Chapter 12: The turning!

The turning!

I was dressed in a Black velvet high waist trouser(flare), white off shoulder blouse and white high heels. My hair was neatly wrapped in a long ponytail. My make over was on point, not loud but classic, holding this chanel purse Jamal got me the last time we went shopping. Enough of the components, I could see my colleagues seated on a round table, sipping on coffee respectively. I walked briskly towards them and sat

  "I sure deserve to be more than late" I teased and kept my purse on the table as well

  "Mornin ma'am!" They said in unison

  "Can we go straight to the point?" I looked thirstily. "anyone?" I almost lost my patience

  "I did mess up, ma'am!" Jacinthe jabbered

  "Expound!" I instructed

  "I went over the board, we had a little argument......" Jacinthe tried to explain

  "Was is work?" I asked authoritatively

  "No ma'am!" She replied

  "Then I don't understand. We consult not find faults. (I scolded) whatever that discussion was about, was totally uncalled for....."

  "Ma'am I'm really so....." She cuts and pleads

  "......let me finish!..... Whatever the hell it was about was really not worth it. Can-you-get Akin Harvey back? The answer is no. So why send him away?" I then turned to Omar

  "Ma'am, I can explain, I was...." Omar tried to explain

  "Its useless! You shoulda explained to Harvey instead. Kabir and Catherina say something!" I almost yelled

  "Please keep calm?" Catherina added

  "Do I look like some angry bear?" I sighed and leaned backwards

  "Ma'am, we can do something as well. Actually he said our evaluations were too expensive....." Kabir added

  "That's not an excuse, Kabir! If at all you know your ecstasy, your passion, you wouldn't let him off just like that. Which evaluations can not have a cut?" I added

  "Yes ma'am! We would fix it as soon as possible....." Catherina said

   "Not soon. Right now people, right now." I commanded

Omar tried to dial Harvey, so I intervened

  "Pass me the phone!" I collected it

It connected luckily

  "Hi Mr Akin?" I politely called

  "Oh! Miss Chris." He was shocked

It wasn't my phone, remember?

  "Yes sir! I deeply apologize for the shenanigans earlier, they didn't mean it." I apologized

  "I was really over it. Good thing you called, good thing its you in person" he added

  "Yes sir! If its ok, If you don't mind coming by, at Jersey's?" I asked

  "Oh. I really can't make it out today. I'm on medications which includes taking some bags...." He explained

  "That's not a problem, I would come over instead." I opted

I couldn't let this contract go away, its a lot of cash and I don't let my partners fade away so easily, their trust is an A+ for me. It's a priority.

  "Sweet of you, Miss Chris. My chauffeur will come get you.....just don't move!" He added

  "Oh no! I drove myself over, so i can do that again, over to your place" I declined politely

  "Good then. I'll text you then."

  "Yes sir!" I hung up

I handed the phone back to Omar

  "As easy as that!" I mocked

They applauded almost silently

  "Oh shut it!" This is really embarrassing

  "Thanks ma'am! It wouldn't happen again" Jacinthe said

  "Yeah! We would put their priorities first....." Kabir added

  "Yes! We almost lost millions" Catherina added too

  "Sorry to intrude. We know how much this vacation means a lot to you." Omar said

  "Only if you managed this task nicely, it would mean a lot better" I added

They chuckled. I could see the appreciation in their eyes

  "Omar you are coming with me, like it or not.....or who's coming?" I asked

  "Kabir!" Omar opted

  "Whatever! Get the papers!" I turned to Kabir

  "Yes Miss!" Kabir affirmed

I stood up taking my purse, while Kabir was already waiting

  "Sorry, what would y'all like for brunch? My rude employees" I teased & offered

They laughed

  "We're starving. We had to do a quick fast to avert your rage" Catherina joked

  "I can't be the devil here, Harvey is. Why did he suddenly give up easily over some silly conversation Miss Ja-cinthe had with him, was it that bad?" I asked

They all kept quiet, pretending to not hear.

