Caribbean Dialect Included
It's not that she hated shopping entirely, she only hated shopping at this present moment. Erica watched on as her father drove off with her aunt after realizing they will need more food than already planned. Over their private breakfast, since both mother and daughters slept late, she relayed the news of her friends accepting their invite. He also told her about informing his immediate neighbors about the get-together and an open invitation.
"Up here, you can't have a party jus' so, jus' so. Noise pollution charge can come up if you have a real bad mind neighbor," he said to her.
"Oh. So more food is fuh if dey pass through. I still helping eh. Ah want to cook some Tobago food for dem," she said sternly. Her father only shook his head and commented on missing island food.
Coming back to the present, she knew what the outcome will be in a few hours. Erica didn't miss the widened eyes from her cousins when her father gave her extra pocket money. She didn't know what the fuss was about when their mother simply handed over her credit card with the comment, "Remember the limit." The family bonding part of their visit went up in flames the moment they stepped foot into her home the night before. Speaking to Elijah before bed while they were on the blow-up mattress gushing over her boyfriend and his older brothers was uncomfortable, she admitted to him that she wanted to experience that type of bonding. As usual, he eased her mind and gave her advice in dealing with her spoiled cousins. He joked about their relationship being revealed to his top fans. Erica didn't really care about throwing it in their faces, she only wanted him to spend a relaxing evening with her 'family' and their friends.
"I can't believe that we're in one of Eli Johnson's mall. Do you think his son will be here? Our friends back home will be so jealous to know we're actually in the Johnsons' hometown," Shian commented behind her.
Erica turned around to find her cousins taking photos with their phones like paparazzi and posting online as they moved along. She followed a few steps behind in each store, picking up little things to accessorize her outfit for the night. Her hair was now braided in medium-sized cornrows for her planned hairstyle. Her man was coming over, she wanted to look extremely good for him.
After going through, every store on the ground floor they were now on the first floor, Shian and Anika were still looking out for an appearance by Elijah. She was growing bored, wanting to go home and take a nap. Their presence was definitely sucking the energy out of her body. They entered a clothing store for both males and females which to her chagrined the girls acted like tween fangirls, taking continuous shots of the place. Erica was lost as to why they were excited to be in this particular store.
"This is one of Tramaine's store. It was used as a set for three popular Netflix movies and carries few of his unique designs."
The sudden answer to her silent question startled her but she recognized the voice instantly. Spinning around to face the person, she wasn't surprised to see the smiling face of Alec and the stoic one of Trey.
"Trey. Alec. Thanks for the info. I forgot that part," she greeted with a soft smile.
"Miss Islander," Trey answered.
"Good morning, piccolo. Shopping for your 'lime'?" Alec teased.
Rolling her eyes at his silliness, she nodded in answer. "I'm here with my cousins also."
"If you're here then that means things aren't so well," Trey deducted.
"Right as always, Watson," Erica teased. A snort of laughter escaped Alec but the subject of the teasing simply rolled his eyes with a slight twitch of his lips.
"Hush you. Come. Since you're here we need your female mind," he said pulling her along to whatever direction he was purposely walking towards.
"One joke and ah become allyuh adviser."
"Bear with us, little one. Trey will buy you a slice of cheesecake and your favorite coffee," Alec said from behind them.
"At yuh service, boys," she quipped falling in step with Trey. The boy looked over his shoulder at his best friend with wide disbelieving eyes. They've been arguing on the best way to get one of the girls to help them out without raising suspicion. Alec kept saying food but he wanted to believe it was more than that.
He came to a stop and boldly stared at Erica. "We wish to put a smile on Taylor's face. We know it's presently a trying day for her and won't be in the mood for the hang out at your house tonight so we were thinking of a private dinner. Just the three of us."
"Oh my god, finally. We were wondering when allyuh would do something. Let it be known, I tell dem it woulda be soon. The time frame was a bit tricky. Raine had allyuh down for college years, Ayanna was like when dey grow some balls and ask she out she will have a man by then. So who cooking? Where de dinner go be? Make sure yuh have flowers, eh. Aye, what about a memorial dinner for her moms buh let it be romantic and sweet at the same time. She guh real like that. Poor baby. Ah wonder how she doing?" Both Alec and Trey watched and listened as Erica went from one topic to the other while going through her phone, giving them ideas and advice. They wondered how their friend puts up with her energy.
"So wuh yuh buying here fuh she? A dress? Shoes? Bag? Jewelry?" she said coming back to them finally.
"All," they both answered.
"Awwwww. I wish I have dat," she cooed in adoration before facepalming herself. "Wait. I do. Gosh ah real dotish today boy."
"Do..... tish?" Alec questioned. His confused expression was so adorable, she wanted to take a quick pic and send it to the girls. What's the use of having hot guys as their friends and not gush over them. The best is when they all blush when their good looks are pointed out.
"It means scatterbrained or acting stupid/dumb at important times," Erica clarified.
"Oh!"
It took everything in her not to say 'Awww' at Alec's adorable moment. Trey took that moment to step up to her, handing over his already unlocked phone. "The pin is 5845. These are her likes, dislikes, her shoe size and clothing sizes Stacia shared with us. A patio dinner and downtime are the two things we wish to give her. We may not succeed in having her as our woman tonight but it will be a stepping stone.." he began to say releasing a nervous sigh. Always in control, level headed Trey was nervous. Erica knew how big this was for the two guys, not only is this a new step in their life but it's for Taylor also. She went through so much and her adult life is waiting for her to come drop into that rabbit hole.
"We thought we could have done this on our own until we saw you. Thank you for agreeing to this...." Alec continued. "Even if we have to feed you," Trey muttered under his breath. She would have been offended if she didn't understand the guy before her and didn't see the amusement in his eyes plus the twitch of his lips. In true Erica Hollis action, she stuck her tongue out and called him an idiot. " ...and being one of our closest friends," he ended for Alec.
"Oh gosh, doh meh it so mushy nah," she said, happy that her skin tone was dark and hiding the blush. Thank you, melanin gods.
They both chuckled and proceeded to go over the detailed notes on Trey's phone. "Ah have a sense as to what to buy now. How she doing by de way?"
They followed her into the female pants section and watched on with rapt interest how she selected the outfit for their little date night with Taylor.
"Harem couldn't say much. She stayed by her mother's side for an hour going on two with Bryan watching over her. He relayed to them that she held up pretty well, she was strong in the beginning but when reality set in...."
