A longtime before Memories of a Betrayal…
Melody sat in a lawn chair amongst her peers, family and friends listening to professors talk, sending congratulations to the graduation class before them. Melody sat waiting to walk across the stage they occupied and celebrate with the journey coming to an end. Under the shuffle of movement her thoughts are about how her life has gone exactly as her parents have planned. Everything up to this graduation moment has been what Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins has wanted for her. College hadn’t been her first choice after high school, if she had had her way she would have enjoyed some life abroad before starting college. She would definitely not be with a man who was already planning their marriage and the number of kids they were going to have. Melody if she had her way would still be figuring her out.
But here she sits top of her class, and bored out of her mind.
Although she sits mentally complaining Melody knew her life has been and still is any girl’s dream. Perfect parents who were always supportive, loving, caring and provided her with all her material hearts desire. She had just one sibling, an older brother who also spoiled her and listened intently to her many rants.
Recently her dear brother had broken her heart leaving her alone with their overprotective parents immediately after undergrad so he could find his new path to the FBI, following in the footsteps of their father. Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins knew that they had perfectly shaped their son and there had been no way they wouldn’t do the same for their daughter. They adored the gentle, kind loving man their son had grown to be while ignoring who he truly is. They silently wished for a daughter in law to go with that perfect career path he had chosen, yet Melody knew they would both bring home son-in-laws.
Just like her brother Melody did everything her parents expected of her including dating Paul Clemons the third. A young man who had already made detective and now patiently awaited Melody to be ready to create what he calls PC4, Paul Clemons the fourth which he thought hilarious and genius but is only one of the things annoying her about him.
“Honey smile,” her mother yells to her as Paul puts an arm around her neck just as she finishes her graduating walk. He himself had graduated from the school three years earlier and Melody could tell each time he came on campus he thought that made him a big man.
Her family has been taking pictures since the graduating class had been cheered on from their seats. Melody over it just wanted to get out of there and find something to eat, then possibly dance with friends.
“Sweetheart I am so proud of you,” her father states stepping to give her a hug just as his wife flicks another picture.
“Thank you Daddy,” Melody gushes. Even though she really wanted a drink and to chill with her friends pleasing her father made it easier for her to be calm and be patient as her family marveled in her latest life milestone.
When Melody originally met Paul at an off campus party a little over a year ago she thought this could be fun and interesting. Immediately she fell in love with his caramel skin and brown eyes. His build and statue only added to his physical beauty but his intellect sealed the deal in him getting her number. She had only just started school when he left so they had never actually met until that party. Charismatic and mature is how she had described him to her friends after their first date. He had been somewhat helpful in her studies but since he wasn’t actually practicing law their arguments always became more competitive than helpful.
Melody isn’t sure when she became bored with that charismatic intelligent man but she does know why. Paul wanted her to be a housewife even as he watched her excel in school. He wanted someone who would stay bare foot and pregnant, someone who wouldn’t question or stand up to him and definitely not someone smarter than him. He like her father wanted a woman like her mother. And as much as Melody loved her mother she wanted more for herself than catering to other people. And she knew, though not spoken her mother had dreamed of that life also.
Only thing is her parents especially her father who wanted the best for his baby girl and to him that was Paul. Paul who he adored more than his daughter did.
She had to question if any of them knew why she was in school. How are they all so happy with her finishing school, to which her parents pushed her, but also wanted her to be a housewife. She didn’t need a degree for that. Who wants a degree they wouldn’t use?
Melody was sure these were the things she didn’t enjoy about the relationship or at least limiting her joy. Early on before he was written into her life everything was fine. But the truth is Paul no longer intrigues her and he just sat comfortably in having her. Surely that is why about six months back, while interning at a law firm she had began an affair with one of the lawyers. Not because he had been anything less boring that Paul but because she needed something different, something slightly more satisfying. Sexually he had been just as predictable, just as barely satisfying as Paul. From that affair grew the strongest urge to break up with Paul. Break herself free, allow herself to feel something more than appreciation for a man. She wanted to feel lust.
“Sweetheart, we won’t hold you get out of here, go enjoy your friends,” Mr. Jenkins tells his daughter over the dinner the family had finally sat down to have.
“Thank you Daddy,” Melody sprung up rushing to hug her parents.
Her father remembers being her age. Newly adult graduating school, she wanted to celebrate with her friends. And he knew Paul would be with her so he didn’t have to worry about his babygirl.
“Malcolm you are not leaving tonight right,” she questions her brother squeezing him into a hug. It has been months since she had seen him and they were due a heart to heart.
“Not for a couple of days.”
“Okay. Sibling brunch tomorrow,” she insists in a way that no one else could invite themselves.
“Absolutely,” he smiles at his baby sister.
“Then maybe the two of you could make time in the evening for a family dinner,” their mother adds.
“Okay mom,” Melody answers kissing her mothers cheek before dashing out not giving anyone else a chance to hold her up.
“Dang babe, what’s the hurry,” Paul asks chasing behind her in a quick pace.
