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One year into their marriage. Full of high moments with the newborn mixed with the lows from Brandy’s mood testing her husband’s patience.
“Happy Anniversary Baby, I brought you some flowers.” Charles said setting them in a nice vase.
He found a new job, but made less money than the management position. The type of man he was didn’t allow settling; often spending lunch breaks interviewing for better paying positions.
“I know you’ve been stressed and I want you to know that it shouldn’t be long before things are back to normal. I have a second interview with that company I told you about. For that sales executive position, remember? Phil’s wife works there and she put in a good word for me. I have a good feeling about this one.”
Brandy didn’t care about the “good news” all she wanted to hear was Charles telling her he had a higher paying job with better hours. Not a possibility and a good word from a friend’s wife.
“I’ll get excited when you cash that first paycheck. Can you watch Eve? I have a nail appointment.”
Disappointed by her response, Charles grabbed Eve and studied their happy daughter. She brought him the most joy, making the angry spats from his wife worth it.
“See ya later.” Brandy said giving her daughter a kiss, then heading towards the door.
“Look, I’m sorry we couldn’t go anywhere for our anniversary and I’m sorry we still haven’t taken that honeymoon. Just be a little more patient baby. Things are getting back on track for us.” He pleaded.
“It’s fine honey. I lost hope in taking a honeymoon a long time ago. And as far as our Anniversary...” She said looking at his disappointment then changing her tone. “We can have a quiet evening at home. I know you’re trying Charles. We’re going to be fine.”
“Thanks for saying that baby.” He said giving her a smile.
What in the hell is wrong with me?!? She thought. He’s trying Brandy. Give the man credit for trying dammit.
She circled back giving her husband a kiss as a way to mend the minor drama. Deep down she knew he was doing his best and more; but that lingering feeling seemed to pop up at the wrong times.
As she pulled out of the driveway, Monica turned on the street with Chase in the car. The sight of Charles’ ex triggered negative thoughts. She wanted to turn the car around to see how long Monica was staying but it had been months since she’d had a decent mani and pedi. The spy mission would have to wait another day.
“I just don’t know Monica. I’m trying so hard to make things right but for some reason Brandy isn’t happy.” Charles complained. “What am I doing wrong?”
“Well for starters you’re talking to me and not her. I don’t want to get in the middle of this.” Monica replied bouncing Eve in her arms.
“I know. I’ve tried, but she gets so angry. And I just shut down to keep the peace. I’m not trying to battle my wife. I want to enjoy her and our family.” He replied getting his daughter’s bottle ready.
“Pick a date. I’ll keep Eve. And you two can have some along time reconnecting.” She suggested.
“Maybe that will work.” Charles said thinking to himself.
“Brandy has done a lot for Chase, it’s the least I could do.” Even if I could go a day or three without seeing her.” Monica mumbled.
“I’ll book a hotel suite and massages. Hopefully that will help make it easier for us to talk without getting upset.”
“She’s stressed. Being a new mother can be hard.”
“I know. But I don’t remember you snapping on me every chance you got.”
“No to your face.” Monica laughed. “But we had our moments.”
“Yea we did.” Charles chuckled. “I’m glad we can be friends.”
“Me too Chuck!” Monica smiled. “Eve you are one precious baby. You gotta put a good word in for daddy to get him out of the dog house. K?”
Charles gave her a side eye at the conversation with Eve. Chase came into the kitchen ready to feed his little sister.
“You promised dad. I get to feed Eve today.” He said giving his little sister a kiss.
“You are a great big brother Chase.” Monica said to him. “Eve is so lucky to have you.”
“Thanks mom. Is Eve coming to my birthday party?” He asked.
“If you want her to.” Charles replied handing him the bottle.
“Is Brandy coming too?” Chase asked with a weird look on his face.
“Oh what’s that face for?” Monica asked.
“Well. She’s...She’s been mean for the past few months.” Chase said looking down.
“Did she say something to you?” Charles asked.
