There's something about a new day that is oddly comforting. Just the thought of today being a brand new day. Another chance to start fresh and onto the right foot. And what all can we do? Embrace it to our best ability. You might have went to bed with tears in your eyes and hurt in your heart. But you wake up and try to move on. It's all we can do. That's what I'm going to do.
I've realized this now, there's no going back. What the real question is at hands is: Do I even truly want to go back to who I used to be? Deep down inside I know I don't. I couldn't even if I wanted to now. I've crossed over into a world where I was nothing but ignorant towards. I was Bambi. Now when I look myself in the mirror I see that image of myself growing dimmer by the day. I know I can't go back to who I was before Bryce, but I know I still can be me at the end of the day. The same girl that would rather sit up all night going on a binge on Netflix and stuff my face with Oreos for days.
Though now the same girl fell, fell hard for the boy who she never could see herself with. The one that found her voice of strength and independence that was there all along. The same one that wasn't alone anymore. I am Shayla Janelle Dennis and I am Bambi. Now it's time for me to embrace it.
* * * *
I stood in front of the bathroom mirror, my paddle brush in hand, attempting to maintain the monstrosity of hair of mine. Spritzing some more detangler solution into it, for the tenth time this morning I tried to tame these curls of mine. I groaned when my brush roughly snagged onto one of many tangles in my hair. Ripping the brush out of my hair and slamming it down on the counter top. What was the point of having detangler if it didn't work!
"Fuck it." I murmured giving up on trying to do anything remotely attractive with my hair today. I pulled my damp hair up into a messy bun on top of my head when two strong arms wrapped around my bare waist.
"Good morning." Bryce whispered his lips brushing against my neck teasingly. Our eyes met in the mirror in front of us. His eyes briefly looking over my choice of hairstyle and merely chuckled. "Having a bad hair day?"
"Bad hair day is an understatement." I huffed examining my bun. "I should just shave it all off and go bald."
Turning around in his arms I leaned up and kissed his nose. "I suppose that could be an opinion but you kinda have a lumpy hair so I don't think that would be attractive."
I gasp slapping his arm while he laughed at me. "I do not have a lumpy head." Out of curiosity I reached up and rubbed my skull. "Besides, even if I did have a lumpy head - which I don't - you're suppose to love me regardless."
Bryce rolled his eyes mockingly. "I do love you regardless you crazy woman. I'm just saying that so you don't come running to me when everybody makes fun of your lumpy head."
I narrowed my eyes at him and removed myself from his embrace. Leaning up against the cool counter I folded my arms across my chest. "At least I don't have a peanut head." I muttered.
Bryce raised an eyebrow at me, clearly amused. "Really? That's all you got?"
Defeated I brushed past a laughing Bryce and back into the bedroom. I grabbed my phone along the way and plopped down onto the bed. My expectation being completely the same as before. My mom still hasn't even tried to contact me. I'm surprised she didn't call the cops on me for grand theft auto. I don't know why I even bothered. I guess a small part of me wants her step up a be the mother I always wanted. But she's not no matter what I do.
"Baby I know we had plans today to go to the beach but..."
I didn't even blink. "You have to take care of something." It wasn't even a question.
The bed shifted as Bryce sat down beside me. His hand grazing over my thigh. "I'm sorry baby. I promise I'll be home in time for dinner. Promise."
"It's fine Bryce. I understand you have things to do. As long as you're here for dinner then we're good. Because it's my turn to cook."
There was a long pause before Bryce replied. "You sure?"
I looked up from my phone and reassured him with a small smile. "I'm positive. I'll just hang out with the guys in the meantime."
Bryce flashed me a heartwarming smile before leaning over and wrapping me up in his arms once again. His hands were on each side of my face and crashed his lips to mine. I sighed into the kiss and drew him closer to me knowing deep down I didn't want to let him go. After a minute or two we pulled away both breathless and each sported red swollen lips.
"Let me go before I end up starting something." he smiled.
I chuckled and kissed his cheek on last time before he released me from his embrace. "7:00?" I asked.
He nodded shrugging on his jacket. "7:00." he confirmed.
Bryce leaned over and kissed me again. "I love you."
"And I love you."
He smiled from the doorway. "See you tonight."