“Jeannine and Rosaline are already there,” she states half truthfully. She had been hoping to leave Paul there with the family that loved him so much. She had hoped that he would allow her sometime out alone with just her friends. A night that he didn’t crash like he always did, but Melody knew better she just also knew it doesn’t hurt to try.
Closing out her Uber app she hops in his truck as he asks, “Are they about to leave?”
“Not yet,” she answers.
“So why are we in a hurry,” he questions again.
Shut Up! Because its an exciting jubilant day for me she wants to scream but instead she says, “I am just ready to celebrate with my friends.”
She hated when he played detective with her. Everything does not have a reason some things are just cause.
When they finally arrived the crowd in Push had been jumping but Melody had no problem locating her friends on the dance floor.
“Hey,” she yells above the music.
“Bout damn time,” Jeannine greeted her.
“I know,” Melody replied shaking her head.
“You already knew your family wasn’t letting you go anytime soon, so why rush it,” Rosaline comments.
“Right,” Melody says rolling her eyes not giving an answer. She will never understand Rosaline’s need to correct her behavior.
“Hey Paul,” Rosaline yells over to Paul with a wave.
“What’s up Ros,” Paul greets her giving Jeannine a wave also.
“What’s going on Paul,” Jeannine asks politely already knowing that her friend didn’t want him there. She herself didn’t understand why Melody won’t put everyone out of their misery and break up with the man.
“What are you ladies drinking,” he asks always the perfect gentleman.
“Jose,” Rosaline yells with the others agreeing. “I’ll go to the bar with you, extra hands,” she gives waving hers in the air as they head off.
“So when are we studying for the bar,” Jeannine seriously asks in the middle of the club.
“Really, that’s what you want to talk about right now. In this crowded bumping club,” Melody answers looking around at all of the beautiful people.
How could her friends be so lame?
They had each just literally completed another round of schooling five seconds ago. They should be doing nothing but taking trips, celebrating this milestone and relaxing if just for a couple of days.
“I really just want to relax awhile,” Melody answers. They couldn’t even take the bar in their state until August and it is only May.
“Just wanna get it while it is hot.”
“Jeannine, I get it,” and she does. In three months they could lose a bit of information. But they could also afford to rest a few days, which is also good for a test.
Turning to her friend she says, “I don’t plan on doing any hard studying until the month before the actual test. Until then I am going to enjoy a little bit of life, read the things that I may have struggled with in school daily and deal with the bar when it is here. Tonight we drink, we dance, we enjoy that we just walked across that stage.”
With that she turned and started moving to the music, simultaneously searching for Ros and Paul with their drinks. As she moved she attempted to get a stiff Jeannine to join her but she seemed really worried about the exam. Melody just wanted everyone to chill and not ruin her night.
Continuing to move to the music Melody hoped that once the drinks arrived Jeannine would loosen up . Become proud of herself and live in the moment.
In the middle of he grove, rocking her body to “Rock Yo Hip” by Crime Mob, Melody’s body hit something hard, something solid. Confused she opens her eyes to find a solid man before her.
“My bad sweetheart,” tall and dark, with a smooth Barry White voice whispers into her ear. The scent of him combined with his soft warm breath on her neck caused a reaction Melody doesn’t believe she has ever felt from any man.
Looking up as he is standing to his full height her eyes hit his chest before going up to his face. Dark and handsome caused a response to be lost on her. The next thing she experiences is Paul walking up shoving her drink in her face.
“How’s it going,” he asks attempting to chin check the guy. Only that’s a bit hard when the guy stands at least a half foot over him.
Darkness gives Paul a smirk before smiling at Melody and going on about his way.
“What was that,” Paul questions.
“What was what,” Melody returns just wanting to sip her drink and dance with her friends.
“That guy,” he states.
“Oh you mean the guy who accidentally bumped into me in the crowd and was apologizing,” she asks.
“I mean I didn’t know what he was saying to you.”
“And you felt it was your business?”
“Well yeah,” Paul answers looking at her strangely. “I want to know why he is talking to my girl.”
Melody stands there astonished, is he serious, she questions herself. Sadly she knew that serious is all he knows. Even sadder is Paul didn’t lay dick or spend enough in any way that would even allow him to even almost question her every move. Nor was he man enough to put hands on Darkness if he was pushing up on Melody.
“So I am only allowed to talk to you or who you give me permission?” This is what Melody doesn’t like, besides his boring personality and bed games Paul thought that badge bought him privilege that it didn’t.
“That’s not what I am saying Melody,” Paul insists.
“Okay,” because she wasn’t trying to argue on her graduation night. Gulping down most of her drink she turns and begins dancing with her friends wishing more and more that Paul would have just allowed her a night out without him tagging along.
Maybe she was having inappropriate thoughts about tall dark and handsome. Maybe inappropriate thoughts were flying in both ways. But they really were doing nothing wrong and for Paul to just butt in the way he did irritated her.
