#dwayneandwhitley

Ron

“Mommy…. Daddy,” I heard as I stirred in my sleep.

I opened my eyes slowly to see my daughter between me and Freddie in the bed.

“Hey, sweetie,” I kissed her forehead.

Freddie's body shifted in the bed. She opened her eyes slightly.

Luna smiled, “I thought you were going home yesterday.”

“Yea, well, I ended up falling asleep here.”

She smiled, “I'm so happy now.”

“Oh yea? Why’s that??”

“Because you're back with mommy,” she smiled.

I raised my eyebrows. Damn. How am I gonna respond to this?

Freddie cleared her throat, “Good morning, baby,” she looked at Luna.

Luna smiled, hugging Freddie. She kissed her cheek, “Good morning, mommy.”

Freddie smiled. They looked so much alike when they smiled. Freddie looked at her, “Hey, did you brush your teeth?”

“Ummm…” Luna looked around.

“Exactly,” she raised her eyebrows, “You know what you're supposed to do when you wake up. Go take care of that and me and daddy will prepare to make you some breakfast, okay?”

“Okay,” she hugged Freddie again before hopping off the bed and running out. She was a mommy’s girl. She loved me too, but I can tell Freddie was her favorite.

Freddie looked at me, “Last night was definitely a mistake, Ron.”

“A mistake? You were the one basically dragging me into your room.”

She playfully rolled her eyes, “I didn't drag you anywhere. I suggested. You agreed,” she smirked, “And it's a mistake because I didn't plan on you sleeping here, too. Now she thinks we're back together.”

“Yea, I know,” I looked down, “I don't know how to break it to her.”

“I don't want to confuse her, Ron,” she looked at me, “And I know I'm the one who comes onto you most times, but.. I don't know,” she sighed.

I just stared at her. She's the most indecisive person I know.

“You have Micaela. And as much as I don't like her, maybe that's where you belong.”

“And you belong with Lawrence?”

“Ron, please. I just started dating him, I don't know where I belong. Okay? I just… I don't want it to be with you. Not cause it's not something I'm interested in. But because you've already moved on. I can't stay stuck on you forever.”

“So you have this epiphany after I cheat on my girlfriend?”

“Ron, I'm sorry,” she got up, “I'll make you breakfast. After that, I think you should go. I'll explain everything to her.”

I sighed. Freddie never fails to get a rise out of me. Good or bad.

Whitley

I looked at Dwayne as he slept peacefully. He was knocked out on the couch and I was in the kitchen preparing us breakfast. I was able to watch him over the island, it gave me a good view of the family room.

No matter how angry I would get thinking about our situation, no matter how much I made Dwayne sleep on the couch, I could never let him go hungry. It's just something that I couldn't do. Maybe I knew he was sorry. I don't know.

I thought back to yesterday’s counseling session and Dr. Novak really opened my eyes. Of course, she opened my eyes about how Dwayne looked at his affair but she made me look at myself in a way that I never did before. Maybe I'm not always the victim. Maybe I hurt people, too.

And what Dr. Novak said about us not appreciating each other made sense. In a lot of ways, I don't understand Dwayne and I know he doesn't understand me either. We're always having small fits, even if they don't last longer than an hour. He doesn't understand the way I love him and sometimes I don't understand the way he loves me. But I know he tries to understand and I try, too. I just hope we never give up trying.

Another reason I couldn't be too mad at Dwayne this morning is because Dr. Novak had given us an assignment to write down five things we wrote about each other. When we got home, we did it.

Flashback

I laid on the couch while Dwayne sat down. He let me rest my feet on his lap. We both had notepads in our hands, writing our five appreciations of one another.

“Whitley?” He said quietly while writing.

“Yes, Dwayne?” I kept my eyes on my paper as I finished my list.

“I’m sorry for betraying you. I hurt you in ways where if it was the other way around, I'd be devastated. I was selfish. Yes, you weren't listening to me, but I should've found a different outlet, not a different woman,” he continued to write.

“I'm sorry, too. I was hearing you but I was paying you any attention. I was letting my need for nice things push me to take care of my work before I took care of my husband,” I looked at him.

He finished writing, putting his pen down, “I appreciate you, Whitley,” he looked me in my eyes.

“I appreciate you, too, Dwayne.”

“What do you appreciate about me?”

“You first. You cheated, you have more to prove.”

He chuckled, shaking his head, “Okay, the first thing I appreciate is how protective you are of me. I appreciate the way you take care of our two beautiful children. I appreciate the way you take care of yourself and look good every second of the day without even trying.”

I blushed, looking down.

“I appreciate how faithful you are to me. And I appreciate all the love you give me even when you're upset with me.”

“That was sweet, Dwayne,” I half smiled at him.

“Thank you,” he smiled back.

“Now here's my list. I appreciate how smart you are. I appreciate how you spend time with the children because having a good relationship with your father is such an important thing. I appreciate that no matter how difficult I can be, you have the patience to make things right. I appreciate you getting me this beautiful house. And I appreciate you stopping that wedding. I was hoping you would the second I put on that wedding dress,” I looked up at him, my first time ever admitting it to him.

“Really? You made it seem like you realized I was who you wanted once I got to the alter.”

“No,” I shook my head, “You were always who I wanted. I was praying you'd stop me. You came to the house to talk to me the night before. In my head I was begging for you to tell me not to go through with it. I was even hoping Kim would stop me. I wanted you but I didn't want to face it.”

“Wow. I would've never known, the way you moved on so easily.”

“Oh, please. Every date you had after we split, I was always so jealous and angry. Even while I was with Byron.”

“You remember when you were with Byron and I came over your place to get the rest of my things?” He smirked.

I blushed, covering my face with my hands, “Oh, god.”

“Mhm,” he smirked, “Had you screaming my name an hour later,” he chuckled, “That was one my favorite days with you.”

I laughed, “That was only one of your favorite days because I was dating Byron and you liked the fact that I had a man, yet I couldn't resist you.”

He smiled, “That's very accurate. It assured me that somewhere in that heart you still loved me.”

“I never stopped, Dwayne,” I smiled at him.

“You had to, cause I'm still on this couch.”

I smirked, getting up off the couch, “You're on this couch for other reasons. You'll be able to get back into bed soon, though. Soon.”

End of Flashback

I finished making Dwayne’s egg white omelette with toast, mine was already made. We started eating a little less heavy after the kids, to avoid being unhealthy.

“Dwayne!” I called out to him, opening the fridge.

No response.

“Dwayne!” I called out again.

“Hmm?” I heard him groan.

I placed the carton of orange juice on the counter. I walked over to him, “Your breakfast is ready. Wake up.”

“Okay,” he mumbled, his eyes still closed.

“Dwayne,” I said sternly.

“I'm up, I'm up,” he slightly opened his eyes.

“Go freshen up, so we can eat.”

“Together?” He looked up at me, stretching.

“Yes. We're trying to get this marriage back on track, right? Come on.”

“Okay, okay,” he sat up.

I walked over to the counter, to pour us some orange juice. I listened as he went over to our bathroom in our room. He didn't sleep with me but all his stuff was still in our room & bathroom.

I had everything set up on the table. I just sat, waiting for him to join me.

He walked over and sat down in front of him plate, “Oh, thank you,” he looked at his food and smiled, “I'm surprised.”

“What is there to be surprised about? I always make you food.”

“Yes, you do, but… you haven't sat down at a table with me in forever,” he smiled as he started to eat.

“Yea, well, I can't put all the pressure on you to make things better. I gotta at least attempt to get over my anger and help things get better, too,” I took a bite of the toast.

“Thank you. And guess what?”

“What?”

“Kinishewa approved the transfer. I can start back in their Virginia office this Wednesday.”

“You go, boy,” I smirked.

