Unfinished Business

Chapter 17: Heading Back to North Carolina

Lena packed her bags, ready to head back to North Carolina with her mom. Que was stayin' behind, busy with family business, and even though she wished he could come with her, she understood. But a part of her couldn't shake the feelin' of unease, knowin' he wouldn't be around for a while. He had promised to make it to every doctor's appointment and be there when their baby girl arrived, but the "business" was somethin' that always seemed to pull him back.

Her mom watched her closely, pickin' up on her tension as they loaded up the car. "You sure you're okay with this, honey?" she asked gently.

Lena nodded, tryin' to keep her voice steady. "Yeah, I'm fine. I know Que's got things he has to handle, and he promised he'd be there when it counts. Plus, I'm glad you're stayin' with me, Mama."

Her mom smiled, squeezin' her hand. "Well, you know I wouldn't miss this for the world. I'll be there every step of the way until our little one's here."

As they got ready to leave, Lena pulled out her phone, dialin' Que's number. He picked up after a couple of rings, his voice warm and reassurin'.

"Hey, babe. You on the road yet?"

"Almost," she replied, lookin' out at the house one last time. "Just wanted to call before we left. Mama's comin' with me, so I'll be okay. I know you gotta stay behind, but you better keep your promise."

Que chuckled softly. "You know I will, Lena. I'll be there for every appointment I can make, and you know I wouldn't miss the birth of our baby girl. You don't gotta worry about that."

Lena felt a small wave of relief, noddin' as if he could see her. "Alright. Just... be safe. Call me when you get the chance."

"Will do. Drive safe, alright? I'll talk to you soon."

They said their goodbyes, and Lena tucked her phone away, a mixture of emotions churnin' in her chest. She wanted to believe that everything would work out, that Que would keep his word, and that they'd find a way to make this work. But as the car pulled away from the house, she couldn't shake the naggin' feelin' that there was more to Que's "family business" than he let on.

Settling Back Home

Once they arrived back in North Carolina, Lena felt a sense of comfort bein' back in her own space. Her mom helped her unpack, settlin' in to stay until the baby arrived. It was a relief knowin' her mom would be close, especially with Que's unpredictable schedule. As much as Lena tried to focus on the future and get ready for her little girl's arrival, she still found herself thinkin' about Que and all the uncertainties that surrounded their situation.

Her mom seemed to pick up on her worry, offerin' gentle reassurances. "He'll be here when it matters, Lena. Just focus on takin' care of yourself and that little one."

Lena nodded, tryin' to push her doubts aside. "Yeah, you're right. I'm just... overthinkin' it, I guess."

They spent the rest of the evening settlin' in, Lena feelin' grateful for her mom's presence. As she drifted off to sleep that night, she prayed that Que would be able to keep his promises.

Que's POV

After hangin' up with Lena, Que sat back, his thoughts clouded with worry and regret. He'd told her he hadn't slept with that girl, that it "didn't go that far." He wanted her to believe that, to trust him. But the truth was, it had happened—once, on a night when he'd let his anger and frustration take over. He'd been drinkin' heavy that night, drownin' the pain from the breakup. The thought of losin' Lena had messed him up, left him angry and reckless.

He hadn't planned on anything happenin' with the girl that night. She'd just been there, and in his drunken haze, he'd let his anger drive him to a place he regretted the second it was over. He knew he shouldn't have lied to Lena, but tellin' her the truth felt like too big a risk. He couldn't bear the thought of her hatin' him for somethin' he wished he could take back.

But now, that same girl was claimin' she was pregnant and thinkin' the baby might be his. The timing was close enough to make him wonder, but she wasn't certain about who the father was.

Que ran a hand over his face, frustration boilin' up inside him. He'd never wanted Lena to find out, never wanted her to question his loyalty. He loved her, had always loved her, and now, with their baby girl on the way, he wanted to make things right. But this girl's sudden appearance was a threat to the life he was tryin' to build with Lena. He couldn't let Lena know about this—not now, not when things were finally fallin' into place.

As he sat alone, Que realized he was in deeper than he'd thought, caught between his loyalty to Lena and the consequences of a mistake he wished he could take back. All he could do now was hope that the truth wouldn't come out, that the baby wasn't his, and that Lena would never have to know the whole story.