LEELAH ROSE

“I know it feels that way but I will fix this. You’re feeling all the pressure right now, angel.” His fingers brushing the bang framing her face, the palm of her hand touching his wrist. “It’s all this energy around us, we just have to learn how to transmute it.” Kaliyah pats the foundation creasing at her smile lines, a small laugh coming from his lips. He wants to help but she’ll only scold him, believing he’s ruining her makeup. “You look so beautiful, no need to fix anything if I had it my way.” The playful look in his eyes deepening with each second he fixes on his wife.

“Nigga, shut up, you’re making me blush.” Her laugh made him grin, Kaliyah’s hands gliding around his neck and the side of her face smushing up to his. “You’re so sweet, thank you. I love you.” Michael’s head switches to her, nails scratching mildly on the back of his neck.

“Why didn’t you let me say it first? Kaliyah, come on.” She kisses his lips several times, each peck as tender as the next. Her fingers moving to rest on his jawline. She made a movement to pull away, his arm pushing her back into place. “I love you so much.” The final kiss—long, a ribbon of fervor sneaking into her mouth for a second. Kaliyah drawing back, her body releasing a heat that can only be found under the blazing sun. A pressure between her thighs that can only be cured at home, her hands on his face holding back his arduous state and her lips keeping up with his.

“Michael, the assistant’s.” Her voice not sure of itself but his mouth pulling away nonetheless, the skin of their bottom lips sticking together for a moment.

“Right.” He turns his body to them once more, the expressions on their face causing a snicker to escape from his mouth. “Let’s find her glasses…please and thank you.”

“Mr. Jackson, there ready to go—

“I don’t care, the company can wait. She has to be comfortable, the cameras go crazy when they see her.” Kaliyah’s eyes going back and forth between the heated exchange of words. Her heart beating on her temples as she intertwines her fingers with his, Kaliyah’s other hand pressing down the thick fabric of her embellished gown. The corset had been nipping at her waist from the time she put it on, her breast lifted to the sky. The sequin’s glare casting on the roof of the limousine, she could feel the adrenaline increasing in her body. The assistant pressing his finger to his ear—attempting to hear the irritated voices of the coordinators. His face turning red and eyes widened slightly at Michael, her eyes narrowing on the young man. “What are they saying?”

“They’re calling her a brat, Mr. Jackson.”

“They called her a what?!” His body leaning forward as Kaliyah exhales, she rolls her eyes then lays a hand on Michael’s shoulder. “Fuck it, we’re going home.” A few gasps slipped throughout the cabinet, she was familiar with her husband’s rare cursing.

“Baby, it’s alright. I’ll just go out without them.”

“No, we’ll go home and I’ll make a statement. I want you to be satisfied, Kaliyah.” Her hands finding his face again, his stare signaling to her he was beyond angry. “I don’t like when they push your feelings to the side, you’re not a damn brat you just get overstimulated. They can push my feelings to the side but not yours.”

“I know, baby, I know. But the fans wanna see us, they’ve been waiting for hours. It’s the only good thing here tonight, forget them. It’s alright. I promise.” Her voice embracing his, Michael’s eyes glancing out the window. Kaliyah’s manicured nails run down the sleeves of his white blazer, she twirls the ring around his finger. His gaze aiming at her, a close-lipped smile on her lips. “Come on.” He noticed she wasn’t happy, maybe even a little hurt by what they said. It infuriated him, it hadn’t been the only time a group of coordinators found it hard to work with Mrs. Jackson. She was quite the contrary, simple and thankful every single time.

“We do love them…we’ll go but I want you to know I see you. I will be making that statement.” That only meant that the company would be catching serious heat in the next coming days. Michael’s team getting out first causing the crowd to shift wildly, a group of security standing by for the two to exit. He came out first, the flashes bombarding Michael. A light so bright you could see it from moons away, a forced smile on his face, he waved. Shrieks hurled his way repeatedly, his hand reaching for Kaliyah. Her fingers grasp onto his, the ring on her finger refracting in seconds. The flashes doubling as she stepped her heel on the concrete, lifting herself up, a look on her face that no longer resembled the situation in the limo. A confidence that appeared stronger when the door opened. The screams popping at her ears, Kaliyah clings to Michael’s side, her assistant grabbing at the ends of the gown as they gracefully move through the crowd hand in hand. A grin on her lips, she blows kisses toward their supporters.

It took Kaliyah a while to get comfortable with her husband, her brain being rewired over the past years when it came to the fact that she’s in an everlasting union with Michael Jackson. It took them a while to consummate their marriage, her nerves all over the place whenever he touched her. Being around him and chatting was never the problem, it was the intimacy of it all. The chemistry was intense, it was too much. After Wembly, the dates he took her on were countless—his little way of showing his dedication and easing her into him. The enveloped invitations stopping her in her tracks every time she’d step out to paint the world again. Kaliyah didn’t believe she could overcome those jolts of excitement until he showed her she could, a cold October night was all it took. Kaliyah and Michael walking down the sidewalk, leaves rustling past them and people leaning onto the showcasing windows of shops talking amongst themselves. “There’s so many Michael Jackson’s out here tonight, they won’t even suspect you.” Michael dressed down in his Smooth Criminal outfit, shades around his eyes and Bill trickling behind in a disguise of his own.

Extra security was on standby down the street, a car running and willing to pull up to whatever building they race out of. A couple cosplayers walking by, Kaliyah sharing a look with Bill. Her lips pursing as if telling him ‘told you so’. He shakes his head then looks away briefly, she turns to Michael, her eyes looking at his tense shoulders. “You really take a risk doing this for us, huh?” He looks down chuckling, his gaze switching to focus on hers.

“It’s nothing, Kaliyah.”

“It’s honorable.” The neon glare of the passing sign paints a shade of red over his face, Michael licking his lips as his fingers tug the fabric of her long-sleeved shirt. A smile creeping onto her lips, they didn’t realize they came to the front of a night club. The doors swung wide open, the hot air inside casting a warm blanket on the two, their heads facing the bouncer sitting down. People in costumes walking out, some entering with a pep in their steps, Rock Steady being performed by a live band and singer. The beat cascades into the atmosphere, a strip of notes swirling around Kaliyah’s body. “This is my song!” She pulls him inside, a smile coming onto his face at her explosive excitement. Bill following behind, the two of them pushing through the costume-filled crowd with their movements attacking the bass. Michael grabbing ahold of her hand and tugging her in, Kaliyah gasps out of surprise.

“Rock steady, rock steady, baby.”

“Let’s call this song exactly what it is.”

“What it is, what it is, what it is.”

“It’s a funky and low down feeling.”

“Follow me.” He draws her into him—hands guiding her hips and Kaliyah’s movement coming into harmony with his. They dip left and right with the tune as the singer’s long belts ring in their ears. Michael taking off his jacket and tossing it to the side as the heat from the room begins to engulf him. His hand grabbing hers to twirl her body around swiftly, a smile spreads on her lips. Kaliyah’s back resting on his chest as they rock once more. “You ready?” His voice hitting her ear softly, not being able to form her words she nods hesitantly, his grin grazing her cheek. “Trust me, angel.”

“Michael, I do trust you. I’m nervous, you’re the greatest entertainer of all time.”

“I’ll guide you.”

