When the Bough Breaks

Chapter 18

💭BRITTNEY POV.

THREE MONTHS LATER...

Carter and I sat with our lawyers and discussed divorce settlement. We also signed papers. Carter was acting his civil self but it was times where I thought it was a front by the way he would look at me every now and then.

After the meeting, I went to the bathroom while Dontrell waited outside of the building for me.

I walk out of the stall and wash my hands. As I wash them, I look at myself in the mirror. I still had some scars that are healing but I have it covered in makeup. I turn the water off and dry my hands.

When I walk out the bathroom, I see Carter waiting for me.

"You know it was nice seeing you. It's been three months", he said.

"Yea", I said as I stopped walking.

Carter looks me up and down. "You'll always be in my heart.", he said. "I paid your lawyer for you. I know you don't have it like that and I don't want him to take advantage of you."

"He wouldn't do that", I said.

"Just in case. I mean like you're vulnerable...he knows that", said Carter. "I don't know...maybe he cared so much about us divorcing so that he could get clientele. But you know him better than me. Maybe I'm wrong."

"... be good to yourself, Carter", I said as I started walking.

"You say that like you'll never see me again", he said. "We still have Grayson."

I look back at Carter as I continue walking. "I still have Grayson. I'm sorry Carter be he's endured enough." I continue to walk until I get outside of the building. 

I see Dontrell leaning against the wall.

"Ready?", Dontrell asked.

"Mhm", I replied.

"So...how you feeling?", Dontrell asked.

"I can't believe that soon I'll be getting a letter in the mail saying that I'm a single woman.", I said.

"Single, working woman", said Dontrell as he took his tie off. "How does it feel to have some freedom?"

"It feels...alright. Well no it feels the same. It's only been three months and I don't really have a life anyway", I said. "...sometimes I feel like he's just going to come back into my life...I never really get rid of him."

"That's only if he can get past me", said Dontrell as he opened the door for me. "We may not get together any time soon or ever but...I know that I want you. I want what's best for you and that's no him. I rather you talk to somebody else. Just not him."

"...you know I've been thinking about you and I and well...I like things the way they are.", I said. "I don't...I don't know what I'd do if I didn't meet you and most importantly, I don't know what I'd do if a relationship didn't work out between us and we never talk again. I think friends are what we need to be...most importantly...I think loving myself is my top priority and that's going to take a while."

Dontrell smiles. "Like I said...I want the best for you. Come on let's go pick Grayson up and get something to eat", he said.

I smile. "Okay", I said before getting in the car.

Dontrell begins to shut the door but I stop him.

"Wait", I said. "Did um...did Carter pay you?"

"He tried to but I didn't want his money...besides...you don't really owe me anything anymore. At this point I'm just happy I can help. I told you that last month", said Dontrell.

I nod.

Dontrell shut the door.

💭DONTRELL POV.

I was actually proud of Brittney for saying that. Everything and everybody is telling not to date Brittney and maybe that's the best thing to do. For real this time. I've made my mind up. I'm going to put my feelings aside and build a friendship with her.

As I walk behind the car to walk to the driver's side, I see Carter looking at me as he walks to his car.

"...can I help you?", I asked.

"You already are...thank you", said Carter.

"What is that supposed to mean?", I asked.

"If you don't know...then you don't know. You don't need to anyway", said Carter.

"If you up to something just say that", I said.

"Why would I be up to something? You know what, I forgot about my past. I've learned to control that bad side of me, so if you think I'm talking about something bad then I'm not. Truly", said Carter.

I look at him for a moment.

"Why did Brittney ask if you paid me?", I asked.

"I don't know why she would ask that", said Carter. "Maybe she just thinks you doing this for free is too good to be true."

I didn't respond to him. I just get in the car.

"What did he say to you?", asked Brittney.

"Nothing", I replied as I start my car.

Brittney looks back in Carter's direction. Almost as if she was worried.

"Calm down", I said . "Really. It was nothing"

I pull out of the parking lot and I drive to Grayson's school.

"We have to get the restraining order today", said Brittney. "On Grayson and myself....maybe you too."

"We will", I said. "I don't need one on me."

Brittney sighs.

"You'll be alright", said Dontrell.

Brittney looks at me then at the road as his body relaxes.

TO BE CONTINUED...