#ffpurge

“Nigga, you just saying that cause you tired of me changing.” I rolled my eyes. “That too, but you honestly look fine.” He said resting his hands on my waist. I pouted as I wrapped my hands around his neck. “I just wanna make a good impression.” I sighed. “I never seen you so nervous. This is actually funny as hell.” He chuckled. 

“It’s not funny! You know how I act around people I don’t know.” I said rolling my eyes. “Yeah, I remember how your shy ass acted when we first met. Couldn’t even get a proper hello out of your ass, and now you calling a nigga daddy when I’m deep in them guts.” He said humping me. 

“Bye Cornelius!” I said pushing him off of me. “You gon chill with that ugly ass middle name, Mikaya.” He said calling me by my first name. “Then chill with that sexual shit.” I laughed as I punched his shoulder. “So, I’m lying?” He smirked. “I don’t know what you talking about.” I shrugged as I reached for my shoes.

“Yeah? Looks like I gotta ready your ass later.” He said sending a smack to my ass that I couldn’t help but moan for. “That’s my girl.” He teased. “Ant, I have to change, for real.” I switched the subject. “Whatever man. Yo ass got one more time to change, but then we have to go.” He patted my butt. “I’m serious.”

“Okayyyyyy!” I whined. Pulling the tube dress from the hanger, I slid it over my body and adjusted my hair for the final time. I took most of the jewelry off, since it looked like too much, and only kept on my watch and small earrings. Stuffing everything I would need tonight in my clutch, slipped on my shoes, and I was finally ready to go.

Anthony had already slipped out of my room into the living room, so I grabbed my things and met him out there. “Readdyyy.” I sang as I walked into the living room. “How do I look?” I asked as I did a slow turn. “You look good as hell. Like a tall glass of milk.” He said grabbing my butt. I couldn’t help back cackle at his stupid joke. 

“Let’s go before you wanna talk a sip.” I said walking ahead of him. “Trust me, I’m taking more than a sip when we get back.” He said as he shut the door behind him. He helped me climb into the passenger seat of his Range Rover before climbing into the driver’s seat and pulling out of the driveway. 

The ride was quiet for the most part. I was taking pictures and replying back to the group message I was in with the girls. When I noticed how close we were to these restaurant, I started to get nervous. I inhaled and exhaled deeply with my eyes closed .

“Baby, you need to relax.” He said placing his hand on my thigh. “I’m good.” I replied. Minutes later, Anthony pulled in front of the restaurant and the valet opened my door. I stepped out and Anthony met me before handing the keys over. We walked in and he told the host about his reservation. 

“Oh! You’re guests are here already.” She chirped. Great. “Right this way sir, madame.” She said leading the way. “Relax girl.” He chuckled on the way over. I could already see the two women sitting at the table chatting away as we approached. 

“Look at two of my favorite ladies.” He said. “Hey big brother!” His sister smiled wide. She was so pretty. She had most of the facial features her brother did. She rocked a cute pixie shot, and I could tell she was one to keep fit. His mother was just smiling at me, and I awkwardly waved to her. When he released his sister from the hug, he went over to his other and planted a kiss on her cheek before hugging her. 

“You look like you been eating good, Cornelius.” She said resting her hand on his cheek. “Mom, for real? The middle name?” He scoffed. “Oh hush, little boy. Aren’t you gonna introduce us?” She asked looking back at me. “Oh, my bad.” He chuckled. “Ma, Ashanti, this is my other favorite lady. This is Mikaya, my girlfriend. Mikaya, this is my mom Joy and my sister Ashanti.” 

“Hi.” I giggled nervously. Hi? Really bitch? I wanted to slap myself in the face, but I just extended my arm for a hand shake instead. She looked at me like, “Girl, if you don’t get yo..” “Little girl, I give hugs.” She laughed pulling me into one. She released me and I gave Ashanti a hug too, before Anthony pulled my chair out for me to sit next to him. 

The waiter came around not too longer later and took our drink ours. Lord knows I needed a shot to chill out, but I stuck to water. “You alright?” Ant whispered to me. I nodded and he put his hand on my thigh for comfort. “So, miss lady. How do you say your name, baby?” His mother asked. “Mi-ka-ya.” I pronounced for her. 

“Mikaya. That’s very pretty. How long have you and my son been together?” She asked. “Thank you. We’ve been together for almost a year? About eleven months.” I told her. “And no babies yet? Shit.” She muttered. My eyes bulged and Ashanti giggled. “Ma, Mikaya and I ain’t ready for no babies.” Anthony assured her. 

“Is that right, Mikaya?” She asked me. “Yes ma’am. We’re both just focused on our jobs and our relationship right now.” I added. “So, you do want his have kids eventually right?” She asked. “Um, yeah. I can see myself having kids with your son.” I blushed.

“Look at her blushing! Girl, don’t have no babies for him. Don’t you see that head!?” Ashanti made sure to add her two cents. “Shut up lil girl.” He said throwing his napkin in her face playfully. Our dinner was served and light conversation carried on. 

My job, my family, my friends, and -unfortunately- my ex were all subjects that were brought up. Ty was something I hoped would stay in the past, but that nigga and the bullshit we went through was tied to my ankle like a damn ball and chain. I could tell her questions were innocent, but I still didn’t wanna talk about him. 

Anthony and I have discussed our past relationships in great detail. He’s told me about his crazy ass, Jazmine Sullivan ‘Bust The Windows’, bleach his clothes, and then light them on fire ex. Now see, I might have done one or two of the same things, but a nigga always did some grimey shit to bring me to such a dark place.  So, my question to him was, what the hell did you do? 

He cheated. Was I surprised? No. But, that was only because every nigga I had ever been with had cheated. Was I doubtful? Yes. Was I insecure? Yes. Was I afraid? Hell yeah. But Anthony assured me I could trust him. And for the past year, we haven’t had any hiccups. 