No one said anything after that, she understood the silent words. "She told her mother everything that happened since her escape. After she left the morgue, she stuck with Bryan and allowed him to help her with the funeral arrangements. Apparently, she remembered a morbid conversation with her mother. She wished to be cremated and place beside the real love of her life and the man who blessed her with her only child."
A heavy cloud was over the trio's head as they thought about the girl who became one of their dearest friends. "Promise to take care of her and make she happy?" Erica asked softly, throwing the two pants over her arm.
"It's our dream to do so if she will have us," Alec answered wholeheartedly. She glanced at Trey's way for his answer. The firm nod and determination in his eyes told her his answer.
"Good cuz ah already have a lot invested in allyuh relationship," she huffed wanting to get rid of their emotional talk. Their amused chuckles brought the gloomy conversation to an end and a continuance of their little shopping spree.
Erica was having so much fun showing the boys Taylor's likes and having them choose the colors they love to see her in that she forgot who actually accompanied her to the mall.
"Found you! We were looking everywhere for you, Erica."
The boys heard the low curses from her before she turned to their new companion. They didn't miss the once over the girl gave them and the calculations in her eyes. No doubt this was her cousin. Elijah commented in passing about last night's event. The girl beside her eyes was wide in disbelief, it was a no-brainer that she knew who they were and who was their friend.
"Ah wanted allyuh to enjoy ya selves. I doh really want anything much," Erica said with a fake smile plastered on her face.
"Even though you didn't need anything from here, it was rude to go off with guys you barely know. I don't think uncle Julius will like to know how easily influenced you are by young men."
Erica rolled her eyes at the concerned cousin act she was portraying. They both were screaming for attention and seeking some sort of embarrassment in her favor. "Yuh could call him and tell him that I'm with two ah mih school friends. By de way this is Alec and Trey. Allyuh, this is mih cousin dem, Shian, and Anika," Erica answered.
The boys nodded their heads in acknowledgment and simply eased their way further from the two. Erica caught their action and was confused by it for some reason. "Hi. It's nice that our cousin here made friends in this country. As you know she's new to our type of living," Shian continued. Alec and Trey stayed quiet.
"Dey kno already," Erica commented as she turned to a necklace in the glass case that caught her eye. Unlocking Trey's phone, she took a photo of the gold necklace with three joined hearts as a pendant. There was a note for customers stating it was also available at Tiffany's. She grinned the boys' way who blushed at her silent comment. Erica quickly took a photo of their blushing faces, capturing the one in a chance moment of Trey breaking out of character.
"Ahhhhhh!!!" she squealed, sending the photo to her phone before posting it in their chatroom.
"Little one," Alec groaned when the notification came in on his phone. Trey snatched his phone from her hands and sent a fake glare her way before looking at the photo. It wasn't long for the girls in the chat to be gushing about the photo.
"It's rude to ignore your guests, Erica," Shian said aloud.
"Girl doh get me vex eh, buh rude to my guests. Yuh didn't know the meaning of dat last night. Look here," Erica commented, clearly annoyed.
Anika stepped up giving the boys a shy smile with an annoyed Shian rolling her eyes. "Ummm... we're having a little get together at our uncle's place this afternoon. I'm sure Erica doesn't mind if I invited y'all on her behalf. You and your friends are welcome," she said giving her best flirtatious smile.
"No, thank you. Plans have already been made in which Erica already knew of," Trey returned. Both girls flinched at his abrupt and cold answer plus the clear dislike on his face. He was very observant and can spot bullshit a mile away.
"That's okay. How bout we treat you guys to lunch and you show us around the mall?" Shian pushed.
"Dey busy," Erica said coming between her cousin and Alec.
"They don't seem too busy right now. I will love to know your friends," she continued.
"Of course, yuh wanna do that," Erica muttered placing the items they picked out in Trey's arms.
"Trust us, we are busy. It's nice meeting both of you. Grazie, piccolo. See you soon," Alec said placing a kiss on her cheek.
"Till a next time, miss islander," Trey added, placing a kiss on her head. Without a backward glance, they left Erica with her cousins.
"Are you fucking them? Is that why they were even talking to you? Do you even know who they are?" Anika asked, invading her personal space. What she thought was a behavior stemmed from her older sister, Erica saw firsthand how crude the younger girl truly was.
"Of course ah know who they are. Ah already say dey mih friend dem jeez yuh cyah be stupid and rude at the same time. Since allyuh done here, I going fuh some food then wait on daddy. Allyuh done waste mih time acting all Regina George," she said in annoyance, leaving them in the store. Checking the time, she realized it was truly late it was after lunch, and most of the foods she had to prep for took some time. Most of the dishes were island local and certain things she will need, her father promised he will get them for her. Apparently, he knew a place that has them all.
The ringing of her phone took her out of her thoughts and her mental planning. Checking the ID, she smiled and hurried to a seat to take the call.
"Baby," she gushed into the phone.
"There's my girl. You sound happy," he answered with a chuckle.
"Ah talking to you so of course ah wud be happy. Wah you doin'?"
"Having an impromptu pool party with Shaye and her new BFF. I'm on a break from being their dog."
"Need ah belly rub?" she teased.
"My dirty mind just curiously poked his head out. There are kids around sweetheart. How's your day so far? I saw the pic of Trey and Alec, did they get everything they need?"
"Yup. Dey doing ah real nice thing for Taylor. Oh, bout my day, ah cud get plenty kisses later when yuh come over?" she asked.
"That much drag huh. Of course, you can get plenty of kisses. I miss you so much. The fact that we can't always be together 24/7 is there in my mind but I always want you in my line of sight. Does that sound obsessive?" he countered with his own answer and question.
"To ppl outside, yeah but I ain't mind inno cuz I miss you plenty too. Having you wid me does make me feel real happy."
"I like that."
"ELIJAH! COME ON!"
The demanding shout of Shaye made her laugh, picturing the little girl bossing her big brother around.
"I'm tired, Shaye. Erica says I need rest," he replied to her putting on his best baby voice.
"Nuh uh. She will never.... wait..... can I talk to her? Please.... you can stop being our pool dog if you let me talk to her." The pleading whine of the eight-year-old tug at Erica's heartstrings.
"Stick to the story," Elijah whispered quickly into the phone before Shaye's cheery voice came on.
"Hi, Erica. Is it true you're having a party at your house? Elijah told mama he's heading over to yours, later on, that's why he couldn't supervise us. Can we come? Please."
"Yeah, it's true buh it will be wid big children. Ah wouldn't have time to spend wid yuh. Yuh could over the weekend after next. Once yuh ask yuh parents, okay?"
