Touch Me, Tease Me

T H I R T Y - T W O

Naomi and Chanel pull up to Mercedes house about a half hour later. Chanel sat in the passenger seat snacking while Naomi just looked at the house.

Chanel: Well? Aren't you going to go inside?

Naomi looked at Chanel.

Naomi: Well... I've never been inside.. before.

Chanel's jaw dropped.

Chanel: At least over six months and you haven't been inside?

Naomi: No..? He was always at my crib.

Chanel: Well girl, you better go make something shake. It seems like you need each other.

Naomi got out of the car and walked onto the porch. There were two door bells. Each had a last name beside it. The second floor at "Brown" beside it so she pressed that one twice. A few moments went by and Mercedes opened the door. Relief washed over Naomi's body.

Mercedes: Come on.

He opened the door wider and Naomi stepped into the hallway. It was normal. Mercedes locked the door then started up some stairs with Naomi following close behind.

When they got into Mercedes apartment it was very old fashioned.

Naomi: You did this?

Mercedes: I lived with my grandparents before I had to put them in a nursing home.

He said as he locked the door. He went over and sat on the couch.

Naomi looked around her as she went over to the couch as well.

Naomi: Is this why you didn't want me here?

Mercedes: It was never the fact that I didn't want you here. There was just never a reason for you to be here.

Naomi sat a distance away from Mercedes then turned to look at him. Even with a stale demeanor, he was still fine. He was shirt less, his dreads were up in a messy bun and wore some Nike shorts. He smelled fresh, she assumed he had just got out the shower before she arrived.

Naomi: I'm going to ask you again and I would appreciate it if you'd reply honestly and right away.

Mercedes put his arm up on the couch and looked over at her, adjusting himself.

Naomi: You killed Keed, didn't you..?

Mercedes looked her straight in the eyes.

Mercedes: Yeah.

Once again, Naomi's heart dropped.

Naomi: Why?

Mercedes: Something had to be done and no one was addressing it. I knew what I had to do and I did it.

Naomi just looked at him.

Mercedes: Once he hurt you and what you had going on, I had to shut that shit down. He also influenced the way I acted toward you and Nay, I'm so fucking sorry.

Mercedes moved closer and took one of Naomi's hands.

Mercedes: That night I didn't mean anything I said. You were right, I was high off adrenaline. The moment I said those words I felt instant regret. As a man, I thought I had to stand my ground but I can't stand on shit when it comes to you. I'd rather not anyway.

Naomi cracked a small smile.

Mercedes: I am so sorry.

Naomi: I forgive you.

Mercedes: May I?

Naomi: Sure.

Mercedes picked Naomi up and put her on his lap, hugging her like he'd never hugged anyone before.