SHORT STORY
“Independent”
“I’m smart, fine and I make mines!” Jenika responds at a baller feeling disrespected after hearing his comments about what he would do if he had a chance. “Look Miss I didn’t mean to offend you”, Fabian says. I notice the car you pulled up in. The expensive jewelry and sexy heels, but didn’t see a ring on your finger. I just figured you needed a man like me to compliment that body of yours. Fabian backs up and says, “Look at me! I make good money, I’m on the come up and other women would kill to get the offer that I’m giving you”.
Jenika an alumnus from a high profile college raised by a single parent household instantly thinks “Where are the good men?” I got standards but damn this is getting ridiculous. She looks at Fabian and asks “Are you a God fearing man that is educated? A man who is just as smart when it comes to the books as in the streets?”.
Fabian’s phone rings as he prepares to answer her question. He silences the ringer as Jenika quickly notices the contact in the phone says “Wifey”. Fabian says “I’m not religious, but I have a spiritual relationship with God”.
Jenika asks “Who was that?” Fabian says “That’s the past. We are not divorced, but we are separated. It’s complicated”.
Not feeling the situation Jenika tips Desmond the bartender for her drink and begins to leave. Fabian whispers to the bartender “Watch me get the number”. He approaches Jenika and she politely declines and tells him she is not interested. As she walks away Fabian yells, “You ain’t all that!” as the door closes.
Fabian sits and Desmond says, “My man…All that wasn’t called for. That doctor comes in every friday from a rough day at work and enjoys a taste of wine. She is strong headed and a woman that is definitely INDEPENDENT!
Short story by – Reggie Basheem Coleman
