Finding Forever

1. Doomed Future....Maybe?

November 30th, 2016

Los Angeles, California
Kayla's POV

"Kayla..."

"Kayla..."

"Kayla!"

"KAYLA, GET YOUR BLACK ASS UP! Damn, we got a flight to catch!"

The sudden roar of my best friend Camron's voice sends a jolt through my body as she yanks my white comforter off of me. Cold air rushes over my skin, and I groan, curling deeper into my long pillow.

"Cam, damn! I'm up! Chill!" My voice is muffled as I bury my face in the pillow.

She scoffs, standing at the foot of my bed, arms crossed over her chest. "You were knocked out, girl. Like, deep sleep—like you was having a wet dream or something." She smirks, laughing as she steps back. "It's 4 a.m., and we gotta be out by 5:30 to meet up with Jasmine."

I peek out from under my arm to glare at her. She's already dressed in her matching red lounge set and Vans, looking too put together for this early in the morning. Meanwhile, I'm still trying to figure out why I feel like I just got hit by a truck.

"Ugh." I groan, reluctantly sitting up. "We really gotta be at the airport this early?"

"Yes!" She throws her hands up, exasperated. "We're flying across the damn country for this convention, and you know TSA don't play."

She's right. The last thing I need is to be late for a flight to D.C., especially when we've got an invitation from none other than our forever First Lady, Michelle Obama. The White House is hosting an educational convention, and somehow, me and Cam ended up on the guest list. Even though we are good friends with her.

Me, a psychiatrist who's spent the last decade advocating for mental health in young Black communities. Cam, an author and ghostwriter, crafting stories that uplift and inspire the next generation.

It still doesn't feel real.

With a deep sigh, I drag myself out of bed, shuffling toward my ensuite bathroom. The only way I'm surviving today is with a long, hot shower.

I turn the water on, letting the steam build as I head into my walk-in closet, grabbing my gray lounge set and my pink-and-white Dunks. Comfortable, but cute—airport essentials. Once I have everything set aside, I start my morning routine, using the bathroom, washing my face, brushing my teeth, and securing my locs under my shower bonnet. This fresh retwist is not getting wet.

Finally, I step into the shower, letting the scorching hot water relax my muscles. The tension in my shoulders eases as I grab my washcloth and eucalyptus body wash, inhaling the soothing scent.

"God, I hope I do well in this conference."

It's not like I haven't spoken publicly before—I've done panels, lectures, workshops. But standing in a room full of political power players? At the White House? That's another level.

I shake the nerves away and focus on finishing my shower.

"Kayla, come on!" Cam yells from downstairs. "We gotta head out in an hour—I already cooked us a small breakfast!"

How long have I been in here?

I rush to rinse off, stepping out into the warm bathroom air. Wrapping myself in a towel, I quickly dry off, slip into my underwear and sports bra, and then pull on my lounge set. Once my shoes are laced up, I make my bed, double-checking my essentials.

"Phone? Check. Purse? Check. Charger? Check. Laptop bag? Check."

Everything else is in my suitcase downstairs, so I'm good to go. I switch off my bedroom light and head down to the kitchen, where the smell of eggs, turkey bacon, and toast fills the air.

Cam is leaning against the counter, scrolling through her phone as she sips on a cup of tea.

"You're a lifesaver for waking me up," I sigh, sliding onto a barstool at the island.

She smirks. "I know. But seriously, what had you so knocked out? Usually, you're up before me."

I pick up my fork, taking a bite of eggs before answering. "I was up late going through my PowerPoint for the millionth time. This presentation is huge for me, Cam. I need it to be perfect, especially in the White House. And especially with a jackass about to take office."

She shakes her head, rolling her eyes. "Yeah, I get it. But girl, you're literally an award-winning psychiatrist. Your research has changed lives. You've opened doors for young people, especially back home. You got this."

I let her words sink in as I chew. She's right.

"I just know the next four years are gonna be a shit show," I say, sighing as I sip my water. "That's why Michelle is hosting this convention—to prepare us for what's coming. And we're lucky enough to be part of that conversation."

Cam nods. "Exactly. And on the bright side, we get to see our girl Michelle again and be back at THE HU!"

I groan. "Here you go."

She grins proudly. "Howard University, baby! And speaking of, the car is five minutes away."

My eyes widen. "Oh, shoot! We gotta go!"

We both move into action, making sure everything in the kitchen is cleaned up and the house is in order before heading out.

Outside, a sleek black SUV is waiting for us. The driver steps out, loading our massive suitcases into the trunk before opening the door for us.

Sliding into the backseat, I exhale, finally able to relax. The soft R&B music playing through the speakers soothes me as I gaze out the window, watching the streets of L.A. pass by.

The city still feels new. I only moved here two weeks ago, and while I love the energy, I hate the traffic. Thankfully, today we got lucky.

Cam nudges me. "You ready?"

I take a deep breath. "Yeah."

She smiles. "Then let's go change the world."

I chuckle, shaking my head. "One speech at a time."

As the car speeds toward LAX, I feel the nerves creeping back in. But deep down, I know this moment is bigger than my anxiety.

This is about the future.

And we're ready.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I hope yall enjoy I'm gonna drop 3 chapters and see what yall think.... KISSESSSSS😘. I already have everything planned out. But it will be a slow burn in away☺️