"Thanks for doing this Aunty Mel, I don't know how to repay you" Tommie said, she was currently at her Aunty Melanie's home in Houston. Ryan was going to be staying with her. "Do you know how quiet my house has been since your cousins moved out? I'm happy to have some company finally" she responded as she pulled her Sweet potato pie out the oven. She was making some good home cooked meals for her niece and her new housemate.
"It's sad to see what that little girl is going through and her mother being in prison" Melanie shook her head as she sympathised with her, "Yeah same but she's a strong girl, she will get through it and her mama will be home in about 5 years, it's still a long time but it's not forever" Tommie said as she enjoyed the aromas of the food.
"So how's your pregnancy been treating you? Your carrying well plus your looking a little more full in your bottom half".
Tommie couldn't conceal her smile, it was exhausting being pregnant, especially in the summer but she knew she looked good. She noticed a major difference in her body and she did enjoy the glow she had.
"Well aside from the constant heavy breathing and feeling like I'm out of breath and the Braxton hicks contractions I had some weeks ago, it's been okay. I'm just ready for him to come out, I'm excited to meet my baby" she rubbed her bump, she could feel her son moving around.
"Yeah those Braxton Hicks ain't no joke but your almost at the finish line. I know Julez is excited to meet the baby, how is he anyways? I wish I could've seen him before he went back to Miami" Mel asked as she sat opposite her niece.
"I don't know how he is because I haven't really spoken to him. We only spoke because he sent me the money to pay for Harrison's funeral - which I wanted to do on my own - other than that, I haven't really been answering my phone, I don't feel like speaking to him".
Melanie could tell that Tommie was still quite visibly upset about what Julez had done.
"Now I don't condone cheating at all and I'm mad at Julez too for what he's putting you through especially since your having his baby but Tommie if you don't want to be with the man, don't move in with him. Get your own spot and you can co-parent because I don't see how healthy it can be living with someone you despise, trust me I've been there. But if you know you still want to be with this man and you believe he won't do it again then give him a chance to prove that to you, maybe try some therapy" Melanie said, she liked Julez and believed he made a terrible mistake but ultimately she just wanted the best for her niece even if that means she's not with him.
Tommie sat there trying to process her aunt's advice, she did love Julez but it felt like the betrayal outweighed the love.
"Julez is not going to therapy, he's too private for all that and sometimes it's a struggle to get him to tell me how he feels" she said playing with her nails, she had a new set.
Melanie got up to serve Tommie some food, she walked over to her cupboard to grab a plate for her.
"Well if he wants to be with you then that man better spill his guts" she said making Tommie laugh. "You want some greens with your food? You know the baby needs it" Melanie said adding the greens to her plate anyway.
"I will miss you when I move to Miami, you better come visit me and bring Ryan too" Tommie said as she got up slowly, she wanted to go and check on Ryan. "Oh I will most definitely be coming down to Miami, I can't wait to meet Julez family too. I might bring your mom, I know she would want to meet her grandson" Melanie said causing Tommie to scoff.
"My mom and all her rules can stay in Houston, I saw her at Harrison's funeral and we did speak a little bit. You know now that I'm about to become a mother, I can understand why she was so strict, she just wanted to protect her babies. I wouldn't do things exactly how she done it but I definitely understand her better now".
