How could we?

Chapter 38

Malaysia POV:

We took my mom's car to the airport. My mom is sitting with Xavi in the backseat while I drive us to the airport. 

I am contemplating a lot of things in my mind, my mom was right about Derwin and Xavier's relationship but at the same time, allowing him access to Xavier means I'm closing the door on Zac and I ever working things out. What a mess I have gotten myself into. I wish I could get back some normalcy. Maybe I'll take Zac's divorce settlement and branch into the beauty industry, try and pick myself up and keep busy, find someone and move on. But I also don't want to make any moves that would further expand the gap between Zac and I. I really believe there's some hope for us. Zac is a family man, he will want to come back to his family at some point. Fatima is no homemaker, she's a career woman. Zac doesn't want that, he needs someone at home taking care of things. Right? Gosh what if he prefers career women? He is the one that pushed me to do my PhD. Oh Lord, what have I done? I think I'm losing my mind.

Angie: (shouting) MALAYSIA! ARE YOU TRYING TO KILL US!!!

My mom's screams snap me out of my thoughts and I put on my emergency blinkers.

Asia: What's wrong?

Angie: Come sit in the back and let me drive. You just ran a red light and almost had us killed! You have kids Malaysia, snap out of this funk you're in PLEASE!!! 

Asia: (eyes glistening from unshed tears) I... I'm so... I'm so sorry, I completely zoned out. I'm sorry. 

Angie: (climbing out the car and opening the driver's seat) Out you go, I'll drive. This is crazy, I don't even know why you want to go back to Atlanta. You're clearly not ready to be on your own.

Asia: (climbing out the car) I'm sorry mom, I promise you I'm okay. 

Angie: Yeah whatever.

As I sat in the backseat of my mom's car, the familiar streets blurring past, I feel a quiet tension filling the air. My fingers nervously tapped against my knee, and I stole glances at her, hoping for some last-minute wisdom or comfort. Instead, she kept her eyes on the road, her hands gripping the steering wheel tightly, betraying the calm exterior she tried to maintain.

We arrived at the airport, and I went through the motions of checking in, my body on autopilot. I could feel her eyes on me, a mix of worry and love, as I handed over my ID and boarding pass.

Angie: I'm going to ask you for the last time. Are you sure about this, Malaysia?

I nodded, not trusting my voice to come out steady. After getting my boarding pass, we walked toward the security checkpoint. She gave me a tight hug, holding on longer than usual. 

Angie: Be safe

Asia: I will, I promise.

I made my way through security, glancing back at her one last time. She gave me a small wave, and I tried to smile. As soon as I was out of her sight, I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding and made my way to the first-class lounge.

The lounge was quiet and luxurious, a stark contrast to the bustling terminal outside. I found a seat by the window, overlooking the tarmac. Sinking into the plush chair, I allowed myself a moment to breathe. The tension in my shoulders slowly easing.

I ordered a mimosa and settled in, watching the planes take off and land. My mind wandered to everything that had happened recently. So much had changed, and I wasn't sure where this journey would take me. But for now, I was here, in this lounge, with a few precious moments of peace before the next chapter began. I pulled Xavi into my lap as he was starting to doze off in his stroller.