Chapter 18: Lost & Found

Nicki’s P.O.V.

I stood in the doorway and looked at Drake as he stared at My. I could tell he was speechless. I just got home and this is what I hear.

“Aubrey can I talk to you for a second?” I called out. He told My he would be right back and he walked over to me. We walked to the bedroom and closed the door. “You don’t have to do this,” I shook my head. Why would she ask him to be her dad?

“Nicki, I want to do this,” he shocked me. I stared at him as he rubbed the back of his neck.

“You want to be her dad?” I asked.

“Yeah, I love My as if she was my own anyway. I love you and even if we don’t end up together, I want to be part of that child’s life,” he walked towards me. He wiped the tears that were flowing from my eyes and pulled me into a hug.

“I love you too and she couldn’t have asked for a better father,” I told him before pecking his lips. We walked back to My’s room and she was still sitting on her bed while swinging her feet back and forth.

“Mylan, if you want me to be your daddy then I will,” he smiled at her. My jumped off the bed and ran to Drake.

“Yay!” She cheered as he spun her around.

“Time for bed,” I reminded her.

“Okay mommy,” she said as Drake put her in bed. I kissed her forehead and then Drake followed while tucking her in.

“I love you,” he told My.

“I love you too daddy,” she kissed his cheek and then mine.

“Goodnight Mylan,” I rubbed her head.

“Goodnight mommy and daddy,” she whispered before we turned off her light and went to bed. We got in bed and held each other.

“I want you two to move in,” he offered.

“What?” I blinked a couple times in shock once again.

“You’re over here all the time. I don’t see why you don’t just move in,” he shrugged.

“Okay,” I smiled as he kissed me.

“I love you Onika,” he whispered as we got comfortable.

“I love you too Aubrey,” I whispered back.

~

“What!?” My aunt yelled.

“He’s a really great guy and he cares about Mylan and I,” I told her.

“You’re moving in with a guy I haven’t even met?” She shook her head.

“Please Auntie. I love him,” I admitted.

“I want to meet this boy Onika,” she stated.

“There’s one slight problem with that,” I bit my lip nervously as she stared at me.

“What’s the problem?” She crossed her arms at me.

“He’s my dance coach,” I whispered. She threw her hands up in the air.

“Where did I go wrong with raising you? How would your mom feel about you trying to move in with a grown man,” she raised an eyebrow.

“Auntie, he means the world to me. Just let’s have him over for dinner tomorrow and you can meet him,” I tried to explain to her.

“If I find one flaw with that boy Onika, you’re done with him,” she said while walking away.

Cassie’s P.O.V.

“How are you feeling?” I asked CeeJay when she woke up.

“Better than before,” she mumbled before grabbing the mug of coffee I got her.

“What were you thinking Cee?” I was truly concerned.

“I don’t even know. We all know I pop molly but Nae wanted to try and I forgot she had a condition. I’m so sorry,” she had tears in her eyes.

“I’m not the one who deserves that apology,” I reminded her.

“I know,” she nodded.

Blake’s P.O.V.

“What happened?” Chimere asked me as she handed me some coffee.

“She kissed me!” I said as I laid on her bed. When I came over here crying, she let me right in.

“And? I thought that was what you wanted?” She scrunched up her face.

“She was drunk. She would never do that if she was sober,” I shook my head unconvinced.

“What’s so special about her anyway?” She sat next to me as I shrugged.

“I don’t even know. She just has always been there for me and I’m just stupid. I fall for people who I can count on and I’m not even sure if I love her. How would I know what love feels like?” I sighed.

“You deserve to find love Blake. Everyone deserves to find love,” she shrugged.

“Have you ever been in love?” I asked her.

“I fell in love with the idea of falling in love. My last boyfriend wasn’t the best boyfriend but I thought he was pure perfection. Then he started drinking more and becoming abusive and aggressive,” she looked terrified.

“Is that why Coach Graham is always so overprotective with you?” I grew curious.

“That’s part of the reason. His family sorta took me in at a young age so I grew up around him also. He’s like a big brother,” she explained. If only she could convince Nicki that.

Drake’s P.O.V.

