Page 2 of Cove City: Volume II
I closed the letter and put it back in the envelope. Since he and I broke up, the days and nights had become one. I had dived deeper into my studies as I tried forgetting him, but how could you forget your first love? I took a deep breath, looked into themirror, and placed the cap on my head. “You are the prize,” I whispered.
I stood from the chair and admired myself in my cap and gown. The sounds of my mother’s awes made me turn around. “Let me get a picture.”
A forced smile eased onto my face. I was happy I had made it this far, but I was sad that Naheem had found someone new. I glanced over at my sister and studied her carefully. Her eyes slowly closed as her body tilted slightly, almost like an upside-down L. She was high. No matter how hard she tried to play it off, it was apparent she was using drugs. Naheem was right. His letter did carry some truth. It also confirmed that our season was over, and the love I thought I would have for the rest of my life was now somebody else’s. I glanced up at my mother’s old camera, brightening my smile. “Class of '89!” I shouted.
Snap!
It was time I thought about myself, and any memories of Naheem would be stored in a safe place in my mind.
October 1989
Bunny,
My sweet Bunny, I have written to you but have not heard back. Am I deserving of suchpunishment?I thought you and I were better than that. I know it was I who walked away from you, but I washurt.You wouldn’t accept my hand in marriage, something we had talked about so many times.I was stepping up, trying to be the man I thought you wanted me to be.
I’m not upset that you chose your career over me, but not to compromise in a relationship with something we’d both agreed on is not fair. You wanted me to beg more?Callmore? How could I do that with abroken heart?
Bunny, I could say so many things about us, but I know it’s something you don’t want to hear. I still care about your well-being, I’ve always cared. If you need anything, I don’t care what it is; please don’t hesitate to ask. I hope you will call me soon. Let’s not let our season die.
I hope you’re safe because it’s awarout there, a war amongst those who once used to be friends. I know you're easily intrigued, but stay out of the way.
Remember to send the letters to Ishmael. I’m getting a place soon, and then you can send letters there.
Sincerely,
Naheem
After working at Cove City Press for over twenty years, today was the first day I had decided to take off. Pierre had called nonstop, begging me to reach out to Tuesday, and Tuesday was in a moment of do not disturb. My kids had worn me down over the years with their requests for the unthinkable, and somehow, I had always been able to pull through, but today I was tired.
I warned Pierre to treat this situation with caution, and if I had to guess, it was ruined by the one person who was able to pull the wool over his eyes each time, Quinton. He was always troubled. I tried warning my sister when she had him that if she didn’t get the help she needed and take care of him like she was supposed to, he would venture off to the unknown and hell, he had, in fact, ventured beyond that. I tried being there for him, but from his lies to stealing from me, I couldn’t do it.
The steam from my coffee cup lingered in the air as I came out of the kitchen. There was a knock at my door that startled me. I wasn’t sure who it could have been, because Pierre was home and Paige had to return to campus for the summer. I set my cup down, tightened my robe and shuffled quickly to the door.When I glanced out of the peephole, it didn’t surprise me. I knew that it wouldn’t be long before he showed up at my door. Before opening it, I took a glance in the mirror and fluffed my hair.
That white, debonair smile greeted. “Bunny,” he muttered.
“Nook,” I replied.
He unbuttoned his suit jacket swiftly, placing his hand in his pocket. Naheem glanced over my shoulder before his eyes landed back on me. “May I?” he politely asked.
I thought about closing the door in his face, but became curious about the reason for this pleasant surprise. I stepped back and allowed him to come inside. I watched as his eyes landed on every family photo I had on the walls. He eyed my children, my ex-husband, and me. Envy rested on his face, and as bad as I wanted to tell him he shouldn’t be, I thought about how I felt at one point. Envious of the infamous Angela. The woman who stole his heart and held him hostage just because she could.
Naheem continued to stroll around my home as if he had been waiting decades to visit the secret world of Best. Like clues would appear, and all he had to do was put the pieces together to solve the puzzle, winning me as the grand prize. He spun in my direction, “Nice home.”
“It took years to get it as loving as I would like it. Why are you here?”
I wanted to get to the point because Naheem knew how to sway you. To use that charming feature and his gift of gab to reel you in. I didn’t want to be hooked like a fish. I’ve been there. Done that and didn’t want to go back to a man whose evil supersedes his intelligence. Naheem had become a devil in disguise, and I wasn’t falling for it.
“It’s been ten years since you and I had this type of interaction, Best,” he said.
He held the same look on his face as he did the day he walked away from what we had. “Ten years? That’s it?” I replied sarcastically.
The last interaction he and I had was when the world his father had built ended in death, but was resurrected through the revenge between Grace and Angela.
“I see you're still the same woman whose mouth is slicker than a cat and whose nose is still as open as the sea. I need you to stay out of the way, Best.”
He always hated my mouth but hated that I was able to see right through his bullshit more. He reached out and caressed my face with a touch as soft and gentle as it always had been. “I’ve always loved you. I’ve always—”
I pulled away, “Don’t,” I retorted. “Don’t take yourself down a path that’s going to get you hurt. Naheem, I may not be an Angela but you and I both know who the real bitch is. So, as I asked before, why are you here?”
