Scars. |✔️|

Chapter 37: No One's Fault

Sunday, August 11
Los Angeles, CA
2:43 PM

"Babe, I don't know if I can do this," I sigh, looking out of the window.

"Hey, you'll be okay. Just know that I'm right here," he encourages, squeezing my thigh.

"I know, I've just never been able to talk to her and not get mad. I really want to know why, but for some reason, I can't seem to take it."

"It's not gonna be easy, but you're a strong, intelligent, and beautiful person. Therefore, you can get through this. You've been through hell, and now it's time to get what you deserve. The truth."

"Thank you, James," I say, kissing him.

"No problem. Now remember what I said. Don't fight this woman."

"Remember what I said. No promises."

When I called Imani last night she said she wanted to talk to me as soon as she possibly could. Unfortunately for me, it's the next day. I honestly don't know how I'm gonna react to this whole talking thing. I mean I barely know anything about her, but maybe that's for the best. I'm coming here for answers not to build a new relationship with her. Now if a relationship happens afterward, then it is what it is.

As we get out of the car, I admire the stunning house in front of me. How the hell she can afford this as a waitress is beyond me. We walk up the stairs onto the patio, but before I can even ring the doorbell, she swings the door open and smiles wide.

"Aaliyah, I'm so happy you called! How are you?"

"Fine," I answer shortly.

"Good, and you must be the infamous James," she greets, reaching her hand out to him.

"Um, yeah. That's me." he says, accepting her hand and shaking it firmly.

"Nice to meet you. Please come in. I know it's hot outside."

I squeeze James's hand while we walk into this big ass house. On the walls there are pictures of her with some man and Jasmine. One of the pictures is of her and Jasmine kissing each of the man's cheeks. I have to admit that the pictures make me feel some kind of way. I just feel like that should've been me. Or at least I should've been there.

"Would you guys like-"

"Look Imani, I'm not here for small talk. I came for answers so I can finally go on with my life without this heavy ass weight on my shoulders."

"Of course. I understand. We can talk in here," she sighs, leading me into what I'm guessing is the living room.

"Is there somewhere specific you want me to go?" James asks.

"Um, my husband, Marcus, is watching the football game in the other room. You can go in there if you'd like or you can stay. Whatever you want."

"I'll give you some privacy," he says, kissing my forehead.

I sigh as he starts to walk away. I gently pull him back, realizing that the conversation I am about to have could end in so many different ways. And I'm not ready. He kisses me and pulls me into a hug.

"I love you. And I'm here," he whispers in my ear.

With that, he lets go and walks away leaving me and Imani in the room alone. Well here we go. Now or never, right?

"So, what do want to know about first?" she asks softly.

"I honestly don't know. There's so many questions that I need to ask you."