A Story To Tell | Book 1

.29.

Bruce had been on my mind all night long as I listened to Alex Isley's Into Orbit on repeat on my iPod. I'd been scrolling through pictures of me and Bruce together. The smiles we were on our faces were so similar, like we were so in love with each other and no one could take that away from us. I hadn't realized just how deep his dimples were when he and I were in photos together, compared to the ones he'd taken by himself.

There was no doubt that this boy loved me. And I love him, too. I really wanted him badly. I hadn't realized that until I laid there in my bed, scrolling through the photos. I swear, they spoke over a million words to me as I'd dozed off.

I'd woken up, staring around my dark room, thanks to my dark bamboo curtains. Standing up out of bed, I touched my stomach to say good morning to my baby girl. I walked over to the window and pulled the curtains apart to let the sunshine inside of my room.

Honestly, as I pulled the curtains apart, it felt like my life had just gotten bright right in front of my eyes, literally. It just felt as though the storm was over and I was going to see better days. Like this big relief came over me and I hadn't felt like this since the first time Tray told me he loved me. That was two years ago. And for him not to be apart of my life anymore, I was cool with that. I never thought I would ever be okay with that. But honestly, Tray was a big burden off of me. Thank God for shedding the light on that situation. For real.

I walked out of my room to head down to the kitchen to get breakfast started. As I walked past the living room, I heard my doorbell. Rubbing my eyes, I walked to the door and peeped out of the peephole. It was Bruce. And seeing him on the other end of the door had brought butterflies. The baby even started to move around a bit as I touched the doorknob. He hadn't said anything to me about coming over this morning. I assumed he'd call first, but whatever.

Letting him in, He was standing there as if he'd been through hell. He was supposed to be in school today, but instead, he was standing in front of me. I wanted to ask him what was up with that, but I'd realized that I hadn't brushed my teeth and needed to hop to it before speaking.

He walked in and closed the door behind him as I walked up the stairs to take care of my breath and wash the cold out of my eyes. When I was finish, I turn away from the sink to find Bruce standing by the door looking like a lost puppy. This wasn't normally like him not to at least say something, but I guess a lot has been happening lately and I can't expect for him to just jump back into being the old him.

"You okay?" I ask him, feeling concerned. He shook his head and looked down.

"Cheri lost the baby last night." He responded.

At that moment, it felt like the bit of light that had just shined in my life had went black. I touched my chest and my mouth dropped. Instantly, I started to feel for Cheri. And it was crazy. Part of me felt responsible because of the altercation we had in Orlando. Tears welled up in my eyes but I sucked them up.

"I feel responsible." I say, covering my nose, about to cry.

"No...no. Don't blame yourself, Tereny. It's not your fault. That incident happened way before this." Bruce tried to convince me. I let out a little cry, but gained my composure quick enough.

Although Cheri and I never saw eye-to-eye because of our situation, if nothing ever made me care for her, the circumstances actually changed me. It's a hard thing to go through, losing a child. And I felt for her, dearly. It broke my heart to hear that she'd lost the baby. I knew she was a wreck right now.

"Bruce, I'm so sorry." I say, still wanting to cry.

"Yea." I brushed his hand across his face and leaned over towards the door, staring at me.