Unfinished Business

Chapter 35: An Unexpected Arrival

The family had all gathered back in their hometown to celebrate baby girl. Everyone met up at Que's family home since his relatives, including his grandparents, had flown in to see Amina, and a few of Lena's friends joined as well. The house was filled with laughter, excitement, and love as each family member took turns admiring Amina. She, however, spent most of the time asleep, seemingly unbothered by the commotion around her. Lena couldn't help but laugh, whisperin', "I don't think she's feelin' all this attention today."

As the evening settled, everyone headed back to their hotels or homes, leavin' Lena and Que with their immediate families. The next day, they planned a bigger celebration, a full family gathering at Que's family's event space an hour away, where everyone could come together and enjoy time with Amina and each other. It was heartwarming to see all the kids runnin' around, Amina's cousins includin' little ones just a couple of years older than her. Lena felt a deep sense of gratitude, seein' her daughter surrounded by so much love.

A Knock at the Door

The day after the big gathering, Lena, Que, and their parents were sittin' in Que's parents' living room, enjoyin' a quiet moment after all the celebrations. Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. Que's mom glanced at everyone, lookin' a bit puzzled as she went to answer it.

When she opened the door, she found herself face-to-face with an unfamiliar young woman. The girl gave her a polite smile. "Hi, I'm Layla... Que's baby mama."

Que's mother froze, her eyebrows furrowing in confusion. "Excuse me?" she said, turnin' back into the house, her voice firm as she called, "Que, come to the door, please."

Everyone in the living room went silent, tryin' to make sense of what was happening. Lena's heart pounded as Que walked to the front door, and she felt her stomach tighten when she saw Layla step inside. Without sayin' a word, Lena quietly packed up Amina, slippin' her daughter into her carrier. She looked at her parents, tryin' to hold back tears. "I'm ready to go," she whispered, barely containin' her anger.

In the living room, Que's mom looked back and forth between Layla and her son, her face filled with disappointment. "Que, what is goin' on here? This girl is sayin' she might be pregnant with your baby."

Lena, not waitin' for any more answers, stood up and walked out the door, her parents hurrying to follow her. She felt a storm of emotions churning inside, anger and betrayal mixin' with the postpartum sadness she'd been battlin'. Que rushed after her, his voice filled with desperation.

"Baby, please don't leave," he begged, reachin' for her arm as she stopped by the car. "I didn't know she'd show up like this. I'm sorry."

Lena turned to him, her face set in determination. "If you ever thought you had a chance of gettin' me back, you don't," she said, her voice breakin' slightly as she fought back tears. "When I leave, don't come to North Carolina. You need to stay here and handle whatever you got goin' on with her. You don't need to be in me or Amina's life now."

Que shook his head, lookin' crushed. "Lena, please, don't say that. I wanna be there for Amina—for both of you."

"You can come visit, but I don't want you stayin' with us," she said, her tone firm. "I don't need this drama, Que. I'm still gettin' through this postpartum, and I don't need any more stress. Handle your situation, and let me handle ours."

Her parents tried to step in, her mom sayin', "Lena, maybe think this through. You know you want Que to be there for his daughter."

But Lena shook her head. "I'll be alright, Mama. I don't want this for me or Amina." She climbed into the car, refusin' to look back as Que leaned in, kissin' his daughter and whisperin' a soft "I'm sorry" to Lena before she closed the door.

Que's Confrontation

As Lena and her parents drove away, Que returned to the house, his emotions raw. Layla stood in the living room, her arms crossed, her gaze filled with satisfaction.

"Why would you show up here?" Que demanded, his tone cold. "You know this wasn't the time or place."

Layla shrugged, unbothered. "I told you, Que, I can make things difficult. You're not answerin' my calls, so I decided to make a visit." She looked at him with a sly smile. "And by the way, it's a girl. Should be here in a few months."

Que ran a hand over his face, feelin' a mix of frustration and regret. "We don't even know if the baby is mine, Layla. I told you I'd take responsibility if it is, but this? This isn't okay."

Layla smirked, unfazed by his frustration. "You'll see when she gets here. And until then, you better answer when I call, or I might have to make another visit." With that, she turned and walked out, her smug expression leavin' Que feelin' nothin' but anger.

As the door closed behind her, Que's parents looked at him, their disappointment clear. His mom shook her head, her voice soft. "Que, what were you thinkin'? You need to figure this out, son."

Without a word, Que stepped out onto the back porch, takin' a deep breath as he tried to gather his thoughts. He pulled out his phone, starin' at Lena's number for a moment before sendin' a text.

Que's Text to Lena

Que: I'm so sorry. I had no idea she'd show up like that. I'll give you space, but please, let me be there for Amina however I can. I love you both.

He waited, but no reply came. Que knew he'd lost more than just Lena's trust that day. He'd pushed her further away, maybe for good, and the realization weighed heavy on his heart. All he could do now was wait and pray that somehow, he'd find a way to make things right.