Just Friends

Chapter 23

Imani :

I was blinded by camera flashes the moment I walked onto the red carpet. Walking in with Demi and Melanie, the paparazzi asked a million questions about August, who he was coming with, and why he wasn't with me. Haven't they ever heard of girl power?  They were crowding around us like we were animals, and I hated how close they were to me. Shoving cameras in my face, waiting for some sort of reaction to all the hurtful things they were saying. It didn't help that I was claustrophobic, and being so close to all of them was raising my anxiety levels. What did they actually think I was going to do when they yell at me like that? Did they want me to lash out and ruin the day? The event was held for children, orphans- but they were being childish.

"Miss Richards, over here, please." I heard someone say, he was hidden behind a sea of reporters, trying to get a picture of us for some article. I turned to look over to him, grateful that someone was being nice.

Why was there so much fucking press for a charity event?

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August

"So, want to tell me why Imani is mad at you ?" My mom asked, a second after I hung up the phone. She crossed her arms giving me this look , and my heart dropped the second that sentence left my momma's mouth . I knew she would be so disappointed in me once she found out the truth, especially since she always considered Imani as her daughter.

"Di d she tell you she was mad? I asked, trying to avoid the question as a whole. I knew Imani would never say anything bad about me to my mother, but she was so disappointed yesterday and I don't know what to expect. Plus it's good to know what she said, just in case I needed to do some damage control.

"No, she didn't," My mom said, emphasizing the word "she." She took a dramatic pause before continuing her sentence, giving me a look similar to a kid about to get beat. "but we are going to get into that car, and you will tell me exactly why she is mad. For God sakes August, you haven't seen her since you left and you know this is your first real relationship since--"

"I know Mom," I said cutting her off before she could say her name again. "C'mon, let's go before we're late." I was not looking forward to this car ride.

"YOU WHAT?" She exclaimed, hitting me with her purse, "HOW COULD YOU DO THAT TO IMANI YOU-- you know I have no words for you, she was right August, you have changed." my mother said, shaking her head. She sat across from me and couldn't even make eye contact. She was that embarrassed at me and I couldn't take that.

"All i wanted was to see my baby have babies." My mom said, her voice breaking, "You know how much I love Imani and how  i want you guys to get together, why can't you just let yourself be happy? Just because your famous now doesn't mean you have to be like all those rappers!" At this point my mother was crying, and i hated seeing her cry. I reached over to the other side, wrapping my arms around her as she was crying on my shirt.

"Its okay Momma, I'm gonna get her back, okay? Don't worry." I said, stroking her back. "I love her Momma, you know that." There was a moment of silence between us and my heart ached after every passing second. If this is the reaction that came from my mom, I cant even imagine how Imani felt.  

"Good. You better" She said, finally breaking the silence. Wiping her tears with her sleeve saying, "We're going to be late if we don't get out of this car."

The charity always hosted beautiful events for children, that's why I invited my mother to this one. I wanted her to see me in action in Atlanta, and this was the best place to start. I was explaining the point of today's event to my mother as we walked up on the red carpet. I didn't understand why they had them for charity events; but I guess some people love the attention. Thankfully though, since we were late their wasn't many reporters or paparazzi there.

Once we entered the hotel , the whole atmosphere changed. It was almost like a kids dream house to an extent. They rented out the whole Pump it Up and managed to conjoin the bowling alley next door. Everything was decorated to perfection, even I was excited about it.

"Boy, don't you go running off now, I'm not as young as I used to be" my mom said, rolling her eyes at my childish behavior. I must admit I was thinking about hitting the lanes, but since my mom was here I got to stick with her.

We walked around a bit, meeting kids and listening to them tell stories. I even got to play basketball with a couple of them while a few girls played with my moms hair.  I looked over to check on her, only to see her smiling and staring at something far away.

I'm going to end it here :)   Also,I need help finding a person for Melanie, I'm using Alessia Cara here, but i don't think I want to keep that since there aren't many pics of her...

I imagine Melanie to be mixed, and that's about it lol.