Shine Bright Like A Diamond

I ran until I found myself in front of my house, gasping for air. I walked through the unlocked door, shutting it behind me and locking it, glad today was a Friday. I wanted to forget the entire day. I walked to the laundry room turning on the washer machine to wash my 3 day old sour covers. I took another shower, wrapped my hair up, and went to the living room to watch TV. 

Minutes later, I heard the jangling of keys and my mother stumbled through the door, looking like a sloppy drunk. Or maybe she looked like that because she was a sloppy drunk. I barely even glanced her way before minutes later I heard her room door slam. Why did it seem like all we did was slam doors in this house? 

I don't know how it happened, but I must have fell asleep because now I woke up to the washer machine beeping, indicating my covers were clean. I got up wearily and placed them in the dryer, returning to my seat when I heard the door being knocked on. "Probably one of mom's customers" I thought

I opened the door to a face I didn't want to see, especially in my just awoken state. Jessica's. She pushed her way into the house, shoving me to the side. I turned around closing the door looking at her like she was crazy, which she was if she thought she could put her hands on me like that. 

"Get out of my house." I stated firmly

"You hoe! I saw you at that place with Dominique! What are you fucking him now too?" she yelled

"Jessica, I have no words to waste on you right now." I said ushering her out the door, when she turned and slapped me right across the cheek

"I find out I have HIV and all you do is hang out with the person that gave it to me!" she slumped tears rolling down her cheeks

"If I even believed for a second you got it from him, I wouldn't be kicking you out of my house. Now, get out Jessica, this is the last time I will be nice about it, because what I really want to do is return the favor and slap the hell out of you." I said emotionless

I was on my last nerve and she didn't help one bit. "Diamond, please." she begged 

I stepped outside and pulled her by her arms to the front lawn on top of the grass. I walked back into the house, closing the door and locking it behind me. 

*

The next day I was out walking when I was met by the sound of a familiar car honking. I sighed turning around meeting a smiling Dominique. "Get in." he flashed me a perfect smile. I turned back around, remembering what Jessica said, maybe I had my doubts but why would she lie about something so big? If she wanted him, she would have kept the baby, right? 

"Diamond." I stopped in my tracks. It scared me how much my name coming out of his mouth sounded so right. Was it bad to be at least a little curious as to where this might or might not lead? But, if I wanted it to go somewhere first, I needed to figure out about this HIV thing. And if it was true, then I may or may not owe Jessica an apology.

I got in the passenger seat, and just like the day before we sped off. For the second time with him my stomach growled. I mentally face palmed myself, I couldn't refuse food now, if I didn't eat something now, I was sure I would faint.

"You hungry?" he grinned

I nodded slowly, he fake gasped and I rolled my eyes. "I'm finally growing on you?" he said grinning again.

I ignored his comment and looked out the window. "You don't talk much do you?" he questioned glancing at me

I shrugged, "I don't see anything to talk about at the moment." 

He nodded in understanding.

*

We went to the same fast food restaurant as before and I instantly thought of Jessica. 

"Jessica came to my house." I said

"So?" he looked confused

"She says you gave her HIV." I blurted out

"And, do you believe her?" he questioned his gaze on me firm

I shrugged my shoulders, "That's why I'm asking you"

"Well, I never got any complaints from my other partners. Unless, of course, you would like to see for yourself." He grinned

I coughed, my food going down the wrong pipe, which made him grin even more

"No thank you, I think I will pass." I replied