He, of course knew all about my ex. Considering the fact that we met when Ty and I were beefing, he knew most of the situation. And the parts that he was blurry on, I cleared up for him. Of course we had that one little spat when he thought I was still in love with Ty... But fuck that nigga. I even informed him about the baby situation that led to that argument, and he didn’t judge me for it. Anthony Cornelius Williams was my life. That man had my heart. 

“So, Anthony. Have you met Mikaya’s family yet?” His mother asked. “Uh, nah. Her family is from Miami. We haven’t planned that visit yet.” He explained. “Yeah, that’s gotta happen pretty soon though. I’m getting tired of my mama asking when I’m gonna let her meet him.” I said shaking my head. “Do you have brothers and sisters?” Ashanti asked. “Just an older brother.” I answered.

“Meeting the family, talking about babies, that ring coming soon girl.” Ashanti smiled. Listen, if my face would have gotten more red, I’d be a damn tomato. Marriage was a subject we only talked about a few times. We both believed in marriage and both wanted to be married. But, there were never times when either of us have said, “When we’re married..” To hear that topic being disgusted right now, had me giddy.

“Mrs. Williams does have a ring to it.” He smiled. “Ohhhh!” The other two women at the table sang. “Boy, you better stop before you have this girl explode at this table. Look at her cheeks.” Ms. Joy giggled. Anthony only chuckled and kissed my cheek. 

Dinner was great and none of us had and room for desert. His mother and sister bid us goodbye and were sure to engulf us both in hugs. Ashanti asked for my number and I made sure to give it to her.saying she had tons to ask me about tattoos. 

All in all, the night was great. Anthony made sure to clown my ass all the way back to my house. “Ol I was stressing for nothing face ass.” He cackled as he walked up the driveway. This nigga was dying! I mean clapping like a seal and all! I let him have his fun though. 

“It’s funny huh?” I asked as I turned the key on the door. “It’s gonna be even funnier seeing your big ass sleep in that tiny ass couch. Haha.” I laughed with my tongue out. “I ain’t sleeping on that lil ass couch! Plus you said I could get a sip of milk tonight.” He said biting his lip at me. 

“Sip on some water nigga!” I laughed as I ran to my room. Sure enough he was on my tail. He damn near tackled me and we fell on the bed. By the time his lips landed on my neck, I was done for. Who was I fooling? He could sip on me all night if he wanted to.

Madison

“So..wait? You’re pregnant?” Mel asked as she rocked Dom in her arms. We were finally back home in L.A. and since Mijo and Chris went to the studio earlier, she came over. We were in the kitchen and I was making a rather heavy lunch for the her, Christian, and I. 

“Girl, no!” I laughed as I placed the pasta in the boiling water. “Well, I might as well be. The second after I told him I was off my birth control pills, he’s been humping me like a damn rabbit.” I said rolling my eyes. “Wait, hold up!” She giggled. 

“You finally got with the winning team, huh bitch?” She continued to laugh. “After we had the talk in Virginia, we came to an understanding.” “Yeah you came to an understanding alright.” She giggled. “You’re so immature.” I laughed with her. 

The chicken and vegetables that were in the skillet, were still sizzling away as we continued to talk. “I’m not pregnant, but Chris is treating me like I am. The shit is annoying. He’s treating me like so fragile ass doll! ‘Sit down.’ ‘Don’t do this.’ ‘Don’t do that.’ Like nigga, shut up!” 

Mel was cackling. “Like he’s already rubbing my stomach, it was cute at first. The shit is just plain annoying now. Did I tell you he told me to take a test this morning? Mind you, we had sex last night. Did he expect me to be pregnant already or is that just him being eager?” I asked her. 

“Aw! Madison, that’s cute as hell! He’s just eager. The man can’t wait to have his daughter here. Let him live.” She advised me. “I’m trying Mel. I really am. He’s just tiring me out.” I sighed. “Between work, Christian, and him trying to hump me two times a day, I’m fucking exhausted.” 

“Mommyyyy!” I heard Christian whine as if on cue. I shut my eyes for a second and sighed. I turned the stove down and told Mel I’d be right back. I made my way to Christian’s playroom and maneuvered through the toys situated on the floor to get to his bed. 

“Hi my baby.” I grinned as he stretched for me. I kissed his cheek as he clung to me and we made our way back to the kitchen. I was surprised to see Mijo and Chris seated at the bar counter playing with Dominic. “Hey baby.” Chris greeted me first. “Hey.” I replied planting a kiss on his cheek. 

I made sure to greet Mijo’s extra ass too. Mel had turned off the pasta and drained it just in time for me to add the alfredo sauce, chicken, vegetables, and the garlic bread was being kept warm in the oven. Christian, after hearing his daddy’s voice, no longer wanted to be in my arms, but in his daddy’s instead. 

When the food was all done, I made everyone’s plate and handed them over. They all opted to sit in the living room, watching one of Christian’s favorite shows. I stayed in the kitchen, sitting at the bar with my laptop in front of me.

The amount of work I had to catch up on was unreal. I had new and old clients contacting me, Jazmine had done all she could to hold it down while I was out of town, but the shit was just too much for her to handle. I called a few people, secured appointments, rescheduled, and unfortunately cancel others. I called Jazmine up and told her I’d see her bright and early in the morning, considering my first client was coming in at 8 am. 

Just thinking about how my Monday was going to begin made me roll my eyes. I wasn’t a morning person and if I let Chris have his way tonight, I’d have the nastiest attitude tomorrow. As soon as I spoke of the devil, he appeared. 

Clumsily carrying everyone’s plate, I laughed as I watched him struggle to put everything in the sink. Instead of watching him struggle, I stood and helped him. “Thanks baby.” “No problem, light bright.” I smiled. 

“How you feeling?” He asked. I swear it took everything in me to not roll my eyes. “I’m feeling fine, Chris.” I answered him. “Did you take the test?” He asked. “Nope.” I replied as I climbed back into my seat and the bar. “Why not?” He damn near pouted. 

“Chris, there’s no way-” I stopped and sighed. “Come here.” I called him. He walked over and I made sure to pull him close. “Baby, I know you want this to happen, but you have to be patient. I understand your eager baby, but please, you’re killing me.” I laughed. 

