The Love That Grew

Ch. 25 Crossing the Stage

May ...

Tahiri stood by the closet door watching Xavier grab another pair of shoe's fuming. "I don't get why you need multiple outfits for a one-day event"

He shrugged her statement off and continued packing a few more items before zipping his suitcase up and heading down the stairs. "I can't believe you're still leaving knowing I don't feel comfortable-

"You don't feel comfortable with what Tahiri?" Xavier sighed impatiently checking the time on his watch

"I don't feel comfortable with you going out of state to see another woman. I don't care if it's for her graduation that's what her families there for. I'm your priority not her."

Xavier paused, turning to face Tahiri with a look of disbelief. "Ta, she's carrying our child. It's her graduation day, it's important to her, and I promised to be there. This isn't about anyone else; it's about supporting the person who's supporting us simple."

This was it the moment she'd been waiting four long years for. After endless nights of studying and obsessing over her grades Jashae was finally crossing the stage. Xavier would be damned if he missed it for anything including Tahiri.

Tahiri crossed her arms, her expression hardening. "It's not just about that, and you know it. I feel like you're spending more time with her than you are with me. What's more important making your surrogate happy or me?"

Xavier took a deep breath, trying to keep his frustration in check. "Tahiri, I'm here, but I also have other responsibilities. Jashae has been a great support to us through this whole surrogacy process. I can't just ignore that. It's one day, and I'll be back before you know it."

Tahiri's eyes narrowed. "You really think it's appropriate for you to go alone?"

"Appropriate? Ta, I'm not arguing with you about this I have a flight to catch. I asked you to come along you said and I quote 'What's in it for me?' You can't step outside yourself for one damn day? Jashae is six months pregnant Tahiri six months, and I can count on one hand how many appointments you've actually shown up for. Did you know she's starting to have mini contractions? Or that she's allergic to shellfish now? Of course not because you don't give a fuck, I'm starting to think you never did."

Over the past month Tahiri had become extremely possessive over him especially when it came down to Jashae. Xavier couldn't wrap his mind around it but now hearing her complaints he understood it clearly, she was jealous. Her constant need for validation and her new views on Jashae were concerning. Whenever it came time for an appointment she'd make an excuse not to go but would text or call him numerous times to 'check in'.

Tahiris neck snapped at Xavier's words, her face flushing with anger and hurt. "That's not fair Xavier! I've been busy with the wedding. I care, but I have my own life too. And yes, I said 'What's in it for me?' because I feel like you putting more effort into her than into us."

Xavier shook his head, annoyed. "It's not about choosing sides or putting effort into one person over another. Jashae is carrying our child, and she's doing it selflessly. I'm not asking you to be her best friend, but damn you showing up wouldn't hurt. This isn't just about us anymore; there's a baby involved."

Tahiri bit her lip, tears welling in her eyes. " Jashae this Jashae that I just... I don't want to feel like I'm second to her. I want to be the most important person in your life."

Pinching the bridge of his nose Xavier tried his best to console his a dramatic Tahiri "I've never made you second to her or anyone else this jealous shits gotta stop it's not a good look on you."

She looked away, blinking back tears. "I just feel like I'm losing you."

Xavier sighed, pulling her into a hug. "You're not losing me. But we need to communicate and trust each other. I'll be back for the wedding rehearsal, and we can talk more then. But right now, I have to go."