Trouble in Paradise

Chapter 7: Amiyah

The color drained from my father's face, his facial expression as if he seen a ghost.

"Who is she, Jayceon?" my mom asked walking closer, shoving the phone in his face.

Unfazed, looking at the phone he simply answered "A recording artist." then he walked up the stairs.

"Seems like more than just another recording artist to me!" she continued, walking right on his heels. The arguing continued in the room. These walls are thin as hell.

"Why in the hell is she texting you she miss you? Why you can't fucking keep your dick in your pants?! I'm so tired of these hoes, Jayceon. I'm tired!" the hurt and weariness exuded from her strained voice.

"I'm not fucking her, man. Gone on with all that."

No longer wanting to hear the foolishness, I walked to my escape: my Barbie Dream House. When I was five years old I wanted one so Daddy made it happen. Pink with aqua trimming, it resembled the one you will buy from ToysRUs. It was recently renovated so my big ass can continue to fit.

Crawling inside, I stood and walked towards the fridge. Grabbing a Mango Carrot Mystic and a pack of Scooby snacks, I collapsed onto the beanbag. After getting comfortable, I put on my 'In my feelings' music on my iPad. Fool of Me by Me'Shell NdegéOcello played.

I remember when you filled
my heart...with joy.
Was I blind to the truth?
Just there to fill a space cause
now, you have no interest in
anything that I have to say.
I've allowed you to make me feel,
I feel so dumb. What kind of fool am I?
You so easily, set me aside.
You made a fool of me, tell my why?
You say that you don't care
but we made love. Tell me why?
You made a fool of me,
You made a fool of me.

I cried my heart out. Next month we would make a year and throughout these past 11 months I put up with all his bullshit. When people would come up to me telling me how he ain't shit and how he's no good, I ignored it because he was my mine through thick and thin. Everyday I looked forward to seeing his gorgeous dimpled smile and hearing the voice that would send sensations throughout my body.

He really hurt me, though. I was there for him, even when I should've left. I always took him back, giving him an ample amount of chances to prove to me he can change; he remained the same despite his words-- his actions never followed up. But I loved Khambrel Washington, I still do. It's obvious though, love just ain't enough.

'No matter what you say or what you do. When I'm alone, I'd rather be with you. Fuck these other niggas, I'll be right by your side til' 3005, hol' up!'  Knowing who was calling me, I answered with an attitude.

"What?!"

"I'm outside" the line went dead before I can even protest. I'm not moving, fuck him.

I guess my parents told him where I was because he was crawling into my haven minutes later.

I sighed once he stood "What do you want, Khambrel?"

"Yah Yah, I'm sorry."

"Oh, what's new? You always sorry! If I hear that word again I might slap the shit out of you. You ruined what we had, the foundation and trust. I've never stepped out on you or mistreated you, even when opportunities are at arms reach. I remained loyal to your cat ass."

"Cat?" he asked confused.

"Yes, cat nigga. Cats aren't loyal like dogs so you don't deserve to be called one." I rolled my eyes.

"Yah Yah, give me a chance to show you that I'm sorry, I know that I hurt you--"

I rushed him and pointed my finger in his face. "If you knew that you would hurt me, why would you do it in the first place? You cut me deep, Khambrel. Deep!" 

"I love you, just give me another chance." he pleaded, gripping my waist.

I cackled "You love me? You see the way you treat me, you think that's love? Fucking and talking to other girls while you're supposed to be in a 'monogamous' relationship, you call that love? Wow, I actually thought more of you, Khambrel. But this...this is not love. I love you but you don't love me. You've made that more than obvious a long time ago." I tried to get out of his grip but he held on tighter.

"I do love you, it's just.. it's just" he stuttered.

"It's just what?" He was getting on my nerves now.

"I don't know how to show you." He lowered his head and continued.

"I love you, Amiyah. Believe me when I tell you, I do. I just don't know how to express what I feel. You witnessed how my pops treat my moms, that man can't love to save his life. It's like I'm following in his footsteps and I don't want to. My mom is miserable and yet she stays. I don't want my wife to be unhappy, I want her to feel loved while she's giving love. I want her to feel like the only girl in the world. I know you don't want to hear it but I'm sorry Yah Yah, for real." he sniffled.

I lifted his head up and was shocked to see tears cascading down his cheeks. Using my thumb I wiped his tears as some were forming in my own eyes.

"I love you, Amiyah Lianna Washington. I just need you to show me how." he released more tears and mines finally fell.

I smirked "Last time I checked my last name was King."

"You know you my wife, girl. Act like you know."

"Whatever, I love you too, Khambrel Washington." he leaned down and took my lips into his, kissing me with passion.

I broke the kiss because I was starting to get hot and I refused to let him get the cookie so easily.

"Let's go in the house, I'm hungry." I said already on my way to crawl out the door. He didn't speak, he just followed.

Once in the main house, I warmed up Shrimp Pasta from earlier and we ate in silence. When we were done he washed the dishes and we headed up to my room to retire for the night. I left my room door open because that was the rule when a boy was in the room: No closed doors. Changed into my night clothes, I snuggled against him and drifted to sleep.

Arguing woke me up. I looked at the clock, it read 9:10 am. This early?!  Throwing the covers and Khambrel's arm from off of me, I got up and peeked out my door. There they was, engaged in a heated quarrel. 

"This Christie bitch is really about to have your ass divorced." she mushed him.

"Don't put your hands on me." he warned through gritted teeth.

"Or what you gone hit me?! I hate you! I've been nothing but good to you and this how you repay me? By cheating on me?! Fuck you." She slapped him.

Snapping, he slapped her back forcefully and pushed her into the wall. Picture frames shattered onto the floor. I ran down the stairs as they began tussling.

"STOOOPPP!!!! KHAMBREL, COME HELP ME!" I screamed.

I pulled out my phone to call 911 as Khambrel came down the stairs to break up the fight.

"911? Yes, I need help--" that got my father's attention. He stopped fighting my mother, snatched my phone and threw it across the room. I cowered in fear. He must've sensed it because he stepped back, and ran out the door. His screeching tires could be heard as he sped away from the house.

My heart ached as I crawled to my mother and touched her swollen face. Khambrel came to us, I stood up and we helped her to the couch.

Police sirens could be heard in the distance.