When It's Over

19

Kim stared at Jewel in disbelief. Jewel's feet propped up on the couch and folded.

A glass of wine graced each woman's hand.

"I'm at loss for words. I'm angry, but I'm also so remorseful. I thought Summer was this nice woman who just genuinely cared for kids because she couldn't have any of her own. You said you felt she wanted your life and I didn't believe you."

Kim's fingers tightened around the stem of the wine glass and Jewel knew her friend was remorseful, but at the same time it was neither of their faults.

"I can't blame you. I suspected she wanted my life but I didn't suspect that my husband would stoop so low and sleep with her. He spent four days by the woman."

Jewel chuckled because if she didn't laugh, she would cry and she had no tears left to give her husband.

She'd given him eighteen years of her life and he repaid her with infidelity and a paternity test.

"You're shocked about the affair. I'm pissed about the paternity test. What would he have done if those results showed that Mya wasn't his?"

Jasmine exclaimed as she shook her head.

"Jew you're my sister and I love you but you knew how I felt about your husband from the start. I never liked him, he was cocky and arrogant. He kept impregnating you to keep you at home every time you wanted to step out on your own."

Jewel gulped.

She knew her sister never liked Carlos, but she didn't know that she paid close attention to Los's actions.

"Hating on him though is not what we're here for? How are you holding up?"

Kim questioned as Jewel shrugged her shoulders.

"By a thread. I know I have to go home, I know the kids need me..."

"They'd always need you, right now Jew, you need you. But maybe stay with us and leave Ryan's."

Kim examined the house and she knew both women were impressed.

Nine years ago, she'd spent a lot of time with Ryan because she'd helped him design, decorate and watch him build his dream home.

The marble counters and floor to ceiling windows were all her idea. She loved light and Ryan's house was an embodiment of that. For some reason she felt safer coming here than resorting to stay at her sister's or her best friend's home.

"You both have your families to see about."

Jewel retorted as Kim deadpanned her.

"I just have Kharyi and an upcoming wedding. You can take Mya and come. Khayri would love the company."

Kim's offer sounded tempting, but she also wanted her home.

"I'm going back home. I do want you to keep My for a bit while I try to get Carlos to let me go."

An exasperated sigh left Jasmine's lips.

"The hardest part about leaving Carlos, is Carlos agreeing for you to leave him."

Jewel knew that, even if she tried to serve him with divorce papers, the man wouldn't sign it.

"I'd have to ask Justin's mom if Jeston could stay with them for a few days. I don't want the kids at home while we deal with this."

Jewel admitted.

"And what if he gets you to reconsider? What if you end up pregnant again?"

Jasmine questioned.