When It's Over

24

Jewel entered her room with a smile on her face as she saw the man seated at the edge of what used to be their bed.

"Is Mya okay?"

Carlos nodded.

"She fell asleep a few minutes ago. How is Jeston?"

"Good. He wants to stay here."

Carlos placed his head between his palms as Jewel heard the sobs escape him.

How could she want to strangle someone so much but at the same time still love him.

He did this to them yet he was hurting the most.

She took a seat beside him as she placed her hand on his shoulder.

"Carlos if there is one thing we did right, it was creating those two kids. They love us in-spite of our mess ups and they're going to love you regardless. You are their father."

His sobs grew louder.

"I failed them."

She wanted to lie and say that he didn't but the truth is that he did.

"We're human and we mess up, but it doesn't make them love you any less."

"It only makes you love me less?"

He questioned as a sigh escaped Jewel's lips.

"I love you but you've hurt me and you keep hurting me Carlos. I won't allow my kids to think this is what real love looks like."

He nodded and Jewel didn't know if he agreed or if he was as tired as she was.

Two days later....

The next day she stood in the crowded dressing room, her hair curled into waves as her rose gold satin off the shoulder mermaid dress clung to her hips.

Jasmine stood at her side hooking her earrings as Kim stood at the center of the room popping open a bottle of Prosecco.

"To love!"

She exclaimed as the bottle popped, pouring each woman a glass as they drank.

Jewel knew today wouldn't be the easiest day for both her or Carlos. They were celebrating their friend's union, when their own union was decaying.

Jewel placed the champagne flute to her lips as a knock sounded at the door.

"Ladies were about to begin."

Kim grabbed onto her hand, her best friend looked stunning in her all white mermaid dress with a pearl finish.

She'd never seen a more beautiful bride, yet in her friend's hand grip, she could tell something was wrong.

"Tell me I'm doing the right thing."

Kim shot at her as Jewel smiled.

"You're doing the right thing. That man out there loves you."

The knock sounded again as Kim's mother yelled.

"Places ladies!"

Jewel gave her friend a reassuring hand squeeze.