Grant's Past

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Grant, a 37-year-old successful judge from New York, stood outside his family's Atlanta home, surrounded by cars, trucks and the vibrant sounds of Thanksgiving celebrations. For five years, he'd avoided their invitations, but this year, he'd planned a surprise visit. His bodyguard, Troy, and assistant, Gabrielle, accompanied him on the private jet ride.

As he stepped into the backyard, his mom, Janet, stood at the margarita stand and let out a squeal of delight. Grant's dad, Chuck, jogged over, embracing his son tightly, nearly popping Grant's eyes out. The warm reunion was interrupted by a familiar voice.

Tia, Grant's high school sweetheart, appeared by the s'mores section, her eyes sparkling. Her warm hug stirred long-forgotten emotions, leaving Grant feeling "all gummy inside." The encounter awakened memories of their past, and Grant couldn't help but wonder if rekindling their romance was possible.

As Grant settled into the festive atmosphere, surrounded by loved ones and familiar faces, he felt a deep connection to his hometown. The visit became an opportunity to rediscover his roots and reevaluate his life in the big city. Tia's presence, in particular, stirred questions about the choices he'd made and the love they once shared.

Would Grant's surprise visit spark a new chapter in his life, or would he return to New York, forever changed by this Thanksgiving reunion?

---

Grant continued strolling through the lively backyard, exchanging warm hugs and catching up with long-lost friends and family. The aroma of sizzling burgers and lively chatter filled the air.

"Hey, Grant! How long you staying around, man?" his friend, Jamal, asked.

Grant glanced over at Gabrielle, his dedicated assistant, typing away on her laptop at a nearby table. "My assistant's got my schedule on lock," he replied with a chuckle.

Just then, another friend, Darius, leaned in, voice lowered. "You see how good Tia looks?" Grant smiled, taking a sip of his beer.

"Yeah, I've seen her," Grant said, curiosity sparked. "Is she single?"

Darius's expression turned serious. "Man, her ex put her through hell. Got her pregnant, then kicked her in the stomach, causing her to lose the baby. She needed surgery... they had to remove her reproductive organs." Grant's eyes widened in shock.

"But the guy's in prison now," Darius added. "He won't be getting out anytime soon."

Grant's heart ached for Tia, his mind racing with memories of their past. He felt an overwhelming urge to reconnect with her, to offer support and care.

As the evening unfolded, Grant found himself drawn to Tia's warm smile, her resilience inspiring him. They exchanged stories, laughter and glances, rekindling their connection.

Under the starry night sky, Grant realized his surprise visit home might become a turning point – not just for reconnecting with family and friends but also for rediscovering love and a chance at redemption.

Would Grant and Tia rekindle their romance, or would past pains and present complexities keep them apart?

--

As the night wore on, the house grew quieter, with some guests departing and others seeking warmth inside. Grant settled onto a barstool in the kitchen, engaging his mom, Janet, in gentle conversation.

"How are you, baby?" Janet asked.

Janet stirred the pots, her eyes tired. "Mama, I'm tired. This career change was a game-changer, but I think I want to work in a firm again. Something simple."

Janet nodded sympathetically, touching Grant's large hands. "You could do that, but you've worked so hard for this. Don't throw it away."

Grant sighed heavily, and Janet wrapped him in a warm hug.

Just then, Tia entered the kitchen with a stack of plates, her eyes locking onto Grant's. She placed the dishes in the sink and approached him.

Janet smiled knowingly. "I'll leave you two to it."

As Janet exited, Tia's lips met Grant's in a passionate kiss. He pulled her close, the spark between them reigniting.

Without a word, Grant swept Tia into his arms and carried her up to his room. The door locked behind them, and clothes began to fall off.

Tia's scars and bruises, remnants of her ex's abuse, made Grant's blood boil. Anger mingled with desire as he held her tenderly.

"Are you sure?" Grant whispered.

Tia nodded, her eyes shining.

Their lips met again, and the past melted away.

---

Grant's tranquil slumber was disrupted by a gentle knock on the door. He slipped into his plush robe, cinching the belt as he opened the door to find Gabrielle standing with his suitcase.

"Are you going to let me in?" Gabrielle asked, her voice tinged with expectation.

