Perfect Match

Before The Heartache

Role Reversal

Wilbur looked around the room at everyone. They all had an anxious and nervous look. He decided the best thing to do was to go ahead and get this task out the way so that some of the hurt he knew loomed in the relationships was at the front line.

"Amanda, you go first."

She took a deep breath and went and laid on the table. She put both of her legs up and put her hair into a bun, laying her head back. Tears began to fall as she laid there with her eyes closed. After a few minutes, she got up and went and sat on the sofa with her arms wrapped around her.

Everyone looked confused except Dada. She hung her head knowing it was going to devastate Rashad.

"Go ahead Rashad."

Aaliyah sighed, knowing he was going to save her and Tim for last.

Rashad stood in front of everybody and pretended to get a phone call.

"Hey."

"Hello? Who's this?"

"Shad, it's Danielle."

"Oh hey, what's up. Why you calling me after I told you not to?"

"You don't have to be so damn rude!"

"(Sigh) What do you want?"

"I'm pregnant."

Amanda released a loud scream before she broke out crying. Aaliyah looked at Rashad questioning what he was saying. No one said anything. Wilbur decided to keep things going.

"Tim."

Tim took a deep breath and made his way in front of everybody. He looked at Liyah and closed his eyes.

"Breaking news tonight. Singer Aaliyah has been involved in a plane crash. No other details have been released. Authorities are now combing the area, trying to locate the aircraft. We will bring you the very latest both on air and online."

Tim switched up his position, running in place. Once he stopped, he opened his eyes.

"Ma'am. I'm trying to find my wife. Aaliyah Mosley."

"Ahhh yes sir! She's still in surgery. If you don't mind, I'm going to ask that you sit in the waiting room. The doctor will be with you shortly."

He changed his position once again to pretend like he was having a phone call.

"Baby, what's going on? The doctor says you checked out. Why didn't you tell me?"

"Uncle Barry says he needed me in Cali."

"Really Liyah?! You just got into a plane crash and a week later you're back to the same ole shit!!!?"

"Tim, you know how Uncle Barry is, I -"

"Fuck it Liyah. Do whatever the fuck you want. I'm done. I'll be at Missy's until I'm able to get my stuff."

"You're leaving me?"

"You already dipped. (Hangs up)"

Wilbur looked at Tim as he watched Aaliyah bow her head. He could see the tears falling when Kidada walked in front of her and pulled her head to her shoulder. At this time, everyone was zoned out.

Wilbur decided to keep going. Everything had too come out now. No use in holding back.

"Aaliyah...?"

Liyah got up and wiped her face before going to the same table that Amanda had laid on. She got up and everyone was now paying her full attention. When she laid back on the table and covered her eyes, she laid her head back and began to cry hysterically. Kidada went to be with her but Wilbur held her back. Tim was shaking his head, backing up until he felt the wall behind him.

After laying there for a few more minutes and finally calming down a little, she sat up and pretended to have a phone call.

"Hi Uncle Barry."

"Hi sweetpea. I hate to bother you but we have to get you moving. The investors are getting restless and we can't back out of this deal."

She looked at the phone in disbelief.

"After all I've been through, really?"

"Look, I'm sorry Aaliyah. If there was any other way to this, I would do it but we can't back out and disappoint these investors. After it's over, stay in Cali and regroup. You can take Tim-"

"(Laughs) That's not going to happen. He just left me."

"What??!!!"

"(Sighs) Uncle Barry, please. I just need time."

"Fine. I'll give you a day to rest. But babygirl, we have to get moving tomorrow."

She shook her head, clearing her thoughts before she went on to the next exchange.

She pretended she was packing a bag. She acted as if she was dialing a phone number, but was sent straight to voicemail. She picked up the imaginary bag and threw it over her shoulder, looking at Tim.

At this point, the room was completely quiet. Aside from sniffles, no one made a sound. Wilbur was shocked but knew he had to take control.

"Now, I want you guys to at the count of three explain what your skit was about."

Wilbur took a deep breath, willing his nerves to calm down. He was a therapist. He could do this.

"1, 2, 3..."

"I had an abortion."

"I had a miscarriage."

"I have a son."