He laughed, “Thank you, thank you. How's things going with E.H Wright?”

“They're still seeing if they can get a position to put me in.”

“They're gonna let someone go for you?”

“They said they're planning on letting a few people go, anyway. So when everything is final, they'll call me,” I started to eat my omelette.

“Okay, okay, that's good,” he drank some of his orange juice, “You look beautiful this morning.”

“I always look beautiful, Dwayne,” I smirked as I ate.

“That is true, but it's nice to see you not pout all day. Happiness looks lovely on you.”

“I'm semi-happy, don't push it.”

He chuckled, “Semi-happy?”

“Yes, semi-happy,” I raised an eyebrow.

He shook his head, “You're something else.”

-

The doorbell rang and I just knew it was my babies.

Me and Dwayne both jumped up as soon as we heard it. We both made our way to the door, he letting me open it.

Both kids ran to us. Aiko ran to Dwayne and DJ ran to me. DJ hugged me tight but I couldn't help but notice that Aiko’s hair was pressed. Immediately, I knew today wasn't going to be a good one.

I didn't let what I noticed ruin my happiness to see my kids, though. I hugged DJ back, holding him so tight to me. I haven't seen him in a week.

“Mama, you're squeezing me,” DJ said muffled into my chest.

I laughed, “I'm so sorry, baby, I just missed you,” my hand brushed his cheek. He looks so much like his daddy.

“I missed you, too,” he smiled until he looked around, “This is our new house?!” He looked shocked.

“Yes, baby, and your room is upstairs, already made for you and everything. You wanna go see?”

“Yes!” He smiled big.

“Okay, but just hold on and wait for-”

It was like he tuned me right out because I never seen him run up a flight of steps so quickly.

I shook my head, “Hi, mother,” I looked at my mom before reaching to hug her.

She hugged back, apprehensively. She knew I was upset with her. She just knew. She half smiled, “Hello, dear. The house looks lovely.”

“Thank you,” I looked at Dwayne who was holding Aiko.

Dwayne kissed her cheek, “How's my beautiful princess?”

“Good,” she smiled putting her little arms around Dwayne's neck.

“You're not gonna give your Mama a hug, too?” I faked a pout.

She giggled, “No, mama, don't cry,” she reached her arms out to me.

I smiled as Dwayne handed her to me, “You're looking adorable,” I held her in my arms.

Dwayne greeted my mother, giving her a respectful hug and kiss on the cheek. He looked at me, “Where did my boy go?”

“To check out his room. Make sure he's in the right room, please.”

“No problem,” he ran upstairs.

I'm sure they will be up there for at least an hour. They always end up playing a video game together whenever they're spending time with one another.

I looked at my mom, “You straightened her hair?” I held Aiko, touching a strand of her long hair. I never noticed how long it was.

“Don't you like it, Mama? Now my hair kind of looks like yours,” she smiled.

“Yes, baby, it's gorgeous,” I smiled at Aiko before looking at my mother, “You didn't ask my permission to do this.”

“Oh, Whitley, come on. It wasn't a relaxer, I just got it pressed. No big deal. Now will you show me around the house or not?”

“Okay, I'll show you around but this conversation is not over.”

My mother rolled her eyes. I was furious. This is exactly what I did not want for Aiko. I want Aiko to love her natural self, not feel the need to change to be beautiful. I took a deep breath to calm myself before deciding to walk my mom around the new house.

And of course, she's never pleased. I could've always renovated something better or matched the throw pillows with the couch better or some bullshit. She didn't like how I decorated Aiko's room nor was she too please about DJ’s room. She insisted that she redecorate the guest room as she's so sure that she'd be the person in it more often than anybody else but I told her she could do that another time. The only room she seemed to like was me and Dwayne’s. But she hated our bathroom decor, but that's fine.

“You could've spruced it up a little better, but in all, it's okay,” she sat on the couch.

I had Aiko on my lap, “Mother, do you have to dislike everything?”

“I'm just saying, Whitley, you've could've done better. It's all coming from a good place to see you do great.”

Dwayne walked into the kitchen. I looked over at him, “What are you gonna try and sneak upstairs?” I said a little louder so he could hear me.

He looked over the island, “Come on, we’re a little thirsty. I'll just take two juice boxes up there.”

“Make that three. Would you mind taking Aiko upstairs with you?”

“That's fine,” he went into the fridge.

I looked at my mom, “Hold on, mother,” I got up and walked to the kitchen with Aiko in my hand. I handed her over to Dwayne.

“You're gonna hold one of these for me, okay?” He handed Aiko one of the juice boxes.

“Okay,” she opened her hand and grabbed it.

I whispered to Dwayne, “You know I'm furious about this,” I looked at Aiko's hair then back at Dwayne.

“Talk to her about it,” he whispered back.

I nodded, “I will,” I mouthed. I made my way back over to my mother, hearing Dwayne make his way back upstairs.

She was waiting patiently, a small smile on her face.

I sat down on the couch, “Mother, about Aiko's hair-”

“Oh, honey, you guys don't have any wine in this house?” She stood up, looking towards the kitchen.

I gave a frustrated sigh, “Mother, I'm trying to talk to you about-”

“Yes, yes, I know what this conversation is going to be about. I just know I'm going to need a glass of wine to endure it.”

“Whatever you say,” I sighed and got up, leading her to the kitchen.

“Thank you very much, sweetheart.”

I stayed quiet. I walked over to the cupboard where we store our wine & wine glasses, and took one glass out. I took down a bottle of wine, too. I filled it up halfway before stopping.

“To the top, darling,” my mother commented.

“You're not getting drunk with my children in the house.”

“I know how to handle myself. To the top, Whitley.”

I sighed in frustration, filling the glass to the top with wine.

“Thank you,” my mom smiled, “I can tell this isn't of much quality, so I need a little more to substitute,” she sat down at the small table in the kitchen.

“Mhm,” I sat down with her, “So, now, about my daughter's hair..”

“Mhm?” She sipped on the wine.

Dwayne

I came downstairs, a little worried about how Whitley was doing. I know this is a sensitive subject for her and she doesn't play when it comes to people trying to change Aiko’s appearance or say mean things about her for it. I also know Marion intimidates Whitley way too much and most times Whitley backs down in fear of losing her mother. I just hope that changes tonight. I stood by the staircase, listening and peeking over into the kitchen.

“Why?” Whitley looked at her mother.

“Why what?” Marion had a large glass of wine in her hand.

“Why'd you get it straightened? I told you that's not what I wanted.”

“You told me you didn't want to chemically relax her hair, you didn't say a thing about using heat to do it.”

“Mother, really? I think I was very straightforward about not wanting to damage my daughter's hair.”

“It's not. Whitley, how many times do I have to tell you there's no chemicals?” Marion took a sip of her wine.

“Oh, please,” Whitley rolled her eyes, “You really think putting flat irons and hot combs to my three year old daughter’s hair isn't going to damage it? Her hair isn't even mature enough for that. You could've permanently damaged her hair for good.”

“Whitley, hair grows,” she nonchalantly looked at Whitley.

“In case you don’t know, my daughter has wild, curly hair. My daughter’s hair is much more delicate than my own, and needs to be treated in a much more delicate way. It needs to be loved in a more delicate way. So, no, I can't just throw a hot comb in her hair and just say hair grows. She's too young.”

“Okay, so then wash it and it'll be just how you like it, again! Why does this bother you so much?!”

“Because I'm tired of you! I'm tired of you putting your opinions where they don't belong. I'm tired of you controlling every aspect of my life.”

I smiled to myself. That's my girl.

“Oh, I didn't control a thing. You married that poor man, didn't you?”

I scoffed quietly, shaking my head. I know Marion doesn't like me as much as she pretends to. I wasn't her preference in who Whitley married. She wanted Byron.

