"That's it."

5.43 PM

"I will say I'm close with my two brothers, despite their horrid tricks on me when we were younger. When it mattered most, I knew I could count on them to be there for me." Tré pulled back her hair, the wind had started to pick up and whipped it around her face. Ignoring the desire to shiver, she clenched her hands tighter as she waited for the car to be unlocked.

Without saying a word, Stella unlocked the car. Both women carefully placed the bags in the back and climbed inside.

Stella made her way home.

"We should be there in less than ten minutes."

Tré remained quiet. After a moment she turned to Stella. "I hope my words didn't offend you or sound judgmental. I have no desire to upset you or feel I am judging you."

Stella pierced her lips, tapping on the steering wheel agitated. She remained silent for a moment longer before finally speaking. "I understand where you're coming from, I think we have different perspectives regarding our families, that's it."

Tré nodded her head in agreement.

"You mentioned a business plan earlier, what are you proposing? And who's approval are you waiting for?" Stella asked, hoping this could steer them in a new topic of discussion. She gripped the steering wheel tighter, anticipation gnawing at her as she waited for Tré to speak.

Tré readjusted in her seat, slightly caught off guard with Stella's question. Her throat felt dry, reaching over she grabbed her Arnold Palmer Sweet Tea from the Dollar Tree bag. Unscrewing the cap, she took a generous sip.

"Clearly, I hit a nerve this time," Stella observed and immediately wished she could take it back. There were times where she truly put her foot in her mouth. Taking this opportunity, she flicked on her blinker and moved to the right lane. Keeping her eyes on the road, Stella concentrated on driving, hoping that would diffuse the awkwardness between them.

"No, just startled, "Tré muttered.

Stella remained quiet.

"I come from a wealthy family, filled with charity balls, black and white attire dinners, along with certain expectations. With those expectations comes a burden I am obliged to fulfill, unfortunately. Despite cutting my ties with the family, does not mean with the business," Tré whispered, she looked out the window. It had begun to frost, undoubtedly due to the temperature falling and night had set. Tré watched as rows of beautiful homes roamed by, the streets were bare of people and parked with luxury cars. Most likely owned by hardworking individuals with high paying careers and happy, well-adjusted children. And those children probably had hopes and dreams not dictated by their overbearing parents. No, they all had a choice regarding what they would become in life. And Tré envied them. Not because of what they have, instead because of their ability to have a choice.

Stella pressed her back against the cotton upholstery. She took in Tré's words and how hard her life must've been. She looked up and turned the corner, her home coming into view—her sanctuary. Pulling in the driveway, she parked the car before turning to Tré.

"I love business, that's not the issue. I've always wanted to create my own clothing line, so that wasn't the problem. Being forced to work with my father and his company is," Tré answered before Stella could ask. She knew she would. It was written all over her face.

"Why not work somewhere else?" Stella knew the question was absurd and most likely senseless. Yet she was unable to stop the words from escaping her lips.

Tré exhaled, "That's it, Stella, there are no other options. If I refused to work with him, I knew he would make sure I wouldn't be able to work anywhere else. So, in the end, it was him who I turned in my business proposal to. Now I am at the mercy of his decisions. I hate it, and I feel trapped," Tré laughed bitterly. She knew that was a possibility when she cut her parents out of her life. She just expected him to be better, maintain a level of respect and mutual understanding regarding business. He could have given that to her, at least.