Page 28 of Jagged Edges

“Hi,” I returned in a light whisper, afraid that I’d be too loud if I didn’t.

There was a brief silence before I added, “You left me.”

“But, not for long. Are you just waking? Has Melonie come?”

“Yes and yes.”

“Did you get my note?”

“I got it. Nice penmanship.”

“I wrote it over three times,” he chuckled.

“Figures,” I returned. “I feel like I miss you, again.”

“Then, come to the door,” he rushed out, “Because I missed you, too.”

“I don’t have on clothes.”

“Throw on a robe and come here.”

“Ok,” I replied, tossing the robe over my shoulders and ending the call.

On the way to the common area, I thought of a good enough excuse as to why I was leaving out in a robe to give Melonie. The closer I got, the more my anxiety revealed itself. By the time I made it past the common area and toward the balcony, I noticed she was leaning over the rail enthralled in the phone conversation she was having. Thankful, I continued toward the door, opening it gently so that Melonie wouldn’t be aware of my departure.

Fuzziness covered my skin as the premature hairs stood tall at the sight of the dark, handsome man before me that looked like he bathed in shea butter. His closeness was heartening. Before I was able to secure the door behind me, I felt his lips on mine - pulling me in his direction.

“Come ‘er,” he sounded like a lost puppy as he begged.

“What are you doing back, Bello?” I whispered.

“I forgot to give you this last night,” he shrugged, stepping back and eyeing me from my head to my toe, “You’re even better fresh out of bed.”

“Bello, please,” I hushed him, “What did you forget to give me?”

He pulled a gold diamond rope from the pocket of his black denim and dangled it in the air. My eyes adjusted to the beautiful piece of jewelry, admiring it from a distance. It was dainty and simple, just as I preferred it, but there was no doubt in my mind that he’d spent more than necessary on it.

“I love it,” I disclosed, hand on my chest as I marveled at his thoughtfulness.

“I figured you would. It felt so…you.” Bello shrugged. “Give me your wrist. Let me put it on you.”

“Bello, Melonie is going to wonder where I got such an expensive piece of jewelry. I don’t think it’s such a good idea.”

“Maybe if you told her now then it wouldn’t be so hard to later,” he tossed in, but I wasn’t hearing it.

“I’m not ready. I feel like I’ll disappoint her. Melonie is the best part of my world, Bello. I don’t think you understand.”

“And, I don’t think you know Melonie well enough, because she will understand, baby. You can’t decide for her. By leaving her out of the loop, that’s exactly what you’re doing.”

“I’m just not ready,” I reaffirmed.

“It’s your world, love. But, the minute she’s out of sight, I want to see this on you.”

“I promise you will.”

“Good. I’ve got business to handle while you’re out. Spare no expense. I’ll see you tonight at eight.”

With a final peck on the lips, he was gone and I was sad again. I returned to the bathroom undetected. Melonie was too enthralled with whoever she was on the phone with.

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