I’m not gonna lie, when Nicki called and said that her aunt wanted to have breakfast, I grew nervous. My palms are sweaty as I knocked on the door. Nicki opened it and smiled. “Hey baby,” she hugged me then pecked my lips.

“Stop being so nervous,” she told me and I just shook my head.

“She’s your aunt Nic, if I slip up then it’s done with,” to say I was scared would be an understatement.

“Daddy!” My ran and jumped into my arms.

“Hey beautiful,” I kissed her head as I notice a women looking on from afar. After I put My down, I went over to the women.

“Hello, I’m Aubrey,” I put my hand out.

“You can just call me Naira,” she shook my hand and gave me a stern face. I’ll admit that she was very intimidating.

~

“You do know that this is illegal right?” She reminded us for the millionth time.

“Nicki and I have not had sex,” I informed her.

“I’m still a virgin Auntie!” She was annoyed with me being question so much.

“Just reminding you two,” she sat back.

“Auntie! Daddy can make the best pancakes in the whole world!” Mylan exclaimed from her seat.

“Is that so? When did she start calling him daddy?” She looked over at us.

“A couple of days ago and it was completely her choice,” Nicki stated before picking up our plates. “You want to help me clean up My?” She asked her. Mylan eagerly nodded and took the rest of the dishes to the sink.

“I need to know right now if you’re 100% committed to Nicki and Mylan,” Naira looked me in my eyes.

“I love Nicki and Mylan with all of my heart. I could lose everything but I would risk my life for those two. They’re all I have,” I shrugged.

“I like you Aubrey. Be good to my niece,” she smiled small before Nicki and My came back.

Nicki’s P.O.V.

I went upstairs and found Blake staring out a window. I sat down next to her in her room and waited for her to speak.

“So I think I’m a lesbian,” she bluntly stated while keeping her gaze out the window.

“Okay,” I nodded. I was shocked but Blake has been known to be opened to new things so I can’t say I’m completely shocked. “Was it Nae who made you realize this?” I questioned her as I looked out the window also.

“I’m in love with her Nika,” she finally broke down in tears. I pulled her into a hug as she explained everything.

“So you guys kissed?” I asked just to make sure I heard her right.

“Yes but she was drunk and doesn’t even remember,” Blake had finally stopped crying.

“So what are you going to do now?” I locked eyes with her and she seemed lost.

“Get over her,” she said sadly.

“You’re not gonna tell her how you feel?” I wanted Blake to get this feeling out of her so she can be free. You can’t keep these feelings locked up. Who knows, maybe she’ll tell Nae and they’ll live happily ever after.

“Nope,” she popped gum in her mouth and went back into her zone of focusing on her thoughts. I knew there was no point in arguing with Blake.

Nae’s P.O.V.

If Nicki and Blake didn’t want to be bothered with me then fine. I don’t need them anyway.

“Hey,” I hugged CeeJay before sitting down at the table. She called me and told me that she wanted to meet at the café.

“Hey, how are you feeling?” She asked.

“Not you too,” I groaned as I put my head on the table.

“I just don’t want you over doing it. Anyways, I got it,” she smiled.

“You did!? How soon can you do it?” I was truly happy by this news.

“Probably right after final cuts and then a little later on the other will be ready,” she explained.

“Thank you CeeJay,” I said sincerely.

“No need to thank me. This is about me too,” she laughed before ordering coffee.

Drake’s P.O.V.

            Nicki and My came back to my place to just hang out after breakfast. We were currently watching Frozen. I didn’t want to but I can’t say no to My. My phone started ringing so stepped away from the living room.

“Hello?” I answered without looking at the caller id.

“Aubrey,” her voice cracked.

“Mere!?” I was scared because she sounded a mess.

“He said he was sorry. I should have known better,” she sounded drunk.

“Mere, where are you right now?” I grabbed my jacket. She explained the address and I promised to pick her up.

“Where are you going?” Nicki asked before I could grab my keys.

“Look Mere is drunk and a mess so I need to pick her up,” I quickly explained. She nodded but her face remained stone. “Don’t be like that. I’ll be back before you know it,” I peck her forehead before running out the door.

Chimere’s P.O.V.

As soon as Aubrey pulled up by the curb, I ran into his arms.

“I’m sorry. I should have listened to you and never agreed to meet with him,” I cried into his chest.

