Don't Play With My Soul

Zenia's POV

I couldn't listen in on them anymore. I bolted into the kitchen and stood between the woman I thought was the world's best mother and the man who walked away from his family for twenty one years. "Zenia, you're home. Come here, baby," my mother began as she opened her arms and came towards me, gesturing for me to hug her.

I held up my palm to her. "Stop." I blinked away the tears that were already forming. I backed away from her. "How could you do such a terrible thing to me and Jasmine?"

"Zenia... What are you talking about?" she asked innocently.

"I heard every word Mother! Or should I even call you a mother? You allowed Jasmine and I to think that Dad walked away because he wanted to, but you were the reason for all of this! I'm not even his daughter?

"Three thousand dollars every month Mom? Three thousand dollars every month for eighteen years? That's six hundred and forty eight thousand dollars! What the hell did you do with the money because I know for certain that it wasn't being used for mine and Jasmine's benefit."

"Zen..." Her voice broke and the tears came.

Martin straightened his posture and looked on without saying another word.

Mom wiped the tears away with a tissue and walked out the kitchen.

I tailed behind her. "You're not walking away from this!" I shouted. I held her shoulder, stopping her in the path. "You had the money Mom? You had the money and could have afforded the lung transplant a long time ago, but, instead, Jasmine had to get the money for you!

"Did you know that you messed up her life because of that? She went out of her way and became friendly with that asshole of an ex because she wanted the money to help save you!"

I shook my head. "Where's the money Mom?"

"We were in debt Zenia."

"Debt? What debt? When were we ever in debt?"

"I was in debt! You think it's easy being a mother and looking after two girls who always needed something? You think it's a smooth playing field when you have to do that by yourself? Of course the money was spent on you,--both you and Jasmine. You were too young to remember all the sacrifices I made for you!"

Then she said the thing I thought she'd never say in all my life.

"You should be happy that your baby is dead. You don't know what it takes to be a mother."

My anger flattened and was replaced with sadness.

"Zenia, I'm sorry I didn't mean to say that. Baby--"

"Leave me alone," I muttered.

I quickly ran for the door and speed walked towards the elevator. I heard my mother calling after me, but I was not about to go back into that penthouse with that woman.

I walked through the lobby while trying to reach EJ on the phone. After the second attempt, he answered.

"Hey sweet face."

"EJ."

"What's wrong?"

"Can you please come get me? Can we go to our new house?"

"Sure. I'm coming to get you right now."

I hung up and walked towards the Subway outlet on the opposite side of the street. I ordered a sandwich, sat down by myself and bit into it.

I remembered Anton. The first time we met was in this exact place. He was avoiding me ever since that fight between him and EJ.

Finishing my sandwich, EJ arrived. I got into the car with him and we drove to our new house.

"What's going on baby? Why are you so sad?" he asked as we sat down on a sofa together. He pulled me on his lap and gently kissed my lips.

"I only want to be with you right now," I answered.

"You missed me that much?"

I nodded. I did miss him, and I felt like he was the only person who could've been there for me.

"I want us to move in together," I let out.

"Are you sure? I told you there's no need to rush this. We can take it one step at a time."

"I know you said that, but I want to be here with you, EJ."

"Okay. I'm so happy you said that. I love you, girl."

He raised me up and planted kisses all over my face.

"You can get situated, and I'll make us some drinks." He put me down on my two feet and ran towards the kitchen.

I walked up the stairs and found our bedroom. I walked into the closet where I cried without him hearing or seeing.

After the pain eased, I dried my eyed and walked out

After the pain eased, I dried my eyed and walked out. I walked directly into his hard chest. I stumbled backwards but his hands quickly reached for me and I settled back on my feet. His eyes latched onto me, studying my face without saying a word.

"What's wrong?" His voice was filled with concern and his face was dead serious.

"I had a blow up with my mom," I answered truthfully.

He pulled me into his arms and began rubbing the low of my back. "It's going to be okay," he whispered and I sensed the assurance from him.

He guided me back downstairs and handed me a glass of a fancy drink.

"What's this?" I asked, looking at the red and blue substance.

"That's called EJ's Love."

I laughed. He could be so corny at times.

"You're taking all the covers, Zenia."

"Well, close the windows and you wouldn't feel cold, EJ."

"I love sleeping with the windows open. It calms me."

I released the covers and closed in the windows. He looked at me as I climbed back into the bed. His arm wrapped around my waist and we fell into a peaceful sleep together.

The next morning, I woke up to the streaming rays of sunshine coming through the window. I peeled off the bed and went into the bathroom.

I heard EJ singing in the bathroom.

I had no idea he was such an amazing singer.

I did my business and went downstairs to the kitchen. I was expecting an empty house without any groceries, but I was rather impressed when all the cabinets were stocked and the refrigerator had everything in my favor. I made a patch of extra fluffy pancakes, crispy bacon, and a cup of coffee for my boyfriend.

He came downstairs dressed in business attire.

"Hey baby, good morning."

"Good morning. You're going into work today?"

"Yeah...umm Evan needs me for a thing."

"Okay."

He gave me a quick peck on the mouth and walked out the door-- pancakes, bacon and coffee in hand.

I watched sadly as he drove out of sight.

I headed back to the kitchen to have my breakfast.

At midday, a strange woman walked into the house.

"Hello, I'm Dory. I work as a maid for The Hollens and I was requested to come get you."

"Come get me for what?" I looked around for an object I could used as a weapon. EJ never mentioned anything about a maid coming over.

Two men dressed in black come through the door. My heart raced quickly.

"If you don't get out of here, I'm going to call the cops!" I warned.

"Oh dear, we don't mean to scare you. We're here on Ethan Junior's behalf."

"He never mentioned anything!"

"Because it's a surprise. I strongly suggest that you get dress Miss Blackman."

I went upstairs, trying to reach EJ's phone, but it went to voicemail every time. I took a shower, styled my hair and got dressed.

I went downstairs to the kitchen, placed a knife in my handbag, just in case, and followed Dory and the men in black to a white limousine parked on the pavement.

After a dreadful one hour drive, I arrived at a restaurant. I walked through the entrance by myself and immediately spotted EJ. He lowered down before me and pulled a black box out of his back pocket.

Evan and Jasmine were also present, looking on from a table a few feet away. My eyes flooded when I saw the diamond ring.

"Sweet face, I know it's been brief, but it didn't feel right when I woke up this morning next to you and you had nothing to show of my real love for you

"Sweet face, I know it's been brief, but it didn't feel right when I woke up this morning next to you and you had nothing to show of my real love for you. That promise ring doesn't cut it. So, now, I'm giving you this, your engagement ring, if you'll have me now and forever. Zenia Alison Blackman, would you marry me?" The response got caught in my throat. Tears came instead of my voice.