Chase went silent. Scared that he had already said too much.
“Chase, if something happened. You need to let us know.” Monica urged.
“She didn’t say anything to me mama. But she was being mean to dad. See Dad bought her flowers one morning and she threw them in the trash. I thought girls liked flowers. Don’t you like flowers mommy?”
Charles was embarrassed by his son’s response. That had been happening since before Eve was born, but he never disclosed that to anyone. Every bouquet of flowers he brought home to Brandy, were left out on the table to wither or in the trash.
“Chase go into the living room and get ready to feed your sister.” Monica said getting up from the kitchen table.
She walked up to Charles whispered. “You two need to fix this. Fast!”
Brandy returned home later that afternoon in a better mood. The nail appointment only lasted an hour but she was gone most of the morning. Chase decided to go home with his mother instead of spending the weekend with his father. Charles and Monica had a talk with him, revealing that he’d witnessed rants and acts of evil towards his dad.
“Brandy, we need to talk.” Charles said greeting his wife at the door.
“Where’s Eve?” She asked ignoring his request. “I missed my baby.”
“I put her down for a nap.” He replied. “Did you hear me? We need to talk. Seriously.”
“Where’s Chase? I bought him a few toys since he’s been a good big brother to Eve.” She continued ignoring her husband.
“He’s with Monica. He didn’t want to stay over.”
“What? Why?”
“Because of you.”
“Me!?!” Brandy said surprised. “What did I do?”
“You don’t care about the flowers I bring you.”
“Then stop bringing them.” She snarled.
“What? Any woman would be happy that her husband brings home flowers and here you are being ungrateful.” Charles raised his voice.
“Did I ask for the flowers?” Brandy laughed.
“I’m trying Brandy. I really am. What is wrong with you?” He pleaded. “I thought that you were just acting out because you were scared of how fast we were moving in our relationship so I wanted to be patient. Then I thought it was the drama between me and Monica. We fixed that and things were great for a while, and now the baby. So, I’ve tried to be patient during your pregnancy. But when your actions starts to affect my son, we have a problem.”
“You have a daughter too.” She sassily replied. “Did you have this same conversation with Monica when Chase saw how bad her husband treated her? Of course not. Your main goal was to comfort her. So don’t bring that shit to me. I’ll talk to Chase and apologize to him. Will that make your complaining ass feel better?”
“Don’t do this today Brandy. We need to stop this back and forth mess. I know we’ve been under a lot of stress with my new work schedule and this pay cut I’m taking. But things aren’t as bad as we expected. The lights are on, the baby is clothed and fed. We are good. But this rift between us can’t continue!”
“Ok Charles.” Brandy rolled her eyes.
Charles ignored her demeanor to finish his point. “I love you baby. I love you more than you’ll ever know or understand. I try to show you that I’ll be here for you no matter what. But I’m going to need some of that too. I have to know that I’m needed, loved, and appreciated. Can you understand that?”
“I had your baby. Isn’t that good enough. I ruined my body for you and not once did you even acknowledge that.”
“What?! I tell you that you’re beautiful all the time.”
“But you didn’t apologize for ruining my body!” She said sarcastically.
“You sound crazy Brandy. What is the real issue? I’ve been reading some articles on the internet about postpartum depression and what I can do to help you through it....”
“Postpartum depression! Are you an idiot!?!? What part of depressed do you get from this?” She pointed to herself. “I’m not depressed because I had a baby. This has been going on since we started dating. You’re always pushing my feelings out of the way to make Monica happy. The same way Jay used to treat me when he wanted to run back to his baby mama!”
“Jay!?!?! You still trippin off of Jay!?! That relationship ended years ago. And why are you even thinking about him?”
“That’s not the point. You don’t understand the pain that relationship left me with. The hurt I feel wondering if one day you’ll end up like him.”
“I’M NOTHING LIKE HIM!” Charles said feeling insulted.
“I don’t know that.”
“Are you on something? Because my loving wife would never think that.”
