Intertwined

Chapter Five:

Ruby gave herself the once over in the window of the restaurant. Shefelt nervous. She hoped she was doing the right thing. She had asked herselfmany times if she thought Jerrod was likely to put his hands on her again. Shesat through group therapy week after week listening to different women telltheir abuse stories. She realized her ex was nothing like those monsters. Whathe did wasn't right at all and would be something that could never happen inthe future but wasn't detrimental enough to not give him and their familyanother chance. 

As expected Jerrod was already seated at the reserved table. Ruby walked over to the booth subtly sexy. She had an extra sway of her hips. Her honey blonde goddess locs bounced gently as she made her way over to him. He smiled looking genuinely happy to see her. He stood as she approached the table. She gave him a hug squeezing him towards her. She pressed her body into his getting lost in the feeling of comfort. She really did miss him. It wasn't just about getting back the material possessions that came with being with Jerrod.

"You look well Ruby. I'm happy you asked me here to talk. I am truly sorry for what I put you through. I hope one day you can forgive me." He looked Ruby in the eyes. She could feel her eyes twinkling. She had nothing but love in her heart for him. She understood why people said don't jump to rash decisions when it comes to marriage. Feelings change and you will have made permanent decisions based on temporary feelings. It had been just over a year since she left and only a couple months since the divorce was finalized. Before the divorce was final she knew she wanted her husband back but didn't know how to go about stopping things. She wanted him to hurt the way he had hurt her.

"I forgive you Stone. I guess I was just really in a bad place and hurting like nothing I've ever felt before. That's why I asked you here. I know the last year hasn't been easy, but I miss you Jerrod. Our kids miss seeing you every day. I miss waking up in your arms. I'd like to give us another try." She paused to let it all sink in. "I have been wanting to have this talk with you for a while now. The other day one of the women that work in the shelter we live in said something about getting back to normal or something like that. It was confirmation that what I was feeling was right."

Ruby stopped her rambling and tried to get a read on Jerrod. He didn't have any expression at all. He was just looking at her as if tho he was waiting for her to keep going. "What do you think?" She asked trying to make it a conversation instead of her just pouring her heart out. He rubbed his chin for a while before slouching back in his seat. "I really don't know what to think. To be honest I'm trying not to be upset at the fact that you and my children are living in a shelter." He rubbed his head as he exhaled deeply.

Ruby forgot that she was supposed to keep that part to herself. He had no idea where she was living. Because of the restraining order her address was withheld from all documents. The children knew not to mention living in a shelter. She had drilled it in their heads. She told them if they told their dad they wouldn't be able to see him anymore. "I'm sorry Jerrod in the moment I was just doing what I thought was best. I didn't want to run back to my family. I didn't want to be dependent on anyone for anything. It's a really nice place. It's clean and safe. It's more like an apartment than a shelter." She tried to explain.

"I'm not going to pretend I have an answer but I'm gonna be honest and say y'all need to move out right now. Find a place, tell me how much you need to get moved and I'll send you the money. Right now that is my focus. I don't want my kids and their mother in a shelter." It wasn't the response Ruby was hoping for. She wanted him to tell them pack their stuff and move them back home. "Why waste money Jerrod? We can just move back home." She realized she was going to have to be more forceful. "That's not a good idea. We have children and it is not fair for them to be drug through our issues and confusion. I need time to think. I'm not willing to just make a rush decision. However my children shouldn't be in a shelter while I mull over things."