Tending to Justice keeps me occupied. Charlotte and Tanya had been planning to come down to see Justice for the first time this weekend. With the turn of events, everyone has to come. Charlotte told Gigi they’ll arrive late Sunday night. They’re going to stay at a hotel close by. She and Tanya are coming to visit tomorrow. Gigi isn’t happy with her daughter’s reaction and not giving me a straight answer. Gigi always takes the high road, saying they’re still family. In hindsight, we need to love them regardless of whether they deserve our love or not.
I wonder if Justin and his brother will be arriving with them or separately. I swallow hard, pondering what all Justin has found out and his reaction. I haven’t heard anything from him yet.
On Sunday evening, Charlotte, and my sister grace us with their presence. It’s surprising they come bearing a handful of gifts for Justice, from diapers and wipes to clothes and blankets.
“There’s more in the car. A swing, walker, highchair, and toys. We’ll bring them in later,” Charlotte says with a huge smile.
Charlotte’s pretending everything is peachy. I go along, thanking them, remembering Gigi’s motto. Charlotte’s attitude is the total opposite of when we’d last spoken. Still bitter over our phone conversation, I’m not sure how to feel about her kind gesture. It definitely fills me with mixed emotions. One thing is for sure, I am done trying to figure my mother out, or win over her affections. If she’d rather live in a fantasy world, then so be it.
Charlotte and Tanya hug Gigi, and then Charlotte asks, “Well, where’s my granddaughter?”
It’s on the tip of my tongue to state that she doesn’t deserve to see her, since she tried to force me to have an abortion. Taking the high road, I remain silent, walking over to Justice’s bassinet.
“She’s lovely, Madison. She is heathy for having her a month early,” Charlotte acknowledges, picking her up. Justice wiggles a little but doesn’t wake.
“Lil Mama likes to eat,” Gigi replies with a wide grin.
Tanya stands nearby. “Justice is adorable,” Tanya chimes in. “She looks a lot like….”
I cross my arms. “Who?”
Tanya’s honey irises dilate. “…Um, you.”
“Interesting. I don’t really think so. She only has my eyes and curls.”
“I can see you in Justice,” Mama agrees, attempting to keep the peace.
“Justice is my pride and joy. I’m glad I decided to keep her,” I can’t help throwing in.
Charlotte glances up at me. Gigi shoots her a disapproving look. It’s strange watching Charlotte and Tanya be nurturing toward Justice, when neither have supported me. They’re her relatives, so as long as they want to be in her life and treat her kindly, then I’ll allow them to.
* * *
Sleep doesn’t come easy that night. What seems no means to an end, I toss and turn. The interrogation at the deposition starts tomorrow morning. With my nerves on edge, I doubt I’ll get much sleep.
Ms. Driver texts, letting me know that she’ll be here in a moment. She will be escorting me to the precinct. I lean down, kissing Justice’s cheek. My sunray of hope—the reason I must see this through.
Gigi comes by my side. “Ms. Driver just pulled up. How are you holding up?”
“Just ready to get this over with.”
Gigi squeezes my hand. “Everything will work out.”
“I feel this is what I must do.”
“God is on your side, so you can’t fail. I’m only a phone call away if you need me.”
I hug her tightly. “Thank you for supporting me.”
“Always, my dear. This storm shall pass, and it will be brighter on the other side.”
On the way over, Ms. Driver and I discuss how things would go. “They will be questioned by an official,” she relays. “Their statements will be recorded and correlated.”
“Will that help in court?”
“It depends on what is said.”
“I seriously doubt Jackson is going to admit to what he did. Will he be arrested?”
“The case has to be evaluated first after their statements. Even if he’s not, he’ll still have to appear in court. I’ll speak on your behalf, and I’ll be witnessing all the interrogations. You can sit in another room where you can hear through a glass wall.”
“Will they be able to see me?”
“No, it’s one-way glass. You won’t be able to interact with what they say. But it might help for you to listen in, for any contradictions to their statements.”
When we arrive, Ms. Driver directs me to the back. She brings me to a room with a glass window where I can see through to the other side. The adjacent room has a table with two chairs on either side. There will be a police officer standing outside the door. He’ll escort me to the bathroom if I need to go. Other than that, I’m to remain in the room until Ms. Driver returns.