“You don’t pay attention to me!”
“Brandy. My whole world is you, Chase, and Eve. How can you say that? I don’t hang out with my friends anymore. I work. I don’t buy or do anything for myself. My main goal is to keep my family happy.”
“Well you’re failing at that.”
Their argument ceased due to Eve waking up crying. Charles’ eyes were filled with anguish but this time, Brandy was too selfish to see it.
“I’m going to check on MY baby. You can sit down here and cry to yourself.” She stormed away.
Charles slumped on the sofa lowering his head into his hands. Trying to figure out why she snapped, his stress arose turning into stubbornness. Later that night, the two maneuvered around the house ignoring each other; giving all their attention to Eve.
The hotel suite was eventually booked, but not for a romantic evening. The suite was booked for him and Eve to give Brandy some space.
The next morning, she found her husband loading packed bags loading the car.
“What is all of this about?”
“I’m staying at a hotel for a few days. We need some space. I don’t know what it is but we need a break.” He replied not looking at her annoyed expression. “I’m not leaving you. I just need some time. I’ll take Eve with me so you can relax. I’ll drop her off later.”
“Yea. Take your daughter now. Take pictures and spend all the time you need with her. Because this is the LAST time you’ll see her ass hole.” Brandy snapped.
He had no response to the idle threat. Those words stung, but he didn’t want to return that negative energy with more hurtful words. Charles watched his wife go about her morning as if nothing was happening. The thought of him needing a break didn’t faze her. She went into the shower leaving Eve alone with her father. He waited until she was finished to leave. Although he was fuming, it was important to kiss his wife goodbye.
“So, what are you going to do today?” He asked sincerely.
“Not that it’s any of your business because you’re leaving me. But my friend Sheena is in town from Cali.
“Oh yea, I remember you telling me she was coming.”
“There’s a day party and we’re going. You know my birthday is in a few weeks so we are celebrating now since she’ll be out of the country on the actual day.”
“The big 3-0. I know baby. We can do something special. Just think about what you want and I’ll make it happen.”
“How Charles?! You’re leaving?”
“I don’t know what else to do Brandy. Can’t you understand the position I’m in? I’m trying to keep you happy baby but whatever it is, it’s not good enough for you.” He surrendered.
“So you leave. Ha! That’s smart. Just take our daughter and go. I have a party to get to.”
“Go to your party. I’ll be hanging out with Eve.” Charles shrugged. “I love you Brandy.”
She paused looking down at the floor. Not really wanting him to leave but the toxic vibes flowing through her veins wouldn’t allow a plea to get him to stay.
“I love you too Charles.” Brandy responded looking into his sad eyes.
He grabbed Eve’s things and leaned in to kiss her goodbye. Receiving his soft lips, Brandy wanted to cry, however pride convinced her to keep a stone face.
According to her, Charles shouldn’t have thought of leaving to give them “space”. But didn’t realize that she was pushing him to the limit.
Hours later, Sheena was at the door.
“Girl. So how’s married life?” Sheena asked walking around admiring her friend’s home.
“Annoying as hell.” Brandy scoffed. “I’m so tired of this man being weak.”
“What? How is he weak? Seems like a good one to me.” She replied, confused.
“See Sheena you don’t understand. I went through hell dealing with Jay and Charles doesn’t get that. So he needs to go above and beyond to make sure I don’t go through that again.”
“You think Jay would have married you? Moved you into this nice home? Actually take care of you AND your daughter?”
“No but...”
“Stop it!” Sheena interrupted. “You have a good man Brandy. Whatever happened between you and Jay, that’s done. Get over that shit girl. You haven’t seen him in years so why is he even a factor?”
“Jay isn’t a factor. At least I don’t want him to be. It’s just...” She paused. “I can’t shake the memories of what happened between us. It was devastating and I’m scared I’ll go through that again. It’s hard to explain. Nobody gets it. Not even my own husband.”
