Habibet Albi (Incomplete)

Chapter 14: Achilles Heel

"You are so brave
in the way you love. Like Icarus reveling in the sunlight,
before his fall." ~ leilahalipoetry

MALIK PULLED THE car up to the curb and unlocked the door. Phoenix thanked him and got out of the car before heading inside the apartment. Without her noticing, he watched as her wide hips hypnotically swung and as the wind blew through her curly hair; disheveling it. He laughed as she frustratedly tried to keep her hair out of her face. Then she fumbled with the keys as she audibly mumbled curse words, before unlocking the door. Sensing him she glanced back. She hoped he had been looking at her. But when she glanced over her shoulder, he was looking down at the blank screen of his phone, hoping she didn't catch him staring like a creep. Unsoliticed disappointment spilled into her.

When she stepped into the apartment, the night before had faded away. It seemed like a distant memory that slipped through her fingers like water. Unlike usual it was silent because all her siblings were sound asleep still. The only noise was the sound of the broadcasters from Fox news. She rounded the couch and saw that Devante was sprawled on the sofa with his hand draped over the side of it. She didn't know how that was comfortable. Having the television on while nobody was watching it irked her so she gingerly pulled the remote from under his chest and turned it off.

She went to the kitchen and poured herself a mug of coffee with cinnamon bon flavored creamer before she took a quick, scolding hot shower.

****

Malik's phone rang and a restricted number flashed across his screen, he knew who it was. He slid the answer button and lifted the phone up to his ear, "Did you find anything?" He asked in a peremptory tone.

"Yeah, sir we found out that his name is Justin Fernandez, tonight he will be at Carmine's Italian Restaurant. I already called for reservations." The man informed in a respectable voice, the way a employee would talk to a boss. He had a thick Spanish accent.

"Thank you Emilio, don't call me sir you know I hate that shit. We're family no need to address me like that." He instructed.

"Of course, as you wish." He agreed.

"Let me do most of the damage alright? This guy's a real scumbag, a woman beater." Malik informed.

"My sister's ex was one too, I broke all his fucking fingers."

"How's Lucia been?" Malik asked.

"Better, the asshole has gone awol ever since I took care of things. Won't pay the child support. She's with a new guy he takes care of her and the kids, seems nice." He filled him in. "Who's that hot black chic you've been sweet on? Once you go black yah never go back." Emilio changed the subject.

Malik didn't like him talking about her in such a degrading manner. Nor did he like how he was fetishsizing her based off the pigmentation of her skin. Phoenix was the first black girl he ever caught feelings for, but he never loved someone because of their complexion. It didn't really matter to him that she was darker than all the other girls he dated. "Don't worry about it, she's just another fuck. Nothing serious you already know that." He lied. He wasn't about to tell him who she was. He didn't want anyone affiliated with this type of illegal activity to know her identity or whereabouts. God forbid something happened and Emilio wanted to retaliate, he doesn't need to discover Malik's Achilles heel. Especially if it meant her life could be on the line.

"I miss being as young as you, enjoy the bachelor life while it lasts. You'll find a good woman one day and understand why men settle down. " He explained.

"Alright I gotta go." Malik brusquely said before hanging up. He didn't need to receive life advice from a thug. That's where he drew the line.

He tossed his phone onto the passenger seat. Suddenly he felt empty not seeing her there beside him. He needed to get his shit together and stop thinking about her. She was in his head on a constant loop. He turned on the stereo and highered the music to drown out his thoughts. Metallica's "Enter Sandman" blasted throughout his car as he sped to the gym to let off some steam.