Page 36 of Intentional Foul (The Complexity of Love #2)

Chapter Sixteen

Tell My Truths

Malcolm

T wo days later.

Jhae sighed as she eyed her phone, and I knew why without asking. Mom stayed true to her word. Jhae lost seven major brand deals since the fight. She powered her phone off and moved closer to me in the bed.

“You’re getting those brand deals back and double,” I announced with determination. I wasn’t taking this lying down. Whatever mom broke, she was going to fix it.

She gave me sad, worry filled eyes. “It’s okay. I knew she was going to kill my career. She was the one who gave it to me.”

“No, it isn’t. Anissa is going to fix this shit. No one gave you anything, Jhae, you earned those deals and everything you have,” I redirected.

The entire family had been in an uproar. Ivey’s been avoiding mom’s request for evidence of the marriage. Marquise was going through a trauma cycle. I set the family on fire, and it was my responsibility to put things back together.

“I don’t care about those deals. I lost her, Malcolm. I lost her,” Jhae cried into my chest. “I didn’t mean to hurt her... I didn’t mean,” she wailed.

The sounds of Jhae crying sent sadness through me. “I'll fix this, then afterwards, the healing can start,” I said.

Ivey used her hidden phone and gave me the scoop. Our parents argued, with dad defending me, and Mom cried about how the night went. I trekked up the driveway and used my key, letting myself inside. Mom was feeding Khaira with puffy eyes.

“Mal Mal,” Khaira said, extending her arms toward me, causing mom to turn in my direction.

I kissed my mother’s cheek expecting her to reject the gesture, but she didn’t. I lifted my baby sister in my arms and took the nearest seat at the kitchen table. Khaira and I played for several minutes before Pops stepped into the kitchen.

“I need to talk to both of you,” I said as I bounced my sister in my lap.

Pops took a seat next to mom, gripping her hand.

“Mom, I’m sorry. I should have been upfront with you about my intentions with Jhae. She doesn’t deserve the blame, I do,” I said.

“Malcolm, you’re only twenty-three,” Mom said.

My eyes traveled over to Pops and back to the more sensible version of my mother.

“Mom, I’ll be twenty-four in a few months but allow me to finish.

Jhae didn’t stand a chance. I’ve been pursuing her since before the draft.

She didn’t take me seriously because of you.

Things started light, with Marquise and I buying the condo in her building.

I blocked any potential guy she thought about dating.

The one guy who slipped through—I beat his ass.

I paid the security team to get rid of the evidence a.k.a. the video.”

Mom jolted her head backward as she scanned me.

“I learned what she liked and sent her gifts every week. Jhae didn’t know we were married until two and a half months later. She was drunk in Vegas, but she can’t prove it. I paid the officiant and her friend Chasity to shut up about it. Marquise was my witness, and we know he isn’t talking.

Mom’s mouth parted as she stared at me.

“Jhae ran twice. The first time, I tracked her down in Kansas City. The label wanted her to fake a relationship, or they were going to shelve her album. I threatened to expose our marriage until she agreed to my terms. She had to give this marriage a chance. I bought her masters. I also made her believe I owned them, but I never did. They were always in her name. In your bathroom, I pinned her to the wall, kissed her and dared her to tell you,” I said.

My parents sat motionless as I bounced my sister in my lap and kissed her cheeks again.

“The second time she ran, I intercepted the delivery of her furniture and sent it back to L.A. She accepted her defeat and gave in to me. Jhae threatened to tell you, but I called her bluff every time. I played on her fears of losing you to make her comply,” I said.

“Son, wait, you bullied her into being in a relationship with you? You did the exact opposite of what I told you,” Pops said.

“Who’s my baby?” I asked Khaira, and she giggled as she reached for my nose.

“If you want to phrase it that way. Jhae was always mine, but she needed help to get over the friendship with Mom. Dr. June warned me against it, but nobody was getting in my way. She is my Music Note,” I announced.

Mom opened and closed her mouth again before she cleared her throat.

“Malcolm, what you did was not okay. Where did you pick up on this behavior?” Mom questioned.

I waved my finger between them and mom gasped. Pops turned his head toward the bifold doors.

“I didn’t do anything different from what dad did to you.

You guys are happy. Pops almost fought someone in the front yard and inserted himself in your life.

He defended your honor in the backyard. Remember the brawl?

Both of you thought you were sneaking and freakin’.

I knew what was going on. I lent you a hand and kept Marquise busy. ”

Mom rubbed the front of her neck and peered over at Khalil.

“Malcolm, your father and I were bad examples, but we need to schedule a family session. What you did was not okay. We need to find the root of your behavior.”

“Jhae and I are happy. Mom, how can we get you and Jhae on better terms? She’s been crying for two days. Canceling her brand deals is low down. C’mon mom, was that necessary? You cannot condemn her and not punish me.,” I said, and she stared at me as if I cursed.

“I was upset. Can you blame me? My best friend slept with my youngest son,” she said.

I lifted a brow at Mom. “At this point, what can we do about it? Let’s be honest, I came to you several times and told you I loved Jhae. You reduced my feelings down to a crush when I asked for your blessing,” I said.

Khaira babbled a few words as she pulled on my music note chain.

“Son, you were nineteen the first time you told me about your feelings for Jhae. She was my friend. What was I supposed to do?”

Although Mom gave me innocent eyes, I still needed to speak my peace on the subject. Dr. June and I rehearsed this exact scenario a few times in her office. Pops secured Mom’s hand and kissed it for comfort.

