The Family Reunion Part 2

Heated Conversation

I found myself waking up that next morning to more than just sunrise…I was a nervous wreck. I sat in front my mirror and gently ran the brush through my hair. My eyes ached, my head was pounding, and what's worse, I was absolutely terrified to speak to the man I once loved. Different scenarios of how this conversation was going to go kept pouring into my head. What would we say to each other? How will he react now that he realizes my innocence? Does he even believe I'm innocent? I didn't know any answers to these questions, but I was sure to find out.

I slipped into a form fitting Dallas Cowboys jersey dress with a pair of white tennis shoes and a white headband. Bill agreed to watch Aaliyah for me while I "stepped out" for a bit. He almost didn't seem convinced about where I said I was going but I didn't blame him. I wasn't very talkative that morning and I barley ate my breakfast. On top of that I never looked him directly in the eye. I felt as though he could read me like the front page of a newspaper. He gladly allowed me to borrow one of his cars so I could get to my destination quicker.

On my way downtown, I kept wondering if I was making the right decision to go and meet Mark. I missed him dearly but I didn't want to get into another argument with him. When I pulled up in front of the karaoke bar, I felt my stomach tie into knots. He was standing outside of it holding yet another bouquet of flowers. I looked around to make sure there was no sign of my enemies before getting out the car. When he saw me approaching him a soft smirk formed on his face. I walked up to him slowly until we were face to face.

"Hey," he said.

"Hello." I responded.

He stepped closer to me and handed me the flowers, "Here, these are for you."

I chuckled, "Thanks, at this rate I don't think I'll have enough room for more flowers."

He smiled and then pulled out his car keys. "Come on, let's go."

"Where are we going?" I asked.

"Back to my place. I don't want any risks of someone seeing you." He told me as he gently grabbed my arm and tugged me towards his truck. "Where is Aaliyah?"

"She's still with Bill…why?" I asked.

"Just asking." He said as he opened my door for me. "You really should be careful around him."

"Why? He's been nothing but nice to me….unlike some people."

He sighed and shut my door before heading to his side of the truck. I wasn't sure why he was so surprised at my attitude. After all….he was the one who acted like an ass. When he got in the truck he started it and then glanced at me.

"Look Carmen, I'm sorry for everything ok? But how did you expect me to believe you after everything you went through with your family before?" he said as he put the truck in reverse.

I laid the flowers on my lap and stared at him, "Mark how many times are you going to throw that damn lie in my face? It got out and I pay for it every single day!"

He sighed and stepped on the gas, heading towards his house. "Yeah? Well then you can't blame anyone but yourself for how your life is going. Sure I don't think it's right for people to do horrible things to you but do you seriously blame them?"

I gasped, "Are you really trying to justify my uncle and Rocky's behavior!"

"No Carmen, but I am saying that everything that's happened to you shouldn't surprise you."