Not So Perfect Love Story: Part 2

Just as I thought it was all over… Just as I thought everything was back to normal… She comes back! I’m sure you remember how the story went the first time. It was nothing but a failed attempt at a “perfect” love. You may say, “there’s no such thing” but you couldn’t tell me that. I learned my lesson though… Or did I?

It’s been some years since the M-fiasco and man has the road been rough, but I made it and now look at me. I’m living the dream (film), engaged, and I’m just an overall much happier person than I’ve ever been in recent memories. I’m in Los Angeles now and everything, I’m on top of the world! Anyway, so I was at this charity book-reading event at Griffith Park and the craziest thing happened. Out of all the people in Los Angeles to see, I swore out of the corner of my eye, I saw Marriana. At first, I was like, there’s no way that could be her. I mean, why would she be at a book-reading event? Then it dawned on me, this is a park. I quickly forgot about it and kept reading and interacting with the kids. Once it was over, I began taking pictures.

*Takes Picture*

Me: Alright, you guys have a good one -smiles-

Group of Children/Parents: Thank You!

Me: No problem!

*Little boy walks up*

Me: What’s up lil’ man?

Little Boy: Hi can you sign something for my sister?

Me: Sure! What’s her name?

Little Boy: Ashley

Me: Perfect!

*Takes Picture and signs poster*

So, as I do a few more, Marriana notices me and gets in line. I didn’t see her, so it was a total surprise!

Me: So, who’s next? *while looking down*

Marriana: Me! Marri!

Me: *jumps up* Marri?

Marriana: *smiles & shakes her head*

Me: Marriana… what are you doing here?

Marriana: I’m not allowed to visit?

Me: I mean… I just didn’t expect to see you here.

Marriana: Yeah… I just got in last night.

Me: Really? Um, hold on for a sec.

Marriana: Sure!

Me: *walks over to my assistant* Hey can you stall or something for like 5-10 minutes?

Assistant: Brandon I can’t just….

Me: Thanks!

*Walks with Marriana a little way down to the fountain*

Me: So, what’s up?

Marriana: Nada… I was just in the area and happened to see you here.

Me: Oh… So, you weren’t stalking me or nothing like that?

Marriana: *laughs* no silly, of course not

Me: How’s the military?

Marriana: Eh… It’s going.

Me: Going… Good?

Marriana: Yeah but look at you! Like wow!

Me: Tremendous change huh?

Marriana: Major!

Me: Guess what.

Marriana: What?

Me: I’m engaged now!

Marriana: What?!

Me: I know right!

Marriana: Wow! I’m so proud of you. I always knew massive things were in store for you...

Me: Yeah…

Marriana: Well, I must go.

Me: Okay, I have to go anyway. Where are you staying though? I wouldn’t mind catching up.

Marriana: Well I’m at this hotel down the way. I’m going to be here for a while, so I have to look for something a little more permanent within the next few days.

Me: Hotel? Nah, you know what… You can stay with me and Jameelah until you find something.

Marriana: It’s fine.

Me: Marri. Stop! Don’t worry about it. I’ll just call Jameelah and make sure it’s cool.

Marriana: Brandon. You don’t have to do that. I’ll be fine.

Me: I insist! I’ll just have my assistant help you get your stuff and meet me back here later.

Marriana: Thanks!

You’re probably thinking, Why Brandon?! Why!!! I don’t know honestly, I just felt like it was necessary to help. I mean I did tell her that I had her back no matter what. She did completely abandon me though. I don’t know, go with your gut. It says no but my heart says yes. Decisions… Come on man, think! I kind of already told her I would so I guess I’ll just finish what I started. Either way it all comes down to what Jameelah says… So, I call up Jameelah and surprisingly she’s okay with it. As we get closer to the house Marriana started getting quiet like something is on her mind. So, I decided to ask…

Me: You alright?

Marriana: Yeah, I’m fine… You know I really could’ve just stayed at the hotel Brandon.

Me: Do you want to go back?

Marriana: I didn’t say that... I just…

Me: Besides, we’re here anyway.

Every Friday we had these get together chill sessions with friends and stuff. It was weird having Marriana there but surprisingly everyone was on their best behavior. The craziest part of it all was the fact that Jameelah was so cool about the situation. If anybody were to have a problem about her being there, you would think it would’ve been her right? Anyway, that next morning is when things began to change.