“You saying you wanna wait a little longer?” He asked sadly. “I thought we-” “Baby, no! I’m just exhausted. You know Christian Christian is a handful. Work is piling up and on top of that every time you come home you wanna have sex. Can we cuddle? Can we just go to sleep?” I asked making him chuckle. 

“I just need a breather, okay? It’ll happen soon enough baby. Don’t rush this.” 

The grin that was on my face was something I hadn’t been able to get rid of since last night. “I did not get dicked down! Now leave me alone.” I laughed. “Shit, could have fooled me.” She muttered. I sighed before rolling my eyes and turned over on my side.

“His lips are so soft.” I mumbled. “Mya, the boy would make a nun sin with them lips.” I dished to my bestfriend. She threw her head back and died with laughter. “And then he went to kissing my neck and I just wanted to-” “What y’all in here talking about?” Chris asked as he walked into the room shirtless. 

“Touch your nose, Brown.” Mya said. “This my house, Holmes.” He said smacking his chest lightly. “And this is my conversation, so see your way out.” “And this is my room. See your way out.” He laughed. “Plus, Mikey ass said he needs you downstairs.”

She looked at him, back at me, and then him again before squinting her eyes. “Mhmm.” She smirked. “I’m gonna see what this boy wants, and then we’re leaving Niya.” She warned me. “Okayyyy.” I answered as Chris placed all of his weight on me. “You so comfortable Shaniya.” He muttered, making himself comfortable. 

“Christopherrrr, I can’t breath!” I whined. “Come on Shaniya, you real comfortable.” He muttered. “And I’m almost dead, Chris.” “You so over dramatic.” He kissed his teeth. I giggled and rolled my eyes. “I had a good time with you this weekend.” He confessed. “Imma miss you.” He continued. 

I was cackling. “Nigga, you talking about me being over dramatic? I’m deadass gonna see you in a few hours.” He kissed his teeth again and adjusted his position on top of me. I got comfortable and latched my legs around him and rubbed his head. “I don’t care, Imma still miss your company.” He muttered. 

I couldn’t even hold back the smile that was on my face. I didn’t wanna admit it, but I knew the feelings I had for this boy was gonna bloom more and more every time we spent time together. I wasn’t one to be emotional, or show emotion for that matter, but being around Chris made me feel mushy. 

“Niya!” I heard Mya call from downstairs. I rolled my eyes assuming it was time to go. “Okay, I gotta go. Let me up.” “I gotta get my kiss first.” He said. “Let me up first.” I reasoned with him. “Nah, I know your little sneaky ass is gonna get up and bolt through that door. And, this headache ain’t gon let me get up from this bed.” He replied. 

“I ain’t tell your ass to face that bottle last night. Now let me up.” “Let me get my kiss.” He said lifting up and crawling closer to my face. Before I could even deny him, his lips were on mine and I was in heaven for the second time this weekend. “These lips gon’ get you in trouble, girl.” He mumbled before latching our lips together again. 

“Yo Chris- Oh shit, my bad man.” I heard a male’s voice say. But, this wasn’t any male’s voice. I knew this voice. “Oh my God.” I whispered. Chris looked back and there stood Tyler. “My bad bro.” He chuckled. “I didn’t kno- Shaniya!?” He yelled as my face came into view. The words I were looking for to explain wouldn’t leave my mouth, so instead I laid there looking like a dumbass. 

“Look Ty, it ain’t even what it loo-” “Nigga, you laid up with my sister and it ain’t what it looks like? Shaniya, get the fuck up. Let’s go, I’m taking your ass home.” He commanded. Embarrassed, I did as I was told as removed myself from Chris’s bed, grabbed my shit and made my way to the exit. I heard Chris on our tails as I led my way to the car, but I didn’t turn back. 

I climbed in the passenger seat and slammed the door shut while I watched him walk in front of the car and slide into the driver’s side. “What the fuck were you doing in that nigga’s bed, Shaniya?” He roared. I folded my arms and rolled my eyes at his question. 

I wanted to be a smartass and say, “You know what the fuck we were doing.” But instead, I kept quiet. “Oh, so you deaf now? Alright, we’ll see how deaf you are when I tell dad where yo ass was at all weekend. Snuggled up in some nigga’s bed.” “He’s not just some nigga! You know Chris!” I defended.

“You damn right I know that nigga! I know how much of a hoe that nigga is! I know how he dogs these lil dumbass girls out. These dumb lil hoes can’t wait to jump on that nigga’s dick and here you are.” “So what? You think I’m one of them dumbass lil girls at school?” I yelled back. “The fuck am I supposed to think when ya ass was in a relationship one minute and then in another nigga’s bed the next!?” 

If I wasn’t upset before, I was fuming now. So, now I was a hoe? That’s what my brother saw me as? Cool. I wanted to smack the black off his ass. I was crying and shaking because I wanted to hit him so bad. Then next ten minutes, my legs shook and I sniffed in order to calm down. When we pulled up to our house, he didn’t even put the car in park before I hopped out. 

I unlocked the front door and swung it open. I stomped my way through the living room, seeing my uncle, aunt, and my parents. “Shaniya? Baby, what’s wrong?” My mom asked. I didn’t mean to ignore her, but I just wanted to be in my room right now. I stomped up the steps and made my way to my room, hearing Tyler follow behind me. 

I made sure to slam and lock my door before climbing into bed. My phone was next to me going off with phone calls from Chris and Mya, and even Mikey. I put my phone on ‘Do Not Disturb’ and pulled my covers over my head. 

I’m not sure how long I was asleep, but I know I woke up to my parents banging at my door. “Okayyyy!” I groaned as I pulled myself from my bed. I unlocked my door and pulled it open for them to walk inside. “So..” My mom started as I flopped down on my bed.

“Where were you this weekend Shaniya?” My dad asked. Well damn, he ain’t waste no time. “I was at Chris’s house.” I answered. “But you told me you were going to Mya’s house for the weekend.” He said crossing his arms over his chest. “Well.. there was a lil change in the plan?” I looked for my mom to help. Normally she would have my back, but not this time.

