Page 3 of Set My Soul Ablaze

“Don’t play dumb with me, Mali.” His jaw clenched.

I released a breath. “I don’t have the energy to play this game with you tonight.”

“Oh? You think you’re too good for me? You think you deserve better than me?” He stood up and chuckled.

“Juda, you need help. I haven’t spoken to you all day, and instead of greeting me with love, you’re playing this stupid-ass game. Either say what’s on your mind or leave me the fuck alone.” I opened my water bottle and gulped down all its contents before crushing the plastic between my hands.

“You ain’t get home until six forty-three. You’re usually home no later than six-thirty. Who the fuck is the nigga who had yourattention, huh? I know you’re cheating on me, Mali. I’m not fuckin’ stupid.”

“What?” I tossed my head back as a laugh erupted from deep in my belly. This wasn’t the first time he’d accused me of cheating, but this was the first time he’d used such a ludicrous reason.

Thirteen minutes.

The man spiraled out of control because of thirteen minutes.

He took a step closer to me. I could smell the liquor on his breath.

Of course.

“So my broken heart is funny to you, bitch?”

My laugh stopped abruptly. The amused smile turned into an offended scowl. “You’ve got me fucked up if you think I’m going to let you call me out of my name in the house I pay all the fuckin’ bills in. Get the fuck out right now before I call the police on your drunk, delusional ass.”

“Excuse me?”

“No. You’re not excused. You heard what the fuck I said. Get the fuck out right now.”

“Where am I supposed to go?” he asked as he stuffed his hands in his pockets.

“To hell. To jail. To a psych ward. I don’t know, and I honestly don’t give a fuck. We’re done.”

He blinked in surprise. “What do you mean, done?”

“I’m breaking up with you. I can’t live another day in the hell you’ve created. We were once so in love, but I don’t know when the last time I felt anything other than disgust and resentment when I look at you. Get out of my life . . . forever.” My voice was even and firm. Every word I spoke to Juda came from deep in my soul.

I was exhausted.

I had no more to give him.

I was sick and tired of being sick and tired.

“You don’t mean that, baby.” Juda took a step closer to me with outstretched arms.

I swatted him away. “Yes, the fuck, I mean that shit. With all my fuckin’ heart.”

“Wait. Mali, I’m sorry for calling you out your name. We can work through you cheating on me?—”

“I didn’t fuckin’ cheat on your stupid ass, Juda. But fuck! I wish I did. I wish I’d left you years ago to avoid this moment right here. For nine and a half years, I was nothing but faithful to you, and you still accused me over a dozen times of cheating. Maybe you’re projecting.”

He scoffed. “Projecting what?”

“Your wrongdoings. Your disloyalty.”

“I’ve been nothing but faithful. I was going to marry you when I got my shit together.” He licked his lips and tried to smile at me.

“Right. Now you can tell that lie to the next dumb bitch who lets you weasel into their life. Nine and a half years, and you’re still the same immature man I fell in love with as a teenager. Get out and grow up!”

“You don’t mean that.” He reached for me again.