So, the morning began just like every other one except for Marriana being there. Meelah (Jameelah) left around 5 a.m. to prepare for an early morning shoot so it was just me and Marriana there. You’re probably thinking “Oh God, this is where he messes up…” but no lol I love Meelah. I would never do anything to jeopardize our relationship. Anyway, once Marriana woke up we went out on our search to find her a place.

Me: So where do you want to go first?

Marriana: I have no idea, but I know I need to find something today.

Me: Hmm… I think I know a place.

Marriana: Where?

Me: It’s a surprise!

As we get there, her eyes light up…

Marriana: Oh my God, this place is beautiful! I love it!

Me: I knew you would… I remembered everything that you said you liked and figured this would be perfect.

Marriana: It’s amazing but I’m sure…

Me: Don’t worry about it! I know the guy that owns it and he has like 5 or 6 and is trying to get rid of a few of them.

Marriana: Well thanks!

Brandon: Let’s get you set up!

…and just like that everything goes back to normal. She moved into her new place and we all lived happily ever after…wrong! I wouldn’t be telling you guys this story if that was all that happened. Well, things did go back to normal for a little while anyway. Marriana moved into her new place and got a new job and was living nice. Me and Jameelah were doing good and slowly becoming that hot new power-couple we always talked about.

THEN

There’s always something right? One day during a “read-through” for one of my shows I get a text from Jameelah.

I didn’t know whether to be happy, scared, or worried. I was just sitting there trying to figure out what she could be talking about when suddenly, she burst into the room.

Director: Alright guys… This is our first…

BOOM!

Jameelah: Brandon!

Brandon: Meelah?!

Director: What the hell…

Brandon: I’m so sorry…. Can I have like five minutes?

Director: Quickly!

We step outside the room…

Jameelah: Did I get you in trouble?

Brandon: (laughs) Probably, but who cares… So, what’s up?

Jameelah: So, I just got booked for fashion week in London!

Brandon: Omg! That’s amazing! Congrats! We should celebrate tonight!

Jameelah: Yeah… About that…

Brandon: What’s up?

Jameelah: I leave at like 3 am. I have to be there a couple of weeks early to get fitted and rehearse and stuff.

Brandon: Tonight?

Jameelah: Yeah. So, I’m about to rush and pack whatever I can.

Brandon: Oh… Well how long will you be gone?

Jameelah: 4 weeks.

Brandon: Wow… Okay.

Jameelah: I can stay if you want…

Brandon: Are you crazy? Go! I’ll be alright. You’ve dreamed about this your entire life! Now go live it, I’ll be here. You’ll be back for the premiere right?

Jameelah: Definitely! Wouldn’t miss it for the world!

Brandon: Well there you go… Have fun! Break a leg or whatever you models say.

Jameelah: Yeah, I’m quite sure that’s not what they say but I get what you’re trying to say so I’ll take it haha.

Brandon: (laughs) shut up! Let me hurry up and get back though. Bye!

I was a little bummed but that’s a models dream to be a part of Fashion Week so I was happy for her. With London being eight hours ahead of Los Angeles, it was hard staying connected at first, but we managed to still call and FaceTime every single day. I even got so see some of the new pieces she was going to model, and she looked stunning. I wish I was able to go but as she was out there doing her thing I was doing mine as well. I had just finished two scripts and score for a musical. I also had a show premiere coming up and just got booked for a new romantic comedy in the works (name of movie). Things were looking good, we were taking over the industry! We we’re the new Bey and Jay. Which was ironic being that our names are (B)randon and (J)ameelah. Lame moment, I know but hey lol.

So, it was the end of Meelah’s time in London which was perfect timing because my premiere was a few days after the day she was supposed to be back. I was so pumped/excited and so was she. We’ve both experienced success in our careers but as you can see it was still exciting for us. It was a little kid going to Chuck E Cheese. Anyway, later that night Jameelah came home and it was as if everything in my life before that one moment that we first saw each other again, never even happened/nor mattered.

Brandon: Bae!!

Jameelah: Oh my God… Hey! I missed you so much!

Brandon: I missed you more! I know that sounds cliché, but I would catch myself randomly smiling and couldn’t figure out why… That is until I realized that I was smiling because I was thinking of you. Just the mere thought of you brought this uncontrollable Kool-Aid smile to my face.

Jameelah: Awe stop it.

Brandon: (laughs) but hey, do you still have that outfit you showed me? If so, you need to put it on!

Jameelah: Why? What’s wrong with what I have on?