“Why do you keep calling Dwayne poor? Who do you think paid for this house?”

Marion was quiet. She drank her glass till it was empty. She stood up to pour herself another glass.

“Mother, just because Dwayne doesn't have inherited wealth and the lineage you would've liked doesn't make him poor. We have so much since Tokyo, he's done way more than you'd like to admit-”

“Including cheat on you,” Marion sat down with another glass. She sipped it.

“Don't you throw that in my face,” Whitley's voice became a little more hostile. She was getting angry but trying to respect her mother and not yell.

“Fine,” she continued to drink.

“I'm tired of you talking to me like I have no feelings and everything you say must happen. I don't care if you don't like my house decorations, I don't care if you don't like my husband, and I do not care if you don't like my children's skin and hair. I'm sorry they aren't the way you hoped they'd be.”

“Oh, Whitley, spare me. You think I don't know how hard it is to be a black girl? Yes, I'm a little snobby here and there, but I've experienced things, too. Why do you think I've tried so hard to get the things I have now? Why do you think I married your father? Yes, I loved him, but he was able to give me and my daughter a life that was better than the one I grew up in. And I made sure that my daughter didn't have the same hardships as me. I made sure my daughter wouldn't have to be teased for her dark skin and her kinky hair and wouldn't be looked at as just another black girl with an attitude. Why didn't you want that for your children? I don't understand.”

“Because you're not proud of who you are and that's why you made sure I was far from it! But I don't want to be like you, mother. I don't want to make sure that my daughter has light skin and loose curls and all those things. I wanted to have kids with the man that loved me, rich or poor. I wanted to have kids that reminded me of my man, because they would be proof of our love. Dark, light, kinky hair, or loose hair, I'd love them. And teach them to love themselves.”

The conversation was getting a little heated so I decided maybe to come in and loosen the tension.

I walked into the kitchen making my to where Whitley was sitting, “Hey, Whitley, is it okay if-”

“Well, I'm happy it was so easy for you to make the decisions you did,” Marion slurred slightly, cutting me off.

I stood next to Whitley’s chair, looking at how drunk these two glasses of wine really got Marion.

“But it wasn't easy for me. Asking Mercer to take in a child that he knew wasn't his and love her as his own wasn't easy!”

My mouth dropped. Did she just say what I heard her say?

Whitley scoffed in disbelief, “What?”

“Mercer wanted me for years and once I got pregnant with you, he's who I ran to because I knew he'd be able to support us in a way I couldn't do on my own,” Marion didn't even know she was spilling out such words.

“Mother, what are you saying?” Her voice cracked. She sounded like she wanted to cry.

I rested a hand on her shoulder, preparing to hear news that wasn't going to be good.

“Well, years and years ago, I was infatuated with this white man from Normandy, France,” she smiled as if she was reminiscing, “He was living in Virginia for business opportunities and once we got together, we traveled all of France. I met his family over there, we saw the Eiffel Tower in Paris. We spent months in hotels, just exploring the country and he was so proud to show me off,” her smile faded as she took another sip of her wine, “And once I realized I was pregnant he just… disappeared. So I did what I had to do.”

6 Years Later…

Whitley

“Mommy, mommy!” I heard as I stirred out of my sleep. I felt little fingers nudging me.

“Hmm?” I rubbed my eyes open to see it was still dark and my daughter Aiko was in front of me. She's 3.

“Mama, I made a mistake,” I saw her frown as she played with her little fingers. She was so articulate for a three year old. I will give Dwayne credit for that.

“What did you do, baby?” I sighed as I sat up. I looked at the clock and it was 3:42 am. I looked to my right to see Dwayne fast asleep.

“Umm.. umm..” She couldn't seem to find the right words.

“Come on, sweetheart, spit it out,” I looked at her, my eyebrows furrowed.

“The bed. It's wet,” she frowned.

I sighed. She peed the bed. She's been potty trained for a year but sometimes she has little mistakes. “Okay. Come on,” I got out the bed carefully.

“Shhh, momma, don't wake up Daddy or DJ,” she said as she wobbled her way to the door in front of me.

I giggled as I shook my head, “I won't wake up Daddy or DJ.”

DJ is my son. He's 5 years old, named after his father.

I walked to the kitchen and Aiko noticed. She quickly ran behind me. I gathered baking soda, a spray bottle of water & vinegar, a little bit of detergent, and a rag.

I get into her room and I remove her sheets, before spraying the wet spot of the mattress with the spray bottle solution and putting some baking soda on the spot too. I scrubbed the spot with the rag.

“Now, did you use the bathroom before bed?” I looked at Aiko.

“Umm..” she looked down, “I forgot. I was sleepy.”

“That excuse will work this time. Next time it won't. Use the bathroom before you go to bed, okay?”

“Well, can you help me remember?” She looked up hopeful.

I laughed, “Yes. I'll remind you before bed, okay?”

“Okay,” she smiled.

After finishing with her bed, I decided to let it air dry. “Your beds gonna be a little wet, so how about you come sleep with me and Daddy?”

“Okay,” she ran excitedly to me and Dwayne’s bedroom. She's such a daddy’s girl, and loves whenever she sleeps with us because then she's able to cuddle up to Dwayne.

I laughed, shaking my head. By the time I got to the bed, she was already cuddled up to Dwayne and he had his arm around her. I smiled as I laid next to them. I would've never imagined myself here, but yet here I am.

I can't believe it’s been six years since I moved to Tokyo, in this 3 bedroom apartment. I know, right? Whitley Gilbert living in an apartment? But I love it. I love us.

Kimberly

“Dr. Reese, your next patient is ready,” my nurse, Wanda, said to me while handing me my patient’s file.

“Oh,” I look at the file, “Adams, got it. Tell her I’ll be with her in 5 minutes please.”

“Okay,” Wanda walked off.

I returned my attention back to the phone, “Spencer, I really shouldn't on the phone right now.”

“Yes, yes. But I miss you, you know?”

I blushed, “I miss you too, baby, but I have a patient who's ready for me.”

“Is it critical?”

“No. Just a routine yearly check up. She's in her 40’s.”

“Well, if it's not critical, she can wait another 10 minutes.”

“Ten?! Come on, honey. I can see you when we both get home tonight. And how is the hospital not complaining about one of their surgeons playing on the phone?”

He chuckles, “Ever heard of a break? Surgeons get breaks, too. I have about 30 minutes left.”

“Yea, well my break isn't for another two hours. I love you, okay? I gotta go.”

He sighs, “You owe me then. Tonight when you get home.”

I laughed, “Yes, I owe you.”

“And I love you more, Kimberly Reese-Boyer.”

I smiled, “Okay, babe. I’ll see you tonight.”

“See you.”

I hung up. I looked at my wedding ring and smiled. Three years after Whitley had moved, me and Spencer were finally established enough to get married. The wedding of my dreams, too. At a church, with my closest people at my side. Whitley, Dwayne, & DJ flew all the way back from Japan to be apart of it. And although Whitley was 7 months pregnant with Aiko, she didn't let that stop her from wearing that maid of honor dress. And best of all, I married the man of my dreams.

This man is loyal to me, in love with me, and will never in his wildest dreams, hurt me. Something that I was scared I may never have. But I got it.

Ron

Freddie. Freddie, Freddie, Freddie. This woman triggers me to a whole new level.

“Can you please explain to me why you're being so difficult about this?” I looked at her. We were sitting on my couch, while our daughter, Luna, watched a movie in her room.

“Because. I don't need my daughter around Micaela. Her home is broken enough, she doesn't need to be around daddy’s new piece of meat,” she rolled her eyes.