  "Ok. Bills on me, make your orders before we leave." I sat back

  "Sorry Kabir! Let's eat..... We all need it" I beckoned

We are and I paid off the bills. My colleagues were intrigued as well. Kabir drove us to Harvey. Harvey is a very influential and rich and sometimes flirty. I reasons for taking Kabir with me, just for safety and evidence purposes. We had everything signed and discussed on when to carry on, my colleagues could handle work efficiently without a problems. I would say I got the best surveyors in the city The four of us made a perfect team for work and fun. 

  "Ma'am?" Kabir called liked he needed something

  "Yes Kabir!" I answered sweetly

  "How about Jamal?" He asked specifically

  "How about him? He's all good." I didn't bother

  "I just heard some shit rumors about him...."

  "That?" Now i turned to face him

  "A murder case...." he looked worried

  "Really! How bad is it?" I asked

  "Real bad." I added

  "What if he did....like what does it mean to you...." I wanted to hear his opinion

  "He's not a bad person, he deserves a chance." He simply said

  "Definitely!" I smiled and turned away

  "Miss Lola?" He asked again

  "Oh her. She's doing very well and perfect,  perhaps at work!" I concluded

  "Yes ma'am. I saw her at the mart few days ago, with this tiny bump almost too hidden see....." He narrated

  "Kabir, you know how bad I hate hearsay....." I explained

  "Thine eyes can testifieth......."

  "Kabir! (I yelled) that's a mess, are you speaking some king James English for me now....seriously?" I was speechless

  "Sorry ma'am. (He giggled) I did saw her with this bump on, I think she might be pregnant....." He blurted

  "You are delusional! That's not true, and even if she was how's that a problem?" I asked

  "Just surprised you didn't know. Yet you said she was perhaps at work, so you should look twice before letting her walk out the door every morning." He said outrightly

  "Shut up and drive!" I shunned

Another 'Finding Ohana story?' I definitely won't take this at all, its pointless. Finally she got pregnant for Jamie, good for her. 

Back then, we imagined our kids being friends and we being godmothers to them, but its all in the past now.

Jamal had returned to his apartment finally. He had work to do and embark on, he claimed that I was always his distraction and wouldn't want to act over board so he concurred to my suggestion, him leaving.

Jamal called me while I was about to take off my clothes, he sounded urgent. 

  "Can you wait for me at your house, I need an escort. Its important Danni." He pleaded

  "Oh gosh Jamal, I just came in. The meeting remember?" I got pissed

To be honest, I was already exhausted 

  "I'm so sorry babe. Just this favor."  He pleaded again

  "You're such a gum body, you know that?" I scolded

  "Love you, Miss!" He hung up immediately avoiding my scoldings

I sat on my couch legs crossed, waiting like the coming if an angel. Jamal should really pay for this mess he caused. Few minutes later, he horned, I walked out sluggishly depicting my distaste and lack of Interest at once.

As the gentleman he was, he opened and I hopped into his Rover.

He then hopped in as well, giving a quick kiss and he started the engine.

  "Yuk!" 

  "Danni, don't start its not funny." We reversed and drove off

  "How did it go?" He asked about my meeting

  "Graceful. I fixed the mess and we got the client back." I replied

  "That's my woman! You've been fixing a lot lately...." 

  "All for stacking up cash. You know me well, I don't go for nothing." I added typing on my phone

  "I love that. I got you something, look behind us" he directed

  "Really you did?" I looked behind, took out  three boxes from a bag and opened it

Jamal got this iced out choker chain with my name scribbled on it 'Danielle', I was over excited

  "Stop the car.... Stop the damn car!" I yelled in frenzy

He pulled over at a safe spot

  "What." He smiled looking at me deeply

  "Put it on me, man!" I asked

He did as I told him, then I pressed a warm kiss on his lips, I bet he felt glorious.

  "The next!" He offered

This time, it was another customized chain scribbled 'JaDi', i knew his name and mine for short. I hugged him intermittently

  "I hope you like it!" He gave this handsome smile again

  "Jamal this is a lot. I know I wanted this but I didn't ask for this...." I said in joy

  "I know, that's why I made it for you" he kissed me swiftly

  "The last, please" He said again

  "Nah! You've got to be kidding me...no way!" 

