Atlanta, Georgia.
December 24th
"Come on, lil homie." I said, smirking as I dribbled the basketball with my eyes on Jay. "Don't let me pull up on you son-" He rushed forward but I already lifted off the ground and sunk a three. "He let me pull up on him- damn son."
He huffed and threw the ball back at me, nearly taking my head off if I didn't have quick reflexes. "Someone's mad?" I questioned and held the ball as he clenched his jaw. "And it's not 'cause I'm whopping your ass. You thinking about Skylar again?"
"What do you think?" He spat out and I raised my eyebrows at his aggressive tone. But I also didn't take it personal, I knew he was hurting. I watched as he shook his head angrily and started to go off. "You do your best for someone, you give them all your love and fucking appreciation and out here you labeled as a lame, a fucking dub you know? If I'm not fucking a hundred bitches I'm lame but I didn't care and she gon' go out here jumping on the first hood dick that treat like shit!"
I sighed as he grabbed the beanie off of his head and threw it. "Fuck her!" I watched his eyes start to blink quickly so I dropped the ball and walked forward before letting him fall into my arms. "How come she don't want me, Y/nn?"
How was I suppose to answer that? "She's.. she's not your person, alright?" I rubbed his back as he groaned deeply and I knew that feeling all too well. That pain that you felt in your chest, the pain that had you wanting to scream but knew it would still be there.
I tried to remember what I wanted when Robyn and I took a break.. at the time words didn't seem like they would help. So I just hugged him and said what I wanted to hear. "It's gonna get better, I promise you that." I pulled back and held his face, my eyes meeting his. "This isn't gonna last forever, you hear me?"
He nodded and wiped his face with the back of his hand. "I thought she was my forever, you know?"
"I know." I mumbled and hugged him again. "Some people come as chapters, not the book. Just recognize that this wasn't you. I know you Jayden and I know your heart. Don't let this affect your character." With a huff, he pulled back and lifted his shirt to wipe his face.
"I tried to be like you was..." he started and laughed under his breath. "I went to a party and I met a girl.."
I frowned. "Don't tell me you're hoeing out, Jay. You're better than me. That's why I look up to you."
"I know." He dropped down on the bench behind him and looked down at the ground. "I got mad drunk and took her to a room. I was about but when she wanted more.. I couldn't. I just left. Even with Sky breaking up with me, I couldn't fuck around."
Damn.. tell me about it.
I sat beside him and watched as he rocked to himself with his head shaking. "That's 'cause it's not you, it never has been. I don't want you going down the same path I did. You can have fun.. just don't do it to get away from your emotions."
"I know." He said again and looked over at me with a small frown. "I watched you do it and I know it only made things worse, huh?" I nodded affirmatively. "Yeah.. I couldn't do it even if I wanted to."
We sat in silence for a bit as I rolled the ball forwards and backwards with my feet. "I dropped out of college." My head snapped up, my eyes wide at his words. "I quit football um.. yeah I quit."
"Why?" I questioned softly. I wasn't pestering or disappointed, but I always thought he genuinely loved football.
"I didn't want to do it anymore. I wasn't happy and I just.." He shrugged. "I don't know."
I smiled and leaned over to look at him. "You have a dream, Jayden?" I asked with a smile and he chuckled while looking away. "Tell big sis your dream."
He hummed and looked at me for a moment before looking away again. "Am I an idiot if I want.. if I wanna make music?"
I dropped my head back with a laugh and he slapped my shoulder. "Music?" I questioned and he nodded. "Well okay, first of all, I quit college to go dance with a girl that didn't romantically want me at all. Do you know how bad it could've been if she still didn't want me? Didn't give me the tools to grow my business? After the tour finished.. I'd be back to square one. So don't talk to me about no stupid shit."
"Yeah yo ass really did drop everything." He rubbed his hands together and I could see the nervousness in his posture.
"Jay," he hummed. "You really wanna do this?" His eyes met mine as he nodded and I searched for any doubt, any hesitation. There was none. "Okay, I can get you an apartment in LA." His eyes flew wide. "I can help you get started and Robyn would no doubt get you a meeting with some people but this is your craft. You gotta put in the work for it."
"Are you fuckin' with me?" He mumbled and I shook my head with a smirk, chuckling when her shot forward and wrapped his arms around me. "Oh fuck- thank you, Y/n."
"I got you man. You're my little brother and I wanna see you shine no matter what it's at." He pulled back and I grimaced when he gave me a kiss in my forehead. "Okay, none of that shit though."
He pulled back and wiped his lips. "You right.. all sweaty and shit." When we heard a rumble, both of our eyes raised up and I huffed when I felt the first raindrop. "Aye.. remember what we use to do?" I looked over when he slowly raised up with a smirk. "Last one home cleans the driveway!" He then took off running.
Oh hell no. Weather app said it would be a white Christmas tomorrow too?
I quickly shot up and ran after him, knowing our house was just around the block. One thing that didn't happen too often was snow in Georgia. But when it did, it was a murky, dirty kind of snow. I hated it. And cleaning it was nothing how the movies made it out to be.
So I pushed my legs as hard as I could to past him and just as we neared the house, me in lead.. I slipped. "Oh shit!" I exclaimed and slid right into our neighbors trash can.
I gasped when the contents of it spilled everywhere with me tumbling to the ground with it. Jay was laughing his ass off as I quickly scurried up and ran off before anyone saw I had done it. "You dumbass." He continued to laugh as I pushed him up the steps. "Mama gonna beat you for coming in the house wet." I looked down at my sweats that had gotten wet from my fall.
