Author's Note: This is actually a continuation of Chapter 26. Sorry if this one's really sad, but I just couldn't avoid the idea. Feedback is appreciated. Thanks. - KL
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March 3rd, 1988
MICHAEL
With no help, I crawled to my feet in tears on the floor. Only the sound of my own pain filled the hall as soon as I looked back to see Bill. He'd lowered his hat almost shamefully. Frank just shook his head over and over again without another word. Bill patted my shoulder in a wary manner just before I sulked back to the dressing room.
Time slowed down my footsteps even though there was only little space between myself and the door right now. I dropped my head, pulled the door open and slammed it shut. Another crying scream of mine echoed from my own right to those around me, but I didn't even care.
I'd fallen right back onto my knees, viewing and holding yet another picture of us. Baby Girl took a place on my lap. Brenda's short curls tickled my nose while I smiled against her lips. We'd been sitting in a chair after my interview with Ebony Magazine.
To this day, I don't even remember why Darryl came back into the room, let alone with a photographer. Millions of questions probably raced through his mind, but we all exchanged laughter as soon as Brenda left my arms. Even now, Darryl wouldn't spill anything to the press.
"Baby, I'm sorry." I whispered to no one. "I'm so sorry. I love you so much."
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She folded her arms while we both stood in the kitchen. There was only silence. I'd snuck out that night driving with the Audi to keep myself hidden. Those bloodshot eyes watched me while Baby Girl quivered without a word. My black leather jacket still hugged her shoulders. Her boots never clicked against the tiled floor.
Her teeth clenched, almost making me jump. "What the fuck are you doing here?"
"I'm sorry." I whispered. "Just talk to me. It was a mistake. I don't want her at all."
"She's given us hell many times and you had the nerve to sleep with her? What kind of shit is that, Michael? We've should've broken up a long ass time ago since you keep giving her bait. You obviously want her so much more than me! Get out of my house." The shine of her engagement ring mocked me as soon as Brenda folded her arms again.
"Look at your hand." I mumbled.
"What?" her eyes narrowed.
"Look at your hand." I repeated. Those curls shook down and Brenda uncrossed her arms, finally listening to me. Little squeaks of my jacket stretched.
She pursed those dark lips staring right into the diamond on her finger. I shook my head, but prayed that she'd understand the whole point of what I just asked. Dead silence returned between us.
"Does she have an engagement ring?" I asked in a low voice, drained for the umpteenth time.
"No, but she has you. A ring doesn't me shit if the man who gave to me can't keep it in his pants. Am I not even sexy to you anymore? We've gotten drunk and let things run course. There's no way I'm taking you back, Michael. You belong to her now."
"Never." I defended myself. Tears stained my eyes again. "I love you. That's it. I'll never do it again."
Brenda scoffed. "I've heard that before."
"I swear." my voice crushed down to nothing. "It's only you, Baby Girl. I've spent the past hour crying because of the mistakes I've made. Just talk to me. Please?"
"Whose fault is it that you cheated? I've been a bitch over the years, but I never thought you'd stoop this low, and with a woman we both can't stand? Bullshit! Did you really love her and just didn't tell me?"
I could've laughed, but didn't in light of the situation around us. I lowered my voice responding. "Hell no. I'd never trade five years for an employee, no matter how drunk I am." Once I tried to step closer, Brenda backed away, tossing up her hands.
"Don't you dare fucking touch me!" she barked through tears again. Even her curls shook once more at the moment.
She'd turned on those heels and faced her back me. Her short curls gleamed in the light as they always had before. I'd never felt so hurt. My steps or touch failed to encourage her again. A lump formed in my throat the moment reality tried to set in. I slowly paced the tiled floor in disbelief.
No, no, no...
"This isn't happening." I whispered, ignoring Brenda's presence for once.
"Get out." she mumbled again.
"No. I love you." I defend myself for the hundredth time.
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BRENDA
He just wouldn't leave. We'd been arguing for too long, but I just couldn't find a truly legitimate reason to call the police. He insisted in dealing with awkward silence as we sat down at the kitchen table. My nails drummed against the teacup every once in a while.
"I love you." That face had turned red and I barely recognized his voice anymore. I'd slowly pushed away the mug beside me, actually cringing whenever Michael tried to hold my hands. "Why are you afraid of me, though?"
"You're not mine anymore." I whispered back. "I should've kicked you out once this all started. Now, leave me alone and go make love to Tatiana since she's always around."
Michael shook his head, finally holding my hands. I couldn't even move away after his fingers touched my knuckles. Our hands soon interlocked and I could feel his lips meet the corners of my knuckles. My eyes shut, overwhelmed.
"Never again, baby." his broken voice trailed off.
