“Dior, I was confused that night when you disappeared. Girl, you just vanished without a trace. I was scared out of my mind. Then I got a call from Lewis saying that I didn’t need to worry because you were safe. He refused to tell me anything else. Wait, why in the fuck are you in a wedding dress?” I was waiting for her to get to that.
“Come here, let’s sit down,” I pulled them both toward the sofa, and we all sat next to each other. I handed Mia her phone and thought hard about how to answer their questions without revealing too much, as Buddha requested.
“Ummm, firstly, Chanel, how have you been? Is everything alright? Is Lewis taking good care of you? Are you staying with Aunty?” I asked my sister, reaching to caress her face. I got so emotional just looking at her because I missed her so much.
“Yes, I’m fine. I stay with Aunty Debbie all week and then spend weekends with Daddy. I learned that sharks can losethousands of teeth in their lifetime. Each time they do, they just grow new ones,” Chanel said with enthusiasm. This was something she always did; she learned new things and wouldn’t hesitate to teach them to me.
“Wow, that’s awesome. I guess it’s important for sharks to have all their teeth, so they can eat people,” I said, tickling her playfully. She fell into a burst of laughter before she got serious and looked at me. “Why did you leave me?”My heart broke at her question, and I immediately reached for her hand.
“Oh no, Chanel, I could never leave the person I love the most in this entire world. Ummm, you know how sometimes I have to leave for a while to go to work? Well, this is kind of like that. I’m working, and I’m not too certain when this job will be over. I-I lost my phone, so you can’t reach me just yet until I get a new one. I promise on everything that I’ll be back home really soon, ok,” I tried my best to sound convincing, hating that I had to lie to my sister. Chanel thought about what I said for a minute, and then her attention fell on Lotus.
“Is the dog friendly?”
“Is she ever? She even got me to like her, and you know I don’t even like dogs,” I reached for Lotus, who was sitting guard next to me, rubbing behind her ear.
“Why don’t you pet her for a while as I talk to Mia?”
“Ok,” Chanel perked right up. Wasting no time, she got up and plopped to the floor next to Lotus, who loved the attention she was getting. Grabbing Mia’s hand, I led her to the bedroom and left the door ajar.
“Dior, what the hell is this? Did you seriously get married?” Mia looked me up and down as she touched my dress in shock.
“Come here,” I walked over to the bed and sat down, tapping the mattress, inviting her to join me. Quietly, Mia walked over and took a seat. I scratched my forehead becausewhere do I even begin? How could I explain my predicament without Mia calling the police as soon as she leaves here?
“OK, I want you to know that I’m not in any danger. Yes, I’m now married to Buddha. A little while ago, actually. As you can see,” I gave a humorless laugh as I smoothed out my dress.
“I’m sorry, you got married to the man who called my phone last night? Please, enlighten me,” I rubbed my forehead, knowing she was not about to make this easy. Reaching for her hands, I cupped them and placed them on my lap.
“Mia, I know this is a lot, but I promise you, one day we’ll sit down and I’ll relate everything to you, and we’ll have a good old laugh. That day, however, isn’t today. Not everything will make sense right away, but I promise you it will one day. Now, as I said, I’m not in any danger. Buddha, he’s a lot, but I don’t think he will harm me in any way,” I smiled at my bestie, gently touching her cheek.
“See right there. Why did you say that he won’t harm you? If you’re in danger, you need to tell me right now.” I cursed myself for my poor choice of words.
“My bad, I shouldn’t have said harm. Umm, this will all make sense one day. Just trust me, ok,” I gave her a smile as I put on a brave face. Reluctantly, Mia nodded her head, realizing that she wasn’t going to get a proper explanation.
“So, when do I meet this Buddha, who took you away from me?”
“Well, about that. You already, kinda, sorta did,” I made a sarcastic face.
“I met him, bitch when?” Mia’s jaw was wide open.
“Remember the speed dating game. The guy that appeared out of nowhere, sat at my table, and then just got up and disappeared?” Mia’s eyes grew wide with the realization of who I was talking about.
“What! You ran off and got married to that guy!?” Reaching for her phone again, she found the picture of me asleep on Buddha’s chest. Turning the phone to me for clarification. “And this is him?” I nodded my head, answering her question as she looked at the photo again.
“Well, shit bitch, say less,” she said and then burst out laughing. I shook my head, not surprised one bit by her reaction. “I don’t know what transpired, but I can tell it’s a lot, and something tells me that Lewis is involved because his phone call was weird. I just want you to know right here and now, between us, if you need me to call the police when I leave here. You can tell me, and I will do everything in my power to help you.” Mia’s facial expression changed as her voice got really low. I knew she would suspect something was up, and I just couldn’t say.
For a fleeting moment, I thought about spilling my guts, letting her know that I was trapped here with theAddams family. Shit, I wanted to tell her that I saw thethree little pigseat a mothafucka named Jamieson.
However, I was scared that letting her in on what really happened and contacting the police might end up getting everyone killed.
“No, don’t call the police. I’ll be fine. As soon as I get another phone, I promise to keep in touch with you as often as I possibly can.”
“You promise?” she held out her pinky to me. Smiling as I looked at her hand, I lifted mine with no hesitation. Interlocking our pinky fingers together before we leaned in and hugged one another.
“I promise, and I love you. I missed you so much, girl. I’m so happy you’re here,” I hugged her so tight, not knowing when would be the next time I’d be able to do this. The front door suddenly opened, and I jumped back.
“Shit, come on,” I stood up, preparing to leave the bedroom. I hadn’t made two good steps when Buddha came bursting inside the room. I paused, frozen like a mannequin, terrified of what he might do. With a cold stare, he looked at me, then at Mia.
“You must be Mia. I’ve heard a lot about you. I’m Buddha, the husband,” walking by me, Buddha made his way to Mia, introducing himself as he shook her hand.
