' 𝐁𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐀𝐃𝐎𝐍𝐍𝐀 ' ˊ ˗ soa

𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐈𝐭 𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐝

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Several heads turned in her direction as she hurriedly made her way down the densely populated street in central Manhattan. Some couldn't help but gawk, whilst others sent a quick glare towards the women whose phone rested dangerously between the tip of her shoulder and ear, as she fumbled around in her large designer handbag for her keys. "It's just different this time, B. I don't think I could handle a relapse of the last five years again, not this soon. Not ever." The voice on the other end of the phone spoke, evident defeat lacing her words as she spoke.

"You and I both know you can never be half in or half out, D. Especially not somebody like Ope. But who knows, maybe he'll pull his head out of his ass- he's still got a few weeks to choose his new path." The young English women offered in hopes of easing the stress which laid upon her best friends shoulders, but it wasn't of much use. Belladonna Jones had known Donna Winston since the two were in preschool. Since the day they met, the two had been joint at the hip. It was unusual to see one without the other, despite the two year age gap between the two. Some would joke and say that the two were actually long lost sisters, especially Belladonna's father, Damien Jones. He was convinced that the two were destined to be friends, especially since their names were practically combined.

"I just don't know how much longer I can do this shit for. I'll be dammed if I let my kids continue to grow up without a father." Donna muttered, earning a strained sigh from her friend. "Ope is a good man, Donna. Shit he did more for me than my own damn brother did when we was growing up, regardless of the shit he got himself into at times. But I don't ever doubt that he does what he does, without thinking about you or the kids first. His job description never did say it was going to be all fun and games, you know. Just give him a chance."

"How many more chances am I supposed to give him? How many more promises is he going to break to not only me, but the kids too? They don't need that kind of unstable bullshit in their lives, Bella." Donna stressed, her heart now feeling heavy in her chest the more she spoke. Bella wasn't an idiot, she knew better than anyone that Donna was right. Hell she would agree if it wasn't for the fact that she loved her best friends husband like a brother. Opie Winston was like a gentle giant in Belladonna's eyes- despite his lifestyle. Bella knew Opie always had the best intentions at heart when it came to his family, no matter how twisted they could come across sometimes. He was a good man, so it was difficult for the young women to console her best friend when the topic involved her marriage- specifically Opie and his choice of lifestyle.

The two remained silent for a few moments after that, with the younger women struggling to come up with something else to say. Belladonna hated knowing that her friend was upset, especially since she was unable to do much about it. Donna was a tough women, but when it came to the love she had for her husband, it was as if her emotions erupted into chaos. God, at this point in time Belladonna wished for nothing more than to return to her best friends side and hold her, whilst reassuring her that it was all going to be okay but the truth was, she knew it would take more than that. Belladonna hadn't properly been back to her old hometown in years, not for longer than a couple days. Sure, she'd visit on the occasional random holiday or birthday but other than that, Charming held no importance to her. It was simply the town she grew up in, and the town she grew out of- especially after the passing of her father.

"I really wish you were here with me, B. I know it's selfish of me to say this, but I don't know how long I can keep myself afloat for." Belladonna knew that at some point throughout the two girls phone call, Donna would mention this same topic at least once. She did every phone call, without fail. It was tough, because the young women wanted nothing more than to be reunited with her oldest friend but life and her job always got in the way. Belladonna had a demanding job more times than not lately, so it had been more difficult to take time off than it used to be. Although after recently being declared free to do whatever for awhile by her boss, the young women didn't see a reason as to why she couldn't go and visit Donna.

"I know D, I miss you too- and let's not forget the two little rascals. I can't promise anything, but I'll try to come down sometime soon okay? Maybe we can take the kids on a small trip or something? My treat." Belladonna suggested as she finally came to stand besides the drivers side door of her recently purchased car. Her long, manicured nails tapped on the glossy black surface as she rested her backside against the door. "The last time you said "small trip", we ended up in Florida and spent a week at Disney World. You already do enough for us, Bella, but money is tight at the minute- and you know I hate taking your money."

"Well it's a good thing I didn't give you a choice, Don. I gotta go now though, alright? Send my love to the kids and tell them I'll be seeing them in a couple of weeks. Keep your head up in the meantime alright? Ill be there before you know it. I love you."

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