Rose Cut

Phantom Effect

The whole car ride was quiet, as I finally pulled up to Eclipse. The club was packed outside with a line wrapped around. Dorinda and I hopped out and walked straight for the door. The bouncer let us in since he knew Dorinda worked here.

I grabbed her hand as we maneuvered through the thickness of people. She brought me to the bar and ordered us some drinks. I was only having three drinks tonight. Being that I was driving but, I still wanted to have fun.

Claudia walked up, and I rolled my eyes turning away from her and Dorinda scanning the crowd. Black Beetles was playing. So, I rocked my hips seductively as I sipped on my drink.

"b***h. What are you doing down here? VIP is lit." Claudia shouted over the music.

"We just walked in. What's it looking like?" questioned Dorinda.

" He's in there girl. Come on ." Claudia giggled grabbing Dorinda hand.

" I'll be back Rose. " Dorinda spoke over her shoulder, following Claudia.

" What the f**k Rinda! " I shouted after them. She didn't hear me, and I was left alone at the bar. Of course I was pissed but, I didn't need them to enjoy myself. I killed my drink and moved out to the floor. Floyd Mayweather by Young Thug was playing. I Popped and rocked my ass to the beat easily bringing eyes on me.

Bitches was hating but, I didn't care. I felt someone come behind me and he smelled nice. I turned around and was startled to see it was Dorian. He smirked at my expression but, didn't move. He rubbed his hands down my sides making me shiver as I looked him in the eyes.

" Hello again. " he spoke into my ear leaning in so I could hear him.

" Hi. " was all I said in response. "Don't be like that. I like you better when you're not thinking." He said moving my hair out my face. " Just keep dancing."

I thought about it and decided to not think. I turned around and started grinding into him. He picked up on my rhythm and followed me. We kept dancing and I was finally having fun.

Dorian pulled me off the floor a couple of songs later, and led me upstairs to VIP. I was giggling so hard trying to catch my breathe. He took me to a half empty section where the music wasn't too loud. So we wouldn't have to yell.

" Are you enjoying yourself? " He asked sliding me close and wrapping his arms around me. He kissed my neck waiting for my reply. Dorian was so intoxicating and forward. I was on another level with him and I liked it. It felt Dangerous. Like I shouldn't but I could.

" I am actually. " I said with a smile. Answering his previous question. I turned in to face him. " You sure know how to show a girl a good time. " I whispered to him in his ear. I stepped back. Just before he got too excited. Watching him smile at my spanish.

He chuckled and smoothly grabbed my face. " You haven't seen nothing yet. " He spoke against my lips before, kissing me deeply. We separated and I saw someone watching me across the room, over Dorian's shoulder. It looked like Jamir for a moment but, the guy moved on and I let the thought go.

I noticed that Dorian was trying to get my attention. " What are you doing later? " He asked rubbing my thigh. " Not that. " I chuckled stopping his hands. Seeing the lust in his eyes. He paused for a moment but, accepted it and let it go. Dorian was just about to say something when Apollo walked up.

" My nigga. " His deep voice boomed, as he dapped Dorian up. I slid out from under him eyeing this big well dressed man. " Who is this? " he asked, gesturing to me. I scrunched my face up knowing he's married and Im none of his concern.

" This the one. " stated Dorian giving Apollo a knowing look. He nodded and reached for my hand. " Hello Rosalina. " he greeted me, as he bent down to kiss the back of my hand. I rolled my eyes.

" I hope your enjoying yourself and Dorian's company. " He spoke winking at me.

I just took my hand back and nodded. He looked taken aback by my silence. I saw some small hands sliding from behind. Wrapping around his stomach. "Baby, what are you doing. " spoke a very familiar voice .

Apollo moved to reveal a now bashful looking Dorinda, making eye contact with me. She dropped her hands quickly and averted her eyes.

So this is what it is. Her dumb ass f*****g with a married man and her BOSS at that. I shook my head at my naive best friend. That explains the extra money and weird behavior.

" Im handling business." answered Apollo not noticing the tension. " I'll be there in a moment. " he said smacking her ass making her jump.

" Let me talk to you D. It was nice meeting you Rose. We will speak again. " Said Apollo, merging back in the crowd. I think the f**k not.

" I gotta go sweetheart." said Dorian standing up. He handed me his phone and I put my number in. " We will link up soon. " He said with a smile taking his phone back. "Dorinda." he nodded taking his leave.

Dorinda stood there for a moment avoiding my eyes. I stood up tired of the bullshit.