Grant cleared his throat, hesitant. "Someone is in here right now."

Gabrielle's expression shifted from professional to hurt, her eyes widening in surprise. "Really?" she whispered, her voice cracking.

Without another word, she handed Grant his suitcase and turned away, her heels clicking on the floor as she hurried outside.

Grant watched her go, a pang of guilt echoing through his chest. He closed the door and returned to bed, Tia stirring beside him.

Meanwhile, outside, Gabrielle's composure crumbled. Tears streamed down her face as she called Troy.

"Troy, can you take me to the airport?" she asked, her voice trembling.

Troy's expression softened, but he remained silent, maintaining professionalism.

"Yes, ma'am," he replied, opening the car door.

As they drove to the airport, the city lights blurred together, Gabrielle's sorrowful sighs filling the air. The scent of wet pavement and distant coffee wafted through the vents.

At the airport, Troy helped Gabrielle with her luggage, his eyes filled with empathy.

"Safe travels, Gabrielle," he said, his voice gentle.

Gabrielle nodded, disappearing into the bustling terminal.

As Grant lay back in bed, Tia's warm hand found his. "Everything okay?" she whispered.

Grant's thoughts lingered on Gabrielle's departure, but Tia's gentle touch reassured him. "Yeah, everything's fine," he replied, his voice soft.

---

Grant and Tia descended to the warm, aromatic kitchen, filled with Janet's lovingly prepared breakfast spread.

*The Morning After*

"I'm so excited you're home that I cooked everything you like," Janet beamed.

"Mama, you didn't have to do all this. Thanksgiving is today, and I know you have a lot to do," Grant protested.

Janet's eyes sparkled. "True, but I'm grateful you're home. This is better than Christmas!"

Chuck shot Tia a disapproving glance. "You spent the night here?"

Tia replied calmly, "Yes, sir. Is that okay?"

Grant sighed deeply.

Chuck's voice turned stern. "You've done it now, but you won't be carrying on like that in my house. You ain't married."

Tia laughed lightly.

Chuck's tone hardened. "I'm not playing, Grant. Everyone in the city knows about Ms. Tia. Don't come thinking you'll ruin my son's life."

Janet intervened firmly. "Chuck, hush!"

As Janet distributed plates, Chuck grabbed his and exited to his study. "Grant, find me after breakfast."

Grant nodded. "Okay, Dad."

Troy emerged from the guest room, greeting everyone warmly before approaching Grant.

"Where's Gabrielle?" Grant asked.

Troy replied softly, "Gabrielle went home, sir."

Grant's phone revealed ten frantic texts from Gabrielle:

"Hurt and betrayed... thought it was real... keep it professional from now on."

Grant's heart sank. He and Gabrielle had been dating for six months, and she was eight weeks pregnant with his child. They had planned to share the news with his family today.

Across the table, Tia's eyes met Grant's, her expression unreadable.

---

Grant's mind reeled, torn between Gabrielle's devotion and Tia's magnetic pull. He had envisioned a future with Gabrielle, cherishing her loyalty and beauty. Their unborn child represented a dream come true.

Yet, Tia's presence awakened long-dormant emotions, rendering him uncertain.

As breakfast concluded, Grant helped Janet clear the table. Tia assisted, their hands touching, sending sparks through his body.

Grant nodded, still lost in thought.

Grant's heart wrestled with reason:

- Gabrielle: loyalty, beauty, carrying his child

- Tia: passion, history, but unable to have kids

Grant's emotions swirled, clouding his judgment.

Determined to untangle his feelings, Grant sought his dad's counsel.

"Grant, you've got some 'splainin' to do," Chuck said, his voice firm but gentle.

Grant took a deep breath. "Dad, I'm torn. Gabrielle's carrying my child, but Tia... she's Tia."

Chuck's expression softened. "Son, listen. Your heart's shouting, but what's your head telling ya?"

Grant paused, searching for clarity.

---

Grant surrendered to uncertainty, seeking refuge in slumber.

Meanwhile, Gabrielle awakened in her serene black-furred room, surrounded by soft shadows. Her eyes burned from relentless tears.

"Shake it off, Gabrielle," she whispered to herself.

