All Things Go

The Crying Game |

Aolani Malana Alei

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I'm losin' a thing, I thought I'd win... And I'm coming undone, 'cause the tears don't end...

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I sat outside on the balcony, staring at the land before me. On it were two tennis courts, one basketball court, four pools and three jacuzzis, a golf course, and a stable for the three horses Jahron owned. None of which he used consistently... This shit... this shit right here is what took the man I loved away.

I took a long drag from my cigarette and placed it on the ashtray. After a few seconds of holding the smoke in my mouth, I slowly exhaled, polluting the air with Camel's.

It's been twenty hours to be exact. Twenty hours since Amir left. I'm still at home by my lonesome. After Amir helped me bathe, he dressed me, cooked me food, then helped me into bed.

Knowing how Jahron was, he even tidied the house to save me from another beating.

But all I can think of is the feeling he gave me when he kissed me and a low, "Goodbye," escaped his lips. I mocked him for being my superman, but I didn't mind when he came to my rescue so many times. I loved that he cared about me so much. What I did mind was being a burden. Although it should feel natural considering we were best friends, it was actually embarrassing.

Luckily for him, his days of saving me were now over because he was on a six o'clock flight to New York. It was eight a.m. now, so I'm sure he was probably laid back on that airplane, doing a sudoku puzzle to keep him from remembering his was thousands of feet in the air. Amir has always hated heights.

"What did I tell you about that smoking?"

I jumped from the sound of his voice. What was he even doing here?

"Amir," I said, standing to my feet. "What are you doing here?"

He replied, "I came to get you."

"Get me?"

"Yes. I'd be a fool to leave you here with that maniac. Besides, I don't think I can live 3,000 miles away from you."

My emotions were all over the place, somewhere between happy and excited. But my pride wouldn't let my cold stare dissipate.

"No. I can't up and move with you. I have a boyfriend, a life-"

Amir interrupted me, "You have a life? Or do you live his?"

The happiness and excitement that engulfed my body was now long gone and anger was the new sheriff in town.

"Are you jealous, Amir? Because I refuse to leave him for you?"

Amir laughed and poked his tongue through his cheek, obviously wanting to choose his words wisely. A lot of times people don't tend to think before speaking and the situation becomes worse. Amir wanted to avoid that happening at all costs because now wasn't the time.

"You sound so dumb right now, Lani! I would never let my personal feelings get in the way of your safety! That's what I truly care about. You're ignorant for thinking otherwise. We were best friends before anything and anybody. Open your eyes."

"But-"

"No. I didn't come all the way back from Dallas to hear another sob story. I could have been on my way to Tennessee. You won't be satisfied until you're six feet under."

I wanted to cry, being the sensitive person I am, but I had to keep my glare plastered upon my face. I couldn't be presented as a fool again.

"Whatever, Amir. Do you."