Nyla woke up sore, sated and cocooned in Gavin's strong embrace. She opened her eyes to see him staring at her intently.
Looking up she inquired "What? Did my head scarf fall off? He smiled at her query.
“No, but when did you put that thing on anyway." He said smiling at her.
"Hold on a sec" she said trying to leave the bed, but he gripped her waist holding her in place.
"Where are you going." he asked huskily
“To brush my teeth if you must know"
"Not yet, I want to stay in bed"
"How about we brush our teeth and then crawl back into bed." she compromised
“I don't mind your morning breath" Gavin explained
"But I do" she said scooting off the King sized bed, as she reached the doorway Nyla turned back admiring his well-defined chest and abs, since the sheets sat low on his waist.
"I was planning on taking a shower, want to join me?" she said sexily striking a provocative pose at the door.
Gavin sprung out of the bed so fast he caught her before she made it three steps and swooped her into his arms making his way to the bathroom. He had taken her several times throughout the night but now he got to enjoy watching her every curve and nuance of her shapely body. Gavin watched as Nyla slipped out of her satin sleep shirt and stepped into the glass enclosed shower. He looked around at the sea foam green glass tiles, rain shower with multiple body massaging jets. "Nice" he said approvingly. He looked down at Nyla and felt his arousal growing watching full breast bounce as she reached for the shower puff, her nipple had beaded in the chilled room. Gavin pulled Nyla close and started kissing her neck, shoulders he suckled the area gently encouraged by her moans. He continued downward licking a path to her full upturned breasts; Gavin laved his tongue at the top and then the underside of her breast, avoiding her nipples till she whined in frustration.

"Gavin please suck them" she said trying to force his hand by thrusting out her chest. He chuckled at her insistence and pushed her breasts together watching his makeshift cup fill with shower water only to finally grant her acquiescence and suckle her entire breast in his mouth alternating between the two. His hands drifted lower while his mouth was occupied. He stroked down her flat stomach roaming back up her ribcage, his hot kisses followed quickly behind his hands when suddenly he stopped.

Nyla knew exactly when he saw them; she had hoped he wouldn't notice the patch of small raised scars on her rib. She figured they would eventually have this conversation
But not now! Not the morning after, she wanted to stay in her sex induced euphoria for a little while longer before exposing herself. She shivered when she felt his tongue trace each self-imposed scar. He kissed them and pulled her tightly to him. Nyla stood stiff as a board in his embrace preparing her for the disappointment or rejection that never came. Instead he held her tighter.

Gavin was learning the depths of Nyla's pain and the way she dealt with it scared him, he didn't want to lose her so he did the only thing he could do and held her tighter. He was probably hurting her but he just wanted her close to him, but soon feeling her soft body pressed against his reminded him of how the shower had begun.

Nyla pulled back to look him in the eyes, she held his face in her hand and kissed him softly on the lips. Tears and water intermingled as she deepened the kiss her tongue eagerly searching for his. It was in that moment with a kiss that expressed his acceptance of her that she realized she was in love with him. She pulled her lips away and traced his mouth with her hand "Thank you" she said it so softly Gavin almost didn't hear it with the cascading water on the hard tile. She kissed her way lower, his abdomen, and his navel which elicited a chuckle. She would never have guessed he'd be ticklish. She nibbled on his pelvic bone but steadily headed south till she found her prize until she was on her knees and kissed his dick.

Gavin looked down at Nyla with her hair plastered to her face and back, while she wrapped her delicate hand around his erection stroking upward gently adding pressure with every descent. She jerked him off while staring wantonly at his cock. He grabbed her shoulders to pull her up but she brushed him away and engulfed him in her mouth before he could do anything else.

Nyla loved the salty and sweet taste of him. She hollowed out her mouth to bring his deeper gripping his buttocks forcing him to fuck her mouth. Her nails dug into the back of his thighs spurring him on. “Fuck Nyla that so good, suck me" he groaned, it sounded primal, his stomach clenching with his impending release. Nyla couldn't hold back anymore she snaked her hand to her dripping sex and plunged two fingers inside, swirling her fingers in her box finding her g spot and started to add deliberate pressure every time her fingers plunged inside.

Gavin's eyes had drifted shut after she put him in her mouth but his eyes fluttered open feeling her breasts buck against his shins. He wasn't prepared for the vision in front of him. His manhood held deep in Nyla's warm mouth while she fingered herself to her find her own release. He senses were overloaded; he held her head gently and thrust into her two more times before filling her mouth with his seed. "God Nyla what are you doing to me “He tried to pull away he was coming so hard in tangent with the water it seemed like too much but she swallowed every bit before she bent over as her own orgasm shook her. Nyla pulled her hand out of her core when she felt Gavin's strong hands pull her unto him. He held her to him as the water washed over them he tilted her face upwards so she was forced to look at him " Nyla I love you" he told her earnestly.
"Gavin" she began but he interrupted
"You don't have to say anything I just wanted you to know, I needed you to know"
Nyla felt his manhood stir against her stomach and laughed “You’re insatiable"
“Only when it comes to you" he countered as he lifted her into his arms. Her legs instinctually wrapped around his waist as he pushed inside her.
Gavin hadn't had unprotected sex since high school but this woman was completely fucking with his head. Nyla's tight sheath gripped him firmly and covered him in warm honey. He braced himself and began filling her gently at first but that soon gave way to him pounding into her. The desire to fill her with his cum was incessant, he felt crazed.

“Gavin, yes fuck me just like that." he was hitting her spot now in rough, deep penetrating movements, he was no longer in control and it made her hotter. The telltale signs of her release commenced, her legs grew slack and started to tremble. Her pussy held him in a death grip draining him dry while she coated his cock with her dew.
He watched her face the entire time, her eyes squeezed shut while her jaw grew slack as she mewled out his name." Gavin... baby... I “She babbled incoherently succumbing to his prowess.


Gavin sat across from Nyla at the IHOP watching as she ate a stack of pancakes with eggs and bacon. One thing he learned about Nyla, she didn't go for idle chit chat when it was time to eat she just got down to business. A girl after his own heart he thought.
"Gavin, what are we doing today. I mean besides each other" she said
“Well you technically ruined my plans because I had no intention of leaving your body, I mean bed" he answered back with a pout on his lips.
"Let me make it up to you then baby" she said with a wicked smile on her face. Gavin's dick twitched, the last time she had that look in her eye she gave him the best blow job he ever had.
“Let’s go" she said as the both made their way to the car.
Nyla turned and gave Gavin a perplexed look when instead of taking them to her home for more play time he drove right past her exit to the marina. He parked and assisted her out of the car never revealing why they were there. They walked on the boardwalk hand in hand until they found an empty bench and sat down. There was a nice breeze and the sun was shining brightly in the sky and Nyla sighed her contentment.

Gavin brought her to one of the most serene spots he knew of in the area. He figured this conversation wouldn't be pleasant but he also conceded it needed to happen.
"When did you start hurting yourself” crossing his legs he asked looking out into the bay.
"I've stopped, can't we just let it go at that" she pleaded
"Nyla, talk to me"
" I am talking to you, but this relationship is starting to feel like therapy and guess what I'm always the one on the couch." she replied angrily
Gavin sighed "Tell me what happened" he said slightly less patiently than the times prior
"Fine just remember that you asked for this" she said letting out a shaky breath
“When Greg and A died I wasn't sad, or inconsolable. It was weird I had no reaction for months, I didn't cry I didn't mourn I just stared off not space lost in my own world where they were on extended vacation and coming back to me soon. I was like that for about a year, I lived in a different house then, a white colonial with a big red door, perfect for raising my family but when there suddenly wasn't a family to raise or a shoulder to cry on I completely shut down. After about a year Jocelyn had enough, enough of coming over reminding me to bathe, paying my bills, enough force feeding me, she was just plain fed up. That day Jocelyn came over and brought boxes she put everything in storage. You have to understand my house was the exact same as the day they died. I was just so fucked up"
She said hoarsely as tears streamed down her face “She fixed me up and we met a realtor that day and I started looking for a home that held no memories. It was difficult because I refused to use the money I received from their life insurance policies; but I did ok. Jocelyn didn't want me to be alone on my birthday so she took me out with a small group of friends. We went to at a bar and I had quite a few drinks but Jocelyn and our small group were just happy I had a smile on my face. It’s funny I smelled him before I saw him; he had on Givenchy which was Greg's signature fragrance. I turned around and my eyes met with an extremely attractive black man, he had that dark chocolate skin just my husband and he was tall with a similar build. In my mind Greg had come back to spend birthday with me, I brought him home with me. Then i fucked a stranger in the bed I shared with my husband. The bed I created my daughter in," she said wiping away tears when I woke up I was so relieved, he was holding me and I looked up into a pair unfamiliar brown eyes I realized what I had done I was disgusted with myself. I asked him to leave and I showered until I was a raisin to get him off of me. I went to the bathroom and all I could think of was how disappointed Greg would be. I had so much pain built up inside me that I wanted to finally let go of so I made a small slice. It was supposed to be a physical manifestation of my emotions but soon I craved the sensation of the razor piercing my flesh. It’s weird on  my daughter’s birthday I just stopped drinking, cutting and made an appointment with Dr. Schroeder. I didn't think about it I just did it. The following Thursday I went to my first group session at the center and I've been going ever since. Woo that was heavy"
He looked at her wiping the tears from her face, he had refrained himself from doing anything that would cause her to stop her free flow of emotion. “I know that couldn't have been easy foot you to say because it was hard for me to hear. God I want to put you in a bubble so I could ensure that you never get hurt like that again I would but I can’t all I can do is ensure that I don’t bring any pain into your life. I love you Nyla”
He said kissing her gently easing his arm around her shoulder they rested back and enjoyed the view.

Nyla sang to herself as the phone rang writing for Jocelyn to pick up the phone.
"Lamborghini mercy, your chick is so thirsty"
"What the hell are you singing girl" Jocelyn asked upon answering the phone
"The hell if I know that's the only part of the song I can understand. Damn them young rappers"Nyla retorted.
"You better still be coming over because I made enough paella to feed a small army and I made some peach sangria."
"Oh I'm definitely coming over, I just needed to know tiramisu or fruit tart"
"Fruit tart" Nyla answered excitedly
"Ok, I'll be over in an hour."
Nyla added some more diced peaches to their drink and put the pitcher in the fridge, pleased with dinner and her dinner companion. Nyla rushed to take a quick shower, changing into some Victoria secret Pink loungewear and curled up waiting for Jocelyn. It was forty five minutes past seven; Nyla was very concerned because Joc wasn't answering any of her texts. Nyla's doorbell rang furiously and she rushed to get it, swinging the door open she gasped at the sight before her. Jocelyn face was tear soaked and ruddy with red blotches.
"What happened to you? Come in here you look a mess." Nyla quickly ushered her n and went to the fridge to grab her a bottled water." here drink this"
Jocelyn took a gulp “Do you have something stronger"
Nyla picked up a glass and filled it with Sangria then passed it to Jocelyn.
"You are soaking wet I'm going to the you something to wear."
Nyla quickly came back with a juicy sweat suit and handed to Jocelyn.
Jocelyn drew in a ragged breath before speaking.
"He's cheating on me and she is pregnant!" she cried
“How do you know this, don't assume anything?"
"Nyla I saw them. I went to Ferry Street since they have such good Portuguese bakeries even though it’s a bit of a drive and I saw him walking out of a restaurant holding pregnant woman. He kissed her and held her freakin fat hand. I can’t believe he could do this to me. Nyla you know I wanted to start a family early and he kept putting it off because we were not ready, obviously he was more than fucking ready. I am going to kill him. I tried so hard to make it work why would he marry me to do this to me." she sobbed out her story.
Nyla handed her a box of tissues and poured another glass of Sangria.
"Did you confront them?"
"No. I just watched him with her he loves her. He was never like that with me." her voice cracked
Maybe it's not his baby; you should talk to him before you make any decisions"
“I think he's made the decision for me. I just don't understand why go through this elaborate farce of a marriage. "

"I don’t know why he would do this but what I do know is you are an amazing, beautiful woman. If this is true it's only freeing you completely to move on with your life and eventually find the real right guy for you. You've been putting yourself through it for years trying to make it work. Go wash your face and well eat a bit drink even more and I'll do your nails."

Jocelyn cleaned herself up in the bathroom when she heard Nyla talking to someone.
"Didn't you get my text canceling tonight? I thought it was strange that you didn't respond but I was too preoccupied to pay it much mind. I'm sorry Gavin I have company and don't take this the wrong way I'd prefer if you weren't here when they got back."

Gavin stared at Nyla confused at how distant she was, he peered over her head and saw too glasses and the pitcher of sangria. “It smells good in there."
"I made paella"
Gavin noted no offer to bring him a plate.
"Are you seeing someone else, you can just tell me there is no need for cloak and dagger.”
"No, I’m not did if you had received my text you would know that my friend is going through some things and seeing me cheese through a dinner making eyes at you is not what she needs right now.”
"Ok, I get it, gimme a little kiss to tide me over" he said with a smirk
Nyla pulled his head down and placed a small chaste kiss on his lips, when she felt his warm tongue dart out and stroke the seam of her lips, parting them. Nyla moaned and her tongue began to mate with his while Gavin's hands grabbed fist full of her thick ass.
"Oh god Nyla, I’m interrupting” Jocelyn said clearly embarrassed with what she had walked in on.
"No, actually I am. Sorry to interrupts your ladies night. I'm going to head home" Gavin answered he pecked Nyla and bid Jocelyn a good night and left.

"I'm sorry I know you would rather be snuggled up to all that sexy rather than watching me ugly cry."
"Well, that is we're you would be wrong. I am exactly where I want to be tonight I just wish it were under better circumstances."
The girls stayed up for most of the night alternating between eating, drinking and talking about their childish escapades of cutting school. Jocelyn decided to check Facebook to see what childhood crushes now looked like. It was a frivolous and much needed time to decompress and renew their friendship. Nyla really hoped Javier wasn’t cheating on Jocelyn it would be a sad ending for the college sweethearts. However Nyla was sad that her best friend was going through this but happy that she could be there for support.

Gavin stopped at the red light and visions of Nyla’s beautiful body pressed against his as he kissed her filled his head. His reverie was broken when the person behind him beeped the horn angrily
. “Hurry the fuck up asshole!" yelled the driver behind him.
Gavin looked back at the pissed off older man and chuckled he couldn't help it if he was sprung. He went home and made a steak and potato before calling it an early night.

Gavin woke up to his phone ringing he reached over and answered it assuming it was Nyla." Hi honey what time is it?"
"It's late and I miss you. Can I come over?"
"Abigail?" Gavin asked confused shooting up in the bed
"Why the hell are you calling me at this time of night? Are you sick?"
"No, Gavin I miss us, don't you. You called me honey."
"I thought it was someone else calling. I am sorry if you’re still having a hard time with our breakup but I'm over it. Completely. I hope you meet someone special soon." Gavin wracked his brain with encouraging words; he felt he'd done a pretty good job considering it was the middle of the night.

"Abigail I think its best we don't call each other, I don't want either of us to get the wrong impression and end up with our feeling hurt" he said.
“Fine, I really thought you were going to come to your senses and see how amazing we are together. Gavin I’m done.” She said before hanging up. Gavin looked t the phone receiver in shock and dismay. He hadn’t talked with Abigail in over three months and he wondered what she thought the last few months were. “I’m done” he scoffed shit I was done six months ago. He put the phone down and plumped his pillow and willed himself back to sleep he had two surgerie s in the morning.

Trent laughed at Gavin’s recount of events of the night prior. “Damn Gavin you should keep Abbey on the back burner, you know that chick is filthy rich so she definitely isn’t out for your family money and her body is tight. Plus you not serious about that black girl are you. Your blue blooded ass can’t really be serious about that dark meat. I’m black and I aint getting serious with no black chicks with all that attitude. The last time I picked up this hot black girl things were going great, she brings me to her house and puts it on my ass and the next thing you know she is acting like she is over me, like I’m pushing up on her. Stick with Abbey she is nice and docile.”
Gavin listened to Trent and again wondered why they were friends “Thanks for the words of advice and I would take it if I were looking for a house pet but since you have never had a relationship with any woman regardless of what race Ii think I’m gonna go with my gut on this one”
“Suit yourself just don’t come crying to me when she bleeds you dry”
“Damn Trent someone really did a number on you. You need to sit on somebody’s couch and get yourself sorted out. We aren’t kids anymore.” Gavin said shaking his head.
“Speak for yourself because that little waitress that I been doing has me feeling like a teenager. I just pop a pill and I wear her young ass out” he laughed.
Gavin laughed at Trent outright refusal to enter adulthood. They didn’t agree on much but he was always up for a good time and had Gavin’s back in the past so he took everything he said with a grain of salt.

Gavin had some vacation time lined up that he had originally planned on doing some fishing with Mitch but with Mitch on lockdown with wedding plans and him and Nyla practically joined at the hip he really didn’t want to go to Michigan. He would figure it out or if not there was always Lake Michigan.






Nyla, bounced excitedly in her first class seat. She had not taken a vacation since before the birth of her daughter so she was beyond thrilled when she heard the pilot say they were about to land. As soon as the flight crew okayed it they removed their seat belts, she jumped out of her seat pulling a laughing Gavin with her to meet their limo service and take in the sights of St. Thomas. The car that Gavin chose was a Chrysler Seabring convertible, Nyla looked around and breathed the warm salty air as her braids whipped around her, pulling her black straw hat off her head she tilted her head enjoying the suns heat. They soon pulled up to their destination and the driver let them both out, they walked hand in hand into one of the most beautiful places she had ever seen. The Ritz Carlton was very well appointed; luxuriously so, bordering on pretentious but this was vacation so she would indulge.
“Who knew what a little pillow talk could accomplish" she said impishly
Gavin shook his head, remembering a month prior after waking up to Nyla complaining about the rainy fall weather.
" Gavin I want to be on a tropical beach, watching the gentle waves lap at my feet while you rub suntan oil on me." looking out the window she sighed at the sixth straight day of thunder showers and brisk weather
"Instead we have this" she pouted.

Gavin began to formulate a plan that a month later would lead them here. He had traveled extensively and St. Thomas was one of his favorite places, the beaches were turquoise and tranquil, also the people were friendly but not pushy.
"Thank you for doing this, for coming with me." he said to her, he knew she was nervous to take this step in their relationship.
"I know the only reason you brought me here was to see me in my string bikini" she said feigning indignation.
"That is a bold faced lie; I checked this beach is topless but i plan to see you in a lot less” he smirked as she hit his shoulder.
They checked in and Nyla noticed how the female staff and guests were eyeing Gavin.
The manager walked briskly past them and practically tripped on her jaw when she saw Gavin, making an abrupt about face she told the male employee at the concierge desk that she would check them in. The confused look on his face was priceless; clearly this wasn't something she did regularly.


"Welcome to the Ritz Carlton, I am Angela the assistant manager, I trust you will find your accommodations more than satisfactory however if you find you need something more I'll be happy to provide it for you anytime." she said giving a haughty look to Nyla before gracing Gavin with a seductive smile.
Gavin nearly blushed at her blatantly flirtatious behavior but he was also annoyed at how disrespectful she was to Nyla.

Gavin looked at the rude woman deciding to teach her some manners he turned and kissed Nyla fully on the lips wrenching a moan of pleasure from her. He pulled back slightly brushing an errant braid out of her face momentarily forgetting he was teaching Angela a lesson.
"I can assure you I have everything I need right here. Our keycards please." he said he smirked at the shocked woman.

Nyla laughed at the woman's expression as she handed Gavin the key cards. He wrapped his arm around her shoulder while Nyla stuffed her hand in his back jean pocket; they made their way to their room.

Their room was something out of a travel magazine. Nyla had traveled in style while married to Greg but this opulence was more than she had ever experienced. The thin curtains shifted with the wind as Gavin opened the French doors leading to the private patio that had a private Infiniti pool and hot tub, Nyla dropped her purse on the sofa in the living area and walked out to see more of the amazing ocean view.
“This is too much you have outdone yourself Gavin" she said smiling
“I think you might be right, how the hell am I going to beat this for our honeymoon."
Gavin blanched and turned several shades of red at his admission while Nyla gasped and muttered something about unpacking her clothes.
"Where the hell had that come from and more importantly why was the idea of them on honeymoon sounding better and better the more he mulled it over? He knew that marriage was the natural progression to any relationship but they had only been seeing each other for a few months this was way too soon.

Nyla rushed to the living area distancing herself from Gavin's proclamation and hopefully from the unadulterated fear that gripped her at the thought of marrying again. She re ally hoped he didn't want to discuss it because she was pretty sure anything coming out of her mouth would not be what he wanted to hear.
She started unpacking her things, pulling out a barely there pink bikini she laughed to herself' I know how to get things back on track'. Nyla quickly changed and sauntered past a semi shell shocked Gavin in a wisp of pink triangles. Gavin was released from his musings when Nyla walked past him through the patio door. She sashayed over to the stone outdoor shower rinsing her body off the stepped into the infinity pool. She ducked underneath the water, when she emerged the pink bathing suit top was in her hand and her full breasts buoyed in the water.

Gavin watched her emerge from the water topless and strode to her, pulling off articles of clothing as he went. he stood nude at the pools edge taking in the most perfect woman he had ever seen, with the Caribbean sea and setting sun as her back drop "i don’t know what I did to deserve you but I'm damn sure not letting you go." he said walking into the pool and pulling her close. Gavin tilted her head enjoying the heavy feel of her braids in his hands; he tugged them harder to acquire better access to her neck.
"I really like this hairstyle" he murmured. He licked her achy breasts and nipple the nipple biting her harder, and then licking away the hurt. His fingers stroked her dewy sex thru the bikini bottoms, the material kept her heat while the cool pool water lapped at her slit. He pushed the fabric away and slowly pushed his finger into her tight canal, he added another watching her the entire time.

