Page 154 of Rose
Ahzii’s expression shifted. “Ky? You good? What’s wrong?” Then her eyes widened. “Ohhh my bitch… Mazi got that ass pregnant?”
Kyre burst out laughing through her tears. “Pregnant?!Girl, what?!”
Ahzii grinned. “Listen, you crying in daylight hours like this and ain’t nobody died? Yougottabe pregnant.”
Kyre wiped her face, still laughing. “There she go. My best bitch!”
Without thinking, she rushed forward and hugged her tight.
“Girl, you so dramatic,” Ahzii said as they pulled apart. “You act like I been missing for years.”
“Youdon’tknow how long I been waiting to see that smile again,” Kyre said, voice softer now.
Ahzii’s grin widened. “Whew. Girl, whatgood dickwill do!”
Kyre laughed, grabbing her food and sitting down. “Seriously, Zii. You’re glowing. Happy. It looksgoodon you.”
They opened their containers—barbecue chicken, creamy mac & cheese, greens, baked beans, cornbread, and cold red Kool-Aid on the side.
Ahzii sat back, soaking in the moment. For once, the past wasn’t louder than the present.
“I never thought I’d feel this way again,” Ahzii said softly, smiling as she absentmindedly picked at her greens. “To experience love again...”
Kyre’s smile was instant, warm. “Idid.And Iprayedfor this. Savior could never replace William, but girl... he’s yoursecond chance.”
“I know,” Ahzii whispered, eyes glistening. She reached into her bag and pulled out a small velvet box, sliding it across the table. “That’s why I’m giving you this.”
Kyre’s brow lifted in surprise. She already knew.
She opened the box slowly, reverently—revealing the wedding rings that once belonged to Ahzii and William.
Her breath caught. “Bitch...oh, youlovethat man,” Kyre joked, her voice cracking as she smiled through the emotion. She reached for her drawer and tucked the rings away gently, almost protectively.
Ahzii had always said when real love found her again—ifit ever did—she would give Kyre the rings. Not to forget William, but to honor the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. There was a time she never thought she’d let go. Never thought she’d remove the necklace. Never thought she’d stop grieving.
But today... she was healing.
And her heart—what was left of it—belonged to Savior now.
“I really do love him,” Ahzii admitted, voice fragile. “But... why doesn’t my mind agree with my heart?”
Kyre tilted her head, puzzled, sipping her Kool-Aid. “What do you mean?”
Ahzii took a breath. A long one.
“I keep seeing William. First time was at the park weeks ago. Then today... across the restaurant while I waited for our food. I—I don’t know. I think it’s time I go to therapy. Reallytalkto someone about everything that happened.”
Her voice trembled beneath the weight of it. These weren’t just visions—they were anchors. And no matter how hard she tried to move forward, they kept pulling her back into the dark.
Kyre nodded, her expression now serious. “Icompletelyagree. And you know what else? You never talk about it. Not even with me.”
Ahzii looked down at her plate.
“Have you even told Savior what happened to you?” Kyre asked, taking another bite of her food, brows knitting.
Ahzii’s shoulders dropped. “No,” she admitted. “I want to... so bad. But saying the words out loud? It’s likerelivingit. Like opening the wound and letting it bleed all over again.”
She hesitated, then added, “I almost told him when I asked him to teach me how to shoot.”