Waving my hand, I pulled the door open and quietly tip toed in, planning to to run to my room before she noticed me.
But it was the other way around. I noticed her. And it wasn't pleasant. My face frowned up in disgust when I saw her sitting on some mans lap with her tongue damn near down his throat. "Mom?" I questioned and she pulled back with a smack. "Oh my God." I breathed out and turned to see Jay grimacing with his hand to his stomach. "I.." my head shook as I kept walking to my room.
I did not need to see that.. gross.
I changed into dry clothes, the imagine of my mom tongue fucking some random guy imprinted into my head. "Ew." I mumbled to myself again just as I heard a soft knock. "It's open." My mom poked her head in and I saw the image all over again.
"Stop frowning, your mama needs love too." She said as she closed the door behind her and came in. "His names Robert." She said and sat on my bed while I leaned against the wall. "And he's a great guy-"
"Him or his mouth?" She gave me a look so I raised my hands with a sigh. "Sorry.. when'd you meet this guy?" I said while grabbing my chair and pulling it to sit.
"About a year ago. He works at the bank." I hummed with a nod. "And I'd go in to cash the checks you'd send and we'd talk.." I smiled when I saw real happiness in her eye as she spoke about this guy. "He'd make jokes like 'you must be an underground cartel boss' and I'd tell him you were my daughter.. then one time I came in and he asked me if I wanted to go out to dinner."
My eyebrows raised when my mom giggled. Giggled. She doesn't giggle.
"And then we hit it off. I haven't brought him to meet you guys because I wanted to be sure. Then he came over to ask if he could meet you guys for Christmas and well, one thing led to another.." I grimaced and raised my hand. "We didn't do it yet. We were but your cockblocking ass-"
"Ma please." I said and shuddered at the thought of my mom- not even gonna think it. "So a year huh?" She nodded with a wide smile. "He good to you?"
"The best." I hummed and watched her eyes sparkle. "I've never had anyone treat me like this, Y/nn so please.. just give him a chance?"
I knew she deserved it. As hard and foreign as it was to see her with another man other than my father, she deserved someone who truly loved and cared for her. Of course I wouldn't stand in the way of that. "Well, lets go meet Robert." She pushed my shoulder with a chuckle when I made jazz fingers at the sound of his name.
When we walked out to the living room, I saw Robert talking with Jay. Then he looked at me and I saw a nervous glint. Yeah that's right nigga be nervous. I was basically the man of the house without even being a man. Be scuuured.
"Y/n," he said with a warm smile. "It's great to finally meet you face to face.. and not from check stubs." I hummed and sized him up.
"So you've seen my checks? You with my mom for the money?" I questioned and he comfortable shook his head with a laugh.
"Well, no." He said and smiled again. "I'm an accountant and a part time real estate investor so.. money is definitely something I am not looking after. I love you mother for her, and her cooking is definitely a plus."
I hummed and nodded. "She is a great cook." I said and crossed my arms. "You want her to be your house wife or something?"
"Not at all. I'm more likely to be her house husband than for her to be my housewife. Have you met your mother?" I looked over my shoulder at my mom who was leaned against the counter with squinted eyes. "No way would she submit to anyone.. and I'm okay with that."
His answers were quick witted with a humorous touch. Kind of reminded me of when I was in serious situations. Hm.. "I love my mother, and I know my mother so if she chose you.. you must be doing something right." I said before raising my hand for him to shake. "It's nice to meet you, Robert."
"Likewise Y/n. And I can assure you, I am way too old to be playing games so.. you don't have to worry about that." I raised my eyebrows in question. "I just turned thirty nine, if you're wondering."
Two years younger? Okay mom.
But I still had to put him through the final ringer. "So, you have an ex wife?"
"Nope."
"Current wife."
"Hopefully soon."
"Kids?"
"Just my dogs."
I hummed and nodded. "You live with your mother?"
"I have three of my own houses." I tilted my head and nodded him to continue. "One here, beach house in Florida.. and an apartment in New York."
I looked back at my mom. "He has a beach house." She wiggled her eyebrows. "Touché." I looked back at Robert. "And the biggest question.. do you like ball?"
"Biggest Broncos fan you'll ever meet."
I clapped and raised my hands. "Welcome to the family." He laughed as I shook his hand with a bro hug. "Broncos play the Chiefs tomorrow, you coming over?" He looked at my mom and I could see the happiness in his eyes as he nodded.
"Uh- yes, if you guys will have me.. I'd love to come." I smiled and clapped his back before starting back out of the room.
"Bring your jersey!" I called over my shoulder, then closed my door and jumped onto the bed. My finger thumbed through my phone before I found the contact name and FaceTimed my boo.
"Wassup sexy." She said with a smile as she looked down at the phone in a damn bikini. "Are you.. are you in a damn hoodie and a beanie?"
I sighed and nodded before flipping the camera to show out of my window which was pouring down raining. "Not everyone can call a goddamn island their home, Rob." I said before flipping the camera back to me.
She playfully pouted. "Oh that's sucks." I rolled my eyes when she raised up and showed the view behind her of the beautiful ass blue sky and pool water. "I'm livin' nice though."
"You annoy me." I sighed out and she brought the camera back down with a cute smile. "So.. I met my moms new man or whatever."
"Mama V got a man? Good for her! I bet she be getting mad pipe that's why she-"
"Robyn." I said with a groan. "Stop playing so damn much." She giggled and leaned closer to the camera.
"Okaaay, I'm sorry. What's his name? How is he? Were you nice?"