Nyla was fighting to stay in control, this was supposed to be her seduction but Gavin had her undone.
"Gavin, baby please" she cried in a needy voice
Gavin chuckled; she only called him Gavin baby when she was desperate for his dick. Gavin stroked her happy button before adding pressure, giving it a little pinch which set Nyla off.
"Fuck, fuck Gavin ahh" she moaned covering his hand with her essence. He rubbed the moisture on his rock hard penis. Gavin pulled a shaking Nyla to the edge of the pool and bent her over; placing his throbbing dick at her entry he grabbed a fistful of her braids and thrust into her roughly.
"God, Nyla I fuckin need this pussy. You’re... mine... now... Miiinnee! He punctuated every word with a heave of his hips hitting her g spot every time. She didn't understand how he seemed to have a homing device on what took her years of alone time to find. However this was not the time for reflection or revelation she could only feel.
"Tell me, say it" he commanded .Gavin didn't recognize himself; he could be an aggressive lover at times but never possessive. Women would normally shout out in passion that their pussy was his and to be honest he really didn't care, but he needed her to say that her body was his now. There would be no other men, no ghosts just him the desire for her to acknowledge this was overwhelming. She bowed lower no longer arching her back completely submitting to his ministrations.

Nyla felt Gavin tug at her hair and turned her head to see Gavin lost in his pleasure, pounding into her. She felt the sting as he smacked her ass for not answering him. She was trying to but it seemed that forming sentences was no longer a talent she possessed. She felt him angle her ass upward and begin pounding anew. “fuck me Gavin, my pussy is yours, my body is yours" she stuttered as the beginnings of her second orgasm began.

Gavin couldn't take much more, she had his dick in a chokehold and was spasming around his cock soaking his shaft with her pleasure.
"That's not enough. I want more" he said staving off his release till she appeased him.

Nyla didn't know what he wanted from her but she did know that she couldn't take much more. As it was she lie slumped over on the cool tile, her face on her arm as she was no longer able to support her upper body weight. Oh God not again, Nyla was actually concerned with passing out from pleasure. Her body was fighting it because it seemed to intense, she listened to the sounds of the water lapping back and forth, his balls hitting her ass, Gavin grunting and nipping at her back when finally she short circuited. Her vaginal muscles clamped down on Gavin as she convulsed, tears streaming down her face, she cried out "I'm yours Gavin, all of me is yours"

Hearing her submit to him triggered Gavin's orgasm, he stilled deep inside her as spurt after spurt of his cum jetted into her awaiting womb. He felt light headed from the intensity ,weakened he collapsed on top of her pressing her further into the tile, after a minute or so he reluctantly pulled out of her, turning her around.
" Nyla are you ok, I’ve never been that rough with you before. Did I hurt you?"
"No, no I'm fine" she answered as he searched her face.
"I meant what I said that just wasn't the sex talking.” she said
"I know" he answered cockily
He chuckled when her heard her mutter "cocky bastard" as he helped her out of the pool. They rinsed off in the outdoor shower and went to bed, nude and in each other’s arms.





Nyla woke up before Gavin the next morning and decided to order room service. She showered and brushed her teeth throwing on the Egyptian cotton robe she padded to the door after hearing a curt knock." room service" the young man eyed her disheveled form and gave her a curious smile as he pushed the cart into the living area. He quickly and quietly went to make his exit when Nyla grasped his crisp uniform jacket.
"Wait one sec please" she begged while digging through her pink straw bag. She found a twenty and placed it in his hands.
"Thanks"

Gavin stood at the doorway watching the exchange. He was sure Nyla hadn't noticed the young man ogling her body outlined in thin robe. She was completely oblivious to that type of thing, at first he thought she was just being coy but the more time he spent with her realized she often consumed herself fully with the task at and not really taking in her surroundings.
"Ahem, was there something else Gavin asked slightly annoyed with how besotted the boy was with Nyla in her current state of undress.

"No sir, good morning if there is nothing else I'll take my leave." the young man said exiting the suite.

"So what are we doing today?" She inquired
"Sweetie we can do whatever you want" he answered huskily his thoughts already straying to the different positions he wanted to take her in.
"Well let's hurry up and eat because I want to go parasailing, also I thought maybe we could go kayaking to St John. Tell me if I get too much for you, I want to do so much I forget to relax and enjoy the scenery sometimes.”

“Don’t worry about it babe. We will do whatever you want”

Gavin sighed clearly they were going to have to leave their suite today so he picked up a Danish and headed to the bedroom closet to choose an his attire before taking a shower.

" nah al yu hafi do is hol on to di handle dem and lean back yo hear." the local boatsman instructed the couple.
Gavin looked at Nyla hard taking her in from the top of her braided head to her freshly manicured feet.
"What, why are you looking at me like that" Nyla asked genuinely curious
"I'm wondering how the hell you keep getting me into the crazy dangerous positions."
“If you think this is wild, I got some positions for you to try when we get back to the hotel.

Jesus Nyla don't you dare start, he said trying to adjusting his growing manhood in the harness.

The boat picked the speed and Gavin felt himself start to ascend, he took a look around and saw beautiful turquoise water, he felt the pellets of water hit his skin but not hard enough to hurt. He turned his head to Nyla and saw her wide eyed taking everything in with an infectious grin of pure joy on her face.
“Gavin isn’t this amazing, I love it “she yelled over the motor of the boat.


Nyla looked in the Boutique window and recognized herself for the first time in years. She let go of Gavin's hand and pressed her hand to the window, checking if it was really her, fresh faced and smiling. She wasn't gripped with fear or depression, she was happy. Truly happy and it was mostly because of him. She had worked too hard at group and with Dr. Schroeder to give Gavin all the credit but he was definitely the catalyst that caused her to start living instead of simply existing. She felt a little nervous, how do you express your gratitude without discounting the love that had blossomed between them, how did she him thank him for a gift like that?

Nyla looked up at Gavin “The past few months have been"
'Ring ring ring" Gavin's phone rang the tone signaling it was the hospital and an emergency.
"Babe I have to get this" his said apologetically.
Nyla quickly moved off his chest " We can talk about this later."
"Gavin hastily all be it begrudgedly picked up the phone"
"Shit. I'll be there in 15 minutes." He answered as he put on his clothes.
"Babe I'm sorry but I got to go, one of my patients looks like he is rejecting the transplant."
Nyla prayed everything worked out as she watched Gavin race through the room and then out the door.
" Bye" she said quietly, she was certain he hadn't heard her. Nyla threw her head back and screamed into Gavin's pillow.
"I was going to tell him! I finally worked up the courage and he gets a freaking emergency call. She knew she was being a selfish brat about it, a child's life was in jeopardy but the moment seemed perfect to unload the secret that was practically making her sick to keep. She wasn't sure what Trent's problem with her was. He left lewd and derogatory messages on her cell phone and her separate house line which she used for work. He must have gotten hold of her business card which had both those numbers on them. At first she thought it was about her, but as of late she was starting to suspect he had some type of vendetta against Gavin. Flinging off her covers she walked to the bathroom and decided to take a bubble bath. She lit a vanilla scented candle and picked up her tub pillow and let the fragrant warm bath water do its magic. She lay there till she was prune worthy but it wasn't a waste, she felt a renewed sense of urgency to divulge her and Trent's history to Gavin. She knew he would understand, the more she thought about it the more foolish she felt . She was going to make meatloaf with garlic mash and string beans for dinner, Gavin practically licked the plate the last time she made it.

Finally getting out of the bathtub she poured lotion in her hand and upon rubbing into her skin she made a face of annoyance. She had mixed up the bottles and put on Gavin's lotion. She smiled as she looked around the bathroom noticing the tell tale signs of his infiltration into her home. His bathrobe hung next to hers, his body wash and lotion were placed next to hers, her old hair care drawer had been bumped a d now housed his other toiletries. More often than not she would look into her closet and find several of his clothes hung up, she took it upon herself to have them dry cleaned or laundered with her own clothing. She was really apart of a couple. She smiled at the thought and got ready to go to the supermarket for the ingredients for tonight's dinner.

Gavin walked away from the operating room, dejected and weary. His patient hadn't made it, the look of pain on the boys parents face insured that he wouldn't sleep tonight. He knew this was apart of his job, you had to take the good with the bad but it was a bitter pill to swallow. He was just a kid. He was going to blow off some steam at the fitness center attached to the hospital. Gavin had been running on the treadmill for half an hour when Trent walked in. Gavin saw him 10 minutes prior flirting with the receptionist, that guy was such a player.
Trent walked over to him " You wanna ball?"
"No man, I'm not feeling it today. I've had a pretty fucked up day."
"What happened, trouble in paradise and I'm sure it is paradise" Trent snickered
Gavin knew that in his current mood he shouldn't continue to engage in a conversation with Trent, however instead of walking away he stopped the treadmill and walked to entrance of lower level where the indoor basketball courts were housed . With not even a cursory glance he asked ”You coming".
Trent jogged over and they headed into the courts.
"Check"
"Check"
Gavin lunged for the ball but Trent proved to be faster and Gavin ended up plying defense. Gavin pushed against Trent making impossible to a shot.
"Damn Gavin, your always blocking." Gavin was sure there was a double meaning even if unsure as to what it was . Gavin wanted to lay out all his pent up aggression on the basketball floor because he didn't want to be like the when he went home to Nyla. Truthfully because of the nature of today's events he was hesitant to reveal too much to Nyla because it may hit to close to home. Gavin became so wrapped up in his thoughts he didn't notice Trent fade to the left and score.
"Gavin, looks like I always score before you do."
"But it only matters who scores last" Gavin answered hitting a three point shot.
Gavin noticed this was not their usual friendly game there was some underlying tension that neither man knew how to address.
"What's your problem with Nyla. I mean I knew you were fond of Abigail but something is off"
" Maybe I'm just sick of you trailing behind me taking my crumbs."
"What the fuck are you talking a bout? stop the bullshiting around and tell me."
" I'm talking about Abbey and now Nyla."
Gavin was sure the confusion was etched into his face. "Abbey and now Nyla what is your deal with the women in my life?"
"Nothing if they weren't always in my life first before you fuckin swoop in"
Gavin stopped playing and straightened up approaching Trent " How we're you in Nyla's life, you just met her a few weeks ago. I know your not mad because that Abbey and I dated, you guys had like two dates freshman year of college. "

"It was more than two dates"
"To be honest that was a long time ago it doesn't matter but why were you talking about with Nyla. Did you say something to her because she was strange when she came back from the ladies room."
"Yeah, I just jogged her memory a little."
"How that?"
"You should ask her."
"I'm asking you."
"Trust me ask her"
Gavin grabbed Trent's shirt and pushed him into the wall
"Talk or this friendship is over"
"I dated Abbey for a few months before you. I fucked her."
"What does that have to do with now. I mean shit if I knew it was that serious I probably wouldn't have went out with her but we are over. What does this have to do with Nyla."
"What do you think?" Trent said smirking at Gavin
Gavin didn't like that he had slept with Abbey but the insinuation that Trent had been intimate with Nyla sent him over the edge. He grabbed Trent's shirt hauling him to him
"Quit this shit Trent"
"Why you mad cause I fucked Nyla first and I didn't even have to date her. She came to me " Trent taunted
"Gavin lunged at him punching Trent in the gut. Trent doubled over but hit Gavin with an uppercut. Gavin punched Trent in the eye and then issued a quick jab to the l mouth.
"You think you had her first, the whole time she wished it was someone else"
"Trent knew there was some validity to his statement because he remembered Nyla moaning someone else's name. With his pride injured he renewed his efforts grappling Gavin and pushing him into the wall of the gymnasium. What little restraint that Gavin had slipped completely as he landed blow after blow to Trent's body. He taunts about Nyla ricocheting through his mind. The last blow to Trent's abdominal brought him to his knees and Gavin stopped striking him.
Gavin was angry and disappointed but a part of him remembered the old fun frat boy Trent that he had spent years playing jokes with. He walked over to Trent to offer his hand up and Trent batted his hand away.
"What the fuck is it, it was one night Trent."
"That's what you think that it's about this one night. It's about me being tired of living in your shadow because your name is McKeough" Trent spat
"Abbey and I had a good thing till you came and fucked it up. But I forgave you and you do this shit again"
"Are you fucking kidding me. This isn't even about Nyla you still want Abbey, you can have her. I can't imagine the conversations you have considering she is a not so closeted racist. We are done, this friendship is done. Don't bother me or Nyla again or the next time I won't stop. And like you said I'll probably get away with it because I'm a McKeough .
Gavin picked up his towel and placed over his head cover up the evidence of what had ensued in the courts. Throwing his bag into the trunk he started his car an sped off. He drove for what seemed like hours, disturbed that three people whom were close to him had lied repeatedly to his face. Gavin's phone rang and he glanced over and saw Nyla's face light up the screen. His mind was quickly flooded with images of Trent and Nyla in bed. He gripped the steering wheel tighter and kept driving.

Nyla paced her small house, becoming more anxious every passing minute.
"Lord not again. Please not again" she had called Gavin several times. she called the hospital, she called his assistant all of whom hadn't heard from Gavin in s hours. He left no itinerary and he wasn't scheduled for surgery for two more days. He normally had consultations tomorrow but his assistant said he'd cancelled all consults for the next few days. His phone now just went directly to voicemail.

Nyla looked at the autumn tablescape she had created with orange votives, an acorn filled vase with brightly colored fall colored flowers and gold lined placemats with matching napkin rings sat on the square burgundy plates. She had stopped at home goods and went a little crazy but she wanted tonight's dinner to be perfect. She sipped a cup of her warm ,apple cider hoping it would settle her stomach. She had thrown up from the nervousness. If he didn't come by within the next hour she was going to drive by his house to check if he was alright.

At 12:30 Nyla got into her car and drove to Gavin's house. She knocked a few times hard and then took out the key that he had given her, she'd never used it.. They rarely came to his house they were always together. Her heart sped up unsure of what she would find when she pushed the door open.
"Gavin! Gavin!" She called out. Nyla passed the kitchen and noticed the half finished pizza as well as the open Jack Daniels black label on the counter. This was very unlike Gavin. She continued into the family room where Gavin lay sprawled out face down his shirt was off and even though she was thoroughly pissed off by him completely blowing her off yet she smiled. She was so fucking happy to see him, in one piece, for now she thought. As the weight of worry was lifted she became concerned over what events had brought Gavin to this point. In the five months they had been together he had never mentioned loosing a patient, her eyes swept over him and she hoped this was not how he handled that situation. Nyla slowly backed out of the room, he had made it clear he wanted his space so she would respect that. With one more angry glance at the half eaten food as she walked out she went to her car and made her way home.

Two days later Nyla stood in line getting donuts and danishes for group, oh and a yogurt parfait because Ellis was on another diet .
"That will be $14.65" the pretty Asian girl said
Nyla took out 20.00 and put the change in the tip jar. She still hadn't heard from Gavin but truth is she had been waiting for this to happen. She was foolish to think this relationship would turn out any differently. She was or going to put herself through this again, she had made due for three years and she would continue on that course. She rushed to the elevator "Could you hold that for me" she yelled her wares jostling when she ran not wanting to hold them up.
"Would you press 3 please. Thanks" she said breathlessly
Stepping out of the elevator and into her real life she entered group and sat down and became emerged in her peers trials and triumphs.



Gavin leaned against the wall watching Nyla through the small window in the door. He was nervous to say the least, his anger had dissipated some and he was willing to listen and explain his actions. He watched as she hugged a few people goodbye and swing her bag over her shoulder. As the faces filed out of the room Gavin only searched for one, his heart leaped when her frame filled the doorway. She has on a chunky burnt orange sweater that looked amazing next to her skin, her skinny dark blue jeans and brown equestrian boots completed the outfit. She looked amazing and he wanted to strip every stitch of clothing off her body, but first they had to talk.

Nyla noticed Gavin immediately and stiffened when he reached for her forearm to bring her closer to him. "What is it Gavin? " she didn't bother to even look up at him. In her boots he was much taller than her so she stared at his white lab coat.
"Nyla look at me baby" he said huskily
"Baby, are you serious right now. I ...this was a mistake . I knew this is how it would end but I still went for it. You just disappear for three days, not even a fucking call, smoke signal, something to say "hey dog I'm ok. Fuck Gavin just leave me be." She said as the first tears started to fall.
"I'm not doing this here, I'm not " she said turning around. She rushed past a few of her friends from group and took the stairs almost falling with her tear blurred vision.
She hopped onto her car and guzzled the bottle of water she always left there, willing her nerves to calm. She wouldn't drive this upset, after loosing her family she was very conscientious on the road.

Gavin felt like shit all day. He went home to the condo that he didn't even like anymore and got ready. Ready for what he didn't know, Nyla was so hurt, he had expected pissed that he could work with but hurt fucked him up completely . He rang Nyla's door bell and he heard her call out. "Coming"
"Not yet but hopefully soon" he muttered.
Nyla threw open the door without looking through the peephole expecting the tantalizing scents of Thai food she had ordered for dinner not a devastatingly handsome Gavin in a blue cashmere sweater with dark jeans and boots. No wonder she couldn't think straight look at him, as she drank him in she noticed his lip was cut and he had a black eye.
"What happened to you ?"
"Can I come I so we can discuss it?"
"So now there is something to talk about, because Gavin you weren't really about the talking for the past couple of days."
"Your right. I wanted to cool off before I saw you. " he said pushing past her entering the house.
"We'll while you were cooling off, I was just starting to heat up. How could you just disappear without a word? Didn't you think I would worry? Do I mean that little to you?”
"Before I answer any of your questions answer just one of mine"
"When did you realize that Trent was the man you slept with two years ago?"
Nyla paled "The same night at dinner" she answered
"Why didn't you say something to me then?"
"What happened to your eye?” she asked though she knew the answer.
"Trent and I had to work out a few things."
"What happened, when did you guys get into it. I thought your game wasn't till the end of the week. " she rushed out to overwhelmed to even take a breath.
"Obviously we decided to go head to head a little early."
"This is what I was trying to avoid. He's your friend for a really long time. I don't know why he couldn't just let it go"
"I don't want to talk about Trent I want to talk about you and your omissions.
Why did you lie to me." He asked angrily
"I didn't lie to you. "
"The hell you didn't, I asked you point blank if there was something to Trent's behavior that night and you denied ever knowing him before that night" Gavin yelled he was becoming angrier with her .
"Yes I lied! Fuck I was finally happy and I wanted it to last, just once I wanted it to last so I lied. " she yelled.
"So you had me sit at dinner while he made those ridiculous statements while I sat back looking like a complete asshole"
"Is that what this about your bruised pride?" she said snidely
"No it's having my friend, ex and girlfriend lying to me or omitting details like we are having dinner with the guy I fucked." He yelled
" I told you where's and why that happened and I didn't have to. I don't ask you about your past because it's none of my business. So don't you fucking judge me now.
You have no right."
"Are you sure that's the reason you don't ask? Because I'm starting to think that you just don't give a shit. That's why you don't tell me anything unless I rip it out of you, why I can't meet your sister no matter how convenient I make it. there is always going to be something with you.”

Nyla started pacing staring at the ceiling holding her head, she spoke to herself rather than to Gavin.
“Why did you have to find out? I was happy. Dammit, I didn't even want to love you it just happened and I couldn't stop it.” She took in a shaky breath and looked at Gavin “Tell me, how do tell the man your in love with , that by the way your basketball buddy well he was my fuck buddy but don't worry it was only once and I was so wasted I didn't even recognize him at first. God I kept telling him to let it go and move on but that asshole wouldn't stop calling. He just wasn't going to rest until we broke up " Nyla explained

Gavin watched Nyla in front of her couch and then sit and put her face in her hands.
"I was going to tell you, just before you got called in I was going to tell you."
"You gotta know how convenient that sounds Nyla"
"I know" she said softly, staring off at the blank tv screen trying to hold off the avalanche of tears .

Gavin looked out the widow and reclined further into his chair hands clasped behind his head and overly smug smile affixed on his handsome face. He and Nyla had been spending almost every night together. He finally felt like she was really letting him in, finally and he was thrilled but she was still very apprehensive about him meeting her family, namely her sister. So that's why he decided to surprise Nyla by inviting her sister for Christmas. He was surprised that she didn't know who he was; it had been a few months surely that was adequate time to mention a significant other. However instead of getting upset he took the bull by the horns and introduced himself and had a pretty informative chat with Tina. He couldn't believe how nice she was or how excited she was to come down and spend the holidays with them. He knew Nyla had her reasons for keeping their relationship estranged, but family was family. They were sisters and she needed let bygones be and work it out. And knowing Nyla she would avoid the problem until it became unbearable then tackle it when it was a mountain instead of a molehill. He adored her but he wasn't completely oblivious to her flaws. So in this instance he knew best he just hoped she saw it that way.

He decided to get down to business and started reviewing his next patients chart. He was reviewing a particularly difficult case involving a 16 year old young man who had already had two previous surgeries that proved ineffective. He was his last resort and Gavin took that responsibility very seriously. While he mapped out his plan of attack a knock on the door went unnoticed. He jumped startled when he felt vaguely familiar overpowering scent, unwanted hands caressed his face. He hated that he zoned out like that when he worked through surgeries, it was effective because he normally ran through multiple scenarios in his head and his forethought had saved more than one life but it was definitely unnerving to completely remove yourself from your surroundings and find yourself being mauled.

"Hi darling, It's been too long have you missed me?"

"No, maybe you should ask Trent the same question."

“Don’t be jealous. It was a harmless fling"
“Jealous? No. Annoyed? Yes. What are you doing here?
Abagail Wentworth had come to claim her prize, the very handsome, very rich Gavin McKeough . When they parted ways a year ago she was confident he would see that losing her was an egregious error on his part and beg for her forgiveness. Really, look at her she was beautiful, well connected, well-bred the perfect complement to him in looks, station and finance. He was an extremely fortunate man, but did he see that? No. He was always harping on her lack of compassion or how racially insensitive she was. And that wasn’t even true, she had fucked a black guy before, shit she fucked his best friend how's that for equal opportunity. She definitely had fun on her foray to the dark side but she also knew when a jig was up. Obviously by rumors she was hearing Gavin didn't, introducing some black bitch to his family over the Thanksgiving. She had been livid when she found out but cooler heads had prevailed and after a long discussion with her mother she realized what she had to do.