“Alright, I know I shouldn’t have lied daddy. I’m sorry. But, I knew how’d you react if I told you his mom wouldn’t be there. He had a party, no one got hurt, and nothing happened. I swear.” He nodded as he listened to me.

“You’re grounded for three weeks.” He said before turning to step out of my room. “Daddy!” I whined. “Let’s make it four then.” He turned back. One thing I knew not to do was push this man. He was really calm right now and I hated that shit. He’s one of those people who stayed calm when they were mad, the shit always scared me. 

“I’m more disappointed in you for lying to me than anything else.” He said as he shook his head at me. “You’re about to be 18 Shaniya. You’re supposed to be showing us that you can make decisions and we can trust you, but here you are lying to me.” He said. “Honey, we raised you right and we trust you. But, if you’re going to lie to us about simple things, we can’t trust you.” My mom added. 

“I’m sorry.” I apologized to both of them. “We forgive you honey. But you’re still grounded for lying. Four weeks, no basketball games, no going to the mall, no anything. You can’t have friends over, and you definitely will not being seeing Chris after school hours. You’re going to school and coming home. You’re lucky we think your too old to take your phone away.” My mom said joining my dad at the door. 

I silently thanked God they were so gracious enough to let me keep my phone. I don’t know what the hell, I’d do without it. “Your brother wants to talk to you.” My mom announced before walking out. Tyler walked in and shut the door behind him. 

“Whatever you have to say, write it down, bottle it and throw the shit in the ocean cause my hoe ass doesn’t wanna hear it.” I said reaching for my math book. I had homework to do and Tyler’s talking was only distracting me. I retrieved my planner from my bag, a couple sheets of paper, my calculator, my earphones and went to work. 

“You promised me last time! And the time after that...and after that!” I folded my arms across my chest. Rian squeezed her eyes together and stuck her lip out even more.

Typical Rian.

I’ve met Rian at a party once when I was a freshman in high school. I didn’t even know who she was when I first saw her there but she stuck on me the entire night and kept all the creepy older upperclassmen away from me by taking all the attention for herself. Then the next weekend I saw her at another party. I remember approaching her and blatantly asking her who she was. Come to find out, she didn’t even attend my high school. She just heard of the party and showed up because she wanted to. We’ve been inseparable ever since. Regardless of us going to two different high schools, we somehow managed to go to each others homecomings and proms together. If it was possible, we would have sat next to each other during our high school graduations. Years after initially meeting, Rian finally admitted to me the reason she was so attached to me from the start was because I was the prettiest girl there.

This was no surprise to me. Rian always loved attention. If she couldn’t be the prettiest girl, she would definitely befriend the prettiest one. She always went after guys who were known and going somewhere. Chasing names lead to many heartbreaks but it didn’t stop her.

“I’m cute. I’m sure any other guy would be lucky to have a girl like me on her arm.” I remembered Rian cried the Monday after our prom weekend. Her prom date to my school’s junior prom, who also happened to win prom ‘prince’, dumped her that Sunday night after dating for a whole five weeks.

“You’re right,” I reluctantly agreed. Because she was. Any guy would be happy to have a beautiful five foot six girl with wavy blonde hair, big green eyes and a cute Victoria’s Secret model body to match, walk into any spot with them. She found her next boyfriend, her first college boy, less than a week later.

“We can’t stay long” I submitted, walking ahead of Rian towards the bus station. We were on our way to my dad’s house in the city. I had my license for four years and still never had the guts to drive there. That and the traffic in the city made me way more anxious than I could manage. So I sucked it up and stuck out almost seven hours of bus riding from Fresno to see him.

I loved spending time at my dad’s house. Even if he was never home, there was always something to do. Besides, getting to see his face for even just thirty minutes was worth it to me.

Rian caught up to me and linked her arm around mine. “Lia, I promise this time is gonna be different.” She smirked. We paid for our tickets and waited for the train that was suppose to arrive any second. With a blink of a second, it speed up the station and stopped in front of us. Right before the doors slid open, I noticed the doors were spray painted with flowers in shades of blue, purple and black.

“Yeah, girl, you better hope.” I muttered under my breath as we boarded the train.

__

“I still can’t believe your dad has a piano just sitting in your dining room. Now I know your daddy don’t know how to play any type of instrument. Who just buys a baby grand for aesthetics? This is seriously like rich people activities.” Rian laughed while hitting a few keys on the piano.

I wanted to snap at her. I never liked it when people called my dad rich. The word rich always made me think of those kids who were born into old money and never had to work for anything and my dad was nothing like that. My dad was the definition of self made.

But she was right in a way. My dad did like to flash his money from time to time. Growing up I always had the newest cellphone the day it came out and my dad always made sure I was dressed better than all my classmates. It was the main reason why I had problems making  true friends as a child. The kids around my mom’s way always thought I was so spoiled, stuck up brat. And the ones that did talk to me always used me. They were always the “I’ll pay you back” and then disappear when I didn’t want to take the tab anymore.

“I’m so happy your dad is letting us stay with him for the summer. I feel like we should just throw house parties all the time since your dad is never going to be home anyway.” Rian squalled while brushing her hair for the millionth time.

“Are you done yet?” I ignored her and ran my fingers through my thick, curly hair.

“Yeah but um… are you done? I hope you don’t think you’re wearing that.” Rian spat.

“There’s nothing wrong with my outfit.” I said sticking my nose up in the air. And there wasn’t. I wore a simple grey bodysuit and ripped black jeans with some Nike sneakers. The only piece of jewelry I wore was my watch that my dad got for me a few months ago. It was a “I miss you” present. It was very casual compared to the olive green bodycon skirt and white crop top Rian wore that she paired with glittery gold accessories and black strappy sandals. She hovered over me in her heels and literally outshined me.

