Art of Deception

As Niecy sauntered along the sidewalk, she smiled to herself, happy at last that she could put her past to rest for good.  If she wanted to take a stroll down memory lane, it didn’t hurt to do so now. 

She was grateful to her friends who helped her along the scary path of facing her ghosts.  She was most indebted to the man that was instrumental in forcing her to see that until she had met him; her life meant nothing.

That’s why she was especially happy today.  Niecy wanted to tell him that she loved him, that she was in love with him.  It had been a rough six months and she was tired of fighting.  She wanted to start living her life, wanted to share life’s joyous occasions with another person.  With a man.

Niecy knew beyond any doubt that he was in love with her. He had told her enough times, even when she couldn’t say it back.  She couldn’t wait to tell him how much she loved him.  She was bursting with other news, too. 

These thoughts and others permeated her mind, dominating any feelings of caution and reserve she used to have.  She was deep in thought as she mentally jotted down her plans.  That’s why she didn’t see her friend approaching from the other direction until the friend called out to her. 

As Niecy greeted the friend, she wanted to tell her friend everything, but Niecy knew she had to share her news with her man first.

The friend wondered why Niecy was in this part of town.  Rather than reveal the truth, Niecy just said she had to take care of some business with a client.  Niecy’s friend said she was meeting a hot date.

As the women chatted, they noticed a black vehicle entering a nearby parking lot. Both women recognized the car, but neither was wise to the other knowing.  As the man killed the motor and was getting ready to exit his car, the friend exclaimed excitedly that her date was here and started towards the man. She urged Niecy to come along.   

Something ugly immediately took hold of Niecy’s heart.  Her body was readying itself for the shock that was quickly approaching.  Her eyes narrowed as her mind began to spin out of control. The outdoor sounds were suddenly muffled, almost inaudible.  Her blood boiled then turned to ice in her veins.  She felt a great wave of nausea sweep through her, making her insides churn and lurch like an old sputtering car engine. 

Unshed tears threatened Niecy's voice as she tried to hold onto some semblance of self-control. She made an excuse to leave and hurriedly fled from her friend, afraid her face would betray the composure she struggled to maintain on the outside. Inside she was falling apart. 

Niecy found her car and leaned against it for support.  She held on, unsure if she was going to keep it together.  It took all she had not to let go of the dinner that was fighting its way up from her stomach. 

Once she thought she was going to be okay, Niecy got into her car.  She still didn’t feel well enough to drive, so she used the time to reflect, to recall the events that have taken place over the past six months.