Lena was back in North Carolina, and though her parents tried to keep her spirits up, the visit to their hometown and Layla's unexpected arrival weighed heavily on her. Every day, she focused on Amina, puttin' all her energy into caring for her daughter and stayin' on top of her IT classes. But no matter how busy she kept herself, Que's texts lingered in her thoughts.
Que had been reachin' out daily, apologizin', beggin' for a chance to explain, and askin' to see Amina. Lena hadn't responded to any of his messages, keepin' her distance. She wasn't ready to face him, not with all the hurt she was still carryin'.
Settlin' Back In
Lena's mother stayed with her for a few days after the trip, helpin' her get settled back in. It was a relief to have her mom's support, especially when the weight of everything felt like too much. Late one evening, while Amina slept, Lena and her mom sat in the living room, the silence broken only by the soft hum of the TV.
"Lena," her mom began gently, her voice filled with concern. "You know I'm here for whatever you need, but I can tell somethin's still on your mind."
Lena looked down, takin' a deep breath before speakin'. "I just... I feel so torn. Part of me wants to let Que be there for Amina, but then I think about that girl and all the mess she's bringin' into our lives. I don't want my daughter growin' up around that."
Her mom nodded, placin' a comforting hand on Lena's shoulder. "I understand, honey. But remember, you don't have to make any big decisions right now. Just focus on you and Amina. Que will have to show you that he's serious about bein' a father."
Lena nodded, takin' her mom's words to heart. She knew that, for now, protectin' Amina was her main priority. Everything else could wait.
Que's Efforts
Meanwhile, Que was strugglin' back in their hometown. He was frustrated and angry, caught between wantin' to be there for Lena and Amina and dealin' with Layla's ongoing demands. She continued callin', leavin' him messages and occasionally showin' up unannounced, always with some new reason to pull him into her drama.
One day, Que's best friend pulled him aside, shakin' his head as they sat on the porch. "Que, man, you gotta get this girl under control. You can't keep lettin' her run your life like this, especially when you got a daughter who needs you."
Que sighed, his voice filled with regret. "I know, man. I messed up big time. But I don't know how to get out of this without hurtin' Lena even more."
His friend clapped him on the shoulder, lookin' at him seriously. "If you want to prove yourself to Lena, you gotta take care of this situation with Layla. Show her that you can be the man she and Amina deserve."
Que nodded, feelin' a sense of determination rise within him. He realized that he needed to set boundaries with Layla, to make it clear that he wouldn't tolerate any more disruptions in his life or the lives of those he loved.
A Step Toward Healing
Back in North Carolina, Lena decided to take a step toward healing. She finally opened Que's last text, the one he'd sent after Layla showed up, and reread it, her heart conflicted. She didn't want to let him back in, but a part of her wanted him to be there for Amina. She decided to send a brief response, somethin' that would allow him to be involved without sacrificin' her own peace.
Lena's Message to Que:
I need space to figure things out, but I'll let you see Amina. We'll arrange visits when it's best for her. Please respect that and don't push for more right now.
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Unfinished Business
RomanceLena thought she was doing the right thing when she broke up with Que, the love of her life, just days before heading off to college. After all, they were headed in two different directions-she was focused on building a future, and he was tied to th...