"Hmmm, okay. Bye," the little girl said rushing off the phone.
"That was quick," Elijah said when the phone was returned to him.
"Yuh could say that again. Aye hold on," she said putting him on hold quickly to make a call to her father.
"Yuh ready?" was her father's answer to the call.
"I am cuz ah have to cook buh dem still shopping and looking fuh Elijah."
"Lord. I home now so I can start de ones that will take longer and when you come home you can do the faster ones. Yuh mind if yuh aunt come fuh you?" he asked.
"I guess. Leh she come now nah."
"Okay, will tell she now. Later," he returned ending the call. Going back to the call with Elijah, she relayed her conversation with her father to him then went on with their trivial talk. They didn't have to talk about important stuff, they simply wanted to have that connection formed while they were miles apart.
"Did you call our mother?"
Shian's loud question interrupted Elijah's telling of a childhood memory. Heaving a heavy sigh, she turned to the now angry older girl who definitely wasn't acting her age. "Daddy call and say yuh mother will pick we up cuz ah have to cook. Yuh could stay if you want," Erica said with a fake smile. Seems like a lot of those have been going around a lot today.
"Don't you think we asked our mother to do the same? She said we have to help with this stupid party you and your father are hosting." This time it was Anika doing the talking, it seems like the little wallflower wants to be the main attraction. At the moment she wasn't the shy girl behind her sister, she had the look of entitled upset little daddy's princess, the same as her older sister. Their attitude towards her was uncalled for and she didn't have the energy to get up in arms about it.
"Yuh doh have to help. Dais your business. I wasn't de one to say you have to help. Hold on," Erica replied for a second then went back to her call with Elijah.
"Well aren't we all sunshine and rainbows. You go handle this situation, I'll see you tonight. I can't wait to taste what you cook, baby. See you later, my beautiful island flower," he said when she came back to the call.
"Thanks, babe. See yuh, later," she returned softly, ending the call with a smile on her face. Glancing her cousins' way, curious expressions were on their faces. Too bad they were against them being friends, it would have been great to be herself and not be wary of them. Not all things work out huh.
Saying nothing to the two, she grabbed her bags and walked past them, not wanting to have her aunt wait for her in front of the mall for long. Checking the time it was nearing two in the afternoon, just what has she been doing to take up that amount of time. With that time it gives her four hours give or take to get all the food completed, hot, and ready to eat. All of her friends besides Alec, Taylor, and Trey were attending. Mischa was the wildcard, his behavior lately changed for some reason which has been worrying everyone, Ayanna even more.
Reaching the mall entrance, she looked over her shoulder to spot her cousins whispering to each other keeping a wide berth from her. It hurt that they chose to shut her out from the start when she was excited to meet her family.
Keeping her face expressionless, she told herself not to give up, there were other cousins after all. Every family had animosity among members and her new family won't be any different.
*********
For the hundredth time, Ayanna changed her outfit nervous about the impromptu date Raine set up with Erica's party being the venue. Even though her best friend said its a simple mutual thing, she couldn't help be nervous. With Erica's permission, they were allowed to bring outsiders to their group, it was a first but with her cousins there it was some sort of buffer. The duo as she called Alec and Trey voiced their opinions of the girls and it wasn't pretty. They gave Simon Cowell a run for his money. That was another reason why she wanted to look great for the night.
The look she presently had on suited her personality, down to earth but cautious at moments. The light-washed distressed skinny jeans were molded to her long legs, the white low-cut sneakers were a great contrast to her light pink sweater with red roses embroidered on the sleeves. Her hair was in a messy yet stylish bun showing off her last birthday gift from Raine. She felt comfortable and beautiful at the same time. Grabbing her coat and crossbody purse she went downstairs of her home to wait on her friend.
"You look wonderful, honey," her mother's compliment made her smile wider.
"Thanks, mom."
Her father gave his nod of approval which made her confident. He was actually her step-father but she never saw him like that. Before he finally worked up the courage to ask her mother on a date, he was a strong father figure in her life.
"This Erica. I heard from Janine that she's a great match for Elijah. I spotted him at the homework center and around town, he looks much more like our old happy Elijah," her mother commented.
"She's great. A good addition to our group. Her bold way of handling things and being mindful of people's feelings and simply caring for them even if she doesn't know them for a long time reminds me of Marielle for some reason."
"Men who are serious about life and relationships tend to look for qualities in a woman matching the women who raised them. His last girlfriend was a learning experience, I say," her stepfather said still focused on the tv show he was watching.
"And women?" she asked meekly, her cheeks burning. He turned to her in lightning speed with narrowed eyes. Her mother giggled at his comical action knowing what was coming next. Her husband confided in her that he was nervous, awaiting the moment their little Ayanna starts dating. In his eyes, she deserved a man who will treat her like the princess he saw her as. A smart, sweetheart of a princess.
"Are you thinking about dating? I mean you're old enough but you haven't shown interest in anyone... wait have you? Did I miss something?" he asked in a near panic state.
"No. No. No. I mean I had feelings for someone but they... um... it turns out to be a bad judgment on my part? I don't know. I-I was thinking to do casual dating before I head to college. Get rid of the awkward duckling stage," she said twisting her fingers nervously.
"Oh, sweetie. We're okay with you dating. Your father will have one or two strokes but we will be fine. Is this party going to be your first date?" her mother asked.
"Raine called it a mutual thing but I see it as a group date. Elijah will be with Erica, Harem will have Stacia then there will be Raine and me...."
"What about Mischa? Also Trey and Alec? I kind of thought one of them will be your first boyfriend," her mother interjected.
"Trey and Alec ummmm.... well they both like Taylor so..."
"Another trio? Interesting. Spencer will go up in flames when they go public. The archaic folks are still up in arms with the Johnson-Hector Trio. You kids make living in this town so entertaining."
"Ron. Stop," her mother said trying to hide her laugh, "And Mischa?"
Ayanna gave her mother a weak smile, she felt her father's waiting look on her making the confession/family moment feel grander than she thought it will be. "He's not interested in me. He made it clear," she said clearing the sob in her throat. Why was she emotional over him? He basically told her by the many times she saw him with other girls that he wasn't interested in dating her. In her times of insecurities, she compared herself to his latest conquest, stupid but she found herself doing that.
"Oh."
She shrugged her shoulders in nonchalance, her mother figured it out. Her father was quick to comment though. "That leaves the right guy to come and swoop you off your feet. No drama," Ron voiced aloud. Her cheeks burned by her father's hidden comment.