"Abbey. What can I help you with?

"That's a loaded question" she answered uncrossing her pale legs.

"Ok, let me rephrase. What do I need to do to get you out of my office immediately?"

"When you talk like that, I almost believe you don't have feelings for me."

"Go with the feeling" he said while giving her an incredulous look.

"I don't know why you judge me so harshly, I've heard you too are playing slave master but you even brought her to the big house instead of keeping it in the fields like a man of your pedigree should do.

"That’s it! Get out! “Pushing up from his desk abruptly he pierced her with a look of such disgust that a weaker woman would wither. But weak she was not so she smiled
coyly.

"What? Gavin I was just kidding. You never did take to my sense of humor." She said with such practiced innocence that he almost believed her. Almost.

"I see that you’re busy so we will catch up another time. Who knows maybe I’ll meet your Miss Sealy."


A few days later.


The doorbell chimed and Nyla cringed slightly at the tone but kept talking to Gavin's mother about the Christmas day madness and Joan's desire to switch completely to online shopping, when Gavin inserted himself between them.
"Mom can I steal her for a minute, her present is at the door."
Turning to face Nyla he grabbed her hand and pulled her toward the two story entry way. Nyla quickened her pace since he was practically dragging her but just before they reached the foyer he stopped. The thought that a proposal could be just around the bend cause Nyla's palms to sweat. Even though she was more in love than ever she still wasn't ready for marraige just yet.
"Close your eyes" he ordered excitedly.

"How old are we again? OH ok." She said doing as he asked.

He brought her just a few more steps and stepped in front of her with his back turned to his guest.

"Open your eyes baby" he said softly and stepped aside as she did so.
"OH my God. I can't believe your here" Nyla gasped as her eyes filled with tears.
"Hey baby sis. I thought it was past time we spent the holidays together.”

"Nyla, honey is, are you ok with this?" He asked hopeful. Initially when he saw her eyes water he assumed they were tears of joy but considering they had yet to embrace or give each other some type of greeting he was no longer sure.

Nyla was in fog; she averted her eyes from her sister Tina and looked at Gavin. She didn't want to hurt Gavin, it was clear by the look on his face he thought he had provided her with the best Christmas gift although at this point she might have taken the proposal. Nyla decided to act cordial until they returned to her home so she could discuss why this was such an epic fail. She could do this, fake it till you make it or in this case till you make to her driveway because that was the closest this bitch was getting to her house.
"I'm sorry Tina. It's just ...I was really surprised to see you...here...today. But here you are so let's make the best of it. Have you met Gavin's family yet?"

"Of course not. I wouldn't have introduced them without you honey?" Gavin said slightly annoyed that she thought he would be so rude.

"We'll honey, at this point I'm not sure of anything."

Gavin normally liked her sarcasm but he was a little taken aback by the lack of response from either sister. "Let's get going before my mom sends out a search party." He said trying desperately to lighten the mood.

"Joan, Aedan please meet my sister Tina." Nyla said stiffly

Joan looked at Aedan briefly wondering if he noticed the change in the previously animated young woman. Joan quickly walked over to Tina and extended her hand, following her lead Aedan soon did the same.

"It's so nice to meet you"

"Thanks, same here" Tina responded and indeed it was if this was their home. She looked around the expansive family room and the wondered if Gavin had a brother. She’d had her sights on him with their initial contacts but watching how he looked at Nyla it seemed might be too hard to break that up, but she would if she had to. She wasn't leaving without the money to help launch JStars career and by the looks of things these people wouldn't even miss it...much.

Nyla cleared her throat "Excuse me, I'll be right back” she said quickly before making her way out and down a long corridor.

After taking Tina's coat, Joan offered Tina some hot cocoa and the three of them made themselves comfortable.

Gavin was starting to worry. Nyla had been gone for over fifteen minutes; no one mentioned anything but it was the pink elephant on the room. "I'm just going to check on Nyla" he said standing up.
"You can sit back down Nyla is fine. I just needed a moment" she said with a smile. Her demeanor had changed she seemed more relaxed but the smile she gave never touched her eyes. It was a show and for now he would play along.
Nyla sat next to Gavin, across from his parents with Tina at the head of them both.

"So, Tina this was quite a surprise you and Gavin cooked up. How long have you been in town?"
"We'll I've only been here since yesterday and truthfully this was all Gavin's idea. I was just as surprised as you were when he called me a few weeks ago to ask me about this."

"Mmhm I'm sure. Did you have a good flight? “How is Joshua?"

"I did. “She answered with a tight smile.

"So I finally get my payback, tell me all about Nyla growing up." Gavin said smiling and rubbing Nylas’ thigh in a comforting manner.

Tina's eyes dimmed slightly and just as quickly she perked up. "Nyla was a precocious child. Always getting into some trouble or the other, not that my parents ever noticed" she said with a forced laugh.

"Really? I would never have guessed that."

"Nyla's good at keeping secrets. Right Nyla."

"You would know Tina; your recollection always differs to mine.”

"When Nyla was five she decided that she wanted to meet Jack and the beanstalk. So, she climbed up our grandmothers’ big maple tree. That crazy girl had to have climbed 8 feet off the ground when she fell out all of a sudden. Of course I tried to dissuade her. I guess being older I was always more responsible"

Nyla rolled her eyes but said nothing. She fell out of the tree because Tina screamed that Gramps was coming with the switch which wasn't true. It was then in her haste to avoid a spanking did she fall consequently breaking her arm. However, instead of rushing to get help her Tina laughed until she cried causing such a ruckus her grandma came out to see what the commotion was about.

Gavin gave her thigh an affectionate squeeze and kissed the top of her head, pulling her close. “I had a feeling you were a dare devil."

Tina continued with her embarrassing tales of when Nyla first got her period and the mess it made in school and how the popular clique called her Bloody Mary all year to her first heartbreak when Richard Lawrence decided not to take her to prom without informing Nyla.

Nyla smiled blankly and didn't interject that it was Tina who told Richard not to take Nyla a sophomore because she wasn't going to put out. Instead he took Tina. Her parents told her not to be upset since it wasn't technically her prom anyway.


"I sorry to interrupt yet another story of Nyla's unruly youth but I believe my roast is ready. How about we adjourn in the dining room." Joan said clearly annoyed with Tina's antics.

Tina smiled brightly at the older woman" Would you like some help?"

"Yours? No thanks." Joan said. She observed Tina's affronted expression and added
"You’re a guest, I wouldn’t dream of it."

Tina was thrilled she had wanted time alone with Joan to dig for cracks in Nyla and Gavin's relationship that she could exploit but sitting and being catered to worked for her as well. She laughed to herself because she had felt some hostility from Joan but she was probably just being hyper sensitive. The woman obviously enjoyed her company, they all did. Gavin and his family sat riveted as she told them stories of their childhood and teen years. Although It wasn't as enjoyable as usual because Nyla didn't try to refute her claims or give a more accurate account of the stories. She just sat there with that smug smile on her face because yet again she had found a rich man to take care of her while her on and off always had his hand out. JStar ...he would appreciate how far she went to get him the money and they could finally be together.


Gavin listened intently at first and initially thought the slightly embarrassing stories of Nyla's childhood were sweet glimpses into the youth of the woman he adored. But as the evening dragged on he couldn't help but notice that Tina rarely had any funny or non-embarrassing stories of Nyla. She barely spoke of their parents either. He wondered how someone so spiteful could be related to someone so caring. He saw the jealousy in Tina's eyes when she looked at Nyla, what he couldn't figure out was where it was coming from. Nyla never had a bad word to say about her. She actually rarely spoke of her at all. By midafternoon he was more than ready to concede his defeat in this reconciliation and apologize for ruining their first Christmas together by inviting this vile woman into their celebration.



"Are you ready to go?" Gavin asked nuzzling her ear.

"Yes, I'm more than ready."

"Nyla...I'm sorry...I didn't know." He said in a strained voice

"Yeah, but I did and that should have been enough. Let’s go." She said dejectedly

"Tina we are going to be heading out. We will drop you off at the hotel."

"Oh. Ok" Tina said surprised at their early departure and that she hadn't been offered to stay with them.

"Nyla I was hoping we could spend some time together reconnecting as sisters. I've missed you. Mom and dad wouldn't want this."

"Ok, I’ll pick you up from the hotel tomorrow. Maybe we can find some after Christmas sales." Nyla mentioned.

"That sounds good." Tina answered.


Gavin listened behind the door holding the ladies coats but stopped when he heard their conversation not wanting to intrude on their private moment. Maybe there was hope for them after all. Either way he was still upset that he had blemished their first Christmas together with his heavy handedness. It wasn't even his style to do something like this. He just wanted Nyla to see have the same joy he'd felt on Thanksgiving and if he was honest with himself, he wanted her to claim him in front of her family the way he did. Damn, he just wanted her to give him a sign that she was ready to take the relationship to the next level. Instead he had pissed her off and probably put her through the most awkward Christmas on record.








































To be in love with someone.

"I would like you to go home. I want to be alone tonight...ok. I'm not angry, ok I'm lying I'm a little angry but I'm more surprised at you heavy handedness. I just need a little time." Nyla said standing at the door. Gavin felt his chest tighten he was being shut out. Shut out from her thoughts, she’d given him the silent treatment the entire ride, even when they dropped Tina off, shut out of her home, she wouldn't even let him walk her all the way in cutting him off at the front door. Shut out of her sweet body, he hadn't slept without her for a months, he didn't relish the thought of the solitary slumber that awaited him. Damn, why didn't I think this shit through? I keep pushing her and instead I'm pushing myself out the door.

"Nyla I'm sorry, just fuck this is not how I foresaw this evening."

"But it's the way it is. Good night." She said closing the door.

"Damn it" Gavin muttered banging his head on her door before returning to his car.

The short drive home seemed to take forever with only silence and memories of how royally he fucked up to keep him company. ‘Suppose she doesn't forgive me. No.No. This is a bump in the road, no relationship was perfect, she was married before she would understand people screw up that didn't diminish his love for her.' He would stop by tomorrow or maybe the day after. He would respect her need for space but he wouldn't allow it to fission their relationship. He never thought he’d meet a woman as catty and vindictive as Abbey until he met Tina and he suddenly felt ill because he had beckoned these women into his life.

Nyla let the high pressured jets spray the hot but relaxing water over her body; she opted to wash her hair even though she had just gotten it doobied yesterday. Damn Gavin not only was he messing up her holiday, he was messing with her hair as a black woman that was sacrilege. She knew that he meant well, his intentions were never under question in her mind. However, this slightly overzealous side of Gavin didn't normally bother her, but assuming he knew better about her family dynamic was a little telling and she didn't like what she was hearing. One of the aspects of their relationship that she enjoyed the most was that she felt like an equal partner in their union. She had fought and struggle with her demons of guilt and pain to get to this point and it hurt that he would try to take away her footing. In her marriage because of her inexperience and the sizable age and life experience gap she normally deferred to her husband. As a twenty year old newlywed who had been with her husband since high school it was easier to go with the flow. Greg always asked for her input but honestly he was the final decision maker. As a young woman she didn’t mind being lead but she could now admit that unless things had changed there would have been trouble later on as she grew into her own womanhood. She had never felt the similarity until that evening and it made her nervously aware because after all her trials and tribulations she was no longer that impressionable young woman. Nyla finally stepped out of the shower and quickly put on her footie pajamas, at least some good could come of this day. She quickly curled up and willed sleep to take her.

Nyla woke to the continuous chirping of her doorbell and reluctantly left the bed fearing the worst by the aggressive way the person on the other side of her door was going at her doorbell. Nyla's annoyance grew with every step she took until anger clouded her better judgment causing her not even to check the peephole. She angrily swung open the door. “What!"

She was surprised to see Tina up and at her residence. Nyla looked around she spotted the clock 10:30. Was it really that late?
"What do you want Tina?”
"I thought we were going shopping?"
Nyla briefly contemplated shutting the door and leaving her outside but she would not disrupt her neighbors the day after Christmas.
"Come in" Nyla said rubbing her head, God she did agree to this didn't she?
"I want to catch all the after Christmas sales." She said excitedly oblivious to Nyla's obvious displeasure with her presence.
"I'd better get ready then.”
“Yeah girl because I need to be at Bloomingdales, and Armani exchange like ASAP."
"Nyla traipsed to bathroom and quickly got ready, pulling her in a messy bun, she put on a thin sweater since she always got warm in the mall and corduroy jegging with her new military style short boot.
Picked up her bag and grabbed her pea coat from the closet, making her way to the kitchen she passed her sister looking at pictures of Greg and shook her head.
"Do you want water or something before we go? We can pick something up to eat on the way or eat at the food court?"

"Ok can we stop at that fancy brunch spot we used to go to with Greg…What was it called again?” she asked tapping her index finger to her chin in contemplation.
“The Waverly, the restaurant is the Waverly Inn. I haven’t gone there in a while. Alrighty let’s hurry up before we miss brunch.” Nyla responded trying to interject some excitement into her voice.

“So did you and lover boy make up” she said snidely
“I don’t recall us having a falling out to make up for.”
“Nyla, please it was clear as day that you were upset with him. Even his parents noticed the tension between you two” said barely able to keep the smile out of her voice.
“Tina let’s not pretend that we are going to sit here and have my big sis give me advice because we both know that is not how this would ever go down. Let’s just go” Nyla said expelling a labored breath, she focused on her anxiety exercise from Dr. Schroder and briefly wondered if she should take a Xanax but quickly dismissed that idea she would be a fool to be in any way inebriated with her sister around .

The short drive to Short Hills mall seemed never ending with the tension filled silence. Nyla attempted to engage in idle chit chat but her sisters’ singular focus on her and Gavin’s relationship rendered her mute.
“So how did you meet Dr. McDreamy?”

“We just kind of ran into each other.”

“And just like that you’re dating a millionaire heart surgeon? Must be nice”

“It is actually. “Nyla replied praying to Jesus, Allah and Buddha to give her patience. Sometime she regretted the promises she made because they seemed to keep her bound to pain.

“How’s Joshua doing? Did he find a backer to help promote his cd?” trying to find a subject they could both agree on.

“No. Why are you even asking? It’s not like you give a damn “

“That is not true. I always thought he had a great talent”

“Yeah. So much faith that when you could have helped him you turned your back on us.”

“I am sorry you feel that way and I truly hope that he knows that was not the case … forget it doesn’t matter.”

“Your right it doesn’t matter, we aren’t even together anymore. Hey you never know maybe I might hang around here and catch me a rich doctor”

Nyla’s head whipped round causing the car to drift into the other lane, quickly righting herself she gestured her apologies to the driver to her left who was giving her the finger and brought her attention back to her sister.

“What did you say? I thought this was a short visit for the holidays? Don’t you have to be back at work?”

“No I have some mandatory time off, you know use it or lose it” honestly it was just lose it she had been fired for hitting on one of the managers and making the workplace a hostile environment when he rebuffed her advances.
However neither Nyla nor Gavin needed to know that little bit of information.
She hadn’t planned on sticking around but after meeting Nylas’ new man she felt it was time for a little payback. Why couldn’t she have a man gaze adoring at her? What made Nyla so damn special? Nothing! She would show her what it was like to lose the one you loved to your sister.

Nyla pulled in and parked her car at the Lord and Taylor entrance “Why didn’t you use the valet?” Tina griped

“Because we are two able bodied women and the entrance is less than thirty feet away” Nyla rebutted

Oddly enough as the pair browsed in through sale racks of designer duds a small sense of bonding enveloped Nyla and she longed for a normal sisterly relationship with her sister. Gavin thought that she had given up on mending fences with her sister but he couldn’t be more wrong. She was just tired of being disappointed when she took of her rose colored glasses.
“What do you think about this?” Tina asked picking up a Herve Leger bandage dress.

“I think it would look great on you.”

“I love this” Nyla murmered to herself holding the Rachel Roy peplum dress to her chest.

Tina cocked her head to the side giving consideration to the peplum dress “mhmm no I don’t think that style would flatter your figure. Your too top heavy for that, try this one” she offered picking up a dark blue loose fitting boho top.

“It’s not really my style but with jeans or capris this would be cute.” She replied adding the top to her items for purchase. Nyla watched her sister pick out a pair of cheetah leggings and trying to stifle the urge not to laugh but failed miserably when Tina turned to give her the full effect. As the rumble of laughter emerged so did the embers of hope that were beginning to burn in her soul, hope that their strained relationship was tattered but not in complete disrepair. Nylas stomach soon made it known that they had indeed skipped breakfast and since it was well past two in the afternoon all the Burberrry in the world was not going to fill their stomachs.

“Are you almost ready? I am starving here.”

“Oh come on we haven’t been here that long and you could stand to miss a meal.” She said eyeing Nylas frame up and down.

Nyla pretended not to hear her but made her way to the fitting room to examine just what her sister was talking about. Nyla studied herself with a critical eye and had to admit she had put on a little weight. It was love chub and hibernation fat. She would work it off in the spring, feeling a little more self-conscious she put down the fitted sweater dress she had picked up and opted to stick with her sisters’ pick of the flouncy top. Nyla felt her bag vibrate and answered her cell phone tentatively.
“Hey you, what’s up?”
“Nothing what are you doing today. You should come over…I have leftover penil”
“Jos you know you’re speaking my language. I never met a pig I didn’t like but I’m actually out shopping right now.”
“Damn it’s like that. You couldn’t call me so I could practice running through my alimony checks.”
“No trust me you wouldn’t have wanted to come “
“Why not? Are you buying sex toys again?”
“NO! NO! God Jocelyn I wish I never told you about that. Ahh I’m out with Tina.”
“What Tina…tell me your not talking about that puta, bendehja” she said disgusted.
“Yes the one in the same. I mean no..I mean I’m with my sister no comment to all the other stuff.”
“Well Ill comment for the both of us. Put that bitch on the phone” Jocelyn said loud enough for Tina to hear as she approached with arm full of clothing.

“Who you talking to Jenny from the block…I mean corner.” Tina smirked

“Why do you continuously let the heifer in your life. “Jocelyn asked.

“You know why. She’s my sister” Nyla hissed out

“Blood aint everything.”

“Can we not do this today. I’m not even trying to get out of it just postpone it for another day.”

“You know what I’m not going to say anything. This is not your first time at the rodeo so I’m going to assume you know what you’re doing.I’ll call you later on in the week. Have fun.”

“Ok,bye babe.” She said ending the call.

“Why do you still talk to that chick” Tina said

“Tina Im going to tell you what I told Jocelyn, not today. Im tired and hungry and not in the mood for you two and your crazy.”

“Fine” Tina said muttering about Jocelyn under her breath.

Gavin stared at the clock yet again while coming to the realization that his life sucked right now. His ladylove was pissed at him, his best friend and he were no longer on speaking terms and his ex-girlfriend has been sending threatening texts to him for the past two weeks. Two out of the three situations he wasn’t that tore up about but this space business with Nyla was making him prematurely gray. The pathetic part was it hadn’t even been a full week yet and he was bereft without her. They normally woke up together or at very least bid each other a good day every morning so watching the clock hit four without hearing her voice was hard.
‘Thank God Trent and I aren’t friends anymore he would never let me live this down. Damn near crying over a woman because I haven’t seen her in a few days. Somethings goatta give.’
Gavin pulled his car into one of the few empty slots of the pool hall, the fates had smiled on Mitch and he somehow got out of looking at pink taffeta dresses and tasting wedding cake to enjoy some male bonding.
"Gav, what's up" giving Gavin a man hug

"Nothing man, you got out. I'm proud of you. How you holding up "Gavin queried

"It's dangerous man. I don't even recognize that woman sometimes. It's like she has lost her mind and decided to take my mothers with her. My mom and her have gotten real close since she is including her in much of the wedding planning."

"Isn't that a good thing?" Gavin asked curiously

"He'll no. Especially since they tag team to gang up on me. It was better when they hated each other." He answered signaling to Harriet the bartender to bring them a round of beer.

"Your shameless"

"So how is Nyla, you guys seem pretty serious" Mitch asked taking a swig of beer.

"We are... But I stuck my foot into it over the holidays and I'm still trying to dig myself out."

"What did you do? Buy her a washing machine"

"No.no man I'm not trying live out on the couch. I invited her sister over for Christmas."

"Ok...and? There has got to be more than that."

"Her sister is a viper. I mean just brutal and for no reason. I thought it was going to be this love fest when they saw each other, trust me it was more like a train wreck that made our first Christmas together awkward at best."

"Wow.lots of people have family issues though Gavin a little sibling rivalry is normal."

"I know but this seemed like more than that. This goes deeper and I'm not sure if it can be worked out. I just hope she forgives me ...and soon. It's been three days and we've just been texting pleasantries and shit." Gavin looked down as his jeans started to vibrate.
“Speaking of “he said picking up his phone to take the call.
"Hi"

"Hi"

"What are you doing?"
"Nothing much working on this Newburgh account, you?"

"Bitching to Mitch about my stupidity." He said matter of factly. Her laughter at his last statement made his chest constrict. He loved to hear her laugh.

"Want to come over later"

"Yeah but I’ll be there a little late. That ok."

"Yeah that’s fine. Use your key we will talk later."


Gavin let out a sigh as he placed the key in the door unlocking it, bringing him closer to what he had been missing, closer to her.

"Nyla your still up" he said suprised since it was after 11pm.

"Yep" she said sitting up with her glasses on typing away on her laptop.
"I'm glad you called. I missed you.” He said
"I missed you to. Come here we need to talk. I know I haven't been forthcoming with my family background “she started, pushing the laptop of her legs and taking off her glasses.” Honestly Gavin I never thought we would have this conversation because I never would have predicted this relationship starting much less sustaining for this long."

