Excerpt
Dabbing my nose with tissue to stop the bleeding I headed towards the bathroom upstairs still mad at this entire situation. I can't believe she made me act like a fool. Just then I remembered I left my purse and keys on the porch. Turning around I bumped into Tremel who looked me directly in the eyes, only this time she extended her arms handing me my purse and keys. I was surprised yet dismissed the gesture.
"Thanks." I said in a monotone voice not making eye contact closing the bathroom door behind me.
I looked in the mirror noticing the scratches on my face and neck. I scanned over my arms then ran my fingers across the tattered layers of cotton that used to be my DKNY shirt. I turned the water faucet on then bent down to let the cold water run over my face. Despite the cool water my face still stung from the scratches I suffered through Tremel's long nails. I thought back to high school, and all the fights Tremel had. She never lost, and I guess this time was no different. Just then I heard a very unwanted knock at the door. I let out a slight sigh as I opened the door. Of course it was Tremel. I let her in and didn't say a word. Tremel wet a towel and began to dab at my cuts and scrapes. I was caught of guard but managed to look at her for a moment to see her smile at me.
Damn! I thought to myself not seeing any signs of a scuffle on her body. Finally after she stared at me for a few seconds she spoke.
"You know Angelique, Every since we were young I never really felt complete."
"What do you mean?" I said in a dry tone.
"Angelique, you already know how much I wanted to have a family like yours. But what you didn't know is how much I looked up to you. I wanted so much to be like you. But now I've come to accept that I can only be myself. I'm my own person and I can handle my own. I know you feel like you have to protect me, but you really don't have to. I'll admit that Cedric is wrong for some of the things he's done, but let me worry about that. So I'm asking you please, will you and Jerid let me handle Cedric?" She spoke holding the towel to my nose, with her other hand as she held mine.
Taking the towel from her I replied with a forced smile,
"If you want to continue on with Cedric then I promise to give you the space you want. But Tremel I still feel like he's wrong for you that'll never change. But just promise me that you'll at least call Vince and apologize for Friday, and we'll have a deal?"
"We've got a deal, then! Thanks Angelique. I promise things will be different between us from now on." She said leaving the bathroom closing the door quietly.
I sat on the edge of the white porcelain tub, trying to hold back tears and started to cry. I felt hurt because I knew Tremel was making a mistake in staying with Cedric. But that's Tremel, stubborn and hardheaded and in this case downright stupid. With that I got up rinsed my towel out and went to lay in my parents guest bedroom. Today's event had left me tired emotionally and physically. Im not even going to change clothes I thought to myself, as I entered the guestroom remembering when it used to be my bedroom. Tremel and I would play with Barbie dolls until the wee hours of the morning or until my mother would yell at us to go to sleep. I miss those times. I thought to myself as I dozed off into a deep sleep.
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