That Girl: Bre

by Amber Monroe

  I’m just a vibe you can’t find anywhere else. I can’t front, he was right about that. Although I was the one to end things, I did miss the good times we had together. I double tapped his photo, but it didn’t mean anything. Definitely didn’t.

  “Here you are,” Antonio said as he came back and sat my drink in front of me. I put my phone away. He had a pastry and a latte. His usual no matter what coffee shop we went to.

  “Thanks.” I put my straw into my drink and took a sip. He took a bite from his pastry then took a sip from his drink. We were silent for about five minutes until I cleared my throat. “So, what’s the news?” I asked.

  “Something I need to show you first.” He said then picked up a manilla envelope that was lying in the empty chair at our table. He took the documents out, then slid them over to me. COMPLAINT FOR ABSOLUTE DIVORCE. It took me a minute to understand what I was reading. I knew they were papers for a divorce, but I was confused as to why he was showing them to me.

  “What’s this?” I asked.

  “I’m finally moving forward and getting a divorce. My son just graduated, and I figured it’s either now or never.”

  “I see that. I know you’ve shared with me about your relationship with your wife, but why are you showing this to me?”

  “I wanted you to see that I’m serious about ending things. I want to be free, and I want to be with you. I don’t want to do this- I don’t want us to go through the company anymore. And don’t worry, I’ll still take care of you financially. I’m about to retire from the army, and I’m good financially.”

  “Antonio…,” I said slowly. I was trying to figure out how to tell him how I was really feeling without hurting his feelings.

  “I’ll probably let her have the house and just get a condo. What do you think, somewhere in the city, or should I move further out in Maryland? I want you to help me decorate. I’m not going to ask you to move in with me because what we have is still new.”

  “And it’s business,” I said bluntly.

  “Business?” He looked offended.

  “Yes, you paid for a service, and I delivered.”

  “So, this is all I was to you? A job?”

  “No. Not at all. I always enjoyed myself with you and only you. Not your money or what you did for me. And I like you, but I don’t think it’s as much as you like me.”

  “Why now? How long have you been feeling like this? You didn’t express this when I took you to Cancun for your birthday or when I took you shopping two weeks ago.”

  “I’ve known for a while, and this is my main reason for not allowing myself to catch actual feelings for clients. Instead of asking why and listening, you’re so quick to remind me of what you’ve done for me as if it should equate to me liking you more. I appreciate the trip you offered to take me on and the shopping spree you wanted to treat me too. I never asked for those things, you always made plans for us too. I know I never obliged, and I apologize, but at the end of the day, that was my job.” I stated respectfully. Antonio was amazing, we got along so well. We complemented each other so well, but I just wasn’t really ready for a committed relationship. I took another sip from my drink and waited for Antonio to say something. He just kept his head down, avoiding eye contact with you.

  “Look, I’m not trying to be mean or play you. I’m just being honest because you deserve it. You’ve been through a lot, and I feel like you deserve to find someone who feels the same way and can actually be in love with you. Don’t get me wrong, I like you, but not like you like me. I’m only twenty, just a couple years older than your youngest son. Would you want him getting into a relationship with somebody twenty years older than him?”

  “No, I wouldn’t. I would tell him to live his life and date around. Be free.” He said, finally giving me eye contact.

  “Right. You told me how you fell in love in high school, went to college, and became a husband and a father before finishing. You’re about to leave one long term relationship and potentially land yourself into another one.”

  “I know, but I can’t help it. I like long term relationships, and I’m kind of a helpless romantic. As much as I want to be free and be happy, I don’t know how to without feeling like something has to be forced.”

  “I get it, but that’s not fair to you. You should get your divorce, be single, and enjoy it. Date around. Enjoy your retirement. And travel. Do whatever and be happy. Or go on a journey where you can learn what makes you happy.”

  “Can you stay around as my life coach? I’ll pay double than what I’m paying you now.” He smiled. I leaned over the table to give him a kiss on his cheek.

