Stephanie Allen has been dealt hardship and misfortune since her college days. Now a mother of three beautiful children, she's trying to rebuild her life, one small step at a time. With bills piling up, responsibilities weighing heavy, and the past...
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Walking into the dark house I already knew the bullshit that would follow. Turning on the flashlight on my phone I walked through trying to hurry up to my room.
" Where you been?" His voice was slurred indicating he's been drinking.... Again
I sighed stopping in my tracks " I just went out with some friends after work that's all"
I can literally say I didn't see it coming but I knew that it was. A hard slap across my face made me stumble back.
I could smell the alcohol strong on his breath " You think I'm dumb Stephanie huh? I saw that nigga drop you off. You out here hoeing huh?"
Grabbing my cheek I stood up " Dwayne he was a friend from work damn" He started walking towards me until he stopped hearing Ayanna's voice " mommy?"
" Go back to your room Ayanna. I'll be there soon okay" I heard her feet departing back up the stairs.
I look towards his figure " You ain't pay the light bill Steph? How fucking stupid can you be ?"
This ain't even my place but I'm paying every bill that comes through it somehow " I remember we discussed this and you said you would handle the bill this month so I had enough to cover the kids daycare fees "
Grabbing his keys and phone he left out the door " Well I didn't handle shit. I'm gone."
Grabbing my bag up off the floor I made my way to the bedroom when I heard their little voices talking " Yanna mommy here?"
" yea..."
I heard Amir's tired voice ask the question "He hit?"
" yea.."
The tears that streamed down my face were hot and heavy from embarrassment. Going into my room I changed out of my clothes and into some sweats and a black hoodie. Moving towards the closet I took out the duffle bag
That was the last time.
Every time I'd say that last time I'd always make an excuse to stay, or he'd threaten me, but I was dead serious this time.
That was the last time I'd let my children witness me stay in a toxic environment and relationship.
Dwayne and I were college sweethearts. How cliche, but I thought it was the beginning of a love story.... More like a nightmare.
I got pregnant during college with the triplets. I thought everything was going to be great. I was going to graduate, marry the love of my life, have my babies, have a successful career and live happily ever after.
Those rose tinted glasses I had on when it came to reality shattered quickly.
I had one more semester left to finish off. I had to take a gap year, I have my three beautiful babies Ayanna, Amaya, and Amir who are four about to turn five.