“You damn right you should have,” he mumbled before pulling away and looking at my face.

“Did that nigga put his hands on you!?” His eyes darken as he backed away from me.

“It doesn’t matter,” I tried to reassure him but he shook his head.

“Like hell it don’t. Where is that nigga?” He started looking around the area.

“He’s gone. Can you just take me home?” I pleaded.

“I’m not letting you be alone tonight. You can crash at my house,” he offered.

“Okay,” I nodded and got into the car. Nights like theses make me grateful that I have Aubrey in my life.

~

            “I have to warn you before you enter that you were right,” he mumbled while we stayed seated in his car.

“Right about what?” I scrunched up my eyebrows.

“I’m in love with her,” he looked me in my eyes.

“Jesus Aubrey, do you have any idea what this could do to you?” I wasn’t surprised that this happened but he needs to realize the risk he’s taking.

“I know but I love Nicki and Mylan,” he said honestly.

“She calls you her dad?” I was curious because I know Aubrey and he seemed like he would take up a role like that.

“Yeah,” he smiled slightly.

“I don’t approve of your decision but I’ll support you Aubrey,” I pecked his cheek.

“Thank you,” he hugged me before helping me out of the car. I could barely stand so he carried me into his house.

“Really Aubrey?” Nicki stood there with her arms crossed.

Chapter 17: Can You Feel My Heart?

Drake’s P.O.V.

“You okay baby girl?” I looked down at Mylan. Nicki and My have been staying at my apartment for the weekend. Ever since Mylan got released from the hospital I haven’t left her side. It’s been about two days and between Nicki and I, she’s not lifting a finger.

“Can you sing to me like you did last time?” She looked up at me with her big brown eyes. I’ve learned it was impossible to say no to her.

“What do you want me to sing?” I gave in as I sat on the bed.

“Anything,” she smiled at me. I started singing one of the songs I wrote recently. I noticed midway through the song, she fell asleep. I kissed her forehead and tucked her in.

“I didn’t know you could sing,” I was startled by Nicki’s voice. I turned and saw her leaning against the doorframe. I got up and walked over to her.

“It’s nothing serious,” I brushed it off as I turned off the light. We walked to my room and got in bed.

“Well your voice is beautiful,” she commented.

“Please don’t say that,” I groaned as I leaned back.

“Fine, it’s very sexy,” she smirked at me.

“Don’t start something when you gotta get up early,” I warned her. She giggled and pecked my lips.

“What are we doing in practice tomorrow?” She tried to get me to tell her.

“Goodnight Onika,” I pulled her close as she huffed.

“Goodnight Aubrey,” she whispered.

Nicki’s P.O.V.

I walked into the gym and saw Nae talking to CeeJay. I was shocked because that’s my best friend talking to Cassie’s best friend. Isn’t that odd? Cassie and I exchanged a quick glance. She seemed to look just as lost as I did. I sat by my crew and Nae finally decided to walk over. “Hey Nic,” she smiled but I didn’t return it.

“Why were you talking to her?” I asked as she scrunched up her face.

“Who, CeeJay? She’s cool,” she shrugged it off. I rolled my eyes and waited for Aubrey to get here.

“Morning girls, today we are gonna show you a dance and next week you each will individually perform it in front of not only us, not only your team, but for an audience,” Aubrey smirked at me. What? We’re performing in front of random people?

“What?” Cassie looked at him like he was crazy. I’m pretty sure all of our faces mimicked each other.

“We have some of our old friends who will be in the audience tonight. It’s a performance and I want you guys to give it your all because next week seven of you will be going home,” Coach Chimere explained. After she said that, all hell broke loose.

“Hey! Stop complaining,” Shad told us.

“We’re gonna teach you the routine and then you will perform. By next week we will have our final twelve. These are the last cuts so bring your all,” Aubrey looked at us.

“Cassie and Nicki, can you two follow us,” Shad said as he and Aubrey walked towards his office. We walked in and they closed the door.

“You know we’re looking for a captain,” Aubrey looked between us. I knew this would eventually happen because Cassie and I are the best on the team.

“So bring your all next week,” Shad told us before we went back out.

“Watch me perform this and catch on,” Coach Chimere said as we all got in position.