"Yeah he's-" I looked to the side when I heard my computer ping and I opened it to see a new email from Virgil. "He's pretty dope, to be honest. His name is.. his names.." I lost my train of thought while reading.
"Y/n." I hummed. "I'll go."
I snapped my head up. "No.." I cleared my throat and closed the computer. "It's us, hello queen." I said with a smile as she hummed sarcastically. "I'm sorry. His name is Robert and he's an accountant with a side of real estate."
"Oh so he got money?" I nodded and propped my phone up before climbing off of the bed to stretch. "You didn't answer my last question."
"In my terms I was nice okay? Can't just let any man be with my mama." She laughed softly as I reached in my drawer to grab my fuzzy socks. "But he likes the Broncos, how cool is that?" I said while smiling as I jumped back onto my bed. I then raised my socks to show her the Broncos symbol before putting them on.
Her lips pulled into a grin. "You're so cute." She mumbled before laying back. "God I wanna smoke so bad." She sighed out and I raised my eyebrows at her groan. "I miss being high."
"Well, think about having a healthy baby boy." She snorted. "And how strong you want him to be."
"Him?" She questioned and I nodded confidently. "Don't jinx it, 'fore you end up being a girldad."
I shrugged. "I would like a boy but if I have a girl, I'll love her just the same." She smiled and eyed me silently for a moment before my door suddenly flew open but I didn't even look back. I knew who the only person in the house was that never knocked. "Hi Aaliyah." I said and she dropped next to me with a smile.
"Hi sis, hi Rob." She leaned closer and grabbed the phone from me. This girl.. "I got your present. I have enough makeup to last me a whole month now."
That box was huge.. a month? I thought it'd at least be a year or something. "I'm glad you like it. Though it's not even Christmas yet, girl. Why you open it already?"
"Because I don't follow rules." She said simply before looking over at me. "Y/n also told me what it was." My eyes widened.
"Babe," I pushed my sisters head to the side before snatching my phone back. "You promised you wouldn't."
"She had Oreos, Rob. She knows all my weaknesses.. how am I suppose to say no to Oreos?" I pouted as her eyes rolled. "I didn't tell Jay you got him tickets to the super bowl though."
"She got me tickets to the super bowl??" Jay said from my doorway and I closed my eyes with a sigh. I couldn't do shit right.
"Y/n, Aniya's here!" My mom called out, literally saving me.
I looked down at my phone with a smile. "So you should spend time with your family.."
She hummed sarcastically. "Yeah yeah, tell Ni I said hi and kiss the cutie for me."
"I will. I love you, call me later." After promising me a call, she blew a kiss and I playfully caught it before hanging up. When I raised my head, both of my siblings were staring at me. "What?"
Jay smirked and looked at Aaliyah, both of them mumbling at the same time, "Simp."
I rolled my eyes and flipped them both off on the way out of my room. "Yeah I dyed it." I heard Ni say from the backend of her conversation with my mom. I rounded the corner, my eyebrows shooting up when I saw her auburn hair color.
"Okay Clifford." I joked and she gave me a look before accepting my hug. "I don't have a treat for you but-"
"Shut up." She laughed out while smacking my arm. "Go see your daughter. That's the only reason I flew out here.. and to see Mama V of course." She said quickly when my mom gave her a look. "You know I love you."
I skipped out of the room to the living room where I found Dahlia sitting in her car seat while chewing on her monkey teddy. "Hi princess." I called out and she looked up, her legs instantly kicking at the sight of me. "I'm coming, I'm coming."
Kneeling down, I unbuckled her before picking her up and flying her around the room. The giggle that left her lips never failed to make my heart swell. "I got so many presents for you, Dahlia."
I walked her over to the Christmas tree and her eyes lit up as she followed the lights. "This is a tree babe, see? A tree."
"Mama," she whispered softly and I smiled when she reached for it. Shit, I'll take it. "Mm coco.." Her eyes met mine again as she raised her hand to her mouth.
"You're so smart, princess. Cookies? Want some cookies?" I carried her to my room and sat her on the ground before turning to grab a pack of the soft cookies from my drawer. "I got your favorite.." I turned around with a smile but it quickly turned to shock. "Oh!"
Dahlia's body jolted in shock before she fell back onto her butt from her standing position. My baby was standing.. oh my God.
Her eyes were wide along with mine as she stared at me like 'what nigga?'
I pulled a cookie out of the packet and held it up. "Here Dahlia, come get the cookie." She raised up to all fours before slowly pushing up to her feet and I tried to contain my excitement. "Here baby."
"Mama," she mumbled and raised her hands with a giggle. Her first foot moved forward, then the next.. and the next. I jumped excitedly to myself at her wobbly but cute ass footsteps.
"Aniya!" I called out, making sure not to startle my daughter as she kept walking to me.
I heard faster footsteps before my door opened. "What- oh my God." Her eyes were as wide as mine and Dahlia turned to face Ni but wasn't that advanced yet so she dropped down to her butt again. "My babies walking."
"She's walking!" I said and held the cookie up again when she raised back up. Look at my determined little baby. "Record it." I said quickly and Ni whipped out her phone while I sat down on the ground. "Come here, Lia, come here babygirl."
I almost felt like crying when she continued toward me with excited breaths leaving her mouth. Within a step, she simply lurched forward into my arms and we both cheered. "Good job baby!" Ni said whole lowering the phone. "I'm so proud of you Lia." She pressed a kiss to her cheek while I let Dahlia grab the cookie from my hand and start chewing on it with her two bottom teeth.
