Another Chance

Love and Loneliness

Omniscient POV

Janet paced the living room, her heart heavy with the weight of motherhood and the strains of her marriage. Just four months had passed since she and Darius welcomed Isabella, yet it felt like a lifetime. This should be a time where she was enjoying being a mom, and all that was happening was Darius stressing her out. 

The chaos of sleepless nights, endless diaper changes, and the shrill cries of Isabella had taken a toll on her and their relationship. She picked up her phone and dialed Gil's number.

"Hey, Kiesh," Janet said, her voice tinged with fatigue.

"Hey bitch! Where you been? I been trying to call you. What's up? Why you ignoring me?" he replied, his tone snarky and unapologetic.

"I've been busy with Isabella and Eissa is all."

"Mmm is that all? You sure Darius not dickin' you down every night?"

"Yeah right!"

"Damn girl!" Surprise echoing in his voice.

"Honestly? I feel like I'm drowning Kiesh. Darius doesn't seem to understand how much I'm struggling. I'm doing everything around the house, and it feels like he's just... checked out."

Gil paused for a moment, sensing the depth of her frustration.

"Wow! You sound exhausted. Why didn't you call me? I mean I kinda get it. New babies can be tough on relationships. Have you talked to him about how you're feeling?"

"I've tried, but every time I bring it up, he brushes it off like it's no big deal. I just want him to step up and help out more. It's like I'm the only one juggling everything."

Gil took a deep breath, knowing this conversation was crucial. "Janet, have you thought about setting aside some time for just the two of you? You know, a little date night? It might help remind you of the life you had before the baby."

"Date night?" Janet scoffed. "When? Between feedings and diaper changes?"

"Okay, okay, I get it. But even if it's just a movie on the couch after the baby's asleep, you need to reconnect. You both need to remember that you're partners in this, not just co-parents."

"I don't know, Gil. It just feels like a luxury I can't afford right now."

"Sure, it feels that way, but it's necessary. You can't pour from an empty cup. If you're feeling overwhelmed, he's likely feeling it too but in a different way."

"Overwhelmed with what? He's been...been non-existent. He was helping at the beginning. Now it's nothing. It exhausting. It's been so difficult. I have basically been doing things on my own."

"What? Where is D at?" He was obviously concerned. "The fuck!"

"Yeah I am."

"Oh hell naw. Where he been? Now you got me invested. What's up?"

Her head dropped just thinking of the past few months. "He's been teaching dance classes with Dean. Darius hasn't been around like he said he would. I don't know if it's cause of his age. If he thought things were going to be this fairy tale magic, he was definitely wrong. He's just not helping me...at all. I'ma kill him or divorce him."

"Oh stop! You're not goin nowhere and neither is he. That man loves you."

"If he loved me he'd be helping out more and know that I'm struggling."

"Okay wait.... Did you tell him that or do you expect him to read your mind?"

"I've told him. He's not listening." Janet sighed, the tension in her chest easing just a bit. "I just don't want to seem like I'm nagging him. And he's already said that I was nagging him. I want him to want to help, not feel forced."