“Piece of meat?! She's my girlfriend. Don't degrade her like that. Secondly, her and Micaela have a great relationship. You're really limiting the amount of times I get to see my daughter because of my relationship?”

“Yes,” Freddie stared blankly at me.

“And here you are with the peace-maker bullshit persona, but yet look at you now. She has her own room here, her own clothes here, there's never not any food. She's taken care of. I don't want to go to court with you about this.”

She looked away for a second.

“Honestly, is this about you not wanting Luna in an ‘even more broken home’ or is this about me moving on?”

She stays silent.

“Freddie!”

“Fine! I don't want her around Micaela because I am hurt, Ron. I risked friendships to be with you! I risked people looking at me different because I loved you! I had a child with you. And this is where it ends up?!”

“Freddie, you didn't have to risk your friendships for me. You could've decided to be a real friend and suppress all feelings for me, but you couldn't, because you were selfish! Hell, I was selfish, but at least I changed! Look at you. Same old Freddie from six years ago.”

She scoffed, “I'm leaving. You drop Luna off by tomorrow night,” she grabbed her purse and got up.

“There you go again. You play victim and once that doesn't work, you run away.”

“Bye, Ron,” she walked out of my house.

Dwayne

I woke up on the couch, a small ache in the middle of my back. This sleeping on the couch thing wasn't working out for me, but I got nowhere else to go. I winced as I slowly sat up. I put my glasses on before walking to the bathroom and doing my morning routine.

It was weird, though. I didn't hear the patter of feet running around. I didn't hear any video games. I didn't even hear Ron. Where was everybody?

I sighed and sat down on the couch and turned on the TV to watch something. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air reruns was on. I was getting hungry but I was also getting a little too lazy to get up and make something. And all I could think about was my Whitley.

I miss waking up next to her, and her waking me up for work with kisses. I miss her corny jokes and her occasionally funny ones. I always said her nagging voice would be the death of me but I barely hear it anymore. The country accent with a hint of drama queen. I never thought I'd miss that voice.

Suddenly, I heard the front door start to open. Three kids ran their way inside, followed by a walking Whitley and Ron.

DJ and Aiko ran to me, devouring me in hugs. Whitley walked straight past me with bags in her hand, into the kitchen.

Luna waved, “Hi, Uncle Dwayne.”

“Oh, you come here and give me a hug, too,” I motioned for her to join the group hug.

Luna giggled before running to hug me, too.

“Where did you guys go?”

They all let go, but Aiko still straddled her way onto my lap.

DJ smiled, “Mom and Uncle Ron took us out for breakfast.”

Ron sat next to me on the couch, “We decided to let you sleep in. You looked a little… tired,” he smiled in a sarcastic way.

I glared at Ron.

Aiko smiled, “And Mama bought you food.”

“Did she?” I smiled at her.

“Mhm,” Aiko nodded.

“I'll be right back,” I kissed her cheek before picking her up and putting her next to me on the couch. I was gonna try my luck with Whitley… again.

I walked inside the kitchen, she was washing her hands.

“Hi, Whitley,” I sat down at the table.

She turned the water off before grabbing a paper towel to dry her hands. She threw it out before turning to me, “Hi.”

“So… you got me food?” I looked at her.

She stood by the table, “I did. It's in the refrigerator. I couldn't feed everyone and not you,” she paused for a second as she played with her fingers, “We need to talk.”

Finally. Finally, she wants to talk to me about this so we can try and move past it.

“Whitley, again, I'm so so-”

“Not about that,” she stared blankly at me. Fuck.

“Oh,” I sighed, “Talk about what?”

“About our living situation. We've been at Ron’s for two weeks and haven't agreed on a place. I can't keep staying here, the kids need their own rooms. They need their own space. Aiko is sharing a bed with Luna when Luna’s here. It's me and DJ in that bed downstairs--”

“And me on the couch with a sore back.”

“Should've thought about that before you went and cheated on me Miss Yoko Ono,” she stared at me. I could see the hurt in her eyes.

“Whitley, I'm trying to make things right with you-”

“I'm not having that conversation with you right now,” her tone became hostile, “We need to agree on a place to live, okay? And soon,” she stormed out and I watched her.

She’s always so beautiful when she’s angry. But I need to fix this. Somehow. And I think I have an idea.

Whitley

Sometimes it's so hard being upset at Dwayne. Especially when he knows he's wrong because he is the sweetest thing and that’s so hard to resist. Part of me wants to forgive him and part of me wants to stay mad forever. But what do I do?

While I was at breakfast with Ron and the kids, the thought of Dwayne at home alone bothered me. Every time we would go out to eat, we'd go as a family. But we haven't been in a while. And I wasn't ready to have to sit in such a small space with him. I didn't know what to do so I just didn't wake him up. But I couldn't leave him without something to eat. I'm mad at him, but I just couldn't do it.

Ron also wanted to talk to me about the situation alone. To hear my side. Since the kids were there, I was very brief. I simply told Ron that I was hurt and needed time. Nothing more, nothing less.

The doorbell rang. I looked around to see who would answer it, but Ron and DJ were playing with that video game once again and I'm sure Dwayne is eating in the kitchen.

I got up and walked to the front door. I opened it to see my mother, Marion. This is not a great time, but I haven't seen my mother in years.

I forced a smile, “Mother! It's so good to see you. What a surprise,” I smiled nervously.

She walked on in, “Well, you told me you were in town! I couldn't pass up the chance to see my grandchildren. Come give me a hug, sweetheart. Not too tight,” she opened her arms for me.

I closed the door before hugging her gently. She never wanted me to mess up her clothes.

“Now where are those grandbabies of mine?”

“In here,” I walked her to the living room.

DJ looked up quickly, “Hi, grandma!” He dropped his controller and ran up to hug her.

Aiko ran to her to with a doll in her hand, “Grandma!” Aiko hugged my mother's legs.

My mother hugged DJ back before he ran to his game. She picked up Aiko, “Hey, sweetheart.”

My kids loved my mother because she'd buy them whatever toys or games they wanted with no questions asked.

My mother noticed Luna. She walked over to her, before putting Aiko down, “Hi, you're Lilly, right?”

Luna smiled, “No, my name is Luna. You're Aunt Whitley’s mom, right?” She smiled.

“Yes, I am, sweetheart. It's nice to see you again, you're so beautiful. You look like your father.”

Luna smiled sweetly, “Thank you.”

My mother walked over to me, “Where's that husband of yours?”

I inhaled sharply, forcing a smile, “He's in the kitchen, eating. You really shouldn't interrupt him, he hasn't eaten all day.”

I really just didn't want my mother to notice the tension between us.

“Oh, nonsense, I'm just going to say hello,” my mother walked right on into the kitchen.

I stayed on the outside. I didn't want to be in that room with them.

Shortly, she walked back out from the kitchen. She came to me, “So where are you staying so I can put my bag?”

“You can just leave it on the couch, mother.”

“With all these children, I'd rather not.”

I sighed, “Follow me,” I didn't want to hear her mouth about my living conditions but it's bound to happen. Telling her is one thing. Her actually seeing it is another. I walked downstairs as she followed me.

We entered the basement and I saw her face change in disappointment.

“Whitley…” she shook her head.

“I know it isn't the ideal place, but I'm still looking.”

She sighed, putting her bag down on the bed, “Even the decor in here just clashes with each other. You didn't want to customize it up a bit?”

“Well, I don't plan on staying here. I don't want to make it more home-like because I don't want to get comfortable in here. Although, it is hard to get comfortable in here to begin with because it's so crowded,” I sighed.

My mom nodded, “Mhm, I understand. But this bedding. You could've at least changed the bedding.”

I looked at her, “Really?”

“I'm just saying, sweetheart. Also, you should really think about relaxing Aiko’s hair soon. It would be so much easier to tame and more presentable.”