"She's growing so damn fast man." I sighed out and rubbed her back while pouting at Aniya. "I'm not ready."
"I know, me too. Can you believe she'll be one in two months?" I shook my head and looked down at my daughter that once wasn't even able to hold her head up by herself, look at her now.. "Thank you, by the way. You really changed our lives." I smiled up at her as her ass got sentimental. "We'd still be living on food stamps if it wasn't for you so.. yeah thank you."
I raised my hand and lightly grabbed hers. "It's the least I can do, Ni. Especially with all the shit I put you through.." My head shook as I looked down at Dahlia again. "I was an ass, but I'm not making the same mistake with my babygirl. Isn't that right, princess?" I pecked her cheek as she happily sat on my lap with her cookie.
"Well we appreciate it."
"Y/n!" I raised my head at my moms yell. "Go to the store for me!" I sighed and gave Ni a look as she giggled under her breath.
"I don't miss that, not one bit." I raised up with my daughter and nodded at Aniya. "Come on." I said and her eyebrows raised. "You're coming with me."
"Um what? No I'm not."
Ten minutes later
I pushed the cart around the store quickly with Ni huffing behind me as she tried to keep up. "For the record!" She slid in front of the basket to stop me, her hands holding it still. "I came because I wanted to, not because you said so."
My head tilted with a smirk. "Right." I crouched down and eyed Dahlia who was sat in the seat of the basket. "You believe mommy? Say no." She giggled and held my face while kicking her legs as I shook my head but soon she followed suit, her own head shaking.
"That's not fair. She's imitating you." Ni said with a frown before moving from the side of the basket so I could push it. "Can we hurry up? I'm freezing."
I hummed and grabbed a pack of Oreos, though it wasn't on the list, and dropped them into the basket. "What did she want again?" I mumbled.
"I have the list.." she looked down at her phone. "Gravy mix, cornbread mix, pie crust, drinks and ice." I nodded and turned down the aisle where the drinks and shit was. "I'll go get the mix, can you handle this on your own?"
I smacked my lips and gave her a look. "I gots this."
She nodded sarcastically. "Right. Remember not everyone drinks Jack Daniels straight so please get wine for your mother and I." I waved her off and kept pushing the basket. "And apple juice for Lia!"
"I got it." I said as I grabbed the juice from the fridge. "Right babe- hey!" I grimaced when I saw her head down, mouth on the handle of the basket. "Dahlia no." I said sternly and her head popped up at my tone.
Her eyes took me in before her bottom lip jutted out, tears automatically pooling in her eyes. Not this again.. My mom told me I had to be strong when she did this or she'd think crying solves everything.
But those eyes.. I squinted and frowned when she let out a whimper followed by a high pitched cry. "Dahlia.. stop it." I gripped the bar to hopefully retain some sort of willpower. Didn't work. With a sigh I slid my arms around her. "I'm sorry." I whispered and rocked her slightly. "Don't cry princess.. I'm sorry."
She sniffed and laid her head on my shoulder with her little hand curling around my necklace.
"That's adorable."
I raised my head slightly with a smile. "Thank y.." My eyes widened at who was on the other end of the compliment. She smiled and pushed a stray hair behind her ear. "Naomi?"
She let out a small chuckle. "Hi Y/n." Holy shit. "It's good to see you."
I subconsciously gave her a once over. She was not sixteen anymore. Nodding, I raised my eyes back to hers. "You too.. wow I- sorry, I'm a bit in shock."
Her hand waved in response. "I get it. We haven't seen each other since high school." And I remember the last time we saw each other which was graduation day. I'll just say her graduation cap wasn't the only thing she threw off that night .. let me stop.
"Right." I cleared my throat. "Well how are you? I know your birthdays tomorrow so.. happy early birthday."
A smile pulled at her lips as she flicked her gaze between my eyes. "You remember?" I shrugged before nodding softly. I mean.. it was the same day as Christmas. Who would forget that? "I've been good. I just moved back to Atlanta actually, a few months ago."
"Graduated?" I questioned and she nodded. "Congrats."
"Thank you.."
"You didn't get shit?" I looked to my side when Aniya walked up with the contents in her hand. "I knew I shouldn't have left you.." Her eyes raised and she looked at Naomi with raised eyebrows. "Oh hello."
I smiled awkwardly and looked between the girls before introducing her. "Aniya this is Naomi, an old friend from high school."
Naomi looked at me with a knowing glint in her eyes before nodding. "It's nice to meet you." They shook hands and I looked down at Dahlia who was turned and looking at Naomi with an almost 'who's this bitch?' face. "So," She looked back at me. "I'm having a little party tonight. It's an ugly Christmas sweater party.. you should stop by if you can."
I shrugged. "Sure." Aniya cleared her throat and that's when a name popped in my head. "Oh um.. I have to check with my fiancée first but I'll let you know."
She smiled and pulled a pen out of her purse before writing her number down on a piece of paper. "If you can come, text me and I'll send you the address." I took the paper slowly and looked to see Aniya's lips pursed as she leaned down and 'talked' with Dahlia. "It was good to see you again, Y/n." I waved slightly, my eyes following her hand that rested on my bicep before she walked off.
"Oh mama mama.. I just shot a man down." Ni sung lowly and I looked over to see her smirk while raising Dahlia's arms to make sure dance. "In the grocery storeee."
"Shut up." I mumbled and pocketed the number before pushing the cart. "Robyn knows I only have eyes for her." I said and saw her nod sarcastically. "What?"