“I get it. You’ve been hurt. But you have to find a way to release that. Don’t let that past destroy your present and future. You’ll end up a single mother.” She warned.
Brandy was silent from her friend’s chastising, realizing that for the 1000th time, she’d gone too far.
Sheena caught on to that and continued the lecture.
“Maybe you should talk to someone about what you’re feeling. But you can’t take that out on your husband. Charles has proven himself to be a good man. He may not be perfect but he’s trying. Give him space but don’t give up. Step up to the plate Brandy. He’s already done that and more!”
Brandy needed to hear the friendly lecture, but she wasn’t ready to receive it. Afraid that she had already driven her husband away; not wanting to get more advice from Sheena.
“I’m ready to get out of this house.” She said, changing the subject. “Let’s go!”
The day party was packed and entertaining. Seemed like everyone in Houston came out to celebrate a random Saturday. Brandy hadn’t hung out in over a year. Being a new mother and settling into married life didn’t allow time for happy hours or parties. Although she was content with being a wife.
As she strutted around like a college school girl being turned loose for the first time, Sheena kept an eye out on her.
Finding empty seats in the rooftop area, Brandy felt a familiar hand on her waist.
“Hey stranger.” The familiar voice said from behind.
She was almost speechless turning around looking at the man who hurt her straight in the eye.
“Jay!” She shrieked. “What are you doing here?”
“Partying just like you.” He laughed. “How you been?”
“Good.” Brandy nodded, looking around. “Good.”
Jay’s eyes immediately went to her ring finger. “You got married on me?”
“Yes, I did.” She replied confidently. “We have a daughter too. Eve.”
Jay nodded getting uptight about the news. He always thought that she would be available whenever he wanted to backtrack or whenever his new interest kicked him out.
“So where’s your husband?” He asked in a rigid tone. “I don’t wanna cause no problems by saying hello.”
“He’s with our daughter. My friend Sheena is in town and we needed some girl time.”
“I feel ya. Can I sit down?” He asked pointing to an empty chair beside them.
“No.” Sheena chimed in.
She knew by the look on Jay’s face that he would be nothing but trouble. However, Brandy had another idea, continue to make Jay jealous with talks of her new husband and daughter. It was her way to feel vindicated and finally rid the remains of hurt he left behind.
“Aw c’mon Sheena.” Brandy laughed. “It’s cool Jay. Sit down.”
Jay didn’t hesitate to take a seat, just for an opportunity to get back in her head. Sheena was worried that through her friend’s tipsy haze, he would accomplish the mission.
“I’m going to go get another drink. I’ll be back.” Sheena said excusing herself. “Brandy...Be good!”
“I’m always good.” She waved to her friend.
“What’s her problem?” He asked giving an irritated expression in Sheena’s direction.
“Nothing. She’s just over protective that’s all.”
“You don’t need protection from me.” Jay flirted.
“Really!?!”
“Yea really. You think you do?”
“YES! As I remember you put your hands on me.”
“Now stop that Brandy. That was a long time ago and plus you asked for that.”
“How?!” She asked stunned.
“Running off at that mouth of yours. I warned you.” Jay moved closer. “Let’s not think about that. We’ve both grown and we don’t need to bring that up.”
Brandy didn’t know what to say. Thinking that he would be jealous and remorseful, the loitering bachelor of her past was the total opposite.
“So what are you doing these days?” Brandy patronized.
“You know me. I’m still hustling. My boy doing his rap thang and he said that he’ll help me start DJing. I just gotta wait on this equipment to come in and I’m straight.”
“So you have a lead on possibly DJing?”
“See, that’s why we always had problems.” Jay replied catching on to the cynical response. “You never wanted to believe in me and my dreams.”
“You had a lot of those Jay. A LOT!” She laughed sipping her drink.
“Lemme get some of that.” He snatched the drink out of her hand.
“Same old Jay.”
“You love it.” He winked before downing the cocktail. “You been thinking about me?”
