry.

  “Look, Carmen, you need to leave old gal alone. It’s time to be me and you again, and I can’t deal with you fucking with some other chick.”

  Carmen looked at Tameka. She knew Nic was the right one for her. It was time to make a decision.

  “I will talk to you later.” She grabbed her bag and headed out the door.

  As soon as she got in her car, she called Nic. As soon as Nic said hello she started to cry.

  “Nic, I’m sorry, but I can’t see you anymore. I got some personal issues I need to deal with, and it’s not fair for me to string you along while I deal with them.” Tears rolled as she sat in silence, waiting to hear Nic’s response.

  “Carmen, what? Where is this coming from? What’s going on?” Nic said, confused by the news she just received.

  “I am sorry, but I still have feelings and issues I need to work out.”

  “Let me guess, ’cause of your ex, huh.”

  Carmen didn’t respond; her silence answered the question for Nic.

  “Carmen, fine. I can’t make you change your mind, but she’s a dog and you know it. Don’t fuck up something good for some bullshit!”

  Carmen had never heard Nic be so forward. She could hear the emotion in her voice.

  “I’m sorry, I don’t want to mess anything up. I just need some time. I want to make sure that I am not using you.”

  “Use me, Carmen. If it takes using me to get over that bitch then do it. I’m willing to help you. I am falling in love with you, Carmen.”

  Carmen could tell that Nic was serious. Her voice became very raw, full of emotion. Carmen broke down even more.

  “I’m sorry, Nic. Please forgive me.” She hung the phone up before Nic could respond. Carmen put her head down on the wheel and cried, ignoring the phone as it played Alicia Keys, “If I Ain’t Got You,” Nic’s special ring tone.

  Chapter 31

  Denise gazed at the ceiling. She had been back on the road for a week and she was already homesick for school and Lena. She missed her scent, the Creed perfume that she wore. It was the most intoxicating fragrance to her. She was craving Lena, even though she tried to hide it. There wasn’t much she could do. She picked up her cell phone to listen to her messages. No new messages and one saved message.

  “Hey, Dee, it’s Lena. Wanted to let you know that we should be going over real soon. Well, at least I hope. I can’t go through too much more of this bullshit. You girls are kicking ass in the tournament. Looks like we’re going to have two national championships. Way to go, baby. Well, I miss you and make it back safely, okay.”

  Denise listened to the message again. She sounded too happy and sweet. Denise was getting turned on by the sound of Lena’s voice alone. She didn’t know what to do; things were becoming so complicated. She knew that it was wrong, but she wanted her.

  She turned on the TV in the hotel room. ESPN was covering the men’s game. She noticed Brandon right away. That was the person standing in between her and Lena. She wanted to blame him so bad, but she knew it was more than that. Lena came from a whole different world than she did. Lena had obligations, and becoming a lesbian was not one of them.

  Denise knew that she could make Lena happy, but not as happy as Brandon. With Brandon she was guaranteed a life of privilege, wealth and class. With her, she could lose her family, social status and more. Denise took a deep breath. She wanted Lena, but she knew it was better for her to stay away. She picked up the phone.

  “Hey, bruh,” she said when Cooley answered the phone.

  “Bruh, you are kicking ass up there in NY. How you doing, Dee?” Cooley exclaimed.

  Denise realized that she hadn’t talked to her friend in weeks. “I’m good. How you are? How is Misha?”

  “Well, things could be better. Got drama as usual. Man, some girl is for real stalking me and her, calling and playing on both of our phones and shit. Misha’s trying to ignore it, but I can tell it’s bothering her a lot.”

  “Man, just talk to her. Maybe you both should get new numbers or something. Show her that you’re willing to give up all the past by giving up the infamous phone number.”

  Denise knew that would bother Cooley. She had that number for years; it was her special line. Cooley became silent. Denise had to give her friend credit for trying to do the right thing, and she just didn’t know if she was going to be able to make it for the long haul.

  “That’s actually a pretty good idea. I’ma tell her whenever she gets in from this pledging bullshit they are doing.”

  Cooley’s response shocked Denise. She never thought she would really give up that number.

  “Man, I am proud of you. I hope you know that.”

  “Yeah, I know. I told you, man, I am trying to do right by this one. It’s hard a
s hell, but I think she’s worth it. I will do anything for that girl.”

