We are finally down to the last few chapters so these chapters are gonna be longer than the others, more things have to happen to lead up to certain events, hope you all enjoy!💕

Now onto the chapter...

C H A P T E R
F O R T Y - N I N E

          Going for her daily morning run with Alisha as they have been doing for the past few months, Cali ran with her headphones in her ear running full speed leaving Alisha behind who was slowly running behind.

The words of Maya Angelou intoxicating voice reciting her famous poem, "Phenomenal Woman," played through her headphones loudly, amping her up as she pushed through the aches in her legs to finish this last lap around the park's trail.

Cali found herself working out as a way to release stress and built up emotion, she never liked working out too much in the past but she always felt better after a good run so she found herself doing it everyday now.

"Cali please slow down, you're running way too fast for my liking." Alisha called out tiredly, but Cali was way too far ahead and her volume was up too loud so she couldn't hear her and Alisha was done trying to catch up to her.

When Alisha saw that Cali was basically in a zone, she walked to a near by bench and took a seat to wait at until Cali circled back around and decided to call Shaun to help pass time.

As Cali ran she zoned out from reality since her reality was still a mess, her and Ahmad's relationship was now officially over and although she was the cause of it things were still kinda hard to get over, but she was taking it one day at a time.

"Men themselves have wondered, what they see in me.
They try so much, But they can't touch
My inner mystery."

The strides in her run started to get wider as she sped up, the air that brushed against her sweaty skin chilled her causing a smile to creep on her face. The sun was beaming down onto her melanin skin giving off a certain glow as she continued to stride through the park, instantly catching the attentiom of bystanders.

As the poem continued to play in her headphones, Cali started feeling her words with so much passion. She listened to Maya Angelou every morning to help her get her day started, and for the most part it worked and a lot of days when she felt like giving up Maya's words always pushed her to keep fighting.

"When I try to show them, they say they still can't see.
I say, It's in the arch of my back,
The sun of my smile, the ride of my breasts,
the grace of my style.
I'm a woman, Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me."

Approaching a curve as her station changed it to Maya Angelou's infamous poem, "When a Caged Bird Sings," Cali was oblivious to a man who was coming around just as fast and in his own zone as well.

As the two strangers both came up to the curve in an instant they both crashed into each other, but due to the impact of his body weight and size it sent Cali flying back causing her to fell hard on her butt and wrist when she tried catching her fall.

Wincing in pain the guy completely disregarded the pain he was feeling when he saw Cali damn near in tears from her fall.

Quickly raising up off the ground, he reached his hand out to help her stand up and helped dust the dirt off her body. "I'm so sorry, I did not see you coming around the corner at all. Do you need me to call someone for you to take you to the hospital or something?"

Holding onto her wrist, Cali shook her head no as she finally glanced up at the guy. "No, um—shit! My friend is jogging with me so I should be fine. Feels like I just sprained my wrist anyways." She reassured.

"You call that jogging? You were going way faster than a jog mamas," He joked, "But okay good, I do apologize for that again though and I'm glad that you're not hurt too bad."

Smiling small, Cali nodded. "It's fine trust me, but thank you."

As Cali started to try to run again she instantly stopped when a throbbing pain in her ankle hit, causing her to almost fall again but like clock work the guy reached out to catch her before she could. "Clearly you aren't good, let me walk you back to your friend. It's the least I can do since I caused this."

Letting out a sigh, she allowed him to throw his arm over her shoulder as he helped her walk in the direction of where she knew Alisha lazy ass was sitting. "It wasn't all your fault, I wasn't paying attention myself."

"True, but I was running on the wrong side of the trail." He stated.

"I guess, you run here often?" Cali questioned and he shook his head no.

"I actually just moved here from Atlanta and my homeboy said this was a great park to run at so I decided to give it a try. Didn't know I was gonna run into one of the most beautiful woman in the world here though." He flirted.

