excuse any mistakes.
𝐊𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐮 𝐘𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐫 𝐉𝐚𝐜𝐨𝐛𝐬
𝙲𝙾𝙻𝚃𝚂 𝙽𝙴𝙲𝙺, 𝙽𝙹.
Keanu and Skyler stepped out of the car, their laughter mingling with the vibrant air of the sunny Monday afternoon. Their destination—a flower store, adorned with colorful blooms peeking through the storefront window.
The chime of the doorbell echoed as Keanu and Skyler pushed open the door of the store.
From the back of the store, an elderly African American lady emerged, her eyes widening in surprise as she caught sight of the familiar figure in her doorway. Her jaw dropped, momentarily stunned by the unexpected arrival.
"I know it ain't the Keanu Jacobs in my store!" The old lady exclaimed.
"What? You lying?" Another voice chimed in, this time belonging to a man. He emerged from the back, and his jaw dropped as he laid eyes on Keanu, his favorite football player. "Man, and I was close to not coming in today."
"Hii." Skyler waved, catching the old lady's attention as she leaned over the counter.
"Oh, my God! Hello beautiful." The old lady exclaimed with genuine warmth in her voice.
"Thank you." Skyler replied, blushing at the compliment. She glanced to her side and noticed the other man waving at her. She dropped one of her hands and waved back.
"Wassup. Nice to meet y'all." Keanu chuckled.
"Shit, Nice to meet us? Nah it's nice to meet you. Rod take a picture with him so I could post it on FaceBook. All this man talks about is how you're his favorite football player." The elderly lady chuckled, her eyes twinkling with excitement. "I don't know shit about football, I only watch the shit when you're playing."
"That's wassup." Keanu said dapping up Rod before giving the old lady a side hug. "Youn wanna take a picture too?" He asked, turning to the old lady, who broke into a smile.
"Of course!" She exclaimed.
"I'll take the picture," Neon, Keanu's security guard, offered, and the old lady handed Neon her phone. Rod and the old lady moved away from the counter, positioning themselves—one beside Keanu and the other on the opposite side. Meanwhile, Skyler stood in front of Keanu. "Y'all ready?" Neon asked, and they nodded.
Neon captured about three pictures and once done, he handed the phone back to the lady.
"I love them. Thank you so much," she exclaimed joyfully, clutching her phone. "What brings you guys here today? What flowers can I help you find?" She asked, returning to the counter with a warm and welcoming demeanor.
"Today my lil sister signing day and I want the flowers to be the color of the school she's signing to. Y'all got Maroon and white flowers?"
The elderly lady's smile widened "Yeah we do. Congratulations to your sister, by the way," She gestured towards a section in the shop, motioning them to follow. "Follow me."
Leading Keanu and Skyler through the vibrant display of flowers, the lady showcased an assortment of blossoms in hues of maroon, white, and burgundy. Roses, carnations, and dahlias adorned the shelves, each bloom exuding its unique charm and beauty.
Keanu glanced at Skyler, a smile playing on his lips as they admired the array of flowers. "Which one you think your auntie gone like?"
Skyler, with a look of contemplation on her face, tiptoed to examine the flowers closely. After careful consideration, her gaze settled on a combination of maroon roses and delicate white blossoms. "These! Auntie gone love these."
"Yeah we gone take the roses and blossoms." Keanu told the old lady and she nodded.
The old lady, skilled in her craft, began to deftly arrange the maroon roses and delicate white blossoms, her hands moving with practiced precision. She carefully selected the perfect combination, arranging the blooms in a way that highlighted their beauty. As she worked, her experienced hands added a finishing touch—a small, elegant tag that read "Congratulations." With a flick of her wrist, she attached it to the bouquet, making sure it was displayed prominently amid the blooms.
The lady stepped back, admiring her handiwork with a satisfied smile. "There we go, a beautiful bouquet for a very special day for a beautiful girl. I'm sure your sister will love it."
