Suits (My Worst Partner-Enemy)

Puppy Obsession

7AM.

Another morning appeared to be finally normal. Maya's return to work! In the living room, I finished zipping up my high tops and back-checking my bag including Avery's backpack. My jaw dropped. I pulled out her stuffed Yorkie puppy. The toy she keeps taking to school which drives me crazy. Her toys are supposed to stay at home instead of school. I cleared my throat abruptly. "Avery." I called. "Yes Mommy?" She spoke while being glued to the screen. I grabbed the remote and turned off the TV. "What's this doing in your backpack?" I asked, holding up the plushie. Avery huffed. "Mommy, Bubo stays in my bag! He likes sleeping there until I bring him for recess." She whined while trying to get it but I refused. "Sweetie, we talked about this. You cannot bring your toys to school. You already have one in mommy's office that you could play with all you want. Bubo belongs at home where he'll be when you come." I said firmly. She nodded in disagreement. "No! Bubo stays with me! Me only!" She whined. I zipped up her backpack and dropped the toy on the couch. "Enough. Bubo stays at home, not school. Period." I repeated. Tears instantly fill her eyes as she angrily stomped her foot. "No home! Bubo stays with me! I'm not leaving without Bubo!" She cried. I growled. "You are—I was cut off by Maya. "What is going on here?" She asked, coming downstairs. Avery grabbed the toy and hugged it to her chest. "Mommy wants me to leave Bubo! I'm not leaving Bubo! Bubo stays with me!" She told her. I placed both hands on my hips. "You are not taking your toy to school. I'm tired of repeating myself, get your backpack and let's go. Now." I growled firmly. Maya motioned me to talk in the kitchen. "Excuse us babygirl, we'll be back." She told her. Avery sniffled and hugged it more. We walked to the kitchen where Maya closed the door. "Liz, this has been going on for two weeks. I know I've said this is a phase she's going through but this crazed obsession has got to stop. She should be playing with another toy and forgetting this one. How come she's still obsessed?" She whispered. I fake gasped. "Oh I know! Cause you hadn't let me spank her for refusing to leave that thing home?" I asked sarcastically. Maya sighed. "Spanking isn't gonna always work. There are plenty of ways. You once made her sit in her room for a while cause she had a fit over us making dinner instead of pizza. She cried and cried, saying sorry. Right now she repeated a few times 'Bubo stays with me' as if she's critically obsessed." She explained. Hmm, critically obsessed? "Definition of critically obsessed. Obsessed but awfully." I muttered annoyedly. She smiled knowingly. "Ask her." She quickly said. "What?" I blurted weirdly. "Ask her. Sit with her and communicate with questions. 'Why is she obsessed with her toy?' 'What's wrong?' 'Tell me what you're feeling.' She'll tell you the truth like always. This isn't normal child behavior." She reexplained. I hummed unconvincingly. "And what if it doesn't work Dr. Phil?" I joked but in a serious tone. Maya scoffed. "Get rid of the toy and put her on the same timeout." She growled. I nodded in understanding and walked out. Avery was reading her book while the puppy was on her lap. The next phase of my unspoken plan. "Babygirl." I called. She looked up and sniffled. "Yes mommy?" She spoke. A tight smile hit my lips. "You can take Bubo to school but under one condition. Play with him at recess only cause you have to focus in class. Ok?" I said sternly. She nodded obediently. "Good, let's go." I told her. We gathered our things and left the house. All I could do is hope Maya's right.

8AM. ~ My Office ~

On my laptop, due to my researching talent, I managed to find information about this—I paused when Mike rushed in and closed the door. "Liz, Jessica caught us." He quickly said. My eyes widened in total shock. "Hold up, hold up, hold up! Jessica figured out the plan? Just like that? Like a snap of the finger?" I spoke in a surprised tone. He nodded. My stomach dropped. Damn, this was just what my worst scenario was. Harvey wanted Darby to get eaten but he ate himself. Working here for a long while, I've known better than to do underhanded things behind Jessica's back. But considering this didn't work perfectly, it means Scottie will start being here permanently cause of this merger. I pinched the bridge of my nose frustratedly. Ugh! Why does Harvey do illegal shit? "I'm gonna kill him." I mumbled through gritted teeth. Mike sighed, walking up to my desk. "This isn't over yet. Harvey could still fix this." He assured. I nodded nonchalantly and went back to working. He walked around the desk to see the screen. "What's that?" He asked confusedly. I quickly exited the page. "What's what?" I asked in fake confusion. "That page you exited out. 'How To Get Your Child Out of Their Toy Possession?' Everything ok at home?" He mentioned. I rubbed my temple slightly. "Avery's having an obsession with her stuffed animal puppy. She keeps taking it to school every day and I keep trying to trick her sometimes to not take it. It's been going on for two weeks and I'm tired of it." I explained frustratedly. Mike shrugged. "So talk to her." He spoke in an obvious tone. "What's worse? Harvey's plan failing or you agreeing with Maya's point?" I asked weirdly. He playfully scoffed. "Whatever point you were imagining, it wasn't mine. I'm saying you should be a little more firm with her. If you don't, she'll be spoiled. If she refuse to leave the toy at home, then put her on a timeout or take away TV privileges. Don't walk on eggshells because she'd throw tantrums or cry." He advised. The whole time I listened in shock. His advice seems a little different. Avery refused a couple times so timeout is better. I smiled sneakily. "Alright, thanks Mike." I quickly said. He nodded and walked past Maya who entered. "What was that about?" She asked. I huffed. "To cut it short, Harvey's plan failed and Avery will get a timeout for that toy." I told her. She pursed her lips. "Why?" Is all she asked. "Don't act like you weren't present." I sassed. Maya looked down knowingly.

******

12PM. ~ Healthy Smoothie Cafe ~

The nice waiter brought us our smoothies and we thanked him. We left, heading for Maya's car. Let's just say we rode together cause she missed a couple rides lately. She took the drivers seat while I sat in the other. We put our drinks in the cup holder before she started the car. My bag suddenly began buzzing. I picked it up and pulled out my phone. An anonymous text popped up. Well, unfortunately, a text with a name I am livid of seeing. I mentally restrained myself from losing it.

Scottie: I know you hate my guts, you have every reason to. But I need to talk to you.

BlueQueen👑🩵: about what? Tell me so I can't be on guard with u.🙄

Scottie: Not on text, not even tell Harvey cause it won't be good coming from me.

I was confused but more curious. I have every reason not to talk to her but my gut says otherwise. Things were so messy the last time I spoke to a boyfriend's old girlfriend. Until realizing we were innocent and wanted love. Yet it got toxic because we loved him at the same time. What's to say if Scottie doesn't want this? I let out a deep sigh and texted back.

BlueQueen👑🩵: where?

Scottie: (address name and place)

I leaned back as a million scenarios clouded my mind. Trust your gut, Liz. It knows what it's doing and stay completely calm.