Brandon: Nothing and it’s a surprise!

As always, I went above and beyond, and we went on this dinner-date thing. It was cool! I would say more but yeah……….

So, the next day (day before the premiere) everything was all good until Meelah got a call to do a couple shoots in Barcelona and a few other places. You would think that would be cool but guess when she would have to leave… She was going to miss the premiere and it killed us both, but she had to take it.

As the next day came I wasn’t as excited but it’s not like I couldn’t show up. I invited my closest friends, but I still wanted her to be there plus it always better with a date. Here’s where I make mistake numero uno. I happened to think of Marriana and how I hadn’t seen her in a minute and I figured she would want to go so I asked. Of course, she says yes and so we went. She was beautiful might I add. Almost made me… I’m just kidding, Meelah is bae! Anyway, the night went good apart from a n exchange with a couple of friends. My two best friends were appalled that I brought her there.

Theo: Congrats Bro! …but why is she here? Does Jameelah know?

Brandon: It’s not even like that man, I promise!

Theo: Yeah whatever bro.

Brandon: I just needed a last-minute date.

Theo: And conveniently she was the only person you could think of?

Karim: I agree Brandon. You know how you get when you’re around her. You shouldn’t even expose yourself to those emotions again. Don’t mess up everything that you have going…AGAIN!

Theo: Exactly my point!

Brandon: I hear you guys! It’s not what it looks like.

Karim: Well just be careful!

See, I never listen when I should because this very conversation tells the rest of this story. I don’t get it, like I know what I shouldn’t do but yeah…

After that night me and Marriana left and hung out a little bit but it was nothing too serious. We just went to the beach and did this bonfire type thing.

Marriana: This is so nice! Jameelah is…a lucky girl. I really mean that!

I’m sitting there caught off-guard, like what is this?

Brandon: (laughs) Yeah... Hey, I have a question… This may mess up the night but like, what happened?

Marriana: With what?

Brandon: With us. Like, why didn’t it work? We were so perfect at one point.

Marriana: Wow... Umm…. To be honest with you, the reasoning behind it is so stupid. It burns me up inside to this day knowing how I screwed it up.

Brandon: It wasn’t just you. I could’ve done a million and one things differently.

Marriana: No but, I was scared. I feared hurting or whatever. I wasn’t a good person at the time and you were so sweet and nice.

Brandon: …and ultimately

Marriana: and I ended up hurting you anyway. That was only because you kept forgiving me and excusing my flaws and so I had to find a way to try to save you from yourself. The only way I thought I could do that was to be the biggest bitch I could, and it worked, eventually. But I’m sorry I... I…I……… (starts crying)

What did I get myself into? I’m over here getting emotional now… Marriana is just balling her eyes out on my shoulder and I’m hugging/comforting her. I know I shouldn’t, but I can’t help myself. Luckily before anything else got any crazier, bae FaceTime’d me. Saved by the bell or by the bae…

Jameelah: Hey!

Brandon: What’s up?!

Jameelah: I’m so sorry I missed your premiere, but I know it went well right?

Brandon: Of course! Big turn out!

Jameelah: That’s so good baby… I’m proud of you! Who all came? Did you take anyone?

Brandon: I’m proud of you too… Everyone… The whole crew… A lot of other people… I just brought my sister… I really wish you could’ve been here though. It would’ve meant so much more with you by my side.

Jameelah: I know. I should be back next weekend though.

Brandon: Can’t wait!

I lied…I know but I had to! I didn’t want her to freak out… Anyway, after this night things with Marriana got weird. We spent time together like every day! We texted back and forth like all day AND night! It was so bad one time that Meelah got suspicious because I kept texting in the middle of our FaceTime date. You’re thinking like, “WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING BRANDON????!!!!!.” Honestly, I don’t have any type of an explanation, except for the fact that she’s addicting. She’s like a drug! I need her… Every minute… Every second… Every hour…

Well it’s the end of the week it’s time for Meelah to come home right? Nah… The trip was extended due to weather and other circumstances. So, I was to be without her for another 2 weeks which was not a good thing because things with Marriana were heating up. It’s like I wanted to stop but I really couldn’t, and I knew I would have to if Meelah was there. Another week passed, and the same things happened. Me and Marriana were practically dating (that’s how close we were) but without the label. Of course, me being stupid didn’t think about the ignorant sites like MediaTakeout/TMZ and of course they felt entitled to post a stupid article about how close Marriana and I happened to be with several pictures. It was my fault but eh what I could I do. Of course, Jameelah came across some of it (I didn’t know) but she never said anything. We would FaceTime/text and everything seemed cool.

