#sza ff

"I've been there

Tell me everything you think i wanna hear

I'll take care of you, i will"

-Caretaker Dram ft Sza

🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻

She was sick and He was broken. They had always been there for each other until they disappeared from one another's life.

What happens when they both need to be each other's caretaker as they make it through life ? ...

EBONY

"...Connect the cause and effect one foot in front of the next This is the start of a journey..."

- GOING ON Gnarls Barkley

"Suck it! In! Come on E, you can do this!"

"Dylan I cannn'tttttt" My whines could be heard throughout our dorm floor, where we've been in our room on this God forsaken mission for the past 20 minutes.

"You squat...I pull up. You know the drill." Taking a deep breath, I got myself ready.

“1...2...3. Arggggh!!! Fuck!” Both of us out of breath, released a heavy huff, before spurting out into laughter. Finally able to zip them up, I buttoned my size 9, white ripped Levi’s feeling accomplished.  

“See Dyl, my ass needs to go on a diet…” Pouting, I turned to the side in front of my vast mirror, seeing my huge situation in the back. I loved my size but, what just happened was an exercise within itself.

“No you don’t, and you know that. It’s not your body, It’s them jeans. It’s time to let them go boo..” Shaking my head, I twist and turned in the mirror loving the snug fit. I’ve gotten these jeans my junior year of high school at a thrift store, where me and Dylan first met. She still owned the neon, pink and sequined windbreaker she brought that day when I got these jeans, and it’ll be an insult to throw these out.

“No Dyl, it’s like a symbol of our friendship, we bought these together.”

“Where is that jacket?” I heard her mutter turning away, causing me to nudge her playfully.

“Probably amongst all the other buckets, and barrels of clothes you have. You need to have a yard sale to get rid of some.”

“I beg your pardon!?” She turned to me astonished, holding back a grin. Dylan to clothes is like me to stanzas. One without the other, just wouldn’t be complete. As head editor of NYU’s fashion column in the student newspaper, Dylan was known on campus as the black Carrie Bradshaw. Every friday, newspapers flew off the news stands, with students raving about her insight on the Do’s and Don’ts of as what she considers a “good look”, and what was “in” and the sound advice she gave; some also although couldn’t help but admire her insight, held animosity because of her gossip feature she included. As she would put it, “I don’t make news, I just simply tell it like it is..” Flopping on her bed she tightened her Betsey Johnson teal and pink cheetah scarf in objection, pursing her lips.

“You buy clothes every week Dylan, am I lying?”

“They’re necessities for my beautiful growing collection. How dare you try to come for me Ebony?!”

Chuckling hard, I slipped into my Supreme Thunderbird hockey jersey, and grabbed one shoe of my all white vans.

“Dylan, you’re a shopaholic.”

“I’d prefer the term, high appreciation for retail. I don’t say anything about your growing library in here..”

“I’m in school! The hell!?”

“No, no, no, you know what the hell I mean-” She peered at me grinning. “- Do you not go to Barnes and Nobles everyday?”

I sighed rolling my eyes up putting on my other shoe.

“And how many times have you bought the Bluest eye by Toni Morrison, and Native Son because your other copies get tarnished from reading it so damn much!?” I could only laugh because it was true. I’m surprised she left out Maya Angelou’s poem collection.

“It’s worth it.”

"Now go have the time of your life, time of your life… Let it go."

Solana had a week of free time before she was buried with homework from her studies. So far she spent her time getting herself familiar with the campus and where some of her classes were located. August kept reminding her that she needed to loosen up and stop thinking about her education twenty-four/seven. She didn’t see what the big problem was though. That was her main purpose for going to college, to better herself for her future. Not party all night til the early morning.

At the moment, she was thirty minutes away from campus at the mall’s food court with Sasha. She stayed in the dorms because she waited too long to get an apartment. When Solana’s other best friend had found out that she would be staying with August nothing good had come out of her mouth.

"So did y’all fuck yet?" Sasha asked while giving Solana her undivided attention.

"You are unbelievable Sash. I told you it’s not like that between him and I". Solana said while stuffing a couple of fries in her mouth.

"That’s what you sayin’ but I don’t believe you g. He probably gettin’ a kick out of seein’ you almost naked everyday. We all know that you like to be free.” Sasha’s Chicago accent was becoming evident, but the last statement caused Solana to chuckle, especially when she put imaginary quotation marks around free. She was telling the truth about her liking to be free.

In Solana’s words “What’s a bra?”

"I’m not even about to go there with you bruh."

"Cause I know bitch! Let me keep it one hunna with you real quick. If I’m a nigga and my best friend a girl, and we staying in the same crib where she likes to be practically unclothed…. I’M FUCKIN’! I’ma read you the script real quick and just dive in g."

Laughter came from both of the friends. Solana knew her friend was trying to look out for her but it wasn’t necessary. Nothing would happen between August and her and she was very confident about that.

After shopping for two hours they were headed back to the school. Sasha told Lana about a party that was happening later that night, but all she could tell Sash was that she wasn’t interested because it wasn’t her cup of tea. She hated gatherings with under the influenced young adults. Music would be blasting too loud for her, and grimy guys would probably beg her for a pointless dance just to cop a feel. But like Nicki said “Only a real nigga can cop a feel”.

"Solana we’re in fuckin’ college dude! Which means college boys! C’mon I can’t go by myself. You know that’s breakin’ girl code."

Solana hummed the lyrics of the music playing in the background of Sasha’s car while trying to tune her out. She wasn’t going to that party and that was final.

"Well ask your roommate to tag along. You know I don’t do parties."

"I’m not askin’ shorty to go with me. I don’t even know her for real for real. LANA PLEASE!"

Sasha was being dramatic and it was driving her crazy. She sighed as she mumbled incoherent words before mouthing okay to Sasha.

"Under one condition will I tag along, you have to do my laundry for a month."

"No you didn’t but fine! We’re about to get T’d up girly!".

No matter how long they knew each other, Solana would never understand Chicago slang and why Sasha was always hyped up all the damn time.

—

Detaching the last button of the black leather baseball jersey, her look was finally complete. She was ready for tonight’s festivities or at least that’s what she kept convincing herself. She fluffed out her curls one more time before dabbing a nude gloss on her lips. Sasha was waiting out in the living room with August. She wondered how the two were holding up.