“You better.” The trumpets going off in the mix, the low lights making the dance floor look like a jazz bar. The drums dropping to the ground and Michael waltzing Kaliyah across the floor, one hand on her hip and the other holding her arm out. He moved instinctively but his arms conducted her around effortlessly. Her body beginning to unwind to the jumping beat—he swoops her down her hair reaching towards the floor. Michael lifts her back up hastily not giving her the time to catch her breath—he shuffles them across the floor once more. Her hips rocking freely and Kaliyah’s arms snaking up his chest then wrapping around his neck, the cheering individuals around them seeming to vanish one by one. It was difficult to hold himself back, he wanted to fully engulf her in his craft. A piano drowning over the beat gradually, the lights lowering over their clothing. “You did amazing.”

“Barely, you don’t have to lie to make me feel better.”

“I’m not, you kept up. A lot of people have found it hard to follow, stop downplaying yourself.” Kaliyah not realizing how close in proximity they’ve become, a horde of royal blue lighting coating them. The nerves creeping into her feet, tangling between the spaces of her ribs, they reach to her chest finally. Michael watched her eyes go empty behind his shades, the greatest entertainer in the world giving her a compliment. “I really don’t want to freak you out…I think the world of you.” He makes a movement to lower his shades, Kaliyah gasps subtly then grabs his wrist.

“Don’t do that, Mike, I’m already on cloud nine.”

“Ain’t no way, for me to love you. If you won’t let me.” The woman behind the microphone singing softly, her eyes peered toward the crowd and the curled beehive on her head under the spotlights. Michael’s hands guiding her arms around his neck and his head lowering to her face. “Michael, please.” Her words soft, fingers brushing lightly on his blue undershirt. The tears swollen at her lids, eyes clear as she watches him carefully. Her hand moving to his chest, his fingers taking her wrist and bringing it close to his lips. A kiss being planted on her skin, Kaliyah’s lips slightly part, she could’ve felt the tingles miles away. “Oh my goodness.”

“It’s okay, give in to me.” His tone quiet and soothing to her ears. Moving closer, he brings her hand back to his neck, his body swaying them elegantly with the music. It was unhealed trauma and he knew it, he just didn’t bring it up. Kaliyah’s chin falling on top his shoulder willingly, needy. Her body swinging with his, mind shutting off as she let him control her actions. His face nuzzling into her neck, the pads of her fingers pulling softy on the ends of his hair. The couples moving around them at the same pace, each with a different story and timeline. Her limbs feeling drowsy with fervent, the more time she spent with him the further she succumbed to his consistent ardency. Their faces meeting together and his lips sweeping across Kaliyah’s. Hands squirming against the back of his neck, her breathing picks up slowly. Bodies close as they could be and hands holding one another tight. “Ooo, baby.” Teeth biting his bottom lip, corners of his mouth lifting at his teasing. His movements tickle her nose, a smile breaking across her cheeks as she begins to laugh, he beams cheekily.

“And if you need me, like you say, say you do!” The woman’s voice increasing gradually, her head turning away from the mic as her swelling notes reach the ceiling. “Oh then, baby, baby, baby…don’t you know that I need you?!” Kaliyah pushing forward, her lips falling onto his shamelessly and his head angling with hers. Eyebrows creased and thoughts roaming rampant, Michael grips her waist unintentionally and her desire communicates with his. She pulls away—his lips catching hers once more, head turned just right and the kiss smooth like waves. A moan slides into his mouth and Kaliyah’s hands pull him in by his undershirt, bodies molded together with a ball of passion growing between them. And when they went out to eat, she was nearer than ever. Shoulders rubbing as they sat, fingers interlaced in the booth. The sign reflecting off the glass and her index finger tracing the rim of his sunglasses. Bill on the other side looking adamantly at his surroundings while the both of them, two scoops of ice cream melting into each other.

Even then, the desire to hold each other gnawed at their fingers. Michael falling foolishly and irrevocably in love with her, he realized in a span of a few seconds. The waitress sitting two milkshakes down on the table, his eyes staying glued to the side of Kaliyah’s face as her fingers reach for her straw. “Allow me.” He grabs the sealed paper, hands ripping open the wrapper then handing the circular piece of plastic her way. She takes it, eyes squinted at him and his brows arched playfully. “Somebody loves you, baby, you know who it is.” The graceful ballad cradling the front of the diner, Kaliyah takes a sip of her milkshake as her eyes remain on his face.

“You’ve got that look on your face, ya know?”

“You can barely see my face.”

“I don’t have to, boo. It’s ya energy.” He coughs up a chuckle, head turning for a moment. Michael looking back upon Kaliyah, he flicks his glasses down on the bridge of his nose. “Michael.” She whispers, eyes bulging at him.

“Is your energy telling you that I’m in love?” She swallows the rest of the ice cream in her mouth, a shade of deep rogue coming to her cheeks. He couldn’t believe he said it but he did, Bill on the other hand could. Michael talked about her all the time, every new fact he learned about Kaliyah went straight to him. With his heart banging on his chest, fingers swirling his straw around the glass of his milkshake. He was anxious, extremely, what would she say? Bill’s eyes on Kaliyah but she couldn’t feel them, she couldn’t feel any of the souls around her but Michael’s and her own. “I love you, Kaliyah.”

Her throat numb from the ginger she consumed, having made a cup of natural juice in the primitive hours of the day. The same recipe—3 carrots, 3 oranges, a piece of ginger, and a whole lemon. The specific time in the morning coming back to her like a boomerang, the flashback washing over her closed eyes. He knocked on the apartment door 15 minutes later, Tobias, Kaliyah’s now ex-boyfriend. The expression on his face, she couldn’t forget it if she wanted to. The devastating look knowing he gave up, knowing he no longer loves her the way she loves him. The screaming match they held etched into the walls and her body drowning in a pool of reveries. “But, I love him.” Her voice trailing off, orbs looking at the CD player in her hand. The backpack resting on her nightstand comes into view, the honk of a McLaren riding by was followed by the shouts of the neighborhood kids below. A collection of spray paint bottles arranged around the sack, she hadn’t made any art in the city since she’s been in a relationship. It’s been six months, six months. How dare she abandon her passion, something that once was her reason for living?

A wave of anger settles across her mind—she threw everything to the side for him. The neurons in her brain firing and the wires reconstructing themselves, her blurred vision clearing up as she blinks a couple of times. Her body beginning to move after resting for what felt like forever, Kaliyah sits up to stare in front of her. The white paper peeling off in some places, strokes of multicolored paint lining the walls. Some lines reading quotes, others transformed into pictures it took hours for her to do. The young woman nodding her head, the embarrassment shedding off her and out the window sill. “Can I hit rewind?” The notes blasting causing her to become aware, she rips her headphones off and begins to move as if she’s on a mission.

A pair of black leggings slid up her thighs, they accentuate her behind and the small of her back. An oversized hoodie coating her upper body, the material ebony as well. She always remained invisible, no clothing that would catch attention under any circumstances. Her heart flooding with adrenaline as she ties her tennis shoes secure as she could, the grin tugging on her lips couldn’t be contained. She exits out the door, her eyes catch the darkness in the apartment when she closes the entrance. A black scarf tied around her nose and mouth, doe-eyes aiming down the corridor and a desire aching in her fingers.