“We already had that conversation, and the answer is no. She's only three, I'm not going to damage her hair that way.”

“Well, you should've thought about how your children were gonna look before you just upped and married Dwayne.”

“What's wrong with how my kids look? My kids are beautiful.”

“They are beautiful, darling, but wouldn't a looser curl be easier to work with? Maybe a texturizer?And all those problems she was having in Japan, she wouldn't have had them, if you had married a man of Julian’s caliber.”

“Of Julian's caliber or Julian's skin color and hair?” I glared at her.

“Whitley, all I'm saying is… you don't want Aiko to stick out like a sore thumb.”

“It doesn't matter. I'm going to teach my daughter to love her natural hair. And her brown skin. And I absolutely did not worry about how my kids were going to look with Dwayne because my children would've been beautiful regardless of who I had them with. So no, I'm not perming my daughter’s hair. I refuse to teach her that the hair she was born with is unkempt and unpretty. So please do not ask me again,” I glared at her.

She looked at me quietly for a moment. She opened her mouth as if she had something to say then paused. She continued, “I didn't mean to upset you, Whitley.”

I sighed. I shook my head, “It's fine,” I paused looking down at my hands, “I've just been going through this with Aiko since I had her. Her and DJ being dark in Japan wasn't easy for them.”

“And what about Dwayne?”

“Dwayne has thick skin. He doesn't care what anyone has to say about him.”

She nodded, “And speaking of Dwayne, what's going on between the two of you?”

“We’re fine, mother,” I lied.

“Mhm. You two are usually all over each other and today just seems so off.”

“We just… we had an argument last night, so we're being a little distant,” I lied again.

I didn't want my mother saying I told you so. I couldn't tell her about what Dwayne did to me, she'd never let me forget it.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, mother, I'm sure.”

“Well, I want to take the kids for a few days. May I?”

“I don't know. They haven't been away from me in a while.”

“Please, Whitley? I need time with them, too.”

I sighed, “Okay,”  I nodded, “But only three days.”

She smiled, “Why don't you bring Aiko up here so I can fix her hair.”

“I already did her hair this morning,” I looked at my mother.

“And she's been playing around since. It's all frizzy. She has to look nice and neat when she steps out the house with me, you know that,” she grinned at me.

I sighed in frustration, keeping a forced smile on my face, “Sure,” I made my way up the steps, onto the main floor.

I saw Dwayne walk out of the kitchen and into the living room. He kept his eyes on me. I hated that this happened to us. I really do.

I cleared my throat as I stepped towards Aiko, “Koko, grandma’s gonna be taking you for a few days and she wants to fix your hair up, come on.”

“But I'm playing with Luna,” Aiko frowned, “And my hair is done,” she looked up at me.

“I know, baby, I told her that but she wants to do it over.”

“Why do you always let her do that to you?” I heard Dwayne’s voice.

I looked up, “Do what?”

“You always let your mother walk all over you,” he frowned.

“She isn't the only one, is she?” I stared at him, “I guess I'm just one, big doormat.”

He sighed, raising his hands up in defeat. He stayed silent for a few seconds.

I looked down at Aiko, “Come on. You can finish playing when you're done,” I picked her up.

“I'm gonna be going out. Okay?” Dwayne looked at me.

“With who?”

“By myself.”

“Will I have anything to worry about?”

“Not at all,” I could see the sorrow in his face. He was upset that I even had to ask this.

“Okay. Go ahead,” I walked away with my daughter.

I brought her down to my mother and my mother took her hair out of the ponytail I had it in. She sat between my mother's legs while my mother used a comb to part her hair in half. She was doing two buns in her hair.

“Whitley, do you have any barrettes for her hair? Two of the same kind if you have.”

I went into my suitcase. As I took out her barrette box, filled with hair accessories, I tried to find any two blue barrettes, as they would match her shirt.

“Grandma, daddy does my hair sometimes,” I heard Aiko speak.

“Does he really?” My mother entertained Aiko’s conversation.

“Yea..” she became quiet for a few seconds. She started again, “Daddy is sad now. All the time.”

“Is he?” My mother asked.

I frowned. I didn't know she picked up on that.  

“Yea. I think it's cause mama is mad at him.”

I shook my head as I took the barrettes out the box. My eyes swelled up with tears but I quickly wiped them away, “Here, mother,” I handed my mother the clips.

Her hair was almost finished. As smooth as ever, and perfect. She placed the two blue barrettes in her hair, one in front of each bun.

“Okay, sweetheart, you're finished,” my mother tapped Aiko’s thigh, “You can go back to playing with Lisa now.”

“It's Luna,” I looked at my mother.

“Luna. Right,” My mother turned to look at Aiko, “Do you need mama to help you up the stairs?”

“Nope,” Aiko jumped off my mother's lap, “I can do it by myself,” she ran to the steps.

Me and my mother both watched her as she wobbled her way up. Once she was out and closed the door, it was silent.

“So,” my mother looked at me, “Are you gonna tell me what's really going on between you and Dwayne, now?”

I sighed, “Mother, I-”

“Don't you lie to me again, Whitley. If it was just a small argument, that child wouldn't have noticed a thing. But she did. What's going on?”

“Okay, okay,” I looked down, “Dwayne…”

“Dwayne, what?” she raised an eyebrow.

“He… he cheated on me in Tokyo.”

“He did what?!”

“He cheated! Okay? That's what he did,” I plopped myself on the bed, “He cheated on me,” my eyes started to swell with tears once again, “And it’s so annoying having to tell this story over and over and over.”

“Whitley…” my mom moved closer to me. She wrapped her arms around me.

I cried into her shoulder, “I'm so mad at him. But I love him, so, so much. I don't know what to do,” I sniffled.

“Is that why you moved back?”

“It was one of the reasons,” I wiped my tears from my face.

She nodded, “And was this woman Japanese?”

“Yea,” I looked down.

“Now, Whitley, didn't I warn you about marrying him?”

I jumped up out of her arms, “See?! That's exactly why I didn't want to tell you!”

“Well, I was right about him! That man does not a thing for you, Whitley. I didn't raise you to live like this at all.”

“Now, you hold on a minute. Dwayne may have cheated but he's done a whole lot for me. Don't go there,” I folded my arms, pacing back and forth, “And excuse me for marrying a man who genuinely loves me, even if he did mess up! I wasn't just some arm candy to Dwayne, I was his best friend. Unlike Julian. And unlike any other rich man you could think to hook me up with.”

“Yea, well, he betrayed his best friend. I suggest you divorce him before you become the divorcee.”

“If Dwayne wanted to leave me, he would've done it already. And divorce? I can't hurt my children like that. I can't,” I stood in place looking at my mother.

“Sometimes you have to do what's right for you. You followed this man all the way to Tokyo to get cheated on. He doesn't deserve you anymore, Whitley. You know it.”

Tears streamed down my face, “I know he doesn't, but-”

“But what?”

“I don't know, mother. I don't know,” I wiped my tears, “I'm gonna need time to think about this.”

-

Dwayne

I came back into Ron’s house with an huge smile on my face. Yea, I had just spent a fortune but Whitley’s face will all make it worth it. It's something she's been asking for, for a minute now.

The house was empty and quiet. I opened the door to the basement and walked downstairs.  

“Whitley?” I spoke as I walked down the steps.

“Yes?” She sounded concentrated on something. I walked down to see her reading her book.

“Where's Ron?”

“He went to drop off Luna. And he said after that he's spending the night at his girlfriend’s house.”

I walked over, “May I sit on the bed?”

She looked up at me, “You can sit here. You just can't sleep here.”

I nodded, “Got it,” I sat in the bed, “Can we talk? I got something for you.”

