Face Me Ii: What a Tangled Web We Weave

By Yolaunda Vaughn-McLain

All secrets are never told; some have to be found out. Because of a few unfortunate incidents, skeletons began to fall out of the closet. Face Me introduced you to the lives of Nicole, Sean, Alec, and Stephanie. Now Face Me II exposes dark secrets and uncontrollable desires. No matter how deeply a secret may be buried, it always has a way of resurfacing.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Apr 9, 2013
• ISBN: 9781481737692

Yolaunda Vaughn-McLain

Yolaunda Vaughn-McLain is a native New Yorker. She started her writing career with her first novel FACE ME. Yolaunda spends a lot of time with her family, writing and building her business, Say It With Soaps. For more information, please visit www.yolaundamclain.com.

Book preview

Thank You

I would like to say thank you to all my friends and family who have shown me support through it all. I’m not going to mention all the names again, but I will write down the ones I didn’t put in my first book: Georgia, Amira, Donna, Joyce, Glender, Niaomi, Natasha, my aunt Gloria, and all my many cousins.

Special Thanks

To my children, Yushanda, Daniel, Nakia, Koron, Alex, Alec, and Alexa, and my grandsons, Daniel Jr. and Xyon. I want you to see that things don’t just happen. Most of the time it takes hard work and sacrifice. Always remember that as long as you try, you will never fail.

Previously from Face Me

Sean couldn’t hold back any longer. He had to confront Mr. Web. On his way to Mr. Web’s office, Sean tried to maintain a certain level of calmness. He knew this could mean his job, but he didn’t care. When Sean got to his office, no one was at the front desk. He noticed the door was ajar and he could hear him on the phone.

I told you, I didn’t know that she was Sean’s girlfriend, Mr. Web was saying. Sean was about to knock, but he decided to listen instead. If I would have known, do you think I would have done something like that to my own son…

His own son, Sean thought.

Why didn’t you tell him when he went down to Virginia that I was his father? Why do I have to do it?

Sean couldn’t listen anymore, he was too upset to say anything. Why hadn’t his mother told him? He was about to find out.

Nicole was going to meet Stephanie at Melissa’s apartment. Since this whole ordeal, she hadn’t really talked to her. Nicole wanted to straighten out her relationship with Sean before it became office gossip. She had to admit, she missed Stephanie as a friend, and she felt it was time to let her know what was going on. Carla didn’t want to come. She was eager to go to Mr. Web’s office and let him have it. Nicole had her own plans for him, and they didn’t involve Carla. When Nicole entered Melissa’s place, she noticed Maxine was also there.

Long time, no see! Stephanie yelled out.

I know. I have so much to tell you, Nicole replied.

You better start with that damn video. Melissa put her hands on her hips.

I noticed you could only see your face and not the guy in the video, Stephanie said. But who was that? Nicole took a long pause.

It was Mr. Web. He drugged me and took me to this room… Before she could finish, there was a knock at the door.

I ordered Chinese. I hope y’all don’t mind, said Melissa. She went to open the door but while she was opening the door, her head was turned toward the women. She didn’t realize who she was opening the door for. The look on everyone’s face let her know something was wrong.

What the fuck are you doing here? Stephanie yelled out. Melissa turned around so fast, she almost gave herself whiplash.

How did you get the nerve to come to my damn house again? Melissa asked.

Shut the fuck up, James said as he pushed past Melissa and came inside. Maxine, I want you to come with me.

I don’t want to go with you James. Why don’t you just leave? You know I have that order of protection, replied Melissa.

Fuck the order. This has been going on for too damn long. Enough is enough, James said and walked toward Maxine to grab her. I saw you dancing with that nigger at your barbecue. While James’ back was turned, Melissa eased into the kitchen.

James, get the fuck out of my house before I stab your ass, Melissa said, grabbing a knife from the kitchen.