"Nothing. Just remember the Needed Me video." To be honest.. I haven't even watched it. "Why do you look confused, did you not-" She grabbed my arm and pulled me to the side with the basket before taking her phone out. "We're watching this."
"Here?" I questioned but she simply handed me the phone with the video loaded. I sighed and leaned back against the shelf before watching the video open with my bomb ass fiancée. She looked so beautiful.
Three minutes and fifteen seconds later
"Hey Rob." I said as I rocked on my heels, the phone to my ear.
"Hey Y/n." She copied and I shooed Aniya off when she looked over her shoulder with a laugh, her now pushing the cart. "Do you need something, my love?"
"Uh yeah, I ran into.. Naomi." She went silent. "Remember? From high school."
"Mhm."
I cleared my throat and slid my free hand into my pocket. "So she's having a Christmas party tonight and I kinda wanted to go and take Jay with me. Just to let off some steam and have fun since he's a bit sad about the whole Skylar thing."
"You wanna go to your ex girlfriends party?" Well when she says it like that.. "Where is this party?"
"Not sure but I was kind of a dick to her in the past so I just wanted to hash it out, maybe apologize to her there as well while also showing my brother a good time." I closed my eyes when the other line went silent, almost to the point where I thought she hung up.
"Um yea whatever, go ahead." Well shit, I was expecting a definite no.
"Are you sure? I don't mind not going."
"Mm no I trust you, just call me when you get home."
I pulled the phone away and looked down to make sure I was calling the right number because.. "Yeah I will. I love you."
"I love you too, have fun."
After I hung up, I slid the phone into my pocket. "Do I need to buy a black dress?" Ni joked with a smirk and I bumped her shoulder.
"Nope. She said I can go and that she trusts me." She snorted and looked away. "What?"
"Nothing," her head shook. "Just got flashbacks of that 'I trust you' shit with Tati." I frowned and stopped walking which made her drop her head down while sighing. "I'm sorry, that was wrong I-" She pushed back from the basket and faced me with a smile. "I know you changed, sorry. I just had a moment."
She pulled me into a hug and rubbed my back softly. "I'm sorry." I mumbled and she pulled back while grabbing my shoulders. "I really am."
"And I know that. That's why Ri trusts you, you're not the same. Now come on, let's finish so I can get my ass back into house." Though she was trying to reassure me, I could see a look in her eyes. A one I'd see after hurting her and watching as she broke up with me for the millionth time. I haven't seen that look in, what felt like, forever.
Damn that hurt..
-
"You sure this is fine?" Jay asked as we started to the large house that was bustling with people. And here I thought it would be a small function..
"I wouldn't be here if it wasn't fine." I mumbled, my eyebrows raising when I saw a guy puke on the lawn. "What college is around here?" I questioned.
He looked at me and realization dawned over his face as we both mumbled, "Georgia State." Of course.
I sighed and shook my head before walking through the door and seeing the amount of college looking kids in Christmas sweaters. The air smelled of cheap tequila and wack weed.
"Y/n!" I looked over and saw Naomi waving us over. "You got so big, Jayden." They hugged before she pulled back and smiled at me. "How do you even look good in an ugly sweater? I don't get it."
"Ah," I chuckled and looked at Jay who raised his eyebrows, his mind probably thinking the same thing I was. "Genetics?" I joked before rubbing my hands together. "So drinks? Where can I get em?"
She led us through the kitchen before pointing at the assortment of drinks. Not gonna lie, it's been a while since I hadn't had some sort of expensive champagne or wine, or at least house brewed beer. Bud light? Taking me back to Howard days..
I settled for tequila shot with a Modelo as the chaser. "To reunions." Naomi said and raised her class to both of us. I simply nodded before throwing the shot back.
"I'm gonna go check out the beer pong table, will you be good? Or you need me to stay?" Jay said into my ear with his hand on my shoulder.
I waved my hand. "I'll be good. You go have fun."
He gave me a thumbs up before leaving the kitchen. "So, you're some sort of dancer now huh?" I nodded softly as she poured another shot. "Wanna show me something?"
She slid another mini shot solo cup to me. "I think I'll pass." I said with a curt smile and she nodded before swallowing another shot. "You should go have fun through, for sure. It's almost your birthday."
Her shoulders shrugged as she pushed back from the counter and started to the living room. "I am gonna have fun. Twenty fine and alive." She called over her shoulder and I chuckled before rising my cup to her and taking another shot.
I wonder if she had any snacks in here..
Hours later some
I had a lot of drinks, to be honest. And I wouldn't have if I didn't get the go ahead from Robyn.. but I may have taken that 'good ahead' to the extreme.
"You can't handle your liquor." I laughed out as the guy choked on his third shot while I was throwing my fifth back like water.
He grumbled to himself before grabbing the next one and forcing it down. College kids, so damn competitive.
"Y/n?" I raised my head and looked around for the voice that was calling me. "Y/n!" Jay walked over and smiled softly. "Nigga you faded."
"A lil bit." I said truthfully with a nod before picking up my solo cup. "You having fun?"
He nodded and draped his arm over my shoulder. "I just kicked this dudes ass at beer pong and got fifty bucks. I love transfers, they shoulda stayed in Nebraska." I laughed and patted his chest before raising my cup to cheers with his. "Liyah said she'll pick us up, by the way."
"Perfect." I said and finished my Jack and coke. "I'm gonna take a piss. No heartbreak fucks."
"I know." He said and cracked his knuckles. "I think I'm gonna just keep beating these white folks at their own game."