“Ok sure.” Rian said. She knew I was on my last straw with these crappy shows that she always dragged me too. The least she was going to let me do was let me dress comfortably. “Let’s go. The show starts in twenty minutes.” We took the elevator down from my dad’s 17th floor condo and gathered into a black cab. City traffic made sure we arrive to the ‘venue’ at least twenty fives minutes after the time on the flyer.

__

“Are you sure it’ll be alright that we’re late?” I questioned Rian. I hoped this dude wasn’t one of those artist that took their “craft” too seriously. I didn’t want to cause a scene. Knowing Rian, that was inevitable.

“Yeah. Things like this always start at least a half hour late. We’re good.” Rian assured me, linking hands with me. We walked into the building which looked like an old apartment complex. We followed the directions in the email and walked down the hall took a flight of stair downwards.Well, I walked. Rian limped. The moment we got out of the cab, she was already complaining that her cheap sandals were pinching her feet.

“A basement party in the abandoned public housing building?” I joked.

“I think we’re here.” Rian stopped me in front of a door that read 10A. We rang the little doorbell that was there. Not even thirty seconds later,  the door cracked open. A white man with a black surgical mask marked with “NA$” over his mouth peeked his head out.

“Party started thirty minutes ago. No more entry.” And slammed the door in our face. Rian and I turned towards to each other confused by what transpired in the last second. Without hesitation she rang the doorbell again, this time she held it down until the door opened again.

“I said -” the man started.

“I know what you said but I was personally invited here. You want to see my email?” Rian started digging through her clutch to pull out her phone.

“Everyone was personally invited. It’s a private party. You missed the time. No one else can come in.” Once again the door was slammed in our faces. I bit my lip.

“We can just go home and watc-” I started but Rian was already ringing the doorbell again.

“Listen here,” the guy swung the door all the way open. “We have enough females in here. We don’t need no more bitches. And you guys are late!”

“No. You listen!” Rian waved her clutch in his face. “There’s not even music playing yet. I know it’s not popping in there yet. Let. Us. In.” Rian demanded. I could see a vein in the man’s forehead start to form. If he couldn’t handle this little bit of attitude from her, he wasn’t tough at all and had no chance. Rian is a fighter.

Before the guy could respond, another man walked up behind him. The tawny skinned man with cutting cheekbones and piercing eyes wore a matching black TA$ mask to match the bouncer’s.

“It’s fine.” the guy said with two pats on the bouncer’s back. The bouncer rolled his eyes and stepped to the side finally allowing us to pass him. Rian marched in with an extra oomph in her step.

As soon as I entered, I was overcame with the smell of marijuana. I’m pretty sure we walked right into a smoke cloud that filled the room. There were a lot of pretty girls there. They were all dressed flashy just like Rian. Most of the girls with drinks spilling out of their red plastic cups, chatting and laughing obnoxiously.

I walked over to the small bar area to get myself a drink. Of course the bouncer was doubling as the bartender. He only glanced over at me and forced a red cup into my hand.

“All we got. All you need.” he muttered while watching me. I swirled the cup around. It looked like alcohol but wasn’t too sure. I instead walked away to the far corner of the room and place the cup down on the ground. I sat down on a musty brown couch and pulled my phone out. This was my first time realizing that Rian was not near me.

“Good choice,” I heard. I picked up my chin to see the guy who let us in. His medical mask was off and I could see freckles splattered all over his face. He picked up the cup and dumped its remains on the floor. “You don’t want none of this shit anyway. It’s not good for you.” I awkwardly smiled and pulled my phone closer to my face. I preoccupied myself by scrolling through my emails which were nothing but promos from a bunch of different online boutiques.

“Nice watch.” He leaned in closer to my wrist. “Bvlgari. That’s dope.” I smiled sheepishly and thanked him then proceeded to get up and walk away. He might have done us a favor by getting us in but there was no way I was going to let him use that to get close to me. I have ran into guys like that before. They trick you into thinking they’re sweet as pie and they feel that you’re entitled to have sex with them because they did a few nice things for you. I hate boys like that the most. No man is getting kitty because he decides to act how he’s supposed to act. No ma’am.

Immediately all the lights are turned off. Then an iridescent glow formed in the middle of the room. A man stood with the lights on him.

“My name is Lah Ali and I’m going to take you for a ride.”

__

“Where are you?” This was the sixth message I sent to Rian’s phone. The party died thirty minutes ago and I took it upon myself to leave before the bouncer decided to clean house. A bunch of drugged up party girls stumbled out with either the crew they came with or the man they were taking home. I paced around the perimeter of the building for another fifteen minutes before deciding to go back inside to make sure Rian wasn’t passed out somewhere. It wouldn’t surprise me if she was. She’s done it before.

When I arrived, I didn’t bother knocking on the door. I let myself into the smoky chambers and was met by four pairs of eyes. All TA$ masked men.

The bouncer from before started rushing towards me. “Party been over. Go home.” He gripped me up by my shoulders.

“Woah!” the lightskinned guy from earlier ran up after. “It ain’t that serious! Let her go!” The bouncer let me go and scowled at me. The tawny guy pulled me aside.

“You good, Nice Watch?” he smirked brushing invisible dirt off my shoulders.

"I’m fine.” I mustered up a tiny smile but I was still very shook. I never been gripped up by a man, or anyone, before. “I’m looking for my friend.”

“Goldilocks?” he laughed. “Don’t worry bout her. She good. She gonna need a moment though.” He nodded his head back over to that musty couch. We both made our way over there. “What’s your name?”

“Jada,” I lied instantly. It was a habit.

“I’m Maverick. Did you enjoy the show?”

“Yah,” I lied again. This wasn’t out of habit. I just didn’t want to hurt his feelings. This Lah Ali guy’s vocals were average and I was turned off my the girls who seemed like they were ready to pounce on him any second. Not only that but the Lah Ali guy had the nerve to stop mid-song to tell the party to stop taking pictures. A man shouldn’t be acting like Beyonce when he doesn’t even have a legit career yet.

“Cool. You should come to the next show.”

