Author's note: I'll keep this short and sweet. If you can't comment this chapter, you've been MUTED

TAKASHI SAT AT THE LOCAL BAR, TIPSY. The way he was drinking made it seem he was mourning the loss of a twin brother. He was at his breaking point and could no longer go on without having his family complete. It's been four months of no communication with Braelyn and just Brielle having random sleepovers at his house. He tried to go with the flow and give Braelyn space, but he couldn't do it anymore.

Dr. Maine had advised him to stay away from Braelyn and let her come around when she was ready. But how could he? Naturally he would want to see her. It was his wife. Plus he had put his hands on her, it was hard enough as it was to deal with that, but he couldn't just sit back and wait for her to come to him. What if she never did? It's already been four months and nothing.

"Aye man, you wanna slow down on the drinks?" The male bartender said, the humane side of him getting a little concerned. There was no policy against serving too much alcohol; but it didn't mean serve the guy until he died of alcohol poisoning. Three people drove home drunk and died from this same bar already.

"You wanna refill my glass and mind yours?" Takashi slurred, pushing his cup toward the young kid to show him he wanted a refill. "Give me the strong shit, no chaser. I told ya dumb ass that about three times and you keep mixing it."

The bartender shook his head but went to go do as he was told. Takashi looked around the bar and felt his head swirling. He began drumming his fingers on the wooden counter top before he suddenly got up. He lost his balance and had to grab a stool before he hit the ground. He had to go see Braelyn now. He dug into his pocket and threw a twenty on the counter which wasn't even close to his tab and stumbled out the door.

By time the bartender returned, there was an empty seat and a twenty dollar bill on the table as he held a glass of Gin. His heart dropped once he noticed the guy was gone. He'd have an eighty dollar deduction to pay out his paycheck on Friday to make up Takashi's difference.

"Fuck!"

******

IT WAS SEVEN-THIRTY WHEN TAKASHI pulled up at the front of the Foe's residents. He didn't even care if Henry was home. He was prepared to fight if he had too. But no one was gonna stop him from seeing Braelyn, not even her father. Takashi wasn't even parked properly, he left the back of his car hanging out more toward the outside of the street.

He walked up the front path and turned the doorknob, but it was locked. He was about to ring the bell but really had to pee so before he caused attention to himself, he went toward the back already unzipping his pants with one hand as he struggled to pull himself out the opening of his jeans. In his drunken state, Carmen's little flower pot looked like a very inviting toilet. Takashi happily released his bladder.

Sighing in relief he shook himself off and stuffed his dick back in his boxers, forgetting to close the zipper back. He then glanced at their back door forgetting they had one. He hadn't been here in a long time, even before he was banned from coming. Turning the knob, the door happen to open. Henry and Carmen were a little up there in age and were beginning to slip, so it wasn't out of the ordinary. Luckily for them they didn't live in a crime infested neighborhood.

Takashi walked into the kitchen since that's where the back door led too. He saw the sink and went over to squirt dish washing liquid soap on his hands as he washed them in the kitchen sink. He ripped off a piece of paper towel and dried his hands, leaving the used tissue right there on the counter.

The living room was quiet and dark signaling everyone must have been in bed. Everyone in this house was lame anyway so it was expected. Takashi went up the staircase, trying to remember which were his in-laws room so he wouldn't open the door. They lived in a four bedroom and two bathroom home with a basement and an attic. It took them a long time to acquire the house, but with hard work and dedication, it paid off.

Takashi saw a light coming from one room down the hall, it was the only door positioned in a dead end style. It was the only door in the corner while the rest were spread about a couple feet from each other. Deciding to take his chances, Takashi walked toward the door and gently pushed it open.

Braelyn turned around thinking it was Brielle, but let out a light shriek when she saw a man standing in her doorway. It only took her a half of a second for her to register it was her own husband. Braelyn's face clearly took on a look of terror even though she tried not to show it. She placed her hands over her breasts and just stared at him. She had just come out of the shower.

Takashi just stared for a moment, it felt like a whole year since he had laid eyes on her. He gave her a light smile but she didn't return it. He saw her gulp and take her eyes off him for a second to grab her towel. She was so frantic she couldn't even get it to open properly. She had to resort to just using it to shield the front of her naked body.

Takashi began walking closer to her and she just stood there. When he got up to her, Braelyn had to slightly crane her neck up. Takashi looked down at her and clenched his jaws. Paying close attention he could see just a little bit of a radiance to her skin. She'd been much happier in just the little time of being away from him. The only time she had looked like this is when they first got together.

Takashi picked her hand up and saw she didn't have her wedding ring on. It stung, but he brought it on himself. He kissed the back of her hand, admiring the softness of it. She smelled so good. It was some kind of mango scented lotion or soap. He didn't bother to let go of her hand, instead lacing their fingers together. "Hey..."

Braelyn didn't say anything, she just stared at him.

"Talk to me, ma. Say something."