Painting was her way of feeling seen, the way her fingers transmuted days of unhealed feelings into awe-inspiring imagery came naturally to Kaliyah. She blew a cloud of smoke out the side of her mouth, her fingers flicking the roach onto the gravel beneath her shoes. Her eyes scanning over the various lines she made, all connecting in the ways she wanted. Having to hide herself was common in childhood, isolating just to feel comfortable with her own being and to step away from the stressors of life. So, when she became Michael Jackson’s wife it felt like a joke being played on her by the universe. She loves her husband, absolutely, adores him to the moon and back but his fame is otherworldly. He became her safe space, a person she could liquify her body into when she was feeling frustrated with the world. They didn’t just share their traumas to one another, they actively heal them everyday they live together.

He was always watching, not directly…at least. Following her tags from six months ago, his heart being stringed along in a wild goose chase across the southern heat. Dressed in a disguise from head to toe, his eyes always hidden but constantly spotting her works. The last Captain KO tag came on a dusty sunset evening, Michael not knowing until days later when he went searching once more. His lips pursed to the side, hands buried in his pockets and heart hanging off a ledge. Imagine his surprise when he saw a tall frame move through the streets, a sack clinging to her back and a paint can falling out the pocket. On one of his wild escapades to find her pieces once more, he took the risk of grabbing the can off the ground. A band of trumpets playing in his head when he seen the letters KO written in black ink on the label.

The stars twinkling above him and determination on his mind, he followed her. Someone who made art that amazing, their mind had to be soaked in beauty. The people he moves past not recognizing his disguise strikes ease in his heart, Bill would kill him if he knew he came out here by himself. The biggest star in the universe chasing a woman on the sidewalks, oh, the things we did for love. His eyes peeking behind a wall, watching her arms move from left to right. Hoodie thrown to the ground, thick curls floating above her shoulders—the blowout she did that day doing her justice. Kaliyah’s silhouette feeding his gaze, his feet felt light. Her face coming into view for just a second, plump lips, button nose and a pair of almond eyes that were expressive even in the dark. A heat coming to his cheeks seeing the ink engraved across her arms and lower back, cavernous dimples above the back hem of her leggings.

Michael’s heart was trying hard to separate from his chest, he could see light shining in front of her—a star so bright. He couldn’t stop himself, his feet carrying him forward trying not to trip on the bricks and debris of abandoned buildings. Kaliyah in the midst of her work, her head turning back when she hears a creak in the wind. Her fingers yank the mask back up her face, her arm reaches for the hoodie seconds later. “Wait.” A quiet voice catching her off-guard, Kaliyah standing upright. She turns, strands of hair sticking to her forehead. Edges coiled with beads of sweat and her eyes wide with curiosity. A man coming toward her in a large trench coat, a kinky wig on his head, and foundation smeared on his skin. Michael stops in front of her shakily, his eyes peering at her through his aviators.

Seeing her face more clearly made the breath catch in his throat, she was undeniably gorgeous. His eyes went down to the gravel, a timid smile coming onto his lips. “Can I help you?” Kaliyah’s voluminous curls cradling the light from the moon, she arches her eyebrow then tilts her head down. He looks younger, at least he’s not an old creep.

“I-uh, I’ve been following your art for a while.” The more words that left from his mouth the realization began to dawn on her, he recognizes it so well. He doesn’t know what took a hold of him, his fingers reaching to take the glasses off his face. She felt her chest go up and down in real-time, the heat that crowds her being causing her vision to blur. She stumbles back, ripping the mask from her face and tossing it to the ground. “I know this is a surprise, to say the least. But please, don’t scream.” Michael rushes forward seeing that she was seconds from falling out, his hands grasping her arms gently. She gasps feeling him touch her, he shushes softly, Kaliyah staring up at him her gaze searching his as she swallows a lump in her throat.

“You’re Michael J-Jack—

“I’m just a person who loves your work, that’s it.” Her legs felt weak, his voice soft to the touch. Her mind straightening up in seconds, a few tears slipped from her eyes unconsciously. His words wanting to push out how beautiful she is, his desire he tucked away for another day. She was already overwhelmed. She had never felt so seen, the way he looked admiringly upon her that night is something she remembers to this day.

“Thank you.”

“No, thank you. You paint so beautifully.” Kaliyah’s eyes falling down to his neck. “Look at me, please.” Her lids fluttering up and back onto his with no hesitation. “I don’t know what happened or who hurt you, but don’t ever let them stop you from doing this again.” His eyes trailing up to the artwork behind her. His words replenishing her spirit and her mind relaxing once more. He became aware of his fingers around her arms, Michael pulling away seeing how worked up he was becoming. “Out of the most deepest admiration and respect, I’d love to take you out to dinner…romantically, if that’s okay.” Hands locked behind his back and his eyes peeking down at her through low lids, his heart racing but sure. He knows what he wants. The moonlight coating her deep skin, she fiddles with her bare nails as her thick coils waver in the wind. “I love your tattoos.” A smile couldn’t help but slide on her mouth—she shifts on her feet the rocks beneath her weight clinking softly. His teeth sinking into his bottom lip.

Michael’s body leaning toward her unintentionally, he could tell she became hesitant. Kaliyah’s eyes scanning the area around her momentarily. “Maybe you should go, this isn’t a safe area and if the police come you’ll go to jail with me.”

“I don’t care about jail, if you wanting to make the world beautiful is wrong then I don’t wanna be right.” She felt her next sentence being gripped between her teeth, her body jerking forward and into his after hearing a yell far away. Kaliyah becoming paranoid—he catches her proudly.

Kaliyah’s head switched to the sound, she faces him, her fingers holding onto to his forearms. “I can’t go out with you, I just…I just went through a breakup. I’m sorry, I have to go.” Her voice breathless as she pulls away, Kaliyah grabs her hoodie and throws it on quickly. Michael’s eyebrows creasing, he fights against his arms wanting to pull her in. Her hands grabbing at the spray cans across the ground, she packs them inside her sack with the caps on top of the chemicals.

“I apologize, you-you deserve better.” Her gaze falls upon him, standing from her feet with her head tilting to the right.

“How do you know what I deserve?” She swings her backpack over her shoulder, the fabric of her mask wedged between her fingers.

“I can show you, I’m a man of action.” Michael clearing his throat, his eyes looking away for a brief moment. “What’s your name?”

“Kaliyah.” He straightens his posture, a smile spreading on his face. Her fingers squeeze onto the strap of her backpack, if you were to ask her years later what this night felt like she’d tell you—it felt like a fever dream. She wouldn’t believe this all happened until a bouquet of flowers appeared on her doorstep a week later. So huge it had two movers to come with it—lilies spurting out, orchids so bright to the eye, and various other species he particularly picked out for her. Her body stuck to the kitchen counter as they transferred it into her living space. The soulful music playing gracefully around her swaddles her temple, the saxophones echoing around her head. The ends of the silk robe wrapped around her frame tickling the hairs on her legs, Kaliyah’s hand over her heart and a curled bang falling over her brows.

Her eyes scanned that letter repeatedly, bending over the counter with her thighs tightening together and her foot running up her calf. The tip of her index finger between her teeth. “Oh my god.” And that was when she fainted.