The doorbell rang once interrupting them, seconds later Raine came walking in shouting her greetings.
"In the tv room, darling," her mother called out.
"Well, don't we look badass tonight," Ayanna commented. She smiled happily when her friend spun for the heck of it and gave them all a sassy pose. Her beige sweater with ties by the elbow, the jean skirt, and knee-high black suede boots looked perfect on her. No one will think that she was crying her heart out last night and in the midst of reclaiming herself once more.
"I feel great. I can't wait to hang out with everyone tonight. Elijah says Erica will be cooking local dishes from Tobago. It will be like going to a new restaurant with friends," Raine said giddily.
"And just like restaurants, I'm sure she will send you home with doggy bags," Ron said with his own puppy eyes.
"We'll see what we can do, dad," Ayanna said shaking her head at his happy dance in the chair. He loved trying new foods so it was basically easy to cook for the man or choose new takeout on those lazy nights.
"Have fun girls."
Both friends waved goodbye and left the house, arm in arm. "So who's the guy?" Ayanna asked softly after the front door was closed. Kage was standing near his car then another guy came out of the backseat, standing near Kage with the attitude of knowing him for a long time.
"Callum, his next-door neighbor since they were babies. I used to play with them both when we were kids. He goes to Bronson High since his mom is a teacher there. He's also on the football team, the two have this brotherly rivalry going on, it's silly yet cute.," Raine explained. She couldn't help but admire his tall stature, his body was muscular as Kage's due to the training they both have to endure. When he turned in their direction, she saw his first impression of her clearly. Callum actually stopped midsentence in speaking with Kage, his blue eyes widen expressively, his smile brightened as he straightened his jacket and his posture.
"Callum this is my best friend Ayanna," Raine introduced.
"Hi," both said at the same time. He took her hand and voiced his pleasure in meeting her before opening the door for her.
Sitting in the warm car, she breathed a sigh of relief of no longer being nervous. Raine came in next and raised her eyebrows in question. She quickly gave a nod of approval just as the boys came in. Turning to Callum, she was not disappointed when he began a conversation with her without letting things be awkward for long. It wasn't long before he had her laughing and telling him about her experience in things similar to him.
For one night, she will notice the world outside of her crush on Mischa.
********
As the friends, each made their way to Erica's home, excitement in their veins for their night at her home, Selby was in her room contemplating the party invitation on her phone. It wasn't the first time she was invited to a house party or a football team party. She never really accepted them because she always spent her weekends with either Harem or the others and gave the remaining time on the weekend to Derek. Sometimes her boyfriend will complain at other times he will be okay with her change of plans. Now that she no longer have close friendships, she was out of her comfort zone.
The invite came through an invite through Facebook Messenger to her from Honey. It was Saturday night and her phone was silent beside Honey's invite, her boyfriend hasn't called since he swung by earlier in the day and her parents were out on their date night. She literally had nothing to do.
After thinking and overthinking things, she sent her answer to her 'new friend'. It wasn't long till she was invited to join a messenger group with the others. The four girls excitedly invited themselves over to her house to get ready for the party of the century, as they dubbed it. The party was being held at one of the other rich kid's mansions. Besides Elijah, they were other popular kids who had rich as hell parents but to date, Eli and Janine Johnson's net worth soared past others in the town and few in the country. If someone was to add up each family members' net worth including the extended families, they will see why the younger ones are sought after romantically.
Going into her walk-in closet she chose four different outfits carefully. She had an image to uphold as a football player's girlfriend, as Derek keeps mentioning to her, they were the prime examples of high school fantasies. They had the entire school looking up to them beside the rich popular kids. When she was a welcomed member of Elijah's group her popularity surpassed the position of being Derek's girl and on the dance team. After the 'great debacle' as few students have called her parting with the group, her place in the school's hierarchy dropped drastically.
Placing the outfits on an outside clothing rack, she set about putting a bag together and checked into the messenger group where the girls were still going with chatter that never dies. It reminded her of the chats she used to have with Ayanna and Raine every night. Selby scoffed at the thought of them ever being friends with her again. She broke their friendship but it was majorly their fault. They never supported her relationship with Derek, nor did they make any effort to know him. Harem was the one who surprised her with his lies and to do so in front of Derek. She can never forgive them for hurting her. He not only embarrassed her in public but in front of the boy she loved.
Shaking her head to dispel the thoughts of the friends who betrayed her and already found replacements, she forced herself to enjoy the chat with the very energetic girls. Maybe they are her new friends, maybe.
*********
At the Hollis household, the scent of freshly cooked food wafted through the kitchen and into the dining room where Anika and Shian were setting up dinner plates and utensils for the guests who were yet to arrive. The two were doing the chores their mother told them to do after they ignored their uncle's requests. They weren't particularly fond of this uncle, the other aunts placed him on a pedestal and the uncles always went to him for advice, even their father. They never understood why they will go to a man who was single and had no kid. Now, in a flash, he has a teenage daughter who was spoiled rotten. They took a good look at her room and her closet and were able to pinpoint things they begged their mother for and weren't able to buy because of the little allowance their father gave. Erica looked a lot like their grandmother and got so tired of their mother making that comment and gushing over her, even when she was admonishing the girl on her 'barbaric' ways, the girls knew their mother adores the island girl. This party their uncle was hosting turned out to be both their ideas, their father will never do that for them unless it was their birthday or some special occasion. Though they get away with majorly everything, being daddy little girls, they couldn't ignore the relationship Erica had with her father. Not to mention the freedom she had.
Wanting to get her into trouble, they mentioned in passing about her being with boys looking older than her at the mall than showing them around. As usual, their dramatic mother took that comment and ran with it, she began stating about society looking on her and so on. Their uncle simply rolled his eyes and asked his sister to be quiet for a moment. He only asked Erica if it were Trey and Alec from school. The guess was so accurate that it made them forget about their other jabs for the girl. Why was he so blase of things his teenage do? They weren't even allowed to date and from the conversation they overheard Erica had at the mall, they knew she had a boyfriend. The question was, how did she get a man so fast?
"It smells so good. Julius said Erica did most of the cooking. Isn't that wonderful?" The sound of their mother gushing as she entered the dining room already dressed annoyed them.
"Cooking is one thing, how the actual food tastes is another," Anika mumbled. Shian snickered at her sister's comment which made their mother a bit miffed.
