𝑾𝑰𝑪𝑲𝑬𝑫 𝓖𝓪𝓶𝓮𝓼

TAINTED LOVE.

Nov, 19. Wednesday 10am.

Lisa browsed the shelves looking for decor and snacks. I didn't know exactly what women liked. A woman like her at that. I wanted to Impress her. Every second I stand here just adds up to another minute that I fill with wondering whether she's even interested in a guy like me. "I'll take the decoration from here. Go get something you know she would like, be thoughtful."

Wandering around over to the section with all the wine and liquor I caught a glimpse of Evelyn. The fuck is she still doing over here in Montreal? Let me get out of sight before she sees me. Just mind your business Abel. What you can't see can't see you.

Slipping into the aisle I began browsing for D'usse and Cognac. I remember drinking that with her the first time we sort of made plans to hang out. "Abel." If you don't see her, she definitely ain't going to see you. Ignore her.

"Why are you ignoring me as if this is my fault?" How right she was broke my silence.

"I'll talk to you after I'm done. Wait here and don't follow me." With quickness, I grabbed what I needed and went to find Lisa with our cart full of rosy pink and black items. She was clearly enjoying this, like a little kid in a toy store. "Lisa, don't have us going bankrupt."

"I'm not. We need to get some nice clothes though, so let's get out of here." She insisted I take over and push the cart because her arm is 'tired.' That sure didn't stop her from reaching out and grabbing for more unnecessary items. After checking out I told her to load the car and that I'd be out in a minute.

Evelyn was still wandering up and down the same aisle. Approaching her with a heavy heart I waited for her to speak. Her trembling hands held pills and a blue gatorade. I don't recall Evelyn ever being ill or needing medication, but who knows what could've happened while I was absent.

"Abel how could you? How can you murder my sister, write about it, sing those songs flipping the script, like it's nothing. Do you not have a heart?" Her eyes glossed over as she poked me in the chest. Right where my heart is.

"Evelyn, I'm sorry. Ain't much more I can say. I loved you and it was either us or her. And I chose us. "

"What about us now?" She stared right through me. "Breaking up with me would've been enough."

I gave her a twenty to pay for her drink. "This is the end. Of us. The end of me." I turned walking back down the aisle as she yelled through her fit of tears, "you belong in hell!" I know.

Sitting in the car I know Lisa was curious, but didn't ask out of respect for my privacy. I called my father to ask if he knew anybody who'd do a custom chain for me and have it done by tomorrow. "There's a place near you. I'll send the low, when you head in, ask for Nick," He said abruptly hanging up. My mother was around, so I understood. Once she got on the phone she wanted to talk your head off. I wouldn't mind a long conversation with my mom, but I wasn't in a talking mood.

"How old is your daddy? When can I meet him?" She bit her lip.

"Too old for you and how about you two stay as far away as possible." I knew she was joking and meant no harm. He never went for young ladies anyway. He'd probably look at Lisa as his daughter. Lisa never really had a father. I could see her needing that in life.

***

After spending too much time thinking about pieces I could spend money on we finally went to go and try clothes on. I guess this will be my second time in a suit. I don't know how I feel about this pink tie though, maybe I'll get by with just black. I ain't trying to hear all that you got some fruity colors on, something you want to tell us? It's what I would've heard. Forgot Toni won't even be there.

"I like the tie. You look good." lifting my chin she made sure to smile at me. "Why are you so sad? The eyes don't lie, so don't even try it."

"Antonio man. He's not even going to be there. Just thinking that he isn't my brother hurts. He really felt like my brother, but I guess he knew all along and just went with it."

"Sometimes if you want something done you have to do it. Who's to say you guys aren't brothers? Your family are those who love you, piss you off, make you laugh, and yell at you when you're out of line. A piece of paper won't tell you that though."

"What the hell is there to be done? The only thing I want to do is yell at him about how he threw me under the bus, turned my cousin on me, and blamed me for something he wanted me to do." And about the fact that he got mad when I was only trying to help, but I'm sure he won't do that to his whore of a girlfriend- Fiance.

"Is he out of line?" she asked.

"You think he's not?" He obviously was.

"Then you better get to it. Minus the cousin part. Nobody turned him on you, he made that decision himself. Maybe yell at him instead?"

I could yell at everybody the way life is right now. How can she be so well spoken and not realize she needs to apply some of this shit to De'vonte? Maybe it's all just a sign. If I want him gone, I'll have to get rid of him. There's still too much on my plate. The gang, Julius, Quinn.. Maybe I really do deserve to parish in the sweltering heat below.

"Boy, are you going to stare into the mirror like you fell in love or decide which suits you better."