Impossibly True (Impossibly Duology) (7 page)

CHAPTER
TEN

Moya

  
I felt reenergized by the time Monday
swung around. Only a few days left before the holiday
break and I couldn’t wait. The butterflies sprang into action when I started to
think about the weekend getaway with Branden, only to have them suppressed when
Vanessa entered the campus café. I’d sent her another text this morning telling
her to meet me here.

  
She looked like herself now, dressed in a red, single-breasted hooded trench
coat she’d bought when we went to Harborplace Mall on Saturday. She had on a
white cashmere pullover top inside, black tapered trousers, and matching
leather ankle boots. I also noticed her braids were gone, replaced by her
natural curly afro.

  
Vanessa sat down on the wooden chair across from me, settling her bag on the
one beside her. “Okay, tell me what you know.”

  
“Well, how about you start by telling me who it is and why have you been
cheating on Calvin?”

  
She fell back on the chair, releasing a gasp. “I really wanted us to work. We
started dating in Junior High; we have a lot of history. But things have
changed.”

  
“That’s why you decided to cheat?”

  
“No, girl.
I didn’t go out looking for someone else.
He and I just…happened.”

  
I folded my hands on top of the table. “So, who is this guy? Are you gonna
break up with Calvin?”

  
She shook her head slowly. “I don’t know what I’m gon’ do. The last thing I
want is to hurt Calvin, but I don’t want to hurt Warren either.”

  
“Warren?” the name sounded familiar. “How did you two meet?”

  
She drank some of the coffee she came in with before answering, “I ran into him
a month ago when I was leaving Calvin’s practice. We’d had another argument. I
was so pissed. Anyway, I didn’t want to call you with another complaint about
my relationship, I mean it doesn’t take a genius to see how annoyed you are.”

  
“That’s not true, Nessa. I’m always willing to listen—”

  
“So you say,” she cut me off. “Truth is
,
you’re not.
You’re as overwhelmed by my complaining as much as any other person who knows
us. I guess I was looking for a new listening ear. That’s when I bumped into
Warren. He was coming for basketball practice and he seemed really concerned—”

  
“Wait a sec,” I lifted a hand to stop. “Hold up. Girl, Warren plays basketball
for Easton U?”

  
“Not yet, he just joined the team so he’s been training for next season—”

  
“Which means your man and your sideboo will be on the same team.” I fell back
on the chair, amazed.
“Nessa, what the hell?”

  
“I know, it’s complicated.”

  
“Complicated isn’t the word. Does Warren know you’re seeing Calvin still?”

  
She screwed up her face. “Not…exactly. I kinda told him we broke up.”

  
“Oh
my gosh
.” I rested my elbows on top of the table
and lowered my head into the palm of my hands, muttering, “Nessa, I expected
better. You always used to say you’d never do that. How cheating was low and
you’d rather break up with Calvin before you ever considered it.” I glanced up
at her. “So what’s this? What are you doing?”

  
Rolling her eyes, she looked down at her lap. “I knew you would do that.”

  
“Do what?”

  
Her head snapped up. “Judge me.”

  
“Oh please. I’m not judging you, I’m only telling you—”

  
“How disappointed you are in me.”

  
I took a moment to check myself, if my tone came out the wrong way. Nothing
gave me that impression.

  
Vanessa peered out the window, lost in thought. I wondered what was running through
her head. There was a quiet air around us, with light chatter, utensils
clanking, and orders being prepared in the background.

  
Finally, I broke the silence, “Nessa, I’m not disappointed. I’m only worried
about you.”

  
“I know girl.” She looked at me and smiled half-heartedly, then reached over to
take my hand. “I didn’t mean to get all snippy with you. I guess I’m mad at
myself for getting into this mess.”

  
“So, what are you going to do?”

  
“I don’t know. I have feelings for them both.”

  
“But,” that surprised me. She’d been with Calvin for years. They came to the
same college together. Surely she’d choose him. “Are you thinking about leaving
Calvin for Warren?”