"Maybe you two can learn something from her especially you Shian. You're nineteen, have no job, no college acceptance, can't cook, and still depend on your father and me for pocket change. You can't even afford to put gas into the car you got for your seventeenth birthday. Do you plan to have us provide for you till the day you die?" Carlene voiced in a low angry tone.
"I believe you two will die before me so until then I don't have to worry," Shian returned spitefully.
"You spoiled little..."
"Spoiled huh? Isn't that the parents' fault?"
Carlene glared at her eldest daughter who now wore the haughtiest look on her face. Dressed in a barely-there outfit, make-up adorned face, she wondered where she went wrong in raising her little girl. Anika was growing in the same image, which would be problematic in the future. If only they can learn from girls outside of their family.
"Both of you, go get changed. Guests will be arriving soon," Carlene said in a weary tone. It wouldn't be nice to have one of their fights in her brother's home.
Both girls turned with a huff and retreated to Erica's room, she finished their easy job and entered the kitchen.
"Need help with anything?" She called out as she entered the mildly hot room. Erica turned and blessed her with a smile. A slight feeling of jealousy tinged her heart with the thought of her brother winning the jackpot in having a wonderful daughter. "We good, aunty. All de food nearly done so it's just to put on de folding table daddy get fuh de night. Want some homemade fries? Daddy mek plenty," Erica said pulling out a large dish from the oven. Her brother was transferring a few of the already finished foods in small food warmers. Carlene remembered when he purchased them earlier that day, she complained of that being wasteful. He simply said it will be used whenever they liked. He spoke about Erica throughout the entire shopping trip, she was envious by the time they reached home.
"Sure, but not much. I can't wait to taste all of this. It's been a while since I ate like this," she replied. Julius glanced her way, he wanted to say something but didn't.
"Go and get ready, Erica. Yuh cud use my room to get ready, ah sure yuh cousins using your bathroom. I wud finish up," he said instead. The girl quickly looked at the clock, her eyes widen at the time. Hurriedly she took off the apron and rushed out of the kitchen after fussing over each dish. The brother and sister stayed silent for a while before Carlene spoke up. "She's wonderful. I'm happy that you finally have her after years of begging her mother."
"Why yuh covering up yuh accent? Like yuh throw way yuh background?"
She didn't expect that question but felt attacked somehow. "Excuse me?"
"Yuh came here in yuh teens so yuh can't say you got acclimated to here. Rena and Joseph still proudly speak we dialect, even mammy and daddy. You don't even cook our food anymore. Doh talk about de values mammy pound into we. She ever hear or see how those girls act? Carlene, they disrespected mih daughter even you in someone else's place. Come nah, man. Wah going on?" Julius said giving her, his full attention.
"Nothing. I'm living in the United States now, not a small island where no one has manners and no decorum. If you wish to be stuck in the old ways that we all left when we were kids, that's your choice. This country is where my kids are born and they will be like every other citizen here. Free to be who they are and do as they please," she said with her head held high. Truth be told, she wanted to be accepted badly into her new life and things had to change. Even herself. Her husband even commented on it but she gave him an excuse that he accepted reluctantly.
"I hear yuh. If dey bother my chile again, dey will know real Caribbean parenting," Julius warned her.
"You can't hit a child here, Julius. I won't hesitate to call the police if you do."
"Who say I was going to hit dem?" Her brother ended the conversation by turning away from her and placed the final touches on the food both him and his daughter cooked. A small bowl of fries was placed before her along with three condiment bottles. "Chadon Beni sauce, sweet onion sauce, and ketchup," he informed her then went back to ignoring her presence. She hid her smile at his subtle surrender, it was the three condiments she always chose whenever they bought bbq back in Trinidad. She did miss home.
Twenty minutes later, the stove was turned off, all dishes were in the warmers and the last touches of cleaning the kitchen were completed. Julius finished just in time, the doorbell rang announcing the arrival of guests.
Ditching his apron, he left the kitchen and rushed to the living room, Carlene was finished with her snack and hurriedly joined her brother.
"Aye thanks fuh coming, man." He was greeting a tall strapping caucasian man with a near balding head who was shaking his hand jovially before he turned to the equally tall woman by the man's side. The couple was animatedly talking to Julius as he led them to have a seat. "Carlene. Dis is we neighbor. Jarrod and Felicia, recently engaged. Yuh know how long he say he was going to ask she," her brother said with his signature playful laugh. Felicia giggled and snuggled into the large man's body when he pulled her close.
"I had to make sure I didn't screw up," Jarrod said in the same jovial mood.
"It's nice to meet you, Carlene. I've known your brother as long as Jarrod and I began dating. Imagine my surprise when he told us about a daughter, we were so happy. We were worried about him being in this house alone for so long. We even tried setting him up with women we know, such a picky dater," Felicia said sending Julius a playful glare.
"Ah too busy for all dat work," he complained.
The doorbell rang for a second time, giving Carlene some time with the couple. In walked an older woman with a weatherly smile on her face with a couple with a teenage son who had a very bored expression on his face. Julius was a great host, offering them all drinks and keeping up with the conversation that included everyone. Carlene watched for anyone with rude looks to him but found none, even a confused look when he spoke. She encountered that a lot in her neighborhood until a wife of her husband's coworker boldly told her to speak better.
"Where's this daughter you've kept locked up all this time, Hollis." Mrs. Nathan as she was introduced was a spry woman for her age and pretty witty, keeping them all amused.
"How I keep she lock up? De girl been in and out for months now, not my fault you always missing," Julius retorted.
"It's the gypsy in me, sue me," the woman returned with a chuckle.
"She getting ready now. She friends coming too so its ah whole process."
"You know her right, Archie?" Mrs. Caruso, mother of the teenager asked her son.
"Not personally. She's a senior. I've seen her around," he muttered with his eyes down in his phone. "We spotted her from time to time. She's so adorable and well mannered. Always waving hello even when she's in a rush," his mother continued with his father agreeing beside her.
Talk continued for a while, Carlene's daughters entered the room which halted the conversations. "Everyone, these are my daughters Shian and Anika. They wanted to meet their cousin so they took the trip with me," she said standing between her children, with a heavy hand on their shoulders. The girls received a subtle warning and greeted everyone with fake smiles.
"Girls why don't you take Archie here out back to the setup we created for you kids," she said in a sickly sweet voice.
"Sure. Come on," Anika answered beckoning the boy to follow her but he was focused on Shian, already smitten.
