August's Empathy

Scorned Monet

AUGUST'S EMPATHY

August looked over at Camry, in pure disbelief. "You for real? It's a baby... In there?"

"Yes and yes. I'm not even sure how I feel about this," Camry replied, in an unsure tone.

He smiled. "You about to give me my first born. Man, you should feel amazing because I do. I always wanted a child of my own. I just know that's its in me to be a good daddy. Don't feel like you in 'dis alone because I got you one-hundred percent. We having that baby."

Camry sighed heavily. "But what about school? I can't do that and be a mom. This has always been my dream, August. I know I may sound selfish but I need to finish school before I decide to make the decision of having a baby. I-I don't think I can do this."

He knew it was coming. "Cam, so what you saying? Are you gonna' abort my baby?"

She didn't say anything giving him confirmation. He shook his head in disapproval. "No. I got a say, too. That's my seed you're killing just to go to school. I can be around and watch the baby while you work and stuff. We got Debarge here, too, and he would help out the best he can. Why you trying to do 'dis?"

"Why are you trying to do this? I'm not ready to share my life with someone, OK? A baby is more than just something to show off. It costs, it cries, and it needs certain nourishment. You are out daily and nightly and you're always busy. We aren't even in a comfortable spot in our relationship. I'm arguing with you every day and you're walking out. This is stressful. I'd rather not put our child through that pain. It's best if we just make this decision then try again when things are better."

"Cool, say no mo'." August stood up, knocking the chair back. He swiftly walked out of the kitchen. Camry began to sniffle once she heard their house door slam. She grabbed her phone then text messaged Jay.

I told him. Can you set up the appointment ASAP? Thanks.

Monet bashed her younger sister's head into the wall, pinning her up against the wall as Monique flipped them. She had allowed Monet to get her few hits in but she became angry, and began to punch her sister in her face repeatedly, not missing once. Play was trying to break the two of them up but was unsuccessful. Monique had a deadly grip on Monet and wasn't letting go until she was satisfied, which seemed impossible.

"Get off of me! It's your fault! YOU was the one fucking her in my bed while I worked! How you gon' cheat on me with my sister?! That's foul! And she fucked you back!" Monet kicked Monique in the face, her stiletto busting Monique's lip wide open. Monique licked her lip.

Play grabbed Monet, who dug her nails into his arms, causing him to groan out in pain. He dropped her on the bed then blocked Monique.

"And then you just gon' protect her?! She lied to me, Play, and you did too. I let her trashy ass in my house and gave her something to eat, somewhere to sleep, and clothes to wear. Monique, you are dead to me. You're supposed to be my blood but I guess you can't even trust family."

Monet began to cry. "I thought we were better than that. You was the only person who never judged me for my past mistakes. Keonna bailed out on me and Lyndsey is a hater. I thought that you was the only real female. Lyndsey was right when she said you was a hater, too! I lose my mama and my sister all in one day. I can't believe 'dis shit!"

Play, guilty, took a deep breath. He felt horrible. He knew this was bound to happen. It was just that Monique was irresistible and he couldn't offer Monet what he never had. He didn't know how to love a woman properly, therefore he played with their emotions. He didn't know how to express himself clearly so he could only apologise and beg for her to listen to him.

Monique used the dresser for support, standing up. Monet had put up a good fight but Monique had always been stronger. Still, she looked decent with her busted lip. Play moved away from her and went to cradle Monet, who was crying on the bed.

"I never had nothing to hate on you about! You strip just for the fun and your boyfriend sells drugs out of your home. You might have the money and drive a nice car, but I could never be jealous about that. You act like you aren't worse than me, and how are you going to scold somebody when you're doing the same thing? Monet, you always put a grimy nigga before your family. I hope karma give your punk ass what you deserved a long time ago!!"

"Get the hell out! Go!" she yelled at her sister, pointing towards the door.

She left out without hesitation, walking towards the hallway closet. Her duffle bag and few clothes were packed up, prepared for this day. She grabbed it then walked out of the home. It ended like that? Play got to stay but she had to go? She shook her head before walking off of the porch and beginning to walk down the street.

It was going on midnight and she had nowhere to go. Cars whizzed by her as she treaded through the streets, her arms crossed over her chest. A tear fell down her face. For the first time since her break-up, she began to cry. It felt so good to just let it all out while she walked, catching the attention of strangers.

August's tight grip on his steering wheel caused his anger to rise. He was breathing heavy and nearing eighty miles per hour. The heat spreading throughout his body had caused his right mindset to fly out of the window. Taking a sharp turn on the road, he had to slam down on his brakes, barely missing a girl crossing the street.

She jumped back away from his car. The headlights shone over her trembling body as she rushed away. August had his head pressed against the steering wheel, trying to calm his self down. He had never caught a body like that, and he wasn't trying to kill anyone like that.

Monique ran away from the car. She was rushing away while August got out. And she didn't even know who the man was. All she knew was that he didn't have the right mindset. She ran for at least two blocks, her bags slapping against her side until she stopped near townhomes.

Taking short breaths, she leaned against a pole, hearing a few voices from afar. She looked down at the ground, feeling her nervousness sink into her stomach. She took the bottom of her shirt and then wiped her lip. The blood stained the T-shirt. She winced in pain as she continued to clean her face.

The voices got closer as she settled near the bus stop, adjusting her bag on her shoulder. She looked the other way, while pretending to be occupied on her phone.

"What's up, Monique?" A familiar voice said. She turned her head a little then glanced behind her.

Standing there was Debarge, a shocked look on his face.