The Unexpected

Chapter 24: Arrangements

Feeling my phone vibrate, I checked the caller ID, answering it with an attitude. “What?”

“Can we go get a coffee or something and talk?” Derrick questioned.

“Whatever, I’ll meet you at Starbucks on 7th Avenue in about five minutes.” I rolled my eyes, hanging up the phone.

“What’s the matter babe?” Brandon asked.

“Derrick wants to talk. We need too anyway, about the arrangements with the kids. All I know is my babies are living with me!” I stated, irritated.

“I have to get home and clean up the house for when Cynthia comes back, anyway.” He said, standing up.

“Yeah, my mom called and said they should be back about six.” I stood up on my tippy toes, kissing him. The water park is a few hours away so they just stayed in a hotel. The girls are still with their Auntie Jess and she let me know that she’ll bring them home around two. I have to admit, I miss my babies. I followed Brandon out, locking the door behind me. He walked me to my car and opened the door for me. “I’ll talk to you later?” I questioned.

“Yeah, call me when you get back from talking.” He kissed me softly and walked to his car. I turned the car on and drove off to Starbucks.

“Can I get a tall chocolate cookie crumble Frappuccino, please?” I ordered when I got to Starbucks.

“$3.75,” He replied. I handed him the money and stood to the side, waiting for my drink. Handing me my drink, I thanked him and walked to a table outside. It felt good outside.

“Hey,” Derrick said, sitting down.

“Let’s get to talking,” I stated, bluntly.

“Look, I’m so...” I cut him off not wanting to hear his apologies.

“Cut the shit, Derrick. I only came here to talk about the kids. I want them to live with me and you can see them whenever you want. They are your kids and I will not deny your right to see them, so please don’t do that to me.” I took another sip of my yummy frap.

“So that’s it? It’s all over? You’re throwing everything down the drain, just like that? For some dude you barely know.”

“I’m sorry, but would you rather me stay with you and always throw you cheating on me in your face every time you’re gone? That’s not healthy for me, for you, or for the kids. I love you, I really do, but this game isn’t fun. Don't bring Brandon into this; he is a really good guy. So, back to the kids, is that a good plan?”

“I can tell in your eyes you aren’t changing your mind. Yes, that is perfect… But, I want them for this upcoming week, my mom has some plans.”

“You can pick them up Tuesday, if that’s fine. It’s Sunday and I haven’t seen them since yesterday so I want to spend some time with them.”

“Okay, Jenny, that’s fine. I just don’t want to argue and have to involve courts and shit.”

“Me either. Look, I know this is hard, but I would actually like us to be at least friends? For the kids’ sake.” I said, making it sound more like a question.

“Yeah, friends.” He scoffed, walking away. Why does shit have to be some damn difficult? My phoned beeped with a notification, letting me know that my summer school is coming to an end. I have to turn the rest of my work in for school by this Friday or I can’t graduate. Good thing, I’ve stayed on top of that. I got in the car and left, driving to Brandon’s apartment.

“Me and you are done! We’ve been done for a long ass time. I have someone else and I don’t plan on screwing up with her.” I heard Brandon’s voice boom through the other side of the door.