After she grabbed her phone off the dresser she started to walk into the living room until she made herself come to a sudden halt. She could hear Sasha conversing with August and she began to form a smile on her face. It meant a lot to her knowing they could talk to each other like normal human beings without bickering all the time, but of course Solana’s dream was killed abruptly by Sasha asking her favorite question. Solana pulled herself on a wall that was adjacent from the living room where she couldn’t be seen, but hear every word coming from the two.

"Have you and Lana fucked yet." A cough had escaped from August lips. Solana was appalled by Sasha’s antics and evidently so was August. She knew Sasha was always straight forward and blunt but damn.

"To be quite honest wit ya, no we haven’t cuz we not gettin’ down lik dat ya heard meh? But if we were I wouldn’t tell ya ass cuz it ain’t none of ya bidness." August said.

"It is my business when it’s comes to Solana. I know y’all have a friendship too but you not fooling me August."

"Wat are ya ev-" His words were cut short by Solana announcing that she was ready. She couldn’t take the foolishness that was about to sprawl out in front of her. She planned to keep her mouth shut about Sasha’s behavior only for the time being. Sasha’s attitude towards August was becoming worst and this protective act she was pulling was becoming tiring for Solana.

Sasha commented on Solana’s outfit for the night which made her return the compliment back to Sasha. During that time being she could feel his eyes scanning her choice of clothing.

"Where ya goin’ dressed like dat freckles."

"Dressed like what? And a stupid party Sasha begged me to go to."

Solana wasn’t aware August knew about the party that she was talking about. It was his boy Chris, that’s in his sophomore year now, who was throwing the small kickback. He was notorious for his parties on campus and August had made it his business to go. He needed to get his dick wet. Two weeks was too long.

"Dat’s my boy party. The one I told ya earlier dis week about."

"Ugh so that means you’re going too?" Sasha questioned while standing up to straighten out her shorts.

"YUP! Now get the fuck out so I can walk around naked and get ready."

Solana giggled while Sasha pretended to gag. Both of the ladies had followed August’s command and went directly to Sasha’s car. The ride to the kickback didn’t take long, ten minutes tops to say the least. Sasha parked a block down due to all the cars taking all the spots near the house. While walking up to the Frat House Studio by Schoolboy Q blasted from inside. Tons of people were outside the house. Some were smoking and others were drinking, and some were sucking each other’s faces off.

Stares from boys and even some females started making Solana uncomfortable. Sasha grabbed her hand before they entered the house. She thought it was a lot of people outside, but it was triple the amount of people inside. Everyone seemed to be having a good time and Sasha was planning on joining them.

"Bitch this is my shit!" Sasha tried to yell over the loud music. Twerk Song had just come on and Sash was already acting a fool. Her hips whined to the beat as she mouthed the words to the lyrics. Once the bass dropped so did her ass. Solana could only giggle and wish she could be as carefree as Sasha.

"Shake some ass man! How you gonna have all that back there and not shake none g?"

Solana was about to protest to Sash until her song came on. When she was at the crib and this joint played she was a whole different person. Her eyes closed as she pursed her lips. Her body had a mind of it’s own. Solana’s hips and ass were in full effect and Sash was right behind her dancing along. The two danced for three songs straight until they realized they needed a breather and something to drink. They began walking back to Sash’s car and Solana was confused on why. She was having a good time and didn’t feel like going back home yet.

"I bought my own liquor and weed. I don’t trust nobody."

Solana nodded understanding what she was preaching.

Solana took a spot on the roof of Sasha’s Jeep while she went to go get the drink and weed. She took in the scene of people still arriving and it was pushing midnight. She wondered what this college experience would bring her. She hoped she could find her true self and stop trying to prove to herself and others who she was. If someone asked her who was Solana Rowe, she could give an answer that’ll you like, but it wouldn’t be up to her liking. She was already changing in her eyes. She didn’t do parties but look where she was sat at the moment. She didn’t mind change as long as the outcome was a good one.

"You gonna smoke with me tonight Lana?" Her shoulders shrugged as she yelled "fuck it" in her mind. She was already violating one of her rules so she figured she might as well bend the other ones too.

Sasha started to get inside of her car so she could roll up the weed, but hearing his voice asking what they were doing made her plan come to an end.

"Mindin’ our business August." Sasha commented, shaking her head while getting annoyed with his presence.

"Well if y’all about to do wat I think y’all about to do, come inside wit meh. Smokin’ secession."

"You’re lucky Mr. Alsina."

The three walked back to the house while Solana began to think once again. She smoked before with August and another time with Sasha, but she had never smoked in a “smoking secession”. If she thought she was out of her element before she really was now. August led the way to a basement. There weren’t as many people as there were outside and in the upper level of the house. The stench of Marijuana filled Solana’s nostrils and she began to get light headed. The lyrics of a Gucci Mane song was blasted through the speakers as she bobbed her head to the beat.

"Nigga you made it!" A man yelled directing it towards August.

"Ya kno I’m always down to smoke sum ya heard meh?" August replied while giving the mysterious guy a quick hug.

"I hear you bro. Who’s the two pretty ladies you brought with you?" The man inquired while giving Solana and Sasha a stare down while his famous smirk formed on his lips.

August threw both of his lanky arms around Solana and Sasha’s shoulders, causing Sasha to give him an unpleasant stare.

"Solana and Sasha, this is my boy Chris." August responded.

"Welcome ladies. Hope y’all ready to get fucked up." Chris commented while staring at Solana the whole time.

Solana was mesmerized by Chris. His smile is what got her. His dimple would deepen when a smile appeared on his plump lips. Freckles were splattered on his nose and scattered on his cheeks. He was a eye catcher for sure.

—

The four smoked for hours or at least that’s how long Solana thought. She was more chill and goofier and August noticed that. He also noticed when Chris asked Solana could they talk for a minute outside and how she gave him a head nod indicating a yes. He watched the two leave together. Solana walked in front of Chris so he could get a glimpse of her figure.

A classic guy move.

Some young girl caught August attention before he could even worry about Solana and Chris’s conversation. The female was okay in the face but even better in the ass, as August would say. She kept whispering dirty things she would do, and with him being curious and horny he was willing to see what she was talking about. They left as Solana watched them get into August’s car.

—

"So Ms. Solana I noticed that you’re a light-weight". Chris said while gazing into her brown eyes. Solana was a light-weight but she wouldn’t let him know.

"Don’t know what you’re talkin’ about Chris." She said trying to stand her ground under his piercing gaze. She could feel herself getting lost in his eyes and it made her sick to her stomach.