I opened the last box, it was bigger than the first two it was an expensive pair of boots with Louis Vuitton prints at the edges. What more can I ask for? This is the sweetest and most expensive gifts I have received.

  "Jamal?" I called sweetly

  "Yes Miss. Are you sure you like it?" He asked in concern

  "I love you, ok! Seriously no one has gone this far for me, the ice is a fortune, it costs a lot and you still went ahead....." I confessed

He didn't let me finish, he kissed me abruptly but tender. 

  "What you did for me was beyond comparison. You stayed, even when I killed a man, when I yelled at you, over heated, when I was taken for days, when I was in need of a friend you stood there sorting me out, like--do I even deserve it? Its too much for a woman to do, handling crime, loving me genuinely......... I should do more!" A tear dropped from his eye

Now I felt very emotional. I couldn't help it watching him go teary, I held him to my chest comforting him.

  "Jamal, I owe you one. You weren't the only one for prison, you served for us. I love this gifts, they're are incomparable." 

I packaged them neatly holding on to 'JaDi' Its perfect for my outfit too.

He took out a camera I never knew was recording and saved the moment.

  "Silly ass. You had this on throughout?"

  "Yes Danni! You'd want to see your reactions someday. Our kids would!" He added

  "Kids huh?" We laughed

He drove us to a classy apartment then I asked

  "Where are we?" I was curious

  "Let's get out first" he opted

We got out the car and stood, facing the building. He turned to me  holding my knuckles

  "This might annoy you, maybe ruin this moment but I had to do this for me--for us...."

  "What are you talking about? Its not some murder, is it?" I asked again

This time, the frenzy moments faded immediately, no more butterflies in my stomach I felt thunder rumblings. I knew he wouldn't hurt me but I felt insecure instantly

  "This is Mrs Theo's house....." He tried to explain, I quickly cut in

  "No Jamal, get in the car. We are not doing this shit. You are not!" I almost cried unconsciously

  "Listen to me, i chose this not you. I made a mistake and I'm ready to take responsibility for what I did. just this once, let me clear it up." He held my arms almost tightly

  "No, you won't. Are you for real? You brought me out here for this, this crap?" I was disappointed, I started to walk away

  "If you love me Danni, you'd let me do this please. Its justice, you wanted justice for me, i want Justice for you for Theo? Let me confess, its eating me up...." He screamed

I stopped and came forward

  "I hate you, I really do!"

We walked to the door ringing the door bell as well. Mrs Theo  opened the door in her old fashioned gown, covered in tears. 

  "I did it!" Jamal said to her with a forceful smile

He didn't know asinine that was, I was crumbling inside. The things he did made melted my ice, taking my feelings to a whole new level of bound.

We drove to his apartment without saying a word to each other. I sat in the living room like a zombie. He sat next to me after taking off his jean jacket.

  "Danni?......"

  "Are you even thinking about me?" I asked already fumed in anger and disappointment

  "Babe!" He knew he had a lot to say

  ''Did you ever think this through? Did you think about dad?......Did you think about the life we gon' start?"

  "Dad would want the same thing...." He defended

  "Which father would deliberately want prison for his only son? You're selfish....an ingrate....a liar......"

   "Danielle! (He yelled hard this time, I kept shut) I hate myself but I can't hide. I can't wait for the goddamn cops banging at my door. I had to do something....." He explained

  "How about me?" I asked and walked out of him

I headed to the guest room, I wasn't going to pass the night in his bedroom at all.

We took over an hour not talking, nor laughing nor arguing about silly things. I had a shower, i wore an oversized loose shirt of his and slid under the Blanket, I turned off the light. My mood was heaven to hell, it felt opposite. He came by finally

  "I was wondering if you'd prefer my room instead. I could sleep on the couch.....for real...." He opted calmly

  "Would I?" I turned away to sleep.

He walked out quietly, yanking the door harder than expected. Jamal was already dropping a few tears in the sitting room, rubbing his hair back and front.

I woke up all sore and worked up, last night was hell In essence. I really missed those days I was single and not ready to mingle, but how can I run from feels, it don't feel right to not admit to the real truth about Jamal and I. The connection was too neutral nothing happenstance--just neutral.

