As I lay here in Kj's room with half of KJ's body on me, I think about what happened last night between me and Kaden.

Did I want that to happen, the way it did... no.

But my body wanted it.

He was my kryptonite. My drug... I craved him.

I'm surprised I even waited so long. Having his giant arms holding me at night with him, breathing down my neck didn't help my defiance in holding out. It had been roughly a month since he gave my body what my body desired. Last night was my relapse that I obviously was not ready for.

I said no. I did say no, but the moment his drug induced tongue ravaged down my body I was done for. My body said yes to him before my mind could catch up.

Will I ever say no to him? or will I always be weak?

This is stupid. I'm laying here crying over a man that I can just leave. It's not like I won't have anywhere else to go. Yet I can't bring myself to leave Kaden.

I loved him. All of Him. We had our good moments. Moments that I believe we can get back to even with KJ. At least I hope it will.

Evidently, the shame was bound to come out soon. I've been cooped up in my own little world for quite some time and I'm sure someone was going to invade it.

I heard jiggling of the door handle so I quickly wiped my eyes and pretended that I was sleeping.

" Hey baby, you sleep" The door creaked open revealing a half dressed Kaden, dressed in a pair of slacks and violet button down shirt. I could barely get myself together to pretend to sleep before he walked further into the room. Curse my inability to successfully give a sleeping performance. I could feel his presence coming closer to me so I opened my tear stained eyes to meet his.

" I made you and KJ some breakfast." He announced, confirming that my eyes were indeed open. " Are you okay?"

Ignoring his question, I sat up a little with KJ still nestled in my bosom. KJ was a major cuddler and always found his comfort spot on my chest or basically anywhere that had warmth. " You can't cook"

" Well, I toasted those waffle joints and I got some fruit. He can have that right? " He asked, referring to Kj's many allergies.

So he does pay attention? I guess he calls himself trying to do better after he got some last night.

" Yeah he can have that." I answered. " Thank You for breakfast."

" Mhmm. I have an early meeting so I have to get going. I'll see you tonight, okay?" He bent down to my level and kissed my lips without interrupting KJ's sleep. " I love you."

Before I could say anything more, he left out the door.

I got comfortable in bed again as I laid KJ next to me. It wasn't long before he found his way back to me cuddling up against my side. I sighed as I began to study him. His face was frowned up into a scowl as he clung his tiny hands unto my shirt. His lip puckered up into a pout as he began to whine.

Should I feel this uncertain about my life? At 25, I'm a full time student and housewife and I'm still unsure where my place lies.

As the rain came at a constant pace, I managed to do what I did best, clean and organize. I found myself reorganizing my kitchen as I waited for Kj to wake up. The pitter patter of the rain and the faint sounds of the garbage truck could be heard as the house was quiet with a dim glow from the lack of sun. I check every expiration date of every cooking ingredient I stored, wondering if flour truly expires.

" Grandma never threw away anything." I said to myself as I heard a car door open and shut. It sounded way too close to be my neighbor's car. Sure enough, footsteps followed by a knock at the door.

I quickly glanced at the clock on the stove seeing that it was a little after 10:30 in the morning before getting up to answer the door. From the blurred glass in the middle of the wooden front door, I could see a silhouette of two individuals. Just by the way they knocked on my door let me know who they were...my parents.

My heart skipped a beat as my anxiety began to surface. What are they doing here? I contemplated answering the door as the knocking stopped and the two waited. I cursed myself knowing very well that my discreteness was not on par with the blinds wide open. I coached myself in getting it together as I quickly opened the door knowing how impatient Mother can be.

" What on earth took you so long to open this door, dear?" Mother spoke, not giving a moment of a greeting as she waltz her way in, uninvited.

My father, Montgomery followed with a stern face, but one glance at his warm eyes my anxiety began to ease a little. Hopefully I can get rid of them before Kj comes down the stairs.

" Good Morning to you too, Mother. Hello Daddy." I greeted each of them with a quick kiss on the cheek.

" Good Morning, Honey Bee." Daddy greeted me. The pair moved their way into the living room as if they belonged.

" Yes, It's morning. The sun is shining bright and all God's creatures are at work while you seem to have just rolled out of bed." Mother grimaced at my attire.

I definitely didn't look presentable in the eyes of my mother with my robe tide tight covering my pajamas.

" Um, yes my apologies. I-I wasn't feeling well this morning so I had a late start and..."

" Late start is unacceptable when you have a working man with needs. Is this how you walk around to greet your guests? Greet your father?"Mother chastised.

Before I could say anything, my father spoke for me as he sat down." Janine, why can't you leave the girl alone? We didn't come over here so you can yap away. She is in the comfort of her own home"

Father gave Mother a look to silence her, but knowing my mother there was no silencing that woman. I needed to take control of the conversation or they wouldn't leave anytime soon.