Chris chuckled while digging into his jeans to retrieve his iPhone. “You’re lying. But you should give me your number so we can chill under different circumstances.”

Solana bit her bottom lip asking herself should she really give this guy her number. Two rules had been broken tonight so giving a stranger her number wouldn’t do anything but add to the list of her broken rules. She took his phone and placed her number under a new contact. Solana handed him back his cellular device while wrapping her arms around herself. The temperature was surely going down and her body felt the chill.

"I hope you ain’t give me a fake number ma."

"I thought about it but I didn’t". Solana said while smiling as Chris shook his head at her comment.

"If ya did I would just have to holla at August for it." Solana loved how he would be determined to reach out to her if she did follow through with her childish plan.

"Solana let’s go! I’m tired bruh." Sasha yelled walking towards her car causing both Solana and Chris to turn towards her.

Solana yelled an okay before returning her gaze back to him. She told him she would see him later. Chris didn’t like the way she tried walking off on him. He caught up to her and wrapped his arms around her curvaceous body. She was startled by his gesture but decided to turn around to return the hug. His cologne invaded her nostrils. There was nothing better than a man that looked and smelled good.

"Now you can leave." He mumbled while releasing her. She smiled as she began walking towards Sasha’s car.

”Kissing is more intimate than sex….Because it’s just something way deeper than, like, I don’t even know how to explain it. It’s a more personal situation than sex.” -August Alsina

He watched her go from mad to furious within seconds. To keep the peace, he remained quiet. Not a word came from her end either which made him think she was going to explode very soon. They sat just a few yards away from their apartment on campus in the car, waiting for the storm to pass. The rain poured from the sky without any sign of stopping. It caused them to both grow impatient before Solana wanted out.

"God, I can’t wait no more," she huffed, slamming the car door behind.

August twisted his face up in annoyance for her breaking a rule about Aubrey. He hated when people mistreated his ride. In his mind, she was making things worse because she wanted her way. It was typical when she was mad.

He watched her trudge to the front door as quickly as she could, only to see her locked out. She relentlessly banged on the glass doors leading to the lobby without entry before searching her pockets for something.

Then it dawned on August what Solana was missing to get inside—her student ID card. He chuckled to himself while he fished both his and her card from the pocket of his jeans. It slipped his mind that he offered to hold on to them in case she misplaced them like she did a lot of things. He followed suit, abandoning the car and joining her at the front doors. The rain didn’t really bother him, but her attitude did.

"I need to use the bathroom so sometime today would be nice," she expressed with her arms outstretched. "Shoulda let me keep my own damn card."

"Aye, kill all that noise Lana. It’s never that deep ya heard me."

Once he let her inside and handed over the keys to their place, she ran off for the first available elevator. He shook his head while he noticed the small trail of water she left behind. Out came a guy with an iPad in his hand. He introduced himself as a fellow staff member on campus, ready to assist August as the rain seemed to ease up a bit.

Two was always better than one.

In about half the time it took him to pack the car, everything was unloaded in their apartment on the second floor. He thanked the guy for his assistance before taking in his new living quarters with the finishing touches.

The space was contemporary and fit for both of them. There was a living room, kitchen, and two bedrooms joined together by a large bathroom. Courtesy of Solana’s mother, the place was fully furnished. A large couch complete with end tables and lamps, a coffee table, and a huge flat-screen made August feel at home already. There was a desk and a queen sized bed in each of their rooms. All they had to do was unpack and their new lives would be ready to begin.

"I called my mom. Told her we were good," Solana said, approaching her largest suitcase in the living room.

"Want me to help you with–"

"No. I got it. You’ve honestly done enough. I just need a shower."

August raised his hands to indicate that he’d let her win and have her way. “Aight, cool.”

Once she was closed off in her room, he headed for the kitchen to find some food. The cabinets were empty and there was only a few dozen water bottles in the fridge. That damn sure wouldn’t be enough. Especially not for now.

He decided to order from the nearest pizza spot and save the unpacking for later. Since his clothes were still damp, he stripped out of them and only sported his boxer briefs. After emptying his pockets, he settled on the couch with contentment. Despite Solana’s attitude, he was just grateful they had arrived safe and sound. He easily found a game to watch on TV and asked for Siri to pull up phone numbers. After dialing the Pizza Hut at the top of the list, he asked for almost $50 worth of food. Two large pizza pies, bread sticks, buffalo wings, cookies, and drinks concluded the order. He knew the food wouldn’t go to waste because the munchies were bound to kick in soon.

During a commercial break, August muted the TV, taking a moment to acknowledge his brother. He snatched up a lighter and a pre-rolled blunt on the coffee table from his pocket.

"This here for you Mel," he muttered, sparking the joint. "You the reason I want betta for myself. Hope ya got peace on the other side big bro."

He inhaled, holding the smoke in his lungs for a moment of silence before exhaling with good intentions. That’s all he could hope for his college experience. He wanted nothing more than for things to run smoothly and to make Melvin proud.

The kush hit the spot and alleviated the built up tension in his body. He easily puffed out clouds and smoke rings like a veteran. All he needed was food and a blowjob before a good night sleep would have him feeling a hundred percent again. He remained higher than the sky with a free hand lounging under the waistband of his briefs and the basketball plays making him chuckle every time a free throw was missed and a pass turned into a steal for the home team. When he smoked, everything was actually funny.

"Auggie!"

He laughed louder this time, thinking his high was fucking with his mental state. But when he was summoned by his full name in a harsher tone warped with anxiety, he got up to discard the roach and see if Solana was okay.

"Now she want a nigga," he chuckled to himself.

It baffled him how women could go from hating to wanting a guy all in the span of a few moments. The unbalanced mindset just didn’t make sense to him. As he approached the bathroom through his bedroom, he asked what she needed.

"You know my favorite towel? The big plush one with the swimming dolphins?" she questioned behind the closed door. "I need it. It’s in my blue suitcase in the living room."

"Wait, what’s the magic word?" he joked.

"Really Aug–"

"Say it So-la-na Rowe."

She sighed with frustration. “Breath mints!”

He almost doubled over in laughter from the Fresh Prince insider. It was definitely one of their favorites to watch together. For being a good sport, he sorted through the luggage and found the beloved towel. He returned grinning from ear to ear before asking her to open the door. When she did, steam filed out into his room from the bathroom and he caught a good glimpse of forbidden fruit. Nothing was funny anymore.