Continuing to dance she began to forget Paul even came with her. He never tried to dance with her, just always stood their and policing her movements. Guarded her body without her permission, made sure everyone knew they had to go through him.
She notice Darkness also watching her, watching the way she moved her body, but not in the same way that Paul watched. Since her man wouldn’t dance with her, she danced for a stranger. Wondered if that stranger had caught her interaction with Paul. With her drink gone, her anger at Paul lingering, Melody grabs Jeannine for a trip to the bar. She had only been half surprised when Paul didn’t follow. But being the awesome girlfriend that she is she will bring him a drink back anyway.
“So how long are you going to be mad at Paul,” Jeannine asks once they reach the bar.
“I am not mad at Paul. But don’t you get tired of him always hanging around when we hang out. I know I am. I never get to be free.”
“You just want to flirt,” Jeannine laughs.
“I do.” Melody giggles. “But I also want drunk sex tonight so how mad can I really be,” she states smiling, turning to find Darkness walking toward them.
“Uhm hm,” Jeannine smiles knowingly following Melody’s gaze to the trouble coming their way.
Darkness moved through the crowd in the opposite straight forward direction Jeannine and Melody had come which meant he knew to avoid Paul.
“Constance,” he yelled out over the music. “Put their drinks on my tab.”
“No, no, you don’t have to do that,” Melody insists, although protesting free drinks is not something she usually did. But how could she let him pay for Paul’s also?
“Don’t worry about it. I will even pay for your dude’s drink for the opportunity to slide you my number,” he smirks looking in her eyes.
Melody didn’t know what to say to his boldness as he slid his number in her hand and moved on like he had never been there.
“You still getting dick from Paul tonight,” Jeannine teased, nudging and smirking at her friend.
“Of course,” Melody asserted. “What type of man sees you with your dude and still gives you his number,” she questions while stuffing the piece of paper in her purse.
“The type that sees you not enjoying the company of your man,” Jeannine answers honestly. Melody was her girl and she would stand behind whatever made her happy, but she was also going to be honest.
“Well it’s not like my man is making it easy. Pouting and shit,” Melody states as they grab their free drinks and head back.
Rosaline is still getting it on the dance floor and Paul it seems is in another world until Melody hands him his drink. Looking down at her like he had no idea where she had come from he accepts his drink before kissing her cheek. Although his gesture is appreciated she heads off to dance with her friends because that is what she needs tonight.
Getting into a grove with her girl’s Melody catches eyes on her again. With a smile she continues to dance with a stranger at a distance.
“Jeannine told me about you rendezvous at the bar,” Rosalind comments.
“I guess you can call it that,” Melody states continuing her vibe, not allowing Rosalind to ruin her evening.
“Melody you need to throw that number away. Paul is a good guy,” Rosalind almost demands.
“Thank you Ros, but I think I know who Paul is,” Melody states strongly.
She didn’t know what it was but with Jeannine their relationship has been natural easy, welcoming and comforting. Right or wrong she knew that she could call on Jeannine and she wouldn’t judge. Sure they don’t agree on everything but they had each others backs. With Rosalind, Melody had to wonder if they were ever friends because the girl criticized everything she did. She always found a way to make Melody feel bad for who she is or something she may have been doing. Like coming here for an example and not spending the weekend celebrating with her family which is absurd and boring. Melody’s family lives in state except for Malcom and that is okay because she plans to go visit him at his home before the bar exam.
Then with Paul Rosalind always felt the need to remind Melody that ‘this is a good guy.’ But Melody still knows that doesn’t make him good for her.
Back at her apartment sitting in Paul’s truck he asks, “So you still mad at me? You want me to go home?”
“No, Paul,” she states, “I want you to stay,” she added only half truthfully. The only thing Melody would be needing tonight is sex. And since she isn’t brazen enough to call the number in her purse Paul would continue to do.
“Good,” he states. Confidence intact. Ego repaired.
Inside her apartment without turning on any lights Melody puts her hands in Pauls’ pants. As she messages him he asks, “You want to ride him don’t you?”
“You know I do,” she replies accepting the kiss he placed on her lips. Melody always wanted to ride Paul because riding him with her eyes closed and other things on her mind is the only way she reached an orgasm.
Tonight she would see only Darkness.
The next morning Melody is awaken by laughter and chatter coming from somewhere in her single girl home. Getting appropriately dressed she goes out and finds her brother and Paul laughing and talking at her two person kitchen set. Between them sits a small brunch arrangement.
“Good morning beautiful,” Paul greets seeing her first.
“Morning sister,” Malcolm offers turning to see her.
Paul stood and grabbed his keys, “I gotta go. You guys enjoy, see you later?”
“I think so,” Melody states with no promises. Typical Paul would have run her down a few questions, but in front of her brother he took what she gave him and left.
“Shame on you stringing that man along,” her brother sings as soon as Paul is on the other side of the door.
“What are you talking about,” Melody asks feigning ignorance.
