WHAT'S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT WHEN CARMA'S INVOLVED?

CUARENTA

Walking out, the scavengers were waiting. “MR. SAVAGE, MR. SAVAGE. HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE A BACHELOR AGAIN? DO YOU HAVE SOMEONE IN MIND ALREADY?”

“He has no comment at this time.”

“What about you?”

“The woman he loved with all his heart stole and profited from faking a marriage. I don’t consider that to be a win. Thank you, excuse us.”

Harmoney guided me to my car. I don’t recall handing over my key. She pushed me into the passenger’s seat the way a cop forces a perp into the back of a cruiser. I sat there, unblinking. I played Carma’s fool far longer than I should have. Harmoney exposed her for the dirty cheatin’ scumbag everyone knows she is. Our marriage was a sham. The results say the baby is mine, but how? Carma played me for a sucker. Harmoney lied to my face. I couldn’t look at her. My eyes focused on the shifter, mesmerized by how smoothly she handled my Ferrari.

She drove us to the office, and I asked her to leave me alone. When the coast was clear, I snuck up to my office. I locked myself in, wanting to avoid everyone, Harmoney included. I rid myself of the monkey suit and sat on the floor to meditate. I found solace in knowing my relations with Harmoney did not taint the sanctity of marriage, since no vows were broken. Technically, I was in a relationship with Carma, but it continued under false pretenses. Somewhere, somehow, someway, I lost myself. Today, outer me and inner me are going to reacquaint themselves and make me whole. No more destroying my character to please others. I love how meditation sharpens and focuses my mind and soul.

Harmoney must be a witch because she entered my office through a locked door. With my mind no longer fuzzy, I saw her in a new light. She changed out of her court clothes, and I noticed her figure looked smaller compared to the first time we met. Allowing the memory to cloud my mind was not going to change how I feel about today’s shenanigans.

“Not having a divorce under your belt must feel great.”

“You aren't going to apologize?” She had the nerve to look offended.

“I have nothing to apologize for.”

“I’m glad one of us thinks so.”

“If anyone is to blame for permitting her charade to take place, it is you. Had you bothered to make sure your marriage was on the up-and-up, the pain she forced upon you wouldn’t exist. You took a woman that lied and cheated on you from the beginning at face value.” Listening to the truth infuriated me. “Why are you acting this way? Oh wait, I know. You love me but are in love with her. I am nothing but a substitute. I fell in love with you, and each time you defended her, a piece of my heart broke. No matter what she’s done, you cannot cut those strings. Goodnight, Alixxander.” The audacity of her to speak to me that way.

Her words were like a trillion paper cuts on my skin. Carma spun a web of lies. I was a fly looking for a pile of sh*t. Before I knew it, I’d flown directly into her web, and became her next meal. I know the truth, so why do I remain stuck? Harmoney’s tone was laced with misery and maybe hatred. My own hatred blinded me, and I looked right through her as if she were a pane of glass. By the time my feet started working, she’d fled. There was no time to fix it. My parents were expecting me, and I was close to being late.

Arriving in my best garb, ready to make an entrance and show everyone no woman could keep this Savage man down, I squared my shoulders and let myself in. The place was packed with friends and family ready to congratulate me on never being married in the first place. While Carma was the focus, I still haven't wrapped my head around Evan going along with her scheme. I heard more opinions and nasty comments from those that only spoke in such a manner behind my back. Evan used to talk sh*t all the time and I begged him not to. At least he did it to my face.

Her laugh captured my attention as it echoed around the room. The last time it sounded so uninhibited was the joke I made about Carma. I located her and stood at a far enough distance but close enough to hear the conversation.

“You look amazing, not that you didn't before. What's your secret?”

“I had a miscarriage.” I cannot believe how indifferent she sounded.

“I don’t mean to pry. Aren't you...?”

“Yes, I am a lesbian looking to become a mom. Unfortunately, I’m not sure that it’s in the cards for me. As hard as it is, I’ve come to terms with it.” Not liking what I heard, I got closer. Just in case, I had to intervene.

“Alixxander, this woman is fantastic.” Whoops, I got spotted. “If I ever get divorced, she’s got my business.”

“Hi, Auntie Jammy.” Harmoney shifted her weight as my aunt tried to squeeze the life out of me. “Did everyone drop their lives to be here?”

“Baby boy, this is bigger than your birth.” I wouldn't go that far.

Every chance I had to be by Harmoney’s side didn’t last long. The guests pulled me in every direction at the same time. Each time, I made sure my field of vision was a picture-perfect view. Can you believe she never looked in my direction? With Carma out of my life, Harmoney should be proudly displayed on my arm. I looked down for two seconds and lost sight of her in the crowded apartment.