"Thanks. Love you," she hurriedly said, leaving him to face a closed door again.

August rubbed a hand over his head while blowing a stream of air. He didn’t want to admit it, but he shared a spark of sexual tension with his best friend. And honestly, this wasn’t the first time.

He attempted to leave the feeling where it started to keep it from escalating. After grabbing a water bottle from the fridge to help him rid the inevitable cotton-mouth, he decided to chill back on the couch until the food arrived.

It didn’t stop his mind from wandering though.

As horny as he was, he could envision the bathroom encounter happening a bit differently.

He could’ve locked them both inside the steam filled room and kissed Solana to quiet her confusion. He wouldn’t need her guidance on how to please because he already had a good grip on the subject.

August was a born natural.

There would only be two things he wanted to do: taste her and make her scream. After taking in the curves of her lips, hips, and thighs, he’d sit her wet body on the counter and spread her legs apart. He’d lick over her slits and folds, teasing her clit along the way with his tongue. That would surely produce a waterfall from her center. He’d suck and drink and keep a keen ear out for her harmonious moans. Since he believed sharing was caring, he’d move to kiss her mouth and let her sample just how good she tasted.

To up the tension, he’d turn her around to bend over the counter and face the mirror. He’d gather her long wet and wild curly hair in one hand and then trail the tip of his tongue up her spine. He could guarantee she’d shiver from the gesture, especially once he reached the back of her neck and whispered how long he’s waited to show her this side of him. One smack to her ass and he’d be naked and hard as a rock inside her—looking down as he pushed in and pulled out—only for the friction of their bodies to glisten with pleasure.

It’d be the best pussy he ever had.

He wouldn’t want to stop and she wouldn’t want him to either. Eventually, they’d eye each other through the foggy reflection as the intensity skyrockets. She’d be bound to ask for more and he’d give it to her while rocking her thick frame to cause her legs to get weak. His swollen dick would pressure her spot and he’d move his hands to grip her waist for control. She’d cry out then, surrendering herself to an orgasm too big for her to handle as he busts the nut of a lifetime.

Yeah, he could see that happening.

But then, he couldn’t.

August doubted that things would ever get to that point for them. Solana just wasn’t that type of girl to him. She meant more than a random fuck, and since her innocence was still intact, he didn’t want to be the one to break it.

”I’m like a collection of paradoxes.”

"Damn Lana. Should be makin’ you carry yo shit." August complained while struggling to place Solana’s luggage in the trunk.

"Be a man August. Hurry too before it begins raining."

He ignored her simpleminded comment before pushing the last suitcase in place, to ensure that the trunk was locked properly. All of his belongings were in the backseat while Solana’s took up the entire trunk. He never understood the mindset of a woman’s packing strategy.

Why bring so many articles of clothing if you’re not even going to wear them all?

August jogged to the passenger side of the car after he made sure his house was locked up and the alarm was set. He opened the door and slid in with ease. As he closed the door shut, he started to feel her eyes burn holes through the side of his face.

"What na Solana?" August croaked with a hint of annoyance laced in his voice.

"If we don’t beat this storm, I’m beating you Anthony."

He waved her off as he began to get comfortable for the four hour trip they had ahead of them. Solana started the engine of the Range Rover that once belonged to August. He had never let anyone drive Aubrey around. Solana had practically begged him to death for this glorious moment. His answer was no until she started biting her bottom lip and batting her thick eyelashes. He was a sucker for that move. She had to abide by the rules he’d set for her, or he would take over without a doubt.

In time, the car was speeding off onto the highway. It was complete silence amongst them and he was enjoying every second of it. He had to, because knowing Solana, she’d attempt to start a meaningless conversation just for the hell of it.

"So how is your mom taking her baby leaving the nest?". Solana inquired, waiting patiently for August’s answer.

He sighed before rubbing his hands down his face out of frustration.

"New subject or betta yet, let’s not talk at all."

"Why do you always do this with me? You shut me out like I’m a stranger on the street and that’s not even fair August. I think I deserve to hear about what’s goin’ on in your life since you hear about my shitty problems all the time."

She was making a valid point but he would never admit that to her. August was stubborn and his pride was way too big for anyone in this world. Everyone that truly knew him was aware of his childish antics and how they created a roadblock for him at times. Which wasn’t beneficial for the person who was dealing with him.

"We’re two different people. If I don’t wanna talk bout shit that’s happenin’ wit me, respect dat. Straight up." He was becoming more irritated with the Dr. Phil wanna be over in the driver’s seat.

"Just because we’re two different people doesn’t mean we don’t have the same demons."

"Trust me. We don’t."

August meant every single word that came out of his mouth. He agreed with Solana that everyone had demons but the same was being plain ignorant. No one would ever comprehend what August had gone through in his eighteen years of living and he didn’t expect anyone to figure it out. He barely understood himself.

He hadn’t always lived in Atlanta, Georgia. Anyone could point out his NOLA accent within five seconds of talking to him. August was proudly raised and born in New Orleans with his mama. Although August was born a junior because of his father, it didn’t mean they had a father-son relationship. When he died, he never once shed a tear for his old man. The little sorrow that he had wouldn’t let him feel for a stranger.

His mama had met someone else in her life better known as August’s step-pops. He suffered from drug addiction just like his pops did. August felt his mother was following in the same path that she did with his biological father. Only thing that separated them from each other were their names.

While his mama continued her relations with a crack-head, he had to hustle some way to bring money in and food on the table for him and his family. He was riding with niggas that carried illegal drugs and weapons on them on a daily basis. He figured if they got caught he was going down with them. Innocent or not. He had refused to get locked up because of someone else’s inane antics. If he was going to jail, it would be because of his wrong doings.

He started selling.

His brother Melvin or better known as Mel told him that niggas don’t see the age of twenty-five and he was right about that. His brother died by the hands of some careless nigga. He obviously showed no remorse killing Melvin, so August didn’t feel the need to do the same while evening the score. The man got his and that was put on his brother’s grave.

After his brother passed, his mother realized she didn’t want to lose two. They moved to Texas to get away from the bad aura following them in New Orleans. His step-pops needed to get clean and August needed a fresh start. He had to make a way.