  “Really, tell me, man, if the best thing was for you to give her up, would you?”Denise’s voice suddenly changed. Cooley knew Denise was thinking about Lena.

  “I don’t know the answer to that. Why don’t you tell me what you would do, or is it what you are doing now?”

  Denise took a deep breath. Her friend hit it right on the nail. She wanted Lena so bad, but it was the best thing to let her go.

  “Well, what they say is, if you love it, you will let it go.”

  “I guess so.”

  There was a brief pause on the phone as both contemplated the response.

  “Well, I gotta get to practice. I will talk to you later, okay,” Denise said, breaking the silence.

  “Yeah, bruh. Hey, don’t let it bother you too much. Leave that bullshit here at Freedom and concentrate on bringing home that championship, okay.”

  “I hear you.”

  “I know you hear me, but I want you to actually listen and feel what I am saying too.” Cooley knew her friend needed to keep her mind clear.

  “I feel you.” Denise hung up the phone and headed out the door. She was determined to get Lena off of her mind and hoped that the hours of practice she had coming would do the trick.

  Misha grabbed her books and headed out of her class. She noticed three girls looking at her, whispering between them. She decided to ignore it and continued to walk. She headed into the bathroom. Soon as she got in the stall she heard the door open.

  “Yeah, well, I don’t give a fuck who she is dating now; I’m still gonna get that,” one of the girls said.

  “Monique, you are a fool. I know she saw us looking at her today.”

  “I don’t give a fuck. I want her man and I am going to get her man. Cooley is going to be mine.”

  Misha flushed the toilet and quickly walked out to confront the girl who was trying to get with her man. She opened the stall to see the three girls standing in the mirror. One of the girls’ eyes widened at the sight of Misha.

  “So, um, since you don’t give a fuck, do you want to repeat what you were just saying again?” Misha stood there. She didn’t care that she was outnumbered.

  Monique walked up to her. “Girl, please. I don’t have to repeat anything for you.” She rolled her eyes.

  “You’re right, but I tell you, if I catch you near my woman, it’s gon’ be some serious problems.” Misha prepared her body for a fight, just in case one of them decided to throw a punch.

  Monique snickered. “Your woman? Cooley belongs to many on this campus. You’re just too dumb to know it.”

  “I got your dumb, bitch!” Misha dropped her bags.

  Just then a faculty member walked into the bathroom and headed to a stall.

  Monique and her friends headed toward the door.

  “Tell Cooley that Monique said get at her. She already knows my room number.” Monique ran out of the door before Misha could get to it.

  Misha’s heart was racing as she headed out of the bathroom. She hoped that she would run into Monique, but she didn’t know which direction she headed in.

  Cooley opened her door to find Misha standing there fuming.

  “Cooley, I can’t deal with this shit! These bitches are working my last nerve on this campus!” Misha walked into the room.

  “Baby, what are you talking about? What happened?”

  “Monique told me to tell you to get at her, you already know her room number.” Misha rolled her eyes at Cooley.

  “Baby, I don’t know what she is talking about.”

  “Really, and I guess my desk clerk in my dorm was lying about you fucking the shit out of her to get my phone number?”

  Cooley quickly remembered that horrible incident, having sex with the ugly desk clerk.

  “Yeah, she’s lying. I got your number through a friend.”

  “Whatever, Cooley. These bitches have no respect, and I am getting tired of trying to defend my relationship!”

  “Misha, I am sorry, baby. I don’t know what to do. I will tell all those girls to leave you the fuck alone, if you want me to. Just tell me what you want me to do.” Cooley put her arms around Misha.

  “Cooley, it’s nothing you can do. It’s too much in your past to change it. What about all those phone calls in the middle of the night? And then who slashed your tires? You have already bought three new tires this month alone.”

  “Misha, I am dealing with that. Girls are mad because you got me, something they could never do. You can’t let them break us up; that’s what they want to do. We can get new phone numbers if you want.”

  Misha knew Cooley was right. Girls constantly tried her. Usually she shook it off, but lately things were getting out of hand.

  “I’m sorry, baby. It’s just so much on my mind with pledging and all. I will be glad when this year is over, so we can concentrate on us during the summer.”

