Is It Revenge Or Love?

Early Arrival

~Georgia~

I glance at my phone, noticing the time. With each hour that passes, I’m less sure that my husband’s plan is going to work. I would assume that Lele would have reached out to me by now. Maybe she’s trying to drag it out as long as possible. I wouldn’t be surprised if that’s her plan; she’s so damn stubborn.

My phone rings, and my heart leaps into my throat. I take a moment to breathe and try to compose myself. I need to be sympathetic and surprised. I pick my phone up and connect the call. “Hello?”

“Hey, gorgeous. Did you hear from her yet?” I sigh, not liking how deflated I feel.

“No. She hasn’t called or anything yet. Are you sure this will work?”

“What other option does she have? She doesn’t keep up with any of her friends from before. She will need somewhere to stay.” My husband had the idea to force Lele to come home. He made quick work of buying up the apartment complex she lives in. He had people serve her with paperwork telling her that she would be out of a home in a matter of days. He figured that she would be forced to come back home. Once home, we will have an easier time pushing her to Deon.

“You worry too much. You know how stubborn she can be. She will call eventually and you will welcome her with open arms. Just trust me, this will work.” I sigh and say my goodbyes. I need to find something to do to keep my mind off the waiting.

Just as I settle in with a magazine, my phone rings. I feel a smile grow on my face as I pick up the call. “What is it, Lele? You rarely call anymore.”

“Wrong person.” I deflate once Deon’s voice registers. “Has she called yet?”

“Not yet, but she will. It’s only a matter of time.”

“You better be right.” I disconnect the call and try to get back into my magazine.

↯↯↯↯↯↯↯↯↯↯↯↯↯↯↯↯↯↯↯↯↯↯

I’ve been a bundle of nerves for the past few days. I never heard from Lele; she hasn’t answered our calls or texts. I’ve gone by the apartment, and she did move out. I tried her job, but she hadn’t been in.

I talked with Benny about canceling the dinner, but he was sure she’d arrive in time to eat. He figures that wherever she is, she’s missing out on the necessities, food being the main one. He thinks that she’ll show up for dinner today. Looking at the clock, she has about 45 minutes.

I hear the doorbell in the distance and am immediately on alert. This has to be her; it just has to be. The Gages aren’t known for their punctuality, so this has to be her. I settle close to the entryway as the door is opened. I straighten out invisible creases in my clothes and pick off unseen lint.

A collection of voices begins to travel toward me, throwing me into a bout of confusion. I’m not sure who it could be, but I’m trying to hold fast to the idea that it’s my difficult daughter. I need this dinner to go well. I need the plan to work out.

They come into view, and my heart drops. It’s the Gages, and they’re early. Deon is looking around, and I know who he’s looking for. My stomach twists, and I swear I want to throw up. This is not what I needed to happen. I quickly compose myself so I can greet them. “Hello, hello. Thank you for joining us.” I step forward and kiss Renata’s cheeks. Korben pulls me in for a hug, and I could feel Deon’s eyes on me the entire time. “Jones, please escort everyone to the study for pre-dinner drinks. Benny is already there.” He nods, and I step back, letting the group move forward. I turn to go to the kitchen. I want to make sure dinner is ready. Deon grabs my arm and pulls me closer.

“Where’s Jaylene?” I swallow the lump in my throat.

“I’m sure she’ll be here any minute.” I feel his breath on my ear, and my anxiety climbs.k

“She better be.”

~Jaylene~

I turn over, grabbing more popcorn from the bowl. We’ve been watching movies and snacking all day, and it’s one of the best Saturdays I’ve had in a while. Amber and I have had a lot to catch up on. We speak daily or every other day, but talking over the phone and being in person are two different things. I needed to update her on what’s been going on since that disastrous party.

Amber plops on the pillows next to me. We set up a bit of a fort on the living room floor. I have to say that this apartment is more luxurious than I can afford. I tried to get Amber to change her mind, but she refused. She said I could take care of groceries and one of the utilities, and she would pay for everything else. It’s severely unfair, and I tried to argue against it, but I know when I’m beat. Besides, the only other option was to go back to my parents. That is the worst idea in the world. “Do you think your mom is sh.itting bricks right now or what?” I don’t try to hold back the giggle that erupts from my lips.

“I’m sure she’s wishing every death on me that she can conjure up.” As if my words held power, my phone rings. I look at the caller ID and hold the phone up for Amber to see. She bursts into a fit of laughter, and it doesn’t take long for me to join her.

“I know she’s pissed that you aren’t there. Did she really think you would show up for that dinner? I mean, she had to have known that it was a long shot at best.” I lay back on the pillows and sigh.

“I don’t think they will ever stop trying to run my life. It’s one of the many reasons why I stay away. I don’t want to deal with the mess. I don’t want someone picking my path for me or telling me who to be with.” Amber nods and turns her body to cuddle against me with her head on my shoulder.

“Your parents suck, that’s for sure. You are amazing, and I’m grateful to have you as my friend. Don’t worry about anything; I’ve got your back.”