Desperate for comfort, Gabrielle reached for her phone, hoping a text from Grant would soothe her anguish.

Her fingers trembled as she typed:

"Hey, Grant."

She paused, then added:

"I miss you."

The sent message seemed to hang in the air like a fragile promise.

Gabrielle's gaze wandered to their cherished memories displayed around the room.

Each memory stabbed her heart.

The room's silence felt oppressive.

Gabrielle's thoughts swirled:

"Did I lose him?"

"Was it all a lie?"

Her phone remained silent.

No reply from Grant.

Tears resumed their relentless flow.

Gabrielle curled up, enveloped in sorrow.

---

Grant descended to the vibrant kitchen hours later, filled with savory aromas and warm laughter. Janet's smile welcomed him.

"I was just about to fix your plate and bring it up," she said.

"No, I wanted to eat with my family," Grant replied.

Troy is in the living room with the family, watching the game ans eating. 

Grant goes to the dining room with less people. Before digging in, Grant checked his phone and texted Gabrielle:

"I'm so sorry I hurt you."

Tia sneaked up behind him, hands covering his eyes. "Guess who?"

Grant turned, smiling, and Tia sat beside him and started eating.

"So, last night?" Grant asked.

"Yeah?" Tia replied.

"That's going to be a one-time thing."

Tia chuckled. "As I recall, it wasn't just one time."

Grant's tone turned serious. "I'm with Gabrielle, and we're having a baby."

Janet entered, overhearing. "I'm going to be a grandma?!" Tears of joy streamed down her face.

Grant explained, "I didn't want you to find out like this, Ma."

Janet hugged him tightly. "I don't care about all of that. Where's Gabrielle? She needs to eat."

Grant hesitated. "She left because I was with Tia."

Janet's expression shifted to sadness. "How far along?"

"Two months," Grant replied.

Tia interjected, condescendingly, "Your assistant?"

Janet's excitement deflated, feeling she'd lost a chance to be a grandma due to Grant's infidelity. 

---

Tia's laughter turned icy, her eyes flashing with scorn.

"You're such the typical guy," she spat. "You played me in high school, and now I can play with you, dummy."

Grant's anger flared. "What do you mean?"

Tia's voice dripped venom. "I know you slept with my friends in high school. You played me for years, and now you'll live in misery."

Grant's face contorted, stunned. "Huh?"

Tia's words cut deep. "Everyone knows I have HIV. You slept with me raw last night, multiple times. You thought you were Mr. Big Shot because you left the country. You ain't nobody."

Grant's world crumbled.

Janet's voice interrupted, firm but shaken. "Tia, leave. Now."

Tia smirked, standing. "You'll be hearing from me, Grant."

She walked out, leaving Grant reeling.

Gabrielle's pregnant face flashed in his mind.

Fear gripped him.

---

Janet returned, her expression stern, locking the door behind Tia.

"Is that some kind of crime about giving HIV to people knowingly?" Janet asked, alarm etched on her face.

Grant's shoulders slumped in defeat. "This is my fault. I shouldn't have done it. All of that for revenge on something I did in high school."

Chuck entered the dining room, sensing tension.

Janet briefed him, voice trembling. "Tia has HIV, Chuck. She intentionally exposed Grant without disclosing her status."

Chuck's face darkened, fists clenched. "I'll kill her."

Janet grasped Chuck's arm, calming him. "We need to focus on Grant's health now."

Grant's eyes widened, panic setting in.

The room fell silent.

---

Tia's vengeance unleashed hell.

She called the bar association, revealing Grant's misconduct with lies.

Grant's law license was revoked.

Social media exploded with hate.

Grant's reputation crumbled.

Amidst chaos, Grant confessed everything to Gabrielle from his high school days.

Together, they weathered the storm.

Gabrielle forgave Grant.

HIV tests confirmed Grant negative.

Regular check-ups ensured peace.

Months passed.

Gabrielle and Grant exchanged vows.

Tia's stalking intensified.

Harassing calls, messages.

Unrelenting.

But Gabrielle stood strong.

Grant's love redeemed.

Together, they escaped.

New city, new beginnings and a new baby.

Free from Tia's toxic grasp.

Their love flourished.

The End.