Tainted Love

The Beginning Part IV

The Beginning

Part IV

Michael got up and walked over to the answering machine. Niyah followed.

"Let me explain." She pushed her hair behind her ear and took a deep breath.

He stood there impatiently. "I'm waiting!" He raised his voice as his chest started to flex. All the signs were there to let her know he was angry.

"I stopped by Emonie's office to meet her for lunch today. Later this afternoon, she called, wanting to set me up with this Allen guy."

"You said yes. Rabbit, you don't even know him!"

"Even you know I don't like blind dates. I'm doing this as a favor to Emonie. Allen is the one who wanted to go out with me."

"Call them back and tell them you can't do it." He picked up the phone and handed it to her.

"No." She pushed his hand away.

"What the fuck do you mean, no?" he yelled at her.

"I already gave my word. I can't back out now."

"When were you going to tell me about this date? After we had made love? 'Oh, by the way, I'm going out with your boss.'" He stepped in her face.

"It wasn't my idea to be fixed up on this date! Nor to come home and start making out with you!" Niyah felt things were getting out of control. This was getting them nowhere. She tried to walk past him.

"Wait a minute!" He grabbed her wrist. "I'm not finished talking to you." He pulled her to him.

"Michael, let me go."

"Call them back and tell them no!" He yelled. "Or is the real reason you won't cancel your date is because you want to go out with him! I am sure you found him attractive."

She tried to pull her arm away from him. When he wouldn't let go, she started pounding on his chest. She saw rage as she looked into his eyes.

"Please, let me go," she whispered to him.

"I'm in love with you!" He saw fear as he looked into her eyes and let her go. Michael went upstairs to his room.

Niyah headed to her room. What just happened? She undressed and changed into a pair of black boy shorts and a matching tank top. Something bad was coming. This was merely the beginning. Whatever it was it going to change her life forever. Somehow, she knew Michael would play a major role in all of it. This is going to be bad. I can feel it.

Niyah lay down, looking up at the ceiling. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Her lips still tingled from the way Michael had kissed her. Bizarre emotions started to run through her head, making her livid. She needed someone to talk to. Niyah looked at the clock on her nightstand. It was late. I know who I can call, no matter how late it is.

"Hello." Tashí answered the phone.

"Ma, it's me."

"Why haven't you called me all week? I've been worried about you. Are you okay? Why are you calling me so late? Is Michael okay?" For the first few moments of the call, Tashí asked her fifty questions without even taking a breath. "Rabbit, do you hear me talking to you?"

"Yes ma'am."

"What's wrong, Rabbit?"

Niyah was trying not to cry.

"Mommy, something happened." Her tone was low.

"What is it, girl? You're scaring me."

"He said he loved me. That he's always been in love with me. I don't know what happened." She started to cry. "Michael said he wanted us to be together." Tashí's voice was calm.