Gavin jaw ticked and he quirked his head, she cut him off on the precipus of his retort
"I'm not finished, since we have sustained you are entitled to the truth. My sister and I grew up in what I thought was a loving, stable two parent home. We were the Cosbys’ happy, well to do, all of it. When suddenly my father lost his job and he didn't get something else right away and when he did it definitely wasn't for the same pay. There were changes and adjustments that we as a family had to make and some of us took it harder than others. My mom flat out refused to work. She said she was taught that a woman's place was in the home and it wasn't her fault that she picked a man that couldn't provide for her. It killed Daddy when she talked like that; he took so much pride in making sure that we are well taken care of. Our schooling at one of New Jerseys top prep schools would not be one of the things to change. Things were going ok till my father passed away when I was 12. My mother took it hardest, but not because she lost her soul mate but because she finally had to go to work. Apparently my dad knew about his heart condition and he had revised his will to pay up our tuition until we finished school and set aside college funds that could only be used to further our education."
She paused briefly and picked up her bottle of water while Gavin waited for her to continue.
"Tina was fine at first, doing well in school and years later excited about college. She became friends with Greg. They met at some type of internship and he brought her home one day and we took one look at each other and it was over. He was older 24 to my 18, shit I was a senior but it didn't matter. He started coming over more and more, unfortunately Tina misplaced his interest even though he never flirted with her. He would walk through the door and spend all his time talking to me. She was angry when she realized we were dating, furious when we married, and downright livid when we announced our pregnancy. However, during that time she had dropped out of law school and decided to be an entertainment manager for this up and coming rapper J star. She wanted to use the rest of her college money to promote him and basically guilted Greg into trying to overturn my dad’s decision because he didn't share her feelings."

"Nyla you know how important family is to me and I mean no disrespect but why do you put up with her?" He asked completely perplexed as to why Tina was still in her life.

Nyla got up and went to her closet where she rummaged briefly and walked out with an old fashioned leather bond journal with the initials J.R.

"This was my dad’s, if it’s not apparent yet I was a bit of a daddy's girl.” she said with a smile.
He took the book from her "J.R.?" Smiling at her admission.
"Jeremiah Rogers." She sighed his name "The last entry was the night before he died, he knew he was in a loveless marriage, he knew that my mother didn't really even want us but he endured to preserve his family. So even though she is a bitch I have to try to preserve what family I have left. "
"When did your mother pass?” he asked softly.

"She didn't." Nyla answered deadpan.

"What... But then, where has she been for the past seven months. I never even hear you talk to her?" he practically sputtered.

"We had a pretty good relationship until she found out the circumstances of Ava's and Greg's death. She doesn't forgive me for being such a poor wife. She asked me
How I could be so ungrateful to marry a man who not only had the means to take care of me forever only to use him like a chauffeur to quiet my crying baby when I should have been tending to my daughter’s needs. She hadn't been so fortunate and that my selfishness cost her, her first grandchild."

"Stop if there is any more I don't want to hear it. I hope I never meet her. "he interrupted.

"Now you sound like Jocelyn. She's not that bad just set in her ultra-traditional views. I'm sure that her reaction didn't help my descent into self-mutilation and depression. But I'm over it. " she said sincerely.

"I don't see how?" He countered truly saddened by everything she had revealed.

"Don't do that. You've never given me that pitying look and I'd appreciate if you would refrain from doing it now. There is one thing I learned at group is lots of people go through lots of shit. I'm not special, I'm not cursed, and I’m just living. "

"Nyla, I’m awed that you seem to genuinely be over these events but I want you to tell me everything from here on out. Even I won't like it just tell me."

"Ok"

"I want to apologize again. Obviously if I had this background information I wouldn't have invited your sister but regardless I shouldn't have overstepped. I wanted to include your family to ... to encourage thoughts of us moving our relationship to the next level." He admitted embarrassed but if was requesting unfiltered honesty he had to be willing to reciprocate.

"Gavin you can't force that. Why the rush?" She asked confused by his rush. 'Didn't men normally drag their feet when it came to commitment?'

"I guess I want the whole package with you. I've never had to wait normally I’m the one pumping the brakes." he answered sheepishly Gavin hated feeling vulnerable; it was a foreign and unwelcome emotion. He cleared his throat and gazed at her he wanted to gauge her response to his next confession. "Sometimes it feels like I'm competing against a ghost, no a saint of an ex-husband. It just feels like you may have given so much in that relationship that I worry you won't to do it again."

"I don't want to do it again.”

"Shit" he said leaning back on her headboard. It was one thing to wonder but to have his worse fear confirmed was more painful than he imagined. How do they proceed knowing she had no intentions of joining his vision?

"I don't know if I’ll ever marry again and the thought of a baby is out of the question" she said her voice wavered with last part of her statement.
"I'm sorry I just don't think I can. Please understand. But Gavin for you I'm willing to try to push past my fears and try but I can't promise you anything." She said holding his hand, her eyes pleading.

“I’ll give you as much time as you need. I’ve learned my lesson. Maybe slow and steady is what will win this race.” He said jokingly causing her to crack a smile and in that moment he knew he would wait for her but how long? Gavin looked down at the sleeping form next to him; she looked so peaceful, so serene he would never have guessed that she had suffered so much in her short life. He admired her spirit and fortitude, all things he wanted in a wife, in the mother of his children but she was unsure if that could ever happen. He was crazy in love with her but he couldn't be put on hold indefinitely, that wasn't fair to either of them, but if the time came would be able to walk away he wondered as he fell into a restless slumber.

Gavin woke to the delicious smell of bacon and coffee vying for dominance. He pushed his feet into the new bed slippers that Nyla bought him and went to freshen up. He quickly brushed his teeth since his stomach was having a full on conversation with its rumbling. The sight that greeted him warmed and alarmed him all at once. He wanted to freeze this moment and then replicate it for the rest of his life. Gavin watched Nyla dance around the kitchen, her hips gyrating to the music of Beyonce as she flipped the pancakes. Her kitchen was in disarray with a bowl of pancake mix,bacon cooling on a tray, chopped strawberries and blueberries in another small bowl. The egg container teetered on the edge and he prayed it was empty.

She had made the passion fruit juice that he loved do much in St. Thomas. The spread was incredible just like her.

"Are you going to stare all morning or are you gonna help me. Why don't you grab the rolling cart and put the lap trays on the bottom so we can eat in bed ." She said never turning around.

Gavin laughed at himself slightly embarrassed at being caught. "Anything else your highness?"

"Yeah, grab two glasses too." As she bent down to check the oven, pulling out a veggie frittata.

"Are we expecting company?" He asked looking at the large array of food.

"No. I just plan on staying in bed all day so I cooked enough for us to nosh on throughout the day."

"Have I told you I love the way you think." He murmured into her ear. When had he gotten that close she wondered. He slowly ground his erection into her plush ass. Her grip on the spatula slipped causing the pancake to fall back into the pan. Unconsciously she pushed back on his hardness moaning at the contact. Gavin wrapped his arm around her and quickly turned the burner off. "This looks delicious" He looked down at her, she looked ravishing in his white button down, with the sleeves rolled up to her forearm. His eyes narrowed, his gaze taking in her hardened nipples, he could make out the darker shade of her areolas and his head bent to taste one, nipping at the pebbled peak he lathed his tongue over her breast soaking the material. He watched as the thin fabric became more translucent revealing more of her chocolate coloring. His dick began to leak as she keened in his arms.


"God Gavin. What are you doing to me?” She woke in a good mood and she attributed it to her waking in his arms. She wanted the feeling to continue so she decided if he was up for it they would just lounge around her house. She was doing really well ignoring the throbbing between her legs until she looked into his eyes. His look devoured her and it was all she could not to drop to her knees and swallow him whole. Nyla felt moisture drip down her thigh as his hot mouth engulfed her breast, the sensation was overwhelming. The heat from his mouth, the coolest that followed as he released one breast to pay homage to the other along with the slight roughness of the dress shirt was sending her into in to overdrive. He pulled back his eyes glassy with lust she was sure hers mirrored the look. He placed her on top of the counter and spread her thighs wide, eyeing the reddiwhip he smirked.

"Which cream is sweeter? I think I'll do a taste test." He said applying the whip cream. Before he dove into her whip cream covered center. Gavin was relentless in his pursuit of her nectar, she was going to pass out her body felt over heated, her head rested back onto the upper cabinets rolling side to side. He pulled her face lower and kissed her roughly. His tongue delved into her warm cavern reacquainting himself with her mouth.


"Your right I do taste sweeter." She said huskily pulling her swollen lips away. Nyla hands began their exploration of his muscled chest, making their way lower till she grasped his firm behind to encourage entry. Grateful that she didn’t have to wait long since he spread her wide and plunged into her depths.

"Gaviinn " she screamed at his invasion, at this angle she felt every inch of him touching every corner of her canal. She desperately tried to hold on while his strong thrusts jostled her up and down. Nyla wrapped her legs around his waist and cried out as he started to hammer her into her, it was forceful and primal. She was starting to see spots, the force of his thrusts bordered on pain yet she reveled in it. She whimpered as he nipped at her throat, suddenly she was repositioned and her body lay flush to the counter as he slammed into her from behind. His procession was impeccable, he hit her g spot with every entry until finally it was too much. "Ohh Gavin I love you" she cried out Looking back at Gavin giving in to another orgasm.



Gavin closed his eyes, savoring the feeling of Nyla's tight pussy clenching over his hardness. His desire for her seemed to grow as quickly as his love for her. He plowed into her relentlessly searching for a release only she could give. His pleasure was tethered to her own, seeing her climax over and over brought him the most exquisite release he'd ever experienced. Gavin pumped three more times riding the wave of Nyla's orgasm until he stiffened above her, feeling his body tingle that rolled like waves over him as he filled her with his seed and for a fleeting moment he glimpsed a future were his seed took root in her fertile womb and they created their own family. Gavin looked down at Nyla elated at the thought of her pregnant with his child but aware enough that she was nowhere near ready for that yet. Gavin lifted her off the counter and carried her to the bedroom.
Nyla made her way to the kitchen and tidied up while Gavin slept. She had left him sprawled out on her bed, her trek to the kitchen had started eventfully as she twisted and contorted her body to ease out of the vise like grip he held her in. It was sweet until you wanted to get up. Nyla blushed when her eyes focused on the counter, She had never considered the kitchen as a sexy place after this morning the solely utilitarianism concept of it had changed.

"I really love these things" she muttered pulling out several of the Clorox sanitizing wipes. She busied herself with straightening up, picking up the heavy Pyrex dish with the frittata in there she debated on whether she could hold out and wait for Gavin. She was very hungry and she could have sworn that she heard the frittata say cut me. Deciding to ignore her ravenous appetite she placed the dish in the refrigerator and began sweeping the floor after a satisfactory review of her efforts she made her way to the bathroom to shower.

Gavin opened one eye searching for his bedmate but found a cold spot where her sexy body should have been. Time to get up” he said pushing off the bed. Gavin padded throughout the house searching for Nyla however not before making a detour from searching to fill his belly, slicing a portion of the frittata he opened the fridge to add a bit of bacon to it. He chuckled at the rather large piece that was already missing on his way out to the living room.

"Hi honey" she said putting her book down and unfolding her legs from the curled position. She patted the space next to her and he quirkied his eyebrow at the feeling of being likened to a pet, but sat anyway, pulling her legs to lay across his. "Why'd you let me sleep so late? It's after noon."

"I know, I really put it on you this morning" she ribbed him.

"You sure did." He said taking a fork full of food to his mouth. "Mmhmm, Nyla this is delicious. I should have taken a bigger piece."

"Slow down babe. The foods not going anywhere."

"Says you." He said biting onto a piece of crisp bacon.

"So what movie are we going to watch?"

"Let’s watch Life of Pi."

"How'd you get that since it’s still in the theaters?" He asked curious

"Bootleggers dah. I went to the nail salon last weekend and one of those bootleggers had a really good copy so I bought it.”

"Nyla ! That's illegal. You shouldn't buy this stuff." He chastised turning over the DVD to read the plot. "But since the egregious offense has already occurred might as well enjoy it." He said walking over to the DVD player and starting the movie. When he sat down he pointed at her 32 inch TV. "That's the only thing I miss about my house."

"What?"

"My entertainment system. It is a modern marvel." He boasted.

"Really Gavin, a modern marvel, oddly that’s not how I would describe that eyesore in your family room. I mean I have proof but others will think you’re over compensating." She said cheekily.

"Not at all just because you cannot appreciate a high definition, 3D, 70 inch LED that is not only complete with Bose surround sound with Smart remote that can control just about every piece of media in my home, haa he sighed contentedly reminiscing as if it were a long lost lover. I just can't understand it…what is there not to love?"

"Where do I begin?"

“Let’s watch" he said pulling her in the crook of his arm.

Nyla snuggled closer into his embrace and rolled her eyes as the movie begun.


"That was surprisingly good. I normally think they overhype the Oscar nominated movies but this was worthy of all the accolades. “Nyla said twisting out of his embrace to face him.”What did you think?"

"I thought it was riveting and solemn, good choice."

"Yeah I'm going to buy it when it comes out."

"But you already have it why bother?"

"We'll the bootleg copy is like a tester now that I know I like it I don't mind going out and shelling out for it full price."

"Whatever you say” Gavin said chuckling opening the refrigerator, he picked up the large tray of bacon, a ripe tomato, a bag of pre shredded lettuce and a bag of Monterey Jack cheese. Gavin reached over pulling the loaf of ciabatta bread he cut it into thin slices on the wood cutting board, after wiping it off and started on the tomatoes. He felt her full firm breasts press gently against his back as he arms wrapped around his waist.

"Tired of Frittata?" He felt her quirk her head to the side resting near his shoulder blade.

"Yes. But it seems my affair with bacon is more enduring." He smiled as he brushed the olive oiling the bread.



"Need some help" she murmured into his back.

"No. Just sit back and watch a master at work." He said.

"Master Gavin...Really. We are using that term real loose. It looks like sandwiches to me" She said peering under his armpit at his creation.

"We will see if these are just sandwiches. I'll have you know I practically lived on these things during college."

"Really. Why you were not a starving student?"

"Technically I was. I was cut off from my family's money for the first two years of college. I received a weekly stipend of $100 big ones and I had to make it work."

"Your dad thought that up because your mom is not trying to deny you anything." Nyla said knowingly.

"You got that right. He said I needed to learn character and the value of a dollar. Basically all of the McKeough kids have to go through it. It's like a rite of passage to prove your worthy of our obscene inheritance."

"Well considering how well you all turned out it must be working." She said honestly crossing her hands in front of her, leaning against the counter.

"Sometimes I'm amazed by you.” Nyla whispered unsure if she truly meant to verbalize her awe.

"Not yet you’re not. Wait until you eat this sandwich." He joked easing her unease. It was still difficult for her to express her love. Unless they were in bed he smirked.


Nyla placed her chilled green tea and his beer down while Gavin plated the BLT's. Nyla sat down and quickly dug in.

"Mhmm" Nyla moaned " I take it back...You win. This is delicious. There is a little something different. I can't discern the taste but I love it."

"Told ya. It's my family’s secret ingredient, so you know what you got to do get the 411."He said only half kidding.

"411 Gavin...you stay showing your age." Nyla joked not wanting to tackle the insinuation of marriage. “She quickly took another bite, chewing slower savoring the saltiness of the bacon, the crispness of the lettuce, the juiciness of the tomato and the hint of something else. "Ahh! damn it Gav just tell me what it is" she whined.

"I am certain that one day you will know the secret recipe." He answered looking at her earnestly.

"You’re sure?"

"Positive." Gavin said smiling at her reassuringly.

"Positive” Nyla repeated mulling over his certainty, slightly envious of that long ago forgotten emotion. Putting down her sandwich she took a sip at her juice and looked across the table enjoying the familiar, familial comfort that blanketed her. This is how it could...how it should be.

“Honey, I’m going to miss you while you are away. Jeez a whole week whatever will I do?” Nyla teased.

“That’s why you should come with me. It’s not too late you can probably still get a flight”

“To do what? Sit in a your hotel room while you geek out on : Surgical Management of the Paralyzed Diaphragm: A Peripheral Nerve Approach” she said reading the title of the study by Dr. Wharton the research scientist who developed the theory. Nyla watched as Gavins’ eyes became alight with excitement, he was positively giddy knowing that in a few short days he would be in the presence of some of the most innovative and experienced minds in his field. She loved that he was so passionate about his work; it clearly wasn’t just a job but a passion, a part of him.
“Come on it is not going to be that bad. I mean it may not seem like it but there are some pretty cool neurosurgeons’ out there. It’s not all cut this reattach that, we surgeons know how to have fun when the shops are threw. Are you sure you want to miss that?”

“You know what Gav? When you took me to Comicon I thought nothing of it. When you special ordered that Samurai sword that you still haven’t let me touch, I pushed it to the back of my mind. Lord, even when you made me watch the entire Star Trek series marathon for three, count them three days because of the long holiday I didn’t say it but I must now admit that I have fallen for a bona fide nerd.” Her playful gaze swept his shirtless physique and she hastily ameliorated “a gorgeous nerd.”

Gavin gave her a withering look and went about rereading the case studies for the upcoming convention. He couldn’t bring himself to be offended when firstly Nyla was absolutely correct in her deduction and secondly she didn’t have a stitch of clothing on her sexy body. Now his lady knew how to get through to a man. Nyla could tell him just about anything and he would comply when she was nude. A few minutes later he put the document down and began kissing Nylas shoulder. He knew he was gluttonous when it came to her but he would gorge himself on Nyla, her time, her humor, her sex all of it to tide him over in the week to come.


Nyla waved goodbye for the third time from her door adding air kisses to their hour long farewell fest. They truly were a bit ridiculous to carry on the way they did especially at their age but it couldn’t be helped. Though there was a bit more to her refusal to accompany Gavin to San Francisco than he knew. Next Tuesday and Thursaday would be both Greg and Ava’s birthdays. A small smile crept across her face as show reminisced about how excited Greg was when the doctor had given them a due date a day prior to his birthday. He had damn near promised her a new car if she could stave off labor so his daughter could literally be his birthday gift but alas it was not meant to be because she arrived a day earlier than expected yet Greg could not have been happier. She walked over to her bill drawer and pulled out an elegantly inscribed envelope, she fingered it in sadness, pulling out the invitation she picked up the phone and RSVP’d for the Saturday evening event.

Now that she had committed to the engagement she decided to go shop for something suitable to wear. She had briefly entertained the idea of calling Jocelyn or Tina to come with her but dismissed it immediately for Jocelyn would hover and Tina would snipe so solo it is. Her phone began to ring and she momentarily thought it was Gavin till she spied the time. Impossible his flight hadn’t landed yet. As usual she just missed the call but truthfully was uncertain if she would have picked it up any way once she recognized the phone number. Sighing heavily as a fresh wave of guilt suffused her being with regrets of years gone by she trudged forward determined to continue on with her task.
“Can I help you Maam?” the sales person asked Nyla as she held a deep plum calf length shift dress in one hand and a deep navy knee length A-line dress in the other.
“They are both beautiful but I have something in the back that might be what you’re looking for.” The saleswoman said.
“And how would you know what I’m looking for?” Nyla asked not wanting to sound snooty but curious considering the sales woman hadn’t bothered to ask what the outfit was for. Yet still Nyla followed the young woman who had yet to introduce herself. She was ushered to near the back of the store where racks lie behind double doors. Nyla held back noting it was a staff only area. The attendant walked out beaming and holding a hunter green high boat neck, knee length dress with a single ruffle detail down the front starting from the waist. Nyla knew instantly it was the dress she should wear, how fitting green was Gregs favorite color. The whole exchange would appear mundane but something in Nyla resonated that it was anything but. Pleased with the outcome of her shopping expedition and awed by the time her new personal shopper had spent with her to complete the outfit, from sifting through several pairs of Jimmy Choos and red bottoms to finally decide on a classic pair from Calvin Klein to the salesgirl finding the finishing touches with an understated emerald and diamond earring that would go beautifully with a gift Greg had given her early into their relationship. Nyla finished paying for her items and wanted to write a small note of thanks to her attendant for her exceptional service and commend the store on their training. However Nyla noticed the girl didn’t have a tag on and was walking away since the transaction had been completed.
“I’m sorry Miss, Miss?” Nyla called after her impeded by the bulk of purchases.
“Yes”
“I just wanted to say thank you for helping me today. Trust me you made a really rough situation bearable, actually pleasant. I wanted to commend you to your managers.”
“That’s not necessary. The pleasure was all mine. I just wished our time wasn’t so short.” She said smiling wanly and turning around.
Nyla couldn’t let it rest. She had to know this young womans’ name. “Miss you still didn’t tell me your name?” Nyla implored aware of how strange her aggressive behavior must seem to this girl.
“My name is Ava” she said turning around just in time to see Nyla drop every single purchase she had made that day. However instead of helping Nyla pick up her packages the young woman pushed through the double doors marked Authorized Personnel with a parting reminder to wear the emerald bracelet, the emerald bracelet that Nyla never mentioned in their exchange. Even through Nyla was still in shock, the possibility propelled her forward through the doors, ignoring the warning that trespasses would be prosecuted, she ran down an empty stark white corridor, pushing open doors knowing yet not accepting that she would never see her again.
Sitting in her car Nylas rehashed the entire episode repeatedly, discontent with her weak recollection of the young black woman. How could she not have remembered the exact shade of brown her eyes were or if her left cheek dimpled like Greg and his kin. Was it possible? Had she just experience a miraculous experience. Nyla had immediately went to find the store manager directing staff on a merchandise display.
“Excuse me. Are you the manager?” Nyla asked her voice still shaky.
“Yes Ma’am is everything alright?” The impeccably dressed woman said.
“I…Actually I just wanted to commend one of your employees …Ava, yeah her name is Ava. She really went above and beyond to ensure that I had a one of a kind shopping experience.”
“Oh well we do have an excellent training process here. I am pleased to hear that you had a pleasant time but …hmmm… we don’t have and Ava working here. Are you sure it wasn’t Anna?”
“No I’m sure, She is young maybe nineteen or so, African American, about my height and weight.” As Nyla described Ava she noted the similarities in their height and build swaying a little with the revelation.
“No. Definitely not an employee here, honestly there are only two African American women that work here and both are well past nineteen.”
“Maybe she just looked young for her age?” Ny grasped desperately.
“Ms. I mean they are women of a certain age, well into their late 40’s. Isn’t Maureen over fifty?” she turned and asked a twenty something Asian man. He confirmed her suspicion.
“Maybe it was a new employee?”
“I doubt it I personally handle the training of every staff person on the floor. If they interact with customers they must have interacted with me first so no I’m sorry that wasn’t one of our employees.” She said shaking her head. She noticed Nylas bags and became concerned.
“Did you give this woman your credit card or any personal information? Can I see your receipt please?”
Nyla shifted her packages to provide her with the receipt too upset with loosing what she had never had to be offended that this woman was questioning her.
“Well everything is fine here. I was looking for the badge number of the employee”
“Yes” Nyla immediately perked up to hear her findings.
“Oh it is under the house account 9999. That is so strange that someone wouldn’t take the credit for such a large purchase. We don’t work on commission but there is a compensation package for high sellers. I almost wish we had this Ava working for us she seems like a stellar employee.” She said joking to ease the obvious awkwardness of the situation.