  “I want you to be happy without having to pay for it,” I said as I grabbed his hand.

  “Me too,” He said as he squeezed my hand.

  ∞∞∞

  After my meet up with Antonio, I decided to go see Wayne since I wasn’t too far from his new spot. I was so proud of him for finally moving out of mama’s basement and being on his own. I was also happy that he eventually left Aniyah’s ass alone and focused on giving his daughters a better life. I don’t know if Roon was a good influence for him or not, but I definitely saw some changes in him since he’s been around him more. Once I arrived at the building, I was definitely impressed with the interior because the exterior of the building looked raggedy. I guess they were trying to throw folks off. The building was lovely, but it missing an elevator in this four-level construction. I had to climb the stairs in heels, and I believe Wayne lived on the third or fourth level. I couldn’t remember because I wasn’t expecting there to be stairs. As I got on the third floor, I stopped to pull my phone out of my bag. However, a certain somebody caught my attention as he stepped out one of the apartments with no shirts and grey joggers. Typical Roon. I thought. He grabbed a package that was left outside his door.

  “Don’t tell me y’all are roommates,” I said before he stepped back inside.

  “Hell, nah.” Roon spat with so much annoyance.

  “What y’all going through one of y’all phases?” I teased. Roon and Wayne were such besties that never claimed it. And just like typical friendships, you went through phases where you’ve been around each other too much and got annoyed.

  “Fuck him.” He said with a mug on his face. I laughed because his angry face was so cute. I could never take him seriously whenever we got into it with each other.

  “What did he do now?”

  “Some shit that may be unforgivable, but his punk ass lives on the next floor—the apartment on the left. And tell him that there’s a rent increase starting today. I want an extra $500 for having to live in the same building as him.”

  “What you the landlord or something?” I laughed.

  “Yeah, I am.” He said with a serious look.

  “Word? You got it like that now?”

  “Been had it like that, Rah. You know I have always been a boss.” He stated. I didn’t say anything but just looked at him because he was right.

  “Well, can I get a bottle of water before I go up there because these stairs, whew! And I know Wayne doesn’t have any,” I walked past him and entered his apartment without his permission.

  “Just like your brother. Walking in like you already know the place.” He mumbled. I didn’t understand a thing he was saying. I immediately saw the kitchen and made my way to the fridge to get a water bottle. I could feel Roon’s eyes on my ass. I definitely put a little more umph into my walk because, why not? Once I had my water, I headed towards the door, but out of the corner of my eyes, I saw him opening up his package and pull out bundles of hair. A jealous streak came out of me as I rolled my eyes and stopped in my tracks.

  “If you going to buy hair for your little hoe, you could at least get something of better quality,” I said.

  “Why do you care what I’m buying somebody else?” He smirked while tilting his head.

  “I don’t. You could be buying her grease for her bald ass head or edge control for her lack of edges to bo
ost her confidence for all I care.” I shot back.

  “Doesn’t sound like you don’t care,” He said as he gave me his undivided attention.

  “I don’t.” I reiterated.

  “Good.” He put the hair back in the box and tossed it on the floor. I was annoyed, and it wasn’t because of the hair. It was mainly because I smelled a fruity scent throughout the house, and that bothered me. Roon never was the type to bring bitches over to where he laid his head unless he was in a relationship. And I know I said I didn’t want him back, but knowing your ex was finally moving on was a different kind of hurt. Yes, it’s been years since we broke up, but I never thought he would get into a relationship after me because he told me that several times. But I guess some lucky bitch came right along and claimed his heart.

  “What did Wayne do that’s unforgivable?” I asked as I was about to grab the doorknob to the front door. I wasn’t quite ready to leave just yet. I wanted to stay around to see who this bitch was or learn something about her through Roon.

  “Some shit a nigga shouldn’t do to his boy.” He said. I walked over to the couch and sat next to him.