“Kaliyah, if you’d let me…I have a performance coming up. Wembly in London. I’d love for you to join me, you can stay backstage for the performance. I’ll have a hotel arranged for you and you’ll be safe, under my protection.” The young lady stands in front of him, arms folded over her chest and thoughts raving with different emotions. “I’d like to show you my art. In person.” He nods his head toward her, his body beaming with jitters. He wanted to change her mind badly, he noticed his eagerness was pride and went with a smoother approach. She glances at the nearby buildings, the dust settling around them peacefully. The birds crying in the sky as they flew by, his cologne sweeping into her nose.

“Okay, yes.”

And so she showed up, in an outfit that the world would forever know her for. A long-sleeved, butter yellow silk top that accentuated her cleavage and a pair of high-waisted denim capris with white kitten heels on her feet. Kaliyah’s hair blown out with a few dazzling pins on the side of her part. Her apartment being managed by her sister for 50 bucks, she boarded the jet with a sound mind. He didn’t accompany her on the plane—she learned later that it was safer if he didn’t. A glass of champagne in hand and a pair of black sunglasses, that his publicists gave her, around her eyes. She was heavily guarded, walking into the stadium was surreal. They all crowded around her, her feet attempting to keep up as she hears the roar of the souls watching the King of Pop. Their energy infectious and quite overstimulating—she felt tingles fill throughout her body as her hands begin to shake. She holds onto the strap of her purse tighter than usual, the bag glued to the side of her rib. “I don’t think I can do this.” His publicist leaning down to hear what she said, the dance break of Smooth Criminal running in the background. “I need to go home right now.” She screams over the music, the woman sharing looks with the security next to her. They all come to a stop, locking around the two of them in seconds.

“Just come with us, we can get you some water. He’ll come to you as soon as he gets off stage. We’re running on a tight schedule.” Kaliyah’s chest moving quickly, she didn’t want to make a scene so she accepted. The publicist allowing her to hold her hand as they skate throughout the hallways, the vibrations knocking on her ears continuously. They come to his dressing room, his name plastered on the doorway in bold lettering. They led her in, Kaliyah rushing to the nearby couch. It took a moment for her eyes to settle on the environment, his stage outfits hanging loosely in the corner and a bright vanity resting next to the couch. “As promised.” A cart wheeling in with refreshments and plates of hot hors d'oeuvres, she sits back on the cushion as they move it in front of her. “Thank you, guys, I’ll take it from here.” They all filed out, the security closing the door behind them as they awaited outside.

“Welcome to the Bad World Tour 1988, we’re ecstatic that you accepted Mr. Jackson’s invitation. We already briefed you on the plane, no need to go over it again. He’s already been made aware of your request to go home, he would like to talk to you if that’s alright?” Her legs crossed, her heart dropping to her stomach. She wished they didn’t say anything, she gulps down a stream of water. “We have some time between the intermission, well…he’s stop the concert for the time being.” Kaliyah removing the bottle from her lips, her eyes bulging out the sockets. “No need to panic.”

“What?! I’ll stay here he doesn’t have to do that. Seriously.” She heard commotion outside the door, a horde of footsteps moving down the hallway. The publicist’s radio shrieking on her shoulder, a gruff voice coming through the speaker.

“Mr. Jackson is coming down the hallway. I repeat, Mr. Jackson is coming down the hall.” Everything felt presidential, the woman rushing to the door to open it swiftly. The moments that passed by came quick, he walks into the room and his presence stood in front of her. The silver from his shirt casting a glare from the cart, he ambles up to her, his body moving around the refreshments and his fingers reaching for her hand. She allows him to take it, a kiss pressing against her knuckles.

“It’s wonderful to finally meet you, formally. Thank you for coming.” His breath touching her skin, he made it difficult for her as he stands upright again. His taped fingers lingering on her palm, Kaliyah peering up at him then her eyelids fluttering as she snaps out of her thoughts. Her hand moving back softly and to the hair poking her eye. “Kathy.” His publicist shutting the door then trailing away to the rack of clothing by the wall.

“Thank you for inviting me. This is all so much but, I’m grateful.” A cheeky smile arising on his lips as he sits down next to her on the couch.

“I’m grateful, I really wished you didn’t want to leave but if that’s what you wish. I’ll make it happen for you.” His eyes on her intently, her fingers pushing her hair to the side. A deep breath flooding out her mouth and her gaze softening on his face. “I’m sorry I wasn’t there for you, I know this can be a lot when you haven’t experienced it before. I should’ve took that into account. I can make it up to you, please, let me make it up you.” The curl falling between his eyes caught her attention for a second, she shifts in her seat then cheeses gently.

“I suppose, Mr. Jackson.” She squints her eyes at him and they share a laugh, the tune of their voices breaking through the air.

“I made a song.” It spills out, Kaliyah taken aback by his words.

“Wait, Michael.” Before she could ask questions, a group of hair dressers and makeup artists flood into the room. Chaos surrounded the room immediately, he stands up taking her hand into his once again. Kaliyah stood with him, a woman bending down to fix the sequined socks around his ankles. Another group of people grabbing a mixture of clothes off hangars, she could barely keep up with movement in the room. Michael’s stare fixated on her the entire time, she didn’t understand how he dealt with this.

“I’m gonna perform it and I want you to watch.” The warmth that overtakes her body as he looks closely at her, a makeup pad dabbing on his cheek moments later.

“Oh my gosh, n—

His body being pulled away from her as his deep laugh flooded the corridor, Kaliyah being left in the dressing room with Kathy by her shoulder. “Come, let’s watch.” She heard the chant of his name as they filed down the airway, the flashes of cameras from below reflecting on the glass. Fans push the metal gates made to hold them back, the paparazzi catching a photo of her. A hand obstructing her face to shield her eyes and Kathy jutting the pair of sunglasses, she gave her on the jet, in her direction. “You alright?” She asked, her fingers flicking toward the window and security lining beside Kaliyah.

“Yes, this is a hell of a walk.” The publicist chuckling, her tense shoulders dropping for a moment.

“We’re almost close.” And indeed they were, a few more turns and scenery changes and they entered backstage. She noticed the quaking under her feet, the crowd becoming unbearable to listen to. A sound so deafening you couldn’t hear the individual next to you. Dancers shooting past them while fixing the clothes on their bodies, Kathy places a pair of headphones on her head. Kaliyah turning to her as the sound blurs in her ears, she exhales smoothly. Fixing the grip on her purse, it loosens. A hand on her back as she’s lead to the side of the stage, the music started straight away. The groovy beat dropping and the pressure of the sound waves pushing on the headphones. “Pretty baby, I got kisses for your lovin’.” The score of the music causing her body to move along with the beat, a smile on her face that could’ve been seen from the crowd. “Cause everyday I watch you paint the town so pretty.” Michael’s head nodding toward her, his hand dragging down the back of his neck and his feet shuffling skillfully.

Her legs weak from last night, Khaleesi's fingers brush against her neck—a little gasp slipping from her lips. Love bites clouded her skin, her head still buzzing. She holds up the bucket and grabs a slippery ice chip—throwing it into her mouth. She goes back into the room, closing the door softly behind her. Khaleesi pushes her hair to the side annoyingly then takes another piece of ice in her hand.

The way Kamari made love to her last night, it's all she can think about. The guards outside had no choice but to hear. Her orbs still hold a glimpse of passion, her dark brown eyes full and empty. Khaleesi places the bucket down on the small table next to the door, she walks her way through the spacious suite: the spikes of sunshine warming up her skin.

