Conflict Reloaded

Chapter 12: Trust Issues

-Three Months Later-

(Janelle)

"I'll miss you so much! Thank you girl!" Trinity stepped out of our hug with tears in her eyes.

"You know I'll miss you too girl. What are you thanking me for?"

"When I first got here, I was mad at the universe and everyone in it. You gave me the reality check I needed. I know that we haven't always seen eye to eye, but I've learned so much from you."

I gave her another hug. "I'm glad that I could help you through the things I've been through in life. Your story...wow. I couldn't imagine being brought up with no parents, although my parents are both gone now. When you get out of here, which you will, I hope that you take advantage of your newfound freedom. Girl, I'm free. I'm going to enjoy it."

"Hey son." I sat in his car and shut the door. Thank God, I'm finally out of that damn place! I thought he would be happy to see me, but he looks down. His eyes look darker than usual. He looks tired. His red long sleeved button up shirt hugs his slim frame. His weight bothers me so much! I don't want him to be fat, but I want him to have more meat on his bones.

He was staring at his screensaver. A cute girl who has on red make-up.

"Who's that?"

He looked over at me. "My girlfriend ma. Didn't even notice you get in."

He put his phone down then drove away from the jail. That's one place I won't even begin to look at again. I will never go to that jail or any other one for as long as I shall live.

"You don't sound happy or proud when you say that. Are you two having problems?"

"Nah. I'm the one with the problem. She lives in Macon. I like in Stockbridge. We live like a hour and thirty minutes from each other. I just have my insecurities. I don't want to be played again."

I looked over to him.

"Talk to her. Communication is the key to making any relationship work. You have to let her know how you feel. She is not a mind reader. And you are a tough code to crack son. You lack emotion."

"Guess it comes from my trust issues that have built up over the years. Wonder how I got 'em."

That put a bit of a pain in my chest. He told me he forgave me, but he says something like that?

"How many ways and times can I say sorry to you? I failed you son. I failed you! I wasn't there for you. I missed out on a lot of important things that happened in your life. If you say you forgive me, why do you keep bringing it up?"

"I don't recall bringing anything about you up. I had two parents that were fuck ups. And you want to know what? Brandon put a fuckin' gun to my head. Do you know that I still see images of that in my head? My own father! And you want to know what? I wish he had've pulled the trigger! Yeah, I said it. I'm sick of this front. I'm not strong. I'm not okay. I walk around every day pretending like I have it all together. No. My mind is fucked up okay? No, you aren't the only one who created the pain I feel. Quit being so self-centered. When I said my statement about trust issues, I had Brandon in my mind. The same literal son of a bitch that ruined my entire life!"

My mouth remained open and my eyes stayed wide as I just stared at him. He pulled up in front of my house.

"Bye. Oh yeah, welcome home."

I couldn't say anything. Tears just flowed freely from my eyes.

I got out and went over to the door. I used the key in the dirt to unlock the door. As soon as I did, my heart sunk to the ground.

"YOU FUCKING BITCH!!!!"

I ran over and pulled Lisa off of a nervous Jamarcus.

"Surprise bitch!" I kicked her in her face then her bare stomach.

"Janelle this isn't what it looks like. I swear to you it's not. She came on to me. I tr...."

"I DON'T BELIEVE THAT SHIT! YOU SAID YOU WOULD WAIT FOR ME. YOU SAID I WOULD ALWAYS BE YOUR NUMBER ONE! YOU SAID YOU WOULD NEVER HURT ME! I HATE YOU!"

(Jahlil)

I have a bunch of making up to do with my mom. I can't believe I went off on her. All she was trying to do was comfort me. I don't know what's going on with me. I just keep having mental and emotional breakdowns that I wish would stop. I'm going crazy.

"Hey Mr.McClain." I flashed a fake smile at Mali's grandfather. "Hey Mr.Perez. Is Malia here? She hasn't answered her phone."

"Yeah she is. Usually the girl is always on that thing. Go on up there."

I flashed him another fake smile. "Thank you sir."

I don't think anyone would have been ready for sight I seen when I opened her door. The NAKED female on the bed grabbed at the sheets trying to cover herself up. My NAKED girlfriend looked like a deer caught up in some fuckin' headlights.

I shook my head then turned and ran down the stairs and out of her house into the heavy rain.

(Authors note: So sad, right? What happens next?)