"That's my boy!" I called over my shoulder before finding the bathroom. I leaned my hand against the wall with my eyes closed as I emptied my bladder. "Mm mm mm." I mumbled to myself, the feeling unmatched. It was almost up there with nutting.
When I finished, I flushed the toilet and washed my hands while looking at myself in the mirror. Well, a blurry version of myself. "You still look good." I mumbled and winked at my own reflection.. what is wrong with me?
I shook my head and left the bathroom before I started flirting with myself or some shit. After I grabbed a modelo from the cooler, I smiled when I caught sight of the brown eyes that were already on me.
"Naomiii." I sung out with a laugh and her eyebrows raised when I spun over to her in awkward, drunken circles. "Happy biirrrthdaaay." I sung into my beer bottle, my hand shooting out at the nonexistent melody in my head as I pointed at her. "To youuu."
"Okay, Y/n." She said with a chuckle before raising her hands to grab my shoulders. "You're tilting. You wanna sit down?"
I shook my head and bounced back. "I am good. I feel like a- a ballerinaaa." I spun around again only for my foot to hook into the side of the table which sent be crashing into the beer pong table.
"Dude!" Majority of them complained, some others cheering. I laughed to myself as I felt the liquid from the cups drench me. "Oh shit." I mumbled before rising up with help. "Thank you Nomi." I said, the old nickname just floating out naturally.
She smiled and pulled at my shirt. "You're soaking.. I think that's enough." She grabbed the beer bottle before nodding her head to the side. "Come on, you can get some of my brothers clothes."
I followed after her as I raised my sweater to my mouth and drank the liquid from the fabric. I wasn't letting good beer go to waste. Once we got into the bedroom. I started to pull off my shirt and kick off my shoes.
"Do you want a- okay." I hummed and looked up when she let out a soft breath, her eyes on me. I clapped my hands goofily before pointing at my eyes with a smirk.
"No wondering eyes over here missy, I am proposed- engagement... I am engagement." She nodded softly and looked away before moving to the closet. "Your brother-" I stopped for a moment as a hiccup left my lips. "Your brother still in the Air Force?"
"Yeah.. you remember that?" I nodded hazily as I unbuckled my belt and waited for her to turn around before I pushed my pants down. "He's coming home tomorrow to visit for Christmas but yeah. He's over in Tokyo."
I picked up the pants she handed me and pulled them up noting that they were slightly tighter then my usual jeans. Little legged boy. I jumped slightly before shoving my hand down to adjust my member from blushing out too much.
"He always wore skinny ass jeans." I sighed out and managed to make myself a bit more comfortable before slipping up the jeans. When I raised my head, I saw her turned around with a shirt in her hand.. eyes down again. I held my hand out and she gave me the shirt.
"You remember a lot for us to only been together two years.. and at fifteen."
I shrugged while struggling to pull the shirt on. "You were my first love." I said nonchalantly, huffing when I couldn't get the shirt on.
A giggle left her lips as she walked up and pulled the shirt off. "You put your head in the wrong hole."
I snorted and shook my head. "Never did that before." Her eyes became bashful as she looked away, no doubt blushing if it could be seen. "Thank you." I said when she pulled the shirt (properly) over my head. "You're greaaat." I sat down on the bed and put my shoes on.
"You think?" She mumbled and I nodded while tucking the slightly oversized shirt in the pants before grabbing my belt and putting it on. "Y/n?" I hummed, my eyebrows shooting up when she suddenly cupped my face with her hands. "Forgive me for this?" Her body was suddenly on my lap and I raised my eyebrows in confusion.
"For wh-" My words were cut short and I felt my eyebrows furrowing. What was happening? Think brain.. My eyes then focused on her closed eyelids and then the feeling of her lips on mine. Oh no ma'am. I quickly pulled back and raised my hands as I gently pushed her to the side. "Nooo not good." I said and raised off of the bed.
"You kissed back.."
My head shook. "Mm no, I am property of miss Feeenty, look." I raised my left hand and pointed at my ring finger, only to remember she was the one with the ring. "Oh yeah.." I mumbled to myself with a chuckle. "I don't have a ring yet.." I looked up in thought. I need a ring..
"Y/n-"
I shook my head and stumbled past her, one thing on my mind. "I need a ring! And my phone- someone call my fiancée." Then I tripped over my own feet and landed on the ground, a smile covering my face at the feeling of the suddenly comfortable floor. I rolled onto my back and pulled out my phone, my eyes squinted as I called Aaliyah.
"You need me to pick y'all up already?"
"Yes. I need you to take me somewheres, okay?"
-
December 25th
I'm never drinking again. That was my first thought when I woke up and felt the pounding in my head. "Jesus," I groaned and rubbed my forehead before looking at the clock by my bed to see the time.
2:00pm
Thank God Dahlia was too young to be the type to wake us up for Christmas. Knowing her, she was tucked under Aniya asleep since she took more naps than the law allowed.
I went to reach for my phone but winced when I felt a sudden stinging feeling. Looking down at my hand, my eyes widened when I saw plastic wrapped around my hand and wrist. "The hell?" I slowly unwrapped it and saw an tattoo I had no recollection of getting.
I laughed to myself when I realized I studied my left hand and caught sight of my ring finger. "You gotta be kidding me." I mumbled and gawked at the tattooed ring. The last thing I remember was telling Aaliyah I needed to get a ring.. I didn't think I'd get it tattooed.
I shook my head and raised up with a stretch which got cut short when I heard rushed footsteps followed by my door flying open. I jumped slightly at the sudden banging before raising my eyebrows when Robyn walked in.