Ms. Driver and the female official who’s going to take the statements walk into the adjacent room first. Not long after, Charlotte and Regan arrive. They are asked to have a seat and introductions are made. Ms. Driver starts by giving them my statement in detail—including my involvement with Justin. Regan’s eyes grow wider and wider, while Charlotte’s narrow into slits. The other woman, Official Levi, takes over. She asks them if they knew I was involved with Justin or Jackson. Both respond they didn’t have any idea I was involved with either of them. In their eyes, we were one big happy family.
Ms. Levi records their statements, asking them how I acted after the night of December 26th. Regan says he works long hours running his realtor business. From what he could tell, a couple of weeks after I’d moved in, I started coming out of my shell. At the beginning of the year, he admits to having noticed my withdrawal. I’d hardly come out of my room when he was home. Of course, Charlotte states what she’d noticed was my hostile behavior. I even attacked my sister when she was only offering advice. I want to yell at her. She’s making me look bad. Why should I expect anything else?
Ms. Driver jumps in, telling them the rest of my story. My claim that Jackson is the father will be confirmed by a DNA test. Charlotte turns green and Regan shrinks in on himself.
My cell pings. I glance at the screen. It’s a message from Dari.
Hi, just checking on u. How’s it going?
Charlotte & Regan r getting questioned.
I’ll be praying 4 u. Keep me posted.
Will do.
Levi and my lawyer continue the discussion. My ears are ringing. Charlotte relays how I originally said the father was someone else. Ms. Driver reiterates the DNA test will prove if Jackson is the father. Charlotte and Regan leave the room a while later. I can’t recall what was discussed in the last few minutes they were talking. Charlotte’s negativity and questioning if Jackson is the father causes the room to spin.
Ms. Driver walks out for a moment. Jackson strolls into the room not long afterward. Official Levi directs him to have a seat. Somehow, I know it’s him and not Justin. There is an aura surrounding Jackson that defines him from his brother.
Jackson changes positions in his chair several times. I stumble, moving further away from the glass wall. I keep reminding myself that he can’t see me. It doesn’t seem to be registering. I need to suck up my discomfort. If I’m going to take him to court, my situation will become a lot more uncomfortable before it’s over.
Ms. Driver returns, taking a seat by Ms. Levi. Jackson narrows his eyes at them. “Can we get this over with?” He appears more irritated than nervous.
Official Levi raises her eyebrow. “In a hurry, huh?”
Jackson stares at her blankly. “I did have to drive to another state for this.”
“Please state your full name,” Levi says.
“Jackson Jamar Jenkins.”
“I’m Paula Levi,” she introduces herself. “This is Ms. Jamilah Driver, Madison’s lawyer. She’ll be sitting in, representing her. We’ll be asking you questions involving Madison Guillory, and it will be recorded. Please answer honestly. Giving false information could lead to other charges brought against you.”
Jackson shakes his head. “I’m kinda at a loss for words.”
“Pertaining to what?” Levi smirks. “I haven’t asked you anything yet.”
He laughs without humor. “We both know why I’m here and what I am being accused of…. I don’t get it, though.”
“Mr. Jenkins, this is how the law works. Innocent or guilty, we still must go through a process.”
“I understand how the law works. That’s not what I was referring to. I don’t get why Madison would do this to me. I thought things were….”
What is Jackson confused about? Is he shocked about me wanting him to face penalties for his actions?
“Things were what, Mr. Jenkins?” Ms. Levi presses.
Jackson sighs. “Madison and I were close once.”
What the heck! We were never close. He’s confusing himself with his twin.
“Explain your relationship with Madison Guillory.”
“She and Tanya moved in with us last August of 2017. Her mom is my dad’s fiance. We all got along fairly well.” Jackson sits back, placing his hands behind his head. He continues as if he’s telling a tale around a campfire. “At first, Madison and my brother had a thing going.”
“What kind of thing?” inquires Ms. Levi.
“They were dating.”
“What happened between the two of them?”
“My brother knew I liked Madison also, but I stepped outta the way when I saw they were interested in each other.”
Hearing Jackson admit this makes my stomach churn.
“So, you never acted in an inappropriate manner toward Ms. Guillory?”
He scrunches his nose, placing his hands in his lap. “This is difficult for me to discuss … I didn’t want my brother to know.”
“About you taking advantage of Madison?”
“No, about our fling.”
“Are you saying that Ms. Guillory willingly had sexual intercourse with you?”
“We had sex once, the day after Christmas, and it was consensual.”
Flashes of that night threaten to shake me to the core. There were extenuating circumstances why I did. He is so manipulative.
