Illusions

Author's Note: The plot packs on the bulk. You've been waiting patiently so here it is: Chapter five in my Wound in Time series. The story contains mainly F/F action as well as a plot. It's a lengthy piece that will not likely satisfy your search for instant gratification. Please check out the previous chapters if you want extra dirt on the characters. They're not listed in order but the titles are sequential as follows: (WIT)At First, Blind Borne, Escapade and Felon Failing Fallen. That said, read on and hopefully, enjoy the story. Don't forget to comment.

TMAJO

Ripe for it.

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"Oh my god! I cannot bu-lieve you did that!" Joann eyed her friend like she was insane.

"I know, I know, I know!" Bellinda blushed with the absurdity of it all.

"You're telling me you put out AFTER she admits to sleeping with not one, but TWO other women?" Joann paused to gather air, "On more than one occasion might I add?"

"I know it sounds crazy but that's always been the case!" Bellinda threw her arms in the air.

"That's doesn't excuse her screwing around on you!" Joann said and both of them remained quiet for a few beats until Joann added, "She's just a player."

"Jo, she's been honest with me so far and I'm realizing that it's all I ever wanted." Bella finally said with a sigh.

"Okay, so why did you break up again?" Joann said but was actually thinking, 'What have you gotten into B?'

"We didn't break up. I mean, I don't think so." Bellinda fidgeted with her hands. "We only had a fight...I just don't know what it was about."

"Okay whatever, this right here is not helping. Come to the Shack with me." The blonde locked her eyes onto her friend's.

"Jo, I can't." Bellinda whispered.

"Yes you can." Joann grabbed Bella by the shoulders. "I know things are kinda messed up right now, but if José were here, he'd want you to have fun."

"If I say yes, will you stop trying to make me feel guilty?" Bellinda siad with a roll of her emerald eyes.

"Deal!" Joann squealed and pulled Bellinda into a hug, "Mani-pedi?"

"Deal." Bellinda smiled at her friend even though her head was really screaming.

**********

Mavin left the office after reviewing the security tapes with Detective Wagner. There wasn't much of visual significance but the audio recording was in a class all by itself. Mostly because José could be heard taunting the gunman. There was no way he could fight or run so instead he entertained himself. Laughing wildly and provoking the already trigger-happy death dealer. Mavin shook away the images of José's lifeless body that was sure to haunt her for eternity, and turned the tapes over to Wagner. She hinted to him that the attacker may not have been a complete stranger.

She was in a very bad mood. As she'd predicted the day had been hellish. She wasn't able to get much work done as she'd hoped and all the new details surrounding her friend's death overwhelmed her. To top it off, her mind couldn't function for two seconds without being inundated with thoughts of Bellinda. Being the one to blame for the mini-explosion that occurred in the morning didn't make it better.

In a short-lived moment of clarity, the tall woman pulled up into her family home. She found it empty and figured Zeke was out spending green. She dragged herself to the den and just crashed. She wasn't physically tired but her psyche was well battered. She was about to hop on the sleep train when her phone came alive. Mavin cursed the gadget as she picked it up.

"Not a good time, Eva." Mavin said flatly.

"Is anytime ever good for you?" Eva asked but wasn't really expecting a response, "How come you didn't tell me about José? I had to hear it on the news...and did you know her father's a senator?"

"Eva, there's nothing to tell. He's gone and they're investigating shit." Mavin grumbled, ignoring half of Eva's rant.

"And you don't think that's worth talking about? Goddamn it Mavin, I can't believe the shit you pull sometimes. Why're you being so fucking reckless?"

"Not now Eva." Mavin droned with her eyes closed.

"Where you at?" Eva didn't hear Mavin's plea.

"Westbury." Mavin mumbled, "Don't bother coming out here."

"You gon' be there all night?"

"Yeah, why?"

"Shouldn't you be with Bellinda, since this all affects her too?"

Mavin sighed and scratched her head.

"Mavin, are you hearing me?"

"We had a fight."

"You don' lost yo' mind, haven't you?" Eva's voice rose again with shock. "Why did you go and pick a fight with her now, of all times? I swear something is-"

"Why the fuck are you blaming me?" Mavin cut Eva off.

"'Cause I know you Mavin. This is what you do." Eva said knowingly, "Whatever happened, y'all need each other."

"Eva, what I need is not a fucking lecture." Mavin said as her temper flared.

