The house felt quieter than usual after Joseph stormed off. I could still feel the heat from that confrontation lingering in my chest, like my nerves hadn't decided whether to calm down or keep buzzing.
I slumped into the couch, letting out a shaky laugh. "Man... why do I always get yelled at for... everything?" I muttered under my breath, running a hand through my hair. I knew Joseph thought he was protecting the family, keeping us in line, but sometimes it felt too much.
Tonya appeared beside me, holding two sodas like she somehow knew I needed one. She plopped down and handed me one, her warm brown eyes soft but concerned. "You're scaring me, Mar," she said, teasing a little but with that undertone that said she meant it.
I took a sip, feeling the cold soda hit my tongue and somehow calm me just a bit. "I'm fine," I said, though it was half a lie. "Just... Joseph's temper. You know how he gets."
She nudged me lightly. "Yeah. But... you're not alone. You've got me."
I chuckled, letting out a breath I didn't know I was holding. "I know, Ton. You're... I don't even know how to explain it."
She smiled faintly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "You don't have to. I get it. I've seen it. And I... well, I just want you to feel safe. That's all."
I wanted to tell her how much that meant, how I wanted to curl up in her arms and forget about Joseph's threats. But I couldn't. Not fully. Not yet. I didn't wanna sound weak or anything.
Instead, I grinned, trying to push the tension away. "You know what I think we need right now?"
"What?" she asked, tilting her head.
"Distraction," I said, spinning on the couch. "Let's go somewhere. Anywhere. I need to breathe, and laughing helps. You in?"
Her smile widened, and she grabbed my hand. "I'm always in."
We ended up taking a walk around the neighborhood. The streets were familiar but felt different after the tour, like stepping into a smaller, slower world. I couldn't help but notice the way Tonya's hand fit in mine, how her laugh made my chest feel lighter.
For a moment, I forgot about Joseph. Forgot about warnings and anger and responsibility. Just us, walking, talking, laughing. And for the first time in a while, I didn't feel like I was walking on eggshells.
But deep down, I knew it wouldn't last. Joseph's shadow always followed. And yet... maybe having Tonya by my side made that shadow a little less scary.
I glanced at her, and she caught my eyes. "You okay?"
"Yeah," I said honestly this time. "Better than okay. I just... I needed this."
She squeezed my hand gently. "Good."
I smiled, and for the first time that day, I really meant it.
A/N: hi guys.......... 😅😅😅😭😭 ~ Aaliyah
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