I overheard Jamal talking to someone at the living room, immediately the cops left without doing the normal stuff, handcuffing and reciting some legal phrases or so. Jamal saw them off and came in walking majestically. He sighted me immediately and tried to hug me then I retreated

  "Morning darling" he greeted politely ignoring my mischief

  "Morning" I smirked

  "Ok Danni! Are we doing some attitudinal......"

  "Whatever it is you call it, that's exactly what I'm about, or even more!" I pondered & sat on the couch adjusting the shirt

  "I get it. Can you not progress....." He explained

  "Yeah I know, sir-irr! (i mocked) you made your choice jury, ain't nothing I can do, is there? I promise you that I'm not going to talk you about this again.....agreed?" I said

  "Great. Thanks Danni." He added

  "Nah. You might hate me later!" I smirked again then I left, headed to the room he then followed

  "Danni?"

  "Excuse me sir, I have to dress up! I got appointments all over the city"

  "C'mon...am i being selfish right now, I'm only tryna pay for things I didn't mean to,....how's that a crime?" He got tensed

  "Oh are you? I don't understand this......have you ever studied law or something that I don't know? Why would you hand yourself over, are you an angel? Martin luther?" I got tense too

  "Jeez Danni, you are being impossible right now. How could you think that though....." He began to yell

  "I'd think whatever I want, Man. Who does this...... That means you really had a hand in this murder shit, it was deliberate, you weren't sent, you wanted this so this is the only way you got to clear up your misbehavior......" I yelled at the top of voice, tilting my head in and out

Jamal kept silent over heating in anger, I could tell that he really wanted to do something but good thing we had something called self control.

  "Did you see her face? Danni I did wrong and you ain't helping at all..."

  "I won't. If that's what you want, I really won't." I shrugged trying to spread my sheets

  "Stop that, I'm still talking to you, do not turn away...." He ordered, holding my arms

I slapped Jamal immediately

  "You don't tell me what to do and what not to do..." I warned

His hands hung in the air, trying to hit me.

  "Oh Jamal.....Bravo! (I clapped) you want to hit me? Do it!" I tilted my head towards him

  "You suck!" He yelled, turned and then left yanking the door hard as always

Whenever he felt angry and tense, he'd do crazy things that are really not worth it, one it.

Everything I did earlier was to annoy him, to get him all tensed and mad, I wanted him to back out from-i guess he was more than ready for this.

After thirty minutes, I had gotten all dressed and made up. I wanted a glass of water from the refrigerator then I sighted his cell on the couch while Jamal was in the shower.

I took the a bottle of water, then I walked to the couch as soon as I noticed a beep

It was a text, it reads

                  Jamal we need to talk, it's    

                   its urgent.

It was an unknown number to be precise, so I shunned I was curious. I was heading to the room when the phone rang countlessly, Jamal rushed out in a black Calvin Klein boxer and a white towel, wiping off the drops of water off his body that exposed his abs and biceps

  "Oh damn!" He swiped to answer "Yeah?" He looked to check if I was close

I eavesdropped in my hideout

  "How many times do i have to tell ya not ring my phone?......do not call this number, I swear I'm going to kill you if I find you.......ju-just don't call me.......I'll text you a'ight!" He hung up, as though he was chased by some monster, then he called my name to clear his Doubts

  "Danielle?" He stood waiting for my response

I pretended not to hear him, I ran into the room and sat on the bed, like I was thinking about something. Jamal badged in

  "What?" I asked gruesomely

  "Are you ok? I called earlier, you didn't.......never mind!" Hw turned to leave

  "Is there something or have you changed your mind about me?" I teased seriously

  "Babe! (He sat beside) how could you say a thing like that? You know too well that I'm down, so what's up?"

  "Nah. Its not working! Get out! Or better for us, I'd leave instead...." I added

  "Danni! I don't even know you no more. What the hell?"

  " Can you excuse, please? For our safety?" I ordered politely

  "I really wish we could end this...." He said & left

What on earth does he mean by that, that we end the relationship or what? I got blank.

I took my purse headed to his room. I walked in abruptly while he was putting on a denim jean jacket on a white t-shirt. He already had this Versace palazzo shoes on and a cuban links.