Nyla woke for the third time that night, her mind a befuddled mess. She dreamt she found Ava and they were having an amazing time together bonding as mother and daughter when suddenly Ava said she had to go but she was leaving Nyla with a parting gift. Then suddenly Nyla looked down and she was holding a blue eyed baby boy. She held the baby tightly to her and frantically began to look for Ava. However the baby started to cry. Upon hearing the distress of babe Nyla felt liquid seep from her breasts, it was then realization dawned on her. This was her baby, her baby with Gavin and he was obviously hungry. She looked down at the cherub face that reminded her of pictures of Gavin as a babe with honey colored skin and knew she had to make a decision. She could put the baby down and begin to look for Ava or she could take care of the squealing infant in her arms and risk losing Ava forever. She woke covered in sweat clutching an imaginary baby to her chest. She had made her choice.
This was new. Since the death of her family she found that the days leading up to their birthdays and the anniversary of her marriage or their deaths included horrible nightmares or dreams that the last four years had been a dream and her family was intact. She foolishly thought this year might be different because of her relationship with Gavin. But her love for him didn’t negate her loss. Her grandmother always said the dreams didn’t run straight but she couldn’t help feel guilty because she chose Gavin’s baby over Gregs’. Nyla felt terrible that she would give up her daughter that she held, burped and fed for a baby that didn’t exist. She laughed bitterly at that though because none of them existed. It was just her ramped up subconscious playing crueler than normal tricks on her this year. Nyla glanced over at the illuminated alarm clock and even though she knew it was one in the morning in San Fran she picked up the phone and called anyway.
“Hello, Nyla are you ok?” Gavin asked groggily.
“I know it is late but I just missed you. Did I wake you?” she asked knowing the answer.
“No, not at all I just came in from partying at …Jesus Nyla it’s 1:30 in the morning.”
“I know I’m sorry honey” she said a little embarrassed at calling him the very first night apart considering they spoke briefly when he touched down and again at the hotel.
“What’s wrong babe?” Gavin was bone tired after the long flight but tempered his crankiness because it was rare for Nyla to expose her vulnerability. He pushed up getting comfortable.
“It’s nothing really.” She said.
“I just had a bad dream and couldn’t fall back asleep.”
“It better be something since you woke me up.” He said laughing.
“I had a weird day. I went to the mall and I met this woman who was great but then no one really knew who the woman was. Then I had this dream about a baby.” Nyla rambled giving bits and pieces of the day’s events but not revealing anything substantial.
“Honey what the hell are talking about?” he said. He wanted to ease her mind but did not have clue what she was talking about.
“Gavin…it is nothing. Go back to bed. It’s nothing some chamomile tea won’t fix.” She said feeling even more self-conscious.
“Are you sure?” He felt her pulling away and wished he had handled her call with a little more finesse.
“Ny I’m up so you don’t have to rush of the phone.” He pleaded.
“No. It’s fine. I’m fine. Go back to bed. Love you.” She said hanging up the phone.
Gavin stared at the receiver pretty sure that he had missed something important but unable to turn back in time he sighed his resignation and began to count sheep.

Nyla woke up late but wasn’t surprised since her and had married the snooze button. When she finally fell back asleep …she slept. She was meeting Jocelyn for lunch today; she had appointed herself her Nylas personal cheer upper person. She had spent the last four years on this day watching Nyla fall apart but this year Nyla promised herself she would not fall apart. She had worked diligently with Dr. Schroder and she was determined not to follow the same path of mind numbing pain as years past. However, even though she was feeling better than ever before on this day she still held a miniscule amount of doubt that she could make it through the day sans breakdown. That was why she didn’t tell Gavin the significance of this week. He would never have left her alone and even though she was secure in his love for her she didn’t want him to witness her fall apart.
She didn’t know if he would internalize it and come to the conclusion that she wasn’t ready to be with him, truthfully she wasn’t sure herself but why let both of them worry. This was her situation and she would handle it in her own way without having to consider censuring her emotions or thoughts to avoid hurting him.
Nyla was in no hurry to get the door; she technically wasn’t expecting anyone so she could spend the day looking at Ava's baby pictures and her stuffed toys. She wanted to celebrate Ava's life, regardless of how short it was. It was no less poignant and special. She had hoped to do this in solitude however it appears that Jocelyn was starting her crusade early this year. Nyla opened the door and was surprised to see her mother and Tina standing there waiting. Nyla looked up to the sky "Jesus not today." She prayed this was another dream or in this case nightmare but when she stopped looking to the heavens they were still on her front porch.

"Oh Nyla don't be dramatic" her mother chided, sweeping past Nyla surveying her daughters modest home with barely veiled disdain.

"Mother, Tina what are you doing here?"

"That's how you greet your mother after a two year absence. If I didn’t raise you I would think you had no home training. You get that from your father you know, classless him and his people." She muttered.

"Please do come in." Nyla said sarcastically to the now empty stoop, she closed the door gently and rested her head on it for a moment. She just couldn't do battle with the devil today of all days why had they come today.

Nyla pulled her cashmere robe just a little closer to her and sat down. She knew it was rude not to offer them any refreshments but couldn't put on airs today and she certainly didn't want them believing she wanted them to stay.

"Mother you’re looking well. The Caribbean sun is good for you."

"I didn't know you were aware that I had retired to St. Kitts, seeing as there are no grand babies for me to look after might as well."

"Wow, Mom really, why are you here?"

"I'm here to see if we can memorialize my grandaughter and son in law together."


Nyla looked at her mother and then at Tina who had been unusually quiet; directing her gaze and question towards her mute sister. “And you, what do you want?”
“Nyla that is no way to talk to your older sister.” She chastised sharply.
“How have you been doing? You’re not drinking or drugging right?” she asked hesitantly.
“No mother I’m not on any drugs but right now I wish I was.”
“Nyla you stop it right now, you ungrateful little ...AHH. I have prayed long and hard to try to forgive you for ruining a lovely family with your laziness. Finally after four years I have grieved enough that I can be in your presence. Devin has encouraged me to reach out to you, he is so…”
“Rich mom, the word is rich.”
“Actually the word is compassionate and forgiving and I do believe it is starting to rub off on me. He would like to meet you. Well that is for another time.”
“Mom maybe you and Devin can have dinner with Gavin and Nyla.” Tina interjected.
“He is very busy so I doubt it.” Nyla declined.
“Too busy to meet your mother. I don’t know where I went wrong. Tina can’t attract a man and you can’t keep one. But that is a part of why I’m here now to help you girls find your way. It’s not too late.”
Beverly picked up the picture of her granddaughter and son in law off the side table. She had been so proud of Nyla marrying such a hardworking young man from a reputable family. Her teachings had not fallen off deaf ears. She had fallen in love with their father and paid dearly for that love when he lost his job. In her eyes he was no longer a man since he couldn’t provide for his family in a suitable fashion. She stayed with him because it would have been unbecoming for her to get divorced. Fortunately she was put out of her misery when he passed away but he had the last laugh leaving her with a modest life insurance policy and dividing his pension for the girls’ education. A complete waste she scoffed.

Nyla ignored them both deciding to continue with her plans for the day. Nyla picked up the scrap book on the table and slowly leafed through the pages taking note of the small changes that the pictures revealed. Ava's small wrinkly features bunched up in anger as she wailed her first cry in this world. How her straight baby hair began to curl. Her penchant for sucking her thumb or your thumb if her hands were occupied. There was a corner of the hospital baby blanket with her foot prints on it. Greg had got her goat because she had bought frilly, pink and lavender swaddle blankets from a high end baby boutique and Ava balled every time she was swathed in one yet cooed and slept when swaddled in the generic hospital blanket. Nyla was miffed at first but later thought it was pretty funny. Her daughter had her own mind and wasn’t shy about expressing her feelings. By the time she finished the scrap book, her tears streaming steadily down her face. She had since forgotten her guests and solely focused on trying to enjoy the memories rather than being buried by the pain.


Tina felt genuine sadness for her sister loss, but that wouldn't stop her from continuing with her plan. She knew Nyla was hanging on by a thread and with Gavin gone it would just take a little push to send her over. She had rebuilt her life and was doing well financially, in a happy relationship, she could do it again. It seemed that she was favored when it came to finding a man plus she obviously wasn’t ready to move on. He still had several pictures of Greg throughout the house. Gavin would be much better off with her.

 

The reflection staring back at her caused a slow smile to creep onto Nyla’s face, she had trusted her mane in the capable hands of Miss Milania, a hairstylist that she had frequented for years and her reflection was why. Her hair was artfully styled to showcase her slender neck with large swoops that made a figure eight on a diagonal.
"Miss Milania you have done it again. It's exquisite, but tell me what is this spray you’re using because I love the fragrance and my hair is still soft to the touch." Nyla asked while admiring her reflection.

"Girl you keep touching the hair on your head and I'm going take the hot comb to ya."

Nyla snatched her hand back. She had never witnessed it but word was Miss Milania was good for it. "Thank you again." Nyla said rising from the beauticians chair. Nyla opened her handbag and took out her wallet, removing two fifties and a twenty. She placed the fifties in Miss Milania’s hand. Nyla then walked toward the shampoo girl and tapped her shoulder. They young apprentice greeted her with a warm smile. "Thanks hon" Nyla said stuffing the money in her smock since she was tending to another woman.

"Now Nyla you can't just go giving yo money away this is way too generous." Miss Milania chided her while stuffing her earnings into her ample bosom
.

"Good bye ladies" Nyla said avoiding further embarrassment.

Things from that point seemed to pass quickly, Nyla got home after splurging on a bacon, avocado burger that quickly exited stage left because of her nervous stomach. She decided to light a few scented candles, throw on some Adele and take a soak to relax. Nyla put on two shower caps and a plastic bag in a preemptive strike against her steam filled tub. She was petrified she would ruin her intricate hairdo because there wasn't a snow balls chance in hell she could fix it, but she needed to soothe her frayed nerves without the use of alcohol or narcotics. She wanted to have a clear mind today to take in the pain and the joy of tonight's events. Her being 100 percent present in the moment was important. Essential to finally reconciling her past and no longer try to keep it separate from the present that she just recently started to not only accept but enjoy.




Nyla pulled up to the Hilton and gave the valet her key. She stood on shaky legs uncertain of her reception. Worst yet she had no one to blame but herself but she wouldn't dwell on that now. She walked into the glass door and immediately saw a poster sized photo of Greg. She recalled the picture he had taken it at a speaking engagement and later used it for his website. His smooth brown skin, twinkling eyes, a broad smile warmed her heart. He looked so dapper. He was a very handsome man. 'She sure knew how to pick em'. Nyla was so engrossed with her reminiscing she barely noticed the looming figure shadowing her. Nyla felt heavy a hand grasp her shoulder. She turned around stunned.
"Nyla is that you? Oh my goodness child it has been too long. Lord let me look at you. Just look at you, those angels are keeping you well because you haven't aged a bit." Ms. Gladys said.

Nyla lifted her eyes to meet the older woman's gaze. This woman was Greg's godmother, her deep dark skin was just starting to show age with a few crows feet but other than that she still looked the same. Her silver hair shone with her fresh press and curl. A smile graced her full lips and her face was centered by a broad flat nose. "Miss Gladys it’s you that must take nightly dips in the fountain of youth because look at you not even one wrinkle.”

"Well of course not child we got the same angels." She joked patting her hair sassily. She then leaned forward and pulled Nyla near and just stared at her moments Longer than what would be considered normal passed and the older woman continued to admire the younger one. "He loved you something fierce ya know but that don't mean you should a stop living. That would have killed him all over again." She said earnestly.

"I know, I know it took me some time to figure that out." Nyla explained.

"Has Joy laid eyes on you yet? " She asked "Of course not or else she wouldn't let me hog all your time." She answered her own question. She intertwine her fleshy arm with Nyla's and lead her down the hall to the cocktail hour was being held. However if Nyla hoped she would spend this evening without much fanfare those thoughts were quickly dashed.


On the short walk from the hall way to the main room Nyla was stopped three times by old friends and acquaintances . Her presence so far was met with barely veiled contempt by a woman who had been a part of Tina and Greg’s clique of friends back in the day. The heated stare that the tall, black woman was given her could melt ice. they had never been friendly just cordial out of respect for each other position but it was clear that without Greg there was no longer a need for pretense. Nyla half expected the woman to come up to her but instead she turned her head hurriedly and started making a call. Nyla didn't have much time to dwell on her since her attention was quickly drawn by small clammy hands grasping he r own.

"Nyyllaa" The petite blond squealed and pulled her into a tight hug. Patricia must have taken Nyla's shock for a rebuff because her demeanor changed immediately. She released he hand and stepped back awkwardly mumbling. “Sorry I was just so excited to see you" she said pulling away.

"I didn't know you be here." Nyla said surprised.

"We've come since the first year.” She explained but her voice held no accusation over Nyla's absence.

"Come here give me a hug though I don't know if I can wrap my arms around you.” Nyla teased. "You look good. Pregnancy always did suit you. But I thought you were done after Austin, speaking of which how that little guy is?"

At the mention of her son Patricia started bouncing on the heels of her feet and broke into a wide toothy grin. "He is doing great Nyla. He is so freaking tall. He is going to be a giant just like Aaron. This one was a surprise. We took a long weekend and this was my souvenir." She said jokingly while rubbing her stomach. It felt nice like old times and Nyla fought with her familiar companion regret. She sighed wishing she had taken some of the helping hands that had reached out to her.

“I miss hanging out. We should catch a movie" Pat said sheepishly blushing a little at her forwardness. “This pregnancy is making me loopy." She said backtracking.
"That's a great idea. I couldn't tell you the last time I was in a movie theater. We should definitely keep in touch". Nyla took out her phone and handed it to Pat "put your number in." The woman did as she was told and she took out her one for Nyla to return the favor. After exchanging phones and a quick hug they parted

Miss Gladys sighed and bore her gaze into Nyla face as of subliminally willing the exchange to be cut short. Nyla noticed the older woman cut her eyes at Patricia obviously annoyed at the delay but Nyla was pleased to reconnect with her former friend. Nyla and Pat started Lamaze together then Gymboree but lost touch when Greg and Ava past. Patricia had called and offered her condolences as well as several failed lunch dates. Even offering to simply walk in the park on several occasions just the two of them. She was considerate of how Nyla would react to seeing her son so soon after Ava's death, but the depression had a strong hold on Nyla that she couldn't escape.


Though she had talked extensively with Dr. Schroeder the overwhelming feeling of shame and betrayal weighed heavily on her. The constant stream of ex coworkers, bowling buddies and mommy and me partners that greeted her was harder to absorb than she had anticipated. Some were excited like Patricia but most gave Nyla angry glares of most likely judging her or her lack of appreciation in her time of mourning. She couldn’t blame them, she Rationalized considering the invitations she just never replied to or the door that remained locked as well-meaning comrade would come to visit with casserole in hand. Only for it to be left untouched and rotting with not even an email to how her gratitude. Those were dark times. Tears of regret welled in her eyes at how shabbily she had treated people that were near and dear to not only her but Greg as well. Others rolled their eyes and pretended they didn't see her. This catechism of emotional upheaval is what she had been trying to avoid all these years but looking around at the questioning eyes that stared back it would seem her time had run out.




"Nyla? Nyla is that you? Lord I prayed for the day my daughter would come back home and it as finally arrived. I should beat you but Ill hug you instead." Joy said.
Nyla was engulfed in her former mother in laws warm embrace. The overwhelming scent of Chanel No 5 permeated Nylas’ nostrils making her cough a little.

"Lil' girl you were always sensitive to smell “She said smiling at Nyla knowingly.

Then Greg's younger brother Malik came barreling towards her with a huge grin on his face. He strode straight toward her and picked her up high in the air swinging her like a child.

"Nyla it's so good to see you. I had no idea you were coming." He murmured in her ear.

"I did RSVP albeit very late. It was the soonest I could get here." hoping they understood the double meaning.

"Look who decided to show. I don't know why you’re all fawning over her because she has finally decided to come and support the memory of her husband. You were never good enough fo-" Tina said loudly causing a small crowd of onlookers to develop.

"Be quiet before you are escorted out of here. It's none of your business. All that matters is that she is here now." Malik said angrily.

Tina looked stricken by the public dressing down. Nyla would have felt sorry for her but she asked for it.

Nyla's eyes barely flitted across the embarrassed sisters’ face before she returned her attention to Joy. "I've missed you Mama Joy"

"I've missed you as we'll but we will have plenty of time to catch up. Have you read through the program for the evening? We have a guest speaker here tonight that that was directly affected by the accident." The older woman said worrying her lip. Her knowledgeable brown eyes shifted back and forth from the corner of the room then back to Nyla's face.

"Who is it?" Nyla asked becoming nervous by Joys abnormal unease.

"It's Drake Lewis the boy that was driving the other car." She answered staring intently at Nyla obviously trying to gage a reaction.

Nyla began to shake, a mix of rage, despair and hatred threatened to overtake her. However more than all that she was confused. "Why would you want anything to do with that man?" Nyla hissed out.


"In order to heal you have to forgive, not just forget about it and pretend that you've got past in Nyla. The young man Drake Lewis is today is not the boy that crashed into Greg and Ava. He was forever changed by his actions.

"He's a murderer. He...they...their gone because of him." Nyla choked out.

"That is true. Neither you nor I can change that but what I can do is assist in a young man’s development after he reached out to me. Even though his time in prison was short he spent time learning about drunk driving and started a wreck less driving programs. He spends a lot of time admitting what he did and how he contributed to the death of two innocent people. He stands accountable and takes the judgment and the ridicule to help young people make a better decision than he did. It was...it is very difficult but I needed to forgive this young man to find peace."

Nyla couldn't believe what she was hearing. Maybe she wasn't as evolved as Mama Joy or maybe she had reached a level of spirituality that Mama Joy had but Nyla could not. She felt sick just knowing she was in the same room as him. Her eyes darted throughout the room searching yet fearful of when her eyes would fall on his face. She couldn't understand how so many of Greg's coworkers and dear friends could stand to be in the same room with the man that caused his death. The room was starting to spin and she began to feel tightness in her chest. She instantly regretted not bringing her Xanax with her.

"Nyla sweetheart come sit down and have a sip of water."

"Maybe I should get her something stronger than water." Greg's high school buddy Ryan said.

"No I'm fine. I just never expected-"she let her thought go unfinished. The crowd of onlookers that had developed started to dissipate. Nyla noticed people beginning to sit down. She followed Mama Joy robotically, it was clear the older woman was still fretting about Nylas response to the whole ordeal. Nyla sat down at the table at the head of the banquet hall. Nyla promised herself that she would partake in this event an honor Greg's memory and finding a resolve she was unaware she had she chose to do just that regardless if the devil himself was at the table. A grateful and relieved Joy squeezed her hand before walking to the podium to begin.


Nyla decided not to give Drake Lewis anymore power over her so she gave her attention to the speaker. Nyla sat back and was moved to tears of laughter and sorrow as random people ascended the podium to regale the crowd with stories of Greg's life, his accomplishments emphasizing his work with troubled youth.



Suddenly Nylas’ ears perked at what the speaker was saying. "It is in that spirit of rehabilitation, community, and hope that Greg not only believed but lived that we have agreed to have Drake Lewis our next speaker here tonight." The crowd went silent apparently she was not the only one blindsided by his appearance. Loud boos erupted and a few people stood up and walked out of the venue. Nyla wanted to follow them but something kept her in the seat.

The clean cut young man that stood at the podium was hardly recognizable. His long unkempt hair was now cut, he only had one piercing an over his eyebrow instead of the numerous pieces of metal that had adorned his face the last time she saw him. Even his clothing was different but maybe this was all for show. Nylas’ eyes broke from the man on the stage and fell to Mama Joy and Malik.
Mamas’ eyes were trained on the young man but instead of pain or anger the older woman smiled and nodded her encouragement to the disheartened man. Malik's face was harder to read, his eyes looked soft but a small frown fixed his lips. He was torn. Nyla felt a warm hand engulf hers and give it a tight squeeze and she smiled her appreciation of the gesture. It was then Drake Lewis began to speak, looking down at the hand holding hers, it was keeping her from running to the exits at the sound of his voice.



