Dirty Laundry

09: Jack's

Dirty Laundry's Chapter Nine

Kimmy Mantez

Last night's dinner was preposterous! I can't believe Malik disrespected Mali in such a way. She's never been a sassy girl, she's always done what he and Elaine asked, and just because she decides to make one decision alone he flies off the handle. Malik has to realize that MaliQua is a grown woman now, she's eighteen and she has a good head on her shoulders; the dream daughter and sister. I haven't talked to Malik since last night, after the outburst he disappeared, and hasn't contacted anyone. I still can't wrap my head around his behavior.

Last night's Dinner

"So, as you all know, I will be attending college next fall. I had many options, but I've decided to continue my journey of education in Los Angeles at UCLA," she smiled proudly.

I watched as everyone clapped and expressed their happiness. From the corner of my eye, I saw Malik's face twist up in anger. He and Mali agreed she would attend Howard University. It was far but not that far. Malik rather her go to Washington DC than Los Angeles, which was literally on the other side of the world. It was almost in slow motion, as he dropped his fork onto the cocaine, glass plate. I went to grab his hands, but he snatched away from me, yelling, "Nah, get off me!"

Mali turned to us with her face turned up in confusion but also horror.

"What the hell MaliQua! We agreed you would go to Harvard!" He shouted.

"I changed my mind, LA has a lot of opportunities for me!" she whined like a child.

"Opportunities to be a whore!" He stood, stepping into her space.

"Malik!" Elaine and I shouted.

Elaine came over to the two of them, standing so she made them all look like a triangle.

"Watch how you speak to her!"

Mali stared him down, looking him in the eyes, "I hate you Malik! You're the worst brother ever!" She screamed to the top of her lungs and stormed out of the dining area.

Elaine followed behind her, calling for her daughter to calm down.

"Malik what is your problem?" I voiced.

"You shut the fuck up! I bet you knew about all of this! It was probably all your fucking idea!" He accused, walking away from me.

I followed behind him, leaving MaliQua's guest alone, I could hear them whispering, talking about the scene Malik had caused.

"I would never try to tear your family apart Malik! That's all you!"

He turned around and yanked me up by my neck, I was sure he was going to knock my wind pipe out.

"MaliQua ain't going to no damn California, so she can get that out of her head. That's all Ima say," he assured.

He then threw my into the counter and left the house, I fell to my knees gasping for air, while I was also in pain from hitting the counter with such force. When I gained composure, I went back into the dining are, and dismissed all of Mali's guest, getting everyone out of the house. I grabbed a sleepy MJ from his highchair, and rocked him to sleep before carrying him to one of the spare rooms to rest.

Elaine finally emerged from Mali's room and joined me downstairs.

"How is she?" I asked.

"Well, she cried herself to sleep, she's torn up though. I can't believe how Malik acted. When I see him, I'ma wear his ass out, and I mean that!" She sneered, walking away.

I could completely relate to Mali. She and I are basically in the same boat. Since Malik and I met, I never do anything for myself. Including, making my own decisions. Bottom line is, Malik is a complete control freak and something has to change.

Present

Elaine drove me home last night, and begged to keep MJ. So I agreed. I love my son, but I need a break sometimes. Right now, I need one more than ever. From Malik, to reuniting with my family, my life has just gotten ten times worse and better all at the same time. This can put hella stress on someone. It was already afternoon and Malik still hasn't showed up. I decided Id sort of have a treat day. SO, I spent my free time getting a manicure and pedicure, and then lunch at my favorite restaurant, Jack's. Around this time, it should be pretty empty, so I don't have to worry about running into any of Malik's associates.

I found myself a seat and began looking at the menu, deciding on a bacon burger with everything on it and cheese fries for my side. A petite lady, with an apron tied around her waist stood in front of me and asked what I would like to drink, I told her my beverage and went ahead and ordered as well. While I waited I sat on my phone and read some of the recently updated books in my Wattpad library.

I rushed to the bathroom with this horrendous urge to pee, which I've been doing all damn day. After handling my business, I washed my hands and then left the restroom, paying no attention whatsoever, to where I was going. I ran into a hard, bulky chest, almost falling over, before they caught me. I looked up coming face to face with the man, that's been on my mind since we met.

"Andre?" I asked, as if I was dreaming or was in some movie shit.

"I mean, I'm surprised you actually acknowledge me. You don't answer my calls, reply to my messages, and I think I would at least be able to get an explanation after you just ditched me Sunday," he ran ted. I immediately felt bad as the events that occurred Sunday morning played through my head. It's been over 24 hours and I still haven't even attempted to call or text him.

"Andre, I'm really sorry. My life is just so hectic, it's really hard for me to make time for a lot of things," I sighed, giving him a sad smile.

He looked at me and I could tell he wasn't buying my shit story, but it will have to do because I refuse to tell him all my business with Malik and end up dead.

"It's good Kimmy, but I still want to be friends. I know you got a man and I respect that. But I still want you to be a part of my life, so how about you make it up to me?" He smirked.

"And how will I do that?" I asked.

"Movies. Thursday night? You and I will go see Fifty Shades of Grey."

I burst out laughing so hard, I could never picture myself watching that movie. It just wasn't my type of party, but I agreed anyone, wanting to see that million dollar smile of his.

I thought it over for a while, Malik isn't home, and he probably isn't in town.

So what harm can be done?

"Alright, fine. I'll meet you there. Just text me a show time."

Before I could walk away, he pulled me back and pecked my lips, "See you later Kimmy," he smiled and left.

Best peck ever!

**

Excuse any mistakes, but I will try to continue to update. I'm out of school today and tomorrow, so watch out! I hope yall enjoy enough to comment, this has gotten really hectic, but school has eased up, so Ill be updating a lot more often. I know yall are frustrated and are probably forgetting things, trust me I hate that too, but I am doing the best I can so bear with me.

- dymonskies