Taming A Savage

Apryl

It wouldn’t be my life if there weren’t some drama involved. I was at a birthday dinner for Jenny, one of my coworkers, and let’s just say filet mignon wasn’t the only thing on the menu. I had no idea when I walked in, but one of the guests had plans to drop a bomb on my ass. I’m not sure who she came with, but they must not have warned sis how I give it up. So, as I’m enjoying my third Golden Patron Margarita, redbone who was sitting across from me starts her interrogation.

Excuse me, aren’t you Sean’s girl? she asked, although I’m sure she already knew the answer to the question.

You asked with a smirk on ya face, so I’ll assume you already know the answer to that. The real question is, who the fuck are you? I shot back, staring her dead in the eyes.

I’m his...ummm...Toya, she responded, extending her hand as if I was supposed to shake it. I’m surprised his family didn’t tell you about me.

His Toya? Play with ya pussy bitch, not me. And you must not have been memorable, because I’ve never heard of you. Clearly, it didn’t work out, so move on.

I was trying not to mess up the beautifully decorated dinner table, but Lil’ Miss Toya was about to get dragged right across that shit.

Ladies, is everything okay down there? Jenny asked from the other end of the table.

I think ya friend Toya over here was trying to make a point, I responded to my coworker, then turned my attention back to the dusty wig across from me. Are you done?

There was no point. It was more of confirmation, like putting a face to the name. And as far as things not working out, I would be careful speaking on things you know nothing about and are only assuming to––

Before the bitch could say another word, I stood up and snatched her from across the table by her wack-ass lace front. She didn’t even know what was happening as I stood over her and beat her ass like she stole something. Whether she was still fucking with Sean was neither here nor there at this point, but I would not tolerate the disrespect. Sean would get his bashing later, but for now, Toya would learn why you should never underestimate your opponent.

By the time the security guards were able to pry my hands from Toya’s body, her face was barely recognizable, and her blood was all over my white bodycon Moschino dress. My beating left her with a broken nose, busted, swollen lips, and a big knot on her forehead. Good thing the candles that were floating in the centerpieces weren’t real because we might have started a fire. No one who I worked with had ever seen this side of me, and I was mad that now they have. However, there was no way I could just brush off her lack of respect.

Bitch, the next time you want to call yaself checking someone, make sure you’re ready for whatever comes next. And every time I see you after this, I’m going to fuck you up. Believe that! Sean should have told you I’m not the one, I yelled in her direction as the security guard held me back by my waist.

With nothing else to say, I grabbed my purse and car keys from off the floor where they had fallen and walked toward the exit of the restaurant with security on my heels. I guess they wanted to make sure I left the building and didn’t come back to finish her off.

The dress I was wearing fit me like a glove, and I was looking damn good in it, which only angered me more when I thought about the reason I would never be able to wear it again was because of Sean and his bullshit.

Once in my car, I decided to call Jenny. I felt awful for ruining her dinner. I was sure she probably wouldn’t answer, but I had to make an attempt to apologize. Surprisingly, she answered.

Hey, Apryl. Are you alright? she asked, sounding concerned.

Hey, Jenny. Yes, I’m fine. I just wanted to say I’m sorry for my behavior and for ruining your dinner.

No worries, sweetheart. If a chick came at me about Scott, I probably would have done the same thing, she responded with a chuckle. Just make sure you get home safely. I’ll see you in the office Monday morning.

With that, Jenny ended the call.

I felt a lot better that she wasn’t upset with me. Being one of only two black females who worked in my office, there was no room for the type of behavior I displayed. I was lucky enough to work at one of the top accounting firms on the east coast, and although my education and experience was what helped me to land the job, I always knew a slip up in any other area would cost me my position. I didn’t plan on being there forever, but I wanted my exit to be on my terms.

For now, anything work-related would be put on the back burner. I was headed home to confront my cheating-ass man. I threw my all-white Volvo XC90 into drive and pulled into traffic.