The adults watched on as they left, Carlene beamed when she received praises from the guests about her girls. It felt great to have them compliment her. The doorbell rang twice, from the front step they can hear animated voices and laughter before Julius can reach the door. She joined him to greet the newcomers and found herself surprised by these guests. Standing front and center with a bright smile on his face was Elijah Johnson, son of billionaire couple Eli and Janine Johnson.
How did her brother know this kid?
"Look at you nah. Can't wait ent?" Julius teased the boy.
"Is it that obvious?" he asked, the smile moving to a self-conscious one.
"Extremely so, brother." Carlene's eyes widen once more. She recently saw this kid's face in a magazine, the Greek Tycoon's son, what was he doing here?
"Doh worry nah. Come inside," Julius said ushering the group inside. Elijah shook her brother's hand amicably as they both shared words quietly with each other. The young man then turned and introduced his friends to both her and Julius.
"Ah hear so much about allyuh. It's nice y'all here for Erica. She still getting ready, if you girls want to go meet her you can. Down de hallway in the last room. Boys come."
Carlene followed in a daze as her brother led the group of boys into the living room and introduced them all. They were all so polite in the little meeting, answering questions about their families since a few of the adults regularly converse with them.
"Carlene, can you carry dem to de back, please? Need to do some refill," Julius asked.
"Sure," she answered stick in disbelief. The group became quiet as she led them to the back. "Are you all friends with Erica?" she asked, curious about the connection.
"Most of us are, Callum will be meeting her for the first time tonight. He goes to Bronson High," Harem answered.
"Oh. So you guys hang out outside of school?" she pushed.
"Yes," Elijah answered eyeing the woman closely. It was an odd question to ask and the tone was a bit skeptical. She didn't get to ask the question that was forming on her lips all because of the fangirling screams of her two daughters.
"NO WAY! OH MY GOD! I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!" Carlene watched on as her daughter Shian actually threw herself at the young man but he carefully caught her by the shoulders putting some distance between them. Harem stepped up ready to help, even the other two guys. Anika came bounding towards them, gushing over both celebrity kids.
"I've been following you on IG since your first post. You're so amazing. Can I see your tattoo? Is it true that you're taking over for your dad? What about your mother's business? Can I have a selfie with you? I can't believe it. You're here. At my uncle's house. Is this a guest appearance thing? Oh my god, this is the best trip ever."
The two girls began to bombard both Elijah and Harem with questions. Reaching for his hands both girls held onto them tightly, they simply couldn't believe it.
"Girls. Enough. Please give the young man some space," Carlene said firmly. She was clearly embarrassed by their behavior and by the look of the boys' faces they were also overwhelmed with them. The faltering smiles on their faces were proof of that.
"It's nice to meet you both. Shian and Anika," Elijah said politely.
"You know our names? That's so cool," Anika gushed. Shian had the widest smile on her face looking between Elijah and Harem. She couldn't believe two famous Instagram stars were in front of her.
"How do you know my daughters?" Carlene asked sharply.
With a smile tugging at his lips, head tilt in an adorable fashion he answered her. "My girlfriend told me their names. She did tell me they were huge fans but I didn't expect this reception." He looked at his tightly clasped hands and tugged them out of the girl's hold.
"We know your girlfriend? You HAVE a girlfriend? The fan club said those pics on your feed were modeling jobs you took," Shian shrieked.
Harem chuckled. "We are too busy with school to think of modeling jobs. How credible is your fan club source?" he asked.
"So your New York girlfriend waiting for you to return home is a lie?" Anika asked.
"Definitely," Harem replied with another chuckle.
"Whatever. Back to this girlfriend? Who is she?"
"Hey, baby."
The voice of Erica cut through the conversation and stopped Elijah from answering. He spun around by the sound of her voice. What happened next, stunned both mother and daughters. Erica ran towards him and was easily caught in his arms, he buried his face in the crook of her neck and spun her around. Not caring for the audience, he brushed his lips against her neck and along her jaw. In clear need, he claimed her lips, pulling her flush against his body and loving the feel of her against his. One night and half of a day, he missed her terribly. The taste of her lips, her floral scent, her warm body, it felt good to have her in his arms. "I missed you," he whispered against her lips before pulling apart. He took a step back and took a look at her outfit. "Gorgeous as always," he commented.
Erica beamed under his compliment and went rushing back into his arms. Everyone took note of the simple pleasure of holding onto her, that action not only made their friends happy but made Erica's cousins' jealousy rise.
"Boyfriend. Wow. That's a shocker. I will head back in with the adults. Have a great time everyone," Carlene said still looking at her niece in the arms of the billion-dollar heir. She eyed her daughters and quickly disappeared into the house. It worried her that such a high-profile young man will want to date an immigrant. Is her brother in financial trouble? Was this some sort of prank? She had to get to the bottom of this development.
*******
"Here he is," Ayanna broke the silence by ignoring the glaring cousins and introducing their new friend to Erica.
Callum blushed when she took his hand and practically pulled him to her friend. "Hi, I'm Callum. Thanks for the plus one invite. Home-cooked meal and friends totally won me over than another weekend party," the guy said offering Erica his hand.
"No problem. It have rel food, ah just hope yuh like it," she answered while shaking his hand.
"Your accent.... Caribbean right?"
"Yup from Tobago."
"It sounds familiar to Jamaican. We had a few transfers from New York a year back and they had a similar accent to yours," he said retaking his spot next to Ayanna. Erica being awfully observant noticed how closely he went to her side and sent a quick glance at Raine. Beside Kage, Raine was grinning and was near to bouncing on her toes but her companion quickly pulled her away, knowing what the two girls were silently gesturing about.
"We get that a lot. Leh me go put on some music and bring out some snacks. If allyuh want dinner one time we can do that also," Erica said aloud to everyone.
"Dinner!"
Elijah was the first one to answer and the loudest. All eyes were on him shining with amusement as he hid behind Erica's mass of hair. "You only come fuh yuh belly," she teased.
"No. I came to see you too and you cooked. It's basically a two-in-one visit," he said against her neck. She loved this adorable side of him, he wasn't afraid to be this way to her and his friends.
"Smartass," she commented.
"Not to have him look bad, I think we all will like to have dinner also," Harem said tucking a blushing Stacia under his chin. The others agreed and proceeded to make their way back into the house but a comment stopped them in their tracks.
"I never thought your standards will be so low. To think I'm a fan of yours. You rich kids will fuck anything willing to lay on their backs for y'all. Imagine what the world will say about that nappy-headed third-world country immigrant you claim as your girlfriend. It won't look good."
