10th Commandment | Revamped

Chapter 13

"And let me guess, Tasia is the one you find disappointing?"
"I didn’t say that—I love all my kids equally. It just seems like I gravitate more towards Francine because of our closeness," Isabella defended.
"Sounds like a convenient excuse," Taraji pressed.
"Well, it's not. Tasia's been struggling ever since her dad passed. She gets into fights, skips school, drinks too much, and has a reckless lifestyle."

“I always figured she’d end up in a ditch or worse, like prison, which is why I’m tough on her. That’s my way of showing love. I care deeply for my daughter and want to keep her from those kinds of places. She's got her father's toughness. There’s nothing wrong with being vulnerable; we’re women after all. She’s not married, and I can only assume she’s still sleeps around. It worries me,” Isabella expressed.

Taraji paused, meeting her gaze. “There’s so much more to Fantasia than what you just mentioned. She’s grown into an incredible woman—smart, beautiful. Anyone would be lucky to have her as a wife! Sure, she has a masculine side, but honestly, that's kind of appealing... Actually, it’s really beautiful,” Taraji stumbled over her words, feeling a bit flustered.

Isabella caught on and laughed, “It sounds like you’ve got a soft spot for my daughter!” she teased.
“No, no! I was just—no!" Taraji replied, flustered.
“Calm down! I’m just joking. I know my daughter leans towards men; she’d be at a loss with women. Speaking of which, reminiscing about women brings me back to my wild days. I was quite the rebel,” Isabella remarked, raising an eyebrow at Taraji.
“Anyway, could you do me a favor, Taraji? Please look out for my daughter. Call me if she gets into any trouble or decides to quit her job,” Isabella said, handing over her business card.
“Just so you know, I’m in a rush. We should do dinner another time. I have to catch a flight. It was lovely meeting you,” she added.

“The pleasure was mine,” Taraji replied.

As they turned back towards Taraji’s office, Isabella wrapped her daughter in a tight embrace. “I’m so proud of you. Call me sometimes, alright? I love you, but I’ve got to run. I forgot about book club at my place. It’s too late to back out, or else I’d stay longer,” she said, reluctantly letting go.

“It’s alright, Mom. I get it. Please remember to call me too! I love you,” Fantasia affirmed as they hugged again. Taraji then handed Isabella a bag full of goodies.

“Oh my goodness, for little me? Thank you so much, sweetie! I can’t wait to show this off to the ladies tonight. Hey, girls, let’s take a selfie!” she exclaimed, snapping a picture with both of them. Fantasia mouthed a silent “Thank you” to Taraji. “Make sure to head straight here when you land,” Taraji instructed. “You got it, boss!” Fantasia replied, taking her mother to the airport.

By the time Fantasia returned, everyone was wrapping up their day. She lingered by Taraji's office door, watching her as she dove into paperwork. Leaning against the frame, Fantasia admired how dedicated Taraji was, which somehow made her feel all sorts of flustered; she looked like a fierce, authoritative presence and it was quite the turn-on.

“How long are you going to just stand there?” Taraji asked without looking up, signing documents.

Caught off guard, Fantasia pulled her hands away from her skirt and stood up straight, feeling a mix of excitement and heat. “I couldn’t help it—I love watching you work,” she admitted.
“That gets you going?”
“Honestly? Everything about you does,” Fantasia replied. Taraji tucked away a box of documents and signaled for Fantasia to come closer. With a swift move, Fantasia shut the door, made her way to the desk, and sat atop it. Taraji’s eyes flickered to her, admiring her confidence.
“Are you aware of why I called you back here? I want you,” Taraji declared as she leaned back against the desk.
“I sensed that. I’m in the mood too,” Fantasia responded.

“Before we dive into things, I need to ask you something. Please answer truthfully, alright?” Taraji inquired.

“I’ll do my best. What’s brewing in that lovely head of yours, wifey?” Fantasia teased, making Taraji feel even more drawn in.

"Alright, so this whole gay thing we've been exploring—I know it's your first time diving into this realm—but someone mentioned to me today that some girls often go through phases of experimentation. This friend of mine had a similar experience and now she's totally straight. So I'm curious: is this something temporary for you, or do you envision a future where you identify as super gay for life?"

"Who did you chat with about this?" Fantasia asked, stepping off the desk and starting to pace. 
"Ms. Isabella!" 
Fantasia spun around, her face contorting in disgust. "Gross!" 
"Seriously, it's not gross. She's stunning, and honestly, I can see people of all genders falling for her!" 

"Gah, ewww!" Fantasia exclaimed, covering her ears. "What about you?" Taraji inquired. 
"I'm a lesbian, Taraji. I'm not just exploring; this isn't a phase—I'm really into women too, so I identify as bisexual. My partner won't depend on changes in my sexuality; that's not up for debate. It will come down to who I choose and who my heart connects with—man or woman. It's someone who nourishes my soul and loves me fiercely because I know I have that same capacity for deep love. So, with that said, Taraji, I've fallen for you. I want more; I'm ready for a relationship," Fantasia confessed.

"That's sweet and flattering, but I don't date anyone I work with. It’s one of my hard rules—the 10th Commandment for a reason. We can have fun together, and I enjoy it, but I can’t commit. My stance is unchangeable."

Fantasia gasped, her jaw dropping in disbelief. She felt utterly toyed with. 

"Why did you have to make me fall for you?" 
"I didn’t make you do anything. That was all on you, especially after I warned you time and again. Don’t turn me into the villain—I told you from day one," Taraji replied. 
Fantasia turned away. "You know what? Life’s too short to be tangled up in this mess. Have a good day, Taraji, and thanks for everything today; it truly means a lot. But I need to step back before you crush my heart like an overcooked potato. Have a great life, Agent Henson." And with that, she walked out. 

Her heart felt like it was shattering, each breath heavier than the last. Meanwhile, Taraji remained unbothered, calm as if nothing had affected her. She organized her office for the next day before leaving the building. 

Fantasia drove to a hotel and called Agent Carter. 
Carter was lounging with her husband but stood up and moved away to take the call. 

Tasia: Let’s meet at the Holiday Inn in an hour. Dress to impress for me… 
Carter: Okay, I’ll be there. (she whispered before hanging up) 

"Honey, we had a homicide. Don’t wait up for me." 
He simply nodded, eyes glued to the screen. She rolled her eyes, knowing he had a lot on his plate. Upstairs, she got herself looking amazing for Fantasia—badge and gun in hand as she prepared to leave.

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