Precious

Chapter 3 "Back to Back"

"Precious Isabelle Johnson".
As they called my name i stood up and walked up the steps on the side of the stage. I paused for a moment looking out into the crowed. So many familiar faces from friends and family that came to support me on my big day. As i looked i still didn't see the face i had always pictured would be there. It had been eight months since she had passed but it still felt like just yesterday i held her dying body in my arms. I could feel the tears forming in my eyes as i just stared out and let the memories flood my mind.
"Precious Isabelle Johnson".
The principles voice brought me back to reality. I held my head up as i walked across the stage and received my diploma. Today is a good day , today is my day. I met my family after the ceremony. So many smiles and tears of joy on such a beautiful day. As i finished talking to my sister Jasmin i felt someone tap me on the shoulder.
"Tony what are you doing here?"
"You know we couldn't miss out on your day" Tony pointed at Reno who was standing there with a arm full of red roses.
"This nigga just had to get some flowers with his corny ass".
Me and Reno just looked at Tony and turned our attention back to each other.
"That's why his ugly ass don't have a girl now. You don't know how to treat a lady".
I just smiled and took the roses from Reno.
"Thank you for coming , I know you probably had something better to do then to come here." I stated smelling the flowers.
"Ill always have time for you". His comment took me by surprise.
"Precious mama wants to speak to you, Now!" jasmin grabbed me by the arm and pulled me away. I looked back at a smiling Reno and made eye contact. "Thank you" I mouthed and blew him a kiss. He caught the imaginary kiss in the air and put it in his pocket.
"We need to talk". My mother stated not missing a beat . "Since your out of school now its time you started helping take care of the bills. Four hundred for rent and a two hundred on the light bill". I looked at my mother with disgust.
"Do you really think in your right mind i would pay you four hundred dollars in rent when you don't even pay two dollars? Its income based housing. And as far as the light bill, i have been paying that. Maybe if you would come home and try to pay on a bill you would know that".
Before i could finish my sentence i felt a burning sensation on my face. Jasmin had slapped me.
"You will not talk to her like that. Right or wrong that's still our mother, she is still your mother. Apologize".
I looked at Jasmin with a broken heart. How could she take her side? How could she hit me for a lady that was barley there as we became young women? The anger, frustration, and hurt that had built inside me for years finally came out.
"Fuck you, and her!" I screamed. By now all eyes were on us. "Apologize for what? For all the times she has left us at home starving with nothing to eat? Apologize because i cried myself to sleep every night that she didn't come home? Apologize for me being held in a house, being molested and escaping out of a broken window, but she didn't care because she was chasing after some man and when i told her she didn't believe. Y'all both can take an apology and kiss my ass with it."
Not caring who heard my rant i turned an walked out of the building. Fuck them, I thought. How could Jasmin just turn her back on me when we have been through everything together? Begging for food together, sleeping under stairs together and she just takes her side. I shook my head in disbelief.
I made it to the house and rushed through the front door. I turned down the hall and went into my room. Grabbing my suitcases i grabbed every piece of clothing that i owned and shoved it in. Ill be damned if i stay here i thought to myself. I snatched all the pictures off of my walls and put the neatly together in a binder. After i was finished packing and putting the bags in my car i went in to take one last look at a place i use to call home.
I couldn't hold back the tears any longer and i broke down. My life was not supposed to be like this. When i was a little girl i had planned out my future. From graduation to my wedding i had everything planned, and look at me now. I picked myself up off the floor and fixed my clothes. So long to this hell. I'm starting over and this time nothing can get in my way, or so i thought.
I made my way down to the city and went straight to Antonio's house. His car was backed in the driveway but every time i called his cellphone he wouldn't answer. I put my charger, that he bought, in park and turned the ignition off and made my way to the front door. I turned the handle and to my surprise it was unlocked. I made my way in the house trying not to make any noise. I stopped outside of the bedroom door and listened. I heard moaning and the bed squeaking.
I turned the bedroom door handle and swung the door open.
"You disloyal, bitch made, unfaith...".
My words were caught up as i seen the sight in front of me. Antonio was on his hands and knees as Tony pushed himself deeper inside of him. They both looked at me and tried to scramble to cover their naked bodies.
"Baby its no what it looks like." Antonio tried to explain.
"Pretty damn sure its exactly what it looks like." I stated laughing. Could this day get anymore worse? Looking at tony i felt disgust. I always knew something was off about him, I just couldn't figure it out. After all this time of burning girls, and sleeping with anybody that would let him, he likes men. Now don't get me wrong how you choose to live your life is up to you, but don't act like something is bad about it when you're living that lifestyle.
I shook my head and walked right back out the house. Antonio came running out of the house Right behind me.
"How can i help you sir?" I asked with my vehicle already started.
"Here is 8 grand to keep your mouth closed."
I looked down at the money he held in his hand. Hell since i found out the man i gave myself too is gay and i left my mothers house and have nowhere to go now what other choice did i have. I silently took the money from his hand and rolled up the drivers side window. Pulling off i looked in my rearview mirror and watched as Antonio got smaller and smaller. The man i gave my heart too gave his heart to Another man.