“You know exactly what I am talking about. I caught that man up in here frying bacon, scrambling eggs, chopping fruit and you can’t agree to see him tonight?”
“Didn’t mommy say something about a family dinner tonight,” she questions grabbing a glass of mimosa.
“So? Invite Paul, you know they adore him.”
“Isn’t it family only?”
“Come on sis tell your big brother what is really going on.”
“Well since you insist,” Melody states taking a seat and getting her eats together. “Honestly Paul just bores me. And when he isn’t boring me he’s trying to assert some authority over me. And honestly Malcolm after I start making my own money, finally from under mom and dad I really just want to be free. I don’t want to jump into a marriage with another authority figure over my life.”
“What do you mean free,” Malcolm questions because he himself is really ready to meet the man of his dreams and settle down.
“Free, as a bird. Not have to answer to anyone about where I’m at or who I am with or who I am talking to. Like the man follows me everywhere, I can’t even have a decent night out with my girls.”
“Talking to,” Malcolm questions with a raised brow.
“Yes like last night. This guy bumped into me, then turned to apologize and here comes Paul tryna run up and mean mug. Then questions me about it.”
“Well was it really as innocent as you make it sound,” Malcolm questions his sister with a smirk.
“Malcolm that man was fine,” Melody breathes softly with a giggle. “He is what they were talking about when they said tall dark and handsome,” she continues with her brother shaking his head.
“I knew it,” Malcolm laughs. “Why you stringing that man along,” he demands pointing at the door Paul had just gone out of.
“I care about Paul and I know breaking up with him will hurt him.”
“And not honestly wanting him isn’t going to hurt him?”
“But Paul’s great,” she exclaimed.
“Paul’s the perfect fall back guy for if shit don’t work out with anyone else.”
“That’s not true,” she objects. “I’m just not ready to be married and having kids right now.”
“And he is, which makes you incompatible,” Malcolm told her. “You have to let him go for both of your sakes. So he can find that girl and you can play.”
“But what about when I am done playing? I do want to settle down and marry someday.”
“Yeah, but if it isn’t the same day as Paul then it is wrong. Look at it this way if it is meant then when you are ready he will be free and ready. But if it is meant for you to be with someone else, you will find someone else you both will, someone that will allow you to forget each other. Someone who will allow you to be you. Besides no matter how good he looks on paper you will always feel incomplete with him. So let him go.”
“I know. And I will. Just not today.”
“Then when?”
“I don’t know Malcolm. Just gotta find a way I guess.”
“Okay,” he concedes not wanting to push her too much. “So what you got up for today? Let’s go shopping, do a spa and a light lunch. Then we should be ready to go to the parents for dinner.”
“A massage and a facial would be awesome,” Melody bounces in her seat.
“I could use a body wrap or mud bath myself.”
“Cool just give me a minute to get dressed.”
“And just us no friends.”
“No,” Melody states strongly. “Besides Rosalind is getting on my last nerves.”
“As always,” Malcolm injects causing Melody to snap her head in his direction.
“What,” Malcolm shrugs. “You always complaining about that girl and her attitude toward you. If you asks me she sound jealous.”
“True. Then Jeannine is all gung ho on studying for the bar like now. Which is not even for another couple of months.”
“My poor sister is everyone getting on your nerves,” her brother asks her mockingly.
“Well not everyone, you are always a joy,” she smiles at him.
“Of course, now chop chop so we can get.”
Once Melody got dressed she and her best friend in the whole world enjoyed a great day with just the two of them. It made her realize how much she truly missed her sibling. He is the only one who has gotten her to really put some thought into letting Paul go. Everyone else makes it seem as if she will be making the worse mistake of her life.
The siblings shared a wonderful day of shopping now they lay in their seaweed wraps as Malcom let’s his sister in on what is happening in his love life. He gives her details of the new guy he is seeing, a guy that he seemed smitten with. And like he had done for her at her apartment about Paul, she tried to convince him to be honest with their parents. Tried to make sure he understood they will always love him no matter what.
When Malcolm revealed he still isn’t ready to talk to them, Melody responded with, “Well I will break up with Paul when you tell mommy and daddy. Your lie has been going on much longer than mine and I mean that with as much love as possible.”
“I know. I will. I am just scared to see the disappointment on their faces, especially dad’s.”
“I totally understand. I don’t want to see the hurt on Paul’s face, be the one to cause him hurt. But dad will still be proud of his over achieving son. Just like I am still proud of my big brother.”
“Thanks sis,” Malcolm smiles contemplating things as they both take sips of the champagne the spa offered.
Melody let it go. Her mind turning to the number at home burning a whole in the purse she carried last night. She wanted to call it but she had to wait for the coast to be clear.
Later that day as soon as they entered their parents home their mother all but screamed, “My babies.” She hugs Malcolm then Melody then Malcolm again. Melody understands, yeah she is the new graduate but Malcolm is the kid they never see.
“Well look who decided to show up,” their dad says teasingly coming down the stairs.
“Sibling bonding,” Melody smiles happier than she ever thought she would, hanging with her family.