  “Can you just tell me? I don’t feel like solving your street code riddles.” I said, then opened the water and took a sip.

  “He slept with my sister.” He said then put his head down.

  “Kay?” I said and accidentally spit some of my water out. I wiped my chin then sat the water down on the coffee table.

  “Yes, Kay. The same Kay, he claimed he really didn’t remember because he hasn’t seen her in years.”

  “Well, that’s probably true because once she moved to Maryland with your grandmother, she hardly came around. I mean, I remember her because that’s my baby and I was around her more than Wayne.”

  “So that makes it okay for him to “accidentally” fuck her?”

  “Absolutely not! What happened? What led to them sleeping together?” I asked, then crossed my legs.

  “Kay claimed she saw him at the club one night. A club her ass didn’t have any business going to in the first place. She said she remembered him, approached him, and when she noticed he didn’t remember her, she didn’t disclose who she really was.”

  “Oh, so she led him on?” I asked.

  “I guess, but I still feel like he should’ve known.”

  “Known what, though? You do remember that Kay was a little ass girl when she was around Wayne? He wasn’t around to see how adolescent changed her or kept up with her through you.”

  “Man, you’re just taking his side because that’s your brother. I have yet to hear you say how disgusting is it for his twenty-year-old ass to be fucking a damn sixteen-year-old at the time.”

  “Yes, that’s nasty, but he didn’t know. Did Kay say she was sixteen? Probably didn’t know because Kay knows her body is shaped like a grown woman.”

  “So it’s her fault? I wouldn’t expect a fellow woman to blame another woman for this situation.”

  “I’m not blaming her. I’m just saying we both know Kay likes to use her very "puberty-worked out in my favor"-body to her advantage. I remember you telling me when she was fourteen and was secretly talking to a twenty-year-old. Even though the guy preyed on her, she was definitely feeling him before he made his move. Did you ever find out who he was?”

  “Yeah, but he’ll never get a chance to see the beautiful clear skies ever again.” He said with a look of satisfaction in his eyes.

  “You didn’t….”

  “Nah, but I handled him in the most upstanding way.”

  “Okay, I’m just saying you shouldn’t be mad at Wayne since he didn’t know. You know Wayne, he’s not like that at all. He has daughters that he is very overprotective of.”

  “Yeah, I know. I’m not really that pissed, but that shit bothers me. That’s my sister.”

  “And I was his sister when you started messing with me. We weren’t upfront about us.”

  “That’s different. I wasn’t four years older than you.”

  “No, you weren’t, but you were his best friend, and he trusted you. You know how Wayne is about his sisters. It doesn’t matter if you’re his right hand or not, nobody is worthy of his sisters.”

  “Yeah, I know.” He said as he rubbed his hand down his face. I put my hand on his knee and rubbed it a little. And just as we were about to lean in to kiss, my phone started vibrating.

  “I gotta take this,” I said as I got up and walked over to the kitchen. I probably didn’t have to take it, but it was my opportunity to walk away before something went down. And I was more relieved that it was my dad calling.

  “Hey, daddy!” I said, smiling. I was a daddy’s girl, and since I’ve been at school, I didn’t always make time for him when I was away or even when I was home. So I never tried to miss a call.

  Knock-Knock

  I heard a knock on Roon’s door and looked at him because I was curious about his bitch. But shouldn’t she have a key? Roon must have felt me burning a hole in his head because he looked at me and shrugged. He slowly got up and made his way to the door.

  “What do you want?” Roon asked as he cracked the door. I couldn’t really hear the person on the other side, but Roon never moved over to let whoever it was in.

  “Quel, did you hear me?” My dad said. I was so busy focusing on Roon’s unexpected guest that I tuned him out.

  “Huh?”

  “I said there was an incident, and I had to rush Bre to the hospital. She’s lost a lot of blood.”

