A Lloyd Fiction Story

Written by Tricia (AKA @GimmeUnusual)

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Donnell: *Running to the door* Are you okay? What happen?

Gabby: I’m fine.

Donnell: Why’d you scream like that for then?

Gabby: Oh sorry. I thought I saw something.

Donnell:  You scared the shit outta me.

Gabby: I know. I’m sorry, but I’m fine. Go back in the kitchen and finish feeding my niece. I’m gonna grab those last two grocery bags out the car.

Donnell: Gimme the keys…I’ll grab them.

Gabby: No, I didn’t run this morning; this is my exercise. Go ahead *Pushing her brother toward the kitchen*

Gabby ran down the stairs and out her apartment building. She looked to the left and then to the right to see if she saw Lloyd. She looked at the parked cars to see if he sat in one of them, but he was nowhere to be found.

She grabbed a hold of the railing to steady her balance. Seeing him so un-expectantly knocked her off her feet. The last time they spoke he broke her heart and took a little piece of her away. This particular encounter had her mind whirling. Was he really here? If he was, why was he here?

Gabby: Damn, did he have to look that good?

*****

Lloyd: *Walking into the house* I’m back.

Lloyd hung up the car keys and headed upstairs.

Robin: *Coming out the kitchen* Did you see her?

Lloyd: Yea.

Robin: And???

Lloyd: She looks great.

Robin: BOY! What did she say? Was she happy to see you?

Lloyd: She didn’t look happy to me. And she has a boyfriend…hahaaa maybe even a husband…*shrugs*…whatever…it wasn’t meant…

*Knock, Knock, Knock*

Lloyd walked back down the two steps he made it up and opened the door.

Gabby: *Walking inside* So you are here. What were you doing snooping around my building and listening at my door? How dare you do that?

Robin: Hi Gabby.

Gabby: *Turning to face her* Ms. Robin – I’m so sorry. Hi. How are you?

Robin: It’s okay honey. I’ll just leave you two to talk.

Gabby: *Turning back around to face Lloyd & folding her arms across her chest* Well…

Lloyd: You’ve been on my mind lately and I just wanted to see you. I thought it was a sign.

Gabby: And I haven’t thought about you at all…what is that a sign for?

Lloyd: Look Gabby…I know I did you wrong…from the bottom of my heart I’m sorry for it.

Gabby: You know Lloyd – I’ve heard all your apologies. I don’t need em’ anymore. I am fine. Now what do you want?

Lloyd: I’d really like to be friends again.

Gabby: Friends.

Lloyd: *Looking down followed by an audible sigh* Is that too much to ask for?

Gabby: To say the least. Lloyd we can’t be friends and I would appreciate it if you’d stop listening at my door. You’re invading my privacy and more than that its downright creepy. *Opening the door and exiting*

Lloyd: *Grabs door and steps out* Did you get married?

Gabby: *Yelling behind as she continued down the path to her car* I don’t see how that’s any of your business anymore. *Climbing in and pulling off*

Lloyd watched her drive off. She was still just as feisty as ever. The way she looked at him burned a hole in his heart. Her eyes were cold and her body language aloof.  She didn’t love him anymore – that he was sure of.

Lloyd walked back into the house to be greeted by his mom.

Robin: She’s not married.

Lloyd: How do you know?

Robin: Because when I ran into her I asked her did she get married or have any children yet, and she said no.

Lloyd: Well she may not be married, but she has a boyfriend.

Robin: How do you know that?

Lloyd: Ma!

Robin: Fine then…I’ll butt out, but I don’t wanna hear 5 years from now how you should’ve gone after her. *Walked into her bedroom*

Lloyd stood by the door debating what his next move should be. He had hurt her enough and the last thing he wanted to do was hurt or anger her again by rehashing the past.

Lloyd jokingly looked at his left shoulder…

Lloyd: So self…what should I do?

Lil Lloyd (conscious): Well Nigga…did you put your best foot forward? Un un…I’m not talking ‘bout them damn track shoes that had you running out her building like a lil pussy…did you try nigga?

Lloyd laughed at himself.

Lloyd: Damn I did run. That girl got me open. I have never been this crazy over a chick. I swear I love that girl.

Robin: Then why are you still standing here talking to yourself?

Lloyd jumped and then looked in his mom’s direction. Her body leaned against the arch that separated the living room and formal dining room. Lloyd laughed…

Lloyd: You right Ma. *Lloyd grabbed the keys from the wall and walked out the door*

*****

*Doorbell*

Gabby via intercom: Who is it?

Lloyd: It’s Lloyd

Gabby via intercom: *Breathing heavy* Lloyd go home.

Lloyd: Are you single?

Gabby via intercom: I told you that’s none of your business.

Lloyd: Just tell me.

Gabby via intercom: No

Lloyd: *Chuckling* I still know when you’re lying. Talk to me for a moment. Can you just give me 5 minutes?

Gabby via intercom: I’m busy right now.

Lloyd: No problem…I’ll just wait right here on this step till you’re free.

Gabby via intercom: What is it Lloyd?

Lloyd: Can I come up?

Gabby paused for about 5 seconds before pressing the buzzer that unlocked the door.

Just as Lloyd reached the top step he heard the door being unlocked.

Lloyd turned the knob and walked in.

He saw Gabby’s frame disappear around the corner. He followed in her direction…

Donnell sat on the sofa with his daughter.

Lloyd: Donnell…what’s up man? *Shaking hands* That was your voice I heard earlier.

Donnell: Oh you were here? Ohhhh you must be the ghost my sister saw earlier…yea bruh that was me. How is everything going?

Lloyd: *Laughing* Yea, sorry ‘bout that. But everything good…this your daughter?

Donnell: Yea. This is Donella. She 14 months.

Lloyd: That’s what up. She’s beautiful…looking just like you. We gotta catch up some time, but right now I need to holla at your sis real quick.

Donnell: Aight man…well tell my sis we about to bounce.

Lloyd: Aight…take care. *Shaking hands*

Lloyd turned into the kitchen where Gabby stood chopping vegetables.

Gabby: Your 5 minutes has begun.

Lloyd: I miss you.

Gabby: Lloyd stop.

Lloyd: *Moving in closer* I still love you. I never stopped.

Gabby: *Putting the knife down…SLAP!* Get out of my house. NOW!

Lloyd lowered his head and rubbed his jaw.

Gabby: I want you to leave Lloyd.

Tears filled Gabby’s eyes as she pointed toward the exit.

Lloyd looked into her eyes as tears fell from his…

Gabby: Why are you doing this to me? You had me, but you couldn’t love me the way I deserved to be loved. You don’t know what love is.

Lloyd: I do Gabby…I just forgot for a moment to cherish what I loved. A mistake I have truly paid for. Can I ask you this one thing and I will leave you alone?

Gabby: *Wiping her eyes* What?

Lloyd: Do you ever think about me?

Gabby picked up her knife and continued to chop her vegetables before pausing…

Gabby:  Why now Lloyd? All these years have passed. I was finally doing okay again. Why now?

Lloyd: *Touching her cheek* Because I love you…and that has no expiration on it.  But even more than that…I need you…