The move to Texas didn’t solve anyone’s problems. Instead, it created more. August had moved out of the house due to misunderstandings him and his mother shared. He would rather be homeless than to put up with pointless shit that was causing nothing but stress in his life. He was homeless for at least one month until his aunt had made him move out to Atlanta with her. He was against the idea but he was just being August. His pride was standing in the way but that was resolved by a few cuss words and some begging from his aunt.

August hated Atlanta when he first moved down there. He wasn’t too fond of meeting new people and sadly he’s still like that today. He never understood the end goal of becoming friends with strangers. Questions would roam his mind constantly of the matter.

"Why do you wanna fuck with me?"

"What do I got dat makes ya want ta fuck with me?"

He always kept his guard way up, even now, but it slightly changed for Ms. Solana Rowe.

They met through August’s aunt and Solana’s mother. August’s aunt wanted him to meet friends so he wouldn’t sulk all day in the house while she worked. Solana’s mother just wanted Solana off her hands for a few hours. She got tired of her being attached to her hip like a leech.

When the two first encountered each other’s presence, they had instantly clicked. Maybe because August wasn’t looking at Solana in a friendly manner, but with her being so naïve and blind, she didn’t mind his company. As the two grew older they became closer. The sexual tension that August had towards Solana was put to the side for the sake of their friendship. He respected her way too much to look at her in that way, but every now and then he would catch a glimpse of how Solana’s curvy body would be snugged in her favorite jeans. He was still a man at the end of the day. It didn’t hurt to look.

They both gained a guaranteed friendship from one another. After dealing with each other’s problems and being there for one another during their hardest trials, their friendship couldn’t be broken. They were all they had.

August began to mull over Solana’s question about his mother. He hadn’t talked to her in a few days but that was the usual for them. He loved his mama but didn’t agree on her actions as a woman. Since they didn’t see eye to eye, a great sense of distance pushed them apart. It caused stress on August’s end and that only led him to become irritated. That was his reasoning for giving Lana the cold shoulder earlier.

Some hours later, rain droplets cascaded into the windshield. Solana had been quiet since their little disagreement and that appeased him for the moment. But he could sense the tension coming from her.

"Ya mad at me freckles?".

August inquired while staring at her.

"It’s raining August."

She was mad and it didn’t take a rocket scientist to figure that out. While blankly staring at her he took in her beauty. He loved how she didn’t wear make-up, and if she did it was mascara or lipstick. None of that foundation shit girls wear now-a-days. The splattered freckles on her cheeks, nose, and bottom lip are what really made her a head turner. The way she bit her lip when she was nervous, irritated, or even flirting would sometimes put a smirk on his face. He’d never met anyone who bit on their bottom lip a much as her. Guess that’s what separated her from everyone else. At least in his eyes.

She was different.

"Ya kno I don’t like when ya mad at me Lana."

"If we would’ve left on time we could’ve beat the rain".

"I’m sawwie Freckles."

"Save it. We’re here."

  "I’ve seen you cry way too many times, when will you decide to be alive?"

The party was going quite well. All of Solana’s family members and friends had arrived, and were enjoying the beautiful evening. Her little cousins were swimming in their pool while her uncles and aunties were playing a game of bid.

With everyone having a good time, Solana was still distraught from what occurred earlier with her mother. Older relatives had congratulated her on her success, but she couldn’t even grasp what was happening because of her gloomy mood. All she could do was blame Monica Rowe.

This wasn’t the first time this happened between the two of them. The comments that were dished out towards Solana were nothing compared to the time she was thirteen years old coming from a dance recital.

—

The crowd roared as the ballerinas bowed and walked off the stage gracefully. They had just performed their first recital for the season. Every girl that participated had done an amazing job, at least that’s what their Coach Maria told them. All the hard work and dedication they illustrated was shown in their performance tonight, and that’s what made the routine perfect.

Everyone had left but Solana. Her legs kicked back and forth at a steady pace, while she sat on one of the concrete steps. Monica was always late to pick her up from practices, but tonight she’d thought for once Monica would prove her wrong.

She didn’t.

Solana couldn’t even be mad at her because she’s the one that got her hopes up, not Monica. But was it so wrong for thinking that on this one night things could change?

"Where’s your mother niña?"

"I don’t know.."

Solana had mumbled that to herself quietly while sulking in her own embarrassment.

Maria’s car keys jingled while she took a seat next to her. This had became a routine for both of them. Maria would ask the obvious question about Solana’s mother’s whereabouts before she sigh and take a seat next to her on the concrete steps. Sometimes no words would be spoken between the two. They would both just stare at the moonlight while their minds roamed with endless thoughts. It never bothered Solana that they wouldn’t talk because the company of someone else would be just enough for her.

"I know I told you and all the other girls this earlier, but Lana you did an amazing job tonight. I’m proud of you niña."

Maria brushed away some of Solana’s curly thick tresses out of her line of vision. She glanced at Maria while a small tear droplet had escaped from her tear duct.

"Solana why are you crying sweetie?"

Her lips trembled as she tucked her bottom lip between her front teeth. She didn’t know why she was crying, or she just didn’t want to explain her reason to Maria. She had never had anyone tell her that she made them proud. For once in her life she felt worthy. She felt like she was actually loved by someone else other than her grandma. Maria saying she was proud of her was one of her biggest achievements in life, and one day she hoped her mother, Monica, would say the same thing too.

—

Monica had arrived fifteen minutes later after the heart-to-heart moment Maria and Solana shared. The car ride home was awkward and silent. Solana wanted to ask her mother where she was tonight and why she would miss this important evening, but she knew better than to question her.

"Sorry I couldn’t make it tonight. My boss had me work overtime. You understand right Lana?"

Her face scrunched up as lines grew on her forehead. “You understand right?” No she didn’t understand and she was dumbfounded on why her birth giver would think she would be okay with it.

"Actually mama I don’t understand. You know how hard I worked my butt off for this night? I didn’t do it for me but for you mama! And you wasn’t even here to see it because of your god damn job!"

Her nostrils flared up while her body temperature rose. She was on fire. It wasn’t because of this one night that she missed, but for everything she had missed in her life. Solana was fed up and felt her mother should hear how she felt.

"Look at who thinks they’re all grown now. You cursin’ at yo mama? Have you lost yo rabbit ass mind girl? You lucky I’m drivin’ right now."

"I don’t think I’m grown. I’m still a child that needs her mother, but you can’t see that. All you care about is your job. That’s why daddy left us! All because of you mama!"

