Page 94 of Intentional Foul
“I ruined your family and I know Anissa hates me. I’m so...so...sorry,” I stammered between tears.
Malcolm kissed my forehead. “No, baby, you didn’t ruin my family. I went to Mom and everything is understood. She is going to fix the brand deals. I know in time you two will be friends again. Healing takes time,” he said, but I didn’t believe him.
“Look at me, Jhae,” he demanded, and I obeyed. “This is the hard part, but we are going to get through it. We are going to be a better family, but I need you to be strong for me, baby,” he said and I cried more.
I’m grateful Malcolm’s schedule allowed him to be home the last five days. He did everything for me, including bathing and feeding. Listening to Anissa’s vile words and witnessing the arguments between the family ripped me apart. Wild thoughts plagued me, and constant tears poured out of my body. This morning before Malcolm left, he placed my phone beside me, and I promised him I would get out of bed.
Sitting up, I scrolled through my phone calls and emails. Tyrus needed me to approve so many things it made my head hurt.
At the moment, I was too weak to respond, but I stored the information. The sound of the doorbell echoed in the room. I snatched back the blanket and traveled into the living room. On my tiptoes, I peeked in the hole to see Anissa. I stepped back to brace myself for the restricted air and dizziness, but nothing happened. My palms didn’t sweat. Stepping backward, I unlocked the door, opening it. We stared at each other but said nothing for several seconds.
“Hi, Jhae, can I come in?” Anissa said.
I stepped to the side, allowing her to enter the living room, shutting the door behind her. Anissa landed on the couch as I sat on the loveseat.
“I owe you a list of apologies. I was out of line accusing you of being a groomer, suggesting you were a bitch and trying to physically attack you. I’m also sorry for being a terrible parent. Malcolm’s behavior was not okay in any sense of the word. He came over and came clean about his part in pursuing you, but I’m hurt. Jhae, you should have come to me,” she said.
I could tell by the bewildered expression on her face she was still coming to terms with things. Malcolm pulled a number on both of us.
“You’re right, but I was selfish; I wanted you both. Anissa, I owe you, my career. I would’ve been homeless in L.A. and broke after I ran through my savings, but I love Malcolm. He gives me love and cares for me better than I could care for myself. The same way Khalil loves you and Aysom loves Nia.”
She sat back and exhaled a hard breath, resting her hands in her lap.
“The friend within me is happy you found someone to love you. I want everyone to have the love I have without the crazy antics. Jhae, you deserve it. However, the motherly parts of me are struggling. Malcolm is my son, and you were, or are my best friend,” she admitted.
I could see the unrest on her face.
“Where do we go from here? Call me naïve, but I want my friendship with you. We are legally a family,” I said, and Anissa smirked.
“Jhae, we can’t ever be those friends again because our roles have changed. You are my daughter-in-law, but it doesn’t mean we have to be enemies, either.”
I migrated next to her, squeezing her hand. We sat in silence and cried, grieving a friendship that served us both.
“I’m going to need some time, but hold a spot for me in your life,” Anissa said, patting my hand.
“That’s fair, but don’t make me get Malcolm on you,” I said, and we both laughed.
“By the way, I got your brand deals back with better terms,” she said.
As Anissa stood to leave, I knew we would never be the same. A future was uncertain. It was shaky at best, but I could be hopeful.
Epilogue
Steal and Score
Anissa
Isat in the suites alone and watched Jhae and Malcolm exchange a kiss before the All-Star game tip off. This was their third time being selected, and it was bittersweet for me. I’m excited for their thriving careers but this marked year one of Malcolm’s marriage. These last few months have been eye opening. The holidays were awkward with us tiptoeing around who was going where.
When the door behind me slammed, I knew who it was without confirmation.
“Malcolm called you?” I said.
“Yea, he texted, but I was coming anyway. I figured you needed the support,” India said as she secured the seat next to me.
Per usual, she wore her signature ponytail and all white attire. She looped her arm into mine as we watched the West Coast starters run on the court.
“Words of wisdom?” I asked.