Funny how this truck was an anniversary gift from Sean less than a month ago, and the night I finally decide to drive it, this is how my night ends.

Apryl

As I drove home, the last two years of my relationship flashed through my mind. Even if I tried to say our relationship was perfect, it would be a damn lie. It seemed like every time we got into a good space some bullshit happened. I’d never actually caught him cheating, but this was enough for me to go upside the nigga’s head. I loved Sean like I’ve never loved another man in my life, but if this was the way he wanted things to end, then so be it. I have a college degree, make my own money, and have never been financially dependent on him for anything. I was good before him, and I’ll be good after.

Sean and I were different in many ways. I was a college graduate, working for an accounting firm, dealing in a bit of real estate, and living my dream. I didn’t have any children, so life was great. Sean, on the other hand, was the ultimate bad boy. When we met, he was in the streets selling drugs, and I’ll admit he was good at what he did, at least from what I could see. I know there’s nothing good about selling drugs, but I very rarely had to deal with him being in jail or anything serious happening to him. I didn’t know the ins and outs of his business, and I didn’t want to. We both agreed the less I knew, the better. However, once I realized we were getting serious, I gave him an ultimatum. It was either me or the streets; he couldn’t have both. I had worked too hard to live the life that I had, and I wouldn’t allow anyone to jeopardize that, not even Sean. We agreed he would invest his money into real estate, open up a few businesses, and live a legit lifestyle. That proved only to be half the battle because clearly, he was still entertaining thots.

Standing a solid 5’4" with chocolate brown skin, I had natural hair down to the middle of my back, and my chinky brown eyes were one of my best features. Nobody in my family had much breasts, but they damn sure had some round Georgia peach booties. My sister and I always joked with my mother that we should have lived in Atlanta, Georgia, instead of Brooklyn, New York. I was an east coast chick with a Southern belle’s body. Growing up, I was teased for my dark skin and full lips, but today was a new day. EVERYBODY and their momma were after a beautiful brown-skinned girl. At this rate, Sean’s best bet was to get his shit together before I moved right along.

When I pulled up to my townhouse on State Street in downtown Brooklyn, I saw Sean’s white 5 Series BMW GT parked in the driveway. His ass was in for a rude awakening. I was livid and had no intentions of letting him get away with this. As soon as I walked in, I took off my Giuseppe shoes and held them in my hand. I was ready to fight! Although I managed to keep them on while whipping Toya’s ass, I knew damn well I would need a little more balance when dealing with Sean.

SEAN! SEAN!

I knew he had to be in the house because his keys were sitting on the kitchen island. I didn’t see him in the living room or kitchen as I ran through the first floor of the house like a madwoman. That meant he had to be upstairs in our bedroom.

I ran up the stairs two at a time. Once I made my way to the bedroom, I pushed the door open and could see the doors leading out to the patio were open. Sean was sitting on the patio talking on the phone and about to light a blunt. There was nothing quiet about my entrance into the house, but his conversation was so good that he didn’t even notice me approaching him. SLAP!

The blunt he was holding along with his Galaxy S6 instantly hit the floor as I rained punches and slaps all over him.

You dirty motherfucker! So you still out here fucking these dirty, thirsty-ass bitches, huh? I look stupid to you? Are you dumb?

I was throwing questions and punches at him so fast he didn’t know what to respond to, the blows to his head or my interrogation.

Yo! What the fuck is wrong with you? Apryl, chill the fuck out!

I must have really been in another world, because the next thing I knew he had me by my neck and my back was up against the patio railing. He squeezed my neck so tight I could barely breathe.

Get off of me, Sean! I said as loud as I could with his hands still around my throat.

Nah, you wanted to run up in this bitch like you a nigga trying to fight me, and now it’s get off of YOU? Fuck is wrong with you? Are you fucking drunk or something?

I could see in his eyes that he was boiling mad, but I didn’t give a fuck how he felt at that moment because I was hurting inside.

