Page 68 of Refuel

“No,” Cicely said.

“He’s not home?”

“Don’t get mad. But he hasn’t been home since you kicked him out of the hospital.”

“Typical,” I spat.

“He’s just as hurt as you, Arianna.”

“I doubt it.”

“You think he wanted this to happen? He feels guilty, and to find out you’re pregnant made it even worse,” Cicely explained.

“Do you think I’m wrong?” I questioned.

“I can’t tell you how to feel,” Cicely answered.

“What would you do?” I asked, watching her put my clothes in the bathroom hamper.

“I would take my space and clear my head. At the same time, I wouldn’t let misdirected hurt and pain dictate who I choose to love,” Cicely said.

“Thank you, Cicely.”

“For what?”

“For being a friend,” I said.

“You’re welcome, baby. Now eat so my little munchkin can grow big and healthy,” Cicely teased, rubbing me on the shoulder.

She walked out of the room, and I continued scrolling from channel to channel and eating when my phone vibrated. I picked it up off the nightstand and saw a group text message from Essence and Rylee.

Essence: How are you?

Me: Hey, y’all. I’m fine.

Rylee: Are you sure?

Me: Yes, I promise.

Essence: Do you need anything?

Me: Lol! New parents.

Rylee: They put you on a punishment with no visitors.

Me: Seriously?

Essence: We tried stopping by yesterday.

Me: What did they say?

Rylee: You needed rest.

Essence: I even tried to bribe them with food.

I burst in laughter and typed back.

Me: What did you make?

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