Page 60 of Intentional Foul
Thank you. Shop on me.
It’s been a week, and I can’t find my Music Note. She ghosted me and cleaned out her condo. Ivey’s been tracking her credit cards and cell phone but got nothing. Jhae may appear light and funny, but she is a survivor. She tapped into those skills, and I fucking lost my Music Note after having her in my hands. Jhae caught me in a moment of weakness and blindsided me.
Sitting on the side of my bed, rage fueled me because I couldn’t think my way out of this one. She didn’t have any family, and I checked the familiar places, including Tyrus and Moe. Both swore they didn’t know where she was, but I didn’t trust Moe’s big ass. Ivey hacked his shit, but she didn’t see Jhae’s number.
“Bro, you got to leave this room. We gon’ find her. Jhae is going to slip up,” Marquise said, but I was distraught.
I couldn’t eat or sleep without knowing the location of my woman.
“Listen, I called Pops because you are tripping, Malcolm. You haven’t washed your ass in six days,” Marquise said as he stood in the doorway.
“Son!”
Pops’ voice echoed from downstairs, and I covered my head. If he didn’t know where the fuck my Music Note was, I didn’t want to hear no positive talk.
“Cover your nose, he’s in here,” Marquise said.
When my side of the bed dipped down, I knew Pops was resting at the end of it.
“Malcolm, she got you down bad. What’s going on?” he asked. “Open some curtains and what is that smell,” Pops said.
The light hit the comforter, but I kept my face shielded.
“That smell is your son’s nuts. He ain’t showered in six days,” Marquise said but I dismissed him.
“Shit, Son, is it Music Note? Did y’all break up or something,” he asked but I couldn’t answer.
“Y’all can keep this love shit. Look at him, weak and musty,” Marquise said, and Pops chuckled.
“Your turn is coming. I hope she walks your ass,” Pops said to Marquise before turning his attention to me.
“Malcolm, man, let’s start with a shower. I have some friends I could call for a favor to see if we can find Music Note. What is her real name?” he asked.
He shook my leg, but I didn’t move. While he was joking with Marquise, my heart was bleeding out and my abandonment issues were resurfacing. I told Jhae I loved her, and she still ran from me. Somewhere in this process, I miscalculated or underestimated the bond she shared with mom. How could I trust her during the season if she ran at the first opportunity? I might need to get her pregnant or get her an ankle monitor.
“Shit! It smells like old shoes in here,” Pops said.
Unlike my brother, when I’m depressed, I shut down. My mind goes down a winding, empty, bottomless pit. Until I find a solution to the problem, I can’t get myself out of quicksand. I’ve replayed the day and didn’t pick up any signs. Seeing Mom spooked her, but she returned to her normal self. We snuggled the night before and kissed before I left for the team meeting. I thought maybe she was coming around. I’ll cuff her ass to me next time to prevent this from happening again.
“Is she still afraid of your mother? Niecy’s bark is bigger than her bite. I’m not saying she won’t bite, but it’s mainly fluff,” Pops said.
Marquise snickered at Pops’ comment because a few other people would say otherwise. He hadn’t fully experienced her bite.
“We’re talking about my wife, my Niecy,” he said.
“Pops, she goes soft on you,” Marquise said.
“Your mother is harmless,” he countered.
“Why do you still live. . .”
“Alright, I see your point,” Pops interrupted.
Mom not moving into his house when it made better sense, based on location and space, remained our argument. My phone vibrated but I couldn’t convince myself to look at the message.I’d left Jhae text messages, voicemails, and emails, and they all went unanswered. And if Ivey couldn’t find her, who could?
“Malcolm, it’s Music Note,” Pops voiced, and I reached my hand from under the blanket.
“Thank God, because I’m sick of this shit,” Marquise said.
