When the Bough Breaks

Chapter 21

BRITTNEY POV.

It's been a couple month since the incident with Carter and since Grayson's funeral. Carter is currently in prison and I am glad because then time he's be in there for good.

As far as how I'm doing, I'm doing better. I'm not the best of the best. I'm not even the same level of emotion that I was with Carter, I'm below that. But yet I feel better than I was when I saw my son dead. Dontrell and Kate are two people I have to thank for that.

Dontrell and I are currently at the mall. We didn't go into all of the same stores together. We kind of went our separate ways. Right now I'm looking for him so we can go to the food court and I see him talking to a girl. I see them give each other their phones back and she walks away smiling at him. Dontrell smiles back but it seemed like a fake smile.

I walk up to him.

"Ooouuhh she's pretty", I said.

"Who? Oh her?", asked Dontrell. "Yea, she's pretty. She gave me her number but I don't think I'll talk to her."

"Why not?", I asked.

"Because I don't need to date right now", said Dontrell.

"Trell I get that I've been going through a lot and I've been a hot mess but please go out on a date with her. I don't need you to babysit me. I'm fine", I said with a smile.

"It's not just about that", said Dontrell.

"Then what else?", I asked.

"I...she just doesn't seem like my type", said Dontrell.

"But yet I'm your type?", I asked. "You're a put together guy, you need a put together girl."

"We don't even know anything about her. For all we know, she can be some crazy girl", said Dontrell.

I chuckle. "You're acting like me", I said. "Last week I got hit on and I told the guy I was taken...mostly because I just feel like I'm scared of men. I'm scared of putting my all into someone because you never know who you're dealing with...I mean I shouldn't be like that but I am. That's just my PTSD. But you have no reason to be that way."

"... you sure if I set a date up with this woman that you'll be okay for a night?", asked Dontrell.

"Yes. Totally. You need a life", I said.

"....and you're sure you wanna just stay friends?", he asked as he stopping making eye contact.

I didn't answer immediately but I answered. "I...I think that's for the best yes", she said.

"...I'm a patient guy...and just the same as the advice that you just gave me...you should listen to eventually. Now I respect your wishes to be friends so I'm not talking about with me...I mean with whoever you choose", he said .

I nod.

"Let's go eat. I'll text her and see what she's about then we'll go from there", said Dontrell as we start walking.

"Good", I said. "And if you need to bring her back to house one night then maybe I can get a room or maybe by then I would be moved out."

"I low key don't want you to move. It's been nice having company but then again, that couch is crazy uncomfortable", said Dontrell.

"I told you, the bed is available", I said. "I can sleep on the couch."

"Nah. My southern hospitality won't let that happen", he said.

"If all guys are like you down south then I might reconsider living in here", I said.

Dontrell chuckles.