  
She didn’t answer, only got her bag off the chair and stood. “I’m still trying
to make a decision. Look, I gotta get to my next exam. I’ll call you later,
girl.”

  
“Okay. But honestly though, I hope you come clean about this for your sake as
well as for the guys.”

  
Nodding, she took up her coffee off the table then left.

  
I stayed behind a while longer to finish my coffee and run over some stuff for
my next exam. When I started to gather my things together, I saw Tobias enter
the café.

  
Just my luck.

  
In a hasted manner, I snatched up my bag and bustled for the exit, he glimpsed
me on my way out.

  
“Hey, Moya.
How’ve you been?”

  
I brushed past him, not saying a word. Tobias followed me outside and down the
concrete path.

  
“Listen, I’m sorry for what happened. I was out of line.” His apology sounded
sincere, yet there was still that hint of cockiness nestled within his deep
baritone.

  
“Whatever.”

  
“Stop acting like you didn’t enjoy that kiss,” he teased.

  
Agitated, I halted my steps and spun around. “I don’t know what gave you the
impression that I was into you, but you read it wrong. I’m not, nor will I ever
be. I have a man that I love, whose kisses make me weak in the knees.”

  
Tobias went tense all of a sudden. His face stiffened, his jaw twitched. I kept
going, hoping he’d get the point and leave me alone, “That God awful thing you
shoved on my poor lips the other day doesn’t even come close to a passionate
kiss. No wonder you’re single.”

  
I turned and continued down the path. Tobias hurried after me, gripping my arm.
He twisted me around, appearing angry as he inched close to my face. I covered
my mouth, fearing he would kiss me again.

  
“You think you’re so great—Miss high and mighty. But you know what?”

  
Backing up, I pursed my lips and crossed my arms tightly at my waist. “What?”

  
“You’re secretly dying for me to kiss you again.”

  
“Say what now?” Vanessa appeared unexpectedly. Her big eyes had expanded even
more. She sashayed up to us, giving me an infuriating gaze.

  
“Nessa, I can expl—”

  
“You have some nerve lecturing me about cheating when you’re here kissing
another guy.”

  
“It’s not like that—”

  
“To hell it ain’t,” she shushed me. “Does Branden know about the kiss?”

  
“No…but—”

  
“Exactly!” she pointed an angry finger at me. “That, my dear, is cheating. And there
you were talking ‘bout how you expected better from me.”

  
“This is a completely different situation. Tobias kissed me by force. I didn’t
want it,” I explained myself.

  
She raised her palm in front of my face and twisted her body, choosing not to listen
to my reasoning. “I hope you come clean about this for your sake as well as for
the guys.”

  
“Huh?” I fumed. “You did not just quote my own words back to me.”

  
“That’s exactly what I did.”

  
She cut her eyes and started to walk past me, slowing down to hand me
something. “Here, took up one of your notes on accident.”

  
Without waiting for my response, she continued in the direction of the building
where her next exam was taking place. I stood in place, watching her disappear
out of sight.

  
I felt like crap. My best friend was mad at me for the first in years.

  
Tobias cleared his throat, reminding me he was still standing there.

  
“Looks like you and your girl have issues.”

  
“None of your business,” I barked, looking over my shoulder at him with a death
glare.
“Jerk!
This is
all your
fault.”

  
“
All right,
sorry about that too. I am still interested in you though.”

  
Enraged, I huffed out a breath and said for the last time, “I don’t care. I
don’t want you. Stay the hell away from me or I promise you’ll regret it.”

  
Tobias clamped his lips shut, amazed by the fury in my voice. I spun on my
heels and continued down the concrete path, hastening my steps to the Arts and
Science building for my next exam. He’d better not antagonize me after today. I
was beyond tired of it, and I didn’t need anybody trying to disrupt what I had
with Branden.