  “What?! What happened?” I yelled. I know I haven’t talked to Bre in a long time, but she was my little sister, and she carried my niece (I learned through Kiara, who learned from Keisha). She was already going through a lot, I would hate for anything to happen to either of them.

  “It’s a long story, but it was her boyfriend. I know it was him.”

  “Her boyfriend? What did he do?”

  “Fuck is Quel doing over here? You on some get back or something, nigga. A sister for a sister, huh?” I heard Wayne shout as he pushed himself inside the apartment. Once he got inside, he looked at me then back at Roon with a disgusted look on his face. I wasn’t in the mood for their childish squabble.

  “I don’t know, but Bre’s friend Ricardo found her on the floor bleeding. Look, I see her doctors coming over. Just get to Washington Hospital Center as soon as you can. Let Wayne and Eric know, I’ve been trying to call them. And also call your mom.” The way my dad said to call my mother made my body quiver. Was Bre okay? Was the baby okay? What happened, and will they make it?

  “Okay, I’m on my way,” I said, then ended the call. My heart was racing so fast, and I could barely think. I was scared and felt guilty for not checking on my sister more. Was she in danger? What was going on with her boyfriend, and what did he do? Lord, please protect Bre and the baby, I don’t want to lose my sister. As much as I wanted to cry, I couldn’t because I had to be the strong big sister. Once Wayne found out he would be the angry big brother and Eric would be a hothead. I was the only one out of the older siblings who was level headed.

  “What are you doing over here?” Wayne asked me. I couldn’t even speak right now; I needed a minute. “Quel, what’s wrong?” He asked as he got closer to me. I felt the tears well up my eyes. I was trying my hardest to not cry, but I guess I wasn’t as strong as I thought I was.

  “Rah, what’s wrong?” I heard Roon ask as he walked over and grabbed me. I cried out as soon as he touched me.

  “Dad said that Bre had to be rushed to the hospital because she was losing a lot of blood. Something about her boyfriend did something, and her friend, Ricardo, found her bleeding. He doesn’t know if she’s going to make it.” I said, I probably was exaggerating the last part, but that’s how I felt. We rarely got calls like this, and with everything going on this year, it’s like shit was crazy.

  “What?” Wayne said, and right then, I saw his eyes turn solid black. He probably only heard “her boyfriend did something” and was in his angry bi
g brother mode.

  “Come on, and let’s get to the hospital,” Roon said. He grabbed my hand and led us out of the apartment. “Wayne! Snap out of that shit and let’s get to the hospital. We’ll take care of that nigga once we have all the details we need. You know I got Bre.” He said when he saw Wayne was still standing still. He knew how Wayne was too. We didn’t have time for that right now, we needed to be there for our baby sister and niece. Wayne finally broke out of his angry trance and walked out behind us. I started to call Eric first because I honestly didn’t know how my mother would respond. She was still feeling some type of way about Bre, and I didn’t know if she would want to be there for her or not. I hope she would because, at the end of the day, she was her daughter and would always be.

  27. Eric

  I had to ignore my dad's call for the third time because I needed to be focused. Tino, Tiffany's father's job required me to be focused and didn't leave room for any error. Even though he felt like my little sneaker job was useless, it actually worked out in his favor. It made it easier to move his product without getting any attention. His buyers would come to the store to purchase some shoes that would be filled with his drugs stuffed in the paper packaging that came in the shoeboxes. And he even got one of the managers in on it too! I was already feeling like I was getting myself into such deep shit, but it felt like it was too late to get out of it. And not to mention Tiffany's crazy ass and her clingy ways was really driving my ass crazy. It seemed like if I wasn't at work or doing a job for her father, I was around her. She was always calling, and if I didn't answer, she sent thousands of text messages. Karma was definitely dealing with my ass, and I had no one to blame but myself. Chianne was never clingy and always gave me my space. And I was definitely missing that more lately because, for some reason, Chianne brought peace into my life.