" I wasn't expecting anyone today, but mother is right. I apologize for my attire, father. I should always be ready for anything at all times."

Mother smirked as Father gave a disapproving look. At least that's what it looked like. I could never please them both. If it wasn't one thing it's another.

" Honey Bee, we came here to make sure you were okay? You haven't been answering our calls."Father spoke with concern.

" Nor have you come to the last 3 family dinners..."Mother budded in.

" I've been busy..." I took a moment to think of what to say, knowing minimal explanation was not going to cut it. " Um, I've been busy studying...Midterms have been quite difficult and time consuming.

" Studying?" He asked as if he didn't believe me.

" Yes, sir. And Kaden is doing incredibly well at the firm, so I've also been busy meeting partners' wives and going to lunches. That kind of stuff. I have to keep the Kennedy name proud." I added that I was involved in helping Kaden build his legacy so mother would know I wasn't sitting at home being lazy. A huge pet peeve of hers.

My lie seemed to work with Mother but Daddy held a scowl on his face as he studied me.

" You mean Davis." I looked at my father slightly confused.

"That's what I said." I said oblivious to the fact I used my maiden name.

Daddy stood and came over to me. His tall frame towered over me making me feel incredibly small. " Well I meant, Davis daddy."

" I'm sure you did Honey Bee. Although you may have Kennedy cursing through your veins, you chose to be a Davis against my better judgment. May I also remind you who I am in your life as your father. The father who still pays for your tuition might I add."

I swallowed hard as I looked at my father. Growing up my mother was the disciplinarian, the rule enforcer, but there was never a moment where I was not scared of being on my dad's bad side. He demands respect and I just disrespected him by not telling him what he already knew.

" Daddy," I spoke softly almost as if I was pleading for forgiveness.

" I never taught you to lie but I guess that comes with being a Davis hmm?"

" What's going on dear? Maybe we can help. The last time you withdrew from school, you were overwhelmed with the wedding, now what is it?" My mother asked from where she sat. I nervously look back and forth between the two.

As if God had cursed me, little feet could be heard coming down the stairs. " Please don't call me mommy" I thought to myself. There's no way out of this.

Once KJ slowly made his way downstairs, he still looked tired. Kj zeroed in on me practically ignoring the looks and stares of my parents. He whined as he made his way to me with open arms.

" Please tell me you're babysitting a friend's child." Mother gasped as she stood to her feet.

Kj's whines became small whimpers as he grabbed hold of me begging me to pick him up. I quickly picked him up, my words stuck in my throat. Kj nuzzled his face in my neck as he continued to whine.

I looked at my father already seeing disappointment written all over his face. Daddy was never happy about me marrying Kaden. He's always expressed his dislike. This would only further the disapproval. It's easy to assume who KJ was.

I started to lie and say that Kj was Kaden's cousin or something but Kj had to whine out his new name for me. I finally tore away from my fathers gaze and tried to lift up KJ's face to look at him.

" What's wrong, baby?"

" I no no" He cried, unsure how to express what he was feeling. " It's owie."

" Umm, I need to.." I start to say to my parents to excuse myself.

" Go handle your business, We'll be here."

Mentally rolling my eyes, I made my way upstairs with Kaden and into his room where his medicines and medical notes were. " Okay baby, What hurts? What's owie?"

Kj opened his mouth for me and pointed. " Your throat hurts? What else?"

I placed him down on his bed and looked through his medicines. Most of them were for his asthma, which he hasn't had a problem with while being here. There was a bottle of children's motrin there. I read the label before deciding to give him a dosage.

" This should make you feel better. Just take a little bit for me." Kj took it with no problem with a slight grimace on his face. " Can you wait here while I ask my mommy and daddy to leave? "

He gave me a frown, obviously not liking that idea not one bit. " I want to stay with you mommy." he spoke groggily.

I sighed as I tried to gain a back bone when it came to my parents. I picked up KJ and made my way back down to face my parents. It seemed like deja vu with me coming to my parents in shame. I only wished that I had half the tenacity my sister, Mia possessed when she stood up to them claiming who she was unwavering. Like Mia, China did not care about what people thought of her. The more bold standing between the two, China would look you in the eye and tell you her truth without a sweat, whereas me, I have a solid bark but when it came to my parents there was no bite.

" Mother, Father, thank you for coming but I have to ask you to leave now."

" Melanie." Mother shook her head ready to speak her mind. Just by the look on her face, made me want to coward into my cocoon.

" You wanted to see if I was okay and I am. Now you can leave."

" Melanie Antoinette.." She warned.

" Calling my name would not change the fact that you must leave. This is my home and as the lady of this house, I am politely telling you to leave."

_______

Hours later, I was mess thinking about the events that took place with my parents.