" DON'T. " she stated, holding her hands up and walking away. I followed right behind her. Im not holding in my words anymore. She's my friend and I cant let her be foolish.

Dorinda went into the bathroom and I checked for other women. Once I was sure we were alone. I locked the door and waited by the sinks for her to come out. I heard the toilet flush and she came out.

She ignored me, beginning to wash her hands. The room was quiet for a moment but, not for long. " He's married Rinda. " I began.

" Don't you think I know that. " she snapped, drying her hands. She tried to walk away but, I grabbed her hands. " Then act like it. " I continued, ignoring the attitude.

" You know better but, your out here acting like a thot. " I finished trying to catch her eye. Someone started knocking on the door.

" We all can't be like you Rose. Okay. " she retorted, making me pause. I grew shocked as she went on. " You keep yourself barricaded in your big tower, with your nice things and you don't mind being alone. " She snatched her hands from me. "I'm tired of being alone Rosalina. " her voice cracking a little.

" Awh baby you have me. " I reasoned.

" You don't tell me everything. I still don't even know why we moved here. Things were great back home but, I came here for you. " She stressed, walking over to unlocked the door. " He makes me happy Rose. and I'm not letting that go. " Dorinda finished, as she moved passed the irritated women rushing into the bathroom.

I stood there for a moment gathering my thoughts. I had no idea my secrets were affecting her like this. And if it was. Why wouldn't she say something. I was brought out my thoughts as I felt my clutch vibrate. It was a text from Dorinda saying she would get a ride from Claudia.

I sighed, no longer really in a clubbing mood anymore. I checked myself in the mirror before exiting the bathroom. I pushed my way through the crowd and headed for the door. It was 11:50 and I was calling it a night. I hoped in my car and drove home in silence.

My head was too busy for music. Once at the complex. I hurried in my loft and locked up. I pulled the rest of the rosae out and ran a bath. I started taking off my makeup and put my hair up in a high bun. I undressed and plugged my phone up to charge before I got in the tub taking the bottle with me.

Shit was crazy. I met two amazing guys and i'm feeling them both but, im soo confused. Dorian makes me feel alive and wanted but Jamir. He makes me feel secure and valued. I know i just met both of them but, the chemistry between theses encounters. Only grew the more we interacted. Unfortunately, I was ready to give up on Jamir.

He clearly wanted to be friends off the strength of Priscilla, and I felt like Dorian had some hidden motives. I took a long swig of my bottle. Sinking deeper into the lavender scented water.

After everything with Dre and my mom. I didn't want anyone close to me anymore. Once I found out I was pregnant all that went away. When Dre came back he was furious to see me pregnant and my mom nowhere to be found. He beat my ass beyond any comparison. I lost my child and my hope for happiness.

I never told anyone this because, it was too difficult for me. So I knew it would be hard to swallow, if I confided in them. I killed what was left in the bottle and I stood up letting the water run down my body.

I saw my reflexion in the mirror. My freckles now showing, angered me deeply. I threw the empty bottle at the mirror, watching it crash into shards. I didn't hear the crash or the pieces falling. I took deep breaths feeling the tears roll down.

I stepped out the tub and dried off. I had enough sense to walk around the glass but, I left it there for tomorrow's trouble. Turning out the lights and feeling weak and drained I crawled into my massive bed naked and snuggled deep in the center. The only light was from the small moon shining in through the windows.

I connected my phone to my soundbar and got lost in the slow jams. I knew the dreams were coming. So I braced myself and cried till I fell asleep.

*************************************

All I heard was endless beeping. I felt paralyzed in darkness. My baby, whats going on with my baby. Once I thought about my child I peeled my eyes open. Only to shut them tightly, blinded by white light.

"Take your time Girl. " spoke a stern feminine voice . I jumped frighten not to be alone. I quickly regretted it, as I groaned from the pain of moving so suddenly. I breathed through the pain, until my body relaxed its rigid composure. I was exhausted.

" That's it child. Now rest. " said the voice as I felt myself falling asleep. I soon found out later, that voice belonged to a woman named Cora. I awoke several hours later in the worst pain imaginable.

I was in the hospital. I've been in a coma for 5 months. With 3 broken ribs, a broken arm and nose, with several fractures in all kinds of places. That wasn't why I was in pain however. The doctors just told me I lost my child. I felt my soul break and I wailed for hours. Nurse Cora stood by my side, holding me when I needed it, trying to calm me.

" What's done is done child. " She spoke rocking me as I sobbed. " All you can do now is live. Push through. Bury It if you have to. " she said as she stopped rocking and sat me up.

