Overly Dedicated (Book 2)

R.O.T.C (Interlude)

Marley Fontain-Copper.

Benjamin has opted not to speak with me and not return home following our encounter with Kendrick which was almost a week ago. This was not before he made me pay for being "disrespectful". Although I am not surprised by his actions, I can't say that I am not disappointed. Deep down I know that he can be the man that I want him to be, I can help him get there. Ugh, I know that sounds dumb but we are married with a child. I want that fairytale ending like everyone else, I deserve it. 

Taylor's cries fill the house interrupting my thoughts. I quickly snap out of my thoughts and tend to her. Being home alone with Taylor and solo parenting has taken a toll on my mental health. It makes me appreciate the presence of my father in my life.

I head downstairs to make Taylor and me breakfast. As Taylor nibbled on her banana watching Ms. Rachel, I sipped on a hot cup of green tea reading a self-help book. Rachel gifted me this book a few months ago when I was dealing with depression. The book has helped me to see the beauty in the little things that I do on a daily for myself as a form of self-love. "Hello," I say as I place the phone on my ear answering Rachel's call. "Hey girl. What are you up to?" Rachel responds. "Just reading the book you gave me." I can hear the smile on Rachel's face through the phone as she says, "I am so glad to hear that girl! But on another note, I have some tea girl." I giggled, "What is it?" Rachel begins to tell about some drama she is having with this new guy she is dealing with.

Hearing the stories of Rachel's dating life sometimes makes me jealous. Don't get me wrong I am so happy to hear her happy and living her best life. It just makes me wish I had chosen a different path for myself. Simutaneously as Rachel is telling her story, Taylor begins to clap to Ms. Rachel singing and the doorbell rings. At this moment, it all feels very chaotic. I slid my slippers on and quickly got up from the couch heading towards the door. "Hold on Rachel, someone is at the door," I say before opening the door revealing a young man no older than 20 years old. 

Once he notices me, the young man looks at me with brown eyes and smiles revealing his imperfect smile. "Hi ma'am, I have a delivery for Marley Burnett," he says reading off of his clipboard. I smile back at him, "Hi, I'm Marley." He tells me to sign on the dotted line to confirm the delivery of a huge bouquet of my favorite flowers, a box, and a card. I hand him a 10-dollar bill and thank him before closing the door. I place the flowers on the coffee table and gently sit on the edge of the couch. 

"I just got a huge bouquet of my favorite flowers with a gift box and card," I tell Rachel. Rachel streaks in excitement, the noise pierces my ear making my face scrunch up. "Who is it from?" She instantly asks. Did Benjamin send me this as a peace offering after he exploded on me? I just knew he would come around to be that perfect person for me. "I'm not sure, let me read the card" I reply as I pick up the car in the bouquet. It reads:

There are times when you need someone

I will be by your side

Oh darling, cause there is a light that shines special for you,

and me

I am left speechless by this note. In the box is the most beautiful diamond tennis bracelet. I stare blankly at the bracelet in awe of its beauty. "Who is from?" Rachels asks again. "It's from" I pause, "Kendrick."

Kendrick Lamar Duckworth.

"Come on babe! You are going to be late for your flight," I yell to Jayla as I impatiently stand by the door. Jayla is flying out to visit her parents for a few weeks to celebrate their birthdays and her brother's graduation. Her flight is supposed to leave at 11 am which is in less than an hour and a half. We are 20 minutes from the airport and need to leave now to ensure that she makes her flight. "I'm coming!" Jayla says as she walks towards me with her suitcase, carry-on suitcase, and purse. I swiftly grab her luggage letting her out of the house first then locking the door behind her. 

"Babe, are you going to miss me? I will be gone for an entire three weeks." Jayla asks me as we drive down the highway towards the airport. "Of course, I will," I say with a smile as I place my hand on her thigh gently squeezing it. She flashes her beautiful smile at me and turns up the music. "This is my jam!" She exclaims and begins to dance.

I smile and gently shake my head returning my focus to the road. Before I know it, we are at the airport. I briskly jog to her side of the car and open the door for her. "What a gentleman," Jayla says with a smirk on her face. I smile back at her before heading to the trunk to unload her luggage. We say our last goodbyes before departing. I watch her walk into the airport until her figure is lost in the crowd. Just as I am pulling off, I receive a phone call from Marley. A pleasant surprise, well not really a surprise. 

I answer on the third ring, "What's up?" I immediately say. "Hey Kendrick," Marley hesitantly replies. The pause after her response lets me know that there is some reluctance there. I hope my gesture didn't cross the line or cause any issues with her relationship. The thought of her in a relationship with such an undeserving person truly disgusted me. I immediately shake that thought out of my head before transferring the call to the car speakers. "I got the flowers and bracelet you sent to my house," Marley pauses, "It is really beautiful. But how did you know where I live?" 

"No problem. I had Ali do some research to find your address." I reply. "Oh...." Marley lowly says. "Our last encounter was cut short and I wanted to reach out to let you know that I am still here for you. Although we have lost contact, I still want us to be cordial." I rapidly say before she can finish her sentence. It was a relief to hear her voice and I wanted us to still be in each other lives, even if it was just as friends. I wanted more but knew that she was fragile and I couldn't force it. Plus I have a girlfriend and she is married so right now wouldn't be a good time for us anyway. 

"It was a really kind and sweet gesture. I just don't know if I can accept such an expensive gift from you... I don't know if Benjamin would be happy with me receiving it." Marley states in a stale tone. Why does she even care about him? He is no good for her. At this moment, I wanted to tell her about his other woman but this wouldn't be the right time to do it. "It didn't seem like he was happy with us saying hi to each other. I hope he has been treating you right." I say and Marley remains silent. I hesitantly say, "I'm sorry if I crossed the line." I wasn't really sorry but knew that saying sorry would put her at ease. "It's okay, you mean well. I called to thank you for the gift." 

"Would you mind going out to dinner with me tonight?" I pause. "As friends of course, I don't want to make you uncomfortable." Marley replies, "Um...." She is interrupted by her daughter, Taylor, crying. I hear her consoling the baby before she returns to the phone. "Umm, I guess that would be okay. Text me. I have to go." Marley says before ending the call.

As I arrive back at my place, I sit in the car for a few minutes to make arrangements for tonight. I called a nice restaurant that I know she would enjoy and reserve a table for two at 8:30 pm. After making the reservation, I text Marley the details. I walk into my place heading towards the kitchen to grab a cup of juice before plopping down on the couch. A ding on my phone, indicating a text message, distracts me from finding a show to temporarily watch. The text is from Marley saying, 

Idk if I can make it. I have to find someone to babysit Taylor...

I shake my head and drop my phone face down on the coffee table before returning to look for a show to watch. 

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Authors Note:

I apologize for being absent for so long! I'm back now so expect new chapters at least once a week, maybe more ;)