Page 6 of Impacted by Love

Jarielle Stoddard and I have been friends since we were knee-high to a grasshopper. We have had maybe five or six fights throughout our friendship, which is almost unheard of. Many don't have this type of connection with another woman like we do, and I value every minute of our relationship. Jarielle and I have been able to stand the test of time, giving us a sisterly bond that I treasure more than she knows.

"Hang on, I have Necia on the other line," I say before merging the calls. "Alright, Necia, we're all here."

"Hey, Necia," Jarielle greets.

"Mhm. Let's save the pleasantries for the exit portion of our call. What's your calendar looking like? It's time for us to get away," Necia asks.

"Ooh.. Brent and I are trying to sync schedules to finally go on our honeymoon," Jarielle informs us.

Jarielle and her husband, Brent, got married two years ago but haven't been able to celebrate their nuptials. Brent works in aviation, and his demanding job doesn't allow much free time, while Jarielle works at Ribax News as a journalist, leaving her with equally limited time because there's always something to report on around the city.

"Baby, I can't wait for me to have a man or husband to have that problem with," I say.

"Oh trust, I can wait because I love my me time, the empty right side of the bed reserved for my legs, and my comfort with not being a part of awe," Necia counters.

"You don't know what you're missing, friend. Having a warm body to?—"

"Tuh. Getting the opportunity to have a warm body next to me hasn't ever been a problem for me. I struggle with his need to stay beyond the hours of fulfillment," Necia says, cutting Jarielle off.

"Well, be that as it may, I'm excited for the day God sends my Boaz because living single isn't for the faint at heart at our age. Not to mention my biological clock, whose knocks at my womb have me wondering if my eggs are turning from sunny side up to hard-boiled," I interject.

"See, Jarielle, had you not made this ho a maid of honor, she wouldn't be over there talking like life is ending. Ugh," Necia teases.

"Yeah, she would have because Onesti has been dreaming about getting married since Tasha and Landon's wedding when we were seven," Jarielle says, causing me to laugh at the memory.

"Girl. You had your Barbie embarking on the best fairytale wedding that had me wanting to knock Tasha's bun loose," I say, laughing.

Tasha and Landon were Jarielle's black version of Barbie and Ken. The two of us stayed playing house with our dolls as if we had a clue about what we were doing or knew the concept of marriage at our young ages.

"Wow. Talking about a plastic doll incapable of defending itself is diabolical, friend," Necia says, laughing.

"Hm. We have all sinned and fallen short of God's goodness, girl. We listen and don't judge," I say.

Beep.Beep.

"Hold on, Dominic. I have another call coming in," I say when fast chirps sound in my ear.

Since my day didn't contain much of anything, I took advantage of the opportunity to work from my home office instead of going into the office. Prior to the line beeping, Dominic and I had been discussing a few things I had to do over the next week.

"Asaiah Harrison speaking, how may I help you?" I answer the incoming call without checking the caller ID.

"I know who you are. You ain't gotta be all formal with me, son." Dad's booming voice echoes in my ear like he's speaking through a megaphone, instantly tanking my mood.

"My bad. I was in the middle of something and didn't look at my phone before answering. How are you, Dad?"

Attempting to pacify my father is more for his benefit than mine because Andre Harrison has no problem reminding me who he is to me. For a man who has caused their child a childhood full of issues, you would think his aggression would be nonexistent. However, Dad can have a throat full of crack vapor and still find a reason to be offended by me not respecting him. It's absurd since I have gone above and beyond the call of duty to respect my parents. Yet, I digress.

"That's actually why I'm calling. Your mom and I are over here with our stomachs touching our backs. I need you to bring us some food when you finish slaving for the man."

A frown instantly forms, and my forehead wrinkles with my temple pulsing because I put food in their fridge, freezer, and cabinets about a week ago.

"Hold on." Pulling the phone from my ear, I return to my other line without another word. "Let me call you back, Dominic."

"Sure thing, boss," Dominic says.

My nostrils flare, and my blood boils epically when Dominic disconnects, leaving me to return to the call with my father.

"What the fuck are you doing all that panting and shit for?" Dad asks.

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