Free Unresolved Issues by Wanda B. Campbell Page B

prepared the food and the girlfriends feasted on chicken tacos. Afterward, Staci propped pillows on the floor and they roasted s’mores in the fireplace. Each had a flute of cider in hand.
    Staci sat relaxed with her eyes closed as she leaned against the marble fireplace. The sounds of Kenny G played in the background.
    â€œWhat happened?” Lashay finally asked. “I mean, I thought you and Derrick were happy.”
    Staci opened her eyes and took a sip of cider before answering her cousin’s question.
    â€œWe haven’t been happy, at least I haven’t been, since the first month of our marriage,” Staci answered honestly.
    Lashay swallowed a chocolate marshmallow and probed further. “How could that be?”
    â€œI married Derrick too soon. He wasn’t and still isn’t ready to share his life with anyone.”
    â€œIs it because he’s insecure?” Shannon asked.
    Staci wasn’t going to mention it, but since it was out there, why deny it. “How did you know?” she asked her sister-in-law.
    â€œI recognized that awhile ago. He displayed some of the same characteristics I’d displayed when I was fearful and insecure.”
    â€œI thought when you guys got married he was over it,” Lashay added.
    Staci took another sip. “Unfortunately, he wasn’t, and now he says he needs time to figure out what he wants.” She swallowed hard. “Hopefully, at the end of the day, he’ll want to remain married. If not, I’ll live my life without him just fine.”
    â€œI’ll drink to that,” Lashay stated and took a sip of cider.
    Shannon touched her arm. “Staci, give him the time he needs. He’ll figure it out the same way I did when Marcus proposed to me and I turned him down.”
    â€œWhat?” Lashay asked. “You turned my cousin down?”
    â€œIs that why you guys had that riff?” Staci questioned.
    Shannon nodded. “Marcus proposed to me on his birthday, and I said no because I was afraid and didn’t think I deserved him. I was an outcast in my family, and I didn’t think I was worthy of his or anyone else’s love.”
    â€œNo wonder he was so messed up; you kicked him to the curb on his birthday.” Staci shook her head. “My conceited brother needed to be knocked off of his high horse. Now I’ll drink to that .” Staci savored the bubbly pear flavor.
    Shannon further explained. “That was before I knew who I was and accepted myself for who I am. Once I became secure with myself and loved myself, I literally begged Marcus for another chance.”
    â€œYou did what? ” the two cousins laughed.
    â€œI am not ashamed to admit it. I begged my boo for another chance, even got down on my knees.”
    Lashay’s eyes widened. “Girl, no, you didn’t!”
    â€œYes, I did, and it was the best move I ever made,” Shannon smiled, rubbing her stomach. “I’d just come to grips with who I was and what I wanted. I wanted Marcus, but he said he wouldn’t propose again, so I proposed to him. When he refused, I finally told him he didn’t have a choice.” All three of them laughed at that.
    â€œI don’t think my brother wanted a choice. All he wanted then and still wants now is his ‘Queen Shannon. ’”
    â€œI know,” Shannon paused, “but I wasn’t able to fully accept that until I settled the war within myself. Now, I can’t imagine my life without him. Sometimes I think I love him too much. It’s the same way with Derrick. Once he gets healed, he’ll spend the rest of his life loving you with everything in him. Unfortunately, he can’t please you until he’s first pleased with himself.”
    â€œMaybe you’re right,” Staci pondered. She remembered Shannon’s insecure days very well. She refilled her glass before she added, “I sure hope you’re