"I ain't lecturing, I'm just saying you gotta think about her too." Eva ignored the hint.

"Whatever, just fucking drop it!" Mavin said firmly, her chest tight with anger.

"Don't be coming at me with that tone, I will not hesitate to kick your ass." Eva said and Mavin couldn't bursa escort keep the laughter from erupting as she forgot her temper for a split in time. "I'm serious, don't think 'cause you're all beefed up...I know kung fu."

"Aight, I'm sorry. Please don't unleash the dragon." Mavin was rolling on the den floor.

"Shiiit, I'll put you to sleep in a choke hold." Eva continued her jive.

"Oh, I'd pay you to do that." Mavin grinned, glad for the subject change.

"Yeah, I bet you'd pay me to do a lot of things." Eva joined in the laughter.

"Now that I think of it, I'd pay you not to take that job with Kurt Pryce." Mavin said, her tone regaining seriousness.

"What, why not?"

"Listen, I just found out some shit today that's so, so, so fucked up Eva. It's off the hook like murder." Mavin emphasized.

"Like what?!" Eva wasn't sure about what she heard.

"Did you sign those papers yet?"

"Nah, they're here though."

"Aight, don't sign anything. I'll explain tomorrow."

"What's wrong with now?"

"Not a good time." Mavin shook her head as if Eva was in the room with her.

"You know, you keep saying that but now you got me all worried."

"Aw, well now we're in the same boat." Mavin chuckled. "See what happens when you don't listen to me?"

"Yeah, yeah." Eva relented.

"You still up for the party or are you still sore?" Mavin joked.

"Shut up. Why are you thinking of a party now anyway?"

"Yo, Jasmine asked me to be there and I'ma be there. Besides, I'm on a fast track to stressville and I need a detour."

"Oooh, you are so dirty! I couldn't date you."

"Um, newsflash Ms. Wilson; you don't date." Mavin stated fact.

"Yeah well, neither do you, so I guess that makes it alright." Eva paused, "You gon' bring her?"

"I-I dunno....Eva I gotta go." Mavin was in a hurry to get Eva out of her ears.

"Why, you have something hot waiting for you?"

"Nah, I wish. I just need to chill for a bit."

"Sure sweetie, I'll call you tomorrow."

"G'night." Mavin said and killed the line.

In less than 72 hours, her world had been flipped and she needed to regain her footing. How a night of partying would contribute to that cause was beyond her but, she knew she didn't want to spend the weekend agonizing over Bellinda. She dropped her head and was snoring before it hit the cushion.

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Meanwhile

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Bellinda, Joann and Adam met up at a late spa to get pampered. It was after-hours but Bellinda could afford it so she was treating her friends. She didn't mind, in fact she was happy to be spending quality time with her best friends. It was good that she wasn't the only one with matters of the heart. Adam had just broken up with Jason but was keeping a stiff upper lip about it. Joann was the only one not exactly suffering from love and took it upon herself to comfort her friends.

The trio had on their mud masks and were having their feet rubbed. Joann was flirting shamelessly with the guy massaging her soles while Adam and Bellinda, well mostly Bellinda, took turns ranting.

"I hear Mavin works in the same circle as Jason, you think she'll be going to the conference?" Adam asked.

"I dunno, she doesn't tell me these things. I mean, not that she would." Bellinda said tightly, the spa treatment wasn't helping as she thought it would.

"Whoa lassie, calm down before you pop a vessel." Joann said even though her eyes were set on the half naked masseur.

"Okay Bee, what were her words again?" Adam continued his interview.

"'I'm sorry you feel that way'." Bellinda repeated, the tension not abating.

"What exactly is she sorry about?...wow you are talented." Joann made a gurgling sound and they all laughed. Everyone except Bellinda.

"She basically wants me not to feel betrayed about this." Bellinda said in a near whisper. 'Why did I get caught up in this...because I wanted...want her.' Her mind was on a mission.

"That makes sense from a certain point of view." Adam sighed while his toenails got filed.

"Way to take her side Adam." Bella rolled her eyes. "It makes sense for her to share herself with every woman in New York?"

"What? It's not a crime." Adam said playfully. "You aren't exactly exclusive."

"You know, that's exactly what she said and now I'm starting to wonder about you." Bellinda gasped. "I want us to be exclusive."

"Somehow, I don't think you do. You might wanna consider an open relationship. Just think of it as S