Moving Forward

Chapter 4: Harry Johnson

Right after Chris left, I had to do damage control. Darrius was ready to jump over the table to get to Roman. Him and Roman were going back and forth until Caleb had to take him out of the room but he didn't leave quietly.

"All because you fuckin' insecure about your relationship," he yelled as Caleb tugged on his shirt, "doesn't give you the right to disrespect my friend. You know what? I hope he does take Harry from yo' small suit wearing ass."

Caleb had already pulled him out of the dining room but he didn't seem finished as I heard him yelling down the hallway, "And I bet you got a micro dick too."

I slide my hands down my face trying to make sense of this situation. Everything was happening so fast and I couldn't possibly be in my right state of mind. I inhaled but remembered that I was still in the room full of nasty food. I choked on the foul air and before I could even breath, Roman was yelling, "You see how disrespectful he is to me? How could you let your brother date someone like that Harry? Aren't you going to kick him out? It's the least you can do after this horrible dinner. Are you listening to me?"

I massaged my temples as he continued his rant, banging on my good marble table. I had already zoned out and I could tell by the way his pale face turned into a tomato, he wasn't happy that I wasn't responding. He should be lucky I wasn't saying anything because if I did, he would be leaving here in tears. My mind shifted to Chris storming out and how I wished I could apologize. This was my fault and he was taking all the heat from Roman. I deserved it, which is why I'm not saying anything now. Well, until I felt his fist connect with my face.

"Harry!" he shouted as I tried to steady myself again, "Answer when I'm fucking talking!"

Did he just hit me? I stood up massaging my face trying to make sure I wasn't dreaming. His bright baby blues stabbed through me looking shocked and angry all at once. He was heavily breathing as I continued to stare dumbfounded. With my hand still pressed to my cheek, I said, "Have you lost your fucking mind?"

The anger in his eyes quickly changed into one of fear. I knew he was angry but that didn't give him the right to hit me. My body was boiling and I was trying to keep myself from hitting him back. I let my hand fall from my face before letting out an awkward grin and saying, "I get that you are angry...and I'm going to let you slide but..."

I slowly approached his almost trembling body and tried my best to glare into his soul so he could fully understand what I was about to say, "Don't take my kindness as a weakness Ro. You know firsthand what happens when I get angry."

I could see I got my point across as he tried to back up but fell back into one of the chairs. I didn't like that side of me, even though sometimes I had to show it. But I didn't think I had to be this way in a relationship so quickly. I didn't know I had to put up with this much animosity coming from someone I thought I was ready to settle down with. Roman put on a great show for the past couple of months but I've seen more of his character within these two days then I have seen before.

I took a breath as I let my anger subside but I knew what had to be done. So, I leaned in and said, "Maybe we should take a break Roman."

Just like that, Roman instantly forgot about how angry I was and pushed me away from him. His eyes grew wide as he stood up in disbelief at what I said. He let out a strange laugh and said, "Are you serious? You're fucking dumping me?"

I put my hands out in front of me to keep him at bay and said, "Well I said break."

"Real couples don't take breaks," He stated angrily, "Especially me. So, are we breaking up or staying together? Pick wisely."

The evil stare down he was given me wasn't intimidating at all. He was given me an ultimatum and if that's what he wanted to do then I guess I had to decide. So, I looked straight at him and said, "I guess we are breaking up."