~

I was walking to get a drink of water since we were on a ten minute break. I felt someone grab my waist and pull me into an office. I turned and faced Aubrey with a smirk on my face. “Stop grabbing me by surprise,” I hit his arm.

“You nervous?” He pulled me close to him.

“Sorta, you guys are looking at our personality and we all know Coach Chimere doesn’t like me,” I sighed.

“Just relax and calm down,” he pecked my lips. We fell into a staring battle with each other. I moved and kissed him back as he deepened the kiss. A time like this makes everything worth it.

Nae’s P.O.V.

I walked outside to get some air while we had a break. It’s been a stressful week. “Hey,” I heard a voice from behind me.

“Oh, so now you wanna talk to me?” I let out a bitter laugh as I stayed facing away from her.

“What’s going on with you? Nic and I are worried,” she stood beside me.

“Don’t worry about me,” I mumbled as I noticed Coach Chimere walking towards us.

“Blake, can I talk to you for a minute?” She asked. Blake shot me an apologetic look but I brushed it off.

“We’ll talk later,” she promised.

“Whatever,” I didn’t even care by this point. It’s like all my friends are ditching me. I walked back inside and sat down. Nicki walked towards me and sat down next to me.

“What’s going on Nae? We never keep things from each other,” she looked at me.

“I’m good,” I shook my head as CeeJay nodded towards the door. We both got up and walked out in the hallway.

“There’s this party tonight and it’s suppose to be good,” she smirked.

“Alright, I’ll be there,” I smiled before Coach Graham blew his whistle.

Cassie’s P.O.V.

I grabbed Nicki’s arm on the way out. She looked back at me and walked away from the crowd of girls. “What’s going on between Nae and CeeJay?” I asked her. She sighed and dropped her arms to her side.

“I don’t even know. I worried about Nae because she has never acted like this,” she explained.

“I’m worried because I know how CeeJay gets when she acts like this and adding Nae to the equation is a bad mix,” I was worried for my best friend.

“Look, if I hear anything then I’ll let you know,” she said before walking away. As much as I wished we could drop this BS and just be friends again, I know I can never look at her the same again.

CeeJay’s P.O.V.

“This party is live!” Nae slurred as we danced.

“I know right!” I smiled as they started to play my song. I know what y’all are thinking but I enjoy hanging out with Nae. We both have been feeling the same way for a while. Cassie has been ditching me for Shad all the time and Nicki and Blake have been ditching Nae. We were great friends until Nicki and Cassie had their fallout and we had to pick sides.

“Imma get me another drink!” Nae said as she walked towards the bar. Tonight was gonna be crazy.

Blake’s P.O.V.

I walked into the party and searched for Nae. Parties are not my thing but I knew I had to make sure Nae got home safely. I immediately found her by the bar. “Can I get another drink,” she giggled. Great, she’s drunk.

“Nae,” I grabbed her arm. She turned around and looked at me.

“What are you doing here?” She still seemed mad at me.

“I need to get you home,” I told her.

“Why don’t you go back to Chimere and not worry about me,” she got up but stumbled. I wrapped my arm around her waist to help her balance.

“Nae, let’s go,” I said sternly.

“You’re no fun,” she pouted as we walked out the house. We drove until we reached my house. I couldn’t let her go home drunk, Karla would kill her. I got her out of the car and went inside. I wrapped one arm around her waist and tried to hold her up as best as I could.

“Blakey! When did you move here?” She slurred. I finally made it up to my room and sat her down on my bed. “Can you help me take this off?” She asked. It seemed like she magically sobered up but I knew better. I nodded as she turned around and I unzipped her dress, letting it fall to her ankles. I kept my eyes down to the ground as she turned around, refusing to look at her body.

“Blake,” she whispered as she grabbed my chin and made me look at her. “Baby, I love you,” she tucked some hair behind my ear. My breath got caught in my throat as she got closer. She kissed me and I stood frozen. She grabbed my waist and pulled me closer. Her tongue snaked out as she sucked on my bottom lip. I opened my mouth and let her dominate the kiss. I felt her hands on my stomach and immediately pulled back. “What’s wrong?” She scrunched up her eyebrows at me.

