Page 62 of I Don't Want You Back

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“Okay, thanks for meeting with me,” Malia said as she threw her phone on the bed next to her and buried her head in her hands.

That was her third time going on a job interview and her third call informing her that she didn’t get the job. She was slowly losing what little mind she had left and she didn’t know what to do. She had paid her first month of rent on her own and would soon have to pay another. The money that she had in the bank was almost gone and she was surprised that it lasted as long as it did. Roman had done her dirty, but he was going to get his in the end. Malia had seen him twice before and, both times, he was with a different chick. Being that she still loved him, Malia made a scene each time. She always walked away looking like a fool because Roman never paid her any mind. Malia hated to do it, but she would probably be moving in with her mother sooner than she thought.

Living with one of her sisters was out of the question. Their apartments were filthy, and they barely had enough room for their own kids. Cora’s house was old and outdated, but it was clean and comfortable. The only thing she hated was the rules that she knew her mother was going to have. Cora was already trying to help her find a job. She had a good friend who owned a busy soul food restaurant and she put in a good word for Malia. Cora’s friend wanted her to start as soon as possible, but Malia was stalling, hopefully to find something better. Her mother worked there whenever her friend needed help and she always made great tips.

Malia regretted not taking Landon up on his offer to go back to school. Having only a high school diploma was hurting her chances of finding a decent job. Landon always tried to encourage her to do better and she missed that about him. If she were being honest, she missed everything about him. One more chance was all that Malia needed to show him that he was where she wanted to be. She still loved Roman, but she loved Landon more. Having her heart torn between the two of them was driving her insane.

“Yes Monica,” Malia said when she answered the phone for her sister.

“Bitch, I’ve been calling you since yesterday,” Monica replied.

“I know, but I wasn’t in the mood to talk. I’m stressed the hell out looking for a job,” Malia replied.

“I thought Felicia said that she could get you on at her job.”

“You must be crazy. I’m not going to work in no damn nursing home. I’ll sell dope before I get paid eight dollars an hour to wipe somebody else’s ass,” Malia snapped.

“Excuse me, but you’re the one who needs money boo. I don’t see how you’re still living in that empty ass apartment by yourself anyway.”

“What do you want Monica? I know you didn’t call to talk about my living arrangements,” Malia said.

“No but, bitch, do you remember me telling you about Harley’s neighbor who I can’t stand? You know, the bitch who thinks she’s too much? Lil conceited hoe who always wears the red bottoms,” Monica said, trying to make her sister remember some of their conversations.

“Yeah, I remember you telling me something about her,” Malia said, not knowing or caring where the conversation was going.

Monica and Felicia were haters and they talked about everybody. Malia lost count of how many people they talked about and no one person stood out in her mind.

“Girl, me and that bitch was about to fight in Harley’s apartment,” Monica noted.

“What’s new Monica? You and Felicia are always fighting with somebody.”

“But, that’s not all bitch. Harley’s cousin was saying that she wanted to meet ole girl’s boyfriend and you’ll never guess who it was.”

“I’m listening,” Malia said, dreading the answer.

“It was Landon bitch!” Monica yelled, making her sister’s heart drop.

“You saw him there?” Malia asked with a newfound interest in the conversation.

“Yes, he was all hugged up and kissing on the bitch. It looks like they’ve been together for a minute too. She was telling them that she was going to invite them to the house for drinks by the pool like she got it like that.”

“Who is she? What’s her name?” Malia asked, praying that it wasn’t the same person who Lennox had told her about.

“The bitch name is Faryn,” Monica said, as Malia dropped her head.

“She’s Lance’s counselor,” Malia spoke up.

“How do you know that?” Monica questioned.

“Lennox told me about her a few months ago.”

“And you didn’t say anything?” Monica asked.

“I really didn’t care too much at the time. I was still pregnant, and I was focused on getting Roman out of jail. I really thought that things were going to work out with us,” Malia admitted.

“So, now what? I know you ain’t gon’ sit back and let that shit fly. You put in too many years with Landon to just let another bitch think she can have him. You were there before the money. If anybody deserves to live the good life with him, it’s you, not that bitch Faryn,” Monica snapped.

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