And with that he was gone. Whenever Bryce left I couldn't help but feel the emptiness welling up inside me. I didn't want to be that girl that clings to her man for dear life whenever he leaves. But due to our circumstances, I try to spend as much time with Bryce that I can. Lately, he always has to take care of or leave abruptly. Which I can understand with a target basically painted on his back and everything. As much as I wanted him to stay, I had to let him leave.
Swallowing up my last bit of sadness I dialed Jay's number and pressed the phone to my cheek. "Hello?"
"Where you at?" I demanded.
Jay scoffed on the other end. "Well hello to you to mother."
I laugh. "You want to hang out today with you dear old best friend?"
Jay laughed. "Why do I feel like I don't have a choice in that matter?"
"Because you don't silly! You know me better than that."
I could practically hear Jay rolling his eyes over the phone. "I'll be there in 30."
"See you then love muffin!"
I pressed 'end' and tossed the phone back on the bed. I raced back into the walk-in closet in search of an outfit for the day. I grabbed my aqua colored muscle t-shirt and paired it with a pair of ripped jeans. I slipped on my all white Converses and headed into the bathroom. I applied some mascara and a thin line of eyeliner humming lightly to the music playing from Bryce's iDeck. As soon as I finished my make-up I heard the front door open.
"Honey I'm home!" Jay's deep voice booming across the walls.
"Upstairs!" I called back.
Just as I walked back into the bedroom Jay was coming back in. We hugged briefly before I walked over to the iDeck and turned off the music. "So what you wanna do today?" Jay asked in a bored tone.
"What do you wanna do?" I asked.
He shrugged. "As long as it's not watching girly shows and painting each other's toenails I don't care." he clapped his hands together and smiled. "I know let's go to the strip club! I've been itching to go there lately."
"How about no." I interjected.
"You suck all the fun from right inside of me." he pouted.
I laughed and patted his cheeks playfully. "You'll be fine my poor little Jay."
He rolled his eyes and glanced down at his pocket before pulling out his phone. His face turned upright when he saw who was calling. Immediately, I knew who exactly was calling. "You still avoiding her?" I asked the mood in the room shifting.
"Avoiding sounds so harsh. I like to think of it as I'm emotionally unavailable at the time." he sighed running his hands through his hair. "I just don't want to deal with her right now."
I sat down beside Jay and rubbed his back. "C'mon talk to me."
"Chanel and I are what I look as a working progress. We met back when I was still in eighth grade and she moved in next door to me and my family. It wasn't until we got to high school when I really got a good look at her and really got to know her. It was my freshmen year and she was one year ahead of me and-"
"I didn't know you liked them older." I giggled.
He glared at me. "Watch it. Don't make this out this to be me being some cougar chaser when I'm not. I'm attracted to beautiful woman and I don't discriminate dammit." he huffed dramatically. "Besides we're still in the same age range so it doesn't count."
"Whatever you say." I laughed.
Jay rolled his eyes. "You know what, let's take a detour." He grabbed my hand and dragged me out of the door before I knew it.
"Where are we going?" I asked struggling to keep up with Jay's long fast strides. "And can you slow down!"
Jay was clearly amused by my lacking of keeping up. "No can do Princess! Now get your hot yellow ass in the car now!"
"I thought we were going to talk about Chanel?"
Jay's infamous grin was now in full view and I knew instantaneously that this wasn't going to be a good idea. "Oh we are. But I think past due you two have a proper introduction."
* * * * *
Chanel Hastings was even more beautiful up close than she was from afar. The three of us was crowded around a single table eating our selected foods, looking like long lost best friends. I had my own envision of what Chanel was going to be like: bossy, bitchy, annoying, and a little clingy. But she wasn't any of that. Oddly enough her personality was almost identical to Jay's. She was witty, clever, a little funny, and a complete flirt.
As soon as we entered the restaurant, she pulled me to the side and apologized for all the deadly glares she's been giving me. Apparently, she thought Jay and I were a couple. But after Jay reassured her that wasn't the case and that we were exactly just friends and that I was dating Bryce, she was cool.
"So," I started putting my fork back on my plate. "What's the deal with you two?"
The both of them exchanged looks before turning back to me. Chanel's red lips turned upright into a smile. "Do you want me to tell it or do you?" she asks Jay.
Jay beckons for her to start. "I'll say my part when it's needed." With that he turned back to his menu.