“You’re drunk and won’t remember any of this. Go to bed Nae,” I avoided eye contact as she went to laid on the bed and was out in seconds. I sat on the floor and just stared at her as she slept. I wish this was real and she really felt this way but she was just drunk. It was like for a second that everything felt right. I felt tears coming down my cheeks. I wish she would just love me as much as I love her.

~

She opened her eyes and stretched. I could tell she was confused until she locked eyes with me. “Why’d you sleep on the floor?” She asked.

“I didn’t sleep,” I said softly.

“Was I really that crazy last night? I’m sorry, when I get drunk, I can be a bit much to handle,” she giggled but stopped when she saw my stone face.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” She looked concerned but I had no idea how to answer that.

Nicki’s P.O.V.

“Hey, I need to get some stuff from my house real quick. Can you tuck My into bed?” I asked Drake as I put on my jacket.

“Yeah, be safe,” he kissed my forehead before heading to My’s room. I walked to my car and pulled off. Now I didn’t mean to lie to Drake but I didn’t want him asking questions about where I was going. I pulled up to the park and got out.

“Hey, thanks for showing up at last minute,” I heard from behind me.

“Of course Cass, you sounded a mess over the phone,” I took a good look at her while mentally cursing myself for calling her Cass. She let out a small smile with a bitter laugh.

“I know. CeeJay is a bigger mess. I had to spend all night trying to help her. Nae and CeeJay went to a party and got drunk,” she explained.

“Okay, how is this that bad?” I was confused because Nae has gotten drunk before.

“They popped pills also Nic,” she had tear coming down her face.

“What pills?” My heart stopped.

“Molly,” she sighed. Only Cassie, Blake, CeeJay, and I know about Nae’s condition. She should know that popping pills puts her life in even greater danger.

“She could have killed herself!” I snapped.

“I know,” Cassie shook her head.

“Let’s go,” I told her as I got into my car.

“Where are we going?” She asked.

“To knock some sense into my idiotic best friend,” I started my car and pulled off.

~

I knocked on Blake’s door hard since I forgot my key. I haven't been home in a while.

“Hold on! I’m coming damn!” I heard her yell. Blake opened the door and was shocked to see Cassie and I together.

“Where’s Nae?” I walked into the house.

“Upstairs with a hangover,” she said as I marched up the stairs with Cassie on my heels. Opening the door to Blake’s room, I was shocked to see Nae sitting up while looking 100% normal.

“Hi Nic,” she smiled but that faded when she saw Cassie. “Why are you two together?” She scrunched up her eyebrows.

“Better question, why did you pop molly last night?” I glared at her.

“Who told you that?” She instantly snapped. “Was it your new best friend right there?” Her eyes snapped over to Cassie.

“Look we’re concerned about you Nae,” Cassie tried to say but Nae cut her off.

“Bullshit! You’ve been jealous of me ever since I moved here because you thought I stole your best friend. Newsflash Cassie, she ain’t a property,” she got up and stood in front of Cassie. I should have known this would happen. Cassie and Nae haven’t always been the friendliest people to be around but they tolerated each other because of our small circle.

“You know what Nae, I was truly concerned but now you can burn in hell for all I care,” Cassie snapped at her and then turned to me. “I’ll wait in the car,” she told me before walking out.

“What the hell was that!?” I yelled at Nae.

“She had it coming for her. What’s up with you defending her? After what happened between you guys, you’re just gonna drop it like that? She took your man Nika and you don’t even care anymore,” she reminded me.

“I’ve moved on and I have a real man now. Why is it so hard for you to let the past go?” I looked at her.

“You know what Nicki, I’m done. Don’t come running to me when you see her true colors,” she walked to the bathroom and slammed the door.

“Come on Nae! Don’t be like this!” I yelled but she turned the water up so she couldn’t hear me.

Mylan’s P.O.V.

I looked up at Brey as he read me a bedtime story. I wish he was my daddy because my real daddy doesn’t want me. Brey finished the story and looked at me.

“What’s wrong baby girl?” He asked. I sighed and he pulled me onto his lap. I laid my head against his chest as he kissed my forehead.

“Brey?” I looked up.

“Yes My?” He looked down at me.

“Can you be my daddy?” I waited for his answer.