“Actually,” she closed her book, “I wanted to talk, too,” she observed what I was wearing, “Did you say goodbye to the kids before you left?”

“Yea, I did. Speaking of, I have a boys night out with DJ and Ron next week. There's a car show.”

I nodded, “That's fine. Maybe I’ll do something with Aiko and Kim. But enough of that,” she ran her hand through her dark, loose curls, “Before you give me anything, I just want to say you hurt me. Deeply, Dwayne. And I've been sitting here and contemplating for almost two months what I want to do.”

“What do you wanna do, Whitley?” I looked down at my hands. My palms were sweaty. My heart was beating a thousand beats per minute.

She took a deep breath, “I want a divorce, Dwayne.”

My heart broke immediately at those words. I looked down, “Why?”

“Is that really a question?”

“I mean I get it. I betrayed you, Whitley, but please, I want to make that up you,” I reached out to touch her hand.

She snatched it away, “Dwayne…” her voice started to crack, “Please don't make this harder for me.”

“I love you. Okay? There isn't a person in this world who can mean to me what you mean to me, baby,” my eyes began to tear up. I barely ever cry but I couldn't help it. I messed up so bad that she doesn't want to be married to me anymore. She doesn't want to be my wife anymore.

Tears rolled down her face, “Dwayne, please, stop it.”

Seeing her cry made me even more upset. I don't think I’ve ever seen Whitley cry in front of me. At least not with me being the reason.

“You're my best friend, Whitley, I can't let you just walk away from me,” I shook my head, reaching for her hand again. This time, she let me grab it. I kissed her hand, “I love you, so, so much. Please, Whitley…”

I was begging. I knew I was begging and I didn't care. This type of woman doesn't come around very often and I was stupid not to remember that when I was cheating on her. I was lucky to have her and I’m determined to keep her. Whatever it takes.

And she just cried. She cried and cried.

“I won't ever hurt you again, Whitley,” I reached to wipe her tears and surprisingly, she let me. My hands gently held onto her face, while my thumbs wiped her tears away.

“How can I believe you, Dwayne? Hm?” She looked at me. The tears subsided.

And idea jumped into my head, “Counseling. Let's do counseling.”

“Marriage counseling?” She sniffled.

“Yes,” I nodded, “Anything to make you happy. Whatever my issues are, I want to change them. I'm willing to change them.”

“You promise?” She stared at me, “Don't suggest it if you don't mean it.”

“I promise, baby,” I grabbed her hand once again, and kissed it. I wanted to kiss her lips, but I knew she wouldn't let me.

We sat there in silence for a few minutes, getting ourselves back together from that emotional conversation.

I looked at her, “And you never let me give you my surprise.”

“What's your surprise? You better not be buying my forgiveness,” she fondled with her fingers.

“Is it buying your forgiveness, or is it just knowing what makes you happy, and pricey things happen to be one of them?” I poked her on nose.

She giggled then looked away, “You're not allowed to make me laugh, I just almost divorced you 5 minutes ago,” she tried her hardest to make a straight face, “What is it?” She blinked with those long eyelashes of hers, her eyes still a little red from crying.

I got another idea. I smirked, “Did Ron leave us the house key?”

“Yes, it's in my purse.”

“Good. Cause I changed my mind on how I'm gonna show you what I got you. Quick, put some clothes on. We're going somewhere.”

“Dwayne…”

“Do you wanna see what I have for you or not?”

She sucked her teeth, “Fine. Excuse yourself while I change. You're not allowed to see this body no time soon.”

“Aw, man,” I got up and made my way to the stairs.

“Maybe little miss Yoko Ono can mail you some pictures of her body,” I heard her say in a little snappy voice.

I shook my head, “That's childish, Whitley. And she don't have nothing on you, baby.”

“That's Whitley to you. And I know,” she smirked, “Now go on,” she gestured for me to leave with her hands.

I chuckled and shook my head before making my way upstairs and waiting in the foyer.

Minutes later, she opened the door. She was wearing this dress that hugged her in all the right places. I can just imagine her with it off. I miss seeing that. And I miss being the one to take it off her body.

“We aren't going on a date or anything,” I looked at her.

She smirked, “I know. I can't look good?”

“You can do whatever you wanna do, Whitley,” I couldn't take my eyes off of her figure.

She opened the front door and lead the way out. And I didn't let that back view out of my sight.

-

The closer we got to our destination, the more Whitley started to ask questions.

“Where are we going?”

“Shhhh,” I focused on the road. Our destination was right around the corner.

“Whatever. And don't get used to this.”

“Get used to what?”

“Me being nice to you. I don't forgive you, yet. Let's see how you do during counseling.”

“Whatever you say, baby.”

“Excu-”

“Whitley! I mean Whitley. Sorry,” I looked at her, “It's a habit.”

“Uh huh,” she folded her arms.

I parked the car in the parking lot of a home.

“Uh, Dwayne. Are we allowed to park here?”

“Why wouldn't we?” I looked at her, taking the key out of the ignition.

“Because this is somebody's house. Somebody’s huge house,” she looked out the windshield.

“Oh, really? Well guess what?”

“What?” She looked at me.

I took a key out of my pocket and dangled it in front of her face, “It's your huge house.”

She gasped and snatched the key, “What?!”

“That's right. 2 stories, 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms,” I smirked.

“Oh my god!” She hopped out the car.

I chuckled at her as I got out the car behind her.

“I thought you didn't want to spend money for a house this big!” She said as she ran up to the front door of the house.

“I didn't want to, but I owe it to you. And guess what else?”

“What?” She looked at me as she used her key to unlock the door.

“You can decorate it all on your own.”

She opened the door to the house and gasped at the interior, “Oh my god…” then she realized what I had told her, “I can?!” She clapped her hands excitedly.

I chuckled, “You can. And you can have my card to do it.”

“I can?!” She asked even louder, her eyebrows raised.

“Do you promise to be mindful of a budget, though?” I raised an eyebrow.

She nodded, before hugging me.

I hugged her back. I kept her in my arms for a minute, I haven't felt her in a long time.

“Dwayne?” She said while hugging me.

“Yes?”

“You're still not off the hook.”

Ron

The sound of my doorbell rang and I was excited. My best friend and his family were finally moving back to Virginia, six years after being in Tokyo. We didn't have much time to catch up on the phone because of those international charges. All I know is he needed a place to stay until he finds a new house to buy, so I got him.

I got up and opened my front door.

Immediately my two godchildren came running towards me. “Uncle Ron!” They said in unison.

I laughed, giving them both hugs.

“Can I play your Nintendo 64?” DJ looked up at me.

I chuckled, “Yea. You get into the living room and I'll set it up for you.”

Both of the kids run past.

Dwayne welcomes me with a big hug, which we rarely ever do, but I can't help but to hug him back.

“Finally, man,” I smiled.

He smiled back, “Yeah, we back out here, man.”

I noticed Whitley from the corner of my eye. She looked a little distraught.

“Whit?” I smiled with open arms.

She immediately changed her expression into a big smile, “Ronaldus!” She made her way to hug me, “I hope the basement is already set up for us because I'm a little exhausted from that plane ride.”

“Everything's set up perfectly. Come on in.”

They walked in with their suitcases. Dwayne looked around, as if he was reminiscing.

“What you thinking about there, Dwayne?”

“How simple things were when I lived here,” he sighed.

That's right. I took over the house after Dwayne and Whitley moved. Ironically, now that they're temporarily staying here, they have the basement.

“What does that mean?”

“I'll catch you up to speed a little later. I see you got all of our boxes,” he chuckled.

They started sending me boxes full of the things that they wanted to keep from their apartment in Tokyo before officially moving out.

“Uncle Ron, you don't have the new Nintendo 64, yet?!” DJ exclaimed.

“The new one? There's a new one?” I looked at Dwayne, confused and shocked.