“I’ll think about it…”

“You won’t get gripped up by Bruce the Bully again. I promise.” He laughed. I watched as the other guys were smoking weed and chatting. After a while even Maverick started to smoke and chat. He offered me a bong but I politely declined. Thankfully, Rian decided to pop up shortly after.

She stumbled her way over to me. Her shoes were in her hands and her hair was disheveled.

“I texted you!” I yelled. Rian started giggling. She was clearly high off whatever else the other girls were doing.

“I know. Well I don’t really know. I lost my phone. No clue where it went. I just know you would be texting me the minute it was over. That’s sooo you.” I could feel the guys in the room watching us. I grabbed Rian’s hand and started pulling her towards the door. “Hold on.” She snatched my phone out of my hand and made her way towards Maverick.

“Yo give Lah my number for me. I have to get a new phone but he can reach me here.” She waved my phone in his face. “323-712-7897” She tripped over her own two feet which generated a small chuckle from Maverick.

“Will do.”

“Okay, Camellia. Let’s go home to our castle,” Rian shouted. I grabbed her hand and ignored Maverick’s icy glare. I was exposed.

___

It was nearly four A.M. and I was dragging my best friend home. As soon as we got there, I made sure my dad wasn’t home before dumping Rian’s body on the couch. She was knocked out cold. I wiped off my makeup and slid under my bed covers without bothering to change my clothes. My body was ready to give out any moment now. My eyelids started fluttering close until it was interrupted by the vibration of my phone. I opened one eye and read the text. It was from an unsaved number.

“Y would u lie bout ya name CAMILLE???”

He didn’t even get my real name right. 

Unsure of how to respond I tucked my phone back underneath my pillow and tried to fall asleep again. Immediately right after I got another text.

I pulled out my phone again and let the light burn against my eye and the way he typed didn’t help either. “Lah said he wanna c ur girl again. Let her kno we outchea tonight.. Jada is invited, if u c her let her no.”

I was always different growing up. I could never get emotionally attached to anyone which made it hard for me to make friends. It got to the point where my parents got me a shrink. People didn't understand me. I didn't try to be rude on purpose it just happens. Only a few people understood and Blake was one of those few. That's why I rock with her so hard.

“People really don’t get along with me”

“Looks like you got your hands fool” The guy who commented on my lighter came back up to me. Checking him out, he wore a black button up with arm fatigue pants and black Nike Foams. Simple but it really fit him.

“No, I don’t even know her” I check out his lanky features again. He was attractive, I’m sure that’s the only thing he had going for him though. “Can I ask you a question?” The guy nodded his head for me to continue. “Can you not take a hint?”

“Excuse me?” he replied with a chuckle taking a seat next to me.

“Me not wanting anything to do with you” I made sure to look him in the face.

He just chuckled back while licking his lips. “Maybe I don’t handle rejection well” He looked me in the face. With this look in his eyes letting me know he doesn’t scare easy.

“I can see” I mumbled so he couldn’t hear.

Rolling my eyes I tried to play off as if he wasn’t evading my personal space. Looking over at Lyric who was holding her head in her own world.  

“Can I at least get a name” the guy ask trying to take a peek at my face but I turned my head quickly. “I’m Quinten”

“Well Quinten how about you get lost” a familiar voice spoke up. Quinten chuckled to himself before he looked up and saw who it was.

“My bad Eli this you?” Quinten asked. Nodding his head ‘yes’ Quinten threw his hands up in defeat as he got up from the chair and walk over to the group of people.

Bitch, how he let someone like Eli punk his ass out.

Turning my attention to Eli he had that same smirk on his face that makes me want to punch him. I didn’t need his help. I had everything under control. This wasn’t the first time a guy tried to talk to me when I didn’t want him to. Getting help from Eli made it much worse.

“I didn’t need your help” I said through gritted teeth.

Eli shrugged it off taking the seat Quinten had just left. I hope he didn’t think I owe him something because he thinks he helped me out. Are relationship was still the same I didn’t like him and he didn’t like me. As long as he was fornicating with Kai he will always be on my shit list.

“Well I extended it anyways. Um how was your night” Eli asked laying back on the lawn chair staring up at the sky.

I remained silent. Chuckling to himself Eli pulled a blunt out of his pocket sparking it up. When it came to smoking we were on the same level. He was probably the only person at Lincoln Way who could keep up with me on the smoking tip. It was funny because he was on the basketball team, but was as healthy as ever.

“Fine then, be that stuck up bitch that you are”

“And you wonder why I didn’t thank yo ass” I sat up from the chair. Just when I was about to maybe give him the benefit of the doubt he says some shit that reminds me why I hated his ass.

“Look I’m sorry I’m sorry’ Eli grabbed my arm stopping me from leaving. Snatching it away from him he knew better than to put his hands on me. “It just- it just you are the only person at this party who gets me.”

Eli was right, although I hated him for several of reason we were alike. We didn’t have too many friends just our one best friend. We were the assholes of Lincoln Way. It was enigma we were so different but yet so a like. I think that’s what fueled the fire for my hatred for Eli. I couldn’t figure who or what made us so alike it bothered me.

Watching Eli smoke, he let it immense from his nostrils. Taking a drag this time coughing he passed the blunt to me. Not thinking twice I grabbed the blunt from his hand taking two quick drags and passing it back. If our relationship was like this, it would be cool. Just two people smoking together no talking just smoking. I could live with this.

“Why you be so rude when niggas be trying to talk to you? You an alright girl so niggas gone be on yo jock” Eli asked taking another hit of the blunt.

I almost chuckled at the slight compliment he gave me but  he knew the reason why I was so fuck up. I don’t even know why he would ask this type of question. “Eli you know why I’m so fucked up, you are Kai’s best friend aren’t you”

Eli had a front row seat to me and Kai’s relationship. Kai was my first actually boyfriend and second person behind Blake to not take my shit. When I was with Kai I wasn’t just hurt mentally he hurt me physically as well. Our relationship was toxic. Yes he put his hands on me but I didn’t back down for nothing. I went toe to toe with him. The domestic part didn’t hurt me as much as the mental part. Kai knew how weak I was mentally so he chewed away at it any time he got. With the cheating and vocal abuse it made me even more screwed up.