  Misha kissed Cooley. She pushed her back on the bed and climbed on top of her. She knew there was one thing she had to do. She had to make sure that she kept Cooley completely satisfied, so that she wouldn’t ever think of straying. Misha removed her shirt so that Cooley could go to work on her breasts.

  They made love for hours, until Cooley fell asleep.

  Misha stared at Cooley as she slept. She wondered what she was thinking. Misha wondered how she was able to tame Cooley. She knew she loved Cooley, but would love be enough?

  Cooley, Lena, Carmen and Misha sat in Lena’s room to watch the championship game.

  “My dawg is killing out there!” Cooley yelled when Denise scored again.

  Lena watched the screen; she loved watching Denise play. The intensity in Denise’s face enticed Lena.

  Carmen noticed how Lena was watching the TV. “Girl, are you, okay?” Carmen said.

  Misha walked over as well.

  “Yeah, I’m cool. Why?” Lena said, realizing she was busted.

  “No reason. I was just wondering,” Carmen replied. She looked over at Misha, who was thinking the same thing.

  “What time do the boys play?” Misha questioned.

  “Oh, they’re playing now,” Lena said, sitting back down on the bed.

  “Really? Damn. Did you want to switch to that game?” Cooley asked. “We don’t want to take over your room like that.”

  “No, I have seen B play a million times. I want to watch Denise,” Lena said. She was staring at the screen again.

  Cooley began to laugh, finally catching on to what Misha and Carmen were noticing as well.

  The game became very intense. Freedom was down by two points, and time was running out. Denise had the ball. She dribbled down the court, stopping at the three-point line. She took the shot and scored.

  Everyone in the room went wild.

  Lena became filled with emotion and began to cry. She picked up her phone.

  “Denise, I am so excited for you. Way to go, baby, I knew you could do it!” She closed the phone as the announcer was making final remarks. She was oblivious to the expressions on her friends’ faces.

  “Freedom has a lot to celebrate, as Brandon Redding dominated the game till the end. Thanks to Brandon Redding and Denise Chambers, Freedom University has got to be doing a lot of celebrating right now!”

  Lena picked her phone up again. “Brandon, baby, I am proud of you. Come home to me soon. I love you.” She closed the phone. She looked at the replay of Denise’s winning shot. She had never felt so much pride before in her life.

  Chapter 32

  “So, Carmen, what seems to be the problem?”

  “The surgery isn’t working. I need you to check the band. I’m getting big again,” Carmen said to the doctor as he picked up the chart.

  Earlier that week Carmen had decided to do something special for Tameka. Things had been going downhill and she wanted to make sure things were not her fault. She decided that since Tameka loved Lisa Raye, she would get a pink teddy like the one she wore in The
Players Club and act out the infamous dance scene. She had the whole look going. She did her hair the same and had on the heels and the garter. She wanted to make Tameka happy.

  She heard the music to “Seems Like You’re Ready” by R. Kelly start. It was show time. She walked out of the bathroom doing the little sexy walk like Diamond. Before she could get down for the crawl, Tameka stopped the music, laughing uncontrollably.

  “Carmen, what the fuck are you trying to do?” she said in the midst of her laughing. “I know you aren’t trying to be Diamond. That’s a joke, right?” She continued to laugh.

  “Why is that a joke? I was doing something for you.” Carmen was hurt by Tameka’s comments. “I thought you would like it.”

  “Carmen, you are only ruining my biggest fantasy. You should not be trying to do all that, with your body shape. You are no Lisa Raye.” Tameka continued to laugh.

  Carmen felt her heart drop. She couldn’t believe what she just said. “What is wrong with my body shape?” Carmen asked a question she really didn’t want the answer to.

  “Carmen, don’t start, okay. It just wasn’t a good idea. I mean, look at you, baby. You’re starting to get chubby again. You need to watch that.”

  Carmen felt the tears forming and ran into the bathroom. She couldn’t believe what Tameka said to her.

  “You know what? All I wanted to do was do something special for you, and you ruined it.” She put her regular clothes back on.

  Tameka got off the bed and stood by the door. “Girl, calm down and stop being so dramatic. You was cool, you just picked the wrong color. You should have got black or something slimming.”

  Carmen came out of the bathroom and started to grab all of her things.

  “Oh, so now you mad and gonna leave ’cause of that?”

  “I just don’t want to be around you right now.”