Skyler and Keanu stood before the boutique, their eyes alight with delight as they admired the exquisitely arranged bouquet. "I love it! And if I love it, Auntie's going to love it." Skyler declared, her grin spreading ear to ear.
"Why, Thank you?" The old lady smiled. "I have something for you too." She said and Skyler looked at her confused before looking at her dad and Keanu smiled at her and Skyler looked back at the old lady who was now holding a mini bouquet and Skyler grinned grabbing it.
"Thank you!" Skyler squealed with excitement. "Daddy, did you know about this?" She looked at Keanu, who shook his head in response, prompting Skyler to squeal even louder in delight. Placing the bouquet down, she dashed behind the counter, wrapping her arms around the older lady in a heartfelt hug. "I love it!"
"You're welcome pretty girl. You're so sweet. Don't you ever change." The old lady said.
"I won't. My Daddy tells me that being rude makes you ugly, and I like being beautiful."
"I know that's right." The old lady chuckled.
Keanu took care of Chiara's payment, and in a generous gesture, the old lady decided to gift Skyler's bouquet for free, moved by the adorable nature of the little girl. Keanu expressed his appreciation and left a generous tip, acknowledging not just the beautiful bouquet but also the warmth and generosity they had encountered in the flower shop.
After leaving the flower shop, Neon drove Skyler and Keanu to Chiara's high school. The trio stepped out of the car and made their way to the school's main office to sign in. Once the formalities were completed, they headed towards the school's gymnasium where the signing ceremony was set to take place.
Upon entering the gymnasium, their eyes quickly caught sight of the gathering of family and friends. Making their way through the crowd, they approached their loved ones and took their seats together, joining the group eagerly awaiting the start of the signing ceremony.
"Why the flowers covered?" Fela asked.
Nobody knew which college Chiara had chosen to sign with other than Keanu. Keanu had to keep it under wraps because he was the one helping Chiara decide on the best school so to keep it a surprise, he had to discreetly cover the flowers they brought so no one would catch on.
"It's a surprise." Keanu explained, but Fela just looked at him with a puzzled expression before casually shrugging it off.
"Good afternoon, Colts Neck High School! Today is a special day as we gather to celebrate the incredible achievements of our talented athletes," The soccer coach announced with enthusiasm. "These young men and women have not only showcased their skills on the field but have also demonstrated commitment, discipline, and teamwork throughout their high school journey."
The coach's words resonated with pride and admiration for the athletes, setting the tone for the momentous occasion. The audience listened attentively as the coach continued, emphasizing the significance of each student's dedication to both academics and soccer.
"As we witness these signings today, let's not just see it as a commitment to a college team but as a testament to the dedication and hard work these students have put into their education and their sport. It's a proud moment for Colts Neck High School, and we are excited to see these athletes continue to shine at the collegiate level."
Applause filled the gymnasium as the soccer coach concluded the speech.
One by one, students began to approach the stage in alphabetical order, their names echoing through the gymnasium as they stepped up to sign their commitments to various colleges. Excitement and cheers filled the air with each student's name announced, marking the culmination of their high school soccer journey.
Amidst the growing anticipation, the moment finally arrived for Chiara.
The coach's voice resonated through the gymnasium, "Now finally let's welcome our captain, Chiara Ziegler."
The gymnasium erupted into a frenzy of excitement. The air vibrated with an explosive blend of cheers, screams, and thunderous applause, a symphony of celebration for Chiara's achievement.
Amidst the jubilation, Chiara's family took the lead, their enthusiastic cheers reverberating across the gymnasium. Their voices rose above the rest, filled with pride and exuberance for their daughter, sister, and beloved team captain.
