a/n: hey all, idk what happened to the outro from chapter 47 which would've explained the beginning events of this part, but as I am rereading and going back to edit, I will fix it even though it is kind of self-explanatory (just like in movies how they flash forward and you, the audience, must infer things) I just don't want any unnecessary confusion! I believe I might've edited it after it was done and deleted it to shorten the chapter; that's why I go on to explain through dialogue what happened exactly, so it was just a time lapse!

~

"Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress"

  ──────⊱⁜⊰─────

𝑴𝒐𝒓𝒈𝒂𝒏 

"You okay, baby?" Chris asks me with a kiss to my head. His lips are sweet there, I don't want him to remove them.

"I'm fine." I reply meekly. I'm still recovering.

"That was Mom on the phone just now," he says, sitting beside me on the couch. "she's worried sick about you, said you haven't called her back."

I swallow hard and toss my head back, groaning. "What'd you tell her?"

He puts his hand on mine and smiles but only briefly. "I told her that you're okay." He speaks low.

I nod my head.

"Are you okay?" Chris asks me.

I sit upright and force the corners of my mouth into a smile. "I'm getting there. Sorry I scared you."

Chris exhales a sort of laugh. "You're okay now, that's all that matters."

"I, uh, heard what you said about you thinking I was pregnant..." I start to say but stop, seeing Chris tense up.

"No," he clears his throat awkwardly, "don't. I-it's fine-"

"I'm sorry. I know how bad you want this, but-"

"Really, Morgan, it's fine." Chris says strictly as he stands tall over me.

I nod and gulp. "Well, I'm sorry." I repeat sheepishly.

Sorry to have gotten his hopes up. Although, I don't know where his suspicions of me being pregnant came from - just hope and optimism, I guess? Or the unprotected sex? All of the above.

Chris gets up and walks to the kitchen.

I turn my body slightly in the cushion to face Chris as he searches for something to eat.

"You want a grilled cheese or something?" He beats on his abs while pondering.

I shrug, not that he's looking at me. I ask, "Do we have applesauce?" I love applesauce.

Chris vibrates his lips and shuts the fridge. "Nope. We can DoorDash something?"

I shake my head no. "I'll just eat some cereal, you can order something if you want."

Chris's phone rings and I watch him lose ten percent more patience.

It's Russ, I'm sure.

Chris's eye-rolling makes me laugh a bit.

I let him tend to that while I find us something to watch on tv. I'm thinking Disney movie marathon.

"—I can't today. I'm sick." Chris uses that excuse to rush his client off of the phone. It works.

He brings me a glass of cucumber water and rests next to my body.

"You don't have to blow off work to take care of me." I tell my boyfriend.

"I know I don't have to," Chris says, pulling my body onto his lap. "I want to."

"You know why?" He makes me smile.

"Why?" I whisper, staring into his eyes.

"Because I love you."

I push the hair behind his ear and put my forehead against his.

"I'm sorry for what I said about Cleo, and you not being a good person." I finally admit with a sniffle.

Chris blinks slowly and wets his lips. "Don't be," he says. "you were right, she doesn't care about me..."

"No, you have a big heart. Clearly. If anyone's been an asshole, it's me. Now look, you're taking care of me."

"Morgan, that's my job."

"Still, I feel so weak. Who just passes out from stress?"

"Lots of people, Ann." Chris tells me, locking our fingers in my lap.

I sigh. "But I fell. Hard."

It was embarrassing. I fainted in the middle of a meeting with Mayor Dillon. Izzy immediately rushed me to the hospital where they called Chris.
When I woke up this morning, and Chris or Cleo weren't there, I went to Izzy's to prepare for our meeting. I didn't eat because I couldn't, stressed. All the studying and running around caught up to me as I stood before the Mayor and his staff. I just fainted.

Chris laughs lightly. "That you did. So you have to take it easy, alright?"

"You're so cute playing doctor." I giggle, kissing his slightly freckled-nose.

Chris's smile is broad and so handsome, it keeps the grin on my face.

"How is she, anyway? What'd you do with her?" I inquire about Cleo.

Chris clenches his jaw. There's a dark look in his eyes and he just blanks.