Can you stab me before I shoot you? James pulled out a gun and pointed it at Melissa. "Get that bat now bitch. You know I don’t like your ass anyway. I will gladly put a hot one in your hot ass.

James, this is not necessary. I’ll go with you. Just don’t hurt anybody, Maxine said in a raspy voice. Nicole and Stephanie were in a state of shock. They couldn’t believe this was happening.

If everyone stays where they are, no one will get hurt, James said, turning in the direction of Maxine. Come on. Now! Melissa’s face grew hot with anger because she didn’t know exactly what to do; but she knew she had to save her friend. Melissa leapt onto James’ back and plunged the knife into his chest. Her action startled James and the gun went off. The room went from dead silence to frantic screams.

She got shot! Call an ambulance! someone screamed. Nicole lay on the floor repeating the words, my baby, my baby. Melissa, Maxine, and Stephanie wondered, Is she pregnant?

When the ambulance got there, both Nicole and James lay on the floor, lifeless.

We have two people; we thought it was only one, one of the paramedics said.

It is, take her. Let that motherfucker die, Melissa said. I also think she’s pregnant. The paramedics took Nicole and called for a second ambulance to get James. James looked at the Maxine but couldn’t speak. Maxine said, Why don’t you just DIE! When the paramedics put Nicole into the ambulance, the second one arrived for James.

Where’s the body? one of the paramedics asked.

I’ll take you to him, Maxine responded. I’ll meet y’all at the hospital.

Are you sure? Melissa asked her.

Yes, we all can’t fit in the ambulance anyway. I’ll just drive my car.

Okay, see you there.

As the ambulance pulled off, Stephanie kept telling Nicole she was going to be all right, just hang in there.

SKU-000589943_TEXT.pdf

Sean received a text message on his phone from Alec.

7:00pm

Sean, Nicole’s

in NYC Hospital

The hospital, why was she in the hospital? Sean raced to his car and sped down the highway. He hoped nothing was wrong with the baby. I can’t lose her, not now, not ever. Please Lord, whatever is going on, please fix it, please fix it. Sean pulled up to the hospital. He didn’t bother to park his car.

I’m looking for Nicole Davis. Is she here? Sean didn’t know where to go. Nicole Davis, where is she?

Calm down sir, she’s in surgery. You can wait in the waiting room with the others, the nurse said.

I don’t want to wait with the others; I need to be with Nicole. Stephanie heard Sean’s voice becoming loud.

Sean! Stephanie called out to him.

Steph, what happened? Where is Nicole? Sean asked her.

Calm down and I’ll tell you what happened, Stephanie began telling Sean what had led up to Nicole being in surgery.

What about the baby? he asked.

We don’t know anything yet, Melissa said. Minutes seemed like hours, hours seemed like days, and so on. Finally, one of the surgeons came out.

Is anyone here for Nicole Davis? the doctor asked. Everyone stood up, Yes, we are, they all replied.

I just want you to know that we removed the bullet from her chest, but she’s not out of the woods yet. The next forty-eight hours are critical.

Can we see her? Stephanie asked.

One at a time, no longer than ten minutes, the doctor advised.

Sean, you go first, Melissa said. Just in case we all can’t go in. Sean followed the doctor. He almost lost it when he saw Nicole hooked up to the tubes.

What about the baby? Sean asked the doctor. With all the worrying about Nicole, he had almost forgotten to ask about the baby.

We thought with all the trauma that her body went through, she would have aborted the baby, but God is on her side. The baby is still in place and doing well. I always say, ‘God is the master. I’m just an instrument to carry out his duties.’ He’s the one with the last say. The doctor touched Sean’s shoulder. She won’t answer you, but she can hear you. The doctor left Sean with Nicole.