The immediate anger that surfaced in Elijah was certainly felt by Erica, it took everything in her to stop him from bolting towards Shian. The boys saw her struggle and quickly rushed to their sides.
"Thank you fuh yuh sole opinion on his choices. It nice to know dat you think of ya own self in de same way. After all your mudda is ah immigrant too. Doh get tie up with de hair straightening yuh does do," Erica said steadily.
"She doesn't even acknowledge that embarrassing side of hers and we don't either. I'm trying to help you two out here. You will bring shame to the Johnson name, a low-class nobody who has nothing going for her. Useless, unwanted, and disgraceful. Flirting with his friends in public, acting like a bitch in heat. No wonder your mother ditched you in backwater, USA. She didn't want your presence to soil her favorite daughter's image. A piece of shit on its way to being thrown out."
"ENOUGH!" Elijah shouted. His mother taught him right by not hitting women but the gods above were testing his patience.
Shian smirked his way, that's when he noticed her sister behind her with a phone aiming right at them. He struggled to get at the two and was about to mention the camera being on them when he felt Erica's warmth leaving him. Forgetting the girls, he looked down to see his girl stepping away from him. It all happened so fast. She was like a blur, in less than five seconds there was an all-out fight happening in front of him. Harem and Kage who were holding him back gradually released him, watching the scene before them.
Erica was on top of Shian landing punches to the girl's face, pinning her down with her legs on her arms. Raine and Stacia tackled Anika trying to get the phone from the girl's hands and Ayanna.....
Ayanna stood a few steps away from the melee. Thinking she was about to go into hysterical mode, the quiet one of their group took out her phone from her pocket and began to record. Archie, the younger teenager stood on the sidelines taking it all in.
Elijah placed his focus back on his girl, she wasn't saying anything as she landed blow after blow. The anger and hurt on her face told him everything. "Baby?" he called out to her. Going closer, he saw the tears running down her face. Not caring if he collected some of her punches, he pulled her off the girl with her fighting to get back to the one-sided fight.
"Yuh jealous minded stink mudda cunt. Yuh fucking lucky I ain't break ya damn teeth. Doh fucking come near me eh. Doh even come in mih house. Yuh stink pussy, no ass gremlin. Yuh can't even help ya damn self. Fucking cunt."
Elijah's eyes widened after hearing his little wildcat shout as he pulled her away. He winced when he saw the state of her cousin on the ground. All he could have done was throw her over his shoulder and enter the house. He stopped in his tracks when he entered because of the worried adults rushing his way. "Leh me go. She was looking for dat since she come. Spoil ass little bitch," Erica grumbled.
"Wah happen?" Julius shouted rushing to their side. Gingerly, Elijah placed Erica on her feet ready to explain but another commotion erupted near the patio entrance. "I will fucking cut you, you little worm." That outburst came from Stacia who was in Erica's previous position over Harem's shoulder.
"But I didn't do anything, Kage. I just wanted the phone," Raine whined. Kage came in holding her bridal style with her arms folded in clear petulance. Ayanna came in grinning and practically skipping with an amused Callum following her like a puppy.
"WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING ON?" Julius shouted. The entire room went quiet, Carlene's eyes darted around for her daughters while Archie's mother was doing the same but wanted to hear the situation. Erica stepped forward with her hands on her hips, ready for war all over again. Elijah was calmly taking it all in, his girl was a badass.
"Call ah ambulance for yuh nieces, ah think dey will need it. Ah doh take disrespect in my own house neither bad mind. I know my mudda never wanted me, that doh mean it should be broadcasted to every Tom, Dick an' Harry cuz some bitch fucking jealous ah me. I just wanted mih friends to come an' enjoy dey self inno. She look fuh she shit. Ah sorry it happen but it ain't my fault," she said in a very confident tone.
Carlene's shocked gasp followed by her hasty retreat to the back patio was noticed but no one accompanied her.
Julius heard his daughter's explanation of what happened but what stuck with him were her words of knowing she wasn't wanted by her mother. She said it bravely but he can clearly see the tear tracks on her face.
"Ah will sort it out," he said softly to her before turning to his guests. He didn't really care what they thought of him at that moment, his own niece hurt his daughter and she stood up for herself. Yes, it was in a violent manner but she stood her ground. "Sorry for this. If its too much for allyuh, ah ain't mind fixing a container but if yuh staying please help yourselves to de food in the dining room while I go sort things out," he said to his friends.
"I came here to eat and that's what I'm going to do. I think I'm going to like having your daughter in the neighborhood. Come here, girl. Help your old grandma to the dining room," Mrs. Nathan said stepping forward. Erica glanced at her father's way for guidance, he simply shrugged his shoulders in mutual confusion. Others followed the woman's lead leaving Julius with the teenagers. "Look after Erica. Not only now but in general. I doh really know how much she said to you guys but look after she, okay?" he asked of them.
"We will, Mr. Hollis. Don't worry," Ayanna replied for them all. With a thankful nod, the group watched on as he steeled himself to face whatever it was outside the doors and stepped out into his version of the unknown.
Elijah left the group and followed the sound of voices. It led him to the dining room where Erica was explaining each dish and the guests quickly did a tasting of their own before filling their plates. She was a bit unkempt from her fight but she held herself in a manner of extreme elegance and confidence. He knew she was strong but he also knew that his girl had a soft heart and her cousin's words took a blow at her armor. It was his duty to fix that dent. His beautiful island flower.
*********
A few blocks away Selby and her new friends arrived at the home of Ford Chance, son of David Chance, owner of ten car dealerships across the country. Selby wasn't particularly close to the guy but she knew him through Derek, they had a friendship through football which never really interested her. The guy creeped her out with his direct stares and inappropriate flirting. Now here she was attending his party because daddy is away. In her mind's eyes she pictured teenagers being high, loud offbeat, and annoying music, and some sort of racket going on but she was proven wrong by the energetic party atmosphere. Entering into the house, she couldn't help but move to the beat the DJ was playing and neither could her friends.
Dancing past her school mates, they were shocked to see her there, everyone knew it wasn't her type of thing. They considered her stuck up even though she seemed approachable.... at times.
Selby ignored the looks and decided to enjoy herself, embracing her new circle and forgetting about those who hurt her.
Into the fourth song, hands up, body sway from side to side she grew thirsty. A tap on her shoulder brought her out of her bubble, Becky held a cup out of her, shouting that she should quench her thirst a little. Not seeing the problem with accepting the drink she took a quick gulp and continued to dance. Someone bumped into her causing her to spill her drink all over her hands, turning around she couldn't spot the person. Distracted in getting her hands dry, a guy boldly threw his arm around her acting too friendly with her. Pulling back to get a look at the person, she rolled her eyes and got out of his hold.