Chanel rolled her eyes and faced me. "Well you see Jay and I are both loved a good game when we saw one. We both loved the chase and to be chased. Back in high school, word on the street was that I was a total and complete "tease" if you will. Jay over here as you probably know was the guy who couldn't keep his dick in his pants longer for a day with breaking into hives."
"We used to live next door to each other and since we first met we always had a love and hate kind of relationship. We both were very competitive over everything; school, friends, how many parties we got invited to, partners, you know petty shit. This was right about the time where I started to hang out with Bryce, Tyke and the crew. Jay would always push my limits because at the time I was the only girl besides Gwen. But Gwen didn't really count because she was with Bryce."
"Anyways, I had to carry my weight being the only female racer in the crew. I had to not only walk the walk I had to talk the talk too. There was always some sort of connection that Jay and I shared but I thought nothing of it. One night we went out for a couple of drinks and one thing lead to another. You know what they say about the thin line between love and hate, right?" she scoffed shaking her head in disbelief. "We're walking proof of that. We went out on a couple of dates and everything was cool. But I've known Jay long enough to know who he is and what type of game he plays."
"I wanted a relationship. I didn't want all that bullshit where we're together but we're not crap. I'm not that type of girl. Everything with me is black and white, one way or the other. Deep down I knew Jay wasn't going to want to settle down and commit to just me and-"
"You never asked me! How would you have known if you didn't talk to me?" Jay interrupted.
Chanel's glare towards him was cold and harsh. "Well how could I when you were too busy having your face in between little Miss Plastic Tits legs!"
"For the last fucking time her boobs weren't fake!" Jay argued back.
"How would you know?! You're too damn dense to notice the difference!"
"I am not!"
"You are!"
I couldn't help but be completely entertained by watching the two of them bicker back and forth. It was like Chanel was the female version of Jay and vise versa. It was kinda of scary in a way, but also I think it'll work out for them. Already I can tell that Chanel doesn't put up with Jay's usual bullshit, as do I, and put her foot down when needed. I liked that about her already. The two of them went on for about another minute or so before finally one of them gave up.
"As I was saying-" Chanel smiled at me sweetly before sending Jay another harsh glare. "-I tried to hide my feelings from Jay because not only was I afraid of falling for him I was also afraid of falling flat on my face. Therefore, I started going out with other guys. I wasn't going to wait around and sulk while Jay over here put his dick in any thing with tits."
"I beg to differ!" Jay exclaimed. "I didn't put my dick in anything with boobs! I do have some type of standards that you very much. "
I laughed. "Anyways, after while things started to get serious between me and this one guy I was dating. I didn't know exactly how I felt about it or him because in truth my heart was still with Jay. It became overbearing to keep my feelings locked away from him."
"Let me stop you right there but I'm not going to let you sit here and feed these lies to my best friend." Jay snapped.
"Lies?"
"Yes lies! Talking straight out of your booty." Jay shook his head. "Chanel you really should have been an actress because even I almost believed you for a second."
"How am I lying! I'm telling my point of view of what happened." she confessed.
"Exactly, your side of the story. And I think it's time for me to tell mine."
Jay turns to me and smiles lightly before he started talking. "We both lived for the game of competition. There were times we would butt heads a lot ,and I mean a lot, because we're both too damn stubborn to let the other have the satisfaction. Chanel knew I had feelings for her I might not have written it in the sky and showed up to her doorstep with flowers but she knew to a certain extent."
"I did not! Who's the one lying now?!"
And before I knew they were back at it. Back and forth back and forth. I shook my head and slammed my hands down on the table to get their attention. "You two need to shut up and listen." I started. "It's obvious you two have very different aspects on the story of you love-hate-friends-with-benefits whatever relationship. But I think you're both not looking at the bigger picture right in front of you."
"You two care deeply for one another, you love each other and it's clear as day. But both of you are too stubborn to let your feelings be known. It's like an never ending cycle. Jay makes Chanel jealous and in return Chanel turns around and tries to make Jay jealous. That was the game you two played and now that you two seem to all played out you're face with the decision to be truthful with not only yourself but to each other."
The both of them just continued to stare at me before they looked at each other. Realization dawned on each of their faces. It was almost like they were having their own little conversation without saying a food.
"She's right Jay." Chanel said softly.