Braelyn's great aunt on her mother's side turned ninety years old today. So her elderly aunt was being thrown an extravagant birthday. The whole family pitched in and rented out a hall out in Long Island. So unfortunately her parents weren't home. In fact, they had only left fifteen minutes ago. The only reason Braelyn hadn't gone with them was because she had work tomorrow and she wasn't in the mood these days to go anywhere. The party would take a few hours, so Braelyn was home by herself with Brielle who was asleep in the other guest room.

Braelyn's eyes darted back and forth between Takashi's brown ones but she kept her silence. Takashi sighed, "Did you get my messages? My texts? I send you voicemails everyday. You never respond...I miss you so much. Fuck, I'm so sorry Brae." He said grabbing her in a tight hug.

Goosebumps appeared on Braelyn's skin when her naked body touched the cool leather on his jacket. They were both shaking in each other's arms, for different reasons. Takashi was happy and partially nervous. Braelyn was just terrified. Takashi had to literally savor this moment. He pulled away and looked at her face. Braelyn saw him staring at her lips and quickly looked down, not even wanting him to try it.

Takashi lifted her chin however, the saddest smile on his face. "Say something, beautiful. Even if you say you hate me, speak to me, please."

Braelyn backed away from him and wrapped her towel around herself properly. She had no idea how he got in here but that was besides the point, now. Braelyn went over to the dresser draw and pulled out a yellow Manila envelope with a pen. Takashi realized it to be the DNA results again from last time, he was ready to talk about it again if she was. He owed her that much. She had a right to ask questions.

Braelyn pushed a lock of hair behind her ear and travelled over to her bed. She sat on it then patted the seat next to her. Takashi walked over with no hesitation and sat next to her. Braelyn pulled the documents out but held them to her chest instead, staring at the carpet for a moment, trying to gather her thoughts. When she did she turned toward Takashi, her lips trembling as she bravely handed them to him.

He took the papers from her shocked at what he was staring at. He was even more so shocked to see she had even started filling some of the things out. They were divorce papers. They were only a couple blanks on the paper and that was because those were his parts to fill out. It really took the air from his lungs when he saw Braelyn's signature on the dotted line, hereby officially requesting for a divorce.

Takashi looked up at her trembling arm as she extended the pen in her hand to him. "Please sign it." They were the first words she had spoken to him in one hundred twenty days.

Takashi was at a loss for words, reality hit him and caused him to sober up tremendously. He narrowed his eyes and watched her as if he was just told his father died. He was so hurt his teeth started to chatter and his eyes reddened. "Divorce?" He meant to whisper it but not even a peep had come out, making it look like he mouthed the words instead.

"Don't make this more difficult then it has to be Takashi, please." She pleaded.

He smacked the paper out of her hand making her jump and close her eyes. He got up from the bed and slowly began to pace the room, holding his hands over his mouth. His heart was bleeding, he could feel it. He didn't know what to do or say. It was the last thing he was expecting.

"I don't hate you, I just want us to move on."

He turned around and walked over to the bed, lowering himself so he was on his feet. He smiled, keeping his voice low in order to control it. He could feel himself becoming an emotional mess. He had to chant to himself to calm down over and over in the back of his head because he was losing himself. Takashi took her hands, a cute smile on his face that made his K nine teeth peek out. "Sweetheart, I don't think you know what your doing. I know I messed up, but divorce? Braelyn I love you."

"It's not because you hit me. You putting your hands on me was the final straw, but it was everything before that. You put more hate into this relationship than love and I just can't do it anymore. I don't hate you and I don't wish anything bad on you, but—"

"But nothing," Takashi clasped her face much harder then he intended too but he was going through it. His eyes were red, filled to the brim with tears and his teeth were still chattering. His fingers shook against the soft flesh of her cheeks and he couldn't help it when the first tear fell. "You think I'm proud of the way I was acting? Braelyn I never meant to hurt you. You know I would never hurt you—"

"Well you did...in every way possible." She mumbled.

"I'm sorry," He said almost in a whisper. He truly was sorry from the bottom of his heart. But he had such a bad habit of hurting others, this time it seemed like just one of his many apologies. "I need you, ma. I'm getting help just to get you back. Look," he went digging in his jeans pocket and pulled out two sheets of folded up paper. He opened them both and showed her his receipt for one of his therapy sessions and his certification to show he was in anger management classes. "I've been going to both places for the last four months. Braelyn I don't want to lose you. I love you."

Braelyn got up from the bed and so did Takashi, his tall height standing over her. She went around him, headed toward the door, but he made it there before her blocking her way. Braelyn huffed, clutching her towel. Their relationship was not healthy and she refused to be a doormat any longer.

"Takashi please move."

"Nah man, you wildin'. You have divorce papers an' shit?"

Braelyn pinched the bridge of her nose. "If you care about me or ever cared this marriage you would understand and allow this."

Takashi's nostrils flared and his eyes stung. "Well no I don't understand. Why you doing this to me Braelyn?"

Braelyn reached for the doorknob and Takashi grabbed her in a hug, wrapping his arms around her shoulders and burying his face in her neck. Braelyn closed her eyes as her tears flowed. She could feel him trembling against her, his skin sickly hot.

