"Yes."

"I will be back one day before the kids. I have packed enough clothes for that. I will be at Jill's until I know what I want or they come home. I love you too. I just need to clear my head."

"Wait! You are going to her? You did not say you were going to someone else's for this. Is she who is giving you isf showin these thoughts?"

"She has nothing to do with this. This is about us. She just wants to offer me a sanctuary to go to." Trey's anger grew as he defended his girlfriend's motives, but part of him knew that Jennifer was right. Trey loved Jennifer. A part of him wished she was his and his alone.

Jennifer walked up to Trey, put his arms around her, and slowly started to kiss him on the neck, holding on to him with all she could. He held her back and held back also the tears in his throat. Neither of them knew what the next few days would bring when Trey returned or what their relationship would look like. But for this moment, they both knew that they needed to give in to the other and hold each other. Both of them feared it might be for the last time.

Chapter Nineteen.

"h.e.l.lo?"

"Lexi, can you come over?"

"Jennifer, yes I can. Is everything okay?"

"No. Just come over, and I will explain."

The phone line went dead. I was not sure what happened or why she was upset. I feared the worst and, as I rushed to get ready to head over, I wondered if I was rushing to the end of our relationship. I slowed down some, but not much. I hated hearing the pain in her voice and did not want it there in any form or fashion. If there was a way that I could make her feel better, I would try to put a smile on her face. I hoped that this would soon pa.s.s once I was there. I just hoped that I didn't have to make her feel better by leaving.

"Jennifer? Where are you?" When I got there, no one was in sight. Trey's car was gone, and there were no signs of the kids either. The door was partially open, and now I feared the worst. I began my search of the house. Soon I found her lying in bed, crying. I quickly ran to her side to hold her.

"Sweetie, what is wrong? What is going on?"

"He left. He packed a bag and left. I don't know if he will come back."

"Okay. What happened? Start from the beginning."

"Well, we fought, and he said he needed s.p.a.ce to y. What hathink through what he wants or needs. He said that he did not sign up for there to be two spouses, but he had to know that I wanted a wife one day. I love you, and I don't want to lose you, but I don't want to lose him either. He went to Jill's for the week, and I am scared that he won't return. Promise me that you are here to stay--that you will be good to me and that you, and I can do this. I know you have your doubts too, but I cannot bear losing both of you."

"Right now, I am not planning on leaving. I know that we can make this work. He just needs time, baby. It will work out. He will return. You will see."

"Will he? What if he doesn't?"

"We will face it then. Right now, let's just get you to a spot where you can get out of bed. Here. Curl up on me and let it out. I am right here, beautiful. I love you!"

"I love you too. Thank you."

I held her until she cried herself to sleep. Then I slipped out from under her. I decided to help her out by checking on where the kids were and doing some household ch.o.r.es. The dishes were still piled up from the night before, and the house needed a quick tidy and sweep. Once I was done, I plopped down and turned on the TV. I had nowhere to be and did not want her to be alone. It was going to be dinner before I saw my parents again, so for now, I could just relax and be here when she woke.

Jennifer slept for a good three hours, then came stumbling into the living room. She smiled when she saw the house cleaned up. She came and curled up next to me and sighed. I was wondering what was going through her mind, but decided to wait until she spoke.

"Thank you, Lexi. Thank you for everything."

"Feel better?"

"Yes. The nap helped, and then coming in here and seeing that the cleaning fairy hit made me know I was loved."

"Yes. Yes you are."

"I know that he will come back. I'm just scared of what he will say when he does."

"Then pray that he will find his answers, and the best for all will be kept in mind."

"Where are my kids?"

"I texted Tracy to find out, and she texted back that they are with the Esformes family at the movies."

"Oh good. Glad they are out and about."

"They should be back soon. I ordered pizza for dinner, and it will get here about the same time. Would you like me to stay here with you for a bit? I do need to go get things, though. And I went ahead and invited my parents here for dinner. I just don't want to leave you alone."

"Please, stay. And thank you again."

"I let my parents know about the kids and your husband. They had questions, but I pleaded not now--that tomorrow, when things were better, I would go to lunch with them, and we would talk. That is not a conversation to have in front of the kids."

"Do you want me to go with you?"

"Only if you are up to it. You have so much on your plate, and I don't want you to get overwhelmed."

"We will see tomorrow then?"

"Yes, Jennifer!"

"Good. Now go get yourself a bag, and I am going to zone out to the TV."

"Yes, dear."

We both giggled a little as I left, and it was good to see her feeling better than when I had gotten there. I ran really quick to the house to grab a few items and rushed back. When I got there, my parents and the kids had arrived. Already, John David and Gracie were firing questions left and right to my parents. I giggled inside to the sight, as I hoped my mother now saw how it felt, though I knew she would not see that this was the same thing she does to everyone else. The pizza arrived, and everyone settled into places around the table.

As we pa.s.sed around plates and slices, we showed off the routine of going around the table and talking about what good happened that day. Each kid spoke of the movie and their favorite scene. Jennifer said that the house cleaning fairy hit. My parents spoke about the museum that they went to that day. Then it became my turn. I had news and had not told a soul yet. Now was my opportunity.

"I am going back to school. I have been accepted into the doctorate program in health administrations at Georgia State University."

"Oh, sweetie. That is great news." Jennifer proclaimed while reaching to touch Lexi.

"Oh, Lexi. That is wonderful! I am so proud of you!" Lexi's mother let out.

"When do you start? Your mother and I can help you with anything you need."

