Shattered Glass

*ERIC*

I completely forgot my promise to Kayla that I’d take her to the festival at her school today. To make matters worse, I started a new account today that was incredibly complicated. It took me and three of my top employees to break it down and take portions. It wasn’t until Kacie called that I realized what time it was. She was upset.

Sometimes, she acts like she’s more than my sister. Then I have to remind her that I’m a grown ass man and if she wants someone to push around, she should go to Josh for that. That makes her blood boil, but she leaves me alone afterward.

I left work as soon as we hung up and headed for my condo. I lived about 20 minutes from the job and needed to get ready and head to the school, which was about another 15 minutes away. I was looking at an hour before we got there.

When I opened the door, Kayla stomped up to me with her arms folded. The sass on this girl!

“Uncle, Mommy says it’s 4 o’clock, and you were supposed to be here on time for the festival.”

“I know, sour patch, but work got busy. Besides, I’m here now to get ready and take you.”

“But we’re going to be late.”

“We have time, I promise. Why don’t you ever give your mom a hard time like you do me?”

Hearing that, Kacie chimed in, “Trust and believe, she does. I just tune her out.”

I threw my hand up in disbelief and went to get ready. I showered and put on some sweatpants with a black t-shirt and a zip-up hoodie.

By the time we arrived at the school, it was a little past 5 p.m. I didn’t expect to see such a small school lot come to life with all the decorations.

I looked around, taking everything in, when I spotted Jamira, just as beautiful as always. But who was with her?

We looked at each other but said nothing. Not even a wave from afar. I kept my cool because of the children, but when I got my chance to talk to her, I was going to take it.

For the next hour or so, Kayla, Kacie, and I all engaged in games. Occasionally, I glanced around and observed Jamira and that guy interacting and playing games together. She would occasionally catch me staring. I never looked away because I was curious about their relationship. Was he a coworker, a friend, or a lover? Regardless, I was determined to find out.

Finally, the opportunity arose when I spotted her alone by the fish bowls. I excused myself from my sister and rushed towards her, grabbing her arm more forcefully than I intended. I decided to simply ask about the guy she was with and discovered that they were together. My heart nearly burst at that revelation. I couldn’t comprehend why she would play with me. So, I told her to leave him because my jealousy prevented me from leaving her.

She attempted to protest, but I lost interest and left after sending her a warning. She could do whatever she wanted with that.

The drive back home was filled with tension, and neither of us wanted to break the silence.

When we arrived, Kacie sent Kayla to their room before stopping me in my tracks.

“Alright, dummy, who is she?” she demanded.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I replied, trying to maneuver around her. She kept getting in my way.

“You’ve been sulking the entire ride back and you’re clearly irritated, so what’s got your panties in a bunch?”

Offended by the question, I pushed her onto the couch and made my way to my room. There, I threw myself onto the bed and replayed our conversation in my mind.

By then, Kacie stormed in, arms folded across her chest, her face filled with anger.

“Eric Franklin! What is your problem?”

“Leave me alone, Kace. I’m not in the mood.”

“Talk to me,” she demanded.

I let out a sigh and rubbed my hands down my face.

“Ugh, Kace… it’s… it’s this girl, her name is Jamira, and she’s… I tried my best to explain, but I struggled.”

Kacie unfolded her arms and sat down beside me. She ran her fingers through my hair, just like she did when we were kids, and I became frustrated. She always knew how to calm me down. It was as if she possessed some kind of psychic ability.

“E…I’m not sure what you’re trying to say and I won’t pretend to know what you’re going through, however, if this is girl is truly your person it’ll all work out. Just don’t force it and try not to think completely with your heart. Try to use your head too.”

After that she left with those words still in the air heavy with a certain pressure I knew all too well but couldn’t put a name to.