" It's going to be okay, Melanie. Just breathe." Being in a frenzy all day long, I ended up calling my sister for comfort.

" I've never talked to them that way. You should have seen daddy's face when I told him to keep his money. I can't believe he stoop as low as cutting me off. I don't need his money at all but it's just the fact he did it anyway. I expect that from mom." I shamefully wiped my tears as I overwhelmed myself replaying my actions.

" He'll come around Mel, just like he came around when you got married or when you turned down his job offer for you to work for him. Daddy, just wants what he thinks what's best for you. So what you dropped out of school for the third time? and the situation between you and Kaden is your business girl. Don't let Mom and Dad control your life."

I listened to my sister's encouragement wanting to shake loose the nervous feeling I felt. Kj splashed around in the bathtub slightly feeling better than he did earlier. He witnessed the back and forth I had with my parents and like the brave baby boy he was. He told my parents to leave his mommy alone. He said with such conviction that both Montgomery and Janine couldn't ignore it.

"Mel, I must be honest with you. It's about damn time you stood up for yourself and did what you wanted to do. You always do what people tell you but what do you want, Mel?"

I thought about it for a second. All I wanted was to be genuinely happy again. Happy with my husband...Happy with my choices. However, there was a level of uncertainty on whether I can be content with the life I have now.

" I don't know what I want." I admitted.

" I'm all done, mommy." Kj said with a small grin on his face. He stood up all soapy, ready to get out of the bathtub.

" Hey Mia, I have to go. I love you." Before she could reply, I hung up to quickly wrap him up in a warm towel.

" Looks like someone is feeling a little better."

" Mhmm, I feel better" He said before he got into a little coughing fit. While he sat in his warm towel, I grabbed his juice bottle and Motrin. I checked the time to make sure it was okay to give him another dosage.

" Take this like a big boy for mommy. Then we'll get all snuggled up in our Jammies."

" But we just got out of our Jammies, mommy" He said sweetly before he took the medicine, the grimace on his face returning. I handed him his juice then set out his clothes.

" I know but it's night time again sweetie."

Kaden walked in the room practically making me jump out of my skin. " Jesus! I didn't here you come in"

" Daddy!" Kj shouted excitedly with only his underwear on. He got down off the bed to greet him.

" Sorry baby, I didn't mean to scare you. What's up little man?" Kaden smiled at Kj allowing Kj to hug his legs. With one hand behind his back he patted Kj on his back.

I guess sex made him change his tune.

" I came bearing gifts. For you my lady." From behind his back he whipped out a beautiful bouquet of flowers.

Flowers couldn't fix anything but I accepted them with a smile.

He pecked my lips before turning his attention back to KJ. " I did not forget about you little man but first things first. Let Melanie finish helping you put on your clothes, so you won't get sick. You sound all groggy"

" He was a bit under the weather today." I told him, putting the flowers down.

" You give him some medicine?" I nodded in response.

KJ got back on the bed and did what his father asked. I was slightly weirded out by Kaden's behavior, but it was refreshing to see this.

Kaden left out to get whatever gift he had for Kj while I put his clothes on.

" Alright big boy, look what I got you." Kaden came in holding a huge stuffed T-rex. KJ's eyes literally lit up as he jumped off the bed to get to it.

The stuffed animal was taller than Kj. When he grabbed it, he instantly fell backwards. I moved to help him but Kaden stopped me.

" He's alright."

" It's so fluffy. Thank you Daddy." Kj squealed from under the giant T-rex.

" You're welcome." Kaden turned to smile at me before tending to Kj on his own.

He had told me to go and relax in the tub that he had already drawn for me in our bedroom. I was so wrapped up in my conversation with my sister, I didn't realize he was home. Sliding into the steamy bath, that had bubbles and body salts, my muscles relaxed. I was finally able to breathe, forgetting about the anxiety I felt previously.

Roughly twenty minutes later, Kaden came into our ensuite with his shirt unbuttoned. He stared at me while he took off his cufflinks. " Are you relaxed, sexy?"

" Yes, Thank you."

" Mhmm" Kaden licked his lips before he started speaking again. " You know baby, I've been thinking about what you said and I really want us to work. I mean really work at our marriage and not smooth this over. I've been thinking about going to counseling."

" Counseling?" Of course it seems like a step in the right direction but it seems like it is coming out of nowhere. It wasn't but a few weeks ago, he didn't see what he did to us as wrong. He was adamant that sleeping around prior to our marriage wasn't cheating and as far as the condom I found yesterday, it clearly wasn't addressed.

" Yeah, what do you think baby? I think counseling would work but you tell me what you need me to do to make this right." He took off his shirt exposing his muscles then began working on his pants.

" Hmm, baby? What do you say?" His pants dropped to his knees then he began to kick them off him as his eyes remained on me.