CHAPTER
ELEVEN

Branden

  
On Thursday, I met with the coach
of Easton University’s Hockey team. He’d gone over my
medical reports and the letter from Doctor Henderson, giving his approval that
I could play sports again. Luckily, the coach said he’d allow me to start
practice next semester and then we’d see how things went from there—if I was
really ready.

  
I was ecstatic. I wanted to surprise Moya and share the news with her. I walked
over to the School of Business, remembering she’d be taking her Financial
Management exam this morning, then waited for her in the hallway.

  
At every sound of a classroom door opening, I looked to see if Moya would come
out. She didn’t, not until half an hour later. Her eyes lit up when she saw me.
She hurried her steps.

  
“Hey, what are you doing here?” she asked, rushing into my arms.

  
Squeezing her, I replied, “I wanted to surprise you. How did it go?”

  
She slipped out of my embrace and nodded excitingly as she answered, “I did
great. Better than I expected.”

  
“That’s awesome. You want to grab a bite before your next one?”

  
Moya held my hand as we walked out the exit. Reaching the building where the
cafeteria was, I muttered as we entered, “There’s something I want to tell
you.”

  
She looked at me with a quizzical expression. “What is it?”

  
Finding a table, I waited until she sat down and placed her bag on the chair
next to her before confessing, “I’m going to start playing hockey again.”

  
Moya froze, not uttering a sound. Then she folded her hands on top of the table
and narrowed her eyes.

  
“Are you crazy?”

  
I laughed nervously. “No…I’m going to start training next semester and if the
coach thinks I have what it takes, he’ll let me play with the team.”

  
“Branden, you can’t. Your chest—”

  
“Is much better, babe. Come on, can’t you be happy for me. I’ve wanted to play
hockey again for so long.”

  
Her gaze softened. “I know, but…you have to think about what you’ve been
through. I don’t think you’re ready to get that active just yet. It’s barely
been three months.”

  
Moya tried to reason with me, but it was no use. My mind was already made up. I
was going to play hockey again no matter what she or my mother thought about
it.

  
“I need your support on this. I’ve already gotten crap about it from my mother
and I don’t need to hear it from you too.
Definitely not you.”

  
“And she should give you crap about it, Bran. It’s dangerous, and careless,
and…just plain stupid to take such a risk after what you’ve been through.”

  
I fell back on the chair, pissed. “Thanks a lot. I’ve supported you with
everything and the one time I ask for it, this is what I get.”

  
She scoffed. “This is completely different from everything else, Branden. This
is your health we’re talking about, you living a full life.”

  
“What’s a full life if I can’t do the things that make me happy?”

  
“I know it’s hard to give up something you love, but,” she reached her hand out
for mine. I pulled away. “Babe, it’s for your own good.” 

  
I didn’t want to hear it. The conversation was over. The girl I loved didn’t
have my back. That sucked.

  
Getting up, I said lowly, “Good luck on your next exam. I’ll talk to you
later.”

  
“Branden,” she got up as well. “Don’t be mad. Please…I’m just trying to make
you see the risks—”

  
“I don’t need you to make me see anything. All I need right now is your support.”

  
I turned and headed for the exit, leaving Moya behind in the cafeteria. She
didn’t come after me. I knew wouldn’t. Moya wasn’t the type to chase after
anyone.

  
“Branden!”

  
I was stunned. The urgency in her voice compelled me to stop walking. When I
turned around, she was hurrying towards me down the concrete path, a worried
look in her eyes.

  
“Don’t leave like this,” she said as she reached me. “I’m sorry you feel like I
don’t want to back your decision, but don’t you see how scared I am of losing
you? I was freaked out that time when you were in the hospital. I don’t want
you to end up like that again, in pain, unsure of whether or not you’ll live to
see another day.”

  
My girl still had some surprises for me. I cupped her cheeks then gently
engulfed her in my arms. “I know you’re scared, babe. But I don’t want us to be
scared for the rest of our lives.”

  
“You’re right,” she whispered into my chest. “I’m still so worried though.”