Huh?
She studied me for a second before rolling her eyes. "You get on my goddam nerves." She closed my bedroom door behind her and I swear I've never felt so confused in my life. "Why are you not dead? I texted that if you weren't dead, I'd kill you."
"I'm sorry, what?" She grabbed my chin and pressed a kiss to my lips before sitting on the edge of my bed while pulling her shoes off. "I'm so confused."
"You called me last night." She said and climbed into my bed before pushing me down and laying on my chest. "You were crying and shit, telling me it wasn't your fault and that you didn't want me to leave you." I did what now? "Then you said you were dying."
And like that, I remembered.
2am
I wiped my eyes as I sat in the tattoo chair. "I swear I didn't." I mumbled, trying to get Robyn to see I wasn't the one who initiated the kiss, nor did I kiss back. "You can't leave me, okay? Please don't leave me."
"Y/n," she let out a yawn and huffed. "What the fuck are you talking about?"
The guy who was cleaning my hand looked up with raised eyebrows. "Are you okay?" He asked and I nodded so he put the tattoo gun to my skin and I watched him start tracing the ring around my finger.
For some reason, when I saw blood my eyes widened. "Oh my God." I breathed out.
"Y/n I wanna go back to sleep, what happened? You cheat on me or something? 'Cause if so, can it wait until the morning? At least let me get sleep."
I blinked slowly as he cleaned the blood. "That's blood- I'm dying, Robyn."
"What-" I heard the end call sound and looked down to see the dead battery symbol. Oh my God, I was gonna die with her thinking I cheated.
Present time
"Shit." I mumbled and she nodded.
"Mhm, so let me hug you once more before I need to kick your ass for whatever you did." I chuckled before wrapping my arms around her and pulling her closer. "Nah Nah don't try to hold me."
"Shush," I mumbled and pecked her forehead. "Naomi kissed me last night." She hummed. "And I didn't kiss back obviously but I do remember telling her I couldn't because I was 'engagement' with you."
Her head raised and she looked down at me in confusion. "Engagement?"
"Yeah I was drunk." I mumbled before raising my left hand. "Then I said I needed a ring so.."
Her jaw dropped as she grabbed my hand and ran her eyes over all the details. "Okay one.. that's kinda cute and two, you definitely copied me with this damn hand tat. Really? You wanna be me that bad?"
"Not true. I didn't copy.." I quieted down when she raised her right hand to show her design. "Well it's not exactly the same" I said with furrowed eyebrows. "Mine isn't pointy, it's roundy."
A sarcastic 'Mhm' left her lips as she laid back down on my chest. "So she kissed you?" I nodded. "How'd it make you feel? Like.. you did you feel anything at all?"
"To be honest?" I drawled out and smirked when she sighed. "I don't remember feeling anything." I said truthfully. "I just remembered thinking 'I need to tell Robyn, and then I need to get a ring so I can keep girls from doing this again' that's all."
I felt her lips press to my collar bone. "Thank you for telling me." She said softly and I smiled while rubbing her back. "And thank God for those therapy sessions huh?" She joked. "Cause I was thinking about slapping you awake when I first got here.. then I just went back downstairs and helped your mom cook."
"Oh shit, it's Christmas!" I said and sat up quickly. "You need to go back home with your family!" I said and she grabbed my face with a smile. "No seriously, you planned to spend this day with them, don't miss that because of me-"
"Relax." She said with a chuckle. "We open presents on the night before, so yesterday. Then we went to church as a family this morning and I flew out after that. It's fine, trust me. My mom told me she wanted me to give you her present anyways."
I smiled as she pecked my lips before raising off of the bed to go grab something off of my desk. "I love your mom." I mumbled as she sat the small box on my lap. I pulled it open, cooing when I saw the wooden style watch with my name engraved in the wood. "She's adorable."
"Yeah she had it made for you." I put it on immediately. "And.." I watched her pull the envelope she still had her to open. "Can I read this now?"
I nodded and sat back on the headboard. "Go ahead."
She pulled the lined paper out and raised her eyebrows. "Handwritten?" She smiled. "Old school? Okay babe." I chuckled softly as her eyes read from the note I started a whole month ago while adding little bits and pieces almost every day. I wasn't the lovey dovey, poet type but she brought it out of me.
Somehow..
As she continued to read my, almost vow like note, I saw her lips pout. I basically recapped everything from our first meeting. I described what she was wearing and how that pink fur jacket would forever be engraved in my mind.
I talked about how I tried hard in the first football game she came too because I knew she was there. (I didn't mention the fact that Ni was also there with a guy I hated.) All the way to the time I idiotically climbed over a goddamn balcony to get to her.. to get her from ending us.
Then I ended with how I didn't need anything for Christmas because she was the best gift God and the universe could've given me.
"Y/nn," she mumbled and sat the paper down before shakily wiping her eyes. "You can't do this when I'm already ten times more of an emotional fuck."
I chuckled and accepted her hug when she leaned forward. "I love you." I said and held her tightly while pressing a soothing kiss to her temple. "Forever and ever babe."
"Gross." My head raised and I saw Jay standing in the doorway with no shirt and a sprite. "Mom said foods ready and you better not be making babies in her house." I shooed him out and he raised his hands. "Okay, just know if the cheesecake is all gone.."
"Don't you dare." Robyn said as her head propped up and he left with a smirk. I wiped her cheeks with the back of my hand before pulling her forward for a kiss again.
All I know is that I'm thankful even drunk me has some sense.. because this day could've been a whole lot different.
