When The Smoke Has Cleared

Chapter 11

Chapter Eleven

...

Kenna

"So when is she coming back home?" Gabby asked me again for the third time as Reagan and the boys were occupied looking for a movie for them to watch. It's been a week since I asked Stephanie to leave the house, a week of me ignoring her persistent messages, and a week of witnessing my sister fall back into an easy routine with Gabby and the kids.

"I'm meeting up with her later tonight to talk" I responded as we continued to clean up the counter and put away the dishes. I honestly wasn't sure what to expect. A part of me was hoping she would be calm and would be able to let the situation go. I was happy to see Gabby hydrating herself with non- alcoholic beverages, both her and my sister were glowing, and the boys were happy kids. For the first time in such a long time the house felt completed, and I wanted it to stay that way, but I should've known better. The Carter Family was always in the middle of a mess, but this time I didn't expect my wife to be the one bringing it.

Later That Night

"Haven't been here in ages...what gives?" I asked as I took a seat on the bar stool next to Stephanie. The last time I was in this bar, Gabby was passed out in one of the bathroom stalls her freshman year.

"Hm, don't know...I own the bar ever since Kevin went to prison, and I barely come here. Too many memories, but I ran into an old friend, and they mentioned this place so here we are." She responded before asking the bartender for a couple of White Tea Shots.

"So how have you been?" I asked her gently.

"Now you care? You kicked me out a week ago..." She shot back. Her voice sharp with hurt

"Stephanie please." I implored, searching her eyes for any sign of understanding "Tell me you at least understand why I was upset..." I begged her with my eyes as I waited for her response.

"No actually, I don't" She replied, her gaze avoiding mine. "It sounds to me like both you and Gabby want to give Reagan chances after chances no matter what she does...I don't agree with that. She'll never change."

"Wait baby, so you really think you being upset justifies mentioning Malakai's name?" I asked, desperation creeping into my voice.

"I'm not sure what you want me to say Kenna." She responded, rolling her eyes and taking another shot.

I sat there dumbfounded and took a shot with her, unsure of what to say. This was someone I love. But she sat there cold and unremorseful, as if the gravity of her words had never touched her.

"Okay well, come back home and we'll figure it out and work things out." I said after a few minutes of tense silence.

"No thanks. I'm not staying at that house with her. Plus it was you guys' place anyways...that's why you were so comfortable kicking me out right?" She said, ordering more shots and continuing checking her phone.

"Steph baby come on...this is what couples do...they fight and yes sometimes some healthy space is needed. But then they communicate and they work things out. Look at Gabby and Reagan...the amount of forgiveness and love they have between them can't ever be replaced. I know you don't like it, but honestly I would give anything to have that level of intensity with you." I said softly, placing my hands on top of hers. She looked at me for a few seconds before removing her hands.

"Really? Basically you're looking for someone you can pull on strings and control the same way Reagan has been controlling Gabby?" She retorted, her voice icy.

"Is that really what you think? Even after everything Reagan has sacrificed for your best friend...none of it means anything to you?" I asked, my voice trembling with emotions.

"Sacrificed? Every situation Gabby has been in, has been somehow connected to Reagan. So yeah she saves the day, but it's always after she created the situation in the first place." She said, finally turning to face me.

"Funny, if I remember correctly...Your brother was the one who got Gabby involved in selling drugs since she was what? 13? And when Robert kidnapped Gabby...it was once again YOUR brother who made a deal and gave her to him for drugs right?" I was now livid. My voice is rising with each word. She sat there and started laughing bitterly.

"Gabby knew what she was doing." she replied.

"Oh so now she's the problem? Stephanie what exactly is going on here...what's the actual problem? Because you can't possibly be this upset when your best friend is happy. I get that you two grew up together but she's an adult...you don't get to control her relations and who she dates...or is there some jealousy going on here? Because I've started to question a lot. Do you have feelings for your best friend?" My frustration was spilling over.

"What the hell is wrong with you? I'm just trying to protect her..." She started to reply before we got interrupted.

"Baby there you are! I've been texting you." A voice interrupted from behind me.

Baby? I leaned back, observing the scene unfolding before me. A woman approached, wrapping her arms around Stephanie's neck hugging her from behind in an affectionate hug.

Stephanie looked caught off guard, like a deer in headlights, clearly unsure how to react in my presence.

"Hey um listen, I'm in the middle of something right now, I'll call you later, okay?" Stephanie said, gently unwrapping the arm from her and creating a safe distance. But the woman kept her hand placed on her shoulder, turning to notice my presence beside them.

"Oh hey, sorry I didn't see you there." She said giddy with emotions, a big smile on her face. She looked at me, and I sat there, momentarily frozen. She seemed familiar, but I couldn't place her name.

"I'm sorry, have we met before?" I asked, slowly standing up. Her voice, her face. I had definitely met this woman before. Something was off. Then finally it clicked.

"Um I'm not sure... but I should head out." She said backing away. But it was too late, I had already recognized her.

"No way..." I shook my head in disbelief. Stephanie wouldn't...would she? "Stephanie?" I called her name but she stood up, positioning herself between me and the woman. "I beat your ass once before, haven't I? Jennifer...That was your name wasn't it?"

"Kenna it's not what you think okay?" Stephanie said, reaching out to me. I stepped back and shook my head. If the relationship wasn't over yet, it certainly was now.

"You cheated on me? With her...out of all the people in this fucking city Stephanie you went and fucked HER??? Are you fucking kidding me?"

"No baby please let me explain"

"I've been 'kenna'; for this entire conversation, let's keep it like that... you lying bitch." I took my wedding ring off and threw it at her before grabbing my purse and leaving the bar.