"I took her to her mother's right after you left; she should be alright."

I kiss his knuckles. "I'm really proud of you. You're a good person, Chris, the best."

"Get some rest," Chris says, cupping my face. "alright, babe? I'll be back later."

"You're leaving me?" I hate that I sound so whiney and dependent.

Chris nods stiffly. "Unless you don't want me to?"

I quickly check myself. He's allowed to do his own things. I only fainted, I'll be okay on my own for a few hours.

~~~

It's the middle of October. Or, if you're on the internet: Spooky season. Definitely one of the better times of the year.

With still no sign of Sabrina, Chris and I have eased up way more. Annette keeps up updated on her whereabouts but says she's overseas and that's it.

I haven't gone to therapy in weeks just because our schedules didn't match up. Honestly, though, I don't feel as if I need Ms.Rita anymore.
I mean, it's nice to have a professional to vent to and what not, but I've taken her advice and applied it. I'll continue to do so.

Plan 'have a baby' is on pause. I just can't seem to get pregnant. I've been dreading going to see a doctor because I'm scared they'll say the abortion complicated things down there.

Chris is patient. He's been understanding and nurturing as of late.
His drinking, though, has been unsatisfactory. I'm not pleased by all of the late nights at the bar with JB and/or Lee. If not them, he's with Phil and Frank which is even worse. They're like total frat boys, just drinking to drink. It isn't like Chris. He's a smoker, that's what "keeps him mellow." I fear— I don't want to speak it into existence but I fear he could end up like his father if he's not careful.
And it's not just that it's a couple of drinks, it the weekend benders and the way he gets reckless or causes problems between us when he is that intoxicated.

"—I know, Yara. Yes, yes, we'll come visit soon! No,  I promise. Also, hey, don't be afraid to stop by whenever you come to the city." I speak on the phone.

She's been talking my ear off for an hour now, but I'm glad to hear from my latest friend.
She let me know about that store ran by that old racist witch - Jordan's Market, it's called. Apparently they haven't messed with them ever since we left. Good. Must've scared them off.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

I pop up too fast and hit the ceiling fan, forgetting that I was on a chair, trying to hang decorations.

Ouch.

"Morgan? You okay?" Yara speaks.

"Sorry, Yara, I got to go. I can expect you at our Halloween party, though, right?" I step off of the chair and walk to the door.

It's close to six pm so I start to think it's Chris but its a little earlier than he usually gets home.

I open the door to the delivery man who's face is becoming more and more familiar since this is "his route."

"Sign here, please, ma'am?" He smacks on his chewing gum.

I roll my eyes playfully at the tall Ginger as he unzips his uniform to reveal his biceps in a tank top.

"Hot out there?" I taunt him, pushing the device to his stomach.

He laughs. "Sure could use a glass of lemonade, ma'am."

"Matt, right?" I ask him, folding my arms over my chest to keep him from looking there.

"Yes, ma'am. Morgan, right?" He posts his arm above my head and leans forward, trying to be cute with these brown eyes.

"Mhm. Matt, how many times do I have to tell you to stop calling me 'ma'am'?"

He laughs again. "I'm just trying to be respectful."

"Respect your ass off of my step. Excuse me." Chris snarls, pushing past Matt.

He steps inside and kisses my temple.

Matt clears his throat and then finally hands me three packages - two large boxes and a pretty stuffed brown envelope.

"What's this?" I ask, getting distracted by the unexpected piece of mail.

Matt shrugs his shoulders. "I don't get involved," he says. Weird response, I think.

I cannot recognize the sender's name or location. It says "confidential" on the front and is sealed fairly well.

"What do you mean," I ask Matt. "Who is this from?"

"I-I said too much already. Bye." He says shakily, turning to run down the steps.

"Matt, I-" I start to shout after him but it's too late. He's hopped in his truck and pulled off.

I close myself inside and see Chris playing with Duke and Stevie.

"What?" He asks me cutely when I only look at him.

I shake my head at his fake obliviousness. "First the guy at the bank the other day-"

"He was only talking to you, he didn't acknowledge me." Chris defends himself.

"Then the waiter at dinner..." I continue the list.

Chris flails his arm. "He asked you what you wanted first. I was a server before, babe, you're supposed to address the man who's paying first."

I fold my arms and let my eyes roll back. "Mhm. What about the cashier at Target?"

Chris puts his hands on his hips and dramatically drops his jaw. "He was flirting with you."

I disagree. "He was, like, sixteen and he told me to have a nice day."

"It was how he said it, babe." Chris insists, talking with his hands.

I shake my head then pick my boyfriend's shoes and briefcase off of the floor.

"How was work?" I ask, meeting him at the couch.

Chris removes his necktie and I begin to massage his shoulders while he sits.

He lets out a moan and hesitates to say, "It was okay. How, uh, was your day? Busy, I see."

I giggle. "You like the decorations? I couldn't decide if I wanted to do Halloween stuff or just Fall, like, leaves and pumpkin spice."

"Speaking of: is it really necessary to have the party here, baby?"

I smack my lips and stop rubbing his shoulders.

"Of course it is. Chris, I already sent the invitations out with our address."

"That's part of the problem. Come on, babe, I don't want a whole bunch of people here, you know that. It's bad enough both of your parents are coming to stay again."

"Don't be like that, Chris, your parents are welcome here any time. So are mine."

"I don't know, babe..." He speaks to me with his eyes closed.

"Fine, I'll cancel it." I pout, pushing off of his tense shoulders.

Chris groans aloud and throws his head back. "Alright. You can have the party, Annie, but I'm not helping you clean up."

I laugh once satisfied. "Deal! See how much easier life is when you just agree with me?"

Chris sneers at me and pinches my nose. "Aren't you going to start getting ready soon?"

"Ready for what?" I ask as I stand back to decide whether my streamers are crooked or not.

I tilt my head as Chris talks to the back of it.

"Babe..." is all he has to say to remind me. His tone rings that I should know better, and I do.

"Oh, shit!" I freak out so bad that I physically freeze in place as if there's a single second to spare.

"Come on, dummy," he cracks up at me, grabbing by wrist. "I picked up your dress."

"I'm nervous. I don't want to do this anymore." I shriek, making him have to pull my weight up the stairs as I go stiff.

"Yes you do," Chris tells me despite my constant head shaking no. "you'll be fine."