The tears were flowing like a river. Her eyes were now berry beat red. The pain and sorrow her poor broken heart endured showed on her baby face. Solana’s father had called a divorce on Monica when she was 5 years old. She never knew the reason why her parents were separated, but she surely blamed Monica for it. She’s the blame for everything else wrong in her life, so her father not being in the picture had to also be her fault too.

The car had come to a sudden halt because of the red light that was appearing on the traffic signal. Her heart was racing rapidly as she tried to get ready for the words her mother was about to say. But nothing in this world could brace her for what Monica had said to her.

"You wanna know why your daddy left us baby?"

Her voice was calm. Too calm for Solana. The only response she could make was a simple head nod.

"He left us because he didn’t want me or your ugly fat ass! The truth hurts Solana. Since you wanna talk ta me like a grown woman, you’ll get talked ta like a grown woman."

Her lips trembled vigorously as she blinked a few dozen times, tears impairing her vision. She wasn’t mad because of what her mother said, but the reasoning why her father left them.

"That’s not true mama! Stop lyi-lyin’ ta me!"

"It’s true baby girl, deal with it."

—

Now being eighteen years old, Solana dealt with it like her mother commanded. While dealing with it, she suffered from bulimia for 5 months until her grandma noticed the weight loss. It took all of her might to tell someone about what was happening, but luckily she made it through.

She snapped out of her reminiscent nightmare when her cousin Mackenzie announced that her cute boyfriend was finally here.

"I don’t have a boyfriend Kenzie."

"Uh huh! He’s standing behind you silly."

A strong pair of arms wrapped around her waist. His face nuzzled in between her neck as she let a couple of giggles escape from her lips.

"Ya stink girl."

Her smile quickly faded. In one swift motion, she turned around to slap the back of his head.

"Shut up stupid."

"Hit me again and see what happens and fix me some ta eat."

She rolled her eyes as she began making her way to the kitchen. She easily moved pass relatives that were too occupied in conversation to notice her presence. The food her mother prepared was spread out on the granite counter tops. She grabbed a plate for August and began putting food on it that she knew he would devour without second guessing it.

With his filled plate in hand she started looking for him, but didn’t find him in the kitchen nor the living room. The only place she could think of was her bedroom. She reached for a fork and a bottle of water to drink before heading upstairs. Pass the threshold of her room, she noticed his gold colored Foamposites were planted on her pink rug. The game was on and it made sense why he didn’t want to be around anybody else. Knowing him, he probably put a bet on the game.

"Here and don’t get food on my bed August."

"I hear ya. Thank ya tho’."

"I hear ya. Now move over."

She giggled as August smacked his lips together. He moved over allowing Solana to get a space on the bed. Her feet were bare instead of being covered in heels. She was comfortable now thanks to his presence and loved every second of it.

"How was yo day today?"

August put down his plate as he gave her his undivided attention.

"Cool I guess."

Her eyes shifted from August to the game being played on the flat screen. She slipped into her favorite pose as her front teeth tucked away her bottom lip.

"We not doin’ this shit today Lana. Like on some real shit. Now how was ya day?"

"It fuckin sucked okay! My mom hates me and my body. And ya know what? I’m okay with that."

A small laugh came from her end as unexpected tears began to slip down her cheeks. The thought of pleasing her mother seemed to no longer weigh on her. She could only do so much without breaking down, and she finally broke down. Knowing that she tried was enough for her.

"I’m proud of you. Ya know I don’t like ya mama but I tolerate her for you. You have a beautiful body and ya mama doesn’t hate you. She got her own problems so she tries to bring you down with her."

"Thanks Auggie. I’m done cryin’ and I deserve to live my life how I want. Shit, I have a full ride to college and a great person to go with me."

"That’s my freckles."

August wore a proud smile on his face as Solana wiped her tears away and mirrored his expression. They were both leaving for school tomorrow, and they were both stoked. Not because they were leaving the bird’s nest, but because of the new beginnings they would be sharing together as one.

If Solana’s mother didn’t love her as her, then she was the one missing out on a great human-being.

  "Dear God make me a bird, so I can fly far, far away…"

August had left an hour ago and it was now 12:45 in the morning. She sat on her pink comforter on her bed as she glanced at all three of her suitcases that were packed along with a duffel bag full of her favorite shoes. With her packing for almost two hours with him and his distractions she was worn out.

Standing up from her bedside, her arms rose above her head as a small yawn left from her plump lips. Her brown eyes blinked a few times before she started heading downstairs to her favorite place in the house.

Solana’s index finger switched on the kitchen light as she began looking around contemplating on what was going to be her midnight snack. She strolled to the freezer as her mind was set on a bucket of her favorite ice cream— Cookies n Cream.

She grabbed the ice cream carton from the freezer as she jogged to the other side of the kitchen to get a spoon from the dishwasher. Completing the small task, she waltzed back upstairs to her room where she could enjoy her snack in peace and watch reruns of Martin.

Solana plopped on her bed as she began opening the carton and stuffing her mouth with the ice cream. Her almond colored eyes rolled to the back of her head as soon as the cold treat hit the back of her throat. It was her guilty pleasure for the night. She knew if her mother would’ve saw this act of her “wrong” doing, she would start lecturing to Solana about how she was ruining her body.

It didn’t take a scientist to point out the obvious about Solana. She was a curvaceous young woman, or “slim thick” thanks to August. She had D-cup breasts while thick thighs adorned her body along with a flat tummy. Her ass was what brought attention to the boys and sometimes made her insecure. She wasn’t the type of female that craved for guys to look at her, or have them think about what they could do to her if only she’d give them the time of day.

No. She was the type of female that would rather be left alone in her books, or at the shed aquarium visiting Audrey, the dolphin. From certain perspectives you could call Solana a “lame” individual, and she was perfectly fine with that.

Licking the last bit of ice cream from her spoon, she placed it back into the carton and set it on her nightstand that was beside her bed. She snuggled deeper into the covers and went back to watching Martin. Her eyes were slowly closing as she started drifting off to a sleep until her cellular device started ringing, singling that her other best friend, Sasha, was calling her.

Solana’s face frowned up as she started searching in the covers for her phone. It was starting to agitate her that the sound got louder but she couldn’t find the stupid thing to make it shut up.

After struggling for another 15 seconds, her right palm came in contact with the device while her thumb slid the green bar on her screen to answer. She placed the iPhone up to her ear, only to be surprised by Sasha being more obnoxious than she already was on a daily basis.