Then trouble hits… So, my friend… My BEST FRIEND decides he wants to snitch on me. He starts texting Meelah all about how we’ve been spending time together (Me and Marriana) and that’s when it finally hit her. She then decides to come home early (I’m completely in the dark about this). Well that night me and Marriana hung out for what would be our last time. We went out and had drinks and everything was good. Too good at that because Marriana ended up being soooo drunk. So, I took her to my place because I knew she needed someone to watch over her. Once we got there she passed out on my bed and she was done for the night. Nothing happened! I still love Meelah and I could never cheat like that, so I slept on the couch…

Anyway, that next morning, we woke up and as we went out, so I could take Marriana home, guess who was sitting outside. Yup…

Jameelah: So, this is what you do when I leave?

Marriana: Oh shit.

Brandon: I can explain…. It’s not what it looks like….

Jameelah: If it isn’t, then what is it? Because, what it looks like is you’re cheating on me.

I’m away doing work. I’m so stupid… Like I should’ve known… I mean you brought her here and I…. (begins to cry and runs to the bedroom.)

Of course, she then notices the make-up on the sheets and cries even more.

Jameelah: You had sex with her?

Marriana: I don’t remember last night so…

Brandon: Shut-up! You’re not helping…. No! We didn’t do anything… She got too drunk, so I brought her here to look after her. She passed out on the bed and I slept on the couch. I swear!

Jameelah: Right! (breaks down) Do you love her?

Brandon: I… well… It’s not… I mean… You know I can’t answer that…

Jameelah: Okay… See, Theo told me everything and he was right, so I guess I’ll be going…

Brandon: Wait what? No! It’s not what it looks like! Go where? Stay!

Jameelah: I don’t know but I know it’s away from you!

Brandon: Bae! Stay! It’s not what it seems…

Jameelah: I’ll send someone back for my stuff.

Just like that I lost her…. So, I take Marriana home and it was the most awkward ride ever imaginable… I called up Theo and cussed him out. He kept denying it but Meelah clearly said that it was him, so I was pissed. To an extent I, shouldn’t have been mad but you know… Guess what happens next though…

Marriana: Thanks for the ride. I really appreciate it.

Brandon: No problem… Sorry you had to see/hear all that...

Marriana: It’s fine! Really!

Brandon: You sure?

Marriana: Positive! Everything is perfect actually! Now if you would leave and never talk to me again I would totally appreciate it even more.

Brandon: Huh?

Marriana: Yeah… I was the one who told your girl…ex-girlfriend all the stuff about us. I got people to take pictures for me and everything... My plan worked to perfection!

Brandon: Why in the hell would you do that? That makes no sense! You even sat right there and let me cut ties with my best friend and didn’t say a word.

Marriana: Sorry (laughs). That night you FaceTime’d her and lied and told her that you took your sister instead of me was when I realized you were in love with her and was playing me, so I destroyed your relationship.

Brandon: That was your plan from the go?

Marriana: Nope! I was genuine at first but then that happened, and I figured if I can’t have you then NOBODY can! I made you and you know that… Thanks again though! Bye Brandon…

That rotten, disgusting … Ugh! I can’t. This is what I get though huh? I was warned, and I knew I was wrong… Anyway, as days passed I just became this huge mess. I stopped all my work and sat around thinking of ways to get her back. I wrote her a song/poem:

Back To Love

Can you feel it?…all that space in-between usI know you can feel it!…I miss you just a little too much.Memories in the breeze are they gone now?Thought that I would be right but I’m wrong now.So many feelings……I miss you just a little too muchWe built it up but let it all crash down…We had it all but let it burn to the ground…But maybe we can:turn aroundand get back‘cause right nowI’m off-trackI’m looking for a way backto love…Psssh… That didn’t work… I tried texting her.

That didn’t work either… I knew she was at her sister’s place, so I figured I would go over there… You know that expression “Don’t Drake and drive” yeah, it’s real but to top it off, I was drinking earlier and now I’m driving. It didn’t help that I was crying (I’m a man I can admit it) but I had to get my baby back… Long story short, I didn’t get my baby back and it’s not because she didn’t take me back. I never even made it over there… Now I’m sitting in this hospital with nobody.

It’s crazy what love can do.