Cali simply blushed as she looked away not saying anything in response and focused on the people who were either walking their dogs, or here playing with their kids at the park.

When she saw a little black girl running towards her daddy with nothing but excitement and joy in her eyes, it reminded her of Armoni and Ahmad. Smiling at the sight of the duo exchange a hug, Cali looked back straight as they slowly walked the trail together.

"You have kids?" The guy randomly blurted out catching Cali completely off guard since they hadn't said much of anything since he complimented her.

When he noticed her facial expression, he immediately regretted asking. "I'm sorry, I'm overstepping and being nosey. Don't mind me, just tryna break this awkwardness between us by at least getting to know you a little since we do have kind of a long walk to make back to the start of the trail."

As Cali glanced up at him, she sighed. "You're right, its just been a long morning and I was just hoping this run would help me a little to release some built up stress. Let's start over, I'm Cali and you?" She questioned as she stopped them from walking and reached her hand out to shake his hand.

"Devante, but people call me Vante for short."

"Nice to meet you Vante." She greeted with a firm handshake, but before she could let go he brought her hand up to his mouth and kissed the back of it. "Pleasure is all mine,"

As they continued to walk Cali was able to learn a lot about Vante, she found out why he moved to Houston and what he did for a living, he was single, had no kids and was once in the Army. He managed to get her mind off the troubles in her life and felt good, plus he was funny so his jokes helped as well.

During their walk they laughed and just simply talked about a few of their own issues but nothing too deep, she briefly talked about her kids and her divorce with Ahmad but didn't go into details of what caused the split which Devante respected.

He was more so grateful that she was single, so he was cool.

"Yeah so after I returned from the army, I got really into working out and helping others work out and achieve their goals of obtaining their dream body. So back in Atlanta I worked alongside a good friend of mine at a gym and we were personal trainers for a lot of people, but we were working under a company so apart of the money we were making they had to get a cut from it. I didn't like that because I was the one who was building close relationships with these people, up day and night thinking of different meal plans and work out plans for each person since we all have different body types."

"So one night when I came down to visit my cousin here in Houston, we just so happened to pass a gym that was closing down and selling their building. I took that as a sign, stayed down for a whole week to discuss with the owner of how much they wanted for the building and by Friday that building was mine." He stated proudly causing Cali to smile.

"I can tell you're really passionate about what you do."

Looking around the park that was filled with multiple people, he nodded. "Yeah, I just like helping people. So many different people come to me with their past workout journey's or about the diets they have tried that didn't work so I become devoted to make sure that my plans work and so far I have helped each of my clients achieve their goals."

"That's really good, I actually just here recently found a passion for working out. I'm still shocked that I manage to get up everyday and actually run. Who would've thought?" She laughed. "Not me and for my bestfriend to join me even though we always tend to lose each other and I either find her at some food truck or sitting down, I still appreciate her effort of coming out anyways."

"That's dope, maybe you should come down to my gym and we could work out together sometimes? I'm still new to the city and always down to hang and meet new people." He suggested.

"What are your prices? Because um a lot of these trainers be tryna break folks with these personal trainer deals."

Laughing, he stopped walking so they could face each other a little. "This one is on me, but only if you agree to let me take you out one of these days." He smirked.

Playfully rolling her eyes, she folded her arms. "I knew that was coming and what if I don't?"

He shrugged, followed by a laugh. "Then that will be a $125  every week plus tax, any extra deals such as meal plans will be an extra $25 added."

Laughing, Cali stared at him for a while before giving in. "Fine, we can go out one of these days. But don't think its because I'm cheap and don't wanna pay."

"I gotchu, so does this invitation of being able to take you out come with your number?"

Pulling her phone out, she looked up at him. "You got Kik?"

Caught off by what she asked, he laughed. "Kik? Really? No, I do not have Kik who even uses that app anymore?"

Smiking at him to keep from laughing, Cali pointed to herself. "I do."

Watching as he pulled out his phone, he sighed. "I guess let me redownload this app that went out of style back in 2015 real quick."

