Yesterday's Future 2✔️

13. The days of living in your shell are officially over.

23:45,
Adam's apartment,
NY City

"You what? You forgave her, just like that? Because she said she was sorry?" Tiara retorted while her brother narrated how his dinner with Lily went over the phone, preparing for his night shower.

"That woman has my child Tee. She's part of my life now whether I want it or not. I can't let her take him away from me again. She's hurt me enough. And, if she's really sorry, everyone deserves a second chance. Right?" Even he couldn't believe he had just said that. It's not like there was going to be anything between them, other than trying to raise Wayne together. Right?

"Not this type of second chance my brother. And what if she's not really sorry and is going to hurt you again? Worse than the last time? I don't know about this. I don't even trust her at all. With that red hair on her head. What about Simi? I thought she's part of your life too. You guys had a genuine connection. I can't let you settle for less Adam. This isn't good for you or anyone. Just because of Wayne?"

"Just because? Tee, tell me, what else do I have to show for my life right now?"

"What do you mean what else? You're not even 30 yet! You still have a long way to go."

"You don't understand. I lost almost everything to the divorce, I'm not going to lose him too."

There was a pause on the other end of the line. She did understand. She just didn't want her brother to subject himself to such imprisonment, get hurt by the same woman again who almost ripped him into two. She just wished her brother could completely do away with Lily. She's brought nothing but pain to him. Adam knew this, but she also brought him Wayne, his chance to right his wrongs and prove to himself that he was the man his father could ever be. He had lost enough people in his life and he couldn't bear to lose anymore.

"And Simi? You felt alive with her."

Adam released a deep breath, "Simi and I can not happen. It's just a fairytale. She was just a dream, a phase. She said that and you know it. She's built a life for herself in Abuja that I can't just uproot her from. I have a life here too Tee. I can't just - up and leave. Our worlds don't align." The sound of it on his lips broke his heart that was already broken to more pieces. "Just because you could do the long distance with Mayowa for six years doesn't mean we all can. How did you even do that?"

"I already told you Adam, it wasn't that easy but we love each other."

"Yeah right."

"So, you're never going to come back home? Is that what's going to happen. Because that's what Mum is afraid of too, that's what she keeps saying."

"I never said that. I'd - I'd eventually come back. Nigeria is home."

"But when?"

"I don't know Tiara, but at least I'm coming for your wedding. Just pick a date already. I'm never going to miss that!"

"You better not. Or I'm going to come over there and bundle you myself."

"That would even be better." He heard her giggle over the phone and a smile came to his lips, then it disappeared.

"I miss her Tee." His voice softer than before.