I continued sobbing. Cora shook me hard and kept shaking me until it hurt and new tears sprung from unhealed wounds but, I had stopped sobbing and began to drag in big deep breathes.

" That's it. Ni I gots yo attention. Ni listen hea. " she spoke sternly looking in my eyes daring me to look away. " You are gonna put yourself back together. Not me, but You. You're gonna find every piece you lost and every piece that was took and put. It. Back. Understand? " she asked more, like told. I just stared, now breathing quietly but, crying to myself.

She jerked me one good time causing me to yelp. " I spoke to you girl. Ya better speak back when i'm talking to you. " she snapped. I nodded my head. " I said speak. " she commanded leering at me in irritation. " Yes ma'am. " I croaked out finally.

" Ah, you got manners ni? " she replied letting me go. " Was that so hard? " she asked smiling at me again. " No ma'am. " I quickly answered. " Good, so now you're gonna do what you gotta do. Right? " she questioned me further.

" Right. " I answered skeptically.

" Good enough ." she spoke standing up. She was a small woman. Black and looked about in her 50s. She was also short but she walked tall like she had power. Strange for a nurse.

Days blurred together as I fought to get well. Cora cared for me for 8 months. She motivated and guided me to health. I never had a person care for me like this since My father died.

She helped me eat, and wash. She even taught me all kinds of things since I missed so much school. I was a quick learner so, none of it was hard. I sped through my lessons and Cora soon started leaving medicine books. I guess she was trying to inspire me to be a nurse or a doctor.

I was to be discharged in a week and I was terrified about what would happen to me out there. The police never caught Dre and I was still shook from losing my child. I was now 15 and the pain of that loss was still there. Nurse Cora came in at 4 as usual, relieving the morning Nurse.

She came to sit at the end of my bed. I smiled shyly at her. Our relationship wasn't close but, I Loved this woman for everything she helped me accomplish.

" Hello there little girl. " she greeted me. She very well knew my name but, she would always call me child or girl. " Good afternoon Ms. Cora. " I spoke sweetly.

" I have some bad news. " she stated solemnly. I frowned at her words. " Ni don't look like that hea. " She said patting my hand. I fixed my face. I learned to listen to her the first time. Always.

" Their releasing you next week..." she began. I raised my eyebrow. I thought that was a good thing. Granted, I was scared to leave but, I also hated being here also. " See your still a child and them folk is gonna ship you off. Then you will be in another broken home. " she told me as if it was set in stone.

That it will be my life, and I could not go through it again. I felt tears build up and quickly swiped my face.

" Ni don't you cry. " she said grabbing my hands in hers. "I've thought of something. And I know it will work. You like me don't you? " She asked. I nodded but, quickly answered yes when she gave me a look. "Now how about you come with me. I have some " friends " that will help and you will be mines. "She spoke smiling at me.

This was amazing! I would love to be with this caring yet stern woman but, there was something in that smile that put me off a little. Not enough for me to say no though.

I agreed and she squealed but, hugged me tightly. This is the first hug I've had in months. "It's settled then. " she summed up standing and headed out. Before she closed the door she looked over her shoulder again, giving me that creepy smile.

I woke up groggy with my head pounding. I turned off the music but, laid there til my eyes adjusted. That dream was wicked. My body felt sore all over again, like I was in the hospital still.

Phantom effect I guess. Got out of the bed and headed to my closet. I threw on a big oversized shirt and fuzzy socks.

I grabbed the broom and dust pan from up front and went to clean up the glass. I was almost finished when my phone went off. I snatched it off my bed to see a text from an unknown number.

Unknown Number : Buenos días mi amor . :)

I quickly sent a text back asking who this was.

Unknown Number : Dorian .

I smiled a little. He had perfect timing and I didn't wanna be alone right now. He asked me on a date tonight and I accepted. We texted all morning and he kept a smile on my face. I was skeptical at first but, he proved to be intelligent and sweet. Not to mention he spoke Spanish.

Dorian: So how you know Dorinda ?

I sighed totally forgetting about my best friend. I sent her a quick text saying we need to talk and waited for a reply.

Rose: She's my best friend.

Dorian: Word. I guess we were meant to be. :)

I smiled at him trying to be slick.

Rose: What makes you think that ?

Dorian: Your best friend and mine are together, we were bound to cross paths. Your mine and I'm claiming it.

My smile dropped a little. I mean I do like Dorian a lot and I wouldn't mind dating him but, right now I wasn't too happy about his friend being with my friend. For goodness sake the man is married. Just then, I got a text from Dorinda.

Rinda: Just say when...