Megan.
As I sat in my designated seat at the table, I felt like I was in an episode of R. Kelly's Trapped in the Closet. There was a long uncomfortable silence as everyone's eyes traveled all over the table trying to make connections or get tea. Me on the other hand, I just sipped another glass of wine and wondered who would be the first to speak. Luckily, Kayla's mother did the honors.
"Tauni, these wings are everything. You'll have to hand over this recipe." She joked uncomfortably while there were a few forced giggles that escaped a few people's lips.
"Not happening." Tauni chuckled as well while I discreetly observed Tremaine, Kayla and my brother's facial expressions. Chase sat emotionlessly in the empty seat while Kayla stared at the side of Trey's face waiting his reaction while Trey continued to sit silently with his top lip tucked between his teeth.
I saw Kayla move her hand from the fork that sat on her plate to Trey's lap with hopes to get his attention, but he cleared his throat instead.
"So," Chase began. "Shall we address the elephant in the room?" he chuckled while scooping a spoonful of garlic mashed potatoes onto the black square dinner plate that sat in front of him.
Knowing Trey for as long as I had, I could tell that the mere sound of Chase's voice was what caused his jaw to clench and he tried his hardest to mask his anger by violently bitting his top lip. I could only pray that he didn't allow his anger to control his actions. Especially around our family and his children.
I almost wanted to pull him to the side to help him get his head clear, but that was no longer my job. Plus, my wine glass was empty and I was in desperate need for some tea.
"Chase." I heard Kayla mumble while the children laughed and giggled at whatever conversation they were having.
"I didn't come here to cause any trouble or confusion." Chase said. "I was completely unaware that you had any ties to this bi-" He cleared his throat. "Kayla. I was just coming because I was invited by my sister who I'm in the process of getting to know. If you'd like me to leave, I can respect that." He finished, directing the last part toward Tremaine who nodded his head in approval of his respect.
"You good." Was all that Trey said, but the tension was still thick.
"Babe, can I talk to you?" Kayla mumbled, almost inaudible and if I hadn't been reading her lips, I would have never known.
Trey got up without answering and she followed him to the living room.
It seemed like everyone had let out a breath of relief. "Well, that was awkward." Alysia chuckled causing everyone to let out one as well.
"So." Tauni began and the tension thickened quickly. "You know that's your baby right?"
"Come on mama, god damn." Jay fussed before getting plucked in his bottom lip.
"Watch your damn mouth." She scolded before directing her attention back to Chase who didn't look the least bit uncomfortable.
"Yeah, I know." He chuckled bitterly. "Blind man could see that."
"And you just let my son take on your responsibility for what reason?" The bitter mom came out of her quickly and we all sat quietly.
"Wait a minute, ma'am." He chuckled, clearly amused by everything about this situation. "Kayla cheated on me with your son. She knew she was carrying my baby, but she also knew that your son was going to be a doctor." He laughed. "I mean, you can do the math on that."
Nobody seemed to be surprised, not even me, but I was pissed the hell off simply because the child that Kayla and Trey shared costed me my marriage, only to find out that Kaiden wasn't his to begin with. If my children weren't in the room, I might've beat her ass. No one responded to his claims, we all simply ate our food in silence. Trey and Kayla returned seconds later. Kayla's face was red and tear stained while Trey held the same emotionless look on his face.