I know many of you are wondering why I am here to tonight. I have asked myself the same question. Unlike the speakers before me I have no stories about the good times with Greg. I ...I am the cause of the bad times." He said his voice faltering with the admission. "I am not fool enough to believe that most of you will ever forgive me for my past actions"

"Murderer baby killer" someone from the crowd screamed out before leaving.

Mama Joy rose to walk towards the podium Nyla assumed to address the crowd but Drake raised his hand and signaled for her to stay seated.

"Everything you say is true so I have no rebuttal. What I do have is what Greg and Ava brought to my life. Unfortunately my killing them saved my life. If I could turn back time I would trade places with them but I can't. All I can do is work hard to reach others and never forget what pain I have caused and lessons I've learned to get to this place. When I met Greg he was smashed and bleeding in the driver’s seat but his body was angling awkwardly towards the back seat. I later figured out he was trying to protect his daughter. That was my introduction to this man." He said waving at the picture to his left. "Even in the face of death he found the will to protect his family. That is the type of man I hope to be. I didn't know fathers like that existed. My own threw money at any problem and if that didn't fix it he drank until he forgot it existed. He tried to use his influence to allow me to serve reduced sentence but I knew that was where I needed to be. I knew that this man was not done with me yet just because our story didn't end with handshakes and a beer doesn't mean that he's not my friend. In jail I learned all I could about the man I had murdered with one reckless action and what I learned awed and humbled me. I wanted to be like him, not in an obsessive way but every article, every memory I uncovered was filled with what a great, loving and compassionate man he was. Everything my rich, self-absorbed entitled butt wasn't so I set out to change that. I was starting to feel good again about myself when I received a letter from the other driver, a friend of mine at the time though we hadn't spoken in a year. He was angry, still irresponsible and selfish. I couldn't understand how nothing had changed for him when so much had changed for me. I know no matter how many lectures I give or teenagers I reach I will never make up for the pain I have caused but I also know that everything happens for a reason. I often wished I were the one to die but since I am here I have been given the opportunity to help others never experience what all of us in this room have experienced. I will eternally be grateful to Greg for being my catalyst as well as inspiration. Thank you for your time. "

Drake walked down the stairs of the podium and ambled towards Mama Joys table his gait less confident as his eyes connected with Nylas. He remembered her. If I may, Joy you have more compassion, love and forgiveness than any person I have ever met you are truly an angel."

He then turned to Nyla and drew in a shaky breath. "I have stolen more from you than anyone here. I...I am so sorry for the pain I have caused you. I don't deserve your forgiveness so I won't ask for it but know I live with the guilt of my actions every moment of everyday. “The young man said with tear filled eyes.

Nyla stared at the young man and her breath stilled in her chest. She took in his physical changes, the light goatee now; he had removed the numerous piercing that had once adorned his face. She could admit he was a handsome kid. They weren't that far apart in age actually five or six years give or take but they were worlds apart in experience. The magnitude of the situation must have hit him because he backed away taking her silence as rejection. Suddenly her arm was grasping his for arm halting his retreat; she looked directly in his eyes, though she was unsure what to look for. She just knew she would recognize it once she saw it. And then she did. The pain, sincerity, she saw almost masked the glimmer of hope that also resided there.

"What do you want from me?" Nyla asked in a hushed voice. The pair had effectively erased the hundred plus crowd in the room.

"A chance to prove to you I've changed."

"You have nothing to prove to me. Prove it to yourself. If this experience has taught me anything it's that you have to live even when there isn't a reason to continue and your life in the end is your own. So make the choices for you not for him. “Nyla explained.

"If this experience has taught me anything it's to make my life matter. I know I can never redeem myself because of the finality of what I've done but I swear to you there deaths were not vain. I pray one day you can forgive me." He bowed his head and backed away.

Nyla swayed slightly as she watched Drakes image move further from her. She wanted to yell and rail at him for the audacity to try to seek forgiveness from her. There was no forgiving what he had done to her. Her breathing had grown ragged as fury, hatred and something else warred in her yet she stood barely moving, her stoic face revealing none of her true emotions. It was then she felt strong arms wrap around her and she looked up at Malik.

"I think you've had enough for tonight. How are you getting home?"

"I ...I ...He was here."

"Yes he was. Let’s get you home."






Gavin nervously picked up the small turquoise box He'd then pulled the top up and reveled in its beauty. He had looked at the damn thing a thousand times already but he couldn't help it. He hadn't even planned on buying Nylas’ engagement ring yet but as he passed the Tiffany and Co. Store but he ended up peering through the glass displays at dazzling diamonds. The attendant asked him if he needed help and he remembered thinking no but saying yes. She asked a few questions about Nylas’ style and profession and he instantly went into gush mode. He was seriously hooked on this woman. Within minutes he was looking at beautiful engagement rings from simple solitaires to intricate almost gaudy diamond encrusted monstrosities but it was the platinum band with a three carat round brilliant stone with bead set diamond border glimmered and shone in the light. It was perfect; it was a modern classic with a touch of whimsy. The ring described the woman to a tee. He kept thinking about Nyla and playing various scenarios of his proposal in his mind. Gavin was normally confident, let’s be honest he was a wealthy surgeon from old money most women would do anything to get a proposal but not his Nyla she was a wildcard. He was sure that she loved him but less confident of how ready she was to let go of the past and embrace their future as his wife.


Gavin threw the phone down on the bed in frustration he had not spoken with Nyla in two days. It wasn't as if they were missing each other’s calls either since he was the only one dialing. She had cut him off without a word which was very unlike her. They hadn't fought or had any words. The last time they spoke she had seemed preoccupied but when he questioned her she reassured him that she was fine and he'd taken her at her word now he wasn’t so sure. Gavin picked up his laptop and went online after punching in the airline website he checked if they had any flights available a day earlier. He would miss the last bit of the convention but he was getting restless without hearing Nyla's voice.

"How friggin whipped am I?" He asked happy as hell there was no one there to answer the question. He began the tedious process of trying to find an available flight that wouldn't take him on a tour if the country. After thirty painful minutes Gavin found a direct flight with a different airline only to have the transaction time out while he looked for his documents. Taking that as an omen he closed his laptop, he would finish out the seminar. Gavin chuckled he really was going to give his personal assistant a bigger bonus because this was an aggravating task.




Nyla woke up feeling groggy her face felt tight from the mix of dried tears and mascara. She spied the clock "Thank God I work for myself". There was no way she would be productive today. She really didn't even remember how she got home. A part of her started to think that the entire horrible episode of seeing Drake Lewis again was a nightmare, her dreams had been more vivid lately. But she was going to push all of that out of her mind. The only thing she wanted to think about was picking up Gavin and setting up a nice homecoming for her man.

Nyla smile widened as she waved frantically to gain Gavin's attention. He looked so good with a navy pull over and jeans on. Oddly she had never really paid attention to how men dressed in the past, well unless they were done up for an event or something but she loved whatever Gavin put on. Normally she was thinking about how to get him out of said clothing but he really did dress well. She had to stop buying him blue but it picked up on his eyes so well almost everything she bought him had blue or gray in it because it reminded her of his eyes. She unconsciously rubbed her hands down her arms to ward off a chill. She had been doing it a lot lately, ever since she had been at Greg memorial service. She tried not to think of that evening or the ones that followed. That was a dark desolate time and it was over. She had much to be grateful for. The man on the top of that list was rushing towards her. So Nyla ran towards the next chapter of her life.

"Hi Gavin Baby I missed you." She said walking into his outstretched arms. Nyla was sure he hadn't heard her considering her mouth was pressed up against his chest. He was clutching her so tight but instead of wanting him to loosen his grip she wanted to delve into his skin, to fuse herself to him so they would never have to be apart again. Nyla strained to hear what Gavin was mumbling in her hair between kisses.
"Next.kiss.time.kiss.your.kiss.coming.kiss.with.kiss.me.kiss.

"I'm never doing that again. Leaving you for that long was torture." Suddenly he chuckled and Nyla silently acknowledged it was one if her favorite sounds.

"Your right next time I’m definitely coming with you. How was your flight?"

"Good, smooth fortunately we didn't have any turbulence."

"That's good. I missed you...a lot."

"I don't believe you. I think you should show me." He said huskily.

"How?"

"How?"

"I got it through interpretive dance. We can put body paint on you and you can-"

"Gavin your crazy."

"About you absolutely." he said looking down at her.


"Let’s go get your bag. It was only the one right?" She mocked since he tended to over pack. She laced her fingers with his and rubbed his knuckles then brought them to her lips. Gavin traced his finger down her back as they walked towards the carousel to retrieve his luggage. He placed her in front of him and rested his head on atop hers only changing positions to kiss her neck softly. It was strange they had to be in constant physical contact but had yet to initiate a kiss. It was as if they had an unspoken understanding that the minute their lips touched there would be turning back, so they made due with gentle caresses. Nyla took his laptop bag but he retained his briefcase along with his checked bag. Nyla glanced at him out the corner of her eye and felt her heart rate speed up and palm begin to itch in anticipation. She had to focus just one foot in front of the other. She decided to bring up a subject that would cool her libido and get him talking.

"Did you get to meet Dr.Wharton? Was it everything you dreamed and more?" She said clasping her hands and placing them on her cheek, she bat her eyelashes and sighed "Was he dreamy?"

"Actually he was. He is brilliant and I’m secure enough to tell you I think the two of us started a little bromance. It really was just amazing to watch him in action. "

"Should I be jealous?" She asked smiling at him as she opened the car door.

"Trust me once I get you alone I will erase any doubt you have." He answered smoothly.

"Cocky bastard" she muttered.

"Is it cocky f it's the truth?"

"What am I going to do with you?"

"Mar-" eeked out of his mouth but he caught the rest in time. He almost said marry me. Sure he planned on asking her, the ring was already burning a hole through his pocket but not like this. Not putting in luggage into her car with the police siren blaring ushering people along, and the screaming Asian lady who was obviously ripping her husband a new one for losing the car. This was not the time or the place but with Nyla it always seemed to feel like the right time.

As they drove home at this point Gavin had basically moved out of his townhouse.

"Is there anything you want me to swing by your house for?" She asked tilting her head to look at him.

"No baby. I just can't wait to get home. Was everything ok this week? You kind of fell of the grid. It was a little weird." He asked resting his head back on the headrest.
"I'm sorry Gavin. I just had a lot on my plate." She replied grateful that she didn't outright lie to him.

"Works keeping you busy. That's good but I hope not to busy. He said wiggling his brows suggestively.

"How do you do that?" She said giggling. Just sharing the same space as him made her giddy. She missed this. She missed him. This week apart had revealed to her how special he really was to her and what an integral part of her world he had become.

"You were kind of incommunicado this week. What happened?" Gavin asked again he wasn't going to accept her evasive answer so quickly. He had hoped to have a proper reunion full of hot sex from built up passion but her lack of communication bothered him. Especially since she showed no sign of discontent now that they were reunited.

"Nothing. Nothing I just had some stuff I had to work through. It was good I really buckled down and handled something's that I kept putting on the back burner."

"Oh...that's good. I'm happy you were able to make good use of our time apart because I doubt it will happen again anytime too soon. Shit Nyla the last few days I was really considering taking an earlier flight just to get back to you." He said sheepishly. A while running his hands through his hair. It was a nervous habit that he had never quite been able to shake.

"Babe I missed you too. It's so weird I've been alone for so long and suddenly here you are and the silence is no longer peaceful. I...sometimes it scares me. She said keeping her face straight, painstakingly attentive to the road considering the heaviness of the conversation. She didn't want to look at him because her resolve to keep the events of the last week to herself would crumble.

She pulled into her parking spot and they both got out. Nyla helped him with the smaller bag and the left them at the front door. Nyla doubted three seconds had gone by till they were on each other. They unceremoniously dropped the luggage and embraced. He looked at her and his soft hands traced her face. Nyla broke the spell by running her hand through his hair to bring his lips closer to hers. She kissed him aggressively on the lips. There were no sweet pecks just a dueling of tongues, transference of saliva and a crescendo of emotion.

"Jesus Gavin I missed you so much." She said in between kisses.

"I know. I know baby." He said trying to peal her out of her clothing." What is this?" He muttered frustrated that the garment wouldn't reveal her sumptuous body.

"I’m going to rip this to shreds in a second. Get it off." He ordered huskily.

"Gav don't you dare. This was a birthday gift." She said stepping back and pulling the straps of her romper down. She had a simple neon pink strapless bra that peaked through the wide arms of her jumper. She jumped a little to get the cinched part over her hips. It was certainly not the most seductive outfit she could have worn. Regardless his eyes were glued to her as bit by bit she was revealed.

Gavin quickly took off his shirt and dropped it to the floor. He pulled his pants down in a quick downward motion. He smiled at the glazed expression on Nylas face. It was her turn to stare. That look warmed him from the inside out. She ran one blunt, manicured finger down his chest lazily making his dick harden even more. She soon followed with her tongue never kissing only licking his slightly salty skin. Her delicate hands wrapped around his rigid pole through his tented boxer briefs and she pumped him through the fabric until moister dotted the front.

Nyla kneeled in front of him and pulled his underwear down. It was an welcome role reversal he normally undressed her. She nuzzled his cock and precum smeared her. She gently blew on the mushroom capped tip while caressing his heavy sack.

"Nyla fuck honeys don’t make me wait." Gavin whispered

"Shh" as she engulfed him. There was no lead up she just slackened her jaw and started to deep throat him. Slurping noisily, as saliva dribbled out her mouth down her chin. She cupped his ass pulling him deeper into her warm mouth.

Gavin hands found their way to Nyla's head guiding her movements on his shaft. She had performed oral on him before but this right here was something special. Gavin loved looking down at her in this position but he needed to be inside her. He gently pulled his cock away and pulled her to the couch. They were not making it to the bedroom tonight. His lips crushed hers immediately. He gently nudged her shoulders forcing her fall back on the sofa. His lips left hers only to find an erect bud to suckle.

Nyla held Gavin's head closer to her hardened peak. "Shit..ahh...Gavin " she mewled out as he started to nibble on her nipple. His marauding fingers found her honeypot and stroked her puffy outer lips before parting the dewy folds to press her semi hidden love button. Her excited clit jumped at the contact as Gavin expert fingers stroked in and out of her. Gavin felt her orgasm before he heard her guttural moans of pleasure. The velvety tightness clutched his invading digits while Nyla bit his shoulder to quiet her moans.

Pushing her thighs farther apart to better situate himself between her thighs he pushed into her. She wrapped her legs around him using them to surge him forward. The sounds of them making love filled the room. Gavin looked down admiring her even with strands of hair plastered to her face, her face flushed from exertion and her mouth parted as she expressed her passion she was the most perfect being he had ever seen.
"I love you Nyla. I love you" he chanted as his orgasm drew near. Not wanting to leave her behind he began pinching her exposed nubbin until she thrashed about beneath him bathing his cock with her essence.

Nyla loved watching him come. His face would grow taught and her had a vein that would pertruded in his forehead when he was getting just right. She was so close but so was he and tonight was about him. "Ahh shit shit fuck." She screamed out as he pinched her clit while slamming home. She should have known he would never leave her un-satisfied. She was coming so hard the shaking in her lower body felt almost violent. Gavin covered her body with his own laying his chest on hers.
"Don't ever leave me." She whispered in his ear while making any circles on his back.

Gavin pulled away from slightly to look her in the eyes." Never" he knew it was a childish response. He didn't know the future and she had already experienced the loss of a love before so his declaration was even more unbelievable but in that moment Gavin couldn't fathom one thing that would cause him to walk away from this woman.





Nyla sat in front of her newest client Mr. Boris Kirkland after finishing her presentation. She swiveled the laptop towards her and lifted her head. "Do you see how the interactivity would give your customers the opportunity to choose their glasses without leaving their home? The site would come with a live chat option to review specs and assist with choices before they are couriered to the customers’ house for the final decision." She explained while he reviewed the screen.

"This is great. I saw the great things you did for Wentworh but this is beyond what I thought I could afford. I mean we are a small practice but this could put us with the major players."

"I'm pleased that you feel that way. This direction is more tailored and gives almost a boutique feel that your target demographic has been excluded from...till now." Nyla felt really good. Her baby was back and if she was reading this meeting right she just bagged another client.

"No I love it. I definitely want to move forward. I thought I would need time to mull it over but you've really blown me away."

"Thanks. I look forward to us working together." She said ending their meeting with a handshake. Unfortunately he had no desire to give her hand back.

"Uhm my hand Boris." She said tugging her and from his. Her warm persona noticeable cooler.

"Sorry. I just...nothing. Thanks for a terrific presentation." He said gathering his things he stood up to leave obviously embarrassed. "May I escort you out?"

"No that won’t be necessary. I have another appointment here shortly." She said pleasantly. She hadn't noticed his attraction to her and she was already spoken for so Nyla was pleased that he bowed out gracefully.

Gavin walked up as the 6'1 black man left the table. He worried sometimes that the man of Nylas’ dreams looked a lot more like the brown skinned, athletic man that had just left her table. He had come a few minutes early considering he found parking easier than normal and witnessed his beloved in action. Her sweet smile and sexy body housed an incredible fighting spirit and innovative and creative mind. It was a potent combination. As he watched her client fumble to back out of his misguided attempt at flirting his desire to openly lay claim to her grew in leaps and bounds. Nyla never commented anything but he watched as men's eyes would follow her in a room. He never mentioned how on more than one occasion she had excused herself to powder her nose at dinner and to take so long he began to worry. Only to find her letting some enamored shmuck down gently. She was always sensitive careful not embarrass or emasculate her suitors. He admired and hated it simultaneously because it was he who saw the glimmer of hope in their eyes when she turned to make her way back to their table. It was moments like these that made him want to fuse the ring that had been burning a hole in his bucket for two weeks to her hand. He might tattoo Gavin's on her ass and forehead for good measure. But he wouldn't let jealousy or pride dictate this special moment. It was planned and would go off without a hitch. He just had to be patient for a few more weeks.

Gavin walked up to her table quietly. She was unaware of his arrival until she felt familiar hands caress the back of her neck. Nyla instinctually rubbed her neck to encourage the action all was left for her was to purr like a kitten.

"You’re early." She said looking up expectantly. And he didn't disappoint. His firm, soft lips pressed gently on her fuller more pillowy ones eliciting a moan. Gavin pulled back smugly watching her eye lids flutter open to reveal beautiful brown eyes.

"No traffic. How'd it go?"

A toothy smile broke out on her face. "It went really well. He seemed really excited with the direction I wanted to go in. I was nervous. I mean I wasn't sure how he would feel about the iChat option. It wasn't something we had discussed in the initial meeting but he went for it." She said excitedly.

Gavin was looking at her weird again. It was happening more frequently since he had been back. She honestly didn’t know what to make of it so she didn't.

"What are you having?" She asked mimicking Gavin as he picked up and perused the menu. From behind hers she mouthed "Mhm what's should I get? What should I get? The special looks good. But ahh I was in the mood for eggs. I’ll have a Greek omelet with west toast."

"Sounds good honey" she said on cue as Gavin adjust uttered the same words verbatim. In 5,4,3,2,

"Babe maybe bacon on the side?"

"Good idea. I’ll pick at yours." Nyla answered. It was funny in the eleven months that they had been a couple every time they visited this diner which was about once a week since it suited their mutual work schedules her lover would look through the menu at length with much debate only to order the Greek omelet the first and only thing he had tried since they started frequenting this place. Some people might find it annoying or ritualistic but Nyla drew great comfort from Gavin's habitual behavior. Her world had once been filled with upheaval so for Nyla it was nice just to be able to count on a Greek omelet.

Gavin played chess on his computer while eating a turkey club sandwich that Nyla had made him for lunch. It was delicious. Though he must admit sometimes her creativity didn't translate gastronomically. He was mid bite when his door swung open to reveal a slender, brown skinned, brunette.

"What are you doing here?"

"Is that anyway to greet me? We are practically family."

"Trust me we are never and will never be family."

"Oh so your done with my little sister?"

"That's none of your concern."

"I figured you would be once you saw this". She said placing an article from the monthly community newsletter on his desk. He barely spared it a glance.

"What the hell is this Tina?"

"Read it."

Gavin picked up the paper and began reading. The quicker he got this over with the sooner she would leave him alone. Gavin's eyes scanned and the more he read the more disturbed he became. He was furious but he wouldn't give this bitch the satisfaction of knowing that she had got to him.

"Ok. I've read it. So what do you want me to do with this?"

"Is she the only one allowed to step out or is this an open relationship. Because if so Im game." She practically purred.

"Still after your little sisters cast offs. Why are you obsessed with her? “He pushed away from his desk and stared at the pitiful sight in front of him.

"You know that I would never want you. You reek of desperation and envy. Nyla thinks you resent her because of her relationship with Greg but you and I know differently. Don't we?"

"You think you know me. You only know what my bitch of a sister tells you. Which obviously isn't a whole hell of a lot!" She said pointing towards the picture.

"What makes you think I wasn't fully aware of this?" He said smirking confidently.

"The look on your face when you saw that picture of Nyla being held so closely to.-"


"You know Nyla has been known to play make believe especially with it being Greg's birthday and all. If I didn’t know better I'd think it was a picture of the happy couple. They look so comfortable so familiar with each other."

"Shut up" he cut her off. He didn't want a reminder of the image. "You think everyone doesn't see how jealous you are. Tell me when did your feelings for Greg take root before or after he showed interest in Nyla?" He asked eyeing her knowingly.

"You don't know what you’re talking about. We were on our way we were just taking it slow."

"I'm sure and I bet as soon as his interest turned to Nyla you were ready to speed things up. That's what this little conquest is about isn't it? You don't give a flying fuck about me just if I'm willing to choose you? Because it's always about you isn't it Tina?" Gavin crossed his hands behind his head and rocked gently in his seat. "Then again it isn't because you will always be second place to her. You know that don't you?"