"Okay now quiet down." Chiara chuckled into the mic and the cheers started getting lower. Once it was finally quiet Chiara began her speech, "Thank you, everyone," Chiara began, her voice quivering slightly as she struggled to contain her emotions. "This means everything to me. I am beyond grateful for all of you who have been a part of my journey, my teammates, coaches, friends, and, of course, my family. To leave behind the memories we've created, the victories, the defeats, the laughter, and even the tears. Colts Neck High School has been my home for so long, and it's tough to say goodbye. I'll miss every moment spent on this field, every practice, every game. I'll miss the bonds we've formed, the friendships that have become family. And most of all, I'll miss leading this incredible team. You all mean the world to me."
"Thank you for being my inspiration, my motivation," Chiara concluded, her voice quivering. "I'll carry each one of you with me as I move forward. I love you all so much."
The coach approached the microphone, a proud smile on her face. "Before we move on to which college our captain will be choosing. There's something truly exceptional about our captain that I want to share with everyone,"
"Chiara Ziegler isn't just an outstanding athlete; she's also an academic powerhouse. Graduating with an outstanding 5.5 GPA, Chiara not only claims the title of valedictorian but also boasts the highest SAT score in the county, an impressive 1580. Her excellence has garnered full-ride scholarships from an astounding 14 colleges," the coach proudly announced, the astonishment rippling through the crowd.
"And here's the kicker – six of those colleges are Ivy Leagues. That's right, our very own Chiara Ziegler has earned the opportunity to choose from some of the most prestigious institutions in the country."
A wave of applause and cheers erupted once again, this time a mix of admiration and pride for Chiara's academic excellence.
"That's my daughter! Don't play with her!" Fela shouted, leaping to her feet with a round of applause. Chiara glanced over at her mom, a smile spreading across her face. However, her grin quickly faded when her dad produced a random megaphone, screaming into it.
"Where the fuck he got that from?" Landon asked and Keanu shrugged shaking his head.
As the excitement settled in the gym, the coach reclaimed the microphone. "So, captain, which college have you chosen to attend?"
Chiara stepped forward, her eyes scanning the familiar faces in the crowd. "After a lot of soul-searching, numerous sleepless nights, and an abundance of stress, I've made my decision," Chiara began, her voice carrying a blend of conviction and emotion. "I've decided to embark on the next chapter of my athletic and academic journey at the University of Chicago."
As she finished her declaration, Chiara reached for the University of Chicago hat, placing it upon her head amidst the resounding applause and cheers that erupted from the audience.
"Not my baby going to Chicago." Fela said fanning her eyes. "She's leaving me."
"Mane here she go with this crybaby ass shit." Rulo shook his head.
"You know you bout to cry too." Keanu said.
"I'm very in tune with my body; I know I'm not about to cry," Rulo said. Keanu playfully pointed at his own eye, a tear teetering on the edge, and Rulo swiftly wiped it away. "Youn know me."
"Daddy, Can we go up there?" Skyler asked and Keanu nodded.
Grabbing the bouquet, he uncovered it and made his way toward Chiara, who was engaged in a hug with her coach. Chiara gently pulled away from the embrace and turned to catch sight of her brothers and niece. "Oh my God, I love the flowers!" She exclaimed, walking over to Keanu and reaching out to take the bouquet.
"Auntie I picked them out." Skyler grinned.
"You did?" Chiara asked and Skyler nodded "Thank you so much. You know me so well." Chiara bent down pulling Skyler in for a hug.
"Where my hug at? I bought them." Keanu scrunched his face up and Chiara chuckled pulling both her brothers in for a hug.
"He asked for a hug, Not me." Sage said pulling away from the hug "Congratulations lil bit."
"Thank youuuu bitch."
"My baby!" Fela exclaimed, enveloping Chiara in a tight embrace. "I'm so proud of you. You got me messing up my makeup and I haven't even taken pictures yet." she chuckled, pulling back slightly to plant a kiss on Chiara's forehead before drawing her back into another hug.
After receiving congratulations from everyone, Chiara changed into the University of Chicago jacket and settled back at the table for a round of pictures. Keanu stood by, a proud smile adorning his face, as he held up his phone, capturing pictures of Chiara.
