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Toni's POV
Kenny and I were getting some rest after having a shower session to relieve some stress. I was going actively texting Tamar back as she was talking about my boys and are so active and how they wouldn't let her sleep.
I was so greatful for Tamar, she's the only one I really had since I didn't have a good relationship with my mom and my other siblings went back to Maryland.
Tamar had agreed with me and Kenny that we didn't wanna leave the other 4 kids in LA by themselves for to long so Tamar said that she'd stay in Atlanta with us for a little while longer then fly back to LA to state with the kids and she didn't mind taking Kensley but Kenji would have to stay because he's still being breastfed. This was the life of being a mom.
I was laying on Kenny's chest as he ran his fingers through my shirt wavy hair. I put my phone down and looked at Kenny.
"Ken"
"Yeah honey?"
"Don't you ever feel like world is against you?"
"Yeah"
"Like when do you feel like that? Like specifically or is it literally all the time"
"When you don't give me any pussy."
"Ken." I laughed at his corny joke but I knew he was serious.
"But in all seriousness, I feel like we failed as parents and you know but that's just life. Just because our kids are doing what they're doing doesn't mean we failed."
I sighed, feeling the weight of his words. "I know, Ken. It's just... sometimes it feels like no matter how hard we try, there's always something going wrong."
Kenny pulled me closer, his warmth comforting me. "Babe, we're doing our best. That's all that matters. Our kids are alive and healthy, and that's a win in my book."
I nodded, appreciating his optimism. "You're right. I guess I just need to remind myself of that more often."
He kissed my forehead gently. "Exactly. And remember, we have each other. We'll get through anything together."
I smiled, feeling a bit more at ease."Thanks, Ken. You always know how to make me feel better."
"That's my job," he said with a wink.
Just then, my phone buzzed again. It was Tamar, sending me a picture of the boys playing. I showed it to Kenny, and we both laughed at their antics.
"Looks like they're having a blast," Kenny said.
"Yeah, they are. Tamar's a lifesaver."
"We're lucky to have her."
"Definitely,"I agreed, feeling a wave of gratitude for my sister.
As we settled back into a comfortable silence, I realized that despite the challenges, I wouldn't trade this life for anything. With Kenny by my side and our kids bringing joy to our days, we could handle whatever came our way.
Kenny's phone buzzed, and he glanced at it, his expression turning serious."It's work. They need me to handle something."
I frowned, feeling a pang of disappointment. "Now? It's almost-"
"Yeah, I'm sorry, babe. I'll be quick, I promise."
I nodded, trying to hide my frustration. "It's okay. Go do what you need to do."
He kissed me one more time before getting up and heading out the door. I watched him go, feeling a mix of pride and sadness. Kenny worked so hard to provide for us, but sometimes it felt like we never got enough time together.
I picked up my phone again, texting Tamar back to thank her for the picture. She replied almost instantly, telling me not to worry and that she had everything under control.
>>>
The next morning
It was the middle of the night when my phone began to rang, My groggy self reached for it, squinting at the screen. It was an unknown number. I answered with my her voice thick with sleep.
"Hello?"
"Hi, is this Mrs Edmonds?"
"Yes, who's this?"
"This is Officer Martinez from the city police department. I'm sorry to call you at this hour, but we have some unfortunate news."
"What's going on?" I reached over to Kenny and shook him to wake up.
"Well Mrs Edmonds, Your ex-husband, Keri, was found earlier tonight. He passed away from an overdose not to long ago and you're on his contact list"
I sat up trying to catch my breathing as my heart beat out my chest and fell to my ass. I sat up and Kenny turned over in concern.
"What? No... are you sure?"
"I'm very sorry, ma'am. We identified him through his ID. We thought you should know. Is there anyone else we should call?"
I felt tears welling up in my eyes, I thanked the officer then hung up as my hands trembled. I sat there in shock with my phone still in my hand.
"Toni? What's going on? Who was that?" Kenny asked shaking me.
"It was the police. Keri... he... he overdosed. He's gone, Kenny." I said as my voice shook.
Kenny immediately sat up, pulling me into his arms.
"Oh, babe...I'm so sorry."
I started to sob, burying my face in Kenny's chest.
"I can't believe it. I knew he was struggling, but I never thought it would come to this."
Kenny held me tighter as he rubbed my back soothingly.
"It's not your fault, Toni. You did everything you could to help him. Sometimes, people just can't be saved, no matter how much we want to."
I nodded as tears soaked into Kenny's chest.
"I just... I feel so guilty. I wish I could have done more."
"I know, but you can't blame yourself. You have to remember that you did your best, and that's all anyone can ask for."
"I love you, I don't know what did do if you left me."