When Cali saw he was really about to do it, she stopped him. "I'm kidding, my number is 832-957-2842."

"Nah, ion even want the number no more. I want the Kik now." He joked as they started back walking.

As they approached the bench she saw Alisha sitting on the phone at, Cali couldn't help but laugh and shake her head. "What happened Lisha? You were suppose to be running with me." Cali called out immediately catching her attention as she hung up the phone and stood up as she acted as if she was stretching.

"Girl, I had to stretch my legs and stuff from that last run girl." She huffed and once she finally looked up to see Cali limping she frowned and instantly came walking towards her with concern and worry laced in her eyes.

"Wait, what happened? And who is this?"

"Nothing, we ran into each other and I sprained my wrist and possibly twisted my ankle, but I'm fine for the most part. And this is Vante, Vante this is my crazy bestfriend Alisha, he helped me walk over here."

"Nice to meet you." He greeted as he shook her hand.

"Nice to meet you to and thanks for taking care of my girl." She smiled.

"No problem, but uh I guess I'll see you around Cali and Mrs. Alisha. You ladies take care and I hope you start feeling better." He told her as they shared a brief hug. "I'll be hitting you up real soon, don't be stranger." He whispered in her ear before they pulled away from each other.

"I won't, but thank you again Vante, I really appreciate your help."

Watching as he waved bye and continued on with his jog, Cali turned back to Alisha who was already staring at her with a knowing look causing Cali to frown. "What Lisha?"

"Don't what Lisha me, you know what. Who was that? He was fine as hell and y'all was giving each other that look." She pointed out.

"What look are you talking about Lisha? I barely even know the man, he was just being nice and offered to walk me back to you and just during that time we talked, got to know each other a little bit and he got my number." She shrugged brushing it off.

"He got your number!? Oop okay, I see you Cali. I am not mad at you one bit."

Cali rolled her eyes as she started limping away, "You're so dramatic Lisha, I was barely even checking for that man."

Grabbing their waters, Alisha smacked her teeth. "Well he was clearly checking for you and can you please slow down? Let me help you to the car."

"I'm am fine Lisha."

As they approached Lisha's car, she rolled her eyes. "I've ben hearing that lie for the passed few months, when we know you're not but okay Cali."

"And what is that suppose to mean?" She frowned.

"I'm just stating the obvious, like do you not see yourself? You're trying to keep—Actually I'm not even gonna get into that today."

Cali shook her head, "Don't do that just say it, we've always had an open friendship where we could always tell each other the truth so say it."

"I just noticed how you try so hard to keep everything together to make it seem like everything is okay when I know and you know that it's not. You just lost a husband I can't even began to imagine what that must feel like, but working out and working long hours to run away from your problems isn't going to help you Cal." Alisha ranted.

"I'm not running from anything, I am fine. Relationships and marriages end everyday, and sadly mine just so happened to fall into that percntage of failed marriages." She brushed off.

"Cali just please stop this, its draining to watch you put on this face and act as if this is normal and that you're okay with the way things ended between you and Ahmad. You guys need to talk, stop trying to avoid that and avoiding him! Just please talk to the man. I know you're mad at him, but I hate seeing you guys like this."

Looking out the window, Cali felt her eyes start to burn. "You just don't understand Lisha."

"Please help me understand then, you're my bestfriend and I just want to help you and be here for you. But how can I when all you keep doing is shutting me out?"

"....He was suppose to be there Lisha, he left and trust me I get why he did. But I needed him that night and he left me." Cali sniffled.

"But Cali when he tried to make things right when he came back after calming down and apologized, you pushed him away and bottled up all those demons up once again. You guys can't continue on like this, you're both hurting and y'all don't know how to deal with it. We all get it, but think about the kids. They aren't slow I know they noticed the distance between y'all, hell we all see it and I really hate watching two good people that I love go through something like this."

