𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐖𝐞 𝐆𝐨 (𝐮𝐡 𝐨𝐡)

2. Always gotta be your way

I sat on the couch, absentmindedly flipping through channels as Kenya settled in beside me, her eyes glued to the screen. We had been watching random episodes of Grey's Anatomy and The Good Doctor when she turned to me, curiosity in her eyes.

"So, how'd he react?" she asked, her tone a mix of concern and intrigue.

I took a sip of my lemon tea, feeling the warmth slide down my throat as I weighed my response. "Well," I began, "he tried to deny it at first, like it wasn't his. Typical Ray shit, trying to call me out on my so-called 'bullshit.' But we got the DNA test done, and... turns out, it's his." I shrugged, trying to keep my tone casual, though the memory still stung.

Kenya raised an eyebrow, her interest piqued. "And now?"

"Now?" I echoed, glancing at the TV as if it could offer some wisdom. "Now he's trying to step up, change his ways. But, you know, it's one step at a time. I'm not holding my breath."

Our conversation was cut short by the sound of the front door opening. Ray stepped in, his arms laden with grocery bags, his presence filling the room. He caught my eye and offered a hesitant smile.

"I, uh, picked up some groceries," he announced, making his way to the kitchen to unload.

I forced a smile, not wanting to make things more awkward. "Thanks, my love," I replied, the words tasting strange in my mouth. I turned back to Kenya, batting my lashes in an exaggerated manner to lighten the mood.

"You ain't gonna say hey to Kenya?" I teased.

Ray glanced over his shoulder, offering a half-hearted wave. "Hey, Kenya," he said, his voice flat.

She waved back with a laugh. "Girl, you too much," she said, playfully swatting my arm.

"So," Kenya continued, "the girls were talking about getting away for a weekend. You in?"

I hesitated, knowing how these trips usually went. "Who's all going?" I asked, blowing on my tea to cool it down. I wasn't in the mood to deal with the full entourage from work. Kenya knew that.

"Just a few of us-Alia, Jazmin, me, and you," she replied, counting off on her fingers. "That's it."

I mulled it over for a moment, then nodded. "Alright, I'll come."

Ray, who had been quiet until then, suddenly interjected. "Uh, i don't think so, Moni," he began, his voice boosted from the kitchen with that annoying caution.

"You don't think what?" I asked, already feeling my temper rise. His tone had set me off.

He ran a hand through his beard, a sigh escaping his lips. "You pregnant, Moni. I don't want you around all that alcohol and partying. You might be tempted, and I won't be there to stop you."

"It's a cabin retreat, laid back and no partying." Kenya butted in.

Kenya shot me a wide-eyed look, clearly uncomfortable. She quickly grabbed her purse and stood up. "Uh, just call me later," she said, leaning down to give me a quick hug before hurrying out the door.

I felt my face flush with anger as I turned to Ray. "Babe..." he started, trying to reach out to me, but I wasn't having it. I jumped to my feet, my frustration boiling over.

"You always need things your way!" I shouted. "What if I want to live my own life for once?" I could feel the heat of my anger, my voice trembling as I paced the floor.

Ray just sat there, his hands clasped together, looking as if he were absorbing my words like a sponge.

"You embarrassed me in front of Kenya! Once again!" I paced the floor. "You care too much about what other people think." He mumbled under his breath. I stopped in my tracks and my eyes darted to him.