"Is that the way you treat the host of the party?"
Selby once again rolled her eyes at the guy. She was hoping her presence will go unbothered by him but he was simply too good of a host.
"Only those who need to cut back on the drinks, I can smell your beer breath from all the way over here," she said snidely. Ford simply chuckled and took a swig of his beer.
"Someone certainly became snarkier since she was dumped," he commented.
"Derek didn't dump me," she replied in a bored tone.
"I can care less about whatever it is you have with that shit for brains Derek. I'm talking about Kertalis and his crew. Its a pity you didn't believe him but hey, cheer up, he saved himself some future headaches and moved on." Ford eyed her closely under his thick eyelashes, a smirk formed on his lips when the anger formed on her face. The girls who were now her friends stood silently by listening to everything Ford revealed. Selby kept up her image of a proud footballer's girlfriend and found herself caught by Ford's bait.
"Harem is free to date whoever he wants. I had no claim on him. The reason why we all no longer friends is completely personal," she quipped.
"Keep believing that, princess."
"What do you want Ford? I'm not in the mood for your silliness. Let me enjoy myself."
"And you of all persons deserve that," he said with a smirk.
"What's that supposed to mean? You're talking in riddles. Are you that drunk?" Selby snapped. Ford eyed her, taking note of the changes in her personality and appearance. Just like Harem he had a thing for her, he just opted to do it outwardly in a joking manner but the changes she unconsciously did to herself made her unrecognizable to him. Derek sure knows how to keep someone under his thumb. Selby started off as that bubbly dancer that everyone wanted to be friends with but now she was known behind her back as Derek's Ice Queen. He changed her and she was clueless about it. He took her away from her friends, made himself her entire being, and pulled her into the delusion of high school royalty. Toxic. The guy was his friend but he knew toxic when he sees it. Selby was lost in a vat of it and he was annoyed that she fell for his lies and tricks.
"Nothing, Sel. Forget I even said anything or came over here. Enjoy the rest of the night. Food and drinks are in the kitchen. See ya," he said giving her a mocking salute then disappearing into the crowd of bodies.
"He's so confusing," she muttered to herself. Turning back to the girls, the curiosity was shining in their eyes.
"So what's going on between Ford and yourself? We've never seen or heard him so callous towards anyone, he's normally such a sweetheart," Pheona asked.
"Guess our personalities aren't compatible. I'm going for another drink. I'll be back," she said giving them a weak smile then made her escape.
It took a while but she found the kitchen with minor bruises to her toes and stomach from the wild partiers. Washing her hands at the sink, she took a chip from the snack table then poured herself a new drink. Leaning against the counter, she people watched while sipping on her drink, during that time she spotted someone she didn't expect to see.
Bree Lincoln.
Luckily she didn't notice her as she was being showered with attention by a guy who looked way too old to be a high schooler. Not wanting to be spotted by the venomous girl, she rushed out of the kitchen but at the same time, two guys came bounding in full of laughs, crashing into her solidly. Selby fell to the floor, her drink spilling for the second time that night. "Oh shit. You alright?" one asked, offering his hand to help her up. Miffed about the accident and the prospect that her night was going into the dumps, she slapped his hand away and got to her feet on her own.
"Just fucking great," she muttered swiping at the punch that was now staining her blouse.
"We didn't see you. We can take you to a bathroom to get cleaned up," the other boy said.
"No thank you, just point me to the nearest one."
"Uh. Okay. There's one upstairs, left-wing. Ford says that's the guest one, it should be free since everyone is down here. Third door on your left," he answered, his friend offered her help once more but she turned him down and walked away.
Muttering to herself while pushing through the crowd, she got the idea to simply go home but she didn't drive to get here and her home was at a bit of a distance. Walking the streets late at night no matter how safe Spencer was supposed to be, she wasn't taking any chances.
Reaching the bottom of the forked staircase she took a bit of a breather from the stifling warmth of the party. Selby groaned at the sight of the staircase, she was ready to forget about it but the stickiness of the drink began to get to her skin, which was going to be uncomfortable in a few. She hurried up the first flight of stairs then turned to the left one, reaching the landing she hurriedly found the third door and swung it open.
What she found definitely wasn't the bathroom?
The room smelled of sweat and sex, the music was low and the bodies moving on the king bed were lost in throes of their erotic dancing. Selby couldn't move or say a word. Moans of pleasure filled the room. The only woman in the room had her legs spread apart as her tormentor took her to her highest high delving into her womanhood. Her cries for more as she caressed her breasts and the man's head between her legs. The mixture of male limbs that came next sent mixed feelings in her. The man giving pleasure to the woman was getting his own, his lover was pounding into him from behind, skin against skin sounded in the room. It didn't stop there. The man was getting secondary pleasure from another man who was beneath him sucking his cock. The man drilling into the first man's ass displayed his nimbleness by giving his lover's friend a handjob.
Selby's heart kept falling as she watched, she couldn't take her eyes off the scene before her nor could she stop the tears falling down her cheeks. The man her eyes were on threw his head back calling out his lover's name. Three words joined that name as he went faster into him. Faster and faster they all went, all chasing the climax they probably want together. Selby's heart was now shattering to pieces when the man bent over and kissed the spine of his partner with a loving touch.
"Faster, baby. Fill me up. Now." he shouted against the woman's pussy. She held his head and began to fuck his tongue.
"I know, baby, I know," was the reply on a guttural groan. It took four fast strokes for it all to bury Selby. "Oh fuck, Shaun. I love you so much. Shit."
Shaun.
Shaun Roberts. Fraternal twin to Bree's best friend Natalie.
The man beneath Shaun spilled into his lover's hand who did one last stroke into him. The woman gave into her orgasm under her own lover's mouth. The last to get his completed feeling was the man who just broke her entirely. She couldn't shout, she couldn't scream, all she can do was cry.
Why her?
She can only say one thing and that came out in a squeak. That little sound broke the bliss of the four people who just completed what looked like a day of an orgy. She couldn't believe it.
"Derek?!"
Her boyfriend is gay?
That question in her head and the horrified look on his face made her nauseous. When he slowly pulled out of Shaun, WITHOUT a condom, she became a fucking genius. This was definitely not the first time. He did things to her....... Nausea became too much. Selby retched in the doorway with four pairs of eyes on her.
Her boyfriend Derek is gay.