Let me go! I replied, not addressing any of the questions he asked.

If I let you go, you better not swing on me, Apryl, and I’m not playing with you, Sean warned, his tone a bit calmer.

I looked him in his brown eyes and instantly got lost for a minute. This was one of the reasons I fell in love with this man from the moment I met him. There was something about the way I felt when I looked into his eyes. I felt safe, protected. His chocolate brown skin, big bright eyes, long eyelashes, and muscular physique had me at hello. He was wearing a pair of Nike tech sweatpants, some socks, and no shirt. He was making my mouth water even though I was supposed to be angry. I would never admit it to him, but I knew from the time I laid eyes on him that I wanted him to be a part of my life. Every time he stepped into a room, women could barely keep their mouths closed, and the drool instantly fell. Most of the people who he encounters say he resembles actor Lance Gross, and I couldn’t agree more. Looking at him had me second guessing everything. As upset as I was during that confrontation with Toya and all the things I had rehearsed to say to him in the car all went out the window, and tears instantly started pouring from my eyes. When Sean noticed my tears, he released his grip from around my neck and allowed me to stand up straight. I took that opportunity to run back into the bedroom and stopped when I reached my side of the bed. Sean, however, was right on my heels.

Yo, what’s good with you, ma? You walk up on a nigga popping off, and I don’t even know what’s going on.

I could tell he was torn between being upset with me for hitting him and wanting to console me.

Who the fuck is Toya, Sean? ‘Cause the way I’m feeling right now, I’m ready to walk the fuck up out of here and never look back.

The look of shock on his face answered the question before his words could even form. With tears in my eyes, I waited for the lie to leave his mouth.

Some old work from back in the day. Why? Fuck this got to do with her? he responded confidently.

EVERY FUCKING THING! Since you out here fucking around with that silly hoe, she felt the need to make y’all little affair known to me tonight at the fucking dinner party! How could you embarrass me like this, Sean?

His response alone angered me even more, and the tears broke free, falling from my face and onto my bloody dress. I wanted the bitch to be lying so bad, but Sean’s attitude was all the confirmation that I needed. My man was cheating.

Affair? What affair? Yo, Apryl, stop the bullshit, okay? I know how dramatic you can be.

Did this nigga just call me dramatic?

Dramatic, Sean? Really? Well, I’ll tell you what. How about you take ya shit and get the fuck out of here since I’m being dramatic.

This nigga really must’ve lost his damn mind.

When he didn’t budge, I stepped closer in his direction, leaving little to no space between us.

And you might wanna stop by Brooklyn Bridge emergency room to check on that bitch’s broken nose too.

With nothing left to say, I went to push past Sean to go into the master bathroom and wash tonight’s events off of me. Before I could make it past him, Sean grabbed me by my arm.

So that’s what we doing now? Taking the word of some bitch that you don’t even know over mine? Did you even ask for my side for the story before you started answering your own fucking questions? HUH?

Nigga, your facial expression told me everything I need to know. Fuck you and that corny-ass bitch! The day you realize I don’t NEED you and that I’m here because I CHOOSE to, the better off things will be, I spat at him as I snatched my arm back. I’m a boss in my own right. These hoes are out here looking at you like a come up. But, even after all that I add to your life, I’m still not enough. So, fuck you, Sean!

Apryl, cut that ‘Miss Independent’ bullshit out, a’ight? ‘Cause you know damn well a nigga here because he chooses to be. You are who I chose to love, but these bitches out here come a dime a dozen. So, believe me, if ya ass walk out the door today, a nigga will have a bitch cooking and washing my fuckin’ drawers tomorrow. Don’t get it fucked up.

No, this nigga ain’t standing here pumping that cocky shit when he is in the fucking doghouse. He got me fucked up! And even if he did find a bitch to cook and clean, she still ain’t gonna be HALF the woman I am.

