“You’re coming to graduation, right?” The question was for Isa, but she hoped Ahmeek answered. She prayed he would come. She didn’t know why she wanted him there. They weren’t even on speaking terms, but she wanted to share the moment with him, needed him to witness her accomplishment. She missed him so much. There was an incredible void in her life without him. Above all else, she missed the way he looked at her. His stare was so full of pride and appreciation. He hyped her up like nobody else, and she wanted him to root for her as she walked across the stage. He didn’t speak, however. Didn’t even glance her way. He focused on the twins. Tying Messari’s shoe and then accepting a hug from him before sending him on his way. No acknowledgment for Mo.

“Ssari, grab your sister’s hand, and go up the stairs slowly,” Morgan said as she grabbed her gym bag and then reached for her purse as well as the twins’ bag. “Come on, Ssari, let’s go. Help Yolly.”

She felt Ahmeek relieving her of the bags before grabbing Yara and heading up the stairs. She felt his disdain.

He hates me.

The thought broke her in half. She wished that things could be different. There were so many things, so many outsiders that kept them apart. Morgan helped Messari make it to the top of the staircase and followed Ahmeek to her car. Once the twins were strapped in and safe, Morgan started the car, then turned to Ahmeek. He stood outside her window, gripping the roof, leaning down like he wanted to say something, and then he stood up straight. He ran one hand down his head, and Morgan climbed from the car. She could see every bit of angst he felt. She was the cause, but she couldn’t be the cure. Restraint was the hardest thing she had ever had to show. He turned to leave, and Morgan reached for him, catching the bottom of his shirt. He looked back at her, biting his bottom lip as his brow dipped. He was struggling with this. With her. Morgan pulled him into her space, and he lingered there. She couldn’t even look at him. Her head was down, but his finger lifted it and forced the connection they both craved. Neither spoke. They just stood there. Morgan was sure this was what death felt like. To want something so badly but be denied of it. To be denied because you wouldn’t let yourself have it. His thumb graced her lip, and Morgan closed her eyes. When she opened them, he was already halfway up the driveway, and he had taken her soul with him. He had stolen her heart, and Morgan would let him keep it because it gave her an excuse to come back to him one day.