“Oh yea, Japan’s a little more advanced, my brother,” Dwayne smirked, “But don't worry. America will release the new one in a few weeks, though, you good.”

I sucked my teeth, “Whatever. Are you sure all four of you can sleep in that queen sized bed?”

“We can't,” Whitley forced a smile, “So, I’ll be taking the bed in the basement with the kids, and Dwayne will be on the couch, if you don't mind.”

“Whitley…” Dwayne looked at her.

She glared at him, warning him to keep his mouth shut.

Dwayne let out a frustrated sigh, letting it go. Something's definitely going on between them.

Whitley grabbed as many bags as she could before making her way to the basement.

Little Aiko ran after her, “Wait, Mama!”

I smiled at Aiko’s need to follow her mother around. I turned to Dwayne, “You in the doghouse, huh? What for?”

Dwayne sighs, “I messed up, man,” he looked down at DJ, then looked back up at me.

“Let's catch up in the kitchen,” I made the way as I walked to the kitchen, Dwayne behind me.

He sat in a chair, “Got anything to drink?”

“I got you,” I went in the fridge to get a pitcher of iced tea, “So what'd you do?”

Dwayne looked to floor and sighed.

Whitley

I dropped my bags to the floor and ran for the phone. I could feel myself ready to explode. I quickly dialed Kimberly’s number.

After only a few rings, someone answered. It was Spencer.

“Hello?”

“Hi, It's Whitley. Is Kim there?”

“Yes, she is. Kim!” He called for her.

Seconds later she was at the phone, “Hello?”

“Kim?”

“Oh my god, Whitley! You're back?!”

“For good,” I frowned, looking around Ron’s basement.

“What? Why?”

“It's such a long story, Kimmy, I-” my voice began to crack. I felt myself ready to cry but I shook my head, trying to stop the feeling.

“Whitley, is everything okay? Where are you?”

“I'm at Ron’s. We're staying here till we find a place.”

My daughter sat on the bed next to me and cuddled up to me. I put my arm around her.

“Do you want me to come?”

“Um, no, I’ll come to you.”

“Are you sure?”

“I'm positive. I need to talk. So much has happened, Kim, I don't know what to do.”

Kim sighed, “Okay, well, get your butt over here. I'll be waiting.”

“Okay, I'll see you,” I hung up. I looked down at Aiko, “You wanna come with me to Auntie Kimmy’s house?”

Aiko gasps, “Yes!” She smiles, excitedly.

I giggled at her, picking her up. She reminds me so much of myself when I was younger, so happy and energetic. I made my way up the stairs back to the main floor. I walked into the living room, to see DJ stuck to that dang video game.

“I'm going to Auntie Kimmy’s house and I’m bringing Aiko, do you wanna come?”

DJ kept his eyes on the TV, moving his fingers on the game’s controller, “I'll stay with Uncle Ron. His games are fun.”

“Okay. Where's your daddy?”

“In the kitchen.”

I nodded. I walked to the kitchen, knocking on the door. I seemed to have interrupted a conversation because it all got quiet.

I opened the kitchen door, “I'm leaving to go to Kim's. Aiko wants to go with me,” I looked blankly at Dwayne.

“Are you.. are you coming back tonight?”

“Do you see any bags in my hand? Yes, I'll be back tonight, not that you deserve it,” I rolled my eyes before walking out.

-

By the time I got to Kim’s, Aiko was knocked out. I paid the cab driver, before coming out the car, holding my baby. We're still waiting on our car to get transported from Tokyo.

I rang the doorbell and Kim excitedly opened the door. She was about to give me a hug until she realized an asleep Aiko on my arm.

“Oops. She's sleeping already?” Kim opened the door wider for me to walk in.

“Yes, it was a long, long plane ride. An exhausting one too,” I walked inside.

She smiled, “Well, at least your here. Here you can lay her in the guest room,” she walked me to another room in her apartment. She owned a two bedroom.

“This room is adorable. I'd change the drapes, though,” I walk in, laying Aiko down.

Kim shook her head with a smile, “You're always ready to renovate a house that's not yours.”

I giggled, covering my daughter with the blanket, “I can't help it.”

“Yea, I know. I learned that years ago.”

I turned to her and excitedly ran to hug her, finally, “I haven't seen you since your wedding!”

She hugged back tightly, “I know, I know! And look at you,” she let go of the hug to observe me, “Your body’s still tight as ever. There's no way in hell Dwayne could look elsewhere, huh?”

That struck a nerve. I inhaled sharply, and looked down.

She shook her head no, “Oh, no. That can't be what you needed to talk about. Dwayne didn't--”

“He did, Kim,” I felt a lump in my throat. My eyes filled with tears.

“Oh, no, come on,” Kim lead me out of the room, “How about I pour you a cup of coffee and you can tell me all about it,” she gestured for me to sit in the couch.

I sat down, trying my hardest not to let any tears fall and ruin my make up. I hated that Dwayne did this to me. I hated that he made me feel this way. This was my biggest fear as a married woman and he made it come true.

Kim disappeared into the kitchen.

I looked around Kim’s living room before looking down at my fingers. I was so happy. A successful black woman working in one of the most famous art galleries in Tokyo, married to a man who works for an engineering company. A man who made it his job to marry me. A man who fought for me for years, even when I wasn't convinced that he was he man for me. A man who gave me two beautiful children and now all of that is broken. What has become of me?

I felt a tear roll down my face, but I quickly wiped it away.

Kim came back in with two cups of coffee. She handed me one. She sat next to me, with the most concerned and sympathetic face.

I cleared my throat, “So where's Spencer?”

“The hospital actually needed him and called right after you did. He'll be out for the night. But enough of that. What happened?”

Flashback

I woke up from my nap. It was my day off and earlier this morning I had made a big breakfast for my Pookie and my babies, before kissing my husband goodbye and dropping the kids off to school. I came back home and went straight to my bed.

I looked at the clock. 12:42. Dwayne’s lunch break was in 45 minutes, and if I hurry up, I could make it.

I brushed my teeth again, to freshen up. I let my curly, dark locks loose, to frame my face.

Dwayne and I have been so busy between working and the kids that sometimes making time for each other is hard. But after an argument, I realized it was time to try a little harder to give my Pookie some attention. And I know just how to spice up his lunch break.

I called his favorite take out Japanese food spot in Tokyo, and asked if I could make an order for pick up. Then I put on Dwayne’s favorite lingerie of mine. A red bustier corset, a red thong, garters, and tights. And of course, my red pumps.

I went back into the bathroom, and powdered my face a little so my face doesn't shine. I put on a little mascara, lined my waterline with a black pencil liner, and a bold, red lip.

I made sure to drench myself in Dwayne’s favorite perfume on me, Chanel No. 9, before putting on my black mink coat, wrapping it around, and making sure that it doesn't show a thing. I grabbed my purse and made my way for the door.

After picking up Dwayne’s food, I was right where I needed to be. Kinishewa Enterprises. I got stares, but I didn't sweat it. When you're anything but Japanese, living in Japan? You're gonna get crazy looks no matter what.

The receptionist smiled, “Mrs. Wayne.”

“Yes, ma’am. I’m just dropping off a little something for my husband for him to eat.”

“No problem, go on ahead,” the receptionist kept her grin.

My heels clicked against the floor as my body got to the elevator. Just in time, it dinged and the elevator doors opened. I let the two business-men walk out, and I stepped right in. I pressed the number 4, as Dwayne works on the fourth floor.

I smiled to myself just thinking what I'm gonna do to that man in his office. It'll be short and sweet but it'll leave him wanting more once he gets home. And I'll be waiting.