“Not at all.” She lied. “I have a husband and a daughter. No time to think about the past.”
“Ok. But now that I’m here we can talk about us.” He said placing the empty cup on the table. “I’m single and I think we should try again.”
“Jay, I’m married now! There is NO trying again with us.”
“We can. I mean you don’t have to leave him just yet. Let’s just spend some time together and see how things go. Gradually progress in our friendship and then get back on track with our love.”
“What kind of shit are you smoking these days?” Brandy asked insulted.
“Brandy...”
“Jay please go away. You come over here, NOT taking responsibility for hurting me. Drink up my cocktail, THEN talk about us getting back together and after I told you that I’m married!?!?”
Jay grew impatient with disagreement to the outlandish idea. “So you’re still bitter huh?”
“No. I’m wiser and I’m smarter. Smart enough not to let the likes of you back in. Goodbye Jay.”
“See. Same old Brandy. Gotta let that past go.” Jay said getting up shaking his head.
Sheena made her way back as Jay left.
“I see that didn’t go well.” She said relieved.
“Of course it didn’t. You know that fool drunk my liquor!” Brandy pointed to the empty cup.
They both laughed at Jay’s shenanigans. Luckily Sheena came back to the table with two drinks for them to enjoy. Unfortunately the next round made Brandy emotional.
Missing the man she was in love with, she took a break to the bathroom and called Charles. The convo with Jay encouraged her to work things out and convince her husband to come home.
“Baby.” She said as soon as he answered.
“Hi. Eve’s doing fine.” He replied.
“I know Eve will always be fine with you. I was calling to check on my husband.”
“Oh! I’m good. Watching TV while baby girl takes a nap. Having fun at your party?”
“Not really. I want you to come home Charles.” Brandy begged in a drunk voice.
“I will. But we need some space Brandy. I told you I wasn’t leaving for good.”
“But I want you home toniiiiiight. I m-miss you.”
“I miss you too. But what I don’t miss is our crazy arguments. We need to sit down and talk.”
“And we can do that to-niiight.”
“Nah you’re drunk. We need to talk tomorrow when you’ve slept off that alcohol.”
“Are you serious Charles?!?! I’m really trying here and you’re re-rejecting me! You know what, stay wherever tha hell you’re at. Just bring me my daughter tomorrow!” Brandy yelled and hung up.
On her way back to the table, she tried to hide the disappointed sentiments from Sheena. Just as they were getting into some girl talk, Brandy’s old friend Dre came over with two friends.
“Miss Brandy.” He said standing in front of her.
Impartial to Dre in that moment, she was amused that someone wanted to throw her some attention. Six feet tall with long dreads and a nice beard that made the women go crazy. His bright skin illuminated the colorful tattoos up and down his arms. Unlike Jay, Brandy could at least count on Dre having his own drinks.
“Hey Dre.” She said hiding her left hand. “How are you?”
“Good. Could have been better if my friend didn’t cut me off.”
“I’m sorry. Things came up at work and I lost track of a lot of friends.”
Sheena was disgusted by her friend leaving out the fact that she was married with a kid. She wanted to snatch her out of the situation but if Brandy couldn’t see what she was doing, nobody else could make her see it.
“These are my friends Larry and Morris. Can we join y’all?” He asked pointing at two equally handsome gentlemen, standing off to the side pretending to like the music.
“Sure come on! This is my friend Sheena.” She replied, discreetly sliding off her rings, placing them safely in her purse.
His friend, Larry, quickly sat beside Sheena to avoid being the odd man out. They struck up a conversation while Dre and Brandy caught up. The two talked about everything except her husband and Eve. Brandy only went to Dre when she felt insecure about her relationship. That day was the perfect opportunity to get some needed attention as Charles wasn’t ready to talk to when she demanded.
“What are we doing after this?” Dre asked after ordering a bottle.
“I don’t know. Do you have any suggestions?” Brandy flirted. “I’m up for anything.”
