Desires of a Maiden by Shadaei Osbourne

The sun is nestled smugly behind a fluffy sky of clouds, as it slowly emerges after the heavy rains that just hit downtown Los Angeles. Jhayde Olivier is woken up by the ringing of the alarm clock on her cell phone by her bedside table. She reaches over and taps the off button as she stretches to get the sleepiness out of her body. It’s 5:30 am WEDNESDAY morning and she zombies her way into the bathroom to change into her workout outfit. She quickly gets dressed and runs in to check on her 3 year old son, Chase before heading to her quaint living room to do her workout. She turns on her TV and puts it at a reasonable volume as to not awake Chase. She does her 10 minute warm-up, her 20 minute aerobics and her 30 minute Yoga session and meditation. She cools off and gets into the shower and return to the kitchen to prepare breakfast. The clock beeps 6:15 am and she hustles upstairs to get Chase. “Wake up Lil Dragon, Mama Dragon is attacking with the tickle sword” She said as she inches towards her toddler who was a mischievous smile on his face with his eyes closed. As she gets closer his smile gets brighter. “ I’m coming in with the tickle sword. Prepare for the ultimate attack!” She shouts as she jumps in bed and tickles Chase who bursts out in a fury of laughter. They played for what seemed like forever until Chase screams the safe-word. “ Purple Pandas!!!” “Purple Pandas!!!” “Purple Pandas!!!” She jumps off him with her hands in the air, tears from her laughter streaming down her face. “Ok Lil Dragon, time for school . Let’s go get ready.” She ushered him into the bathroom and gives him a nice warm bubble bath and got him dressed. She heads downstairs with Chase to get him breakfast when she hears a knock on the door. “Who is it?” She calls out ‘It’s me!” An all too familiar voices rings out. “Daddy!!!” Chase shouts as he rushes to get the door open. “Hey Lil guy what’s up?. His father grabs him up in his arms and swirls him around in an embracing hug. He puts him down and turns to look at Jhayde. “So what no sugar for daddy?” “ Sorry but that sugar is contaminated with Holly, Peaches, Charmaine oh yeah and HO!!” “Mommy what’s Ho?” “It’s nothing baby go eat your breakfast.” “Actually I thought I could take him out to breakfast and then drop him off at school and pick him up later. You know be more involved” “Hahaha Oh My. I’m sorry for laughing but you trying to be responsible is pretty funny?? Jack had a blank, wounded and disappointed look on his face. “Chase, do you want to go with daddy this morning?” “Yes Mom! Daddy can you take me to school today? And take me to I Hops?” “Yes baby. Daddy will do all that and later after school, he’ll pick you up and bring you back home ok love bug.” Chase’s eyes light up at the idea of spending time with his Dad. He jumps up and down before sprinting to the room to get his bag for school. “ You better make sure you are there on time for him at school or I swear to God you will never have this chance again. Chase ran from his room and gives his Mom a heartfelt kiss. “I love you Mommy.” “I love you too Lil dragon. Please be a good boy and behave yourself ok?” “Yes Momma!” He grabs his dad’s hands and they both walk out the door as she closes it. She lets out a sigh of relief as she looks out of space as to what to do now that she does not have to look after Chase. She went into the kitchen to put back the breakfast she had begun preparing when her phone rings. “Hello?!” “Hey, hey, Hey what you up to?” She let out sigh of relief as she recognized the voice on the other end of the line as her best friend . “ Hey honey what’s up?” “Nothing much just getting ready for work. Where’s my little Butterball?” “ He just left with his Dad for breakfast.” The phone line went quiet. “Hey Jhanae, you there?” “Jhayde?” “Yes??” “Why are you letting that no good jerk back into your life? Have you forgotten what he tried to do the last time he came back into your life? He’s just trying to use Chase to get back with you after all the s**t he pulled someone should just strike his head off where he stands. Lying-ass, Lil d**k, No good looking Mother-… “Hey Jhan!!! Enough now I know you don’t like him but he’s the father of my son whether I like it or not and I’m doing this for Chase’s sake. I know what he’s capable of but I have my guard up this time and I also have a bomb ass b***h looking out for me!!! “Damn straight!!” “Now do you want to go grab some breakfast? My treat?” “As long as I get to choose the place.” “Well if I know you I already know where we are going. Meet you there in 15?” “ Make it 20 I gotta go finish tidying up and getting ready” “Deal. See you soon” She hung up the phone and went to the kitchen to finished tidying up before she ran upstairs to put on her