"I'm so sorry about you and Shawn" LaShonda said with a sincere expression. Even though I was hurt, remaining positive was a goal of mine. However after reliving the details that lead to our breakup put me in a bad mood. Even so much, three weeks had past and there was no contact between us. To be honest, I was really becoming bothered by everything and it was starting to show. "It's okay, I'll be fine. I just want to enjoy my visit back home. Besides this day is too beautiful to be in a drag." I said starting to cheer up again. I watched LaShonda gently push my godson on the swing set made for infants. Delighting with every giggle that exposed Sam Junior's gums. I quickly reached into my handbag and pulled out a bottle of Bacardi Rum. Taking a large gulp, the alcohol burned as it slide down my throat and esophagus. Landing at the bottom of my stomach while causing a feeling of euphoria.
Starting to feel some type of way because my surroundings was beginning to spin before taking another taste of the clear liquor. I threw the half empty bottle back into my purse and stood up from the playground bench. I repositioned my loose fitted shirt, patted my messy pony tail and rearranged my sunglasses. Even noticing others throughout the park minding their own business annoyed me more. Uncoordinated, I still managed to walk towards where LaShonda stood.
"Girl, what's wrong with you?" My friend asked with a look of concern. I didn't answer but simply jumped up and grabbed a handle to swing on the monkey bars. "I'm okayyyyyyyyyyyyyy!" I cheerfully squealed. The confused look on LaShonda's face with my sudden outburst triggered an hysterical laugh. "Bitch...I mean, Vivian! Don't get out here acting no fool! My friend said trying to refrain from cursing around her son. Although my friend didn't find anything funny, Sam Junior did! His tummy jiggling with every giggle. "Sam Junior, don't laugh at that fool!" LaShonda playfully said while lifting him out the swing. "You ready to go?" I asked while reaching inside my handbag again, this time pulling out my ringing cellphone as we marched towards where LaShonda parked.
"Hello!" I blurted after swiping the answer button. There was a brief silence before an operator came on the line asking if I accepted the charges from South Houston County Jail. Unsure of who was locked up, I still accepted the call.
"Vivian, this Shawn...please don't hang up." Shawn hasty said. "They locked me up on some fuck shit...I need your help!" He continued. Even though we were broken up, I still loved Shawn and would still do anything for him. However, I was still worried about the kind of help he needed from me. "What happened?" I asked with great concern. I guess the intensity in my voice caused LaShonda to stop walking and turn around toward me only to mouth the words what's wrong. "Mane, I got pulled over for not wearing a seatbelt... Then all of a sudden they were pulling me out the car and arresting me on some warrant. I'm like what's going on cause I never missed a court date and all my fines were paid but them polices wasn't hearing that shit" Shawn said. I could tell he was afraid by the tone in his voice. "Okay, just calm down! What you need me to do?" I asked while motioning to LaShonda that Shawn was on the phone so she could continue walking ahead. This wasn't the time to explains things to her now. "I need a lawyer and a good one. I can't trust no court appointed lawyer for these charges!" Shawn said before the operator returned on the line stating we had a few minutes left on the collect call. "Damn Shawn, you act like they got you on murder charges! I jokingly said while giggling. However Shawn didn't laugh but instead responded "They do...baby, they trying to give me life for a murder I didn't commit!" Shorty after Shawn's response the line disconnected leaving an echoing dial tone while I stood with the receiver still posted to my ear.