FUCKED.

25

"You kissed her, Travis. You had a month to tell me that, yet you didn't," I said, standing protectively over my bump. My voice trembled with a mix of anger and hurt.

"Chloe, I don't love her. It's always been you, and it always will be. I didn't think it was worth mentioning because it was never serious. I would never cheat on you," Travis said, pulling me into his arms and kissing my ear softly.

"Get out," I said firmly. My voice was cold, but my heart was breaking. He tried to speak, but I was already heading upstairs. I was devastated to have learned about his past from someone else, rather than from him. It was clear that Aaliyah was still interested in Travis, although it seemed more about unresolved feelings than genuine love. It felt like our relationship was one-sided, and it hurt deeply.

Sapphire tried to talk to me, but I shut her out. She left feeling defeated, and I felt guilty for pushing her away. Hunter also attempted to comfort me, but I wasn't ready to listen. Travis remained in the house, though I thought he had left for good. One night, craving cupcakes, I ventured out and found Travis asleep on the floor in his work clothes. I wanted to wake him and take him to bed, but I refrained.

I got the cupcakes and ate one on my way back. As I re-entered the house, I saw Travis awake. Without speaking, he pulled me into his arms and kissed me deeply. The kiss was passionate, but I couldn't shake the image of him with Aaliyah. I went back to my room and cried myself to sleep, troubled by the unresolved tension between us.

Our relationship continued in this strained manner. Travis would sleep in front of my door at night and attend school during the day. The atmosphere was filled with unspoken words and unresolved feelings. Sapphire was due to deliver any day, but we never expected that day to fall on my birthday.

That morning, I woke up with a migraine, caused by the rainy weather. I decided to sleep it off, but Sapphire pulled me out of bed, her tears a desperate plea for me to join her downstairs. Reluctantly, I followed her down to find a room filled with gift bags and parcels. Hunter and Travis were waiting, gifts in hand. I accepted Hunter's gift with gratitude and took Travis's gift without a word. We maintained a cordial relationship, but the emotional distance remained.

Suddenly, Sapphire clutched her stomach and winced in pain. Her water broke, and Hunter quickly carried her to his car. Travis dressed me in warm clothes, taking my creams and bandages before carrying me to his car. The drive to the hospital was tense and silent. The only sound was the low hum of the engine, amplifying the uncertainty we all felt.

At the hospital, Hunter was pacing nervously until he was called in to assist Sapphire. I was left in the waiting area, my anxiety mounting with each passing minute. Hours seemed to drag, but finally, Hunter emerged with a smile.

"Sapphire's delivery was successful. Her baby boy, Cameron, is healthy and handsome," he announced. I rushed to see Sapphire, who looked exhausted but overjoyed as she breastfed her newborn. Tears of happiness filled my eyes as I embraced her.

"You did great, Sapphire," I said, my voice choked with emotion. I watched her as she settled into sleep after feeding Cameron. I sat beside Hunter, who was beaming with pride and relief. Travis returned from the cafeteria, bringing coffee for us all. He sat by my side, gently caressing my bump.

The drive back home was quiet, with the radio playing softly in the background. The silence between Travis and me was palpable, filled with unsaid words and lingering tension. When we arrived, I headed inside, but Travis pulled me into his arms.

"I miss you, Chloe," he said, his voice filled with longing. "I've watched you push me away for weeks. I know you're scared that I'll mess up again, but you've changed me. I love you, and only you. Aaliyah was just trying to play with your feelings because she knew it was you from day one. I loved you from the moment you walked into class. I love everything about you and our baby. I've tried so hard to reach out, but you've ignored me. I'm sorry, but my heart beats only for you," he said, holding my hands tightly.

"Go," I said, looking at him with a mixture of sadness and determination. He nodded and began to leave, but I stopped him. "And bring your things back into the room, Travis. I missed you," I said softly.

He turned around, tears streaming down his face. I hugged him tightly, and he carried me upstairs. In the bedroom, he undressed me slowly, removing my dress and unzipping my bra. His touch was gentle, and he kissed my ears, his lips trailing down my neck. We made love, our passion rekindled despite the unresolved pain. I felt conflicted but also deeply connected to him.

As we moved together, I felt a mix of emotions—love, anger, and a longing for reconciliation. Travis's touch was tender, and his words of affection made me feel both cherished and conflicted. We finally came together, and the intensity of the moment brought us a sense of relief and closeness.

Afterwards, we fell asleep, holding each other tightly. The night was filled with a sense of tentative peace, as if we were both trying to mend the broken pieces of our relationship. Despite the pain and confusion, there was a glimmer of hope that we could find our way back to each other.