Love Diagnosis

By TJ Lowery

Who have I become? Shakira, Kyla, and Naomi find themselves asking this very question. When three women, living separate lives, are unexpectedly engulfed in drama-filled situations within their relationships, they soon discover that they are displaying symptoms of certain behaviors that are contrary to who they are or want to be.

Shakira, who vigorously defends the love shared in her relationship, unconsciously acquired a ride-or-die mentality. Despite the glaring signs of infidelity, she persistently ignores and makes excuses for her fiancs questionable behavior. Kyla endured heartache in a previous relationship and has yet to learn how to let go and heal. She inadvertently carries that pain with her, hindering the growth of a new, healthy, and happy relationship. Naomi subconsciously believes that if she caters to a mans every need, whether he is available or not, he will deem her worthy of being in a relationship with.

Each of these women become so consumed with the fear of losing their relationships that they dont realize it is themselves that they are, in fact, losing.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Aug 15, 2018
• ISBN: 9781984544551

Book preview

LOVE DIAGNOSIS

TJ Lowery

Copyright © 2018 by TJ Lowery.

Library of Congress Control Number:               2018909315

ISBN:                  Hardcover                     978-1-9845-4453-7

                            Softcover                       978-1-9845-4454-4

                            eBook                            978-1-9845-4455-1

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted

in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system,

without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the

product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance

to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Rev. date: 08/14/2018

Xlibris

1-888-795-4274

www.Xlibris.com

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CONTENTS

Dedication

INTRODUCTION

Shakira

Kyla

Naomi

Group Session With Dr. Alise Jordan

CAUGHT BUT NOT CAUGHT UP

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

GUILTY UNTIL PROVEN… GUILTY

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

WHAT YOUR GIRL GOTTA DO WITH ME?

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

DEDICATION

I dedicate my first novel to my 10th grade American Literature teacher, Mr. Byron Clemens, who watered my writing seed and sparked my interest in creating stories; and secondly, my college creative writing professor, Mr. C. Liegh McInnis, who fertilized my talent and inspired me to hone my craft. As educators, your contributions and efforts make a tremendous difference in the lives of others and serve a grand purpose. I am immensely grateful and honored to have been taught by you both. Thank you.

INTRODUCTION

SHAKIRA

I find myself sitting on the bottom step of another woman’s apartment building… confused. A parade of thoughts drum-line my head as hot tears threaten to streak my caramel skin. I’m waiting…waiting for my man, the center of my life, to walk out of this home that is not ours. Just waiting… for him to leave behind this woman that he said he did not know after she announced that she was carrying his child.

Why on earth am I waiting for him to come out, you may wonder? Well, simply because I know that it can’t be what it seems. I know that my man loves me and only me. He would not intentionally lie to me or betray me in any way. But don’t get me wrong, I am fed up… fed up with groupies throwing themselves at him, the ridiculous drama and unfounded gossip. But I’m the only one that truly knows my man. I’m sure he will set this story straight; just as soon as he comes out of this home that is not ours.

KYLA

Justin has told me repeatedly that loyalty means everything to him and that he absolutely adores me. He was really starting to convince me, too. Why do the men that come into my life lie and cheat on me? Me? My mind is running a marathon. Not only is he with a woman when he’s supposed to be working but he’s shopping with her… at a jewelry store. I’m tempted to just leave and never answer a call from him again but I think the woman should also know what type of man she is dealing with. I attempt to calm myself and get my emotions in check. I don’t want this man to believe he has gotten the best of me. He has played me like a fool for months and I will not allow another second of foolishness.

Justin holds the door for the woman as they exit the store. I hop out of my vehicle and head towards her car.

Hey, Justin.

Kyla, baby what are you doing here?

Baby?

These dudes just don’t care who they hurt.

How did you know I was here?

I stopped by your job and I saw you get into her car after turning me down for lunch. He looked kind of embarrassed for a second as he glanced at the woman that he was with.

So you followed us here?

He has the nerve to be questioning me?

Yes. You’ve obviously being lying to me.

I can’t believe you followed me Kyla.

You can’t believe me? You know what I have been through Justin and you have the nerve… you know what… I’m not doing this. I face the woman, who has been quiet this whole time. I don’t know you but if you are looking for someone to be honest and loyal to you he is definitely not the one. But it’s up to you how you waste your time.

I turn back to Justin.

Lose my number.

Wait a minute Kyla, are you serious?

Justin grabs my arm as I begin to turn away.

Don’t touch me.

The woman finally speaks up.

Kyla.

I turn to her hoping she doesn’t say anything that will get her punched when I’m trying to be an adult here.