"Leesi." Kamari comes around the corner with a towel around his waist, his muscles and tattoos more defined with beads of water on his skin. Her head switches toward him as she is suddenly pushed out of her thoughts—it was crazy to her how he could just act normal after having his way with her body last night.

Khaleesi hums quietly, answering back to the call of her name: she didn't even think she could look in Kamari's eyes— she practically rushed out of the room this morning to avoid him. Leesi looks away once again, directing her gaze in a different part of the room. All she could picture was his stare pinned on her and his intense words slipping through her ear— calling her a 'good girl' every once in a while for taking him so well.

A sensational feeling grows between her thighs like a rose in a dark room, she bites the corner of her bottom lip. "You good?" She feels his warm and heavy presence right behind her, Khaleesi looks up and jumps slightly. "Baby." She turns around after hearing his stern voice, her hands placed on his chest.

"I'm good, I got the ice— it's over there." She points in the direction of the table, her eyes staying on his neck. She felt soft in his presence before but now she feels like a marshmallow. "Mari, stop looking at me like that." She pushes his chest and he smiles, her laugh filling the room.

"I can't look at my girl?" He meets her stare and she grins looking away, Kamari leaves a kiss on her cheek then her neck and down on her shoulder. "Hm?" The sound of his voice made the feeling between her legs increase, she squeezes them subtly—she wants him again but is too afraid to ask? "Let me see your face." His thumb grabbing gently onto her chin, turning her head slowly towards him.

"Kamari." She whines softly, tilting her head toward the ground and sighing. He pulls her close once again, the muscle in his arm flexing as he did so. 

"You pushing me away all ready? Too bad, I'm not going anywhere."

"I don't want you too."

"Why you acting like that then?"

"I'm sorry, you're just—you're making me nervous."

"Khaleesi, be for real with me."

"I wanna fuck again." She covers her mouth then closes her eyes—clearing her throat out of embarrassment. He arches his eyebrow, a smile sneaking upon his lips. "It felt really good and now every-time I see you I get hot and bothered and it's frustrating." She rambles on, her voice raising slightly at the end.

"You was afraid to ask me for sex?" She nods her head quietly, her eyes now looking in his. "Im ya man, I'm suppose to please you when you want it." He looks down at her, his eyes low and his face full of playfulness. "We can fuck whenever you want to, I'mma always be down. Matter fact, take these fucking panties off." He read her mind, his fingers pulling several times at the waistband of her underwear.

"Please?" He tilts his head then arches his eyebrow, Kamari leans down to plant a kiss on her lips—Khaleesi smiles, his tongue slipping into her mouth. Her eyebrows crease as their lips move smoothly over one another, the back of her legs hit the front of the bed causing her to fall down on the feathery mattress. "Kamari." Khaleesi's voice low and breathless, they couldn't keep their eyes off one another—her legs wrapped tightly around his waist.

The pad of her fingers pinching at his curly black hair, the corner of his lips lifting up into a closed smile. "What?" Khaleesi squeezes her leg against his side gently, the air around them warm and comforting.

"Let me eat it."

"Why you asking?" She opens her legs, his hands pulling her forward as he stands up looking down at Khaleesi. His lips dancing down her smooth legs, she moans as his tongue hits her clit hungrily, the way it moves and circulated around her sensitive core causes her to arch her back off the bed. Her eyes rolling into the back of her head, she needed this so badly. She wants him.

Her juices being licked up almost instantly, her thighs squeeze his neck. "Nigga." She tries her best to sit up, her lower body weak and squirming under his hold. She gasps out of shock, her hips swaying with his movements. "Ooo fuck, Mari." Her voice high-pitched at the end of her sentence, Khaleesi's eyebrows furrowing as she grips his chain. She wanted to feel him more, her voice saying his name softly—his eyes fell on her face.

"Yes baby?" He smiles gently, looking at her pleasure-stricken face. "Where you want me?" She sits up, pressing a kiss against his lips—her hands pulling on his towel. Kamari pulls away, he lays on the bed right beside her. "Bring that ass here, shit." Khaleesi grins then crawls over—sitting right on his face, his lips connecting to her clit. Her body shivers under his touch, the feeling causing her eyes to roll once again. His hands found their way on her ass, gripping her bottom in his hands.

His tongue finds it way inside of her and Khaleesi has a sharp gasp come from her lips. Her breath shaky as she moans up a storm, falling apart on top of him. "Kamari, I want you now." She whimpers, guiding his hands up her body slowly—he squeezes her breast then kisses her core tenderly. She was being vocal and he loves every second of it. Khaleesi turns around and takes a hold of him, his member already popped up. His eyes never leaving hers as she puts him inside of her, Kamari sits up gripping her waist.

A moan coming out of his mouth as she sits completely down on his lap. "Shit, you feel so fucking good." Khaleesi whimpers then begins to bounce up and down on his hard member, the feelings exploding in her body was euphoric. "Yes, yes." She says quietly to herself, her teeth biting into her bottom lip—her eyes rolling again as the feeling below builds up.

"Fuck." He grabs her jawline roughly, she whimpers as he kisses her lips several times. "You finna cum on that dick?" His hips bucking up as he thrusts inside of her. "My fucking pussy." Khaleesi moans against his lips, her breathing shaky. "Answer me when I'm talking to you." He hisses into her ear, a sharp smack coming down on her ass. She gasps loudly, her mind quickly fixing to say something.

"Y-yes." Khaleesi kisses him gingerly, he pulls her in closer if that was even possible. The way she rides him now, her hips swaying in a motion that's driving him crazy.

"You betta not stop fucking me like that, the fuck." His deep voice is raspy as he looks down at them connecting repeatedly, she places her hands on his face—her lips pressing a kiss against his.

•••

Khaleesi squeezes Kamari's hand as they walk through the outside corridor of the mall, her weight was slightly leaning on him because of the heeled-boots she wears. "Baby, pictures please!" The men behind them stopping when Khaleesi steps in front of him, Kamari smiles at her enjoying herself—she was relaxing and happy. He takes the phone, snapping a couple shots for her—Khaleesi posing as best as she could.

"Yea, period." Kofi, Kamari's friend, walks up beside him with a styrofoam cup in his hand, he was recovering well from his gunshot wound. "Here, nigga, you not getting them angles." Khaleesi laughs loudly, she rolls her eyes and walks over grabbing her phone.

"You play too much, move."

"You heard my girl, bitch ahh nigga."

"Mannn, I would've did better than you." Khaleesi tunes the two of them arguing out as she looks over in the display windows. The pretty clothing and variety of items catching her eye, she spots a gorgeous gold necklace—a medium-sized 'K' pendant attached to it.

"What you see?" Kamari comes from behind her, she relaxes against his body—taking in his warm embrace.

"That necklace, it's pretty. I didn't bring any money with me though, it's okay I can come back and get it." He creases his eyebrows and digs in his pocket. "Baby, no." Khaleesi attempts to stop him from pulling the bills out of his pocket.

"You want it?"

"Yes, yes I do."

"Let's go get it then."

They went around the mall, Khaleesi was getting all types of clothes and accessories because of Kamari. The truth is he loves spoiling her, she really didn't have anything growing up and he wanted her to understand she didn't have to want for anything. She kisses him on the lips quickly while going into a Sephora, Khaleesi shrieks as one of Kamari's friends take ahold of her shopping bags.

"Man." Kofi comes up to him, his arms cross as he stares straight ahead at the entrance of the store. "What's up?"

