Magnolia

Chapter Three

AN: Hi!! I know what you're thinking, it's been forever since I've updated. I know. I'm sorry. Writers block is a nasty bitch, and so are finals. But here's any early Christmas present. Hope you guys enjoy. 

P.S.: The guy in the picture (Donnell Blaylock Jr.) is Jeremy.

 Chapter 3

October

"Take a bite."

"What is it?"

" Pecan praline,"

"Pecan praline? Is it good?"

"Take a bite and find out."

Jeremy and I have been seeing each other now for about two months. Two great months. He's everything that I could ever wish for and more. I keep waiting for the day he changes, but it never happens.

"Mmm. This is good." He says taking a bite of the piece I offer him. "Can I have some more?"

"Mhm." I smile at him feeding him another piece.

After spending majority of the day walking around the French Quarter we settle down across from Jackson Square.

"So what are your plans for Friday?" He asks.

"Well that's Halloween so most likely I'll be trick-or-treating with Zion."

"Can I join?" He asks after a beat of silence.

"What?"

"Can I join you and Zion friday trick-or-treating?"

"Really?" I ask surprised. "You'd really like to come?"

"Yes, I'd really like to come. I'd like to meet him. " He replies. "I want to be a part of your life, Troianna, and for me to do that I'll also have to be a part of Zion's life. I want that. I want to know him. I want to know what's his favorite food is. What he likes to watch on tv. I want to know what he gets excited over. His favorite toy. His favorite book. It's okay if you say no, I'll understand. But I want you to know that I care for him just as much as I care for you. "

"Wow. " That's all I can say. Him telling me this makes tears well in my eyes. I should be terrified. Maybe even running for the hills, but I'm not. I don't want to. I want Jeremy to be in my life. I want Jeremy to be in Zion's life. But I can't ignore the what-ifs. "I'll think about it. Okay? "

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"Here Sweetie." Miss Lucy says placing a glass of water in front of me.

"Thanks."

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing's wrong, Miss Lucy."

"Something's on your mind child.Now tell me." She says before sitting at the table with me and taking a sip out of her mug.

"I'm nervous. " I tell with all honesty.

"It's got something to do with that man you've been seeing don't it?"

How does she do that?

"Yes," I sigh. "He wants to go trick-or-treating with me and Zion. "

"And that's a problem? "

"Not really. "I reply.

"Then what is? "

"Miss Lucy this is a big step. I mean, I knew he would have to meet Zion eventually but I didn't think it would be so soon. " I retort.

"Do you want Zion to meet this man? "

"Absolutely,more than anything." I reply. " He wants to meet Zion. But what if we don't work out? What if after he meets Zion, and Zion gets used to seeing him, something happens between us? I couldn't stand to seeing him hurt. I can't do that to him. " Sighing rimming the glass with my finger.

" Do you care for this man, Troianna? "

"Yes. I really do. " I answer meeting her gaze.

" Has he shown that he cares for you? " Miss Lucy questions.

"Yes, "

"It seems like this man cares about my pooka."

"He does. " I assure smiling at her nickname for my son.

"Well then then there's your answer." She says taking another sip from her mug. "Let them meet. "

It seemed so easy. Or course Jeremy cares for me. Of course he cares for Zion. But that doesn't change the what-ifs. Things could still go south between us and Zy could still get hurt.

"Honey, don't you sit there and try and talk yourself out of it. Stop worrying about the what-ifs and follow your heart." Miss Lucy says before tapping my hand and walking out the kitchen, leaving me at the table.

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