"Lana baby!" Sasha screamed on the other line as Solana pulled the device away from her ear. It was too late for Sasha’s crazy antics.

"Sasha why are you so loud bruh? Turn yo ass down."

Sasha scoffed at her comment. She was always the loud and outgoing one when it came between the two friends. They both were fine with the dynamic because they needed each other to balance out.

"Well excuse me! What’s the attitude for?"

"I don’t have one Sasha, I’m just tired."

"Why are you tired? What were you doing?"

Solana was hesitant at first to tell Sasha that her and August were together for the whole day. Sasha always had this theory that Solana was secretly in love with August, and she was only hurting herself of being in denial. Solana could argue differently. She wasn’t in love with him but she did have a lot of love for him. Also, August had never hurt her. Physically nor mentally.

Emotionally?

August hadn’t hurt Solana emotionally that he knew of, but there were nights that she had cried herself to sleep because of him. 

It was pretty evident that August was a ladies man. Standing at 6’2 along with his caramel skin complexion was one of the things about him that drove the girls crazy. His gorgeous smile and plump lips were what Solana thought drove them to him. Or she could’ve been wrong and it’s his small dimple that caved in on his cheek when he’s smirked.

With him having the attention of so many girls, she sometimes felt- forgotten. He always reminded her that their friendship wasn’t going anywhere.

Friendship.

The dream Solana had earlier this morning wasn’t the first time she thought about him in ways beyond the friend zone. She couldn’t help but to wonder what it would feel like to be up under him as a lover. Holding and embracing each other while watching one of his favorite movies.

But it even got deeper than that.

Solana was jealous of every girl that spent their time with August. She would dwell on the affection they received from him, even if it was a one night stand. Those girls were still having him in ways that she would never be able to, and that killed her sometimes on the inside.

"So-la-na."

Solana took a deep breath as she exhaled through her nostrils. She was ready to get off the phone and they had only been talking for ten minutes excluding the time she took to daze off.

"I’m here girl. August and I spent the day together and he came over to the house to help me pack."

"Here we go man. Why do you guys spend so much time together? You hang with him more than you hang with me! And I only live around the corner."

"Sash don’t start tonight okay."

Solana could feel one of Sasha’s lectures coming on and she didn’t have the patience for it. At least not right now.

"I’m just saying. You say you guys are best friends but let’s be real bruh. How many best friend relationships really stay like that? The people involved either get into a real relationship, or they fuck and their whole friendship gets ruined."

 ”Well August and I aren’t going to do none of the theories you just stated. We’re friends and that’s how it’s staying Sasha.”

"Girl who are you trying to convince? Me or yourself?"

"I gotta go."

With her last words she quickly hung up the phone. She couldn’t comprehend where Sasha was getting these crazy ideas from. She had to get off the phone with her because she couldn’t take it anymore. It’s not like she was telling the truth anyway, or that’s what she kept telling herself until she fell asleep.

-

Solana rose from the bed as a yawn crept past her lips and her arms stretched above her head. Her long legs swung out from under the covers as she placed her toes on the cold hardwood floor. She turned to her right to check her alarm clock that set on her nightstand and read 10:45 a.m. She threw her head back as her eyes closed for a brief moment.

She thought about crawling back into her bed, but then she realized her mother would be making an appearance in her bedroom soon. Her best chance was to get up now and start getting ready for today’s special event.

She trudged to her bathroom that connected to her bedroom. Solana grabbed a shower cap to place over the rollers in her hair. After taking precautions, she grabbed the toothbrush that was adjacent from the toothpaste. She started her daily hygiene routine . Finished with washing her face and teeth, she walked to the shower and began turning the faucet on. She fiddled with the knobs marked with blue and red, indicating hot and cold water, for a good minute. Once she was satisfied with the warmth of the water she stripped out of her green camisole and orange lace underwear.

 Once she stepped into the shower, immediately her body relaxed from the warm water cascading down her chest. Solana had been stressed with everything going on around her. Preparation for college was more than she thought it would be. She wished someone had warned her about what she was getting herself into. But she knew everything she’d done the last couple of weeks were slowly paying off, and she was definitely proud of herself.

She was in the shower longer than she intended to be. Quickly she grabbed her body rag and Dove body wash. Scrubbing every part of her body thoroughly with soap, she rinsed off before adjusting the knobs to turn the water off.

Grabbing the white cotton towel that hung on the towel rack, she wrapped it securely around her body. Solana stepped out the shower and proceeded to her room. She sat on the bed and began rubbing some lotion on her legs and arms. Her undergarments were placed on her body after she moisturized.

She was stuck on what to wear for the day. It was her trunk party and a lot of relatives and friends would be over to the house. She didn’t want to be too casual, but not over dressed either.

She decided to wear a long sleeved plaid shirt by Burberry with black jeans that hugged her waist perfectly. Solana rarely wore heels but she felt that today was the perfect occasion. She grabbed her nude red bottoms that her mother blessed her with for Christmas.

Walking to the mirror in front of her bed frame, Solana glanced at herself. She was pleased with her clothing choice as she strolled to the bathroom to begin on her hair and makeup. Absentmindedly, she pulled out her rollers from the night before, watching in the mirror as the long thick strands bounced in place. Face wise, she dabbed on a nude gloss while putting on mascara. She wasn’t really big on make up and she loved her natural features on her face, so she didn’t feel the need to cover them up.

The party started around noon and it was only 11:30. She had thirty minutes of free time and she was famished. She went downstairs to grab a quick snack until the BBQ started. When Solana reached the kitchen she saw her mother beginning on the macaroni.

Her mothers famous garden salad was done along with the sweet potatoes. Solana’s stomach growled from just the aroma of the tasteful dishes.

“Smells good in here mom.”

“Thanks Lana. You look nice today.”

Solana grinned knowing that she had her mother’s approval. If she didn’t like her choice of clothing she’d have to go change in order to keep her satisfied.

"Thanks, I picke—". Solana was cut short by her mother’s words.

" I saw that carton of ice cream in your room this morning. Why did you eat the whole thing Solana? That’s straight ridiculous. You betta stop eatin’ like that before you gain the weight back that you just lost. I know we both don’t want that."

Solana had never been a size two. She’d always been on the thick side but never fat. Putting her in the fat category would be a little harsh. She loved food like anyone else but sometimes she would gain weight and it would travel to her thighs and ass.

