𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐎𝐃𝐘 𝐎𝐅 𝐀𝐑𝐓

43

                                ᴏɴɪᴋᴀ ᴍᴀʀᴀᴊ

That Same Night

After driving for a while and grabbing some McDonald to eat, Aubrey asked if I wanted to go to his condo in Manhattan, I agreed, I didn't have work tomorrow and Omari was over my aunts house spending time with his cousins on my dads side.

Now we were sitting outside on his balcony, It was quiet out here, peaceful, occasionally the breeze rolling through. I sat curled up on a large bean bag cushion, a thick cover Aubrey had brought me wrapped tightly around my shoulders to fight off the chill.

He was sitting a few feet away, leaned back with his arms resting on his knees as he talked. I listened quietly, as he explained himself, everything that was weighing on him, all the things I didn't know or fully understand yet.

I held the cover tighter around me, letting his words sink in. I watched him carefully as he spoke, his hands occasionally running over his head, his eyes staring at the ground when things got too heavy.

It was hard to hear him talk about everything, about his past, about Sophie, about the mistakes he made.

I didn't say much. My thoughts were tangled, my emotions all over the place.

There was still that doubt lingering in the back of my mind. Could I fully trust him? Could I move forward knowing everything now?

The wind picked up a little, brushing against my face, and I tucked my feet beneath the cover as I glanced back at him.

"So... what now?" I finally asked, breaking the silence.

He turned to look at me, his gaze soft but serious. "That's up to you, Nicki. I've told you everything... all I can do is accept what you want."

It was quiet for a moment before I spoke up, leaning further into the bean bag and getting more comfortable.

"It takes a real man to actually tell me the truth and everything. I really appreciate that, Aubrey."

He sighed, turning his head to look out over the balcony instead of at me. "You're breaking up with me, and we ain't even last for a month,"

I furrowed my brows at his words. "I didn't say anything like that, did I?"

"No," he admitted quietly, still not looking at me. "But it's sounding like it, Onika."

"Well, I'm not," I said firmly. "I'm not gonna just up and leave you because of what you told me. I see the way you treat me, and I can see for myself that you're trying to be better in every way."

I watched him, his face still etched with guilt and deep in thought. It was like he was bracing himself for what I'd say next, I hesitated for just a moment before I spoke again.