The genuine joy in his smile reflected the deep pride he felt for his sister's accomplishments.
________
chiaraziegler
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chiaraziegler it's not over #gomaroons🤍
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keanujacobs Let's Goooooo ‼️❤️🔥
"Man why she not picking up the phone?"Landon sighed in frustration, clicking his tongue in annoyance. Keanu glanced up from his phone, having just commented under Chiara's post. "All a nigga wanna know is if she's good and she over here acting stubborn and shit not answering."
"Why Jaz mad at you now?" Keanu asked.
"I think she's having a pregnancy scare," Landon mentioned, causing Keanu to burst into laughter as he handed the blunt back to Landon. "What?" Landon asked, puzzled by Keanu's reaction.
"Why would she be ignoring you because she's having a pregnancy scare?" Keanu inquired, his brow furrowing in confusion. Suddenly, a realization struck him, and his expression turned serious. "Nigga you got her pregnant," Keanu stated matter-of-factly. Landon smirked in response. "You sick." He retorted.
"She told me to do it," Landon shrugged. "But I know I ain't do anything bad though. It's just the scare making her ignore me. She's pulled this before. She spent a week ignoring me until she knew she wasn't pregnant. Then she was all sunshine and giggles." He explained, familiar with Jazlyn's-past behaviors.
"I hope she ain't pregnant." Keanu said taking a pull from the blunt.
"Nigga youn want a niece?" Landon asked.
"I do but she clearly don't want a kid. You know ima keep it a buck with you every time. If she pregnant for real, You wrong for that." Keanu began, his tone serious and measured as he addressed Landon.
"You not gone be the one going through the pain of carrying the baby for nine months. It's her, and if she doesn't want this right now, it's not fair to push her into something she's not ready for. Bringing a child into this world is a big responsibility, and it's not something to take lightly. The shit you doing right now? You aint gone have time to do it when you got a kid. Especially when it's a newborn. Think about Jazlyn, man. Think about what she wants and needs right now. If this is just a scare, cool, but if it's not, you gotta support her no matter what she decides. It's her body, her choice, and she deserves your understanding and respect in this. When the time is right both of yall gone have all the kids yall want." Keanu shrugged.
A few moments passed in silence as they passed the blunt back and forth. Finally, Landon kissed his teeth in frustration. "I hate it when you right." He muttered, acknowledging Keanu's advice despite his reluctance to admit it.
"I never been wrong." Keanu chuckled.
"Man, whatever," Landon waved off Keanu. "How therapy go today for Tink?" Landon asked, using the nickname he'd coined for Skyler.
Keanu took a long drag from the blunt before responding, "It's getting better. She's starting to open up and express herself more. Today was the first session where she ain't cry. I'm proud."
"That's good. It means it's working," Landon remarked, to which Keanu simply nodded, gazing into the distance. "Why you looking like that? You need therapy too or something?"
"Nah. I saw Mieke today," Keanu said, and Landon sat up abruptly. "I been seeing her ever since Skyler started therapy."
"For real?" Landon asked, and Keanu nodded. "She said anything to you?"
"Nah, I haven't tried saying anything to her either. I want to, though. I just don't know how, you feel me?" Keanu admitted. "Every time I'm over there, it's with Skyler. The way Mieke looks at me and shit, Ion even think she'd let me approach her." He sighed, feeling disheartened by the situation. Shaking his head, he glanced down at his phone, his mood visibly affected by the thoughts swirling in his mind.
Landon looked at Keanu and shook his head chuckling "You still stuck on her, Ain't you?"
"I never stopped." Keanu shrugged.
"So while you was fucking with Naomi you was still stuck on Mieke?" Landon asked.
"Man if I tell you what I used to do you gone think I'm the most ain't shit nigga in the world."Keanu confessed, and Landon's jaw dropped before he burst into laughter.
