Til Death Do Us Part (BOOK TWO)

Chapter 9

That weekend Nicole and Asia went to the nail salon.

"This is good right?", Asia asked as they were getting their toes down.

Nicole nods.

"So, how was school this week?", Asia asked.

"Boring", she said.

"Boring? Nicole education can get you a lot of places in life", said Asia. "Speaking of life.. have you ever thought about life after high school? What you want to do?"

"I was thinking about doing hair", Nicole said.

Asia nodded. "That doesn't sound bad. You can even open up your own shop", Asia said.

"Yea. That's what I was thinking", Nicole said.

Asia looks down at the person doing her toes to see how they look so far.

"Mom?", Nicole asked.

"Yes?", Asia answered.

"Are you going to forgive dad?", Nicole asked.

Asia got quiet. "Let's not talk about that right now", Asia said.

Nicole looked at her.

Asia looked at her. "What?", Asia asked.

"Nothing", She said.

"No.. what?", Asia asked.

"Nothing mom", Nicole said.

"...okay", said Asia.

———————————

Later on that day, Asia went to Jayla's house.

"You got a pedicure without me?", Jayla asked.

"Mother daughter time", Asia said. "Speaking of children, when will you have some? When you're 60?"

"Ha ha very funny", Jayla said.

"I'm joking of course.. but for real", Asia said.

"Never", Jayla said.

"Why not?", Asia asked.

"... I can't", Jayla said.

Asia got silent.

"Because of what happened when I was younger", Jayla said.

Asia knew what she was talking about. She was talking about how one of her mom's boyfriends used to rape her. One time he was bad he messed Jayla up inside.

"How come you never told me that?", Asia asked.

"Embarrassing.. upsetting... but now I learned to live with it", Jayla said. "Which is why Mikey went out and had one of his own with somebody else"

Asia walks to Jayla for a hug but Jayla shakes her head.

Asia stops and stands there.

"I'm okay Asia", Jayla said. "Seriously. I'm alright".

"When did this happen?", Asia asked.

"I just found out.. but I don't wanna talk it", Jayla said. "What were you going to say about Josh earlier though? How are y'all?"

"Well.. he has been having this problem that well he didn't talk to me about before. Having nightmares, not being able to sleep... blacking out and hitting me", she said.

"He hit you?", Jayla asked. "He was doing so good before he left"

"I know and in front of the kids, but... being where he was at changed him", Asia said. "I still love him and I know he didn't mean to hit me but.. I don't know what to do? Should I tell him to come home or should we just divorce?"

"Well if the kids saw it then I don't know. Especially Nicole... coming from experience of seeing my mom being cheated on many times and still taking that person back it was like she was teaching me its okay to take back the person who did you wrong... so having Josh back in the house is like telling Nicole it's okay for a man to put his hands on her", Jayla said.

Asia sighs.

"I mean she may not look at it that way.. who knows", Jayla said. "But at the same time, Josh needs help he can either get that from you but if it's too much to handle maybe try a professional"

"I'm just scared, you know. It's like the time he first put if hands on me but worst. He had this look in his eyes and I didn't like it... I don't want it to happen again", said Asia.

"It's your decision. I'm the last one to give relationship advice to. I stayed with a man for so long who didn't love me like I thought he did", said Jayla.

"Jayla dont do that", said Asia.

"It's true but I can't be mad. God sent me all these signs in high school. I didn't listen", Jayla said. "I just wanted to be loved so bad"

Asia was silent for a moment. "Where is he now?", Asia asked.

"With one of his friends.. or maybe that bitch house. I don't know", Jayla said. "He isn't allowed here"

Asia nods.

Suddenly Asia get a phone call and it's Nicole.

"Jayla call me if you need me okay? I should head out", Asia said. "Told Nicole earlier I would get her some dinner. She at her friend's house. Thats her calling now"

"Okay Asia", Jayla said. "Goodnight"

"Goodnight", Asia said as she walked out and answer the phone. "Hello?", asked Asia.

"Mom, can you come and get me?", Nicole said as if sounded like she was crying.

"Baby what's wrong?," Asia asked.

"Mama just come please", Nicole said

"Okay I'm coming", Asia said. "But Nicole you can tel me anything sweetie you know that"

"I don't wanna talk about it okay!", She yelled before she hung up.

Asia was silent. She knew in Nicole's voice that something was wrong. Asia got in the car and drove to Nicole's friend house. When Asia pulled up, Nicole was outside, sitting on the side walk. Nicole got up and got in the car. She was shaking and leg kept jumping as she looked out the window.

"Nicole what happened?", Asia asked.

Nicole was silent.

"...okay.. just tell me when you're ready", Asia said as she started to drive.

TO BE CONTINUED...