"Please don't leave me, I'm begging you, ma. Why are you breaking my heart?" he whispered.

What he didn't understand was he broke her heart a long time ago. She was the one who fought so hard for this relationship. She was the one who respected their relationship. She was the one who put all her love into this relationship.

Takashi dropped to his knees and grabbed her hands in his. "Braelyn I love you. You mean everything to me. I'm on my knees, please don't leave me."

Braelyn just stared down at him with so much hurt in her heart. She was heartbroken on the inside because she loved this man so much. She wasn't sure if she would ever be able to move on to someone else, but she had to let him go. Braelyn's smile was soft as she put her hands on his face. She bent down and gave him plump lips the softest kiss. Takashi even closed his eyes, feeling his heart shake inside his chest. Braelyn's tears dropped onto his face but she wiped them. "You left me along time ago, Tee..."

Takashi buried his face in her stomach, holding onto her like she would disappear if he let go. He didn't care about anything she was saying, he loved her and she wasn't going anywhere. Takashi didn't get it, but Braelyn had to leave him at his lowest in order to show him she was suppose to be the highest in his life. It was messed up but he had to learn that she could no longer suffer the agony he was putting her through.

Braelyn gently ran her hand against the top of his head. "Tomorrow after work I'll bring Brielle by and she'll spend the night. How does that sound? I don't want us to fight. We don't need to fight over custody, property or anything. I still want us to be great coparents."

He didn't say anything, just soaked her dress with tears. This is why he was so angry and nobody understood. Every female that told him they would never leave him, looked him dead in his face and lied. Toryn told him that and she ran off with Samir. Laura told him that and she died, leaving him alone. Braelyn told him the same story and here she was trying to walk out on him. It was only a matter of time before Brielle did it too once she got older. As soon as she found her little boyfriend she would be gone.

"Tee please." Braelyn said prying his fingers off her waist. This time he let go and Braelyn bent down to wipe his tears. "I think that it's great that your getting help; that's amazing but you need to do this for you, not for me. I'll be there when you need me too, but you and I as a couple is not doing any good."

Braelyn was definitely in love with Takashi, she found it almost impossible to even fathom moving onto a different man. But she loved herself more. Maybe one day...a long time from now if he got himself together they could be something again. But for now she didn't see it and she was officially keeping her decision to divorce him. If anything, Takashi taught her a valuable lesson. If she ever did move on, she would know exactly how the next man would not be treating her.

Takashi got up from the floor and without another word, left. He went to go somewhere he knew no one else would be, as he would dwell on the thought that everyone hated him.

*******

TORYN KEPT THE FAKE SMILE plastered on her face but inside she was annoyed. She and Brandon came from an appointment eight o' clock in the morning at the doctor's office, to get the most accurate test results on Toryn's pregnancy, and it turns out she was in fact carrying. Two months.

It was now nightfall and the whole day Toryn has been in the condo with her feet up, propped up and having things handed to her. It was mostly Brandon who had her being treated like a princess. Toryn low key found it annoying because they literally just found out she was pregnant this morning. She wasn't that far along for all the extras Brandon was doing, it was really unnecessary but she appreciated the thought. It was his first child so he was excited.

Paula his mother however, was being irritating. She was very bossy and had a lot of plans already for a child that wasn't hers. She was already telling Brandon the minute the baby was born it was coming home with her for the first week and how they needed to change their carpet because something about the material it was made with was unhealthy for a newborn. She already let them know what brands of formula they could and couldn't buy and that she didn't want Toryn to breastfeed every single day. Toryn didn't mind the advice but Paula was going to be a very disappointed grandmother, because Toryn was doing what she wanted to do with her child.

Paula came into the bedroom without knocking of course as she always did, and frowned in disgust at the way Brandon was caked up under Toryn, rubbing her stomach. "Brandon stop that this instant, your mother is in here!" She said as if they were doing anything. Paula was very bougie. Being raised and living in the suburbs for so long among nothing but rich, rich and more rich and fortunate people, she forgot her original roots started out in the slums of the Bronx.

Brandon sighed and mumbled a 'here she goes' in Toryn's ear before he sat up.

"How do you feel Toryn?" Paula asked.

"Not much better, still sick but since the doctor gave me some medication for the nausea I'm doing much better."

"Great." Paula said sitting on the edge of the bed. She wasn't so sure about this girl her son found. She was an ex-prostitute first of all and she was wearing a pendant that had the name of another man on it. It was really odd to be quiet honest. "That's great honey. I think we need to start enrolling you into pregnancy classes. That way it will help you to deliver the baby. But don't worry, that's when your further in."

Toryn just gave a grave smile. She was honestly feeling smothered since finding this out and she hadn't yet had a moment to be alone.

"I'm gonna start looking up schools, private school of course." Brandon said. "And I have to call Janice and let her know I have to cancel that contract with Target. I can't make it—"

"Brandon," Toryn said closing her eyes so she wouldn't blow up. "No, it's not that serious. You don't have to cancel that deal, I'm fine you can go. You guys, I'm only eight weeks. I don't even have a bump yet. Please stop."