  
Easing her away, I stared into her beautiful eyes, saying, “I’ll be all right,
Moya. Trust me. If anything feels off I’ll contact Dr. Henderson right away.”

  
That seemed to have settled her worries. Her mouth curved into a relaxed smile.
It meant she was willing to try. Giving me a soft kiss on the lips, she
whispered, “I trust you, Branden. I do. That’s why I’m going to support you.
Just promise me, if anything happens, if you get any weird feeling—”

  
“I’ll stop. I promise. Though, that won’t happen because I’m healed, babe.”

  
She gave me another hug before heading off to her next exam.

  
Walking back to my car in the campus parking lot, I felt relieved, happy. It’d
been a while since I had someone in my corner, and with Moya at my side I knew
I could take on anything.

  
I decided to stop at the pizza shop in downtown Harrington before driving home.
It was right across the street from the club where I first danced with Moya. We
hadn’t been there since that night.

  
The second I entered the pizza shop I spotted Warren at the counter. I walked
over to him.

  
“Hey man. How’s it going?”

  
He got off the stool and gave me a quick hug and handshake. “Hey, Bran, I’m
okay.
You?”

  
“Good.”

  
Warren peered over at the entrance when I sat down on the stool next to his, as
if he was waiting for someone.

  
“Oh, sorry, are you meeting someone here?” I asked, easing up.

  
“No it’s cool, man. She’s probably not coming anyway.”

  
I sat down again and ordered a slice of pepperoni and soda to go. Looking at
Warren, I noticed he was distressed about something. His shoulders sagged as
his eyes burned into the coffee cup. This was a different side to the always
energetic guy I once roomed with.

  
I had to ask, “Is everything all right?”

  
Folding his hands on top of the counter, he heaved a sigh before answering,
“Yeah. It’s just this girl I like. She told me yesterday that she wasn’t sure
she could continue seeing me.” He sounded as low as he appeared, with his voice
near hoarse.

  
“I’m sorry, dude.”

  
“I asked her why, ‘
cause
we’ve been hanging out for a
while now and things seemed to be good between us. She said it was too
complicated, and that it was better this way. So I told her to meet me here
today, to talk about it.” He looked over at the entrance again. “But she hasn’t
showed up yet. Then again, she said she might not come.”

  
I had no idea what to say to him. I was the last person to give advice on
relationships. “Maybe she will,” didn’t sound too bad.

  
Warren perked up at my words. He drank some coffee then muttered, “Yeah…but…”
his frown returned.

  
“But what?”
I asked, picking at my menu.

  
“I don’t know, maybe she’s going back to her ex. I hope not. She seems so much
happier when we’re together.”

  
Just as the waitress brought over my order, I heard him blow out a breath of
relief and say, “Here she is. You were right, man.”

  
I turned to see the girl who had the former player fretting so much. When I
did, my eyes narrowed in confusion.

  
“Vanessa…” her name came out in a whisper as I remembered hearing she already
had a boyfriend, some guy named Calvin.

  
Seeing me, she slowed her steps.
“Branden?
What are
you doing here?”

  
“Wait, how do you two know each other?” asked Warren, sounding a little
jealous.

  
I replied, “She’s a friend of my girlfriend.”

  
“Yeah,” Vanessa chimed. “Warren, I didn’t know you knew Branden.”

  
“We were roommates at the start of the semester; before he got…I guess you
probably know about that too.” Warren moved closer to her, towing her into his
arms. “So, what’s this about you wanting to end our relationship?”

  
I cleared my throat, grabbed the bag with my pizza, and snatched up my soda.
“I’m going to take off.”

  
Warren nodded at me. “All right, man. I’ll see you soon.”

  
“See you, Vanessa.”

  
“Bye,” she murmured, barely meeting my gaze. If she’d broken up with Calvin,
why was she acting weird that I found out she and Warren were seeing each other
now? It wasn’t a big deal.