Jackson blows out his breath. “Madison and my brother were on the outs. She and I had been flirting with each other. I still had feelings for her. One thing led to another and we ended up in bed together.”
I never thought he’d admit to us sleeping together. His tactic throws me for a loop. Jackson’s intelligent. His IQ is probably through the roof. Justin had told me once, Jackson’s GPA was higher than his, a 3.7, and he never had to study.
Official Levi continues. “For the record, you’re stating you didn’t manipulate Madison Guillory into having sex with you. Please say yes or no.”
“No, I did not.”
“So, Madison was aware that you were Jackson and not your twin brother, Justin?”
“Yeah, she knew it was me.”
“How so, when it was dark in the room and you called her, Madi? The nickname only your brother calls her.”
Jackson’s brow furrows. “I called her sweet-cheeks, and she knows that’s the pet-name I call her.”
That’s a lie! He never made any indication he was Jackson until afterward, when he’d slipped, calling me sweet-cheeks.
“I see.” Ms. Levi types on her notepad. “At any time during the act did Madison tell you no, or to stop?”
Jackson smirks. “Nah, we were both really into it. I expressed how much I wanted her, and she opened her legs for me.”
Bile rises to my throat. This guy is a master con artist! I cradle my arms around my chest, hoping to get comfort.
“There’s no reason to be vulgar, Mr. Jenkins,” Official Levi points a warning glance towards him.
He shrugs. “Just stating the facts.”
“Were you aware that Madison was a virgin?”
“We never discussed her sexuality in great detail, but I figured as much.”
“For the record, Madison didn’t experience any discomfort, or say you were hurting her during intercourse?” Ms. Levi asks.
“She was tight. I’m sure there was discomfort at the beginning, but Madison never asked me to stop. She kissed me back—enjoyed my hands all over her body as she welcomed me in. Madison’s moaning was evidence that she wanted me.”
I suck in a deep breath, closing my eyes. Jackson’s right on one account. I gave myself to him willingly. He is lying about the latter. I told him to give me a minute to adjust. He kept going, promising it would get better. When the pain didn’t subside, only growing worse, I’d said, “Please stop, it hurts. Justin, please stop.” He then, pinned my arms above me and had his way with me. At the time, I’d convinced myself it was fine. Pain was expected the first time. Under the influence, he didn’t realize he wasn’t being gentle. I was frustrated with myself for giving him permission. I tried to endure the uncomfortable encounter because of the love I had for him—not knowing it wasn’t Justin in the first place.
I can’t stomach much more. I walk over to a sofa, sitting down. Not being able to view him through the window anymore helps somewhat. Unfortunately, I can still hear as Official Levi pushes forward with the interrogation.
“Please help me to understand why Madison would accuse you of manipulating her—tricking her into having intercourse if she was a willing participant?”
Jackson doesn’t miss a beat. “To get back at me, I’m guessing. But it’s not right for her to put me through this, just because I tried to take the high road.”
“What do you mean?” asks Levi.
“Afterward, I spoke with Madison, telling her I didn’t think we should pursue things further.”
“Walk me through what occurred after that night,” Official Levi instructs.
“Even though I cared about Madison, she and my brother had dated first. I felt bad about what happened between us because I knew Justin still had feelings for her.”
“So you liked Madison enough to sleep with her, only to pretend like it didn’t occur afterward?”
Jackson doesn’t fall for it. In a calm voice, he says, “It wasn’t like that. I explained to Madison my brother still cared about her. And no matter how I felt, it wasn’t right for us to flaunt that we were messing around in his face.”
He’s lying through his freaking teeth. I’m seething.
Ms. Levi lays out her next question. “Did you tell your brother what happened between you and Madison?”
“No, and it was wrong to hide. I was just scared it would mess up our relationship. Justin and I have always been close.”
This dude could win an Emmy. Ms. Driver doesn’t interrupt. She appears to be analyzing Jackson, studying him.
Levi types on her hand-held tablet. “You stated Madison was probably paying you back. Elaborate on what you meant?”
“Madison wasn’t happy about my rejection afterward, she wanted more. I made it clear I didn’t want to hurt Justin, but she was upset.”
“How did the situation end?”
“Our parents got engaged in February. Things between Madison and me were awkward. I attempted to talk to her from time to time. Playing nice didn’t seem to do any good. I feared she might try to cause trouble between me and Justin, so I spoke with Tanya about it.”