~~~

"—The Quinn Project aims to get local kids off the streets in order to rehabilitate them by getting them involved in fun, yet educational, and entertaining day-to-day activities from field trips to career opportunities, a mentor program, and sports teams such as the boys travel basketball team, coached by Jabari Flamer." I gesture to JB in the crowd at the banquet and he stands to show himself off to those who may or may not know him.

I scroll in my notes app and resume where I left off. "Finally, I just want to thank you all for having me tonight, and Mayor Dillon for helping me bring this dream to life; I know I wasn't the easiest to work with. I just wanted this to be perfect, it means a lot to me. Special thanks to my parents and The Vaughn's for their support, my best friends, my neighbor Tim, my dogs. Aheh. And last but definitely not least: myself. No, I'm just kidding." I make the crowd laugh.

Chris reacts by raising his glass with a small smile.

I think that's his third or fourth. He should slow down, this isn't exactly the type of party where he should be getting that drunk.

This banquet is hosted by some of the city's most notable citizens and leaders. Hell, we were invited by Mayor Nate Dillon himself.

I snap out of my thoughts when the microphone screeches, making the sea of people wail.

"Um," I swallow and look over my notes. "Chris, I really couldn't have done any of this without you. I love you, and I'm so thankful."

A round of applause escorts me off the stage. I sit back at my seat after enduring a bunch of pats of on the backs and "congratulations."

Chris whispers in my ear, "You looked good up there."

"How about another round?!" Jabari cheers, riling up the crowd.

Chris raises his glass to that — a tall one that's half full— and agrees with JB, slapping his hand.

"Chris..." I have to tug on his arm to get his attention as his has slipped to the boys and more shots of alcohol.

Lee and JB cut their eyes to me, seeing me behind Chris, still trying to get him to hear me out.

When they finally get the hint and allude to me, Chris faces my direction.

"What?" He replies with a slow blink.

I notice every one of our friends and our parents all watching closely. Nosy, all of them.

So I pull Chris away from the table and any eavesdropping ears.