And that’s all that bitch is gonna be worth–a fucking dime. Yo’ deadass, just do me a favor and leave. I don’t want to be around you right now, and if I were you, I wouldn’t trust me. ‘Cause after that slick shit you just said, I’m ready to knock ya stupid ass off that fucking balcony.

This is my crib, too. Fuck outta here. I’m not going no muthafuckin’ where! You can have all the attitude you want, but I’m sleeping in my bed tonight! Sean said and dramatically hit the bed.

Okay, that’s fine. You can stay. I’ll leave! ‘Cause I’ll be damned if I stay in this house tonight with ya lying ass.

I couldn’t stand to look at him any longer, so I walked into

the master bathroom and closed the door.

Bullshit! I know my woman ain’t going out the fucking house at one-thirty in the morning. So, you can take that stank- ass attitude in the shower with you, and both y’all can get comfortable after, Sean yelled loud enough for me to hear him through the bathroom door.

He couldn’t possibly understand how serious I was. I was too angry to lay next to him. I swung the bathroom door open and was surprised to see him standing at the doorway.

Nah, nigga, ya bitch is laid up in the ER! Don’t claim shit over here. Since you want to be in these fucking streets acting single, so the fuck am I. And the last time I checked, a single bitch can come and go as she please.

Once again, we were standing face to face, and all I could think about was slapping the shit out of him for playing with my heart. Times like this made me question if Sean knew how much I loved him and the extent I would go to keep us together and happy. If it weren’t already clear to him, it never would be.

As we stood toe to toe like opponents at a weigh-in before the fight, neither of us said anything. I could see in his eyes that my words were starting to bother him, but I didn’t give a good gotdamn. Why was I always the one who had to walk around with my chin high and turning cheeks?

He’s going to feel my pain one way or another, ‘cause the way I’m feeling, he just let a good thing get away.

Sean

Just when I thought tonight was going to be a smooth night, Tornado Apryl hit the crib without warning. I had plans on smoking a L, watching a movie on Netflix, and relaxing until my baby girl came home from that little dinner. But, all that shit was down the drain now.

Apryl was a lusty drunk, so I had no problem lying in bed waiting for her to bring that ass home to daddy. Little did I know Laila Ali was about to walk up in the crib and try to beat my ass. She had a nigga shook because I didn’t know what type of shit shorty ran across out in them streets. I didn’t want any skeletons falling out. So, when she dropped the Toya bomb, I knew it wasn’t shit.

Toya was a messy-ass hood booger I used to deal with in my younger days. In her mind, I was always going to be her man, and she would never respect me dealing with someone else. The affair shit was a lie altogether. It was more like a one- night stand a few weeks ago.

I was leaving a strip club in Queens, when I spotted shorty and a few of her friends leaving the spot, as well. We talked for a few minutes, and one thing led to another. My guys and I treated her and her girls to some breakfast. Then shorty got me right in the backseat of my truck. Was I wrong? Yeah. Hell yeah. But, that didn’t give her a right to pull the BS she did tonight. She made it seem like more than what it was, and the fact that Apryl believed her had me pissed. I would never confess to anything happening between us, but because my girl didn’t give me the benefit of the doubt, she could believe whatever she wanted. In my eyes, it was all a lie.

As I stepped back out onto the balcony, I picked up my now cracked Galaxy, the L that I had rolled moments before she came home, and my lighter. I sat back down in the chair and proceeded to enjoy my blunt. It was the only way to calm myself down at this point. Ms. Ali and this Toya drama had ruined my night.

I could smell that the summer nights were approaching. Next weekend was Memorial Day weekend, the official beginning of summer. I couldn’t wait; I had so many plans for the summer. There were a few vacation spots I wanted to visit with my lady and two business ventures I wanted to explore. I even planned on moving out of Brooklyn. Summers in New York were like no other. Not even South Beach could compete with the blazing heat of these Brooklyn streets. I didn’t know how Apryl would take the