K A R M A

Chapter One: The Letter

Today's the day I finally prepare for my book signing. One million copies sold. I thought to myself. I never thought that I would see the day ever. My name is Alexa Monáe Parker and I am now 28 years old, residing in Miami, Florida with my handsome husband and two beautiful children. A successful, young, black, woman; that was my goal. Before I could finish my thoughts, my husband popped his head into my office.

"Honey..." he started, "the kids are up getting ready now. I'll take them over to Tonya's and you can be ready too for me please?" he chuckled.

"Of course." I smiled while rolling my eyes.

            My husband stood about 6'2, his skin dark like cocoa beans with hair soft as wool. When he smiled, his pearly whites would blind the audience facing him. His name is Damien and his courageous yet shy personality is what attracted me about four years ago; not to mention the unforgettable sex that followed shortly after. I stood up and walked over to one of my many mirrors; staring at my reflection, I would remember the old me. Valerie. I shook my head; I don't know who that is anymore. I had been going to therapy recently to talk about the situation without exactly telling the situation. I'm starting to think my therapist is thinking I'm going nuts.

            About five minutes later, my phone rang. I glanced over to see my supervisor was calling, I waited a few seconds before picking up.

"Mrs. Parker! I was worried you weren't going to answer." The voice shouted.

"Hey Cam, normally you don't call so early, everything okay?"

"Absolutely fantastic! Girl you actually have a line outside waiting!!"

"No way—you can't be serious??"

"Get your ass down here pronto and I mean that in the nicest way possible!"

• • •

About 20 minutes later, Damien and I were making our way downtown to get to the book signing. Traffic was normal than usual until about five minutes from the place; that's where the line began to get wrapped.

"Damn baby, you famous." Damien said laughing.

I could feel my face heating up from nerves and my hands began to shake.

"Babe—I'm kinda nervous."
"Oh really? I couldn't tell."

I sucked in my teeth and watched him pull in front of the building. Seeing so many people with bright smiles, some even crying, made me feel accomplished. I sat as Damien came over and opened my door for me while I stepped out, hearing applause while I adjusted my dress.

"MRS. PARKER!!!" I heard people scream.
I walked up to the door waving as security kept the crowd under control, walking in the building it was quiet. The calm before the storm. I saw my supervisor standing by the window, taking selfie's and posting them on our Twitter page.

"Typical Cam." I smiled.
"Somebody's got to be able to report this!!"

I sat at the table where my books where and saw a poster with my face on it. Valerie. I shook my head again. No. Not who I am. I noticed my phone lighting up and it was a number I had not recognized. I quickly declined the call and put my phone away. Then my phone buzzed.

Unknown Name: I wouldn't do that if I were you "Alexa". (:

Weird. I ignored it as I saw Cam's boss come up to me.