“Where’s Paul,” her dad asks ruining the moment.
“We are not connected at the hip,” Melody states with a huff heading toward the kitchen. Paul, Paul, Paul that’s all everyone thought when they saw her.
“Sorry baby, but it is a family dinner.”
“Yes and the last I checked I only have one brother.”
“Oh Melody don’t be that way,” her mother interjects. “I would never show up to a dinner without your father.”
“He’s your husband mom!”
“And one day Paul will be yours.”
“No he won’t,” Melody yells before she could stop herself.
“Mel,” her father barks sternly.
“Sorry momma. But I would like to choose my own husband. And I don’t think Paul is it. Besides we are here to celebrate my graduation and Malcolm being home.”
“You’re right. I am sorry,” her mom offers walking over to hug her. “We can talk about Paul some other time.”
“Okay,” Melody smiles glad her speech got her mother to let Paul go for the moment.
The rest of the evening took Melody back to her childhood. Family time with family dinner. Her mother had done a roast with peppers and onions, cabbage cooked with smoked turkey parts, hand mashed parmesan potatoes and cornbread layered with honey butter. They all laughed and talked about days when Melody and Malcolm were younger. Malcolm must have been feeling the nostalgia also because next thing Melody knew he was clearing his throat.
“Mom, dad,” he sort of studders over that dad part. “I have something to tell you and I hope that when I am done our relationship is still the same.”
Melody grabs his hand in support because she knew what was next.
“I’m gay,” he states with a huge sigh of relief and tears stinging his eyes. Melody could feel the tension leave his body, like a weight had been lifted.
To him and Melody’s disbelief both of their parents burst out laughing.
“Well duh,” their mom giggles. “We just been waiting on you to say something.”
“You knew,” both Malcolm and Melody speak stunned.
“Well I didn’t your mother had to point it out to me,” their dad admitted.
“But that’s not the point. The point is when are you going to bring home a nice young man and start giving us grand babies. Your sister may never marry.”
“Mommmm,” Melody protests.
“Just saying baby if not Paul who,” her mom shrugs before turning back to her son.
“I can’t believe this. See what your reveal gets me,” Melody states crossing her arms.
Her family just laughed at her and continued with their dinner. Malcolm shares with them some of the details of the man he’s seeing. Melody’s mind on the other hand went to the man she wants to see.
As much as everyone pushing her to Paul, rooting for Paul Melody just wanted to try other things besides Paul. How do you decide, before you live life, that this is the person you want to be with forever?
Later that evening as Melody sits alone in her apartment. Without Malcolm or Jeannine or Rosalind or her parents watching and judging her she goes to the bottom of the purse she had the night before. Pulling out the number Darkness had slid to her at the bar. Unfolding it she learns his name is Corey. And as much as she wants she knew she couldn’t call him tonight.
Not with Paul calling her phone. And no matter what she had said to her family earlier that evening or what she told Malcolm she would do. She isn’t ready to let go of Paul. She first needs to see what things could be like with Corey or any other guy. So the next morning after Paul leaves her home she calls Corey.
“Hello,” his voice comes through the phone just as smooth as his beautiful dark skin.
“Hi Corey, its Melody,” just as she is about to explain how he knew her he interrupted.
“Oh what’s up beautiful. Didn’t think you would call,” he commented.
“Well why did you give me the number,” she questions with a giggle.
“Because you didn’t look happy with the crowd you were with. And I would like the opportunity to make you smile.”
Oh he smooth smooth, Melody is thinking when he speaks again.
“Can I ask you a question?”
“Sure,” she says kicking her legs up on her couch and getting comfortable.
“Was that your dude with you last night?”
“You know it was. That’s why you slid me the number the way you did.”
He laughed a deep chuckle before saying, “I wasn’t sure. But I didn’t want to make things uncomfortable or impossible if he was.”
“Impossible?”
“Yeah. How I’m gone get your number if you’re tending to his wounds.”
“So you would fight another man over his girl.”
“Fuck naw,” he states with a raised tone. “But dude stayed mean mugging me then he didn’t dance with you or go to the bar with you and I kinda didn’t get dat. If I would have tried to talk to you he would have manned up in your honor, then I would have had to knock him down to defend mine.”
Melody didn’t know what to say. She couldn’t dispute it in anyway, everything he had just said was true.
“Let’s talk about you. You and your friends look to be celebrating something last night.”
“Graduating law school. Taking bar exam in a couple of months.”
“Damn, that’s what’s up congratulations!”
“Thank you,” and outside of her dad it has been the first true congratulations she has heard all day. Of course her family is proud of her but no one had actually said these words with such enthusiasm. They all expected nothing less of her.
“So can I take you out tonight to celebrate? Now that you got your family out the way,” he chuckles.
Melody knew she shouldn’t, knew her friends and family thought she shouldn’t. But she thought it was time she did something she wanted to do.
“Okay,” she told him.
“So say about five? We can catch a movie, grab a bite and see where the night takes us?”
