Author Linda R. Herman, 2009 AALAS Nominee

Chapter 2

            Sonya had no idea what had transpired between India and Maya but she had to admit that she loved seeing the two at odds. Their friendship sickened her to the core because Sonya suspected that Maya still had feelings for Ric. Even though Ric adamantly denied any involvement with Maya, Sonya wasn’t blind. She saw the way he still looked at her and how her every word held his attention. India and Cassandra treated Maya as though she was a part of their family and she rarely missed a family gathering. Sonya and Ric often fought about those family functions, especially when Sonya refused to partake in them, but she didn’t care. In fact, she refused to subject herself to his family’s constant cooing over his ex. Ric moved on and his family should have followed suit, embracing her and dumping Maya. Were it not for the fact that Maya was happily married to Tony, Sonya would have been forced to take drastic measures to eliminate her from the picture.

            I wonder what has India so pissed with Ms. Perfect. It can’t be about a man because surely India would have beat her silly had she tried to hook up with Antoine. Could it be a dispute between their kids? That bitch sure wouldn’t tell me anything. That’s okay though, I’ll find out one way or another.

            Sonya had a light bulb moment and her face lit up like the harvest moon. She knew exactly what her next plan of action would be in her mission to get the scoop on India and Maya’s fight. Steering her Nissan Maxima into their three-car garage, Sonya parked and turned off the engine. She then removed her shades, slapped her hand against the steering wheel and laughed hysterically.

            “Mommy, what’s so funny?” Her son asked as he watched his mother in her fit of hysteria.

            The sound of his voice reminded her of his presence and Sonya quickly composed herself before turning to face him. She’d been so busy racking her brain about India and Maya that she didn’t even remember picking RJ up on her way home. But, there he sat in the backseat of the car staring intently at her. He must think I’m crazy? I hope I didn’t voice any of my thoughts.

            “Mommy’s just happy. I missed you today, how was school?”

            “Fine. I played with my friends and colored pictures.” RJ went on rambling about his day but once again, Sonya’s mind was elsewhere.

            “RJ, guess what?” she asked, not even aware that she’d cut him off in mid-sentence.

            The toddler shrugged his shoulders. “I don’t know; what?”

            “Mommy’s going to join you and Daddy at Sunday dinner with Nana Cassandra.”

            “For real? But you hardly ever go to Nana Cassandra’s. Are you sure you won’t have one of your bad headaches like you always have when Daddy asks you to go?”

            Sonya couldn’t believe how observant her little one was. RJ was quite a smart little booger and despite her less than admirable ways, Sonya truly loved her son. He was surely her gift from God and the glue that bonded her marriage to Ric. Had she not gotten pregnant with RJ when she did, Ric would have divorced her. He never came out and said it, but she knew he wasn’t happy. Instead of being happy and in love, they just existed and Sonya knew she had to do something to make him love her; something that would guarantee he’d never leave her. RJ was the perfect solution and she wished she could have even more kids with Ric. He wouldn’t feel obligated to their union once RJ was an adult and Sonya would need a new miracle to save her marriage.

            “No, Mommy feels fine. As a matter of fact, I think we should go shopping.” She turned the key in the ignition and slid her Versace shades back on her pear-shaped face. “Mommy wants to look extra pretty for Sunday dinner.”