Chapter 6 #2
Zak's face popped up in her head, would he know she was out on a date?
The better question was, would he even care?
Stop thinking about him Mariyah, he's out of your life, it all seemed like a really bad dream now.
The whole thing was crazy. How she ended up involved still shocked her. It was time to move on.
When Brent arrived Mariyah was a little shy.
He was the first guy that had caught her interest since Zak, maybe it was the fact that he was totally opposite to Zak.
Zak who was dark and dangerous and was covered in tattoos, who seemed to own everybody, whereas Brent was blond with blue eyes, calm and safe.
Not a single tattoo on his perfect body.
When he smiled it seemed the whole world smiled with him.
When Zak smiled although it was heart stopping, it usually meant trouble. Time to play it safe Mariyah.
He took her to a fancy five star restaurant. It was nice, the entire evening was nice. He was quite the charmer, she found herself laughing and was really enjoying her nice date. Everything was nice, like she wanted, nice, nice, nice.
"Earth to Mariyah." Mariyah blinked a few times, she wasn't even aware that she was daydreaming.
"Hey, I'm sorry, I was just thinking about something…" He smiled sweetly at her.
"Do tell." She rolled her eyes at him and smiled before replying.
"Was thinking how nice this has been. It has been forever since I went out and it was lovely, so thank you."
"Your very welcome, is there a reason you haven't been dating? If you don't mind me asking?" How to answer?
"Bad break up is all. Anyway it was nice to get out and you have been wonderful company."
"It kind of sounds final."
"Brent, it's going to take some time, I can't promise you anything except friendship for now. I'm sorry, I thought I might be ready, it turns out I'm not." Brent nodded his head.
"I understand, as long as we are friends, it's all good."
"Thank you again."
***
It was such a relief that the date was not awkward, Caleb wanted all the details when she got home "It was nice."
"As opposed to?"
"Caleb, it was a nice night, he was nice, the food was nice the restaurant was nice... Everything was fucking nice."
"Mariyah, you can't continue to put yourself through this honey... Nice is good, nice is safe. Trust me on this Mari."
"I know your right, I do but my heart won't give up hope. I've tried Caleb, I really have, I'm just not coping at all."
"I know Mari, I can see it, don't worry, we'll get through this. It's just going to take some time." Mariyah nodded her head. She hoped he was right.
The next day Mariyah was home alone, Caleb would still be at work and she had the house to herself. Deciding on preparing dinner for Caleb, Mariyah got to work. Once dinner was simmering, she quickly hurried in for a shower and changed into cotton shorts and a singlet, needing the comfort.
Caleb had arrived after her shower and she served dinner, they ate together as they had many times before. It felt so rehearsed. "How was work?" She asked her brother.
"Yeah it was good. How was your day?" She smiled.
"I went to the marina. It was so nice to catch up with Ernie and Jake, Sarah, Paula.
.. I spent the day by the water. I felt so at ease, like nothing could bother me anymore.
.. Come to think of it, I didn't think about Zak at all today.
Except for now but you know what I mean. " Caleb smiled back at her.
"See there is hope Mari, you’re doing great.
" Mariyah was actually thinking she might be getting over Zak, finally being able to move on without the constant reminder of his touch, of his kiss or his temper.
.. Don't only remember the good things Mariyah, he was abusive, and he hurt you, he called you a whore, he threatened you and he hurt your brother.
Think of all the times he made you cry and said he never cared about you. .. Not just the good times.
"Mari, think of something else. You have really come along way, don't let him get the better of you, you are worth so much more." Caleb was right.
"I know. Hey are you ready for dessert?"
"I'm always ready for dessert, let me shower first, I need to get out of these clothes." Mariyah’s phone rang as she was tidying up. She answered the phone and Mariyah felt a familiarity about the way the phone beeped before anybody spoke.
"Hello... Hello is anybody there?" There was no answer.
Oh well, she ended the call and returned to the task of washing up.
Her phone rang again. "Hello, I'm sorry, if you’re talking I can't hear you, it's a bad connection, maybe you can try again later.
" Ending the call again. Who could it be?
When the phone rang a third time Mariyah picked up, that beep, where had she heard it before?
And just like that she remembered, that was the noise from the phone at the prison.
.. That's what the phone did every time Caleb called.
.. Suddenly it felt like somebody had thrown icy cold water on her, Mariyah started to shake.
"Stop calling me." Oh my god, this was not happening, not now. Could it be him Zak?