“I would’ve preferred you to have taken me more seriously than you did. I took things into my own hands. Now you know the truth. You can’t be mad at her and not me,” I said.

Mom turned to Pops, “Kal, our son, he...”

“Told you the truth. Mom, you owe Jhae an apology. You accused her of grooming me, and none of that happened. Do you not remember taking off your earrings the other night? I’m twenty-three and she is thirty.

It’s a seven-year age difference, nothing crazy.

We shared our first kiss when I was a consenting adult.

How can we move forward? We need a plan,” I interrupted.

Pops kissed Mom’s hand again but remained quiet.

“Malcolm, you can’t force me to be Jhae’s friend. The dynamics of your marriage changed our relationship,” Mom announced.

I sighed hard but Khaira gave me a happy smile.

“The woman I know as my mother would want me to be happy. She would accept my choices and not punish me for being in love. She is reasonable, understanding, and practices what she teaches. You hating Jhae will not stop us from being married. Why do it? Are you going to throw me away since I’ve disappointed you?

” I asked as my insides shook with fear of being abandoned again.

Mom stood and cupped my face in between her hands. “No, you are my baby. I would never throw you away,” she said, and relief fell over my body.

Khaira tried to peel Mom’s hands away from my face, objecting to her touching me. The gesture lightened the mood as we laughed.

“Mom, don’t give up on Jhae. It took her a long time to pick me over you.

I’m going to keep showing up until I get you two back on good terms. Can you please fix the brand deals?

Which for the record, she would give them back to have your friendship again,” I said, and my mother’s eyes glossed over.

Jhae

I can’t believe Anissa tried to fight me. Every time I closed my eyes; the image replays as if it’s a movie. Regardless of what Malcolm said, I deserved that ass beating.

“Baby, please get up, it’s okay,” Malcolm said as he pulled me into his body.

“You haven’t eaten in days and your entire face is swollen,” he said but I didn’t respond with words.

Somehow, I was able to find a new set of tears. My heart ached for several reasons but one was the hurt I caused my former best friend. The hurt and betrayal in her eyes continued to sit with me. I sniffed as I cried into his chest.

“I ruined your family and I know Anissa hates me. I’m so...so...sorry,” I stammered between tears.

Malcolm kissed my forehead. “No, baby, you didn’t ruin my family. I went to Mom and everything is understood. She is going to fix the brand deals. I know in time you two will be friends again. Healing takes time,” he said, but I didn’t believe him.

“Look at me, Jhae,” he demanded, and I obeyed. “This is the hard part, but we are going to get through it. We are going to be a better family, but I need you to be strong for me, baby,” he said and I cried more.

I’m grateful Malcolm’s schedule allowed him to be home the last five days.

He did everything for me, including bathing and feeding.

Listening to Anissa’s vile words and witnessing the arguments between the family ripped me apart.

Wild thoughts plagued me, and constant tears poured out of my body.

This morning before Malcolm left, he placed my phone beside me, and I promised him I would get out of bed.

Sitting up, I scrolled through my phone calls and emails. Tyrus needed me to approve so many things it made my head hurt.

At the moment, I was too weak to respond, but I stored the information.

The sound of the doorbell echoed in the room.

I snatched back the blanket and traveled into the living room.

On my tiptoes, I peeked in the hole to see Anissa.

I stepped back to brace myself for the restricted air and dizziness, but nothing happened.

My palms didn’t sweat. Stepping backward, I unlocked the door, opening it.

We stared at each other but said nothing for several seconds.

“Hi, Jhae, can I come in?” Anissa said.

I stepped to the side, allowing her to enter the living room, shutting the door behind her. Anissa landed on the couch as I sat on the loveseat.

“I owe you a list of apologies. I was out of line accusing you of being a groomer, suggesting you were a bitch and trying to physically attack you. I’m also sorry for being a terrible parent.

Malcolm’s behavior was not okay in any sense of the word.

He came over and came clean about his part in pursuing you, but I’m hurt.

Jhae, you should have come to me,” she said.

I could tell by the bewildered expression on her face she was still coming to terms with things. Malcolm pulled a number on both of us.

“You’re right, but I was selfish; I wanted you both.

Anissa, I owe you, my career. I would’ve been homeless in L.A.

and broke after I ran through my savings, but I love Malcolm.

He gives me love and cares for me better than I could care for myself.

The same way Khalil loves you and Aysom loves Nia. ”

She sat back and exhaled a hard breath, resting her hands in her lap.

“The friend within me is happy you found someone to love you. I want everyone to have the love I have without the crazy antics. Jhae, you deserve it. However, the motherly parts of me are struggling. Malcolm is my son, and you were, or are my best friend,” she admitted.

I could see the unrest on her face.

“Where do we go from here? Call me na?ve, but I want my friendship with you. We are legally a family,” I said, and Anissa smirked.

“Jhae, we can’t ever be those friends again because our roles have changed. You are my daughter-in-law, but it doesn’t mean we have to be enemies, either.”

I migrated next to her, squeezing her hand. We sat in silence and cried, grieving a friendship that served us both.

“I’m going to need some time, but hold a spot for me in your life,” Anissa said, patting my hand.

“That’s fair, but don’t make me get Malcolm on you,” I said, and we both laughed.

“By the way, I got your brand deals back with better terms,” she said.

As Anissa stood to leave, I knew we would never be the same. A future was uncertain. It was shaky at best, but I could be hopeful.