Brothas

One Day at a Time

Kebo: Did you conveniently forget that you left Leslie while she was carrying your kids? Did it not occur to you that she's going through this alone?

Aaron: As your friend, you should understand that I still love her!

Narrator: In case you missed it, here's a recap of the latest chapter of "Brothas..."

Leslie: Right after my ex-boyfriend cheated on me during our college days, about five years ago. He claimed to have changed, but it was clear that he hadn't.

Kebo: The thing is, Aaron, I never talked about our friendship with Ichiban, especially not when things got so heated.

Ichiban: He's telling you the truth, dude.

Aaron: Then what the ---- did I just overhear? What exactly did you say?

Ichiban: Maybe it's time for you and Aaron to sit down and have a heartfelt chat to sort out your problems.

Mike: Bro, I really wish Aaron had the guts to confront me. I'd straight up tell him, 'Listen, homie, let's have a real heart-to-heart outside and talk about how you've been a terrible friend ever since college.

Aaron: I don't even know who you are anymore, ever since you started hanging out with him, huh?

Kebo: What are you even talking about?

Aaron: You're all over this white trash bastard, that's what I'm saying.

Ichiban: Hold on, man! I get that you're angry, but I won't stop down to your level by resorting to name-calling.

Aaron: You're a bastard. You're a stupid bastard! I won't believe a word you say to me!

Ichiban: You messed with the wrong guy on the perfect day!

Nurse Noni: I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but-

Leslie: But what's going on, Noni? What are you trying to tell me?

Nurse Noni: I'm sorry to inform you, Ms. Wilson, but Aaron is not the biological father of your children.

Bryce: Do you seriously want to put everything on the line just to follow your desires? You could risk losing your friends and your job, you know?

Aaron: I'm not sure what I want, so what more can I say?

Bryce: I have no choice but to suspend your pay. You're fired.

(Continue the story)

[At 3:15 P.M. in Salem, Illinois, the city is a hive of activity. Helicopters glide by skyscrapers as the town pulses with vitality. The neighborhoods are alive with residents bustling about, relishing the day's pleasures, all unfolding before Aaron's office building, an iconic feature of this dynamic landscape.]

[Location: Aaron's Ventures Business]

Aaron's and Bryce's POV, in Aaron's office:

Bryce decided to fire Aaron due to his drug-influenced behavior at work. Upon hearing the news, Aaron felt a mix of emotions: anger, hurt, and confusion. "You're firing me?" he asked, his tone laced with disbelief.

"Yes, I think it's best to acknowledge your drug use and secretiveness. I doubt the higher-ups would forgive and reinstate you this time. It's hard to believe you hid it so well," Bryce explained, providing a solid justification for the termination.

Aaron shrugged it off, saying, "Who cares? I won't lose my friends or my job just because you're letting me go."

Bryce shook his head in disappointment. "You're headed down a dangerous path! Have you considered how Valerie would react if she found out about your drug use at work? What's happened to the old you?"