uniform. She grabbed her keys and cell phone and headed straight out the door of her apartment. She quickly ran to catch a taxi that had stopped to let out a gentleman. “Can you take me to I hops on Main Street?” “Sure ma’am. Sit tight and enjoy the ride.” It was 8:50am and the streets were busy with the morning rush. The driver quickly but cautiously navigates his way through the traffic to try and get to Jhayde’s destination. “Here you are ma’am. That will be $2.50.” “Here you are Sandeep thank you for that lovely ride. Keep the change” “Anytime Ms. Jhayde you know you are our favourite passenger. You don’t degrade or discriminate us because we are not from America. You treat us like equals like we are the same.” “ We are the same Sandeep. We just come from different countries and have different cultures but when we die we are going the same place. 6Ft under. It doesn’t matter how rich we are or what colour we are we all have to leave this place one day.” “ Well said Ms. Jhayde. You please have yourself a great day!” “Thanks Sandeep you too.” She emerges from the car and see Jhanae waiting for her by the door. She walks up to her and gives her a great big hug and they went inside to eat. She saw some of her friends as she walked into the restaurant. “Hey guys what’s up? It’s funny seeing you guys here. Vinny, Travi, Sash, Shaun, Amoy.” She greeted each of them with a hug and kiss before shooting Shan a shocked but uncomfortable look. “So what you guys up to? I was definitely not expecting to see you guys!” They all expressed their feelings of seeing Jhayde. They chatted, ordered breakfast and laughed as Travi gave them all jokes. Travi is a full time comedian and TV producer. He is well known and loved by everyone in the television industry. Vinny is the poster-boy actor that’s the heart throb for all the teens and running the show biz. Jhanae is the CEO for the best lingerie store in L.A. ‘Essence’. Sash is a plus size model for a company promoting plus sized women which is becoming a hot trend today. Shaun is the CEO for a car rental company and Amoy is a flight attendant. She looks around at her friends and thinks how lucky she is to have such weird but good friends in her life. She looked at her watch and saw that the time had long passed for her to get to work. It was 10:50am. “Oh my! Guys this was fun but I gotta run. I have an appointment with a bride today and if I don’t leave now I’m going to be late.” “Ok love go ahead. We’ll see you later. Go make a bride be happy. We love you!” said Vinny as he gave her a big hug and a kiss on the forehead. They all wished her goodbye as she gave each of them a peck on the cheek before dashing out the door. “That’s one amazing woman!” said Shaun as he stared at her blissfully. “Shaun! You’re doing it again.” Sash said. “We all know you have a thing for Jhayde but remember you’re off limits here, and we don’t want our band of seven to split up because of your little crush.” Uttered Amoy “I know guys but I just think she is amazing” “Just keep your d**k-infused thoughts to yourself. She’s been through enough.” Jhanae snapped. Jhayde called her assistant Adrian to come and pick her up at the restaurant. “Are you at the office?’ “Yes Ma’am. I’m about to leave to go to the Plaza to meet you.” “Ok come pick me up at I-Hop’s on Main street and bring the blue folder on my desk and the sampler of food, cakes and wine listing and meet me here in less than 10. We are running late.” “Got it boss!’ She took up her phone answering to a couple of emails while she waits on her assistant to get there. He arrives and she jumps in the car and he heads to the hotel. The arrive and both get out to meet with the Bride and her mother to plan the catering part of her wedding. “Hello Tanya… Mrs. Black. Thanks for meeting me here.” “It’s no problem Jhayde. The best wedding planner in town!” “You flatter too much. Ok so let’s get started with the food. Do you want a three course meal or just appetizers and entrees? “Well we were thinking of two course. We don’t want the guests too full and not able to dance and enjoy. So we wanted to start with cream of pumpkin soup with a side of mozzarella stuffed garlic bread, but I’m not sure what to order for the main course and a kebab of some sort. “Well I have a couple of options for you but they are a bit non-traditional. It’s a mixtures of foods from different cultures that can be put together to form one meal.’ “Well you know me Jhayde I am willing to try anything new” “Ok Adrian can you have the chef bring out the orders I sent over last night please” “Sure thing Boss” He went to the hotels kitchen and came back accompanied by 3 wait staff with a variety of dishes arrayed on 4 trays. ‘The first one is a Jamaican delicacy of Rice and peas, mild curried mutton with raw salad on the side paired with a nice glass of Chardonnay.” The waiter set down a plate in front of Tanya and her mother to sample. “Mmmmmm This is amazing” Exclaimed Mrs. Black. “The right amount of seasoning and spice and that coconut flavor in the rice sensational.” “I’m glad you like it. Next is our Mexican meal. Wooden roasted beef with spicy rice with a side of creamed mushroom salad paired with a glass of Sangria.” They sample the dish as it is placed before them. “Mmmmm” they both exclaimed “Next we have our American Dish. Wooden cooked ribs glazed with a root beer and sesame seed sauce with creamy mashed potatoes and mac and cheese with a nice glass of red wine” They each took a mouthful and it seems as if the food took them to heaven. “That rib just melts in your mouth and the potato is so creamy and that mac and cheese so good!” said Tanya “And finally we have our Italian dish. Garlic cheddar chicken with vegetable lasagna with shrimp pasta with a glass of Moscato Prosecco.” They sample each of the dishes placed in front of them. They give each other a confused look. “What’s wrong?’ Jhayde enquired. “Nothing. Its’ just that all the dishes are so good we do not know which one to choose. Oh how I wish David was here.” “I was going to ask about him” “He’s at an important meeting at work something about company downsizing because of revenue. I didn’t want to add to the stress so I brought Mom instead.” Well I can arrange for you to take some samples home and then you both can choose and get back to me. Its best if the bride and groom are in sync with the decisions of their wedding” “Well you are the expert Jhayde and I will follow your advice to the T.” “Adrian can you get these samples in some to-go dishes for Tanya to take home please?” “Sure Jhayde’. He scurries off to the kitchen to get them prepared and returns with 4 boxes. “So please let me know your decision by the weekend so that I can order my ingredients and have them fresh and on hand for the wedding and remember we have our wedding dress selection to be done on Friday, so that would be a perfect time to give me your answer.” “Ok I will. Thank you so much for all that you are doing. Without you or my Mom I don’t know how I would get through this. You truly are a natural at this.” “ No need to thank me. It’s my job and I love it. Now if you need me you know I am just a phone call away.” “Ok thank you Jhayde. Tanya why don’t you go get the car. I have some little details I want to work out with Jhayde first.” “Sure Mom and please don’t give Jhayde a hard time. She is doing a wonderful job.” “Don’t worry Tanya. I have dealt with fussy Moms before.” Mrs. Black watched as Tanya left with the bags and headed for the car park. “Now Jhayde. You know how sad Tanya was to find out that her dad was still on tour and won’t be able to make it to the wedding?” “Well yes she did express that sentiment to me and I can see how disappointed she was.” “Well that’s the thing I got a call from him saying his C/O is allowing him to come home for the wedding.’ “OH MY That’s great. It’s funny Tanya didn’t mention it to me.” She sees a mischievous smirk on Mrs. Black’s face as she looks at you “Tanya doesn’t know does she?” “Nope and I want it to stay that way. As planned, her uncle George will walk her down the aisle with her dad watching the entire procession from a distance. He wants to make a grand entrance at the reception for the father/daughter dance and surprise her. He wants to dance with her to the Luther Vandross song…” “Yeah I know which one it is…” ‘Perfect so could you co-ordinate all that for me. I want this to be the perfect surprise.” “Sure thing Ma’am. You know I am good at surprises.” As Tanya took the car around to the hotel entrance, they finished their conversation and she heads out the door. Jhayde and Adrian walked her out the door and towards the car. “Thank you ladies for coming and we will see you on Friday for the dress rehearsal.” They waved goodbye and drove off. Jhayde and her assistant walked back to his car and they headed to some shops and boutiques to get a few items to prepare for Tanya’s wedding they then headed to Jhayde’s office. As she entered, she hears the phone ringing off the hook and her message light blinking. “Thanks for calling Ambrosial Delicacies. This is Adrian how may I assist you today. “ “WHAT??/? NO ARE YOU KIDDING ME??? ITS 3:30!!!” “Adrian what is it?” “Uh Jhayde. Chase is still at school. They said he keeps on saying not to call his Mom cause she’s gonna be mad that Dad isn’t here yet” “THAT NO GOOD LYING MOTHER-!!!!!!!