She extends her hand to me. I look down at it, seemingly perplexed.

Hi. I’m Justin’s sister, Sharice.

Oh shit. You messed this one up, girl.

NAOMI

My heart was ready to torpedo from my chest as I stared at the tagged post on this timeline. I could barely read it through the tears suddenly backing up in my ducts but I didn’t need to; the picture was enough. I could spot that smile anywhere; the smile that I dream about; the smile that I’m in love with.

"My bestie said YES! Good job on the ring Clayton. 42388.png "

I read the post over and over again but the words did not change. And the picture… well … it showed a man on one knee with a ring in his hand and a gorgeous smile on his face. That smile… on the man that I had poured my all into for half a year. Who seems to finally be settling down, just not with me. This can’t be happening…again.

GROUP SESSION WITH DR. ALISE JORDAN

Relationship Counselor

"Good evening ladies. First off, I’m glad that you all made the decision to come and meet with me. I offer group sessions for first-comers that may need or want to be around others in similar situations so that they know that they are not alone; and also, to give people the opportunity to ease into my sessions and get comfortable with sharing. The goal is to heal but at your own pace. Everyone has gone through something in their lives that has made them feel like they have lost a step. We can sometimes find ourselves in situations that turn us into people that we do not recognize; leaving us not really knowing who this person is that we’ve become. Losing parts of yourself can have you doing, accepting, and/or ignoring certain behaviors within your relationships. It happens but it’s not the end of the world; especially when you, yourself realize, ‘this is not who I am’ or ‘this is not the person that I want to be.’

I’m here to listen and assist each of you in discovering and understanding who you truly are. We have to know, love, and accept ourselves before we can bring others into our personal space. We also have to heal from any past hurts in order to develop and sustain healthy relationships. Once you have navigated through self-discovery, you will better understand your wants and your needs. You will know what is acceptable and what’s not and also if your behavior or the behavior that you accept is reflective of a past disappointment. We all want to be the best versions of ourselves and we should surround ourselves and be involved with people that want and exemplify that, as well.

A lot of times our actions are driven by fear. This fear can impede you from being loved like you should and also block love from finding you. Here, we work to find and release those fears. We will start by working on getting to the root of what it is that you are allowing to overpower your ability to think and act rationally in your current relationships. The good news is that, whatever it may be, you can be alleviated from it and begin the process of healing. Does that sound promising ladies?"

The three women all glanced at each other and anxiously hoped that it was.

Shall we begin?

SHAKIRA:

Symptoms of Denial

failure to acknowledge an unacceptable truth or emotion or to admit it into consciousness; used as a defense mechanism

CAUGHT BUT NOT CAUGHT UP

CHAPTER 1

Mornin’ sexy. Kelvin states as he walks into the kitchen and playfully smacks my apple.

Good morning, babe. I’m making an omelet. Do you want one?

Nah, I’m good babe. I’m headed to play ball.

You don’t have practice today? I ask.

No, we’re off this week.

Ayyyye! So where are we going? I question excitedly while doing a little dance with a spatula in my hand.

I don’t think I can get away this time Shakira.

His statement instantly killed my mini twerk. I mustered up the most epic eye roll and grabbed a plate for my omelet. I’m in desperate need of a vacation.

I’ll see you later, baby. Kelvin declared before I could voice my disdain.

He kissed me on the forehead and sped by me like he was the roadrunner escaping that damn coyote.

As I was about to savor a forkful of my omelet, the house phone began to ring. It took me a minute to realize what was actually ringing since the house phone is rarely used.

Hello

Hello? a woman’s voice replied

Yes?

I must have the wrong number.

Okay.

I placed the phone down and grabbed my fork, hungrily anticipating this taste. My watery palette took another L, as the phone rang again. I’m not trying to eat cold eggs, I think to myself.

Hello?

Um, may I speak to Kelvin? It was the same female’s voice.

May I ask who’s calling?

Um, may I ask who this is?

This is his girlfriend Shakira and you have reached our home, now… you are?

Oh…Well I guess I’m just the girl that he got pregnant.

I dropped the phone as if it were the hot potato being passed my way.

Hello? I could hear her through the receiver. I picked it back up.

Yeah, I’m here. So how do you know Kelvin?

Look, I don’t think it’s my place to have this talk with you. I didn’t even know about you. I called Kelvin’s cell and he didn’t answer. I figured he was playing basketball with Mark like he told me he would be but I decided to call the house anyway because I just found out that I was pregnant and wanted to let him know.

So he gave you this number?

No, I got it from a friend.

Do you know where we stay?

