When the Bough Breaks

Chapter 14

💭BRITTNEY POV.

"I'm not just married to one person, I'm basically married to three", said Brittney. "No wonder why I'm so fucked up. I've been having to juggle multiple personalities."

"That is some...crazy shit", said Dontrell.

"I don't know what to do. I'm scared. I'm not married to just one guy. I'm married to like two or three", I said. "How could I not have noticed this before?"

"Maybe it wasn't bad before", said Dontrell.

"I'm supposed to be his wife. I am supposed to protect him and vice versa... I know that something was wrong with him mentally after a while... but I didn't know it was this", I said.

"But now you do and that's what matters", said Dontrell.

Kate walks over after tending to her other customers.

"So let me get this straight. One of his personalities treats you like a human being and lets you do the things you want, like coming here...another one is a narcissistic jerk that is crazy as hell and the other ignores you because he's too focused on his career, said said Kate.

"Yea and I think the business-oriented one is going to be so pissed once he finds out Carter got a new job", I said.

"Girl, I don't know if I could handle that", said Kate.

"Don't say that.", said Dontrell.

"It's true", said Kate.

"Okay, but don't scare the girl", said Dontrell.

"Guys I'm right here so don't talk like I'm not", I said.

"All I'm saying is, you need to be careful", said Kate.

I look down and shake my head.

"Is it bad to say that I don't even wanna be with him anymore?", I asked.

"I mean like...if it's how you feel it's how you feel", said Kate.

"Its not even because of what I just found out...well maybe it is...what I'm trying to say is. Was his DID the reason why I don't love him anymore? Yes. But it's not because he has it. It's because I don't like the others inside of him", I said. "Damn that was weird to say."

"So, what are you going to do?", asked Dontrell.

"What do you mean?", I asked as I looked at Dontrell.

"Another customer just came up. Be right back", said Kate.

"I mean like...are you going to stay with him?", asked Dontrell.

"Dontrell, I kinda don't have a choice", I said. "I mean like I found the problem of why he's been so irrational but...the moment the Carter that I know gets mad, stressed or jealous...the other guy comes out"

"At the end...it doesn't mean you have to stay with him", said Dontrell.

"I'm pregnant, Dontrell. It's a little late for that. Besides...even if I did divorce him, he'll be in my life no matter what because of the kids", I said.

"Wow...I didn't know you were pregnant", said Dontrell.

"Yea...I um kinda forgot to tell you", I said. "Well I didn't forget...I was avoiding that detail."

"How come?", he asked.

"You know why", I said. "I... I know we're just friends but let's be real. We feel something more than just friends."

"No, we don't", said Dontrell. "You had your chance."

"He almost shot you", I said. "I saved your life...you wanna sit here and tell me that you're just some crush or something. I actually like you."

"But we ain't on that same level. You still love your husband", said Dontrell.

"Did you not hear me saying that I don't love him anymore?", I asked.

"Yea, I heard you", said Dontrell. "But I think unconsciously, you do. If you didn't...you would've left him. If you didn't, you—"

"I am pregnant okay?", I said in a firm voice. "I don't like to associate myself as some user but I need help. He's already my husband, he has money and I need the help. I can't do this one my own. I can't divorce him, try to see where things go with you and if they go sideways, I'm struggling."

"You'll never know if they will unless we try", said Dontrell.

"I do know because I know me. I know all of the problems I have and I know that I don't wanna burden you with that....am I willing to make things work with Carter...yea but like he always says...he's all I have. The only person who will put up with my—"

"Bullshit", said Dontrell. "Bullshit. That man has put you through hell. He is the reason you have the baggage."

I didn't say anything.

"You're letting him, or whatever personality he has get into your head. Those are his words...not yours. They're his", said Dontrell.

"Dontrell...I have a five year old and a baby on the way. Find somebody to start your family with...not somebody who always has kids and definitely somebody who doesn't even have a career.", I said.

"I can help you get a career if you let me", said Dontrell. "Whether we're friends or together. You wanna say he is all you have like you don't have two friends that is here for you to listen to your problem. You are not alone with him."

I look at the bar counter. I could really use a drink right now because I am so confused and I just wanna stop thinking about my life. But I can't have a drink...maybe one won't hurt. Wait. No Britt, you can't have a drink. You have a baby inside of you. But it's a baby that shouldn't suffer like Grayson is suffering, in my hands.

I begin to massage my forehead.

"No Britt", I whispered to myself.

"You okay?", asked Dontrell.

"You're worth it. You're loved. You're a good mother.", I whispered to myself.

"Britt?", said Dontrell.

"I'm fine. I just...I've been having those thoughts lately", I said.

"...wanna go get ice cream?", asked Dontrell.

I start to answer Dontrell but as I look past him, I see Carter walk in. It was weird seeing Carter here.

Carter sees me and walks to us.

"Hey", said Carter.

"Hey. Is everything okay?", I asked.

"Yea. I just...I thought I should hang out with you. Maybe get to know your friends", said Carter before he looks at Dontrell.

"You already know how I feel about you man. You almost killed me", said Dontrell.

"Yea", said Carter as he sat on the other side of me.

I face Carter and I feel Dontrell getting up and walking away.

"You didn't have to leave man", said Carter.

"I'm good", said Dontrell.

Carter looks at me. "I just wanted to spend time with you.", he said. "I didn't mean to make things awkward."

"It's okay", I said.

Carter and I begin talking and then we eventually leave because neither one of us was having a drink and we weren't hungry.

TO BE CONTINUED....