August's Empathy

Battle Of The Sisters

AUGUST'S EMPATHY

Bianca argued, "OK, and? You should stop avoiding your kid! She was expecting you to come get her but you never pulled up, you asshole!"

She was arguing with her niece's father. Her sister was in the hospital from heart problems, yet he was still acting like a careless father. All Bianca asked was that he come around to see his daughter but he couldn't even do that simple task.

"You got it, Bianca, I'll come get her when I can. Is that fair?"

"No, it's your responsibility. Good bye." She ended the call swiftly, then picked up her niece's toys. After collecting each of the toys, she placed them into the bin then walked over to her bedroom.

Tremane was laid out on her bed, watching his favorite show. He had been taking his recent break-up hard. As a sister, she was there to comfort him. She could see he was truly hurt. Now, it was her turn to find out what his ex-girlfriend had done to him, or the opposite.

She sighed. "What's going on, Tre? I know you've been having issues. Tell me."

"Monique cheated on me. She cheated on me with someone I went to school with to make it worse. The worst part is that she couldn't even give me an explanation. That's when I just started throwing her clothes in the yard and calling her a ho... But I miss her, B. I know she didn't want to hurt me like that."

Bianca flipped through her fashion book catalog. "Tre, I know you really love her but it is time to let her go. She's not the person you met two years ago. You've cheated on her and even put your hands on her. I don't blame her for moving on away from you. You're a horrible boyfriend. She could've just broke up with you but, hey, different strokes for different folks. Just let it go."

"I can't," Tremane said, "I'm in love with her. I don't care about our mistakes. That's the love of my life right there."

Meanwhile, Monique was laying down on the sofa, flipping through channels as Monet argued over the phone. She wasn't having the best day due to Play going out of town without telling her. Monique knew before hand and he made her promise not to give "his" to anyone else. And she was keeping her promise.

A knock came on the door. She knew Monet couldn't get it, so she had to remove herself from the sofa. Sighing, she opened the door to see a girl standing there.

Her hair was dyed to a dirty blonde and pinned to the side in a French braid. She was dressed in an all white dress, paired with brown heels. Her face was caked in makeup which wasn't doing her much justice. The only pro was that she had nice eyes and a thick frame.

They eyed one another. Lyndsey spoke, "Must be Monique. I'm your sister friend, Lyndsey."

"That's me." Monique left the door open, allowing an annoyed Lyndsey to step in. She already didn't like the girl just from her attitude. Then, she had the look about her that just made her look sneaky. Lyndsey was good at choosing friends and she was sure Monique was someone she would ever befriend.

Monique spoke, "So, what's the occasion tonight?"

"A party."

"I mean, I figured that but you have in all white and Mo has an all white outfit on her bed. Is this a themed party or are you two matching?"

"Matching, were you not invited? I see you have on your night clothes." Lyndsey snickered.

"I wasn't actually. Is this something for dancers? Not dancers but I mean strippers." Monique replied, staring back at the television as if she didn't just throw the perfect shade. Lyndsey, on the other hand, was offended. She didn't even want to bite her tongue anymore.

Fortunately, Monet saved her sister, entering the living room. "I'm sorry. Play was stressing me out. We can go now."

"Ew, it had to be him."

Lyndsey gave Monique one last look, before the pair stepped out into the cold, night air. Monet asked her how she felt. And that set Lyndsey off. She began to spit nasty things about Monique as they drove the entire way.

Monique made the mental note that Lyndsey didn't like her, plus she didn't like Play. That was enough to alarm her. Lyndsey was going to get into Monet's easily influenced head. Soon, Monet would start checking for any evidence that her sister was being sneaky. She was smart and knew that it was time to switch things up.

Debarge laughed lightly. "Ma, come on, I'm not kicking it with these lames in your city. He the only man I'm out here with."

The girl laughed again. She was an ebony girl, fitting into a lavender dress. Her hair fell to her shoulders. She looked real classy, carrying her clutch and walking with her head up high. Debarge knew he couldn't pass up the opportunity of spitting to her.

"Listen, Debarge, I'm tired. It was nice talking to you but I have to go before I get a parking ticket. Have a nice night."

"Yo' loss." He watched her twist away, then she stopped, turning back around. He knew he had her right then as he cockily smiled. She held out her hand.

"On second thought, why don't you let me give you my number and maybe we can talk sometime during your visit?"

He looked over at Play as he handed her the phone. Play and Debarge watched her enter it before blowing a sensual kiss. She walked away, adding a little more flavor to her walk. They headed down the sidewalk, full of the younger crowd leaving the club.

August had sent him and Play over to Miami, Florida to pick up a package for him. They had almost got into a confrontation with the sender but handled it like men. After business was done, they went to see what Miami had to offer. So far, they were having the best time. Debarge could honestly say that he would consider hanging with Play. He was pretty chill.

"Play, since we been out here, you haven't even broke your neck to look at another girl. Man, I'm taken and I catch myself slipping. What's the real deal?"

"I ain't checking for women." Play replied. Debarge inched away from him.

Play shook his head. "Watch out, I don't do that men-on-men shit. I'm just saying I'm not checking for them. I got somebody back at home. It's getting serious and I just don't want to hurt her."

Debarge nodded, understanding. He liked Bianca a lot but he loved to look, and just be curious. He liked to sometimes test his game out on on other women. Bianca meant a lot to him. Even if he cheated, she was still his main. She had his heart. The other women were just something to do when there was nothing to do.

"It's just an issue. She's like my sister..." Play explained.

Debarge listened then replied, "Look, man, the best things to do in these situations is tell them how you straight up feel. She might get the wrong message from you and think of you as a brother. Don't get put into that category or you gon' regret not speaking up. She might fuck around and go get a different man and tell him you like her big brother."

"You so right, man, I'm telling her the truth as soon as we touchdown in ATL."