Tough Love

Chap. 22 ♪ "Motive"

Christopher Brown

I didn't leave Aya's house when she left. I think she was right. No, I know she was right. How could I be so stupid to say some hurtful ass shit like that? I only know part of what she's been through, and I could've struck a nerve.

I haven't called her in fear she would block me. It's best if I just give her a minute to herself, I know she needs it.

As I was coming down from her room, I heard keys rattling and the front doorknob unlocking. I stopped in my tracks as the door opened and her worn out body trudged through. She stopped when she saw me and had a questionable expression on her face. Her eyes were wide, bloodshot. She looked lost, hurt. As if she were ready to cry.

She turned around and closed her door, stopping where she was at. I heard her sniffles, I watched her sink to the floor. I've never seen her like this. I rushed over to cradle her in my arms, wanting to cry with her. She held on tightly to my shirt, crying into my chest. Her salty tears trickled down onto the fabric, causing partial wet spots.

"I'm so sorry." I whispered, kissing her forehead several times. She continued to break down, only holding on to me tighter.

♪♪♪♪

"You wanna talk? Or would you rather be left alone?" I asked as she sat on the couch with a blanket wrapped around her. She looked so mentally exhausted.

"Stay. We need to talk." She grabbed hold of my hand and pulled me down to sit beside her.

"Can I say something first?" I imposed. She weakly nodded.

"I shouldn't have said something so hurtful to you. That was low as hell of me. You were right, I don't know shit about you. I could only tell you the least of what I know. That's not something that you say to your significant other. I hope that you can forgive me, I'm really sorry." She squeezed my hand, planting a kiss on my cheek.

"That's the least of my worries at this moment, Chris. I do appreciate the apology though, and I forgive you." She caressed the top of my hand with her thumb.

"Now what did you want to talk about?" I gave her my undivided attention. I guess I need to start doing that more often

"When I was 16 years old, I got pregnant with my first child. It wasn't because of irresponsibility, I always made Caine use protection. One day, he got smart. He purposely punctured a hole into the condom because he wanted to make sure that I would never leave him. However, this didn't go as planned, once my uncle found out, he made me abort the baby." She shared her story with me.

"Fuck, I'm such a dumbass. Why would I even say some stupid ass shit–" I began to ridicule myself.

"Chris. Don't do that to yourself. You didn't know." She tried to help me cope, but it wasn't really working. I feel like a bitch.

"Regardless of whether I knew or not, that was disrespectful towards you. Now that I know your situation, it only makes what I said worse." I've gotten so stubborn over the years that you barely see me own up to shit anymore. But this time around, I really owe it to her.

"Don't feel bad, there's no point. I forgive you, right? You know not to do it again, right? If so, we're cool." She snaked her way under my arm, nuzzling into my chest. Aw, my lil' big baby.

"How the hell do you put up with me?" I pulled her closer to me, becoming trapped in just the essence of having her in my arm.

"Patience, understanding, forgiveness, painkillers, and a constant reminder of the good dick God has blessed you with." She chuckled and sighed softly.