Building Trust Through Our Issues

Chapter Ten

After Alayshia and I visited Brandy at the mental institution, I was in a really good head space. I felt determined to become a better person, not only for myself, but for my family as well.

I picked up Arianna from Justycee before going back home. I fed them lunch and then put them down for a nap before calling Ashlyn over. I needed to have a heart to heart with her.

I was in the living room watching ESPN when I heard the doorbell ring. I turned the TV off and made my way to the front door to open it for her.

"Hey." She smiled when I opened the door. She still had on her athletic wear and her gym bag was over her shoulder.

"Wassup." I said stepping to the side and letting her into the house. She dropped her bag by the door and went straight into the kitchen. I followed her and smirked when I saw her downing a bottle of water.

"Do you mind if I shower real quick?" She asked as she threw the now empty water bottle in the trash and then reached for another one.

"Depends." I mumbled as I leaned against the kitchen counter and watched her as she finished off her second bottle of water.

"On?" She asked, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand.

"If I can join you?" I asked smirking.

"Of course." She laughed.

"But first, I need to talk to you." I told her. She gave me a look before raising her eyebrow at me.

"About what?" She asked. I didn't respond right away, I just grabbed her hand and led her into the living room. We sat next to each other on the couch. "What Jerome, you're scaring me." She sighed.

"It's nothing bad." I chuckled.

"Thank God." She sighed with relief.

"Alayshia's mom is going to be coming home next month. She may or may not come to live with me. How would you feel about that?" I said.

"I understand that y'all have a daughter together but is it really necessary that y'all live together?" She asked.

"There's other things going on in our lives beside Alayshia. We're trying to help each other grow and I want my daughter to be able to experience somewhat of a normal household." I explained.

"So what are you saying Jerome?" She asked giving me a blank look.

"When I buy the new house, I might move her in with me. We're not even involved romantically at all so you don't have to worry about me doing no foul shit to you." I told her honestly.

For one, Brandy doesn't want shit to do with me in that aspect. Two, I'm actually trying to do right this time. Right now the only person I'm having sex with is Ashlyn and I'm trying to keep it that way.

"Are you telling me or asking me?" She asked raising her eyebrow.

"Both. I'm just letting you know my plans so you won't be caught off guard with it. I don't want you feeling a certain way. I'm just trying to give my daughter the chance to experience both of her parents together in the same household." I told her.

"What about with your other kids?" She asked raising her eyebrow.

"That's out of my control." I mumbled. She didn't say anything, she just stared at me. She was looking at me so intently, I was starting to get a little nervous.

"Can I ask you a question?" She asked. I nodded my head, thankful that she finally stopped staring at me. "Why did Armoni divorce you?"

"Why?" I sighed.