Silence. That’s all this chick gave me. She’s trying to run a bulldozer through my life and all I get is silence.

Hello?

I think it’s time that I go. Sorry that you had to find out like this. That wasn’t my intention.

Oh, I never said that I believed you. I hung up the phone. There was no need for me to entertain that conversation any longer. Her revelation did catch me off guard but I have gathered my senses. In the three years that Kelvin and I have been together, our relationship has been damn near perfect. He has never given me a reason not to trust him and one accusation from a random stranger isn’t going to make me start now.

***

Hey Shakira

I was immediately greeted by my faithful workout partner as soon as I entered the gym.

Hey Carmen

Are you ready to attack this treadmill?

Yes! I have to sweat off the vultures of the day.

She chuckled softly. Girl, it’s still early; is it that bad?

It’s worse. If I’d known Kelvin becoming barely-famous would come with all this groupie attention, I would’ve thought twice about our relationship.

Girl, no you wouldn’t have!

Yeah, you’re right We burst into laughter.

As I began my run, I couldn’t help but replay that telephone conversation in my mind.

"Oh…well I guess I’m just the girl he got pregnant."

Who says that? I tell her that I’m his girlfriend and she comes back with that? I know that she is lying. I decide to put the conversation out of my mind. I should be use to the female drama by now anyway. Kelvin and I started dating our junior year in college. After graduation, he was drafted onto a minor league baseball team and the never-ending line of parched women soon followed. I never even realized how many women actually paid attention to baseball until that attention was constantly directed at my man. There is always some random woman staring a little too long or being extra giggly around Kelvin, even in my presence. And the extreme lengths that some have demonstrated they are willing to go just to be in his space, is ridiculous, to say the least. It seemed as if every woman in our city wanted to be Kelvin’s wife or baby’s mama; but those titles were already reserved for me.

Shakira?

Huh?

You didn’t hear me?

My bad, Carmen. I was in my own little world.

I said, you and Kelvin have always been inseparable. You know that you are the only woman that he loves.

Thanks Carmen, I know. That’s what keeps me going.

***

When I pulled into our driveway I noticed that Kelvin was already back home.

Where are you coming from? He asked as I appeared in the living room.

I was just at the gym.

I walked over to Kelvin to give him a kiss.

Yeah, I smell you! He said jokingly

Shut up! I smell you! So did you clowns win?

We always win. I don’t know why you even asked. I could be in the NBA with my skills.

Yeah okay, MJ I replied with a snort What do you want to eat for lunch?

Let me take you out to lunch. We can go to your favorite restaurant.

Ooo! Let me go get in the shower.

"Can I join you?’

Only if you can catch me.

I took off running up our circular staircase but Kelvin soon caught up and grabbed me from behind. As I prepared to wiggle my way out of his grasp, he turned me around to face him. Just looking into those eyes caused a tsunami to form.

I love you so much, Kira

Kelvin pulled me closer and brought his lips to mine. I could never get enough of his taste. His kisses are reminiscent of strawberries drenched in warm milk chocolate; I so loved the sweetness. We began to devour each other as if we hadn’t eaten in days. Kelvin removed our sweat soaked clothes faster than my next breath. My arms immediately wrapped around his naked muscular frame as he picked me up by my apple and carried me to our bathroom. He quickly turned on the water in our stand alone shower and positioned me against the wall. I was greeted with an intense rush as my warm skin hit the cold tile. Our kisses became more of a hunger as nature’s juices began to flow. The hot stream of water repelled off of our brown skin but I still got chills from Kelvin’s trail of kisses down my body. I wanted so badly to feel his master piece on my walls.

Kelvin… baby…. I want you.

He turned me away from him and gently held my hands in place over my head; the cold tile was now stimulating my erect nipples. I received that priceless piece of art I so craved and it adjusted to its surroundings inside me. I couldn’t contain my moans as it navigated its way through my gushy tunnel. Kelvin grabbed my hair with his free hand and gently pulled while he placed kisses on my neck. His strokes were gentle and beautifully created an exhilarating feeling inside of me. He attentively navigated his master piece to the perfect spot and nailed it there. I circled my hips to signal what he was already feeling. Our bodies began to quake in unison. Kelvin gripped my hair tighter and I struggled to grab a hold of anything. Our chorus of lust filled the bathroom along with the steam.

***

Can I get the shrimp and chicken pasta, please? Our waitress had just returned with our drinks but I was in dire need of sustenance.

Make that two Kelvin added.

Yes, no problem. I’ll be back in a few with your salad and breadsticks she replied.

Thank You. I tell her as she walks away

I feel so rejuvenated.

"I do have that effect on