Breaking the Cycle

“So, we meet again,” a voice called out from behind us.

I turned around to find Nisha walking up behind us. “Hey, you!” I gave her a slight hug.

“Eddie, this is Mike, my husband. Mike, Dr. Eddie Adelson—the old friend from college I was telling you about.”

“Hey, Man. Good to meet you.” He grabbed my hand in a firm handshake.

“What are you doing here?” Nisha inquired.

“We were about to leave. It costs a pretty penny to hang out in here.”

“Don’t I know it, but Mike knows the owner and—”

“You guys are more than welcome to join us,” Mike interrupted and added.

Before I could decline, Candy came to life in a way that was so like her. After the cold reception she’d given Nisha the night of the dinner, you’d think she was the last person she would want to be indebted to. Strangely enough, Candy acted like she and Nisha were the best of friends. Being invited into a circle that would’ve been elusive to us otherwise seemed to animate her.

Mike, a successful movie editor, was privileged enough to be a part of the very “it” crowd. When you have extremely well known people walk over to you to speak, it’s a definite sign of some sort of royalty. Candy ate the semi-attention up she received as a result of being with Mike.

Candy excused herself to the restroom while Mike walked over to another bed to speak to some friends.

“Now, that was a switch,” Nisha commented. “I remember home girl looking at me the other night like I had the plague or something.”

&n

bsp; “What can I say?” I shrugged. “She’s an opportunist.”

“You looked like you were ready to jet when we first walked up. What’s going on with you? Why haven’t you called me?”

“Just been busy, is all.”

“You do remember I’m a good listener.”

I definitely remembered. The long nights we used to have; sitting up shooting the breeze. Nisha had always been eager to lend an ear; dishing advice only when asked.

“I may take you up on that,” I said.

“You still have my card?”

“Of course I do.”

“Why don’t you give me a call Tuesday? It’s my day off. Maybe we can meet somewhere and have lunch.”

“That so happens to my day off also. Sounds like a plan.”

“You can unburden your soul over a plate of soul food.” We both laughed. “Seems your face just found a missing friend.”

“Haven’t had much to smile about lately.”

“Then you need to change that.”

“Trying to. It’s complicated.”

“I don’t think it’s complicated,” Nisha said. “You’re probably making it more complicated than it has to be.”

“You know me, a glutton for punishment.” I gave a nervous chuckle and waited for her to join me.

Her affirmation never came in the form of a laugh, but rather in a soft reassuring touch. “You’ll get through this like you’ve done before. You’re a survivor. Remember that.”