Black Rose

52.

Majesty A. Turner

Staring in the mirror, I smoothed my pink shirt down while turning sideways. Although I wore a loose fitting shirt, my nineteen week bump was still visible.

I chewed on the inside of my cheek as I stared at the April showers; how will Alex react? Does he really want a child? "I don't care," I murmured. More importantly, how will Dad react to meeting him for the first time? I brushed my curls out of my face while sighing. "This is going to be a disaster.." A knock erupted from my door, indicating it was almost that time. Another heavy sigh left my lips as I grabbed my purse. I slowly made my way to the door, halfway ready for whatever God was going to throw my way.

When I entered the main building I saw elders, adults, young adults, toddler and even babies waiting to see their loved ones for the first time in months. I felt as if someone was staring at me, but I couldn't find who. Everyone I glanced at weren't paying me any attention; not even the woman who walked me down here.

I slowly did a 180, and there... right there sitting on a bench dressed in a gold suit, white button up, light wash blue jeans and leather boots was the man I craved, yet despised. Although he wore shades over his eyes, I knew he was staring at me. Especially when he licked his lips...

He slowly stood up and began to move his legs. My heart stopped, but then began to beat loud and fast. Is he walking over here? Why is he coming over here?

Wait, why is he here?

Alex's arms wrapped around me tightly, pulling me into his chest. I didn't return the hug; instead I allowed him to hold me while I inhaled his scent that made my knees weak.

Tears filled my eyes, threatening to spill.

"It's been so long.." He whispered.

I removed myself from his grip and stared up at his face. I couldn't see his eyes due to the shades he had on. I could only see my reflection. Seeing my reflection in his glasses made my stomach tighten up. He's staring at me. He's believing that nothing has changed.

He believes that there's still an us.

"What's do you mean it's been so long?" I could see my nose scrunch and eyes narrow through his glasses. "You haven't even attempted to check on me and see where the hell I've been! And what the fuck are you wearing? Do you really have to prove yourself to be better than everyone?"

Alex's nostrils flared as he stared up at the ceiling. He slowly brought his head down to stare at me once again.

"When does this dumb ass family therapy start? You're bitchin' already Maj."

Pursing my lips, I looked away from Alex. If we weren't in a crowded room at the moment I would've possibly slapped him.

"Why did you even come here?" I spat.

"Like you weren't crying over the phone begging to see me." He chuckled darkly.

A worker of the rehab facility smiled as she approached us, ruining my opportunity to reply to the man I married. Alex and I wore fake smiles that convinced her we would be a happy family. It wasn't hard for Alex to convince people the opposite, he's been doing it for years. It's how we're both in this situation.