Jayceon Carter | J5
Atlanta, Ga
I leaned back in the plush recliner of the movie room, the familiar feeling of home comforts surrounded me like a warm blanket.
It had been a minute since I been home, the baby shower marking the last time.
My return wasn't for a happy reason, though—it was for pops court hearing.
I knew how much my momma needed me here, and even more, I knew my pops needed to see me in the crowd, standing tall and loyal.
Makaylah sat tucked into my side, ha soft laugh filling the room as we watched the movie.
I invited ha along for the trip, needing ha presence as a steady anchor.
She wasn't even my girl yet; but she was my peace.
My phone buzzed on the armrest, drawing my attention away.
When I glanced at the screen and saw Shay's name, my stomach tightened.
I hadn't heard much from ha since our last conversation, which was surprising.
For the most part, things had been drama-free—a rarity I appreciated.
Carefully unwrapping my arm from around Makaylah's waist, I picked up my phone.
✩✩✩✩✩
Shay
Hey J5
Wassam Shay
Did you get the email?
What email u tammat?
The one about the paternity test
✩✩✩✩✩
My breath caught in my throat as my heart started pounding.
Without saying a word, I stood up.
"I'll be right back," I mumbled to Makaylah before heading to the bathroom, shutting the door behind me.
Sitting on the edge of the counter, I stared at my phone, the notification from my inbox glaring at me.
I hesitated, my thumb hovering over the email.
Finally, I took a deep breath and clicked it.
Paternity Results: 99.9% Match.
I exhaled sharply, running a hand down my face before dialing Shay's number.
She picked up after a few rings, ha tone cautious.
"Hello?"
"What you wanna do now?" I asked, my voice steady but low.
"I don't know," Shay admitted, ha voice trembling slightly.
"Are you in town?"
"Yeah," I replied, leaning back against the counter.
"Can you come over so we can talk?" she asked hesitantly.
I sighed, scratching the back of my head.
"I'll let you know."
I ended the call, staring at my reflection in the bathroom mirror.
The weight of the situation pressed heavily on my chest.