‘ “Jhayde!!” She exhales deeply to ty and calm down. “Thanks Adrian please tell them I’m on my way!” “Ms. Jhayde is on her way to pick him up. Just have him sit and colour something until she gets here.” She asked Adrian to borrow the car as she got her phone to call Jack. The phone rang a couple times without any answer. Frustrated she dialed his work number. Jack “Hello Shawna? Its Jhayde. Is Jack there?” “Hi Jhayde, No he isn’t he left a couple hours ago to a business meeting at LE Bliande” “LE Bliande huh? Ok thank you Shawna. Enjoy your day?” She jumped in the car and headed straight for the restaurant and saw Jack seated there with a woman hand in hand. Raging with anger, she got out of the car and stormed through the door and headed straight for their table. Slamming her bag down to a frightened Jack she said: “You are such a f*****g disappointment!! I was so defending you to my friends this morning and then you turn around and do this s**t. The same s**t you always do and because Chase is such a sweet and innocent kid that he keeps running to you” “Excuse me but who are you…” “Jhayde holds up her hand. “One…Who the f**k are you and two I aint talking to you” “Excuse me but what the….” “b***h IF YOU DON’T SHUT UP… YOUR FACE IS GONNA MEET THE TABLE!! Now sit there like the good lil ho you are and shut up!” “Jack are you really going to have this… this… Tramp talk to me like that?” Seeing the rage in Jhayde’s eyes, Jack went between both women to try and keep Jhayde from doing harm. “Rose I will deal with this. Just sit here I will be right back.’ He tried to hold Jhayde’s hand to lead her outside but she brushes him off. “I should have expected this from you. School finished at 1 and its almost 4pm and my son is still at school waiting for his no good Dad to come and get him because he really believed you would show up this time. But I WILL NOT allow you to hurt my son anymore. So do not come around my son anymore Jack or I swear you will regret it.” He looked at her as if he did not believe a word she was saying. “So you think you can stop me from seeing my son?” “I don’t think I can, I KNOW I CAN. You mess with my f*****g kid and I will make you regret it !!” “Yeah so instead of going to pick up your son you stop by here to what? Make a scene and behave like a b***h just to try and embarrass me? We both know that once I come knocking at your door you have to open and you CANNOT stop me from seeing my son, if you try you will regret it!” With intensified rage, she rolled her fist and pulled it back as far as possible and released all the anger she has in her towards Jack with a punch to his face sending him to the floor splattered with blood from his nose with gasps from the onlookers. ”This b***h is the mother of your child and you are going to respect me! Come near me and my child again and I will make sure your ass regrets every minute of it. I don’t care who you are and I don’t care what you do. The RAGING b***h in me will defend my child until my last breath. Now your lil b***h is waiting, run on back like the wounded dog you are and stay THE f**k out of our lives” She straightened herself and walked out of the restaurant with onlookers giving her applause. She hopped in the car and sped away to go and get her son from school. As she approached the school she saw Chase sitting on the steps waiting. Tears slowly welled up in her eyes as she saw the disappointment on his face. She came out and sat beside him and placed her arm around him as he sobbed in her arms “Why does Daddy not love me Momma?” “Baby, listen to me. All the love you need is all right here in mommy’s heart. Aunty Jhanae loves you. Uncle Travi, Aunty Sash, Aunty Amoy, Uncle Shaun and you can’t forget Uncle Vinny. We all love you no matter what and if your dad decides not to be here with you then , then he is missing out on the amazing little boy you are. You are the smartest, kindest, sweetest, strongest boy I know and no matter what Mommy will always and forever love you and will give you anything your little heart desires.” He sniffs a little before he looks up at his mother and gives her a little smile. “I love you Mommy.” “I love you too Dragon. Now let’s go get some ice cream!” “Chunky chocolate chip?” “Chunky chocolate chip.” She took him by he hands and led him to the car where she strapped him in and then left to get ice cream. They went to Sundazz and ordered Chase’s favourite ice cream. They ate and went home. Seeing how sad Chase was she conferenced called all her friends, as she got in and he got locked into the television “Guys it’s Chase. He’s doing it again!” They all agreed to get all his favourite food and show up for a little slumber party to help him feel better. An hour and a half later, they all arrived at the same time and surprised Chase as he ran out and greeted everyone with a big smile, hugs and kisses. He saw the bags in their hands and asked each one of them what they brought. ‘Well Aunty J brought a big tub of Chunky Chocolate chip ice cream for the Chase master!!’ His smile got a little brighter. “Uncle Travi brought some pepperoni pizza shaped like a Dino!!” Chase giggled with joy. Uncle Shaun brought you some new episodes of Paw Patrol and Blaze: Monster Machines.” Chase grabs them with glee while doing a little jump. “Aunty Sash brought your favourite popcorn to go with those movies you have there.’ “Aunty sash is it the one with the extra butter?” “Yes hon, Chase eats his popcorn no other way!” His eyes then strayed to a big package that his Aunty Amoy and Uncle Vinny were trying to hide. “Mom what is that?” “Why don’t you take a look honey? He ran over to the package and starts to rip the paper off to reveal a life-size kiddie convertible car. Chase jumped and screamed with joy as his whole mood changed. He hugs all his mom’s friends and thanks them before dragging Travi, Shaun and Vinny to check out all his new stuff. The girls all went into the kitchen with Jhayde to get the pizza and popcorn together. Seeing how down Jhayde was, Amoy and Sash chose to prepare everything while she relaxes a little. “Here drink this is think you need it.” Jhanae hands her a glass of her favourite wine and she takes a sip. “Thank you guys for doing this. I mean I don’t think I could do this without all of you. It’s like Chase has another set of moms and dads, and seeing how happy he was tonight really is something after all he has been through.” “What really happened?” asked Amoy “Jack did!” “What did the old asshole do this time?’ asked Jhanae. “Well he was to get Chase from school and I got a call that my son has been sitting at school for 3 hours waiting on the Son of a b***h to come get him only to find out he was at Le Bliande!!!” ‘”Le Bliande? Isn’t that where…? Jhayde shakes her head as she looks at Jhanae and finishes her story. “ When I get there I see him all up in this b***h’s face. I confronted him and this b***h got all up on me I almost had to cut a b***h. Jack then started to defend his “Rose’ as that’s her name and got all disrespectful and I sucker punched him in his face to how angry I was. I think I broke his nose though and I am happy if I did.” Jhanae lets out a sigh before she started speaking. “I told you this morning that nigga was up to no good. All that show he put on this morning was just to try and get back at you and you fell for it.” “I know Jhan and I feel like such an i***t to think he would actually be in Chases’ life but I guess not. Anyways I am not going to sulk anymore we have pizza, popcorn and two good cartoons to watch.” They gathered all the food and went into the living room to join the boys. They ate the pizza and popcorn and watched Paw Patrol until Chase fell asleep filled with happiness 3 slices of pizza and a ton load of popcorn, in his Mom’s arms. She turned down the volume on the TV and brought him upstairs accompanied by Travi, while the others cleaned up. She set him down in bed and tucked him in snuggly as she hums a nice lullaby to him and kissed him good night. Travi gave him a peck as well before putting an arm around Jhayde and giving her one on the forehead. “You ok love?” “I am trying to be for his sake but I’m not sure anymore. I don’t know where I went wrong and how I could make such an awful mistake with Jack, thinking he would change!” “We all make mistakes hon and that’s what makes us human but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t learn from them.’ Travi cupped Jhayde’s petite face in his hands before continuing. “Take some time for you and forget Jack. Take some time and pensive what it is to be you and find out what Jhayde wants. Chase won’t be a problem as any of us would baby sit him. He is an awesome kid and we all love him like our own. Now I want you to go out and be that awesome woman I know you are and stop letting Jack get you down” He kissed her on the cheek and gave her a huge hug. ‘Love you Trav, you are an amazing friend and I don’t know what I would do without you!” “No problem hon. You know I got you. I always will.” She pulled from his hug and gave Chase one last kiss before she turned left. As she and Travi went downstairs everyone was prepping to leave. ‘Guys, I can’t thank you enough for all that you do for me and Chase. You guys are truly the best friends a girl could have. She pulled them into one big group hug and all uttered I love you to her. She walked them to the door this time giving them individual hugs. She closed the door behind them and let out a big sigh of relief as she went to finish tidying up. She went to check on Chase one last time before she went to her bedroom.. She laid in bed for a while thinking about all the events of the day as she tried to settle her mind to go to sleep. She started thinking of her son and the relationship they have as she drifted off to sleep thinking about the next chapter in her l