The elevator got to the fourth floor and I stepped out. As I made my way to his office, people waved and greeted me. Dwayne being the only African American who works in Kinishewa’s Japan headquarters, everyone noticed and knew us.

As I got in front of my baby’s office, I wanted to make a slow entrance and catch him off guard. I twisted the knob gently and opened the door just a peek, just so I can see how adorable my man looks while concentrated on work…. but that's not what I saw at all.

Some… woman. On my Dwayne. His hands groping her behind while she tongues him down. Immediately, my face turned to a frown. My eyes swelled with tears but I couldn't cry. I couldn't be embarrassed.

I didn't know to react so I just… I closed the door gently. As if I was never there. I’ve never rushed out of a place so quickly in my life.

Tears poured down my face as I drove home. All that was going through my head was I hated him. I hated him so much.

I'm an angry eater, so when I got home all the food that I got for Dwayne was mine. I stuffed my face with food one second, was crying my eyes out the next. What did I do wrong?

End of Flashback

“Oh, my god, Whitley, I’m so sorry,” Kim comforted me as I cried into her chest, “Dwayne is such an asshole.”

I sniffled before looking at her, “And when he got home, he knew. He knew that I knew. And he wanted to talk but I was just so uninterested at the time.”

“So you two haven't talked about it since it happened?”

I shook my head, “No. I've only asked if he's been having sex with her. He said yes, and I was over it. I didn't wanna talk to him. The only other thing I've said regarding this was I'm going back to Virginia. I didn't come to Tokyo for what he decided to put me through, and I'm taking Aiko and DJ. And he said fine. But he's not letting me go alone. So we made the decision to move.”

“And leave Kinishewa?”

“Well, to be honest Dwayne’s been missing teaching for a while now. And DJ comes home crying at least once a week from Kindergarten about something that some little brat wanted to say about his skin. You know I gave Aiko her name to try to help her fit in, but the second I brought her into a daycare to try and register her, they were giving Aiko such funny looks that I just changed my mind. There's so much that contributed to this move but Dwayne’s infidelity is just the straw that broke the camel’s back.”

“I'm so sorry, Whitley. Do you know how long… it… was going on?”

“I don't wanna know,” I stared blankly at the floor, “at least not yet. I'm not ready to know. It's too much, Kim.”

“I understand. And I didn't know those things were happening to DJ and Aiko.”

“Yea,” I sniffled, “And you know Dwayne can help DJ. Black man to black boy. DJ has somebody who understands him. Aiko doesn't have that. I can't relate to my baby,” tears start to fall again. I couldn't help it.

“Oh, Whitley-”

“You know, one day, Dwayne and the kids came to visit me at the art gallery. I was so happy to introduce my boss to my family. My bosses five year old daughter was there. She took one look at Aiko and said, ‘Ew. Her skin looks like dirt,’” I sniffled, “and my boss, she… she tried to pull her daughter away from us. But Aiko understood her. And Aiko started to cry. And I tried to comfort her and she looked at me and said ‘Your skin and hair is pretty, mama. Mine is not,’” I scoffed, “My heart broke, Kimberly.”

Kim eyes looked watery. She shook her head, “Whenever you need me to, I’ll talk to her, okay?”

“Will you?” I wiped my eyes, “She looks up to you so much.”

Kim nodded, “I know what it's like to be that dark little girl that everyone makes fun of. I'll always be able to talk to her. Come,” Kim opened her arms for another hug.

Dwayne

Ron looked at me furiously, “You can't be serious.”

I sighed, “I know. I fucked up, man,” I clenched my jaw, “I'm such an idiot.”

“Na, you're more than that. Whitley's grown to be like my sister, she didn't deserve that, Dwayne,” he turned his head to the side, observing me. It was almost like he didn't know who I was anymore. I don't know who I am anymore, either.

“I know, I know. She's been so distant since, man. I don't even know if I can get her back.”

“I mean, is it a surprise that she's distant? What woman you know is gonna drop everything she knows and loves to follow a man to Tokyo?”

I looked down. I didn't know what to say. I had no way to defend myself.

“You fucked up with the most loyal and understanding woman I know, Dwayne. You know how many brothers wanted that? And still want that? Are you out of your damn mind? What were you thinking?”

“When it started, I was lonely. She was busy all the time and didn't even have time to talk so I could tell her how I was feeling,” I still kept my eyes on the floor.

“So you go and cheat?”

“Fuck,” I made a fist out of anger, “I know it was stupid, alright? And it's not even like I did the shit one time, this went on for months, Ron. She was all I had when I first moved out there, man. How could I do this to her?” My eyes didn't leave the ground.

I was searching within myself for answers, angry with myself. I felt selfish. I felt stupid. I felt so many things at once. She’s my wife. Why didn't I just find a way to talk to her?

Ron sighed, “What lead up to the first time?”

Flashback

“Dwayne, not tonight,” Whitley fanned me away with her hand as she closed her eyes.

It's been a long week, I've barely seen my wife. Between both our jobs and the kids, it's like we barely have time to say five words to each other.

“Come on, baby,” I kissed her hand, “I miss you.”

“I miss you, too, but I'm tired,” she looked at me.

“Too tired for your Pookie?” I tucked her hair behind her ear.

She sighed, “Dwayne. Please?”

I sucked my teeth, “We haven't been intimate in over a month. That's not an issue to you?”

“Not when I have a job.”

“Oh, look at you. Finally getting a job and now it's all you worry about. Just forget your husband's needs, right?”

“Excuse me? Don't be ridiculous. We have things to pay for.”

“No, I have things to pay for. I pay the rent and bills, all you do is go shopping with that money of yours.”

“Oh, so you buy all the kids clothes?”

“I would if you weren't so adamant on spending money on designer clothes for our children.”

“Why can't they have nice things, Dwayne?” She sat up, slightly raising her voice.

“They do have nice things. A roof over their head, food, clothes, and two loving parents. I don't need them turning out bourgie and spoiled like you.”

“Ohhh, okay. So is this about sex or is this about ragging on me? Cause you have a lot of mean things to say, tonight.”

“I'm just frustrated, Whitley! I haven't made love to you in a month. I miss you. I miss my Bunny, and it feels like you're not concerned at all, baby.”

“Because I feel like this is a childish conversation, that's why. You're upset because I don't want to have sex.”

“Not just sex. When's the last time we laid down together and just talked? When's the last time we went out to dinner? When's the last time we went to the movies? When's the last time we sat down as a family and ate dinner? It's been a minute, Whitley.”

“Well, what do you want me to do about that, Dwayne?”

I sighed. She wasn't listening to me. She wasn't listening to my needs or my wants. She wasn't listening to the fact that I missed her. She wasn't listening to anything.

“Nothing, Whitley. Do nothing. It's not like you do anything for me, anyways,” I sighed and got up.

She gasped and threw a pillow at me, “You're sleeping on the couch, tonight!”

“Trust me,” I made my way towards the door, “That's where I was headed, anyway.”

End of Flashback

“Oh, wow,” Ron looked at me, “I'm not saying what you did was right but-”

“You understand how I was feeling at the time, right? You know me. I can never just wake up one morning and decide to hurt my woman. I fought for her too hard to do that. It just… happened.”

“I understand. You felt ignored.”

“I did. And then the next morning, her eyes looked red and puffy. Like she had been crying. I tried to talk to her then, too, but she wasn't hearing it. So I went off to work and…”

“That's when it happened the first time?”

“Yea. And you know what the worst part was? After it happened, I came home. Whitley had dinner cooked up and had put the kids to bed early. And I wanted to talk to her about it. I did. But she just started apologizing to me. Apologizing and saying how right I was, and how she wasn't making time for me. So, she had dinner ready and wanted to spend all night with me. I couldn't tell her, anymore. I felt so guilty.”

Ron shook his head, “This is crazy.”