“What did you and Tanya discuss?”
“How Madison was upset because I’d told her I didn’t think it was a good idea to be in a relationship together. I explained how I thought she might try to turn Justin and me against each other.”
“What did Tanya say about your suspicions?”
“Tanya relayed that Madison was grieving over the death of their father and looking for attention.”
“I see…. Let’s go back to your earlier statement,” Levi says. “You claimed you couldn’t believe Madison would press charges against you. If you guys were at such odds, why do you feel like she wouldn’t?”
“At one point, we were really into each other.”
In which of his fantasy worlds were we ever into each other? Mr. Wicked, Mr. Casanova, or Mr. Ego-trip—maybe a combination of all three, equaling Mr. Schizo, because he definitely has a few screws loose.
“I get that I hurt her feelings, or maybe Madison feels like I led her on. But I don’t understand why she’d go to these extremes. My reputation and livelihood are on the line. I mean … I thought she cared about me.”
Jackson is confusing himself with Justin again. I’ll never do anything intentional to hurt him. I change my mind—Jackson deserves an Oscar for his performance.
“Well, Mr. Jenkins that’s why we’re here. To get to the bottom of this—to get all of the facts.” Official Levi turns toward my lawyer. “Do you have anything to add?”
Ms. Driver directs her attention to Jackson. “A few things.” She crosses her legs. “When you had intercourse with Madison, weren’t you under the influence of alcohol and Ecstasy?”
Jackson shifts his weight. “I had a beer. I wasn’t drunk.”
“Were you not aware that underage drinking is a violation of the law?” Ms. Driver throws out there.
Jackson nods. “I only had one beer, and I didn’t leave the house.”
More lies. His list is piling up. The smell of alcohol seeping from Jackson’s pores, led me to believe he had more than one beer. As well as the simple fact he’d admitted being under the influence of drugs.
“Do you make a habit of drinking, Mr. Jenkins?”
“I don’t, but this is the twenty-first century. My dad lets me, and my brother have a beer on occasion on holidays.”
“Well, could you possibly not remember Madison saying you were hurting her or to stop, because you were under the influence?”
“That’s not possible. I wasn’t impaired with only one beer.”
“Well, maybe the Ecstasy you took impaired you.”
“I didn’t take Ecstasy.”
“So, you only told her the Ecstasy had you riled up?” Jackson skims his hand over his head. “Is the truth upsetting you, Mr. Jenkins?” Ms. Driver arches her eyebrow.
“It’s frustrating to be accused of something you didn’t do. Especially, when it’s someone you care about and you thought cared about you. Madison gave me her permission. She even asked about protection.”
“Did you use protection as you told her you would, because she ended up pregnant?”
“Condoms aren’t one-hundred percent.”
“Let’s talk about after you had intercourse. Didn’t Madison get upset when she found out you were not Justin?”
“No, as I’ve said, she knew it was me.”
Ms. Driver questions him further. “Madison didn’t accuse you of pretending to be your brother?”
“No, she didn’t.”
“And Madison wasn’t upset afterward?”
“Nope.”
“I thought you said she was?”
“Madison got upset later on. Not that night, which I’ve explained.”
“To clarify, after you had intercourse you didn’t corner Madison by wrapping your hands around her neck and threaten her?”
Jackson keeps his cool. “Of course not.”
“You never told her if she told anyone that you’d tricked her into thinking you were Justin, there would be repercussions?” Ms. Driver presses.
“Nope. Madison even gave me a goodnight kiss before I left that night.”
Yeah, because you forced me.
“When did the conversation take place about not continuing the fling?” questions, Ms. Driver.
“I’m not sure exactly. Maybe a few weeks later.”
I stand up, going back over to the window.
“Why was it so long before the conversation took place?”
Jackson bites his lips, having the audacity to look contrite. “I was avoiding her. I felt guilty. She came into my bathroom one night, coming on to me.”
“What happened during this incident?”
“I kissed her, giving in for a moment. I … won’t lie. I still wanted Madison. The guilt was just eating away at me. I knew if we continued this, it would drive a wedge between me and my brother. Justin had told me he hoped they’d work things out. Not to mention, our folks had gotten engaged, and our living situation would be permanent. That’s when I told her we couldn’t mess around anymore.”
My jaw drops. I can’t form words of how conniving this boy is.
“No further questions at this time, Jackson Jenkins. We’ll be in touch,” Ms. Driver tells him.