Page 50 of Jagged Edges

“I said I had a surprise for you. Would you rather wait or rather I ruin it answering your question?”

“Ruin it, honestly, because what are we doing here?”

Bello didn’t answer my question, choosing to keep his secret and leave me in the dark. When we pulled into the driveway, my heart swelled for Melonie. There was a brand new, cream Volkswagen Touareg with a red bow plastered on top. She was leaning against the front with a hoodie and a coat on. Her hoodwas snug on her head and her coat was buttoned to the very top. We pulled up beside her with me wondering exactly how she’d respond to my presence. But, when our eyes met and that smile started to form on her lips, I jumped out of Bello’s car, immediately.

“Babe!” Melonie screamed, running towards me and not stopping until our bodies crashed into one another.

“I’ve missed you so much, friend!” Tears trickled down my cheeks as I cried in her arms.

“Not as much as I missed you. I’m so sorry, Brisk. I’ve been so mean. I’ve been such a horrible friend to you.”

“No. I was a horrible friend to you!” I returned.

“You were a girl in love, not a horrible friend. It was me who was awful!” Melonie wiped the tears from my eyes as I did the same for her, “I just felt betrayed and not because you were with uncle Bello. It was because I’ve waited for the day that someone makes you happy. I wanted to share that moment with you.

“Talk about losing your... you know what and stay up late fantasizing about your future even if it didn’t work out with the guy. You stole that from me, Brisk, and it has taken so much for me to get over that. I’m still not, but I’d rather not miss out on any more memories or any new beginnings because of it. I just miss you and want you back in my life. This heartbreak is worse than anything I’ve ever experienced.”

“I’m sorry I kept things from you,” I reiterated.

“I’m sorry I made you feel like you had to because you don’t. My uncle is fine, so I don’t blame you, babe,” Melonie finished with a chuckle just as Bello stepped out of the car, “Now, let’s get into this new ride he’s gotten you so that we can go fill up this trunk with the money that he owes us both for our time apart!”

“Wait. I thought this was yours?”

“Na. It’s yours but he got me something nice, too. I settled for a new Beetle. It’s sick, too. It’s in the paint shop. I want it candy apple red, baby, with a new set of rims!”

“Of course,” I let out, knowing it was just like Melonie wanting the works.

Bello exited the car just as we finished checking out my new truck. Understandably, he’d given us a moment to ourselves. It was much needed and I was so happy that he hadn’t interfered. When she stepped out, he wasn’t empty-handed. He handed both Melonie and I separated stakes of one hundred dollar bills that were held together with rubber bands and plastic sealing to minimize the space they occupied.

“Cry babies!” He shook his head.

“Whatever!” Melonie tossed back. “We’re about to head to the shops in this new ride. I’d ask if there’s anything you want, but I don’t plan on bringing you anything back and I won’t let Brisk bring you anything either.”

“It’s cool. Brisk already gave me my gift this morning,” Bello teased, tilting his head as he made both Melonie and I cringe.

“UGH!”

“Bello!” I grew red in the face, “Melonie. Can we go inside really quick before we leave? I have something I need to show you.”

“That’s just nasty and yes. Come on. I need to grab a backpack, anyway. This won’t fit in my little purse.” She spoke of the money in her hand.

When we got inside, we headed straight for Melonie’s room. Once the door was closed and the coast was clear, the nerves kicked in. I wasn’t sure how to say what I needed to, so I just went for it.

“I haven’t had my period,” shot out of me before I could change my mind.

Melonie’s eyes bulged as a faint smile started at her lips, “Since when?”

“Since forever. I haven’t had a period since I lost my virginity. My last one was two or three weeks before that.”

“And, when did you lose your virginity,” she asked, killing me at the core.

She had no idea of any of this. Timeframes, timelines, nothing. The thought alone broke my heart for her. I almost didn’t want to answer the question, but I was done keeping secrets from her.

“The day after my birthday,” I admitted, gnawing at the inside of my jaw.

“Oh, babe. Come on.”

Melonie ushered me to the bathroom in her bedroom. She searched underneath the cabinet until she found a pregnancy test box. It was unopened with two tests inside. I chuckled, not even wanting to know why she had them, but having to ask.

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