Redemption (Part 1)

*CHRIS*

It’s been about two weeks since Mira’s birthday, which means it’s been two weeks since she left the club with that guy.

I thought I’d be over it by now, but I can’t shake the feeling of betrayal. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve had my share of being treacherous, but she’s never had to witness it. I know that’s a messed-up way of thinking, but the way she just walked away with him without a care in the world was infuriating.

Replaying the event only made my blood boil, so I decided to try and make things right. I haven’t been kind to her or even attentive like I used to be. I’m tired of grieving and sulking.

With a new outlook on things, I decided to make her dinner. She used to love when I made her dinner. I remember the way she’d smile at me and wrap her arms around my neck when I’d surprise her with food after a long day at work.

I miss the way we were before all of this happened between us.

Just like that, I headed to the store to pick up the food I planned to prepare for her.

A glimmer of hope coursed through me on the way to the store. It was as if I knew things could turn around for the better. For once, I wanted to try and salvage the remaining pieces of our relationship.

I understood that it’ll never be the same, but maybe we could try and rewrite the future. However, it’ll take honesty.

I still love her. I really do. I just made a mistake, and now that she’s made one, we can start over. I just have to confront her first and brace myself for what happens afterward.

I walked into the store and managed to get the steak and potatoes. Now, it was time to find a vegetable to pair with it. As I was looking through the different produce, I suddenly heard a familiar voice.

“Look at what the cat dragged in.”

I grabbed the bridge of my nose in disbelief. I let out a deep sigh before turning around and answering.

“Yeah, a bunch of scraps in jeans and a t-shirt.”

Surprised by my words, she responded, “Damn, what got your panties in a bunch?” I could hear the hurt in her voice.

It wasn’t much, but it was still evident.

“Ugh,” I grunted. “What do you want, Keema?”

“You stopped responding to me, so when I saw you, I had to see what was up. I wanted to pop up and check if you’d stepped in front of that train yet,” she said, amused at her comment.

“No, Keema, I haven’t, but maybe you should.”

“That’s rich considering you look like it.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Chris, you look like shit, and I want you to know that I’m always here to help.”

“No, I’m good. Besides, I’ve already made it clear that we can’t do that anymore.”

“Why not? It’s not like she’s faithful to you either.”

“Keema, no!”

I didn’t give her a chance to respond before walking away. Keema was always a weirdo. I mean, I’m no better; I did fuck her. But that was in the past. I still feel bad about it because she still hangs out or at least pops up from time to time with Mira.

If only she knew her “friend” who smiled in her face had fucked her man behind her back. She’d have my head too.

I bought the food and drove back home to cook dinner. I hope she enjoys it.