  "Sorry!" I apologized

  "Its nothing, I'm done. Are you heading out? I was thinking we could go for lunch at my dad's." He opted

  "Don't you have an appointment instead...." I asked 

  "Appointment?" He pretended

  "You're all dressed....yunno!" I added

  "Oh yeah. Heading to dad's, would you like to come over?" He opted again

  "Oh no! I'd visit him soon." I smirked

  "Oh ok. Then can I at least drop you off?"

He was spraying a perfume on

  "No thanks....uhm..... What exactly did you mean by i wish we could really end this?" I asked regardless

  "Oh! I didn't mean......" He was searching for the right words to use as defense

  "Its ok (i cut in) if you feel that Im bugging you real bad, we can actually end this. Its never too late, we rode too fast....." I explained

  "What are you talking about? I love you you know that...." He said defiantly

  "Its one thing to love and another to show love, Jamal. We--i didn't prepare for this." I added seriously

  "Danni, I don't get it! Are calling this off?" He looked aggressive

  "Depends on you. You keep a whole lot of secrets and...." 

  "Did you listen to my last call?"

  "Did you talk to someone aside the cops?" I asked again

We stared at each other over 10 seconds then I broke the silence

  "I've got to go home, Jamal. Call me if you need my help...." I offered

  "I don't need your help its you i want...." He declined

  "Call me, would you?" I left

I got my purse, my gift bag and cell took a cab then we drove off.

A week later,

I locked myself inside the house, made sure my blinds were all closed I needed time for just me, i could help Jamal if he asks for it but the love shit is really choking me. He kept secrets and lied upon them. I got into my bath tub again for some relaxation, remember I mentioned it to be my yoga spot and there I slept off as always

I had an hour nap on the tub, then my phone beeped, it was West. He texted saying he was at my door, I texted him back telling him to give me a second. I hurried out of the tub and slid into a baggy shirt having just panties beneath, my hair was messed as well. Then i wrapped my hair in a two pigtails. I rushed to the door immediately and unlocked it

  "Hey!" I snapped

  "Not even a hug? He snapped

  "Not right after you made a mess lately" I pondered

We silently walked to the top the couch and sat

  "Want something...." I asked briefly

  "I'm so sorry Danielle, I missed you---trash girl!" He reminded then I blushed slightly, rubbing his fingers on my cheek

  "We good! But you should learn to compose yourself worthy....." I turned away

  "I learnt. It won't happen Again" he assured

  "Good thing!" 

West brought out a diamond ring as a gift

  "This is for you!" He beamed handing it over to me

  "West, this is a lot. But I really can't accept those" I declined

I imagined Jamal getting all worked up. I politely returned it

  "Its just a gift. I got those customized for you. Alright I won't force you." He received it

  "Thanks a lot West, you're sweet!" I complimented

  "Is he sweeter than I am?" He looked at me intensely, giving my skin a reflex. I knew he referred to Jamal. I looked at him questioningly, he shunned my looks.

We stared at each other for some seconds, West leaned on me and kissed before I could realize. I tried to push him but he was really firm and denying my resistance. I tried so hard but he was like a mustang horse. He slid one hand under my shirt and the other was pressing both my hands over my head lying on the couch. I tried to scream, yet I couldn't. His hand traveled my skin, while i was helpless he tore my panties while pulling it down, he body pressed on mine as he struggled to pull his pants as well.

Jamal was calling my phone all along I didn't realize. He probably felt worried then he drove down to my apartment.

Jamal badged Right in while West was about to come inside of my. Goodness! Jamal was here again to save me from burger man. Jamal took a vase and broke it on Wests' head. Jamal dragged him off me, adjusting my shirt for me. West stood up staggering

  "You ain't seen the last yet, boyfriend. Tell her the truth about you, why holding her back. Let me love her as she deserves, everything more......argh! (He groaned) I'm so sorry Danielle, I lost my mind" he explained

  "Just get the hell out!" Jamal yelled at West

West staggered to the door and left driving away.