A smoke break sounded amazing. I don’t smoke but you get the picture. Able to get a word in, I excused myself to go look for Harmoney. When I didn’t find her in the crowd, I went upstairs. We may have been upset with each other, but would that stop her from sneaking a peek at my childhood bedroom? I don’t know. She wasn’t upstairs. I began asking around downstairs and was told she went to use the washroom.

The washroom was empty. No one’s seen her, and she’s not where she said she’d be. I assumed she snuck out to avoid another quarrel. Or just to avoid me in general. Around the corner was Dad’s office. Over the talking and music, I heard a yelp come from that direction. Placing my ear against the door, I heard Richie’s voice. A derisive laugh slipped out. He’s forever picking up a girl or two at these shindigs. Not wanting to interrupt his private time, I moved away from the door.

I took one step and, “RICHIE, STOP. YOU DON’T WANT TO DO THIS.” Then a crash.

I tried the knob. He locked it. I frantically pulled my wallet out and used my license to jimmy my way in. It snapped. I tried pounding on the door. Hopefully, he’d stop if he knew someone was on the other side. The door never opened. I heard him yell, “You’re gonna pay for that fckin’ c*nt dyke.” The doors are solid wood. That didn’t stop me from throwing my shoulder into it. It wasn’t working, so I began alternating between kicking and using my shoulder. A crowd started to form but all I cared about was getting in the room.

Dripping sweat, the door frame started to crack. I never gave up. When I finally busted into the room, Richie had his d**k hanging out and Harmoney was on the floor. My mind couldn’t interpret the scene before me. Richie dropped to his knees, leaned over Harmoney and lifted her dress. At that moment, it clicked in my brain. He was trying to r*pe her. I snatched him by the back of his collar with both hands and flung him across the room.

There was no time to check on Harmoney. He came at me like an angry bull. One thing about the Savage boys: we do not back down from a fight, family or not. We just about finished wrecking Dad's office but didn't stop until we were pulled apart.

“What is the meaning of this? In my office no less.”

“ASK HIM.” I threw my arm in Richie’s direction.

Harmoney was on the floor, bleeding from her head, with a bruise forming on her face, and she was shaking like a leaf. Travis released his grip, so I could check on her. I reached out to move the hair covering the wound and Harmoney curled up while tugging at her dress to pull it down. Her reaction was warranted, but I felt there was a previous trauma she endured.

“I'm going to fckin' kill you.” My sister grabbed me before I did something my parents would disown me for.

“Fck you. You didn't have the guts to bone her, someone had to.” When I get the chance to wrap my hands around his scrawny neck.

Allie released her grip just enough for me to escape. I took another look at Harmoney and tackling Richie was the last thing I remember. Blackouts are one of the reasons I no longer fight professionally. My future career looked promising until I almost beat an opponent into an early grave. When I found out what I had done, I quit on the spot. Becoming a lawyer was another way I could go head-to-head without killing anyone. When I came to, Harmoney was gone.

“WHY? WHAT THE FCK IS WRONG WITH YOU, RICHIE?” Dad was in his mangled face. My bro looked like he’d been hit by a train. I’m proud of myself. Here’s to hoping I get another shot to finish the job.

“SHE WANTED TO FCK AND THEN CHANGED HER MIND. WHAT WAS I SUPPOSED TO? JUST PUT IT AWAY AND WALK?”

“SHE TOLD YOU 'NO' AND YOU FCKING ATTACKED HER. WHAT WOULD POSSESS YOU TO DO SUCH A BRAINLESS THING?”

“Whateva. She'll be fine.”

“YOU HAVE GOT TO BE MY STUPIDEST CHILD. YOU TRIED TO R*PE A FCKING LAWYER. IF SHE PRESSES CHARGES AND I HOPE SHE FCKING DOES, THIS FAMILY WILL NOT BACK YOU UP. DO YOU HEAR ME?”

“WHAT ABOUT HIM? LOOK AT WHAT HE DID TO MY FACE.”

“MAYBE I SHOULD'VE LET ‘EM KILL YOU. YOU ARE A GODDAMN DISGRACE. OF ALL THE THINGS TO DO, IN MY HOME NO LESS. I TAUGHT YOU BETTER THAN THAT. GET THE FCK OUT OF MY FACE BEFORE I DO SOMETHING STUPID.” Richie has never taken responsibility for his actions. I blame my parents for that.

Before I could ask, Dad said, “She was taken to the hospital under sedation.”

“You don't believe for a second she wanted to have s*x with him, do you?”

“I believe Miss Sanchez wouldn't disrespect my home. Apparently, it’s too much to assume my children would do the same. Go check on her while I deal with your brother.”

This is not how I expected my freedom party bell to ring.