"Can people your age go back to school?" John David puzzling asked. He looked so confused thinking school was only for kids.

"Yes, John David, you can go to school your whole life." I laughingly said to him. "And I will start next semester. I am going to take it slow and do a couple courses at a time."

"Lexi, this is wonderful!" Jennifer just kept saying, amazement took all over her face as she stared at me.

"Thank you all, but please let's not make this out to be bigger than it is. I still have to look over the curriculum and arrange a schedule of cla.s.ses and work."

"Guess it is time to get you that a.s.sistant then!" Jennifer proclaimed.

"Guess so!" I said as I realized in my position at work and now with a full home life, that I would need help there to keep things going forward.

"Come on, kids. Help clear the table and put the dishes in the dish washer. Lexi, can you take the trash outside?" Jennifer ordered while she picked up her own dishes.

Everyone set to their appointed tasks. While I was outside, this gave my father a chance to catch me alone. I was dreading this, but he was my best friend, and I knew if I could get him onboard with things, then my mother would follow. We both lit up a smoke and leaned back against the garage.

"Well, Lexi, I have to say, the kids are amazing! Jennifer is really nice, too. I just don't know about this--what did you call it? Oh, polyamorous. What happens when she is tired of you? She has a home and family. She is set in all she needs. I just don't want you hurt."

"Oh, Dad. She is good to me, and it will work out. If it doesn't, you know me. I am a survivor."

"I know. So, going back to school? Does this mean I have to call my little girl 'doctor' now?"

"No, Dad. I will always be your daughter and just Lexi to you!"

"We better get back in. Your mother will send out the search party."

We put out our smokes and came in to find that the whole group had retaken places at the table. There were three games and two movies setting on the table. Negotiations were happening to see what was going to happen next. It was quite the sight!

"No! Let's watch Sponge Bob!"

"John David, it has to be one of these movies."

"I don't want to! I don't want to play a game, and I don't want to watch those movies!"

"Then would you like to go to bed?"

"No!"

"Well then, you will do what the majority decides! Everyone for a game, raise a hand. That is two. Now everyone for a movie raise a hand. Okay, that says it. Movie wins. Now all those for Smurfs, raise a hand. That means no other vote is needed. Smurfs it is. Now, Tracy, set up the movie while Lexi and I make popcorn and Kool-Aid."

"Lexi, your father and I are about to leave. We had a long day and, as much fun as this has been, I need some rest."

"Jennifer, let me walk them out, and then I will come and help you."

"Okay, dear."

Hugs were exchanged all around, and I walked my parents out to the car. I was glad when subjects were not pushed anymore and we just exchanged small pleasantries like how much they enjoyed the kids. We nailed down a time to meet for lunch and hugged. They drove off, and I lit up one more smoke.

I stared back at the house and watched everyone inside. I, for the first time, saw and felt my family. It was wonderful to watch the ebb and flow of getting drinks, snacks, and a movie going. The kids knew Trey was visiting a friend for a few days, but not why. Their world did not need to be turned upside-down if it could be kept still. I finished my smoke and wandered back inside. We all snuggled down. Soon the kids were asleep, and we carried all but Tracy to their beds. We then went to Jennifer's bed and cuddled until we too were taken away by Mrs. Sandwoman.

Chapter Twenty.

"Jill, it is not that easy to just leave. We have twenty years. We have kids. I do love her. I cannot just walk away and divorce her. We both agreed to be poly, and I promised her that we would be together. I just don't know what to do right now. I need time to figure out what I want and how this may look."

"Trey, I am not saying to leave. I am just saying if you did, you have a place here."

"I thank you for that, but please. It feels like you are pressing me to leave there and come here."

"You make it sound like that is a bad thing."

"No. It isn't bad. I just need to figure out what I want. And all I am saying is, if I can't do that here, then I will go to the hotel."

"You don't have to do that. Soon I will leave for work, and you will have the house to yourself. I promise, when I come back, I will not hound you or say anything. Can I at least snuggle with you at night and cook dinner for us?"

"Yes, Jill. You can. I just need to figure this out on my own. I may call an old friend of mine that is also poly and see what he says. Thank you for understanding. You are a great girlfriend, even if you have your own motives."

Jill left to get ready for work, and Trey found himself checking email. He hoped that Jill would let go and give him time to figure things out. He knew that, if he stayed there, it would be just Jill and him, but at the same time, he would lose Jennifer. He did not want that either. He just wanted things to feel different. And if he did not figure out anything, he would at least get a small break.

Jill came rushing through saying she was late, gave him a quick kiss, and was out the door. Trey went looking through his contacts for Charles. He knew Charles would be the one that could help the most. They had been friends for about fifteen years and bounced crazy off each other time to time. Charles's family was a true triad of relationships. Charles's wife's husband was his boyfriend. Trey never understood it, but he was happy they were happy. Charles had moved to Atlanta a year before them. Trey found his number and decided to just invite him over to talk. Luckily, Charles was free and agreed to head over.

"Hey, old friend," Trey hollered as he opened the door. "Find the place all right?"

"Yes. It was not hard at all. You know, we got to stop only getting together when our lives fall apart and we need someone to talk to."

"Yeah, yeah. You are the one that did not show up the night we were all going to the sports bar to watch the game. And, besides, I went to your house, but you have not been to mine."

"Hey now. You only came over 'cause you needed my mower."

"Well, get in here. Can I get you soda or beer?"

"Nah. I have my water."

"This is Jill's place. She is my girlfriend, and this is where I am escaping to right now to figure things out."