He leaned closer so Sheena and his friends couldn’t hear. “Let’s get rid of our friends and spend some time together.”
“Ummm.” Brandy hesitated. “I-I-I don’t know.”
“Why?”
“I don’t want to leave my friend. She’s visiting from out of town.” She whispered.
“My boy Larry can take care of her.” He urged. “C’mon girl. You know you owe me some time.”
Brandy wanted to leave but not with Dre. She knew that would only get her into trouble. But she couldn’t deny that she was enjoying the attention.
“Let me think about it.” She said taking a moment to find some sense of sobriety.
It didn’t work. Her inner desires yearning for male affection were giving in, gravitating her towards Dre. The more he flirted, touching her, and giving insincere compliments, the more she thought less about her family.
“Aye man we’re about to go get something to eat.” Larry said referring to himself and Sheena. “Y’all coming?”
“So you’re just going to leave me?!” Brandy asked her tipsy friend.
“I. Well Larry’s taking me to get something to eat. You need to come too!” Sheena managed to say through her liquid encouraged haze.
“No she’s coming with me.” Dre replied. “We’re about to leave in a minute. Lemme take care of this tab.”
He pulled out a wad of cash from his pocket. Brandy didn’t have the slightest idea as to where he got it from. She didn’t ask any questions, just sat back; relieved that money wasn’t coming from her.
“So where are we going?” She asked. “I drove my car.”
“You’re not driving anywhere. We’ll come back and get it tomorrow.” He replied handing the server money.
“Tomorrow? Oh No I need my car Dre!” She whined.
“Let’s go girl.” He stood up, extending his hand.
Reluctantly, Brandy took his hand, following him out of the party. Passing by her ex, she gave a funny look as he was trying to count dollars and coins to buy a drink. Jay took a look at her and smirked thinking Dre was her husband.
That was the last time she’d ever see Jay again as he eventually ended up in prison due to a robbery conviction.
Sitting in the passenger seat, Brandy’s mind raced with regret and confusion. Not having a clue as to what she was doing in Dre’s car while her husband and child were at a hotel for the night. She rationalize her actions by replaying the last conversation with Charles. That reminder helped her to relax and enjoy the ride; and repeating to herself that she would not “go all the way” with a man who wasn’t her husband.
“Why you so quiet?” Dre asked noticing Brandy in deep thought. “What you thinking about?”
“Nothing.” She replied quickly.
“Hmmm. Ok.” He mumbled.
He didn’t care to press the issue, he only asked to break the silence. The one thing on his agenda was getting her into bed.
Reaching his apartment, Brandy felt glued to the car seat. She wanted to move but hesitant about how she could convince him to let her leave before the end of the night.
“You going to stay in the car?” He laughed.
“No. I’m-I’m getting out.”
Taking a deep breath, she proceeding to get out the car.
Dre led her into the living room and she swiftly landed on the sofa. Staying on the sofa meant there would be no temptation in the bedroom.
“You want something else to drink?” He asked, pouring a small glass of Jack.
“Sure.” She kept her eyes forward. “Whatever you’re having is fine.”
“Good.”
He came back with drinks and Brandy gulped hers down to help ease the weird vibes. It didn’t work.
“Damn!” Dre squinted. “You want another one?”
She nodded hastily.
“What’s wrong with you?” He asked giving her a strange look.
“Nothing. It’s cold in here.”
“Oh...My bad. I like to keep the air on.” He replied standing up. “I’ll turn it down.”
Twenty minutes and three shots of Jack later, Brandy and Dre were having another round of small talk. He was growing impatient with her not catching his random insinuations to move the party into the bedroom.
“Do you smoke?” He asked pulling out a small brown paper bag. Another ploy.
“No. I’m just a drinker.” She said loosing up.
“Take another shot then.” Dre urged.
She did just as he said. Throwing back a double shot of Jack.
“So what REALLY kept you away from me all this time?” He asked rolling up a blunt.
“Well honestly...it WAS work. I’m-I....”