My cheeks heated at the sight of him. He came closer to me awaiting my answer. " Umm KJ is..."

" Legally he is my son, but I'm getting it contested in court. He'll be back with his mother in no time."

" Wait what?" I said, snapping out of my trance. The water splashed as I sat up straight. " I'm going to prove in court that KJ is in fact not my blood, then he's going back to his mother so we can move on with our lives."

" Kaden, his mother is on the street. Where is he going to go? And how can you be so sure he's not yours? Khalil said..."

" Melanie..." Kaden started, now only in his underwear, he was inches away from my face. It was like I was staring right back into Kj's precious eyes. My eyes can't forsake me. I know that Kaden is Kj's father.

" If you are going to keep lying to me, what is the point of going to counseling?" I spat, as anger began to rise in me. " Kj is not a burden but he is the evidence of your dishonesty. Why can't you just step up and be there for your son?"

" He's not my responsibility." Kaden argued back.

" Well somebody should take responsibility." I yelled. I pushed Kaden away from me and got out of the tub. My naked body dripped onto the floor as I looked around for a towel to cover up. " You don't have proof that he's not yours. You're just talking out your ass to save face. Kj did not ask to be in this world but he is and if noone is going to look out for him, I will."

" Is that what you want? A DNA test?"

" No, what I want is for you to grow some balls. You came in with some counseling bullshit but you still can't even tell me the truth." Grabbing a towel, I wrapped myself in it, feeling completely exhausted from the day.

" Okay look." Kaden stopped me from moving away. " You're right, ok? Kj deserves better. The only reason I have doubt is because I found out that his mother slept with multiple men after he was born. Not only did she sleep with Khalil but apparently she slept with my father for money."

I looked at Kaden wondering how true this is. " What? She slept with your dad too?"

" I'm trying to make this right between us but I'm also trying to figure this shit out. It's fucking with my head not knowing the timeline. Yes, I was in Kj's life for a little bit but sometimes Jaz would disappear on me everytime I asked for a DNA test. Then this random dude told me he was dicking Jaz down for months prior to and after KJ was born claiming he was the daddy so I cut ties with her until now. It had been two years so I thought this was over. Then all of sudden she drops him off on our doorstep?" Kaden explained, trying to bring me closer to him.

I shook off his hands. " If she's such a gold digging whore, why didn't she ask for money?"

" She has. Baby look." He picked up his phone from the floor and handed it to me. There were a bunch of messages from her asking for money. My eyes grew wide at the amount of money she was asking for.

" This doesn't make sense. I've seen her at the park. She watches Kj from a distance. She misses him, Kaden, I can see it in her eyes. That doesn't seem like someone who would give up her baby for money."

Tried to wrap my head around the fact that Kj was once again treated as a disposable object that could be used when it's convenient. Kj is a smart little boy and one day he will realize that he wasn't wanted. With my naked body wrapped in a towel I sat down on the edge of the tub and Kaden followed suit.

" She's only making sure her investment is being taken care of."

I looked at Kaden, not really surprised by his statement. I have to come to the conclusion that Kaden would continue being an ass until he knows for sure KJ is his.

Kaden looked away to look at himself in the mirror. He gripped the sides of the tub as his emotions started to get the best of him.

" I don't say he's not mine because I want things to be right with you. I say it because I don't want to get hurt again. I'm not going to lie to you, finding out about KJ was one of the happiest times of my life, then it was snatched away from me just like that." Kaden snapped his fingers to further emphasis. " Jaz knew about you and my intentions on marrying you but she just snapped when I told her I was done with her. Somehow she got in my head that I should wait to tell you about him, then four months later, she called me saying she was having the baby."

" Was that before or after you proposed to me?" I asked genuinely curious about the timeline. Kaden proposed to me at my 23rd birthday party.

" It was after. Remember when I told you my boss called me asking me to fly to Phoenix with him for the weekend?"He asked me to look back at me.

" Yes, I remember being upset that you had to work. You were with her?.. But he came back the same night saying the trip was canceled." I explained recalling what I remembered.

" When I got there, she already had him. Before I could even see him, she prompted me to sign the birth certificate and I did. I was so excited and nervous to see him that I quickly signed and came over to him. He was so small and wrinkly it was beautiful to see. Then she had the nerve to tell me that he might not be mine." Kaden angrily got up from where he sat.

She played him.

She played him well.

Two can play at that game.

" It's okay baby. Just calm down. We'll figure this out." I went to him and turned him towards me. I grabbed his chin so he could focus on me.

" You mean we? As in us?"He asked. I'm sure he thought my willingness to help him was for him but it wasn't. Someone had to protect Kj and it might as well be me.

" For Kj."

_____

What do you guys think so far? 

What do you possibly want to see happen in the story moving forward?