MILF | JJK

fifteen

[A WEEK LATER]

Work had been a hit or miss for the last couple of weeks. There was the usual loyal clients, but missing that usual influx of new customers. Business was dragging its feet, and I found myself in one of those tough stretches. But seeing this text seemingly made all my worries disappear.

I felt a smile etch on my lips as I read a text from Destiny's school about landing the leading part of Annie in her school's summer musical. Hand against my mouth in awe, I absorbed the news just before stepping into the house, the weariness of a long workday mingling with the anticipation of unloading a hefty load of groceries.

It just so happened to be August 13th, Destiny's 15th birthday, and though we weren't supposed to be celebrating this year because of her recent bad behavior at school, I felt like completely doing nothing would be evil so I bought some decorations, some ingredients to make her favorite food, rice and peas with oxtail with cinnamon rolls as dessert. I also got her a small present, a bag of lip gloss, hair decor such as scrunches and clips, bracelets and a necklace.

Basking in the warmth of the summer sun on my back, I lugged the groceries indoors. To my surprise, music filled the air, and my house was transformed into a lively gathering. The aroma of food and drinks enveloped the space. My raised eyebrows zeroed in on the first person I recognized – my older sister, Briana, sipping on a drink.

"Bri?" I arched a brow, a small smile playing on her lips. Awkwardly, she pulled me into a hug. We weren't the hugging type, never had been. Our childhood was a cascade of arguments fueled by constant comparison, as if our family pitted us against each other. At 15, when I got pregnant, it seemed like Briana had finally won.

Now, a wealthy lawyer in some California law firm, she had a doctor husband, Daryl, and a brood of kids – Ezekiel, the eldest, and twins, Michael and Michaela.

"Jada," Briana greeted me with a fake smile.

"What are you doing here? What's everyone doing here? Is that Aunt Mavis?" I squinted at the familiar figure of my aunt, someone I hadn't seen since high school.

"Your husband called us a couple of days ago. He said it was Destiny's birthday, and he was doing a little something down here, so he invited us to come," Briana explained casually, still sipping her drink.

I hadn't shared the news of my divorce. I kept it to myself, avoiding the potential gloating from Briana or our parents. I could almost hear them saying, 'I told you so.' Even though my family disliked Robert, suspecting he was abusive, I defended him staunchly.

I felt a scoff escape my lips as Robert really went out of his way, disobeying my wishes, and called all my family, as well as our friends, to celebrate Destiny's birthday— Even though I told him explicitly it was not a good idea.

"Ezekiel, come say hello to your aunt." Briana gestured for her son to say hello. Though Ezekiel was the same age as Destiny, he looked like he could pass for 18. The last time I saw this boy was when he was 8 so he had grown up nicely.