"Whatchu used to do?" Landon asked, intrigued. Keanu glanced at him before letting out a chuckle.
"It was times where I used to imagine Naomi as Mieke." Keanu admitted. Landon couldn't contain himself and erupted into laughter, running around the backyard in hysterics. He returned to where they were seated, still laughing, and playfully smacked Keanu while catching his breath. "It ain't that funny."
"Man this shit hilarious! Ion wanna ever hear you talking about I ain't shit. It ain't nothing that could be more ain't shit than that." Landon shook his head while Keanu remained silent.
Keanu knew he was wrong for imagining Naomi as Mieke even if it wasn't frequent. It was a mistake, something he regretted and acknowledged as inappropriate.
"Whatchu think I should do?" Keanu asked and Landon stopped laughing.
"Do with what? The whole Mieke thing? Well, Naomi's gone, so you don't have to imagine her as Mieke anymore," he remarked, prompting Keanu to shoot him a glare. "What? I'm confused." Landon added, a bit puzzled.
"Whatchu think I should do to talk to Mieke?"
"Ion think you should talk to her," Landon began "Bro, it's been years. She probably moved on. You need to as well. She don't care about you. Think about it, man. She ended things without explanation. That's not fair to you. Not having closure can mess with your head, and she knows that. If she cared, she wouldn't have left things like that. You deserve better than someone who'd just walk away without a word. It's a whole bunch of girls other than Mieke out there. You Keanu Jacobs, It's girls throwing themselves at you in yo dms right now wanting to be your girl."
"They just want the fame that come from me." Keanu kissed his teeth giving him the blunt.
"That's what you think until you meet one that doesn't want that. You got Skyler, your career, and so much going for you. Don't let this one thing hold you back from moving ahead in life. You ain't playing football for a couple more months and you sitting here sad because yo ex girlfriend hates you asum. Let go and live your life without this weight dragging you down."
Keanu sat back, absorbing Landon's words.
Landon was right. It wasn't fair.
Mieke had walked away without a word, leaving Keanu to grapple with unanswered questions.
Memories flooded back—the confusion, the unanswered questions, the nights spent wondering what went wrong.
Landon also was right about how there's other girls out there other than Mieke. They might not be Mieke, and, damn, he wished they were.
There was a certain comfort in the familiarity of what he once had with her, but maybe it was time to let go of that illusion.
He remembered the times he thought he had moved on, where other girls came into the picture. Yet, beneath the surface, Mieke's ghost lingered, a constant presence in the recesses of his thoughts. It was as if he had been chasing shadows, trying to replace what he once had.
But Landon's words resonated — he deserved more than living in the shadows of the past.
There were girls out there, ones who might not be Mieke but could bring something new and meaningful into his life.
But he doesn't want them.
He doesn't want no one else but Mieke.
The thought of someone else entering his life seemed like an intrusion, an intrusion he wasn't ready to entertain. He couldn't shake off the sense of yearning for Mieke, the longing for what they once shared. It wasn't just about the familiarity or the comfort; it was about the depth of emotions he still harbored for her.
Other girls might offer something new and different, but they weren't Mieke.
None of them possessed the essence that had drawn him to her in the first place.
Her absence had left a void that seemed impossible to fill with anyone else.
There was a unique connection,
an irreplaceable bond that still held a tight grip on his heart.
The idea of moving on, of letting go of the hope he secretly nurtured, felt like betraying what he truly desired. He doesn't want anyone else to occupy the space Mieke held in his heart.
The thought of closing that chapter of his life, of accepting that Mieke might not return, felt like surrendering a piece of his soul.
"Maybe you needa set an consultation up with a therapist asum because you might need therapy just so you could move on." Landon suggested. The idea struck Keanu like a bolt of lightning, sparking a realization within him.
Perhaps if he discreetly set up an appointment with Mieke, she might talk to him. It was a risk, but it seemed like the only viable option left to reconnect with her.
•••