Once we got downstairs, I saw Robert so I introduced them and he instantly commented on her music. "I'm usually a nineties and eighties rap guy but when Talk that Talk comes on? I just.." my eyebrows shot up when he started rocking his shoulders up and down with his hands up in fists. "It's my jam- say whatcha want, say whatcha like.."
"Robert Ro-" I raised my hand and patted his shoulder to make him stop. "Let's not take back that 'welcome to the family' card, yeah?"
He clapped. "Right." He pointed at his Broncos jersey and I gave him a thumbs up before chuckling as he sat down on the couch again.
"Y/n," I hummed and walked into the kitchen before leaning against the counter as my mom nodded me to come directly to her so I did. "Try this for me baby." She held up a piece of the ham on a fork and I took a bite before dramatically placing my hand to my chest. "Good?"
"My God." I mumbled and shook my head. "You never fail woman." I said and she chuckled softly when I quickly pecked her cheek. "Is it almost done? I need something to soak up this alcohol."
She nodded. "Yeah, tell everyone to come make their plate."
She expected me to walk back out? I grabbed a plastic plate before looking over my shoulder. "Ayo, foods ready!" I heard two sets of footsteps. Jay and Aaliyah.
We all stood in the line behind my mom who gave us each a look. "Really?" I heard a cleared throat and I made a sound of disapproval when Ni walked around each of us. "I have a child."
"She's mine too." I said with a frown when my mom grabbed her plate and literally started to make it. "That's so unfair."
"Get pregnant or give birth then you can cut the line." My mom before reaching to grab my plate, only to swerve around and grab Robyn's.
"Are you serious- she not pregnant!" Jay complained and my mom only smirked. I squinted my eyes, my head tilting when she silently kept making her plate. She didn't know.. there was no way.. was there?
Shaking it off, I finally had my plate made and I moved out of the kitchen to the loveseat, Robyn sitting next to me. "You love my mom? Well I love yours." She said, humming to herself as she ate some of the homemade Mac n cheese. "She's a godsend."
"You're my godsend." I said nonchalantly while taking a bite of candied yams, my gaze now on the tv as I watched the game.
"You tryna get me to suck your dick, aren't you?" I looked over with furrowed eyebrows when Robyn shook her head.
"What?" I chuckled and draped my right arm over her shoulder before pulling her into my side. "Though that would be great.." She hummed sarcastically. "I'm just speaking facts. No ulterior motive here, my love."
She smiled and pressed a kiss to my neck. "I'm still sucking your dick."
"Hallelujah, I didn't think that would work." I joked and she bumped my shoulder with a laugh as we went back to eating. Everyone was watching the game even though Aaliyah could care less, Robyn didn't truly like 'American' football, only foot ball, and my mom had enough wine to where anything was interesting.
"So you have to stay in Vegas for like.. however long the shows go?" Aaliyah asked with raised eyebrows. "How's that gonna work?"
I wiped my mouth with a napkin before looking over to see Robyn silently drinking on a water with sad eyes. Well.. I guess I can tell them.
"I wasn't going to say anything yet." Her eyes snapped to mine. "But they signed a deal with Universal Studios so after we're done at the MGM Grand on the thirtieth.." Her jaw dropped and I nodded with a smile. "The Jabbawockeez next set of shows are in LA."
"You didn't tell me that." She mumbled and tilted her head. "Are you guys really?"
I nodded. "Yeah. Instead of a four hour drive, I'll be twenty minutes away.. Merry Christmas?"
She slapped my shoulder before softly pecking my lips. "I'm so happy. I thought you'd be gone for another couple months or something."
"Nah, I wouldn't do that to you or my lil homie." I said with a smile.
"Lil homie?" Jay questioned.
Oh shit.
"We got a dog." Robyn piped up quickly. "His name is.. is Pepe." I snorted and looked away while taking a sip of my apple cider. "But Y/n calls him lil homie."
"Yup, my lil homie.. Pepe." I shook my head while chuckling. Out of all names she chose Pepe? My poor baby is gonna have a rough name isn't he? Sheesh.
"Oh cute, I need to see a picture of this dog." My mom said while leaning forward, her eyebrows raised with a coy grin. "Is he small, big?"
"He's a puppy so pretty small." I leaned back and let Robyn take the reigns, she got it. "But as soon as I get pictures, I'll send them to you mom."
My mom nodded slowly. "Can't wait."
I hummed to myself and concluded that this nigga knew. And yes I did just refer to my mother as 'this nigga.' Don't act like we all don't do it sometimes. At least I ain't say bitch.
Once everyone went back to talking or watching the game, Rob gave me a glare. "No help?" I shrugged.
"Baby I'd make it worse, you know this." I mumbled before resting my hand on the back of her neck. "But you killed it. If you weren't an entertainer you would've slayed as a lawyer." She slapped my thigh while raising up as I laughed under my breath. "I please the fifth, Miss Fenty!"
"Y/ln!" She called over her shoulder with a smirk and I chuckled, nodding to myself. "Oh and also," she came back and leaned over the couch with her lips pressed to my ear. "I actually would like a puppy now, so.. have everything set up by the time we get home, yeah? You can manage?"
I sighed and nodded. "Yep.. no problem." She smiled knowingly. "I just love dogs." I mumbled sarcastically, my head shaking when she left. "I hate dogs." I huffed out. I liked dogs that weren't my responsibility. But getting a puppy meant shit. And pee. With Robyn being pregnant who would deal with the shit and pee?
Yep.
_____