"Somebody tried invading our territory again, what we gon' do about that?" Kamari laughs, he sighs—his eyes never leaving Khaleesi's figure.

"Who was it?"

"One of Q's men, got him locked up at the warehouse back home."

"Fuck ass nigga always tryna fuck with somebody, I guess we gotta end this shit early?" Kofi nods his head, he motions a hand gesture at one of the men—they turn around going into the store to get Khaleesi. They both hear talking on the other side of the corridor, Kamari and Kofi's eyes glance over at the two men walking.

He recognizes them, one was the perpetrator behind Kofi's wound. Kamari's eyes switch over to his friend, he tilts his head over to the two of them. "Khaleesi, come here." Kamari grabs her hand and pulls her close to his body, she looks at him confused as to what's going on.

"Is everything okay, baby?"

"Yea, you hungry?" He kisses her lips and wraps his arm around her shoulders.

"Yesss, I want some Chinese food." Kamari looks back at Kofi.

"Handle that." He smiles and walks toward the two men almost instantly, Kamari's friends following behind.

"Where they going?" Khaleesi watches as Kofi punches one guy in the jaw, the impact so harsh he slams to the ground. She gasps and Kamari kisses her temple, he walks them around the corner to get her eyes away from the scene. Maybe Khaleesi underestimated Kamari's power.

•••

"What happened back there?" Khaleesi stuffs a few fries in her mouth, she swallows then picks up her pink lemonade on the side of the table. Kamari stares at her, taking in the flavors of her food and thoroughly picking out what to try next. "Mari, are you listening to me?"

"Yes, my love. It's nothing you have to worry about. Alright? Finish eating your food, I wanna take some more pictures of you." Khaleesi grins and laughs softly.

"For your personal collection? You're obsessed, it's disgusting." Kamari holds up his middle finger and she laughs swatting at his hand.

"You heard what I said though."

"I got you."

"Can I please have a fry?" Khaleesi leans forward placing one in between his teeth.

"I'm thinking about getting a job." Kamari tilts his head and leans back, she knew he wouldn't like the idea of that but—Khaleesi wants to earn her own money. She wants to get things on her own and Kamari buying her stuff today only motivated her to do so. "I found this ad for a small role at the diner, it's not much but great for a start."

"Leesi, you don't need no job."

"Kamari, be for real. I want to get money on my own, I love when you take care of me and I appreciate it greatly. I need to do this for myself, I wanna move out you know?" Khaleesi runs her fingers through the ends of her hair and sighs, he wasn't taking it well.

"Why you don't want me taking care of you? I don't have no problem doing it." His hoodie low on his head as he talks to her, the glistening diamonds around his neck.

"I know baby, it's okay, I wanna do this." Kamari exhales deeply, his nostrils flaring as he sits back all the way in his chair. "You can come visit me sometimes."

"With a piece of pie waiting for me, every time?"

"Yes, you still like pecan?"

"You know ya nigga so well." Khaleesi laughs then grabs his hand intertwining their fingers. "As soon as you get tired of it, you leave and I'll step in."

"I promise." She was so bless, that's all that could circulate through her mind. Having someone that wants to take care and provide for her, she wants to please him in every way possible. Khaleesi's heart thumping against her chest as blood rushes up to her cheeks.

"Kamari, I love you."

"I love you too."

"No like, I love you so much." Kamari leans forward kissing her lips multiple times.

"I love you so so much. You not going nowhere." She pulls away, cheesing, taking a couple more of her fries.

•••

ONE WEEK LATER

ACE's INTRO

11:00 PM

•••

Khaleesi wipes down the diner counter for the third time, she leans over causing her skirt to come up slightly—she rolls her eyes and sighs out of irritation. The pinned-skirt the manager gave her was awfully short and raised up with just any movement. She swings her hair to the side and groans, Leesi heard the door open and the bell singing loudly.

"I'll be with you in a second."

"Yes mam." A deep southern accent filling her ears, she could hear a group of men laughing and talking up a storm—not another entourage of loud people. She turns around facing the group of boys, there's one in particular that stood out amongst them. He has a yellow hat on his head, his little fro sticking out in the front. A thick cloud of smoke slipping from his lips and dispersing into the air. The royal blue sign outside—it's light flickering against the wet pavement, Khaleesi places her hand on her hip.

"You can't smoke in here." Her mink lashes hit her cheeks, she walks up to the individual and bugs her eyes out at him when he takes longer than expected to put it out. He laughs and smashes the wood against the glass ashtray on the counter.

"My bad, love. I apologize."

"It's alright, what can I get you?"

"What you recommend?"

"Boy, you know you've been here before."

"Aye, you funny." He grins while laughing once again, Khaleesi couldn't find anything amusing. "I have, I like that steak dinner." She leans over writing down his order on a note pad. "Leesi?" She sighs taking her name tag off and laying it flat on the counter.

"Unfortunately, yes."

"You really don't like me? I can make that change for real." He leans closer causing Khaleesi to arch her eyebrow.

"I have a man but thank for you for the offer. I'll have to politely decline." She rips his order off the notepad and takes it to the window, this has got to be the hundredth time she's reject men's advances towards her.

"Whose ya man?" Khaleesi looks back at him and tilts her head laughing, the look in his eyes told her he was showing intense conviction. She swings her hair to the side then turns around fully.

"She ain't the one." The cook yells from the back, Khaleesi leans on the counter crossing her arms over her chest.

"Ah, he must be important. He a killa?"

"If you keep talking to me, he is."

"You dangerous, huh?"

"Listen, does your homeboys want anything? If not, stop talking to me." She didn't really want to be responsible for anything or anybody. He licks his lips and leans back in his seat, his eyes falling on Khaleesi one more time.

"You happy?"

"I just want you beside me just like my cup is girl." There's music that plays quietly in the back, the soothing tune was her favorite by Lial. When the management wasn't here she played songs, it was calming and it gave her something to do during late night hours.

"Joyful, nigga." Her alarm sounds on the right corner behind the counter, it was 11:30. Khaleesi feels her heart skip a beat, she was excited to see Kamari. Khaleesi runs over to turn the Bluetooth off and then unties her apron—a jet black Cadillac pulling up in the parking lot. He was always on time.

"That your man?" Khaleesi eyes him then rolls her eyes, he smiles playfully. "Shawty, giving me the silent treatment now. Damn." She ignores him and grabs her coat and a small white box that sat under it. Kamari walks in, the smile on his face already visible. The group of men still speaking in the back, Khaleesi walks up to him—planting a kiss on his lips.

"You good? Let's go." He feels a set of eyes on him, Kamari turns his head and sees the man staring. Khaleesi feels a ping of fear strike through her heart, she comes from behind the counter and pulls on his arm.

"Baby, come on I'm hungry."

"Man, what the fuck is you looking at?" The diner falls silent, the man's friends talking coming to a stop. He stands up and Kamari begins to walk toward him, his eyebrows creasing—the cook shuts a metal window down over the opening. Khaleesi rushes over to the both of them getting in between.

"Just hold on, let's just go. Not tonight." The man's height exceeding Khaleesi's, his sweet yet musky cologne filling her nostrils. It smelled amazing.

"Listen to your girl." He laughs, a straight look coming on his face right after.