"I'm happy you're having a good time but-"

"I am," he laughs, pulling me in by the waist. "thanks to you. You look good, everyone's here to celebrate you. I'm proud."

I smile meekly. "Well, thank you, but-"

"But what?" He draws, locking our fingers.

He gives me this charming smirk and I almost forget what I even pulled him over here for.

"Are you having a good time?" Chris asks me before placing his lips on my shoulder.

The warm feeling of his lips lingering on my skin make me blush.

"Hm?" He asks low when I don't say anything right away.

"Your drinking, Chris..." I speak up, sheepishly at first.

His eyes pan to me with a cold glare. "What about it?"

"It's a lot." I tell him.

Chris rolls his eyes back and steps away from me, pushing a hand in one of the pockets in his black slacks.

"I only had a few-"

"A few too many," I say all too fast. I clear my throat and let some people wander by so they don't hear my nagging.

"I'm not saying you can't drink, it's just a lot for tonight, don't you think?" I look between Chris's eyes.

He clenches his jaw and stares into the half-full glass for a while before bringing it to his lips.

We maintain eye contact as he downs the rest of the drink. He swallows and I snap my neck to look away.

"Don't make this about you." I say. I feel like I'm begging.

"I'm not," Chris rasps immediately. "You are. Like always."

He starts to walk away and I grab his arm, not through yet.

"I-" he cuts me off there.

Chris pulls his arm from my grasp and seemingly looks right through me.

"You can have a good night without me, Morgan." He mumbles. "I'm fine, it's a few drinks. Goddamn."

"Chris," I plead, "don't act like this. Not tonight."

"I'm not acting like anything, Morgan. Why does everything have to be a thing with you? We're here to celebrate you 'cause you finally got a fuckin' hobby, and you're about to cry over me drinking."

I blink to hold back the tears. He's already called me out for them but I don't want him to see them fall.

I seal my lips with nothing more to say, and hold my elbows as I watch him walk away to meet JB and Lee by the bar.

"Morgan!" Jasmine exclaims as she approaches me.

She and Izzy come offering genuine smiles and more "congratulations." As cute as they are, I can't even force a fake grin.

"Uh-oh..." Izzy pouts, rubbing my back.

"Come on, sis," Jasmine talks in my ear, pulling me away. "Nobody need to see you crying at your own event."

~

"—What an asshole." Jasmine snarls as she fixes my makeup.

"Seriously, such a douche," Izzy fires. "How can he make you cry on your big night? And then leave you here?!"

"He's lucky I love him or I'd hate him." Jasmine says what I'm thinking.

"There," she bubbles with pride. "Now no more crying."

I nonverbally thank her for helping me out, both of them.

"It's not his fault." I speak up after they've been trash-talking Chris for five minutes straight.

"Here you go making excuses." Jas rolls her dark eyes.

I tilt my head at her and smack my lips to object. "He was right, it's just a few drinks. Tonight's about me, I shouldn't spend it worrying about anyone else."

"Atta girl." Izzy nods in my face, giggling.

I force a smile at my girls and stand from the sofa in the ladies room.

"I'm going to go network. Enjoy the rest of your night. Love you." I say before walking out.

"Oh!" A voice booms upon impact.

I run directly into someone's chest and take an embarrassed step back.

"Beck?" I question him.

Mr.Jordan smirks, looking down at me. "Well, don't you look beautiful."

I roll my eyes. "What are you doing here?"

"Where else did you think that two thousand dollar donation came from?"

I drop my arms and attitude to thank him for being so charitable.

"You're always so giving." I humor him.

Beck shrugs his shoulders modestly. "Anything for a cause as good as you."

"You mean my organization?"

"That, too. Your little idea for the youth center is cute but when you give up on it again, that offer is still on the table for my personal assistant."

I scoff at the way he thinks he knows me. "Have a good night, Beck." I say, turning the other way.

"How about a dance?" He shouts at the back of my head.

I pause, ready to ask him if he's just trying to have Chris beat him up at this point.

The sound of his rich cackling makes me curl my lip and keep walking.

"Champagne, miss?" Asks a caterer.

"Please!" I exclaim, taking the whole tray from her hands.