“Don’t act innocent Baylee, you did some foul shit also. You got rid of something that probably could’ve made him a better man”

“Don’t give me that shit” I barked at Eli. He was Kai’s friend I mean of course he was going to take his side. “It wasn’t his decision to make it was mine” I fought getting up from my chair where I sat so comfortable the whole might. “Who the fuck are you to comment on our relationship”

“I see why Kai was cheating on yo ass, can’t have a simple conversation without snapping out ya neck” Eli voice rose causing me to flinch. “Gone somewhere with that flinchin shit I ain’t Kai I ain’t gon hit yo ass”

“Fuck you yo!” I spat throwing the rest of what was in my cup at him. We had everyone’s attention now. Grabbing Lyric out of the seat next to Eli I walked us into Blake house.

I didn’t like when people were watching me. She was my escape route it was obvious she needed water to sober up and I wasn’t going to wake up the next morning to find her on news for being taking advantage of because she was too drunk at a party.

My Iphone notification snapped me out of my thoughts. Unlocking my phone I went to my messages and saw a text from Darrin. Smirking to myself,I replied.

Darrin👿🔥: Wassup bae

Me: Heyyy Darrin

Locking my phone again I walked into my bathroom I turned my shower on and took my clothes off. Waiting until my mirrors were foggy I got into the shower. Doing my hygiene routine at least 10 times,I turned the shower off grabbing  my towel off of the hook and drying myself off. Brushing my teeth and doing my hair. I checked my phone to see if Darrin replied

Darrin👿🔥: You wanna go out today?

Me: Where?

Darrin👿🔥: To go see Chris first but after that whatever you wanna do

Me: kk

After I sent my message I went into my closet and grabbed a crop top and some shorts. Sending Darrin my address, I  put on my shoes and waited down stairs.

“Where are you going?” Catherine asked walking behind me. Ignoring her I kept walking down the steps.

“You’re still mad about some shit that happened a month ago Candace? You really need to grow up.” I rolled my eyes at what she said.Even thought it was true I wasn’t trynna hear it.

“If anything you should be mad at yourself! How you gon’ mess with Chris of all people. He fucks anything with a vagina. Hell he was just up in Mila the other day” She ranted on before I stopped in my tracks and turned around to face her.

“They had sex?” I asked her.

She nodded her head yes.

“When did this happen?” I said looking at her in shock.

“Like a few days before Thanksgiving. You didn’t know?”

I shook my head ‘no’.

“I swear on everything, next time I see Mila her hoe ass is gonna regret fucking Chris.” I mumbled more to myself.

“What’d you say?” Catherine asked walking down the steps.

“Nothing.” Hearing a car horn I looked out the window to see Darrin. I grabbed my purse off the end table by the door before I walked out the door.

I stepped into his car and shut the door. I sent a smile his way before he drove off.

“You alright?” Darrin asked me.

“Yea.” I answered him blankly,taking my phone out of my purse I opened up instagram to see a picture of Tay.

@Tayouchea: mood #wedontlovetheseniggas

I furrowed my eyebrows at her hashtag. I hadn’t heard from her or Aug in a while so they was probably going through some shit.

Darrin parked the car close by the entrance of the hospital and I opened the door to come out. We walked into the hospital where Chris was staying. I didn’t want to come honestly but I wanted to chill with Darrin instead of stay home bored as hell.

“Candace what are you doing?” Darrin asked me snapping me out of my thoughts making me smile awkwardly.

“Yo you forever dazing off” He joked making my smile.

“You already signed in?” I asked.

“Yea.” Taking my phone out of my pocket, I turned the camera on to see my reflection I fixed my hair. I know I shouldn’t care right now but I needed to be looking cute when Chris saw me.

We walked through the hospital making our last left to his room. I opened the door walking in first.He turned his head smiling when he saw me. But when Darrin appeared behind me it faded. I don’t know why though? My clone, Nia was sitting right next him hand in hand. He can be happy with other females but I can’t?

“Baaby girrrl!” I heard voice swoon  as she brought me into a hug. She stepped back allowing me to see the little bump on her stomach.

“Tay you lyin’!” I gasped looking at her wide eyes.

“I’m pregnant.”  She said with a smile.

“I see where’s August?” I asked thinking about her recent insta post.She just rolled her eyes.

“We’re taking a ‘break’. That nigga had the nerve to ask who was baby daddy.” I chuckled at August lame ass. He dumb for that because him and Tay juststarted having sex and they were virgins before.

“Hey Chris.” I said awkwardly walking over to the side where Nia wasn’t sitting on.But apparently Chris wasn’t having it.

“So you just hopped to the nigga not even letting me explain myself.” He said with an attitude as him and Nia both stared at me.

“Me and Darrin aren’t together Chris. He’s just been keeping company when all this shit happened.And you don’t get a chance to explain when you had sex with Mila.” I said crossing my arms and looking at him as he faced flush red.

“Oh…okay…oh alright” I spat.

“I knew it!” Tay sprang up and Nia just sat there awkwardly.

“Why she even here?” I said referring to Nia.

“Because i’m his girlfriend” She said before Chris could say something.

“Lawwd jesus. Chris done found a cheap knock off of my babygirl Candy.” Tay exaggerated sitting down on the couch next to me.

He shook his head no.

“She ain’t my girl but she can be here if she wanna be her. She was here for me when you got mad over historical shit Candace. We couldn’t even be together for a month before you started acting crazy.” He said nonchalantly.

“Darrin can we go.” I looked over at him with attitude. He nodded his head yes and we both got up to go.

“I’ll see you later Tay.” I hugged her before walking towards the exit door.

“Bye Chris.” I said looking back at him.He waved me off before I walked out of his hospital room with my head down.

“You good Candace?” Darrin asked looking at me.

I looked up at him and nodded yeah as we made our way out of the hospital.