“Love to,” Melody replies.
As soon as Melody hung up she started coming up with excuses for why Paul couldn’t come over later that evening. Excuses that included not going to his place either. And she had the perfect thing. Studying for the bar with Jeannine. She would leave Rosalind and her high and mighty opinions out of it.
In true form Paul still insisted on stopping by, “Let me drop you off. I can pick you up in the morning and we can go for breakfast.”
Melody was only half paying attention as she slid into some yoga pants and a long sleeve t-shirt. She had already packed her date night clothes in the trunk of her car after she figured out there could possibly be no getting out of seeing Paul.
“Paul I have my own car,” she reminds him. Hoping he took the understanding that there was no reason for him to stop by.
“I know I just love seeing you.”
No wonder her mother and other people have mistaken them for a married couple. Paul would stay at her apartment every night if he could. Melody used to think if she turned down his invitations to come over to his place she would just get a night alone. Instead she would end up with an overnight guest at her place.
“Paul one night won’t hurt,” she insists snatching up her bag of books and heading to the door.
Once they get to her car Paul pulls her in for a hug stating, “I’m going to miss you tonight.”
“I know, but I got that job starting Monday so I may not have as much time as I think to actually study.”
“That’s right,” he smiles at her just like a proud dad. “My girl. I’m so proud of you.”
“I know,” she states just short of calling Corey and canceling everything. Paul then leans in to kiss her lips before rubbing his nose against hers in that irritating way that she hates.
“See you for breakfast,” he questions steady pressing the space issue.
“See you for breakfast,” she smiles sliding into her car.
She drives to Jeannine’s giddy and excited about her date. On her drive she tried to remember being this giddy and excited about a date with Paul and she couldn’t. Sure she had been happy to go out with a man who wasn’t a frat boy, a man who showed charisma and intellect. Then she found out how boring he wanted their life together to be. But she never stopped dating him because he had always been available and safe.
Now comes along Corey who also seems intellectual, charming, successful and fun. He had told her all about his business with his cousin doing construction. Wanting to some day open her own law firm one day she thought Corey could be the perfect advisor. Or at least someone who’s brain she could pick.
“Girl you really doing this,” Jeannine laughs opening the door for her crazy friend.
“Yep,” Melody giggles back. Funny how that same statement could have come from Rosaline with a more condescending attitude and tone.
“I am never going to know who I am or who I want to be if I marry Paul, the first man I met. Honestly Jeannine, I feel like I am doing it for both he and I.”
“Whatever,” Jeannine states with a dismissive hand leaving Melody to close the door behind herself.
“What are you wearing? Do you know where you guys are going,” plopping down on her couch full of questions. She didn’t have one date and her friend had the choice of two. Jeannine wasn’t jealous but she is a bit envious, curious and full of wonder.
Melody plops down next to her friend giggling. Unlike with Rosaline she knew that Jeannine wasn’t judging. She knew that this friend is just showing interest.
“Well we talked about a movie, grabbing something to eat. But I don’t know we will see,” Melody states showing her the sundress and sandals she had brought with her.
Right as Melody is dressed and ready to go, Corey pulls up.
She decides to leave her phone with Jeannine just in case Paul calls. Jeannine could answer pretend Melody was in the bathroom and Melody would call him back from Jeannine’s with the excuse that her battery had died. But she hoped it all isn’t necessary.
“You sure about this,” Jeannine asks one last time.
“Yes,” Melody smiles.
When Melody steps outside Corey stands outside of his black Lexus holding a bouquet of red roses with baby’s breathe, looking better than she remembered. Dressed in all blue against his black skin with that brilliant white smile the man stood beautifully sculpted.
As she admired him he admired her chocolate skin against her yellow sundress, noticing the smoothly silkiness of her shoulders.
“Hello beautiful,” he smiles before kissing her cheek.
Accepting the kiss and the flowers she responds, “Hello handsome.”
Their entire night together pretty much played out with Corey being the perfect gentleman. Showing her a world outside of Paul. They shared a platter of crablegs at KingKrabs over laughter and drinks. He told her about his two kids without pause and Melody listened. But as she listened she wondered if she was ready for something like that. Step mommy duties with two kids by two different women. Then again she thought what did she care. Marriage isn’t something she is looking forward to. Not with Paul, not with Corey, not with anyone.
After eating they caught a movie before deciding to take a late night walk on the Navy Pier. They walked hand and hand under the stars as they got to know one another. Melody became more honest with him than she has been with Paul. She didn’t know if she wanted kids or to be somebody’s wife. She loved her parents and the life she had with them but she didn’t want to be her mother.
Corey laughed, “That makes sense. Everyone had to make their own way in life, find their own peace.”
They were enjoying one another so much that when they walked back to his car they didn’t see the guys sitting two cars down. As they sat in the front seat kissing, Melody feeling more excitement than she ever felt with Paul. While in those feelings they didn’t see the men that ran up on Corey’s car with guns opening fire on all occupants.