What’s the problem with that? Solana’s mother believed that everyone should be slim and fit. If you couldn’t go to a normal store for clothes you were considered fat in her eyes. She wouldn’t call Solana fat to her face but her hints were close enough.

"It won’t happen again mama." Solana’s voice cracked as she responded. She was hurt and her insecurities were starting to drown the good mood she had.

"Good. Now go turn some music on before our guests start arriving Solana."

“Yes ma’am.” Solana said wishing her mother would recognize the hurt in her eyes. That was just too much to ask. She turned and attempted to walk straight away towards the dining room where the radio and speakers were setup. She could feel that familiar twitch in her legs, making her wobble in the high-heels like she literally couldn’t withstand the verbal jabs at her self-esteem. Tears were she hadn’t prepared for cascaded down her caramel tone cheeks.

  "Are you scared? Or are you not ready? There is a difference."

The ride back to Solana’s house was quiet. It was a comfortable silence as they both were in their own thoughts while “I’m So Into You” played softly on his radio. Ironic how the song was playing and Solana was thinking the identical thing about August. She had to question herself; was she really into August or were her hormones just invading her thoughts? It was scary to even think the man she knew since eighth grade could be her first love.

But Solana was a rational thinker and she knew the dream was just a dream. But what if it wasn’t just a dream? Solana learned in Anatomy Junior year, that dreams had represented some unfulfilled desires or hoped-for wishes that the person could only yearn for. Was she really hoping that August’s plump lips would explore places on her body that she didn’t even know about? Before she could even grasp the thought, August was once again bringing her back into reality. Something he had been doing a lot lately since they met up for the day.

“You’ve been dazing off a lot today Solana. What’s on your mind? Some wrong? Talk to me ma.”

Solana could only smirk at how August was attempting to show some type of interest in her mental health. She knew it was better to just soak it all up before he was back to his rude or playful ways which he liked to call it.

“I’m fine. I just can’t believe we’re leaving for college, in like two days Aug. Shit is crazy.”

August chuckled as he pulled up in Solana’s drive-way.

“Girl we’ll be fine. Listen here, you got parties okay, tons of bitches, weed, and more tons of bitches, ya know if you rollin that way.” August smirked as Solana just ignored his ignorant comment.

August always threw playful hints to Solana that she liked girls since he never saw her take any interests in boys. She wasn’t a lesbian whatsoever. She just hadn’t met a boy that met her standards and worth her time. Her grandma Julie always told her, “Never lower your standards for anyone. Not even for love.” That stuck to Solana like glue.

Of course she kissed a couple dudes here and there, but that was it. Her head was in her books just like her mother and father wanted. Solana had other things to worry about and sometimes she felt August failed to understand that.

Solana opened the front door of her home. When her foot came in contact with the hardwood floors she started walking upstairs to her room a little after August had called out to her.

She sat on her bed as she kicked off her white Air Fresh Ones. Solana dug into her light denim high waisted shorts to only have her fresh manicured nails come in contact with her phone. She plugged it to her charger as she stood and started treading to her closet.

“Solana I was jokin ya know.”

She turned around only to see August with a peanut butter and jelly sandwich in his hand.

“Didn’t you just eat? I’ll never understand how you’re so lanky and eat like an obese person.”

August just shrugged his shoulders as he began to repeat the same steps Solana did when she first stepped inside her bedroom.

Solana stared at her closet which felt like hours. Her black suitcases were aligned against her hot pink painted walls.

“Why you procrastinatin’ to pack Freckles?”

She turned her head slightly as she looked out the corner of her right eye to see August standing beside her, every crumb of his sandwich devoured without a trace.

Nibbling on her bottom plump lip, August knew she was avoiding his question. Solana always nibbled on her bottom lip when she couldn’t answer his question. It was her simple way of ignoring him and letting August know to leave the topic alone. August wouldn’t be himself if he didn’t keep prying about his previous question. She was going to answer sooner or later.

“Talk to me Solana. I know when some wrong with ya. You start bitin on your lips and shit.”

She sighed as she placed a strand of her black curly hair behind her ear.

“I just don’t know if I’m ready to be on my own yet? Ugh I sound like a hopeless child.” Solana chuckled at her own statement although she meant every word.

“Ya not ready or ya scared? There is a difference Solana.”

"I-I don’t know Aug."

August opened her eyes and made her mind expand on the topic at hand. Her thoughts were running a marathon on her incompetence with matters of the subject .

Analyzing August’s question even more, she began to wonder if her and her best friend’s relationship would be demolished from them finding themselves in college.

"We’ll still be close in college right?"

August’s head jerked back as he was in total disbelief of Solana’s vacuous questioning.

"What? Come hea’." August sat on Solana’s bed as he waited for her to obey his command. Solana sat next to him as she just stared . The anticipation of him answering her question was becoming unbearable.

"Look at me iight’. Solana, baby girl, you my best friend. You’ve been there for me when even my own blood wasn’t. So you questioning our friendship is outrageous right na’. If we stayed friends during high school, I’m pretty sure we’ll be friends during college."

Solana was trying everything in her power to believe every word that was flowing out of August’s mouth but it was hard. She knew he was telling the truth but she couldn’t help but to question the alternative of what he was saying.

"Is that why ya scared of packing? You think I’ma leave ya when we get to college? Or are ya scared of growing up?"

"Both honestly."

"Well ya need to stop thinkin’ like that cause I’m not goin’ anywhere Freckles, and I put that on Melvin grave."

Solana knew he was sincere once he mentioned Melvin. That was August’s older brother who died when him and his family were living in New Orleans. It’s still a touchy subject for August til this day.

With feeling better about leaving, she wrapped her arms around August’s torso while placing her head onto his chest. August hugged her back as his right arm wrapped around her curvaceous body. He placed a small peck on top of her natural curly hair as Solana mumbled a simple thank-you.

It felt like they’d stayed in that position for hours when it was only for three minutes. With Solana kind of having her fears put aside she began to pack like August wanted her to.

"Damn how many panties and clothes you bringing? You got 2 full suitcases already?" Solana could only chuckle at how August was being so dramatic.

"We’re going to be kind of living down there, so I think I need all this. Don’t ya think so?"

"Honestly no. You need 7 pairs of your panties and your bras. Then your clothes? That’s acceptable, bring your whole closet and your shoes too."

"You’re so stupid."

"You love me tho’."

Solana did love August and she knew for a fact that he loved her too.

Only as friends.