"We'll we have even more in common that I thought because you will always be second place, but to a dead man. How pathetic are you? All the money and prestige in the world can't change that Nyla will always be Greg’s. Isn't that what you were just telling me." she smiled triumphantly at his hurt expression. Gavin tried to hide it but having his worse fear verbalized stung like hell. However he quickly regrouped.

"It is never about me not since the day she was born. My father adored her thankfully mother  was more neutral until she met Greg. Then my mother was overjoyed with her marrying into such a prestigious family. When she had what should have been my wedding and then was to so careless to lose it all? And then you know what the shit is while I was stuck with broke down J star who can't afford a pot to piss in she meets you; a fucking doctor who has even more money than her last man. I mean she pretends to be so fucking innocent but she had perfected how to be a gold digger and a whoring one at that." She said venomously while shaking the offending newspaper in his face.

"Get the fuck out of my office." He said picking up the phone.

"What are you doing?” she said looking at him nervousness entering her bravado for the first time.

He ignored her question speaking into the phone "Hello security I have someone I need escorted out of my office.

"You had better call them back and tell them you were kidding. Ill tell Nyla that you threw me out. I'm still her sister she won't stand for this."

"I'm willing to take my chances."

“It didn't have to be this way. You could have had us both." She said grappling for another approach.

"I have all I need already and the sad thing is so do you. You just don't realize it." He said as do beefy looking men in security uniforms burst through the door.

Lisa's' face reddened with embarrassment as two large burly looking men flanked her.

"Please come with us Miss." The taller f the two men said.

"This is a personal matter."

"Then handle it outside of hospital grounds."

"Listen you high school flunky with your piece of shit job just because you have a dime store badge on doesn't mean you can talk to me any kind of way." She yelled as close to the taller black man’s face. His bald head glistened as beads of perspiration popped up on his head.

"Please Ma'am don't make this difficult. Even though our badges come from a crackerjack box I assure you we have the authority to detain you and press charges."

Her eyes quickly scanned his reticent face and panned over to a smug Gavin before complying.

"You are just like me Gavin grasping for what we cannot touch." Was her parting remark as they filed out of his office?

When he was finally alone he glanced at the clock on his computer and sighed disgustedly. It had only taken 20 minutes to run roughshod over his entire day. He picked up the paper and looked at a smiling Nyla looking radiant being held by an almost carbon copy of her husband. Gavin started down a dangerous path noticing how possessively the man’s hold on Nyla was. How intimate. Her smile was wide and open completely unguarded. Gavin scanned the picture noting how flush their bodies were. His was getting mind fucked but was helpless to stop it. Images of Nyla and unknown figure flashed through his head along with secrets she had shared so long ago. Insecurities of how effortlessly Abbey and Trent had lied to him further degraded his faltering trust. Gavin angrily pushed away from his desk and walked out of his office. He needed air, space fuck he didn't know what he needed but he knew the walls of his office were closing in on him.



Nyla sat sipping the sweet tea (which she detested) that Mama Joy brought just for her catching up on the last couple years. Mama Joy had called and asked if she could stop by and chat since she had her favorite chauffeur for today …Greg’s brother.
It used to pain her to look at him but now all she felt was joy when she saw a familiar smile grace his face.

"Nyla I just hope you know that I love you like a daughter since the first day Greg brought you home and it was quite painful to lose you as well as my son and granddaughter. I lived with that pain everyday till the doctor told me my pressure or the depression was going kill me. So I made the hardest decision I could make. I decided to live on but not just to take up space and oxygen but to use my time here to aid those that society had deemed unworthy. In the past three years I have met some unsavory characters but I have also met some wonderful people whose souls are scarred but desperate seeking forgiveness and atonement. It started with Drake Lewis when he sought me out and slowly I began to notice a change that was undeniable so I began to learn the man he is today I hope that you won't hold that against me.

"No I wouldn't do that. I love you and I missed you terribly. You know ...mm mm" she clearing her throat trying to compose herself. "You know how strained my relationship with my own mother is. I won’t pretend to understand your relationship with Drake but once he stays out of my way there is no reason for that to affect us." Nyla said holding the older woman's hand. Happy tears slid down her cheeks.

"now stop the balling girl. I expect to hear from you more often don't let another three years pass. Have you gone by the cemetery to visit?"

"Actually I have. I noticed you yellow rose bush the cemetery groundskeeper is going you catch you one day planting those flowers you know they know it’s you. “Nyla said smiling.


"I dare them to tell me something. Let them try." She challenged.

"I'd pay good money to see them try." Malik said walking back in from the patio where he took a call.

"Your mother is too much." Nyla said

"Ain't that the truth? Ma I'm sorry to cut this long overdue visit short but I just got called into work so." He said rocking on his heels regardless of his age he obviously didn't like disappointing his mother.

"Ok baby I’ll get ready to go." Said grabbing her hand bag and wide brimmed hat.

Nyla escorted Malik and Mama Joy out to the car. Nyla walked back inside and started rifling through her new magazines for some light reading while she dropped off the kids at the pool. She found the newest Kardasian scandal and was making her way to the bathroom when the doorbell chirp. Nyla opened it surprised that Malik was back at her door step.

"Did you forget something Malik?"

"Yeah my phone and since I’m in for a long drive do you mind if I use you bathroom."

"Of course not don’t be silly. I was just heading to the shower."

"Thanks and don't be a stranger." He warned with a friendly smile.

Gavin walked as if in a trance bumping into a tall black man coming from Nyla's condos direction.

"Hey buddy you ok there?" The black man asked.

"Yeah " Gavin said finally focusing enough to realize he was the man from the article. With that realization Gavin began to scrutinize the young man. He was dressed simply nothing noteworthy until he noticed his fly was undone. Suddenly the feelings of reassurance that he had since convincing himself they were purely platonic seemed to vanish. Gavin felt sick at the thought of Nyla being intimate with anyone else. His anger that had simmered since Tina walked into his office threatened to boil over.

Gavin decided against using the bell to surprise Nyla. He had never been an extremely jealous or possessive person except with her. He had put too much into this relationship to be treated like this, the lies and secrecy, it was more than he could stand. When he walked in he heard the shower running.


Gavin skulked around the house looking for something finding nothing causing him to shake his head. He wouldn't be made a fool of again once was enough with Abbey. He was in turmoil he desperately wanted to believe that the woman he planned on proposing to in two weeks was not having an affair, or some other connection with the man that looked eerily like her ex-husband. Their likeness brought on a whole other set of distressing suspicions. Gavin sat on the sofa resting back memories of the last time they made love on the very seat intermingled with his thoughts.

"Ahhh ahhhh Jesus Gavin what are you doing here? You scared the shit out of me." She said walking up to him and planting a welcoming kiss on his lips. Nyla pulled back confused at Gavin's lack of response.

“What’s wrong babe? Is it a patient? "She looked up at him with knitted brows in worry remembering how distraught he was when he had lost a patient.



"Are you happy to see me?" He answered with a bite to his tone.

"Of course I am. It jut I wasn't expecting you? Did I miss your call?" She said walking over to the table picking up her phone to check if she had any missed calls.

"So are you going to tell me who that guy is that just left your apartment?"

"What guy?"

"Tall black guy looks a lot like your deceased husband."

"Oh him" she said cocking her head to the side she gave her most innocent smile.

"Yeah the guy from this picture. Care to explain this?"

"No."

"Nyla this is not a game. You need to start talking... now!"

"Gavin have I ever walked into your house and ordered you to explain a house guest." She said tapping her foot in that steady rhythm that meant trouble.

"No" she said defiantly taking issue with his tone. Nyla said feeling triumphant in her little evasion tactic.

"Then explain to me what you were doing here? Was this memorial dinner a part of the things you had to wrap up."

"Gavin can we just drop this? It was something important that I had to do."

"So even though it’s clear that I’m upset that you are still going to give me these bull shit ambiguous answers. Listen God knows I love you but do not take me or a fool. If you want to continue in a relationship with me you had better start talking... And Nyla it had better be the truth.

First off I haven't lied to you...outright."

"So there are levels to your truthfulness now?" He scoffed.

"I...I was invited to Greg's memorial around two months ago at the time but I didn't plan on going.” Nyla added quickly as her nervous hands twisted the robe. "I put it in my draw and forgot about it." She tucked the towel closer to her grossly aware of how vulnerable she was. He was angry but what struck her most is the hurt expression on his face knowing that she put it there gave her a physical pain in her chest.

"Gavin I was just trying to avoid this conversation. “ I'm tired of explaining my feelings or actions. I didn't want to explain how sometimes I still cry because I passed the Gap kids store. That this year Ava would be going to pre-k. I didn't telI you that their birthdays coincided with you trip because I didn't know if I'd want to get up that day. Ok!” she huffed out through her tears. I didn't know if I would want to call you, laugh with you, make love to you on that day.” Nyla finished taking a chance and glancing at Gavin who looked even more distraught with her last statement.

“I am sorry if that upsets you but it is how I felt. Ok there are times when it is still hard for me and because I don't want … this I keep it to myself. She said gesturing between them. "It’s like my scars most of the time I forget they are even there but then I have days where they just itch like they were freshly healing. Since I met you the itchy days are a lot less but not gone...not completely." She whispered swallowing hard. "If I had told you about the memorial you would have offered to come with me. Right?"


"Of course I would have gone with you. I wouldn’t have left you to go to a friggin convention knowing that you be going through the hardest time of the year for you. I kept trying to reach you that week and I could hardly track you down now I know why.

"I wanted to do this alone”

"Are you embarrassed of me... of us? Or do you not want to lose the sympathy as the grief stricken widow." Gavin knew he was being an ass but he was out of patience with her.



Nyla gasped “No God no hat's not - How could you even think that?” Nyla said whirling around her eyes focused on the end table with a picture of the both them at a dinner cruise. “I thought I was doing the right thing for everyone involved. I wanted to prove to myself that I could be there in support of a man who was at one time my everything, my husband.”

Gavin expelled a harsh breath hearing her call another man her everything tore at his heart. It was foolish to be envious of a dead man but it seemed even in death he had what Gavin wanted most in life.

“I had let him down let myself down in the way I treated out friends and family. I needed to rectify that before I moved on ...with you." Nyla explained walking up to him she reached for his hand which she held loosely but he didn't grasp hers in return but he didn’t pull away either.

“I was scared I’d lose you. I woke up one day and had nothing worth living for that’s how I felt and then you came into my life and though I was healing I felt a resurgence of hope that I had long given up on. I was prepared to be the cat lady I figured it already I experience my one great love and I tried to find solace in that but as our relationship developed I realized how deeply I love you. Do you know what's worse than the unknown...knowing. I know what it is like to wake up to an empty house with no hope that there will be joy, laughter, love even anger only emptiness. So I was dishonest and intentionally evasive trying keep us together.”

I'm sorry. I'm sorry.

"So I'm a spectator now. That good to know here I thought I was a participant in your life. I thought we were partners.” Gavin said laughing humorlessly thinking of the ring he had bought.

"Gavin you are being deliberately obtuse. You know that's not what I meant. I have let you in. I was unsure of my reception there. It’s been years since I have seen or heard from most of those people I didn't know if they were going to ask me to leave or be courteous .I was wrong Gavin and I hurt some really good people by my actions who would want their significant other to witness that. "


"We're you worried about what people would think if I was with you?"

"I have lost too much to care about what people feel about our relationship. But that doesn’t mean I wanted to throw salt in the wounds by parading around my paramour at an event in honor of my deceased husband. How tactless is that?" Nyla asked in an exasperated breath raking her hand through her hair.

"Nyla I can't be with the edited version of you. I accept you as you are flaws and all but that's not enough if you don't accept yourself. I have issues everyone does and we are bound to get more.”

"I know but ...God Gavin I live in fear of the day you get fed up. The day you wake up and realize that the woman you loves big accomplishment this month is now that she has cut her therapy time to once a week. I mean think about it?” she admitted dejectedly.

"I have never judged you for getting the help you need. Ever. So don't you even try to pull that."


"Sometimes I wish you would. Sometimes I wish it wasn't always me dragging around my bag of crazy. "

"I'm trying to lighten the load but you don't make it easy." Gavin sighed annoyed that he was already starting to cave. This woman was his biggest weakness. His hand started to curl into hers to draw her near when something else popped into his head

"What about Greg's brother?"

"What about him?"

"Trent vaguely resembles Greg but his brother is practically a carbon copy."

"Gavin what are you implying" slipped slowly from her mouth because she was beginning to get riled with the direction of the conversation.

"Did you sleep with him?" Gavin regretted asking the instant the words fell from his lips but he had to know. The sliver of insecurity that everyone had was stretched and strengthened with her deception.

Nyla immediately yanked her had out of his question cracked Nyla's composure she wilted under his stare. He watched her shoulders slump, and her pouty bottom lip begin to tremble.
"Fuck you Gavin. Fuck you and horse you rode in on. I trusted you with that information. I didn't have to but I did and you throw it back in my face. I would never have said that you." she yelled at him letting her tears fell unchecked as now her indignation started to outweigh her guilt.

"I would never sleep with Malik he is like a brother to me. I can’t believe you think so little of me after all this time. I can't believe you asked me that!" She yelled pacing through the small room. She couldn't even look at him right now because the desire to smack him was so strong.


"Nyla what do you expect me to think? When the seed of doubt was planted you could have easily took care of it instead you kept feeding it with lies and now you angry that I don't trust you." Gavin asked angrily.

“I have never given you a reason not to-- you know what forget it. Gavin I'm sorry. I love you and in my desire to protect that love I made some stupid and unnecessary mistakes." She conceded but Gavin was unmoved.

"What bothers me most is that if Tina hadn't walked into my office you would never have said anything. Tina... She's my source for information about you now Nyla?"

"That bitch" Nyla mumbled

"She may be but at this point I can trust her more than I trust you."

Nyla recoiled covering her mouth his words stung her to her very core "After everything I've told you is that how you really feel?"

Gavin chose not to answer her. He just turned towards the door feeling dismal. He thought of the ring in his pocket and what it signified the joining if two lives, two souls becoming one family. He was ready for that, he was ready take that step with her. But it was clear she wasn't ready not if she could keep all this from him. He turned around to take her in possibly for the last time flashes of happy times in their future needled him. Images of his perfectly crafted proposal at the balloon festival from their first date assaulted his emotions turning anger to sorrow. He bowed his head defeatedly.

"You have been busy plotting and planning putting in the work to keep me out of your life." He chortled in a self-deprecating laugh.

"Funny thing was I was busy too. That week away gave me time to think about what I wanted for my life." He looked at her with glistening eyes and continued.
“While you were planning on keeping me out I was planning how to make you a part of my life indefinitely." He said solemnly fishing out the small turquoise box from his pocket. "I don't think I’ll be needing this anymore." He said as he placed the box on the table.

A strangled sound came from someplace deep in Nyla but she hadn't moved or tried to explain herself further. Hearing her guttural cry brought out his protective instincts and he itched to comfort her but Gavin knew holding her could be his downfall. So he willed his body to the door, step by step leading away from the only woman he had ever loved.

He reached for the door handle and pulled quickly asking through with a sense of urgency. His will and his facade were crumbling. Gavin swift steps led him to his vehicle in no time. As his body felt the comforts of the leather conforming to him his eyes scanned her building searching for a sign. Hell who was he kidding he was searching for her because if she gave an inch he would forgive her but she needed to prove herself. Nyla's dishonesty cut deep.

Nyla stood stone still as she watched with a sense of detachment her entire life fall apart. He left. Gavin actually walked out of her door...out of her life. Her eyes went from the door to the box on the table and back again. The shape alone assured her there was a ring in there. He was going to propose. He wanted to marry her...Nyla Rogers widow, childless, depressed cutter but with him she saw so much more. She remembered she was funny, adventurous, loving, doting even and she let him walk out the door. Nyla grabbed the box on the table and ran out the door, it didn’t matter that she was in just a robe or that she ware barefoot. All that mattered was getting to Gavin. Her bare feet hitting the stone pathway she pumped her legs furiously as she saw Gavin’s car pulling out her parting spot.

"Gavin!" She screamed as she ran into the parking lot hot tears blurring her vision. Her singular focus was to gain his attention. When suddenly pain shot through her body. The magnitude of it was blinding. She knew she hit the ground when the box she clutched so tightly rolled out of her hand. She clasped her fingers trying to retain the last bit of him but her body wouldn’t cooperate. All her senses were focused on the excruciating pain. Nyla suddenly heard so many voices but not the one she longed to hear. Finally she heard him

"Oh God Nyla baby please stay with me.”

Gavin I’m not going anywhere except to the Bridal shop. I love you honey calm down. Gavin there is so much pain…it really hurts” Nyla said ought because it seemed that even though she was surrounded no one would respond to her.
“Someone call an ambulance." Gavin ordered frantically. He tried to assess her but she was unresponsive and it only increased his anxiousness. He momentarily was paralyzed with fear he couldn't even think. Slowly his training came back to him he started to evaluate her as a doctor not as a lover. He took the phone from an onlooker that was online with the hospital.

"Yes this is Dr. Gavin McKeough please have an OR ready page Dr. Shaw and Dr. Patel."

Nyla didn’t notice her neighbors run out when they heard the sound of flesh meeting steel, she didn't see her body fall in a mangled heap in front of old man Whitakers Oldsmobile.
Nyla wanted to tell him she wasn't leaving him and she wouldn't allow him to leave her either. They were going to work this out and then he was going to get down on one knee and make it official but before she could utter a word her world faded to black.

"Aedan, he hasn't eaten in two days. He won't leave her side. Please talk to him. I can't bear see them like this. She's going to wake up I know it. I can felt right here." Joan whispered to her equally distraught yet stoic husband as she pointed towards her gut.

They left Nyla's hospital room to get some coffee. It was really to escape the sickening silence and bereft look on their sons’ face. Joan had truly grown to care for Nyla and looked forward to when she became her daughter-in-law. No. She was still looking forward to her joining the family especially now.

Aedan turned to look at his wife, squeezing her slightly wrinkled soft hand and sighed. He spent half his life with her and prayed his son would be afforded the same fortune.

"You stay here, ok? Drink your tea." He said handing her a drink after she was seated.

"Ok." She mumbled as anxious blue eyes glanced at the stark white hospital door. She lowered her lashes in prayer. She’d been doing that a lot lately.

"Here son I brought you some coffee." Aedan said towering over Gavin. They were the same height, but the way Gavin's shoulders slouched made him seem small and it reminded Aedan of when he was a young boy.

"Gavin you know when your sister died-"

"She is not going to die!"

"I know son, I know. Just let me finish. I’d never felt more inadequate as a man, as a father and husband as in those weeks when I learned that my name, my wealth meant nothing. But whatever grief I was feeling… had to be put on the backburner because your mother needed me. Right now Gavin this is your moment, to put the pain aside and be there for her."

Gavin looked up at his father, his handsome face drawn in from the lack of sleep.

"Is that a joke? Tell me father, what more can I do to help her? Talk to her? I talk until my voice gets hoarse. I'm afraid to leave her side, afraid to go to the bathroom just in case she wakes up while I'm away. Care for her? I've flown in Dr. Campbell from Texas. I have Dr. Knat coming from Connecticut and a neurologist from the UK flying in tomorrow to treat to her. I’ve created the dream team of doctors to save Nyla. I’m doing everything I can as a man right now dad."

"No you’re not."

Gavin's lifted his bowed head and glared contemptibly at his father.

"You’re not. When she wakes up and sees that you've given up on her, she'll be pissed. But worse yet she'll be hurt. You haven't eaten. You haven't washed. You've all but abandoned your patients. You won't even acknowledge-”

"Dad don't... don't go there.” Gavin said standing up walking over to him. "Stop it. Just stop talking about it, just shut up about it."

"I have to go there son because you won't and there isn’t anything left. There is only your baby." Aedan whispered. He placed his hands on Gavin's shoulders as he crumbled to the floor sobbing loudly.

"Jesus dad! Why would God give me everything only to take it away so quickly?" Gavin asked holding his tear-soaked face in between his hands.

“To see how much you want it. You have to fight Gavin, fight for them... Both of them." Aedan said as he helped Gavin up.

“I will. I'm sorry about earlier dad. I won't fall apart again."

"Yeah you will and that's ok. You can fall apart, just keep it together when you’re around Nyla she can sense your tension and so can the little guy."

"Dad it's too early to tell especially...” He paused. "We should just wait until everything is clear before we start debating the sex of the baby."

Aedan was pleased that his son was finally acknowledging the baby. He needed this breakdown to build himself back up. Almost forty years earlier he remembers how he sat on a park bench one day and wept like a child at the injustice of losing his beloved daughter. He sat alone that day in freezing temperatures. He didn’t want upset Joan as she was on the precipice of a mental breakdown.

Aedan was grateful Gavin wouldn’t have to face this alone.

“Gavin I'm sixty-three years old, I've waited a long time to be a grandpa so I'm going to enjoy it. I have faith that my daughter-in-law to be and grandchild will be just fine. I have it on good authority as a matter of fact.” He said smiling as he gave Nyla an affectionate but gently pat.

"Dad, would you and Mom mind staying with her? I'm going to go home and shower, maybe rest a bit."

"Alright I'm going to go tell your mother."

"Thank you." Gavin eyes left his fathers and set on his fallen angel’s face. His heart constricted as he scanned the rest of her still form.
He took his place at her bedside and drew the chair close. He rested his weary head in the empty space next to her hand and the several IVs that provided everything from medication to sustenance. He peeked at her flat abdomen and he choked back the despair that covered him like a blanket. Its oppressiveness stifled him. Sweat started to bead at the nape of his neck, his upper lips and brow.

The accident had changed so much, altering their reality forever and he was forced to go through the changes alone. Gavin wasn't sure how Nyla would react once she learned the extent of her condition. A part of him feared that she would reject him, blame him for these turn of events. The things she’d been robbed of, but he couldn't think about that now. Right now she just had to wake up.

Gavin got up to relieve himself before he left however when he reemerged he was no longer alone.

"What are you doing here?" Steel coated his tongue as he spoke.