Those men didn’t care that the man they were after sat with an innocent woman, they purpose was to put enough bullet holes in the car to silence all occupants.
Detective Clemons and his partner Detective Bell arrive on the scene same time as first responders. Since Melody had decided to spend the evening with her friends Paul had decided to go into the office and finish up some paper work, to his surprise his partner sat at his desk doing the same thing, while his wife was away seeing family. When the call came through they both thought why not.
“Never a peaceful night huh Gregory,” Paul states to one of the PD officers on the scene.
“Never detective,” the officer responds continuing to rope off the scene and keep anyone back who isn’t an officer.
Taking in the everything Paul and his partner study the multiple bullet holes in the car as well as the multiple casings on the ground.
They meant business, Paul mumbles to himself.
Noticing blood in both the driver and passenger seats of the car he Paul knew neither could have survived. Taking in more of the scene he sees a woman on the stretcher in a dress that he had seen many of times and his heart stops. He runs to her thinking this couldn’t be, she’s supposed to be studying with Jeannine. Then his breath catches as he thinks of seeing the coroners taking another body.
First checking on Melody, he sees that most of the bullets hit the drivers side of the car. Sees that she is unconscious bleeding from somewhere near her abdomen, but she is alive. Then he heads over to identify Jeannine wondering what had happened to their studying.
Noticing something has caught his partners attention Detective Bell tries to catch up with Paul who has moved from one space to another too quickly.
“Hey hold up,” Paul yells out before the corners can lift the body into the van. “I know the ladies involved I can identify the body.”
“Ladies?”
“Yes, the other victim,” Paul states pointing to first Melody then the covered figure he assumes to be Jeannine.
“This wasn’t a lady,” one of the coroners gives as the other unzips the bag.
A sharp pain runs through Paul’s chest like he has never felt before, as he looked into the face of the stranger Melody told him had only been apologizing to her. In Paul’s opinion he wasn’t an insecure man he just knew the encounter consisted of more than Melody was letting on.
“Paul what’s going on,” his partner questions catching up with him.
Pulling himself together Paul finally took a real look at the shot up car, the black Chevy muscle car.
So many questions ran through his mind. Did she know him before that night? How long has she been lying to him? How many other men has Melody been dating? Does her family know that she is cheating on them?
“It’s Melody,” Paul stammers.
“Your Melody,” his partner questions looking to the ambulance. Detective Bell had never met the woman that his partner seemed to gush over all the time. What he did know is the man being carted away by the coroners was a known drug dealer.
Unable to get an answer to the many questions he had, Paul let his partner know he had to go and hopped int he ambulance with Melody. On the drive over he watched her, prayed for her as she held on for life. He held on to her even though he didn’t know how to feel about the situation they were ow in. He did know that he didn’t want her to die. He wasn’t ready to lose her of the love he had for her.
Once they arrived at the emergency entrance of the hospital he gave a call to her parents. Paul didn’t give them all the details of who she was with and where she had been, just that she had been caught in the cross fire of a gang war. Corey Jones had been a known drug dealer who began his career as a jump out boy robbing other drug dealers. But again Melody’s family didn’t need to know that, he doesn’t even think Melody knew it.
Arriving at the hospital, on the little information they had, her parents minds were frantic. Melody had told them the same lie she had told Paul when they asked her what she would be doing for the evening. They were again proud that she had been serious about her continued studied.
When they see Paul sitting with his head in his hands they run over to him.
“Paul where is she,” her mother questions desperately.
“Paul what happened? Where you two together,” her father asks the visibly shaken man in front of them.
“She’s in surgery,” he says answering the first and easiest question.
“Surgery, oh my God,” her mother panics, crying into husbands warm hug.
“What the hell happened Paul,” her father questions again this time his voice booming. “Were you shot at by someone you have pursued in a case?”
He wanted to know what happened to his daughter and why hadn’t Paul protected her. Why is he standing here without a scratch on him?
“I’m sorry Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins it seems as if Melody was caught in the crossfire of a shooting while sitting in the car of another man,” he finally responds out loud feeling all of the emotions of a torn man. He did not have the heart to tell them that the man was a know drug dealer.
He should have been done there. Let her family know what happened to her, allow the doctors to update them on how she was doing medically. But he couldn’t leave the hospital without knowing that she would be okay, he couldn’t stop loving her.
“In the car with another man,” her parents question at the same time.
“That can’t be right,” her mother insist.
“Where are they operating? Where was she shot,” her father question.
“In her abdomen. They said nothing major was hit but it is going to take some recovery. She has some internal bleeding that they want to fix in hopes of preventing any future problems,” Paul states, relaying what the doctors had said to him. He held strong for her parents, for the people in the waiting room and for his own sanity. What he really wants to do is scream, punch a wall and cry. Wanted to yell and question her about what the hell has been going on.
“Paul,” Mrs. Jenkins approaches slowly. “What about…what about the man she was with,” she drags out.
“Died at the scene,” he answers finally allowing a tear to drop.