Hello, my love. Sean sat beside Nicole’s bed, looked at the heart monitor, and placed his hand on hers. I feel like this is my fault. Sometimes God allows things to happen in your life to get your attention. I got the message loud and clear. I was so busy telling you about pursuing material wealth and appreciating what was more important that I wasn’t listening to myself. I allowed my pride to get in the way and now I’m at risk of losing the person I love. Nicole, just yesterday you said my soul was released from you and is lying dormant. Then you asked me how do you get it back? I didn’t know then, but I know now, it has to be given to you. All the love I have to give, I’m giving it to you. Sean laid his head on her hand.

Nicole’s Heartbeat

/\/\/\___/\/\__/\/\/\__/\/\___/\__/\/\__/\__________

Nicole. Nicole!

Chapter 1

Carla couldn’t wait to see the look on Mr. Web’s face when she showed him the real results, not the ones he had paid for.

Rachel, can you tell Mr. Web that Carla is here to see him? Carla asked the receptionist at the desk.

Sure, Rachel answered. She’d seen so many women come in claiming that Mr. Web was their baby’s father. From the look of Carla’s swollen belly, she was there for the same reason. Take a number and stand in line, Rachel thought. You’re no different from the rest.

Rachel called Mr. Web on the phone rather than using the speaker so Carla wouldn’t hear his response. Mr. Web, there’s a Carla here to see you.

Tell her she will have to come back, I’m busy right now, Mr. Web replied.

Rachel hung up the phone and looked at Carla. Mr. Web is busy right now. Would you like to come back?

No, I would not like to come back, Carla said. I’ll wait. He has to face me sooner or later.

She sat down and folded her arms over her growing belly.

Rachel picked up the phone again. Mr. Web, she said she’s not leaving until she sees you.

Send her in. Damn, what could she possibly have to tell me? I know the doctor gave her the results. Why doesn’t she leave this alone?

You can go in, Rachel said.

Carla picked up her bag and walked into Mr. Web’s office.

What the fuck do you want? he asked.

Well, hello to you too, Carla said, smiling.

I don’t want to hear that shit. What the hell do you want?

Is that any way to talk to your soon-to-be child’s mother?

That’s not my fuckin’ baby. I received a copy of the results too.

"Yes, I know about your copy, but I have friends too, and I got a hold of the real results. Asshole." She threw the envelope on Mr. Web’s desk.

He scowled as he read the results. That dirty double-crossing bitch. She’s going to pay for crossing me, Mr. Web thought. See, this is why I treat women the way I do. They’re nothing but rotten bitches.

So what do you think? he said to her. You’re not going to use this baby to get what you want? I worked too hard to get where I am to let your trifling ass get any part of me or my business.

I don’t want to ruin your business. Hell, that’s what’s going to take care of me for the next twenty-one years.

If you think I’m going to give you one thin dime, then you have another thing coming.

You don’t have to give me shit. I’ll let my sister’s law and order get it for me.

Fuck you. Mr. Web got up from his chair and walked around his desk to Carla. Do you really think I got this far just so some two-bit tramp and her bastard child could ruin me? I don’t think so. Mr. Web put his hands around Carla’s throat. "Die, bitch, die!"

Rachel’s voice came through the speaker. Mr. Web, you have a call on line one. Would you like for me to take a message?

Mr. Web didn’t answer. He was too engrossed in what he was doing.

Mr. Web, are you there?

He caught Rachel’s voice the second time. Coming back to his senses, he saw Carla was gasping for air with his hands choking her. I can’t kill her, he thought. Then I really would lose everything. He let Carla go and walked back to his desk, trying to catch his breath.

Yes, Rachel, I’m here. You can take a message, and I’ll get back to whoever it is.

Mr. Web, are you okay? You sound out of breath.

I’m fine, Rachel. Just trying to fix this damn curtain at the window.

Oh, okay. Should I call maintenance?

"No! Just take the damn message please."

I’m sorry. I was just trying to help. Rachel sounded like she was going to cry.

