Chapter 42-Unfinished Business

I woke up in the morning with a pounding headache.  I was glad Marcus was not in bed next to me.  I picked up my clothes off the floor and headed to the bathroom.

I couldn't even look at myself in the mirror how was I going to face Marcus.  I could only imagine what he thinks of me.  There was no avoiding what was going to be the awkward conversation of the morning after.  I splashed some water on my face, got dressed and hoped I could just say a quick goodbye.


When I got to the bottom of the stairs I heard him humming in the kitchen.

"Good morning beautiful.  Would you like some coffee?"
"No thanks.  I should go.  Um, it was good seeing you again."  I couldn't even make eye contact.  I turned to leave before he could say anything about last night.
"So you're just going to use me and run out.  I feel cheap."
"What!  No, it's just..."
He started laughing and slid his arms around my waist.
"I'm just joking."

"Oh."  I replied letting out a nervous laugh.
"I thought we could hang out today.  I know you came to visit your folks but I'm sure they wouldn't mind sharing a bit."
"I'm sorry I can't."  I started to pull away.  I was mad at myself for being so stupid and careless.
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing.  I'm sorry I just have to go."
"Seriously Amari tell me what's going on?  Is it because we made love last night?" 

"I'm sorry Marcus.  My life is a mess right now.  I..." I didn't know really what to tell him.  I gave him a kiss on the cheek.
"You deserve someone better."  I ran out before he could stop me.  He didn't deserve to have his life complicated by me.

When I got back to my parent's house I didn't really want to go inside.  I wasn't ready to deal with my dad again.

"Where the hell have you been?" he screamed at me as soon as I walked in the door.
"I was out.  I needed to think."
"All night.  You couldn't give us the decency of a phone call?"
"I'm an adult dad.  I don't have to call and check in."
Truth was I knew I should have called.  I know how mom worries and it wasn't right of me not to at least let her know I was ok last night.
"It's ok Amari.  Your dad and I were just worried that's all.  He's just over reacting a bit."

"I don't think he's all that concerned with my well being." 
"What is that suppose to mean?"
"You know exactly what it means daddy."
"What is going on with you two?" 
My mom was so confused.  Dad and I always had such a great relationship.  I was a daddy's girl so seeing us fight now was hard on her.  I wanted to tell her.  I wanted her to know what kind of a man she married but she was just as much an innocent bystander as I was.  I couldn't let her be hurt like I was.
"It's nothing mom.  Dad is just having a hard time with being a grandfather."  I walked upstairs to take a shower, and clear my head.

The hot water washing over me felt good.  I had never felt so alone as I did right now.  After I got dressed I checked my messages.  Aric had left one checking up on me.  I started packing my bags there was no reason for me to stay here any longer.

"Are you leaving?"
"Yeah.  I think it's best I just go back."
"But you just got here and I was hoping the kids would come out."  I could see she was starting to get misty eyed.
"Mom I promise you will meet the kids.  It's just.."  I trailed off as I looked over at my dad who was watching TV.  She saw my gaze and understood.
"Just give him some time.  You were always his little girl and with Amella gone..."
I gave her a hug and told her I loved her and hoped her life had been full of love and happiness.  She knew there was something more going on but didn't want to push.  She said that her and dad would make it out for the weddings.

"Do you want us to take you to the airport?"
"No, I called a cab it should be here soon."
I grabbed my bag and headed out of the door to wait for my taxi.
"George."
We both knew what that tone meant.  My dad shut off the tv and walked out with me.
"Amari this isn't easy for me either." he said once we were outside.
"What part isn't exactly easy for you dad?  The lying to your family or the throwing your daughter to the wolves, or finally having to admit to it?"

"Why are you being so dramatic?"
"How can you act like this isn't a big deal?  You're my father, you should want to protect me from harm."

I saw Marcus pull into the driveway.  Why couldn't I finish a conversation with this man without being interrupted?

"What are you doing here?"
"I thought we needed to finish talking.  You left so quickly this morning." I shot a shameful glance towards my father. 
"I'll give you two some privacy."  I watched my dad walk away.
"Are you leaving?" he motioned to my bags on the ground.
"I have to get back home."
"Why?  Are you that ashamed over being with me last night that you need to cut your trip short?"  I couldn't tell if he was hurt or offended.  I didn't want him to be either but I knew there was no future for us.  At least not until I was able to figure out a way to get my life straightened out which meant figuring out a way to free myself from Marisol.
"Marcus my leaving is not about last night."

"Good because I thought we had a great time." he said as he closed the space between us.
" We did but my life is one big messy complication right now.  I'm not the same girl you knew."
My taxi pulled up and I grabbed my bag and ran to get in.  I didn't look back, it was better this way.



When I arrived home no one was there.  I went upstairs dropped my bag and flopped down on the bed.

I was physically and emotionally drained.