He nodded. "She usually is. Believe you me it get annoying after while."
I reached over and punched Jay in the arm. "I wouldn't have to always be right if you were to just listen to me."
"That's two for two Jay." Chanel smiled.
"Chanel, Jay cares about you deeply and so do you. Now you two need to stop beating around the bush and just be the fuck together! It's not that damn hard!" I resorted.
Chanel shook her head. "I know, I know. We both knew exactly what we were dealing with. But when feelings came into play it just complicated things between us."
"My question is do you guys even want to be together, exclusively?" I asked.
They didn't even hesitate. "Yes." they said in unison.
I smiled as I clapped my hands together. "There you go! Was that so damn hard?" I shook my head. "You two are so damn dysfunctional."
We all laughed. "That we are. But I rather be dysfunctional and happy with Chanel than normal and unhappy with someone else."
With that being said Jay leaned over the table and kissed Chanel deeply. The two of them were lost in their own little world and it kinda of made me miss Bryce. "Alright you two. I didn't need to see all that." I teased.
"Says the girl that was screaming Bryce's name last night."
* * * *
Bryce's POV
We stopped in front of the old brick building and I could feel my blood boiling more and more. The building used to be warehouse were they produced shoes and whatnot. It was the perfect hide-out for a drug lord like Raymond. It was miles away from the city nearly in the damn middle of nowhere and an old warehouse that's been vacant since the early 70's was the last place the police would look.
"You sure about this Bryce?" Marcus came up beside me.
I nod slightly keeping my guard on high alert. "It's the only way I'm going to know."
Marcus nodded smiling slightly. "Whatever happens, I got your back little brother."
"Good to know."
We set off into the building full of dust and debris. It's been such a long time since I've been here but not long enough for me to forget where I was going. We headed up the stairs and towards the double doors. Once we stepped through the double doors it was like we were in a different place. The walls were painted nicely instead of old and chipped. The hardwood was polished to perfection while outside the concrete was cracked. It was like walking in from one universe and into another.
I didn't even both knocking on the door, instead I kicked it open. Raymond didn't seem the least surprised that was I here, however there was a glimpse of surprise in his eyes when he saw Marcus by my side.
"Don't look so surprised to see me Unk'." Marcus chuckled. "I missed you too!"
Raymond's eyes narrowed as he placed his hands on the desk. "I can't say this isn't a surprise to see you here but it's always great when I see my family. Especially my two favorite nephews." his smile was dark and twisted.
"Cut the family bullshit." I spat. "You know exactly why the fuck we here Raymond."
Raymond raised an eyebrow at me. It was clear he was going to bat me before I got any of my questions answered. "I'm sorry I'm not following. Why exactly are you here?"
"Fuck the bullshit!"
Marcus placed a hand on my shoulder. "Calm down Bryce. He's only messing with you to piss you off and right now you're giving him exactly what he wants." he whispered.
I closed my eyes briefly before taking a deep breath trying to calm down my raging anger. I sat down in one of the black leather seats and tried to remain cool and collected. Marcus sat down beside me and eyed me before turning to Raymond. "What do you want from me Raymond?" I asked.
He leaned back into his chair and laughed. "I don't know what you're talking about nephew. What could I possibly want from a little piece of shit like you? What could you possibly give me?"
My hands balled up into tight fists in my lap. "Stop playing games with me."
"Oh." he laughed again. "Can't you see this is nothing but a game young blood? Just like in chess every move you decide to make can either make you or break you. But in the end it's all a game. You think you can walk up in here and demand shit, in my office? I commend you for you courage but you're a damn fool to think you're going to be telling me what to do."
"Raymond," the words hissed through my clenched teeth. "I'm not a man who likes to repeat himself. What the fuck do you want with me."
"Well isn't it obvious? I thought your brother over here would have already told you." his eyes flickered over to Marcus briefly before turning back to me. His eyes darkened slightly. "I want what is rightfully mine to begin with."
I turn to Marcus. "What is he talking about?"
Marcus shook his head and before he could say anything Raymond cut in. "Your father kept your lives completely hidden about our family. You were born into wealth the luxury, the higher living. But that brother of mine was too stupid and decided to make his own way. Even if that meant working a 9-5 living paycheck to paycheck."
