#corine

Mason: “What in the hell??....” *walks toward the living room*

Corine: “And hello to you too son....” *raises her eyebrow* “Why don’t you have a seat?”

Mason: “Oookay...So what are y’all doing here? Where’s Micah?”

Melvin: “Your son is at his friends house.” 

Mason: “Friends house?”

Melvin: “I sent him there so we could talk. *turns his attention away* “Jocelyn baby, why don’t you go in the family room? I’ll be there after we’re done.”

Jocelyn: “Ok boo. Don’t forget what we discussed. Be nice.” *walks away* 

Corine: *sits down in her spot* “You know, I don’t even get why you brought her? You knew this was a family meeting.”

Melvin: *sighs* “She’s my wife Cori. She is family.”

Corine: “Humph, wife number what exactly?” *clearly still holding grudges*

Melvin: *shakes his head* “Let’s just focus on why we’re here.”

Corine: “Alright fine...” *looks at Mason* “Sweetheart, it’s been brought to our attention that...”

Melvin: “Sweetheart??” *cuts her off* “Will you stop babying that man!? Look, we’re here because it’s clear you’ve lost your mothafuckin mind!”

Mason: “Lost my mind with what?” 

Melvin: “Don’t play with me, Mase. You know what the hell I’m talkin about.”

Mason: “Who did you talk to?”

Melvin: “The one whose wedding you’re ruining.” *stares at him* “I called my grandson to see when we were meeting to get our suits tailored only to find out you got un-invited. When I asked him why, he told me the truth. So let me get this straight...After Vivian finally left your ass and made it clear that she was moving on, you decided to screw with her life? She didn’t want you so you were gonna make her??”

Mason: “Pop, it wasn’t like that.”

Melvin: “Then how the fuck was it??” *gets no response* “Exactly what I thought! You drove this woman to need therapy, Mason. Do you realize how fucked up that is??”

Corine: “...And I mean just seeing her eye like that...”

Melvin: “Eye??” *hops up* “You put your hands on her boy??”

Corine: “Jesus Mel, No! It was the last guy she was with...The former basketball player. I was told you introduced him to her?”

Mason: “Something like that but I had no clue he would be violent.” 

Melvin: “Who are you trying to convince, us or yourself? Nobody’s stupid! He was another ploy to get her back. With the shit you did, you’re lucky she didn’t drag your ass to court! This mess is crazy and she’s not the only one affected. Moses won’t admit it but I can tell that boy is hurt. He already lost his father and now when he needs you the most, you pulled this shit! If Miles was here he’d be disgusted! You failed his son and you failed the woman that raised him as her own.”

Corine: “Alright Mel, you made your point. Every time he does something wrong you bring up Miles. He can still fix it with Moses, just give them time. Since he’s going to therapy like Vivian asked, I’m sure he will see the effort. How’s that going by the way?”

Mason: *looks down* “I stopped going.”

Melvin: “You see?” *looks at Corine* “I told you his ass wouldn’t finish. It’s a damn shame.” *starts heading out* “You really ain’t shit, boy! Sure as fuck don’t deserve another chance!”

Corine: *sits next to him once Melvin leaves* “Your father means well he just doesn’t know how to express it with out getting under your skin. He wants you to do the right thing, that’s all.”

Mason: “I know...I’m used to it.” *still bothered*

Corine: “So back to therapy...Is there a reason why you stopped going?”

Mason: “Yeah. She kept asking about Miles. Her wanting me to describe how I felt after he died was the last straw.”

Corine: “Your brother’s death was hard for all of us but maybe talking about it will help you finally cope. He was your twin. There was a bond between you two that none of us could understand.” *his silence telling her he agrees* “Also, please stop being stubborn and take accountability for your actions. That means completing therapy. It’s all Moses wants. He really needs you going into this marriage. We all know how hard it can get. Even though you didn’t use your own advice, you’ve never steered Mo wrong. You owe it to Vivian too. You have no idea how messed up it was for you to meddle with her life. Speaking with Mo I found out something I’m sure you don’t know about.”

Mason: “What do you mean?”

Corine: “When you two split over Mitchell, she didn’t know how to cope. With no family or friends...Son she had no way to talk through her pain. She couldn’t sleep so she got prescription pills. She needed to feel numb so she drank. All of this occurred while you were more than happy parading around with Cay. One night she had been drinking and mistakenly took more pills. Moses found her barely breathing, Mason.”

Mason: “What!?....” *rubs his hand down his face*  

Corine: “Thankfully She was able to get it together after that scare and after this divorce but Mason...you have to see that your actions always have consequences, whether they are intentional or not. Ruining her relationship with Brandon after she’d been through hell was foul. Sending that horrible man to her was even worse. This is why Moses is so upset. She could have spiraled backwards! Do you see that now?”

Mason: “.....” *still in shock and disbelief*

The Next Day.......

Dr. Waters: “I’m glad you’re back, Mr. Muse. Now usually I don't see clients on Sundays but I was told it was urgent and that you needed to talk?…”

Mason: “I do….” *puts his head down* I’m starting to realize how bad I messed my family up.”

To Be Continued....