"My girl ain't none of ya fucking business, bruh get the fuck out of here for I get tight." He scowls, an array of tingles from the bell sounding through the room—Kamari's friends filing in the restaurant one by one. Kofi gently grabs Khaleesi's hand and leads her over to the door.

"Mari, baby please, let's just go."

"Leesi." He turns toward her and she immediately regrets it, his eyes were dark and he looked furious. She allows one of the guys to open the door for her, Khaleesi didn't even dare look in the other individual's direction. The man's people had came up beside him as well, he grips his backpack's straps tightly.

"Y'all wanna get down? We with all that."

"He doing way better, I got him at home resting: got some people circling his place to make sure he good." As Kamari promised, he got Khaleesi home on time: after fixing up his friend's wound she rushed to the shower to wash off his scent then got dressed. She holds her phone between her shoulder and ear, her eyes glancing toward the door every few seconds. "You ain't find no colleges did you?"

Khaleesi knows he doesn't want her to go, the anxiousness in his voice stuck out. She bites down on the corner of her bottom lip, her hand clutching the phone. "I did, I saw a couple good ones but, it's too early to decide. My dad was... he was thinking about Atlanta." Her voice was low, barely audible. Her father has been wanting Khaleesi to be an alumna at Spelman, she would be the first in the family to graduate from college and an HBCU.

She hears silence on the other end but, it said a lot. "I know you your own woman and shit but, Leesi, I don't want you to go."

"You know it's my dad, I don't want to go either. But, I have to—"

"No you don't, wait, hold on baby— what the fuck you want, nigga? Damn." He takes his mouth away from the receiver, his booming voice trailing off. Khaleesi shakes her head then rakes her fingers through the ends of her hair, she curled it earlier but now they were starting to fall. "All you gotta do is say the word, you know?" His low voice coming back into the phone, she squeezes the counter in front of her. "And I'd get you out of there, with the quickness: for real."

Khaleesi shifts back and forth on her feet, she didn't know what to say. She didn't understand how he would get her without anyone dying. "That's dangerous." She interjects, her voice sharp: his raspy laugh now in her ear. "Nigga, what's funny?"

"So that's a yes?"

"I don't want anything to happen to you, Kamari please." Khaleesi begs quietly, she rolls her eyes.

"Nothing is going to happen to me, I got this. In and out, 20 minutes." She stomps her foot then crosses her free arm over her chest, Khaleesi sighs and shakes her head—what would Kali think? "Baby, trust me, please."

"When the time comes."

"Okay, be ready for our date though."

"What you mean? We're doing that tonight?"

"Hell yea, I'mma be there around 10: I'll come help you pack a bag." That only meant that Khaleesi had to get Kali to cover for her again. She already told their mother she went to a sleepover with one of her girl friends for last night.

"Kali has to cover for me again, I don't think she's going to do it though. I'm sorry, baby. We can do it another time."

"Nah, she gonna cover for you again. I think she seeing my homeboy."

"What?!" Khaleesi's eyebrows crease as she looks towards the door, her heart dropping to the pit of her stomach. "Boy, what the hell are you talking about? She hates y'all."

"He told me last night, said they met at the gas station that night but she didn't know at first." Khaleesi thinks back on the time she first seen Kamari, trying to see if there was any time throughout the night Kali wasn't accounted for.  She hears a dainty knock on the bathroom, her head switches over to the door. "I gotta go, I'll talk to you later."

"I love you, perpetually." Khaleesi smiles, her nails tapping against the counter: her head completely empty.

"I like that, I love you perpetually." She hangs up and presses the phone against her chest, Khaleesi rushes over to the door then pulls it open. Kali stands on the other side, her embellished blue gown sparkling under the lobby's lights. "We need to talk."

"Not right now, mom is waiting for us. Let's go." Khaleesi walks out of the restroom and into the crowd of people with her sister. Kali grabs her hand and begins to walk down the corridor, her eyes scanning the various individuals.

"Kali."

"What?"

"Are you seeing one of Mari's people?" Kali stops moving all of a sudden, she looks back at Khaleesi and squints her eyes. She leads them to one of the side walls, pushing her against the wallpaper.

"That is none of your business."

"It is my business because Mari is my business. What happened to not fucking the enemies?"

"Bitch, we're not fucking." Khaleesi purses her lips, not believing a single word coming from her mouth.

"Maybe once. It's still none of your business, I'm a grown woman whose about to move out. They won't care."

"You're a hypocrite and a lying ass bitch." Khaleesi rips her hand from her grip then crosses her arms over her chest. "You will continue to cover for me—"

"No the fuck I'm not-"

"Yes, you will. Or I swear I will tell mom about the club and how you influenced me to go and stirred me away from school. Don't, cross me again. Have you lost your mind?" Khaleesi scowls and continues to walk down the hall, Kali's eyebrows crease as she treads after her.

"Khaleesi." She ignores her, continuing her movement. "Come on, okay I know I should've told you. I'm sorry, we always forgive each-other. What's different about this time?"

"Because, Kali, you made me feel like being in love with Kamari is wrong, saying that he's an enemy and what not but you're doing the same shit. That's fucked up. Can you not see how that's messed up?!" She slightly yells at the end causing several eyes to move over to the sisters, Kali looks around and shuffles them over to the side once again.

"Yes that's fucked up, I get it. I'm sorry, Leesi. You know it's still dangerous though, right?"

"I don't want to hear that right now."

"It's the truth."

"No, the truth is that me and you are in danger. You're not excluded from this, you're still very much a Taylor like me. Bitch, get real." And with that, Khaleesi leaves Kali in a pool of her own thoughts and regrets.

10:00 PM

same day

Khaleesi looks down at Mari's text lighting up her screen, he was on the way. Her TV was already turned off, bed made-up to perfection: the silence that hugs the room was comforting to her. The rose-colored duffle bag on her bed was already packed and zipped up, she sits her phone on top of it and walks to the bathroom to the side of her. She fixes her multicolored headband then flicks a piece of lint off her cheek.

"Khaleesi!" She hears her name and her head cocks back toward the door, her heart beginning to race. Kali had already told their mother she was staying with her girl friend again, what was it now? Her phone begins to ring and she sighs, Kamari's name popping up.

"Here."

"My mom wants to talk to me, what do I do?" Kali opens her door and comes in, shutting it behind her. Khaleesi looks over at her, wondering what she wanted.

"She wants to meet your friend, the one you're staying with? He better come up with something quick cause I can't think of anything else and Nizhoni is busy."

"Did you-"

"I got it, I came prepared trust me." Khaleesi nods her head and hangs up, she tosses her phone on her bed and breathes out a frustrating breath.

"That's all he has to say is trust me? Leesi, mom thinks she's already here to pick you up. If he can't come up with a physical human being within five minutes, I don't know what to tell you."

"He got it, trust him Kali, shit." The doorbell startles both of them, they both gaze at one another: wide-eye and anxious. They move to the door at the same time, Khaleesi goes out first and races down the stairs.

"Whose that?" Alicia Taylor treads out of the kitchen with a towel in her hand, she wipes her palms and tilts her head. Khaleesi opens the door and a young brown-skinned woman stands there, a friendly smile on her face as she holds a pair of keys in her right hand.

"Mom, this is Tracy." Khaleesi thinks of a name quickly, she turns around and stands to the side letting her come into their residence. Alicia smiles and walks towards her, greeting her with a small hug.

