While Roderick and I dated, he spent many days and nights down on Thirty-Fourth Street. Sometimes it was by choice. Sometimes it was because I put him out. Sometimes it was her luring him in. It was like a magic spell that he himself was under. He had told me of a girl that he had met say, eleven years ago. And when I met him, he wasn't into her then. As a matter of fact, she had been on vacation for an entire week. He didn't call her or even spend time with her. He told me he was bored with the relationship.

To be honest, he told me that the Thanksgiving Day that he and I met, she had prepared a huge meal for him and her daughters. And he was a no show because he chose to spend the day with me to get to know me. He stood her up. This obviously had his mom shocked because he didn't go. His mom assumed that they had been arguing.

This girl was named Rashida. They had met each other while Roderick was going through a divorce. Roderick was sleeping on the couch and his wife; Yasmine was in the other room. Roderick told me that he was working at a local grocery store preparing taxes. Another lady friend of his told him of a girlfriend of hers that he should meet. Sooo, they did. Rashida prepared supper for Roderick and they started to get to know each other. From that point on, they started seeing each other on a regular basis. They began a bond of friendship and intimacy. Over the years, they would live together, make up and break up. But they had a bond. Rashida would always allow Roderick a place to stay if he needed to. They were in fact soul mates and would be there for each other, until he met me.

I was the girl that caused the threat to their relationship. They both would venture off and date others over the years but somehow would always end back up with each other. Rashida had been a part of all of Rodericks girlfriends lives. And Rashida always knew that Roderick would be back because he had problems with commitments and Rashida knew that. She always knew that he'd be around. At times, he would disappear for months and even years. But was always glad to see him and be with him. The reason that I know is because Rashida and I have actually talked on the phone on several occasions. Hmmm, Rodericks two ladies talking on the phone, about him no doubt.

One Saturday morning, my daughters, Roderick, and I headed over to his moms house. We even took the dog. The girls and I were to spend the morning getting to know his mother better and just enjoying a Saturday afternoon with his family. Roderick and I had dated, Id say for about six months now.

Things were pretty good other than an occasional argument here and there. Every now and then, he'd stay out all night, and come in apologizing all over himself. So, right now things were a bit shaky. But, what new relationship is not- or, any relationship for that matter. No one knows what the future holds.

So, while we were visiting his mom, Roderick would be leaving to go and help an old friend do some odds and ends work on some property his friend Ray was renting out. Roderick would make some money. Wed have money for groceries, and entertainment.

Roderick was living with me the majority of the time and would on occasion go back to stay in his room in his mothers basement. Especially when we would fall out with each other or if we were getting on each others nerves.

So the girls and I started helping mom around the kitchen and assisting her with Sundays dinner. Also fixing our lunch for the day. We began looking at old photos of the family and just really having a relaxing time. Roderick's mother and I would talk about his past and the things that he had been through in his life. It was sorta of a Roderick course. I enjoyed seeing and hearing things about him when he was a child.

Roderick had just recently stayed out overnight. I was expressing to his mother how it had hurt me and that I wouldn't allow such things. She and I would exchange ideas on how to approach the situation. While the girls were in the other room watching videos on the TV, she and I really began to talk and share with each other. She went on to explain that he had not been the same man after the break up with his ex-wife, Yasmine. The fact they really had a nice life together. When he was going through his court issues, due to someone stealing his identity, and going through it with the Federal Government and the impact it had on his life as of late.

So we were just having a great time and enjoying the day. Knock. Knock, Come in, mom said.

The door opened, but we didn't know who it was.

We heard a soft voice saying, It's me, Rashida.

And we both, mom and I, looked kinda shocked. I had only heard about her briefly, but never seen or met her. So she came in, spoke, and asked mom to go off in private. So they went into another room and talked just for about two or three minutes. Then she came out and left. The look on moms face was in awe.

She said, That was Rashida. And she came to bring Roderick's wallet. He evidently left it over a few days ago.

I was shocked too. But I knew that he and I would have to discuss this. So, mom and I continued to talk.