"I… I... I'm sorry man. I know this isn't the time or place to do this but-" Trent stopped talking and walked over to Gavin and stopped in front of him.

"I know I've been an ass but I'm here if you need me. I mean it."

Gavin looked at Trent and gave him a curt nod. It wasn't forgiveness or acceptance but he didn't have it in him to fight. He was already fighting the battle of a lifetime.

Trent took a step towards the bed, but stopped as if to clear it with Gavin first. Their friendship was broken and during this strenuous time he didn't want to rock the boat. Gavin gave him a slight nod and Trent moved further into the large suite. It wasn’t sterile white but instead bathed in warm creams and beiges. Less the expensive hospital equipment it could’ve been confused for a well-appointed hotel room. Despite its appearance, it was nothing but.

"How is she?"

"Her chart is right there." He replied as he fell into the chair next to her bed which had become his new home. There was a sofa on the far end of the room. But that was the problem it was too far from her. He wasn't sure if he wanted Trent around her, but he had contacts that might be useful. Every decision was made with his family in mind.

As he watched Trent mull over the test results and lab reports he asked the question that had permeated the fog of his mind.

"What are you doing here?"

"I've wanted to talk you. You know patch things up for a while now but the timing was always off."

"And with my fiancée in a coma, that seemed like a good time?" Gavin shook his head knowing Trent wouldn't ever truly change.

Trent looked over the chart, though this wasn't his specialty another pair of eyes never hurt. His decision to repair their defunct relationship was far from a sporadic one. This was an opportunity to be a friend and possibly be welcomed back in the fold. Gavin's vulnerable state was optimum. And if there was anything he was it was an opportunist.

"Does anyone come to mind? Anyone who might have a different take on this? I'm open for suggestions no matter how radical." Gavin said and turned his head when he heard the door open.

"Excuse me, but I don't think those radical decisions are yours to make." An elegantly dressed middle-aged woman said immediately owning the room.

"Who are-" Gavin didn’t finish his question. He knew as soon as he saw the interloper who she was.

"You’re Nyla's mother. I'm sorry we are meeting under these conditions. I had hoped..." His voice cracked as he thought of the spectacular engagement party he'd wanted to throw. He envisioned their mother’s shrilly voices filled with exuberance that their children had found their partners for life. Instead Nyla lay in a hospital bed unconscious and he was a disheveled, unkempt mess who would sooner pass for a homeless person than a doctor. Worse yet, he didn't even have the will to care about how untimely their meeting was.

"Let’s go over to the couch and talk." He directed her mother before turning to Trent.

"This is a family matter." Gavin said dismissing Trent.

"I'll make a few calls, but let me know if there is anything I can do to help." Trent said shuffling past Nyla's mother. He hoped he didn't see Gavin's parents. The icy look Joan gave him sent a chill down his spine.

When the door closed behind Trent, Evelyn didn't walk over to the seat as instructed; instead she stepped closer to Nyla. She touched Nyla's brow and frowned. "Is she sleeping?"

Gavin could tell she knew the answer before she asked the question but needed to hear it.

"No. She's in a coma."

"How did this happen? When did this happen?"

"It's been three days." The longest three days.

"How?" She choked out.

"She was struck by a car, the impact broke her leg but the fall is what is causing the most concern. She hit her head and... and hasn't regained consciousness since."

"Is she brain dead? Because I won’t allow her to live that way. I won't let them just torture her body if her mind is gone."

Gavin was mildly surprised at her concern, from what he'd gleaned from conversations with Nyla and the lack of contact between mother and daughter he didn't know what to expect.

"No there is brain activity and her cat scans show no reason to assume permanent brain damage."

"But these are all just that... Assumptions." She said sitting in the loveseat next to him.

"Yes further cognitive testing will be done when she wakes up. Then we will be able to fully assess the damage if there is any."

"Is that possible? For there to be no damage?"

"Anything is possible. But it doesn't matter we will work through it. She just needs to wake up."

"You love my daughter very much, I can see that clearly."

"Yes I do.”

"And love can blind you to a multitude of things."

"Such as."

"My daughter always seems to find herself in distressing situations."

"And do you for one moment think that she has pursued or asked for all the strife that she has been through? Do you even... love Nyla? I mean because Nyla and I have been together for a year and I practically live at her house. And I can count on one hand how many times you've contacted her. And unfortunately I can tell on the few occasions you do speak because she is withdrawn and insecure after your conversations. I understand your place as her mother, but understand my place as her husband. And I will be her husband because she is coming back to me. So if you are here to give her anything other than your unconditional love and assistance during yet another difficult time in her life, you will not see her. Am I making myself clear?”
Nyla woke up lazily, stretching out her arms hesitating opening her eyes as the sun greeted her and warmed her face. She squirreled deeper into the bed. This was heaven. Finally she opened her eyes was surprised to see a pair of welcoming, anxious orbs staring back at her.

"Hi."

"Hi."

"I've missed you.”

"I've missed you too."

"You came for me?"

"No Nyla. It seems you finally came to me." Greg said with a warm smile.

"There is someone else who is anxious to see you again. Ava come in here."

"Ava… Am I dreaming?"

"God I hope not because I can't lose you again."

"What?" Nyla said pushing herself up. "Where is Gavin?"

"He didn't come with you mom."

"Come where? What's going on?" Nyla asked frantically. No longer content in her plush bed she swung her legs off and stepped out onto sand. The white sleeveless dress billowed in the cool breeze and Nyla unconsciously dug her feet deeper into the soft sand. Momentarily too awestruck to ask how she just appeared on the beach when she was in a goose down heaven moments prior.

The sea was calm giving gentle loving kisses to the sand. Nyla noticed several footprints in the powder soft sand. She briefly wondered if God would appear like in the poem on Greg's mothers’ refrigerator, but soon laughter tickled her ears and without thought she followed the sound. Nyla walked close enough to the water that it would lap at her feet enjoying the warmth of sand and the coolness of the sea.

A grin a mile-wide broke out on her face when she finally saw them. Ava was just as lovely as she remembered. She was sitting Indian-style on a checkered red blanket taking a pretty healthy bite of some type of sandwich. She quickly dropped it and rushed over to Nyla.

"Mom? You came! I didn't think we'd see you so soon. Come on dad is waiting for you." The excited young woman dragged her to where they had set up a lovely picnic spread.

"So what's the occasion?"

"You."

"Me." Nyla said scrunching her face before sitting on her knees. The dress was long but the buttons stopped at her knee and she noticed Greg noticing her gams and smiled.

"Have you figured it out yet?"

"Figured out what?” Nyla asked chomping away at the best damn coleslaw she had ever eaten.

"Nothing, it's not important. Let me worry about it."

"Now hold on Greg, that's not exactly how this works anymore. If it concerns me then I need to know about it."

"Ok love after lunch. We've just got you back, let’s just enjoy lunch."

"No wonder you were such a good attorney." She remarked and pursed her lips to hide the easy smile he always brought out.

The three of them ate in silence just enjoying the moment as a family, but Nyla couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong. She was finally reunited with her family, both of them but her thoughts were on another.

"I need to let Gavin know I'm ok." Nyla knew it didn’t make sense but said it anyway.

"He knows."

"Are you sure?"

"Aren't you happy that we can be a family again mom?" Ava looked at her as sadness eclipsed her face.

"Shh hon, trust me it’s not that. I'm so happy to see you both of you." She reassured. She looked into Greg’s eyes and waited for the rumblings of longing and lust to follow, but they didn't. And their substitution was disconcerting. A wistful sentimentality befell her and with it apprehension took root. The sky began to rumble as gray storm clouds overcast the once brilliant blue sky. The narcissistic ocean not to be outdone was suddenly rife with tumultuous waves.

"Let's get out of here!" Greg screamed as he jumped up. They followed but Nyla went to grab their things but Greg grasped her hand. “Just leave it."
Nyla’s eyes clashed with his because it felt like he was asking her to leave much more than a blanket.

“Greg what’s wrong? You have been unusually quiet.” Nyla asked.
The storm had come and gone and now they were back at the beach, the waves were lapping languidly. Nyla pulled her folding chair closer to the large flames of the bonfire Greg had created.
“Nyla I have loved you from the moment I saw you. You were too young and too green for me even to pursue but I didn’t let it stop me because I knew you were the love of my life. Our years together were the best of my life and when that time was cut short …I was angry.” His gaze dropped from her face to refocus his attention on the waves once again “I let go of the pain when I came here but I never stopped waiting for you to join me. To join us so we could finally be a family. I thought that was what I needed to make this complete but I realize now that I was wrong. Nyla I realize even though you were the love of my life, I am not the great love of yours.”
“No Greg I love you. How could you-“
“It’s ok Nyla. Everything is how it should be. You gave me a family and now I have to do the hardest thing, harder than leaving you. I have to give you back to yours. “
“Greg I don’t know? I’m finally with my baby girl. I don’t know if I can leave her. “Nyla said her voice cracking at the thought of being separated from Ava once again.
“But you will and even though it pains me I have to let you go.” He said before a small figure peeked out from behind his leg. The child was beautiful, caramel skin with large inquisitive gray eyes. A small sweet smile that engaged dimpled cheeks continued his/her observation. It was the oddest thing, the features were so clear yet androgynous enough that Nyla couldn’t make out if it was a boy or a girl but that didn’t matter. She knew instantly that this child belonged to her.
“How? How is this happening Greg?” wonder filled her voice.
Greg expelled a long breath and explained “You have to go back. I thought I could keep you here with us but you need to go back to the one that holds your heart not only for you but for them. There is more than just your life in the balance.”

“Them? Where? Nyla asked her head whisking around to try finding the others.
“In time Nyla you will find them.”
“But Greg I don’t know how to get back. I don’t even know how I ended up here.”
“Try to remember.”
Nyla sat on the sand and closed her eyes peeking only once to see if the small figure was still there. She tried to recall what happened to bring her here but all she found was empty space. Darkness . It was as if she hadn’t existed before this place yet she knew that wasn’t correct. She began to meditate completely drowning out the presence of the sea, the sand even the childlike figure. Here there was so much light and weightlessness but Nyla saw a shadow deep in the recesses of her mind. Without forethought she began to follow the shadow but it seemed the closer she got the further it moved. Trying not to give in to her frustration she began to run towards the shadow her heart beating erratically in her chest as a sliver of hope began to blossom. She was closing in on the shadow reaching the arched abyss it felt as though she had been running forever yet she was afraid to turn around. Finally she gathered her courage and turned back noticing how far from the beach, that’s when a sense of trepidation took root. Even though something in her spirit could never completely be at ease here something worse could be awaiting her past the darkness.
Wasn’t it a good thing to go into the light then why was she running to the darkness? Yet it felt righ,t up until the pain hit. Her entire body went rigid as a dagger pierced her mind but with each slice came a glimpse of her past. Nyla watched her herself laughing over brunch with Gavin on their first date, the mirage changed to their first holiday together her head was thrown back in mirth at one of his jokes. Memories continued to assail her of their limbs intertwined as they made love, when she told him about Ava and Greg, her excitement as she held the small white stick in her hand. “Oh God come back I need to know if this is real.” She yelled at the flashing images of her nasty row with Gavin, the obscureness of watching herself run to him to explain. The glimpses were gone so quickly she was desperate to get it back. She was desperate to get back to him to their life together.

Gavin passed the nurses desk and with a slight tip of his head acknowledged the busy group. Over the past months they had become more like friends than coworkers ever mindful of even the slightest changes in Nylas condition and respectful of his privacy. Actually if anything they were indebted to him because he had brought the dream team of doctors to handle Nyla’s unique case and he was sure more than one of them had a crush on the good doctors. Entering the all too familiar white door he stopped short when he realized he wasn’t alone.

“What are you still doing here?” Gavin asked. “I thought you were leaving with your mother.”
“I never said that. Mother did and we had a difference of opinion.”
“About?”
“You, Nyla this baby life in general.” Tina sighed and rest back slumping her shoulders in defeat.
“If it is guilt holding you here make your peace with God and leave us alone.”
“I need to make me peace with my sister first. I don’t hate her ya know.”
“I can tell.” Gavin snorted sarcastically while taking his seat at the reclining chair closest to Nylas’ bed. The well -worn seat should have the inlay of his derriere since he was always in it.
“She is the best of all of us. Sometimes it is really hard to accept that. “Lisa pulled a hand through her hair continuing “She doesn’t even know it. I wasn’t always jealous of her. There were good times but as my life started to fall apart hers seemed to get better and I got bitter.” Lisa said watching her sister chest rise and fall in time with the machine. “But I realize now I always only saw the good never acknowledging the suffering she went through. She took it hardest when our father passed she was a daddy’s girl. I love her in my own way it may not be the normal sisterly relationship but I don’t want this for her especially now.”

“Why are you telling me this?”

“Because I need to tell it to someone.”

“The only person interested in anything you have to say is lying unconscious in that bed.” Gavin said bitterly before turning his back to her all together.

“I guess I already knew that.” Tina mumbled quickly wiping a tear before she walked slowly out the room, turning back to watch Gavin draw his favorite chair close to Nylas bed.

His head dipped as he rested it in the small expanse of space just before the metal guard rail began, he placed her hand gently on his face so he wouldn’t disturb the IV. “Hi Baby its been a hell of a day. I know I missed our date, watching Family Feud but I’ll make it up to you. I found a youtube video of all the funniest answers. If you can believe it I got caught up in a case. I’ve been back for four weeks now. Four weeks.” He said blankly. Gavin tried not to think about time. I scheduled my first surgery.” Picking up his head his blue eyes took in her face and he could have sworn he saw the slightest change, a shadow of a grimace that others would have missed but with the time and dedication he had spent to just studying her changing body he could tell. He jerked back quickly hopeful, expectant, and desperate for a more concrete sign of life but as the seconds ticked into minutes without a visible change he gave up. Blinking back tears he continued on with the mundane details of life. Since she was here and had been for three months his life was here as well. He even slept there several nights a week, finding solace in her presence. So every day he came in and discussed his day with her as if nothing had changed. He went over his cases, the latest gossip at the nurses desk he figured she would want to be in the know.
“Oh I forgot to tell you mom is entering a garden competition” he continued getting settled to continue their evening ritual.


Lisa sat in the corner of the café across from the hospital circling ads for jobs with her yellow highlighter. Even though terrible circumstances brought her here she felt like this is where she belonged. Close to Nyla and close to the new baby. Her eyes lit up when she saw a real estate legal analyst position that she seemed more than qualified for.
“Your Nyla’s sister right? It’s been a long time.”
Looking up following the deep rumbling voice that pulled her away from her task she smiled immediately at the smooth cocoa colored man. He returned the gesture causing her hands to begin to sweat. His smile was that radiant but it was more than that it was his swagger that she found alluring. He had an edge to him.
“Please have seat.” She offered moving her purse to clear the way.
He paused and stared at her intently his eyes never wavering from hers but mere moments before it became awkward he pulled out the chair and sat down. “What are you doing?” he asked noticing the heavily highlighted newspaper.
“I” she sighed and started over ” I am looking for a job and a more permanent residence. I ‘ve decided to stay here regardless of how this turns out Gavin is going to need help.”

Trent pulled back observing her, mulling over her words and trying to tamp down on the growing jealousy.” So it’s Gavin you’re staying for.” He didn’t mean for it to come out as a sneer but it did obviously catching her by surprise because she pulled back and glared at him from across the small bistro table.
“No not that it is any of your business. I am staying because my niece or nephew is going to need me especially with my sister in her current condition.”

“So you want to what swoop in and do what? Save the day.”

“Why is any of this your concern again?” she smarted eying him cautiously.
“Its not. Not really but Gavin is a friend or he was.”

“What did you do?”
“How’d you know it was me? Gavin could have done something he isn’t perfect you know.”

She cocked her head to the side and gave him a withering stare calling him on his bullshit.
“Ok we had a falling out partly to do with your sister. We had a thing before they had a thing and I threw it in his face.”
“Was it serious?” Tina asked suddenly feeling resentful of the butterflies in her stomach his presence brought. No matter what she wasn’t going to allow another man to come between her and her sister?
“No but it was physical can you deal with that?”
“Why would it matter to me?” she asked feigning nonchalance.
“We both know that this is going to end up with you naked and underneath me eventually. I’ve known since the moment I saw you in Nylas hospital room.”
“How good of you to inform me”
“Pretending you don’t feel it won’t change the outcome. You’re still going to end up in my bed.”
Tina heart raced with anticipation of his words but her decision to turn over a new leaf still echoed in her mind and he reeked of trouble. So for once Tina did the smart thing standing up throwing her highlighter in her bag she picked up the paper but his hand grasped hers. “I never figured you for a coward. I guess I was wrong about you.” He said letting go of her arm and standing a well.
“That’s not the only thing you were wrong about, if and I do mean if we end up in bed together it’ll be you who is under me. Got it” she sassed him with her parting shot surprising him so much so he didn’t move till she had long since left the diner.

Nyla gave in to an unconscionable pain that clutched her tightly as a new images of Gavin storming out of her house with her following close behind him only to feel the sharp impact of metal crushing bone while sending her body careening to the ground. The hard thud as her head hit the pavement followed by desperate cries."Nooooo. Nyla ran to the image trying in vain to save herself and in turn her unborn baby. Not my baby. Not again! Oh God why." She yelled into the dark abyss, looking back she no longer saw the faint visage of the sea behind her.

Should I even go back? Nyla wondered if she could bear to lose another child even in utero. The thought of never waking up to sleepy blues eyes gazing lovingly at her freshly awoken face disheveled hair and all gave her a renewed purpose. She had to push though somehow she had to make it back to him or would suffer the unimaginable fate that she had.

Heavy gray clouds loomed in the distance igniting a sense of urgency that she hadn't had since arriving here. The bleak patches eclipsed the bright azure sky almost immediately ominous and angry. The calm sea roughened slightly and true fear set in because Nyla realized she was completely alone. She couldn't find a way back to Greg and Ava even if she wanted. Though she had long since decided to return to Gavin she didn't know how. Deciding to just step through the dark archway she timidly let one foot dangle before completely stepping through the archway. However upon passing the threshold she looked around anxiously only to end up in the exact same spot. Nyla repeated the action 5 more time before giving up on that notion. By then she was blanketed by the overcast skies and now tumultuous sea. Nyla’s breathing soon mirrored the choppy sea as she noticed even the twinkling stars that held her captivated the first night were nowhere to be found.

Gavin unfolded his body from his perch on the side of Nyla's bed. He stretched to ease the discomfort the unnatural position left him in. He had to brace himself slightly so he didn't disturb the tubes. He bent his head close to her barely rounded tummy and kissed it through her nightgown. He had asserted that she was to be dressed comfortably in her own nightgowns after two weeks. It was a trick of the eye but sometimes with her metal guard down and the normal sleeping attire he could pretend she was just resting comfortably and not lost to him. As he lifted his cheek off her belly he began to speak.

"Hey little guy you’re getting right pudgy in there aren't you? Daddy's going to get going cause he has an early day tomorrow but I'll be back for dinner. Take care of mommy while I'm gone." He bent to kiss her belly once more before placing his lips gently on Nyla's. “Bye baby" Gavin bent to pick up his paperwork when he noticed the bed start to shake violently. Nyla was having a seizure.

'Good bye baby' was all Nyla heard over the thunder and with that she began to cry losing hope. It was Gavin’s’ voice and he was leaving her. The panic attack that she had tried to forestall began to take root. Her heartbeat was erratic. She felt frantic. Her heart was beating out of her chest in fear when suddenly everything was moving. “Really an earthquake in purgatory.” She yelled in frustration. She tried to grasp something anything to anchor herself but there was nothing to hold on to so Nyla fell into the blackened archway but this time unlike the others she didn't return to the other side, this time she just kept falling.



Gavin watched from the corner of the room as the dream team he'd assembled tried to revive Nyla. He momentarily resented his medical training because as the doctors and nurses surrounded her yelling out codes he understood. He was cognizant of every order shouted and all this information drove home one point he was losing her. He would lose them both and all he could do was stand in a corner and watch.

Beeeep.

"She's coding”

"Noooooo!" Gavin bellowed frightening one of the nurses but Dr. Langston was un fazed as he prepared to shock her with the paddles in his meaty hands he toward over Nyla the buttons on her pajama top scattered as it lay open. Gavin watched transfixed as the paddles lowered to her uncovered chest closing them when the cold steel touched her chest.

"Clear!"

And so the pattern repeated until a blip on the monitor indicated life. Nyla was alive, barely but he would take it. The doctors continued working around her. Magda quickly brought in the sonogram machine from the auxiliary closet to begin monitoring the baby. If there was still a baby. A strangled sound escaped his throat at the thought.

Finally Dr. Langston walked over to Gavin. "You shouldn't be in here son.”

"I won't leave her. I have to be here for her, for them.”

“ Gavin! Gavin!" Nyla screamed for him as she plummeted. It seemed as though she had been falling forever. She began to pray aloud. "God please give Gavin the strength to survive and thrive without me. Let him relinquish any misplaced guilt do let him find love again as I did. Maybe one day I'll see him again." With that she closed her eyes succumb to her fate.


Gavin and his parents sat on the large sofa in the adjoining waiting room. They had come as soon as he called. Someone on staff had called Lisa because he surely hadn't because she showed up shortly thereafter with Trent in tow. They were posted up on the far wall huddled together if this was any other time Gavin would have noticed how odd Trent was with her. Gentle,careful the whole scene was peculiar to say the least considering the entanglements but Gavin missed all this because with his bowed head his thoughts were solely on the people behind the sterile white door. He had thanked God and offered his life in servitude for the miracle that saved both Nyla and there baby to the utter amazement of everyone except his parents. As of an hour ago both Nyla and the baby had strong heartbeats but they were quick to advise him they weren’t out of the woods yet.

“I told you to keep the faith boy. Nyla is coming back to you and my grandson is coming to me." His father said knowingly.