"It's certainly nice to meet you Mrs. Taylor, it's nice helping Leesi with her paper. She's doing really good."

"Oh—that's great to hear, my baby she's so smart. It's good to finally meet you as well, wanted to make sure she wasn't running off with no boy now." Alicia laughs amusingly, the three girls all share nervous looks as they chuckle quietly. "Well, I won't keep y'all long. Enjoy studying, Khaleesi don't stay up to late, I'll see you?"

"I'll be back tomorrow night, wanna work on it some more later that day. I won't be too long, ma, I'm just ten minutes away."

"Alrighty then, I'll call to check up on you, try to make it back before dinner? Q is coming over, you know how hard it is to get all of us together."

"Yes mam." Alicia smiles gently and walks back into the kitchen, they all stare at her as she does so. Khaleesi looks over at Kali and walks over to her, she wraps her arms around her sister and hugs her tightly. "Thank you, I'm sorry about earlier. I'll be back, don't worry he has me. It's cool." Leesi pecks her cheek and pulls away, Kali nods her head agreeing silently.

"Let's go, girl, what's your real name?" Khaleesi's voice fades out as Kali shuts the door, the young lady laughs and places her hand on her shoulder: leading Leesi to Kamari's car down the block.

"Kecia, call me Key though." They had walked for several minutes before coming to his car, Khaleesi's heart begins to jump up and down in her chest. "I took my own ride here, he told me to come earlier just in case something like this popped up."

"Well, thank you so much. Hopefully, he rewarded you gracefully for this. It means a lot."

"I love black love, and yep gave me a band." Kecia laughs as she holds the stack up to her ear, she treads away: further down the street. Khaleesi smiles then bites her lip, she walks over to the car and hops in the passenger seat. A set of arms wrap around her, Kamari.

"Baby." His lips attack her cheeks viciously, her fits of laughter fill the car. Khaleesi kisses him, her hand holding onto his bicep. "Mmm." She pulls away, her plump lips smacking on his: he wanted more but she didn't allow it. Her finger resting against his soft lips, she tilts her head and reaches over to turn on the car.

"Let's go, Kamari come on I'm excited. We can do this later, I promise." She smiles and pushes his shoulder, he laughs and puts the car into gear.

"Okay, okay I got you. Let's go." His voice smooth and full of charisma, she takes her shoes off and pulls her legs in the seat. Her fingers reaching over to lock the two-door car. "Don't ask me where we going either, it's a surprise."

"You play too much."

"Nigga, I'm tryna be romantic."

"Sorry, you're doing a good job." She rubs his shoulder and he looks down at her: they laugh together and he smiles brightly. Kamari grabs her bag and puts it in the backseat, she puts her seatbelt over her body then feels a warmth take over her.

"Here. A/C be blowing, you finna get cold soon: and before I forget." A blue blanket sits in her lap, it was the one that's usually laid out on his bed. Kamari reaches to the back one last time before pulling out a black square box filled with clipped red roses. The red color vibrant as can be, she gasps and takes them in her hands. One thing Khaleesi loves is flowers—trees, plants, any type of nature.

"They're beautiful."  The tips of her nails touching the delicate petals, she takes a whiff of them and hums. "And fresh, thank you, love." Khaleesi leans in and pecks his cheek, he looks over at her—disappointed. His lip up in a scowl as he stares at Khaleesi, she laughs. "What?"

"Give me a real kiss."

"We have to go, come on." Khaleesi goes back into her seat and holds onto her seatbelt, she looks over at him while pulling her blanket over her body: setting the roses on her lap.

"You cute."

They had drove for about two hours, Kamari was wide awake but Khaleesi had found herself knocked out in the passenger seat. Her face snuggled into the soft baby blue blanket, Mari's hand resting on her thigh as his other hand grips the top of the wheel. He pulls the black SRT up to the valet that was placed in front of a vast glass building.

"Baby." Khaleesi stirs a little she opens her eyes seconds later and sits up yawning. "We here." He opens the door then she throws the blanket into the backseat, Khaleesi gets out and hugs her beige coat around her body. She walks over to Kamari and leans her head on his shoulder, he takes her hand and leads them over to the steps.

Kamari hands the keys to a young man in a black suit, two other men pull up in SUVs and get out of the vehicles—coming behind the two. "This is beautiful, why are they here?" She whispers the last part then her lips land on his seconds later.

"Rented out the whole place for us, private exhibit views—didn't want anybody in our way. They're here because I want to be able to be as vulnerable with you as possible. "

"Red wine?" A man comes up to her, a small tray sitting on his palm with a glass of bubbling wine on top.

"Yes please." Khaleesi takes it in her hands then takes a sip of the alcohol. The sweet liquid buzzing on her tongue and swirling down her throat, she hums in agreement. They go into the museum, the soft studio lights surround the spacious room.

"An itinerary of the exhibits." Another gentleman coming up as he hands her a thick beige paper with black lettering, she takes it in her hands and thanks him quietly. Her eyes scanning the paper as her fingers squeeze Kamari's hand. The last exhibit on the paper named after her, with the word The before it.

"Baby, what's this?" She holds it out to him and he smiles, bending down to kiss Khaleesi on the cheek.

"You'll see." She lays her chin on his shoulder as they walk, gazing at the pieces in front of them one-by-one—every once in a while stopping to discuss. There were little white stands by every exhibit to the side, three lit ivory candles on each one. Khaleesi's heart fluttering every minute, she felt so peaceful in this moment. Nothing to worry about, not even Q. She felt safe.

"This is so nice." She says gently, her eyes staring up at the chandeliers: Kamari guiding her steps as she did so. They come to the last exhibit, before they could step foot into the room, he covers her eyes and she gasps. "Come on, Mari."

"Hold on, walk with me." He moves behind her causing her to do the same, they tread closer to the piece—the two men with them staying behind. "You ready?" He says in her ear, chills dance down her spine.

"Yes." He takes his hands off her eyes then wraps his arms around her waist, Khaleesi looks up and is met with a colorful and realistic portrait of her: various flowers from different species suspended in the air around the large canvas. Her hands instantly clasping over her mouth, tears already pricking at her eyes. "W-what?" She turns around, her face filled with bewilderment. "How did you—?"

"I know you surprised but, there's more." He takes her hand, leading her to the open space behind the portrait, a small place that's lit up only by candles.

A sea of red rose petals decorating the wood floor, a set of words spelled out in white. Khaleesi couldn't take it anymore, tears dropping from her eyes. "Will you be my girlfriend? Khaleesi Taylor?" She turns around, his eyes already pinned on her. "I know it's soon but, our bond—it's tight like honey. We've been through, everything together: you know that. I love you so much. It's okay, baby." He walks up to her, she looks down at his chest: her hands laying there.

Kamari wipes her cheeks with his thumbs, she gathers the courage to look up at him. She had finally had someone that had her, no more one-sided connections, or toxic individuals entering her life. This was it. She has someone who makes her feel safe, who appreciates her—and something like that was a thing she wants to fight for. She wraps her arms around his neck, her puffy face angling up towards his, Kamari pushes a couple pieces of hair to the side. "This means so much to me."

"Mhm, I know baby, I didn't get to show you actions back then but I'm showing them now. I need you to be with me." Khaleesi sighs, her heart thumping against her chest.

"This is going to be dangerous, Mari."

"Let me show you how far I go for you."