Undercover

PART 32

#Undercover 32

1 Year Later

“Why are you crying? What’s wrong?” Nelle asks me. When she asks that, Kehlani and my boss Rachel crowd around. “Nothing. I’m…I’m just nervous as all get out. I’m a complete wreck. Is this cold feet that I’m experiencing?” I ask. “It most definitely is dear but you’ll be fine. You are marrying the love of your life and father of your children today. You two have been stuck together like glue since day one. Your relationship has remained through all the trials you’ve experienced as a couple” Saddiq’s mom, Ms. Yvonne says. “Thank you” I reply. “Now, I know your grandmother isn’t here to see you through this but I remember you telling me this was hers. I made sure to bring it along with me today” Ms. Yvonne says placing Madea’s diamond bracelet on my left wrist. “I bought you this lovely pair of hanging diamond earrings to match. And this was my mother’s” she says placing a blue hairpiece in the side bun I have styled for the wedding. Now you have something old, something new, and something blue. You’re ready to go, dear” she says. I hug her as tightly as I can. I don’t think I could have asked for better in-laws. They stand around me in their deep fuchsia colored bridesmaids gowns and make sure that I’m ready for my walk down the aisle. They step back and say “You’re beautiful” in unison.

They all step out to take their places for the wedding. I linger behind until the door are closed to the sanctuary so that I can come out. As I head out of the dressing area, I see Paul. “Are you lost?” I ask him jokingly. “No, I just stepped in and didn’t want to ruin the wedding. They told me about a side entrance I could take. That’s where I’m headed” he says. “Great. Hey, thanks for coming today. I appreciate it” I tell him as I look back to check myself one last time. “You look beautiful. Saddiq is a very lucky man, Monica” Paul replies. “Are you ok?” I ask. “No, I’m not. I realized that I messed up when I let you slip through my fingers that night. That’s my fault. I acted in a childish manner and now I’m paying for it. I was in love with you, Monica. I still am…” Paul says but I cut him short. “No. You had every opportunity prior to now to get this off of your chest. You will not do this here. Not on my wedding day. No, sir” I tell him as I make my exit.

My palms are sweaty as shit as Saddiq takes my hands in his. The pastor is talking but I don’t have a clue what he’s saying. My heart is pounding so loud that I can’t hear anything else. “Monica, so what’s it gonna be?” the pastor says interrupting my thoughts. “Huh? Oh, I’m sorry! Yes, I do!” I squeal. The pastor pronounces us husband and wife and we take our first walk as husband and wife. We make our way to the reception hall and the DJ announces that we’re about to have our first dance. “I thought you were gonna run out on me for a second. You good? You’re weren’t having second thoughts were you?” Saddiq asks as we dance to our favorite slow jam. “Of course not! It just finally sunk in that this was finally happening. I wanted nothing more than to be your wife” I tell him as we kiss. As I say my goodbyes to everyone “Where’s Nelle?” I ask Kehlani. “Oh, I think she took Taryn to the restroom. She should be right back” Kehlani responds. “Ok. Maybe I’ll see her once I get home. Night” I say to Kehlani as we head out.

“I’ve got the kids. I’m even taking Taryn tonight. I thought I’d give Nelle a break. She looks like she could use one. You two go home and rest. You’ve got a long flight ahead of you tomorrow. Call me if you need me” Yvonne says leaving with Malaki and Jr. We stand at the door and wave bye. “Damn, the light out back is on. Maybe Nelle did get here before I did” I say to Saddiq as we lock the house up before heading up to do God knows what on top of the brand new bedding set I just bought. “Damn, how’d the floaty get it he pool” I mumble to myself as I head out on the back deck.

“Ahhhhh” I scream at a high pitch. I walk slowly to the pool. “What? What is it?” Saddiq says running out to meet me. He jumps to grab the body that’s face down, floating in our family pool. Maybe it’s some random person who wandered back here. “Mo, call 911” he says wading through the water. I run inside to the house and grab the cordless phone from the kitchen counter. I run back out and he’s coming out of the pool.

“No no no no no!! Nooooo!!!” I yell as I watch Saddiq carry Nelle’s unresponsive body out of the pool.