To Tell or Not to Tell

          The sun blazed as the humid air made it hard for me to breathe. The beaded sweat fell relentlessly from my brow. I could feel my armpits moisture dripping slowly. Only one more block to go! I picked up the pace and encouraged myself with a quick thought of cool succulent watermelon slices. I left them in the cooler at the house before I took my evening run. Just as I was making my way to my door a car pulled into the cul-de-sac. I was not expecting anyone. The stranger approached me with an envelope in hand. “Mrs. Wilson?” he asked, timidly? ‘Yes, and you are?” Before I could finish inquiring about the nature of this contact he muttered, “You’ve been served.” And handed me the envelope.

            As he left I began to open the envelope. It was a summons to appear at court, my ex had gotten himself in some legal trouble. I don’t know how my presence will help with his case, but it was clear I had to attend. All I could do was think about how wrong this could go. I had to phone Ronnie to get the 411 on this situation. First things first, my watermelon! As I peeled back the plastic from my packaged watermelon the fresh aroma lingered as it filled my nostrils. I took a bite and fell into paradise; suddenly my phone vibrated.

“Hello.” I said with a mouth full of watermelon. “Hey babe, it’s me Ronnie! I wanted to catch up with you before the papers came.” 

“Well mister, you too late for that! And what is this about anyways. You know I do not do drama.” I could tell by his sigh that he was not happy with my response, but if anybody knew me and how I am, it was Ronnie. 

“Yeah, about that, look I just need you to recall the incident that happened at the shop when Lewis and his boys showed up unannounced that time when you were there.”

I looked at my phone and then replied, “Are you asking me to be a snitch?”  “No, no, no Maisha. I just need you to tell the truth for me please. Them mofo’s trying to get me on some trumped-up charges of conspiracy and I have to prove they have motive for sabotage. That's all."

I knew he would never let me live it down. He had always been there for me. He supported me throughout our college years and even after our heartfelt break-up. Moving on and marrying Tyrone was the best thing I could ever do. However, it would be him I would have to answer to when it came to this scenario. “Ronnie, I know I owe you, but how you think Tyrone gonna feel about this?” 

           Exasperated he responded, “Maisha, this is all business, nothing more. Let him know that and he should be good. Darn, you can even bring him if you need to, just show up!” There was no way I was not going to do this for Ronnie. “Ok, I’ll come for sure, but I will think about whether Tyrone needs to know or not. I’ll be in touch.” As the call ended I knew I had a big decision to make. To tell or not to tell, that my dear is the question!!

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