Page 47 of Pieces of Us

A smirk drew up on my face.

“Better than I ever fucked you.”

Justin jumped at me, but I didn’t flinch. He chuckled and looked at me then turned his nose up.

“He fucking left you with a gut full of his baby, depressed, and confused. I’m the one who put in the most time to build your broken ass back up, and you think you’re going to ride out into the sunset with him and my kids? I swear if you fuck him, I’ll make your life a living hell.”

Before I could reply, my father emerged from the house, and stood on the porch.

“Hey, son. Come on in. I’ve been expecting you.”

I chuckled angrily. “Don’t acknowledge your daughter, my dear father. Just look right past me like you don’t see me…even though it wouldn’t be the first time.”

I pushed past my father and into the house to speak to my mother then prepare to meet with Nehemiah. I walked into the kitchen to see my mother pouring the kids some milk to go with their cookies and smiled.

“Hey, Mommy,” I spoke, walking over and kissing her cheek.

“Hi, my love. You doing alright?”

“Could be worse, but I can’t complain.”

“That’s right. You want some cookies too?”

“No thanks. Can I speak to you for a moment?”

“Sure. I’ll be right back, Honey Bee, so we can go plant those flowers, okay?”

“Okay, Nana.” My mother smiled at her and led me out of the kitchen into the dining room.

“What’s on your mind, baby?”

“I told Nehemiah and Megan about each other.”

I watched her for a reaction, but she just stood in place with a stoic expression.

“Mommy…Say something.”

“I heard you, baby. What were their reactions?”

“Nehemiah was disappointed…as I knew he would be, but surprisingly, he wasn’t too upset. Megan was okay with it. We’re going to meet with him in a few.”

“Does Justin know about this?”

I shrugged. “I just told him.”

“You shouldn’t have done that.”

“I don’t care anymore, Mom. I think whatever Daddy’s holding over Mr. Newson’s head is just him blowing smoke. Why after all these years hasn’t he said or done anything? He used that to pump fear into me because he knew how much I loved Nehemiah.”

“I’m not sure if he does or he doesn’t. Your father was transitioning when I met him. He was never like this until Nehemiah came into your life. All I know is I’m not putting up with any more of his foolishness concerning this situation. Megan deserves to know her father. I should have done more, but I saw how much you didn’t want that for him or his father.”

“Yeah, that’s over now—”

“What have you done?” My father came bursting into the dining room looking upset.

I rolled my eyes as I prepared to leave.

“What I should have done a long time ago. Mom, I’ll be back to get Mariah in a few hours. I’ll see you later.”

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