"Since your brother over here has already inherited his share of my father, your grandfather's, legacy all I can do is take yours. My father's company has always been rightfully mine. And even if that means taking out my family, that's what I'll do."
"Don't underestimate me Raymond. You have betrayed the Kelly family and there's obviously a reason why my father and my grandfather didn't trust you with the family's company. The things you have done to me, my crew, my family. I will fucking kill you myself and I don't give a damn if you're my uncle or not." I could hear the blood rushing up into my ears.
A sly smirk appeared across his face. "Killing me will only hurt more people in the process." he chuckled. "I have eyes and ears everywhere Bryce. No matter what you do I'll always be one step ahead of you. You know why? Because I knew you're weakness and you of all people should know to never show your weakness."
"I have no weakness."
He laughed again, but this time it was almost in a mocking way. "Oh you don't? What about that pretty little number you got attached to your hip?" he smiled as he leaned forward his hands on his desk. "My sweet little Shayla."
"You fucking bitch!" I exclaimed and reached for my .357 Mag from my waist band and held it up right in front of Raymond's face. All my voice of reason all logic was gone now. All I could think of killing his son of a bitch in front of me. I ignored Marcus trying to reason with me and pull me away from Raymond. But I didn't care right now. I was generating off of pure rage now. "If you ever lay a finger on her-"
Raymond held up his hands in surrender but that cocky little grin was still prominent on his face. "Just as I said before young blood, I've always been one step ahead of you. I've been dating Shay's mom for months now and I've got her completely wrapped around my finger. Hell, I bet if I asked her bend over and bark like a dog, she would. Now if you want to keep Shay and her mom safe you'll do what I say first by putting the gun away."
I kept my hand still on the trigger as I slowly pulled the gun away from his face. A little piece of my dignity dead right then and there. I tugged my gun back into my waist band still keeping my harsh glare on Raymond.
"Now have a seat gentlemen, we have business to discuss."
* * * *
Shay's POV
I waved gingerly at Chanel and Jay as they drove off. I was exhausted from a day of dealing with those two. After we left the restaurant, Chanel insisted on going out for some shopping and some more bonding time with me. Don't get me wrong, it was fun but between Jay and Chanel they would either start bickering again or have their tongues down each other's throats. They truly live up to their dysfunctional title. I headed upstairs with my three bags full of clothes lugging behind me. I dragged my feet towards the bedroom and dropped the bags beside the door.
Much to my surprise Bryce was standing at the doorway of the walk-in closet. I walked over to him and hugged him. "Hey baby didn't think you'll be home so early."
I could tell he was tense just by the way his body stiffen by my touch. "Something came up." he claimed.
He removed himself from me and returned back into the closet. I frowned. "How did everything do with you today?" I asked.
"I rather not talk about it."
That's when I saw it. Two large suitcases laid out on the floor of the closet. Both of them had already been half way filled with clothes and other items. I couldn't help but stare at them in confusion and then look up at Bryce. His eyes met mine. His stare was so cold and harsh it was like looking at another person. His jaw clenched and unclenched continuously as he stared back at me.
I licked my now dry lips. "Where are you going?" I grumbled.
Bryce looked down at the suitcases and back up to me. I noticed then two that he held a shirt in his hand. A blue one that looked exactly like - mine. He tossed the shirt into the suitcase and his eyes held mine for a heartbeat.
"I'm not. But you are."
A/N:
*plays Nicki Minaj's Did It On 'Em* What did y'all think? Another long chapter! I spoil you guys with the long ass chapters lol, but it's all right. So...yeah a lot going on in this chapter, yeah? I know y'all are going to have something to say about Chanel and Jay and yes as of right now I'm switching up hindsight. The newest version should be out sooner than later. I've had a difficult time deciding on what the terms of their relationship. But since Jay is a very sexual being I decided to make Chanel someone along those lines as well.
And you guys guys know... I asked you guys if I was going to do a sequel to TBWTBL, and I've thought about it and.... I'm going to do a sequel! YAY! I've grown attached to these characters and I knew once this story was finished I couldn't be able to say goodbye to them.
To have to give a special thanks to my girl KillSociety for helping me out on this chapter as well as also giving another fantastic banner!
And thank you everybody that supports this story and has been rocking with it since the very beginning. If it wasn't for you guys I would have gave up a long time ago. Thank you so much!
x Maia