  "What is he talking about?" I asked calmly

  "Really? Right now?" He questioned

He helped me to the bedroom, took off my clothes and torn panties, immediately covering me up with a white towel

  "You didn't have to...." I tried to stop him, I felt uncomfortable

  "C'mon im not going to hurt you, I ain't West." He ignored me and took me into the shower this time

  "Can I wash you?" He asked politely

  "I can handle it." I said faintly smiling

Jamal turned his face away, thinking about something else. I washed then I wrapped the towel around me

He helped me to the bedroom, I sat on dresser's stool.

  "Let me do the lotion. I got it" he offered, I didn't resist

I wore my black robes instead, then i sat on the bed

  "Can we talk?" He asked on anxiety

  "Yeah!" I almost whispered

  "How did he come in? Did you call him?" 

The question about me calling West sounded unbelievable and absurd.

  "And why would i? He was at my door, while I was in the tub. He texted me then I rushed out immediately." I explained

  "You shouldn't have let him, now look the shit he was about to do? I can't help but say it." He admitted

  "How was I to know that he had other intentions?"

  "I'm so sorry Danielle." He apologized looking away

  "Thank you for being there!" 

  "Anytime! I wanted to drop by and check up on you. You weren't returning my calls so I got worried....I couldn't help it." 

  "I was engulfed in work and over thinking....." I lied, i was deliberately avoiding him

  "Danni! Don't get mad, I just want to ask a question." He looked sober

  "Ok!" I snapped

  "Did you really call it off at my house? Like...."

  "I don't know. I created the space we were both looking for. Maybe its better we be friends than the opposite...." I explained

  "No I-don't-want that. I'm in love with you, how could say a thing like that. I know you love me too, let's just make it work...." His eyes watered already

  "And if it doesn't?" I asked

  "We keep trying over again. We don't need to be perfect, we are good together. I feel comfortable and valuable with you...." He confessed

  "C'mon Jamal. I'm so grateful you came by but I wasn't thinking of making up either." I cleared up

  "You must not. Let me do the work, let me love you like I should..... I thought about turning myself in but fortunately she gave up. She let it go, she saw that I was remorseful....she (he stuttered) she forgave. She's out of town and wouldn't return." He really looked remorseful

  "If she didn't back down you wouldn't?" I asked asked, salting his wounds. Of course I was right, I had a point

  "I thought about it and I was ready to back down....I called Dad coz i wanted to be with you in a short while..... Danni believe me i wasn't going to last a day with that plan. I was selfish and self centered, I was inconsiderate..." He pleaded

  "So what are we doing? I'm not....." I tried to be stubborn, of course I was hurt

  "Danni! (He called louder) I'm sorry, i really am. Do to me whatever, I won't stop pleading" he was sobbing silently already

I did that evil again, making him cry over me. He's really controversial, yet I know there's something he's not willing to let out, is he scared or what?

   "Just get out!" I ordered not minding his present state

  "I'm so sorry!" He calmly said and turned to leave

My conscience was bloating in thoughts and immediate regrets.I just knew I was being wicked right now, if it weren't for him, West would've raped me to the baddest. He was really hard and invincible yet this man almost killed him for me, I must be heartless. I wasn't raised like that, I do have my sanity l called him back

  "Please stay! Let's work it out." I said softly

He was really surprised, he turned to me and kissed my lips. He expressed his thirst and sobriety, his want and urge.

  "I really thought you'd say no, I thought I lost you already...." He didn't let me say a word

He pressed kisses topping kisses from my lips to my neck, running his fingers around my hips underneath my robes. I wrapped my arms around his neck running my fingers through his soft dark hair. We were going beyond kisses and smooches, hugging and touching, the resistance level on a scale of 10 was undeniably nine and a half, the other half was only a slip to complete the body contact.

  "I'm sorry!" He whispered into my ears

  "I needed you to show me not just loving me and you did!" I whispered back

  "Come with me, I got a surprise for you at my house--it's starts there! Don't say no, please" husband eyes widened

  "Yes Sir!" I teased giving that killing smile again

  "That SIR thing ain't working, a'ight" 

  "Yes Bozo!" I insulted

  "C'mon babe, i ain't no Bozo"

He pressed another kiss again we repeated the first entanglement ending at the nine and half, this time we laid on the bed.