BENEATH THE SURFACE

Chapter 8: Plans and Tensions

The next few weeks were a whirlwind for Myeisha and Trip. They started discussing what life would look like with a baby, planning for a future that felt both exciting and terrifying. Myeisha focused on preparing for the baby, while Trip made moves to distance himself from the streets, trying to figure out how to exit the life he'd always known.

One evening, they sat together on the couch, going over baby names while the TV flickered in the background. Myeisha could see Trip was trying to relax, but his mind was clearly elsewhere.

Myeisha: "What about Aaliyah for a girl? Or Malik for a boy?"

Trip chuckled, shaking his head.
Trip: "Aaliyah sounds nice, but Malik? Nah, that's too common, don't you think?"

Myeisha rolled her eyes, a playful smile creeping onto her face.
Myeisha: "And what do you suggest, Mr. Expert?"

Trip paused, glancing away.
Trip: "I don't know, something strong. Like Zion or something."

Myeisha laughed, shaking her head.
Myeisha: "Zion? You just trying to be extra."

But the light moment quickly faded. Myeisha could see the tension in Trip's shoulders, the way his brow furrowed when he thought she wasn't looking.

Myeisha: "Trip, what's really goin' on? You've been quiet."

Trip leaned back, running a hand over his face.
Trip: "It's just... I'm tryin' to figure out how to make this work. I know I said I wanna leave, but every time I try, something pulls me back."

Myeisha felt her heart race.
Myeisha: "You gotta be careful, Trip. If they catch wind that you're tryin' to back out..."

Trip cut her off, his voice low and intense.
Trip: "I know, I know. But I can't keep livin' like this. I can't put you and our baby at risk."

Myeisha reached for his hand, squeezing it tightly.
Myeisha: "We can do this together. But you gotta promise me you'll stay focused. No more distractions."

Trip nodded, but the uncertainty in his eyes remained.
Trip: "I'm tryin', Myeisha. But I got people dependin' on me. If I just leave, they'll think I'm soft."

Myeisha felt a wave of frustration.
Myeisha: "It's not about bein' soft! It's about keepin' your family safe. You gotta choose us over them."

Trip's gaze hardened.
Trip: "You don't understand how this works. They don't just let you walk away. It ain't that simple."

Myeisha's voice raised slightly, her heart pounding.
Myeisha: "So what? You just gonna keep playin' this game until it catches up to you? Until it catches up to us?"

Trip stood up, pacing the room.
Trip: "I'm not gonna let that happen. I swear. But I can't just ignore my responsibilities. I gotta finish what I started."

Myeisha felt tears prick her eyes. She wanted to scream, to shake him until he understood how serious this was.
Myeisha: "What about our responsibilities? What about the baby? We need you here, Trip, not out there risking your life!"

Trip stopped, turning to face her. His expression softened, but the frustration still lingered.
Trip: "I know, Myeisha. I know. But if I leave everything behind, I might be putting you both in more danger."

She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself.
Myeisha: "We can't live in fear. We have to find a way to get out safely, together."

Trip nodded slowly, and they both fell silent, the weight of their conversation hanging in the air. Myeisha knew this wasn't just about them anymore; it was about the life they were bringing into the world.

The next day, Trip was out making moves to cut ties with his old life. He met with K, his right-hand man, in a secluded spot, hoping to discuss his exit strategy without drawing attention.

Trip: "Look, I'm done. I need to step away from this."

K raised an eyebrow, leaning back against the car.
K: "You serious? You think you can just bounce like that? You got enemies, man. They won't let you walk away."

Trip felt the tension in his chest tighten.
Trip: "I know what I'm doin'. I got a baby on the way. I can't keep livin' like this."

K shook his head, a smirk playing on his lips.
K: "A baby? You think that's gonna change anything? You think they care about that?"

Trip stepped closer, his voice low and intense.
Trip: "I'm not askin' for permission. I'm telling you I'm out. Find someone else to run your game."

K's expression shifted, the playful demeanor vanishing.
K: "You really think you can just walk away? After everything we built? You're makin' a mistake, Trip."

Trip's fists clenched, his resolve hardening.
Trip: "No, the mistake was getting too deep into this life. I'm done. If you can't understand that, then you're not the friend I thought you were."

K paused, weighing his words carefully.
K: "You gotta think about this. It ain't just about you anymore. You know that, right?"

Trip felt the weight of K's words, but he couldn't let fear dictate his life anymore.
Trip: "I know exactly what I'm doing. I'm doing it for my family. Don't try to talk me out of this."

K sighed, frustration etched on his face.
K: "Alright, but just know the streets don't forget. You leave, and you better be ready for what comes next."

Trip walked away, the tension lingering in the air. He knew K was right—leaving wouldn't be easy. But for Myeisha and their baby, it was worth the fight.

Back at home, Myeisha was preparing dinner when Trip walked in. She could see the tension in his posture, the way his jaw tightened.

Myeisha: "How did it go?"

Trip ran a hand through his hair, pacing slightly.
Trip: "I told K I'm out. He didn't take it well."

Myeisha turned off the stove, her heart racing.
Myeisha: "What did he say?"

Trip sighed, leaning against the counter.
Trip: "He said the streets won't let me go easy. That I should think it over."

Myeisha stepped closer, placing a hand on his arm.
Myeisha: "And what do you think?"

Trip looked into her eyes, his expression softening.
Trip: "I know what I want, Myeisha. I want us to be a family. But I also know it won't be simple."

Myeisha nodded, feeling the weight of their situation.
Myeisha: "We'll figure it out. Together. But you gotta promise me you'll stay focused on us and not let them pull you back in."

Trip took her hand, squeezing it tightly.
Trip: "I promise. No more distractions. Just us and our baby."

Myeisha smiled, a glimmer of hope returning. They were in this together, and despite the uncertainty ahead, she felt stronger knowing they had each other.

As they stood in the kitchen, planning their future, Myeisha felt the warmth of love and determination fill the space between them. The road ahead wouldn't be easy, but they were ready to fight for their family.