“Oh my God,” she cries putting a hand over her mouth.
“Why was she with him?”
“I don’t know why,” he states truthfully. It’s a question that he himself also wanted answered.
“But witnesses say it appeared they were on a date,” he gives taking a deep breath, releasing information that had been given to him by his partner. Information that he still wanted to question.
Putting his head in his hands Mr. Jenkins apologizes to Paul for his daughter’s behavior.
“That isn’t your place or your fault Mr. Jenkins. And if you don’t mind I’d rather not talk about it. I just want to make sure she is okay.”
Mr. Jenkins puts a hand of sympathy on the young man’s shoulder before joining his wife in a seat. He couldn’t phantom what his daughter had been thinking. Where had she even met this man and why had she lied to be with him. He felt like he didn’t know his own daughter right now. But even as he sits in disappointment he prayed for his babygirl.
Hours later a doctor comes out, “The surgery was a success. We have stopped the bleeding. She still has bruising from shatter glass, a few bullets grazed a few places and one went through her had.”
Melody’s mother let’s out a sound of agony for her daughter as the doctor continued, “She has quite a road of recovery ahead of her but she will be fine. Melody is resting in the ICU. She can only have two visitors at a time,” she informed them before leaving them to digest what she had said.
Paul declined any time with her. He didn’t need to see her, just to know that she would be okay would do for now. Besides she is in no condition to answer the burning questions in his head.
“I will leave you two to this part of the evening. I’m sorry about everything,” he states turning to leave not sure why he was apologizing.
The Jenkins are broken between apologizing for their daughters behavior and going to see about their child. Turning they found a nurse behind the nurse stating to take them where they found their daughter hooked up to beeping machines.
“She may sleep for the night from the surgery and medications. She will be in a lot of pain for a few weeks as she heels from the gunshot wounds. She is a lucky young woman,” the nurse states before leaving them alone.
Mrs. Jenkins cries as she looks at her sleeping bandaged child, thanking God that she didn’t share the fate of the young man she had been with.
Three months later…
“Are you sure this is what you want to do,” Mrs. Jenkins is questioning her daughter. Melody had just gotten back on her feet. Able to live alone, cook and clean for herself. The walking took a minute with the damage to her abdomen so she had to wait for that to heal to a certain level. But now yes she was sure she wanted to follow her brother to St. Louis, take the Bar there and work as a prosecutor for a few years if not more.
“Yes mom, I am sure.”
When Melody awoke in the hospital her parents weren’t there but Paul was. At first she didn’t know where she was or what had happened so seeing his face made her feel safe. And he looked at her with so much love he even kissed her.
“I have to call your parents,” he told her smiling the whole time.
But as he stepped away to make that call, Melody remembered. She remembered being with Corey and how much fun the two were having. Then she remembers loud bangs, then burning sensations in her stomach and other places and she cries out in horror, “aaahhhhh.”
Paul came running over to check on her and all she could do was cry Corey’s name.
Paul’s heart broke but he told her anyway, “He didn’t make it.”
Melody cried not for Corey but for herself, she could have died. She could have seriously died in this situation.
“Did you know he sold drugs,” Paul questioned angrily finally able to ask his questions.
“No,” Melody states genuinely shocked. “He told me he and his cousins had a construction company.”
Paul calmed down sat beside her putting an arm around her, showing her that he still cared. That they could get through this. But she knew that he knew she was with Corey and why. And after that night she didn’t want to lie anymore. She could have died and her parents not have found out.
“Paul no. Get up,” she tells him wiggling free.
“What’s wrong? Are you uncomfortable?”
Definitely, she thinks.
“I’m sorry,” she starts.
“I know,” Paul interjects rubbing her hair. She felt safe and comfortable. But she knew it wasn’t where she wanted to be. And even though most thought it would be a mistake, she just didn’t think that he was her person.
“No, stop, listen,” she states more firmly while wincing in pain.
“OK,” he steps back.
“I’m sorry I was with Corey. But I’m also sorry because I should have been honest and broken up with you before we got here.”
“Yeah you should have,” he states angrily just as her parents came in.
Paul stormed off and Melody’s heart breaks. She had been trying to avoid that reaction since she realized her feelings. Malcom had been right, waiting to tell him made it worse. She never meant to cause him pain. But considering the predicament he found her in she figured she should just tip off the band aid.
Today though, with her decision to move, she felt the most comfortable in her space, in herself. This space of being attached to no one day and night, she wished she had found the courage to end things with Paul months ago. Maybe if she had she would have been better equipped to see Corey for who he had been. She hadn’t know about his drug dealing business let alone any gang affiliations, she believed him when he talked about his construction business all night.
Moving to St. Louis with a better understanding of who she is to start a new chapter for her in life. A chapter were she just wanted to date, she knows she isn’t ready to be anyone’s wife or mother. She has learned that she still has too much wild heart in her to settle down. She needed to be free and fill out life first to be a happy wife or mother.
Bambi St. James 