Wiping her eyes, Cali looked down at her fingers. "I know, its just you don't understand Lisha. I had finally built the courage to speak my truth and yes I know it was a lot to take in, because I literally told the man I married that I wasn't happy with him and how another man brought out a side of me that I forgot about. I mean Lisha, if you could have saw the look on his face after I had spilled the truth it would have broke your heart. Hell it broke mine because I knew it was fucked up, I knew if the tables were flipped and Ahmad told me the samething I would have gotten up and left myself. The situation just sucks because I just don't want to keep hurting him, so I've been avoiding him and keeping our conversations very short because I don't want to discuss it anymore."

"But why Cali? You guys need this, you guys need a real sit down where you guys are both spilling out feelings and emotions without walking away from each other. You two have to hear each other out to better understand one another and to build a better relationship for the sake of the kids. Avoiding Ahmad isn't gonna do you any good and you know that."

Cali remained silent for a moment, before she looked up and over at Alisha who was already staring. "Please tell me how to tell Ahmad that in one breath when we got married it was because I loved him, but in the second breath it was because I felt obligated to do so." She sniffled. "Please tell me how I can tell him some shit like that without ruining our relationship even more. That's why I've been avoiding him, because I can't bring myself to admit that."

Alisha felt her eyes began to burn as she reached over and grabbed Cali's hand, "He still deserves to know, you guys will only grow to resent each other in the end if y'all keep this up."

Alisha nor Cali said anything after that so Alisha started the car and drove Cali home.

Cali heard everything Alisha was saying and knew that she was right, but her own personal fear was holding her back from talking with Ahmad again about everything.

The day he came back to her house to apologize and actually sit down like adults and talk, Cali let her own personal emotions get in the way and pushed him away instead. What started out as a cool casual conversation, turned into a screaming match with neither of them hearing each other out or being able to get their points across.

So now whenever they saw each other it was just awkward, because it was clear both of them had a lot to say but didn't know how so to save a potential argument they said nothing.

When Alisha pulled up to Cali's house, Cali went to get out but Alisha stopped her. "I know I may come off as pushy and demanding at times, but I really just want to see you get better and watching you pick up on these habits to try and run away from your problems .. really just reminds me of how I used to be. I love you Cali and I just want the best for you, and if you're not ready to talk to Ahmad I totally get it."

"Thank you, I'll call you later."

"It's also something else I've been meaning to tell you. Shaun gifted me a push present a few weeks ago to a trip to Mexico and I wasn't sure if you wanted to go since Ahmad was going as well. But I feel a vacation would be good for us and the girls, but if you don't want to go I'd totally understand." She stated.

"When are we suppose to be leaving?"

"Tomorrow." She cheesed.

"Really Lisha? I mean what are the odds that we'll see him though? And even if we did see each other we're grown and aren't actually beefing so it wouldn't be an issue." She shrugged.

"So does that mean you're coming?" Alisha smiled starting to get excited.

Letting out a sigh, Cali nodded. "Maybe a vacation is what I need and who am I to turn down a free trip to Mexico?"

Getting super excited Alisha reached over and hugged Cali tightly. "I'm so happy you're coming, the girls are gonna be so happy that you're coming as well. It's gonna be fun trust me."

"I hear you, well let me go pack since I only have a day now."

"Hey, thats enough time."

Playfully rolling her eyes, Cali went to get out. After exchanging "I love you's," and hugs goodbye, Cali got out of the car and limped her way inside the house.

Walking over to the kitchen she reached into her freezer to grab a bag of frozen corn, then limped over to the living room as she plopped down on the couch and elevated her leg to ice her ankle.

Throwing her head back, she let out a sigh as Alisha's words replayed in her head repeatedly.

Reaching for her phone out of her fanny pack, she unlocked it and went straight to snapchat. Clicking on Ahmad's story she saw he was out at a bar in Mexico with Dave, Shanice and she figured his new girl but of course the girl was still a mystery.

Ahmad would