Mr. Web was tired of women and their emotional behavior. Why couldn’t it go back to the old days when women stayed home, cleaned the house, and had babies? Now they asked too many questions and annoyed the shit out of him.

He looked at Carla. Now, for your stupid ass. You really don’t know who you’re fucking with. I’m not one of your homeboys; I’m a grown-ass man. I’m going to give you a word of advice. Disappear, if you know what’s good for you."

Carla was coughing, still trying to catch her breath. He was really trying to kill me. He doesn’t seem to understand that this is not about me; it’s about our unborn child. It’s my job to make sure his or her life is safe and secure. It’s one thing to fuck with me, but he almost killed my baby. His ass has to pay.

You should have killed me, she said on her way out the door.

Mr. Web watched Carla leave his office. He didn’t have the energy to respond. It was time for him to put plan B into action. He would make sure that baby wouldn’t enter this world. He sat down in his chair and thought about how he was going to put his plan into motion.

Chapter 2

He’s over here, Maxine said to the paramedics, a man and a woman, when they arrived.

Are you related to the patient? the female paramedic asked as she led them to where James was lying.

No, he’s my ex-boyfriend.

I’m going to ask you a few questions. Just answer them to the best of your ability.

Okay.

When they reached the door, Maxine pushed it so hard, it sprang back and almost hit the female paramedic in the face.

He’s over here, Maxine said.

Maxine couldn’t believe what she was seeing. Blood was everywhere. Why did it have to come to this? She knelt down next to James to see if he was still breathing.

Excuse me, miss, but we need to get in there so we can help the patient. The male paramedic checked for James’s pulse. I have a pulse. I want you to put an IV in to keep him hydrated while I try to stop the bleeding from the wound. The male paramedic said to his partner.

May I ask you a few questions? the female paramedic asked. Once she was finished with James.

Sure, Maxine said.

Can you provide me with the patient’s full name?

James Jackson.

Do you know his date of birth?

It’s November 17, 1982.

We’re losing him, we’re losing him! the male paramedic shouted, Get the defib—

I’m already on it, the female paramedic replied.

The male paramedic ripped open James’s shirt and applied the paddles to his chest. James’s body jerked as they shocked him.

Please don’t let him die, Maxine whispered. I don’t wish death on anyone. I may say things in the heat of the moment, but I don’t want anyone to die. Who would have thought, James dying in Melissa’s house. His spirit would probably haunt her ass forever.

I got a pulse, the male paramedic said.

Good, the woman said. Let’s get him out of here before he codes again.

Once they put James in the ambulance, Maxine wondered if she should go to the hospital. She decided she would, since she had to go anyway to see how Nicole was doing.

It had been one hell of a day. No one knew how their day would end, which was why she tried to do things with no regrets, no matter how badly things might turn out. Everything was a lesson learned.

As she pulled into the hospital parking lot, the paramedics were just taking James out of the ambulance. A group of people in white coats ran toward the stretcher. Damn, that’s a lot of doctors for one person, she thought. As she followed them all into the emergency entrance, she could hear the doctors asking, Who’s with this patient? Is anyone with this patient?

The female paramedic turned and noticed Maxine. She’s with him, she said, pointing to Maxine.

Maxine wanted to say she wasn’t with him, just in case any of her friends were around, but she knew James wasn’t able to speak for himself and didn’t have any family here.

An emergency room nurse walked toward her. I’m going to need you to answer some questions. Do you know if he’s allergic to any medications?

The only one I know of is sulfur. Maxine knew that because James had told her about the time he was given an antibiotic with sulfur and it made him so sick, he had to be hospitalized. The nurse continued to ask her a series of questions and Maxine answered the best she could.

She watched as they hurried James off to surgery. As she thought of all that had happened recently, tears burned her eyes. She needed to find out how Nicole was doing, so she looked in her bag for her phone and some tissue.

Are you okay? a man asked.

Looking up, she saw the male paramedic standing beside her.

"Oh, yeah. Thank you for