August:

Me: Tay please come home

Me: I wanna be there for you and the baby I know what I said was fucked up

Frustrated, I threw my phone on the other side of my bedroom. I took a swig from the liquor bottle and a pull from the weed, I blew the smoke out slowlyThrowing my phone at the other side of the room frustrated I took another pull from the weed and blew the smoke out slowly.

Hearing my phone ring I hurried, jogging over to pick it up. There were a million and one crack all across the screen but I still slid the screen, holding my phone to my ear.

“Wassam?” I said hoping it was Tay since I didn’t look at the caller ID.

“Hey August” She mumbled

“Hey baby” I breathed in happy it was her.

“I just wanted to tell you that I came back from the doctors and they said its a girl!” She said excited.  

“Can you come home now?” I  asked. Tay gon fuck around and have a nigga begging for her.

She smacked her teeth. “I never said we were good I just wanted to tell you the gender of our baby bye Anthony.” She quickly said hanging up the phone.

Smacking my teeth at her petty ass I decided to call Candace since we hadn’t chilled in a minute.

Bringing my phone up to my ear it rang for a while before she answered.

“Hey August.” She said answering the phone.

“Wassam you down to chill for a while?” I asked her.

“Okay I’m on my way.” She said before hanging up the phone.

Fixing up my apartment real quick I threw away the alcohol bottles and cigarette packets. I didn’t need Candace going back to tell Tay about me drinking even though I was high as fuck right now. Spraying Febreeze every where I put it down on the kitchen table. And sat back down on the couch waiting for her to come.

I heard three knocks on the door so I knew it was Candace. Getting up from the couch I jogged to the door, opening it to see Candace. She walked into my apartment with a backpack behind her.

“Why you got all that.” I asked her closing the door behind her.

“I’m staying here for the weekend August didn’t I tell you that?“ She said lying.

“You didn’t but you good babygirl” I smirked as she walked behind me into my room.

“So watchu wanna do?” I asked her settling down into the bed.

“We can watch a movie…?” She said looking at the rack full of DVD’s lined up neatly in the media center below my flatscreen.

“Okay pick one” I said  grabbing the remote to turn on the TV.

Her childish ass chose “The Lion King” and put it into my PS4 handing me the controller.

“Here you can play it I barely know how to work that thing.“ She smirked.

I chuckled and played the movie for her. She came on the bed next to me leaning on Tay’s pillows and opening her iMessage texting away.

“Who you texting baby girl ?” I asked snatching her phone away.

“You didn’t even give me a chance to answer. And If you wanna know so bad his name is Darrin nosy” She snatched her phone back.

I narrowed my eyebrows. “You mean Chris’s cousin?” I asked her.

She nodded her head. “Yeah how do you know him?”

“He used to date my cousin.” I said.

“You be careful with him. Ol’ dude gotta bad temper.“ She rolled her eyes.

Getting into the movie,Candace was sing along knowing her ass can’t sing for shit.

I kept trying not to laugh but this shit was to funny.

10 Minute later

“Candace why are you crying.” I was trying to hold back my laughs but her cry baby ass was crying because Mufasa died.

“Did you not just see that!” She whined.

“Yeah I did, It’s just a cartoon.” I cackled.

Her face was turning red from all that crying.

“It’s not funny August.” She narrowed her eyebrows at me.

“Fuck you looking at baby girl.” I chuckled looking behind.

“Nigga you!” She laughed getting all up in my face acting like one of them ghetto broads from 78th.

“Okay well back up.” I said pushing her back a little.

“Make me nigga.” She continued her act making us both laugh as she continued to get up in my face.

Not realizing what I was doing, I leaned forward as our lips met. She kissed me backed easing her way onto me so that she was straddling my waist,vnot breaking our kiss.

She suddenly pulled away wiping her lips off.

“What’s wrong?” I said leaning back for more. She put her hand in my face signaling be to move back

Nia:

“Why would you tell her we’re together Nia” Chris sighed ad I looked up at him like he was crazy.

“Nigga because you was just confessing your appreciation and love for me” I said.

“But did I say we together?” I rolled my eyes.

“Whatever Chris” I brushed this topic off.

I know I wasn’t supposed to be catching feeling for Chris because of Mila but damn he was sexy as hell. Not only that but he was hella fun to be around. I can see why the girls want him so bad.

Mila had called the other day and asked me how it was going. She was happy to hear that Chris and Candace weren’t on the best terms but she still needed me to play it out until they were officially broken up.

It was clear things were basically over between them today and Mila had just texted me how everything was going. Part of me wanted to tell her as her freind so her and Chris could be back together but another wanted Chris to myself.

Forget Candace and fuck Mila.

I wanted Chris.

Me: Not too well, Candace and Chris were just all lovey dovey in the hospital room before she left. 😒

I sent her the text and she immediately responded.

Mila:😡😡😡 this bitch needs to go I swear! well do what you do I’ll text you later

I didn’t even bother to respond back before I put my phone in my back pocket.

“So when do you get out?” I asked him

“Day after tommorow” He replied.

“Where you gonna be?”

“Probably drop by my nigga August house why?” He looked up at me making me smirk.

“I’ll be home that day if you wanna chill” I offered and he chuckled shaking his head.

“Nia you trynna get a nigga in trouble”

“Chris fuck Candace. You ain’t seen here waltz  in here with your cousin while you layin on a hospital bed with a gun shot wound. And who’s been here  with you everyday all day?” I asked putting my hand on my ear for his response.

“Oh ok” I said not even letting him answer.

“Damn chill Nia. You don’t got go off on a nigga like that” He chuckled putting his arms up in surrender.

I smiled at him, I swear he was so damn cute.

“You know you cute” I said leaning closer to him.

“Yeah” He laughed making me roll my eyes.

“You two though ma’.You bad” He smiled, his dimples sinking into his cheeks.

“Apparently i’m Candace’s copy.” I muttered rolling my eyes.

“Nah you finer though” He admitted making me smile.

He leaned forward allowing his lips to meet with mine. I kissed him back and for a while we made out until he pulled away.

He gave me a sexy smile making my cheeks turn a bright shade of red.