Chapter 60: Giving Yourself Away

Drake

Previously:

“I should have stayed,” she whispered.

             “I should have fought harder,” I whispered back. She looked down but I titled her head. “I still love you Onika,” I confessed.

“I still love you Aubrey,” she confessed also. I couldn’t help it anymore; I crashed my lips onto hers. She moaned at the impact before kissing me back. I gripped her waist and pulled her as close as I could. “This can’t happen,” she mumbled against my lips.

“Then why aren’t you stopping it?” I asked right before kissing her again. She pulled away and looked at me as if she was seeing me for the first time.

“I can’t leave him Aubrey,” she cried.

“Why would you want to be with a guy who puts his hands on you?” I think she’s absolutely insane if she really wants to be with him.

“He’s not a bad person Aubrey; he’s just going through some things. He means a lot to me and I can’t just leave him,” she wiped some of her tears. I shook my head and backed off of her and walked out. “Aubrey,” I heard her call but I closed her door and walked back into my room. She has to be crazy if she’s gonna stay with a nigga who’s putting his hands on her. Just wait till I see that nigga.

 

Nicki

I left Aubrey's house to go by Nae's because I can't be around him right now. I just need a couple of hours. He acts like Channing is the worst person in the world. I pulled up and walked inside to look for Channing. I found him in our bed reading a book. “Hey baby,” he hopped up and kissed me.

            “Hey,” I smiled as he embraced me.

            “I’m sorry,” he winced as he looked at my cheek.

“It’s not your fault,” I rubbed his hand.

            “I’m still sorry. In no way was that acceptable,” he pulled me close and kept whispering how sorry he was. He pulled back and kissed me again. “Let me make it up to you,” he mumbled against my lips. I nodded while he picked me up and laid me on the bed. He hovered over me and started kissing my neck. “I’m sorry,” he kept whispering as he pleased me.

Nae

I walked in my house and saw Cassie and Blake sitting on my couch. “Hey,” I eyed them.

“Hey, we’re going shopping but Alexis is taking too long,” Cassie chuckled. Blake made sure to not look at me and I held in my laugh.

“Hi Blakelynn,” I saw her tense up.

“Hi,” was all she said and I left it there.

“Is Nicki up there?” I needed to check with her about something.

“Yeah, she came in about an hour ago,” Cassie nodded. I turned to the stairs and saw Channing walking down. I went up and walked into Nicki’s room.

“Hey,” she smiled.

“Hey,” it seemed like something was off but maybe it was just me. I got a good look at her and scrunched up my eyebrows.

“What are you looking at?” She asked automatically defensive.

“Either you put too much makeup on or that’s a bruise on your cheek,” I crossed my arms.

“I fell,” she shrugged it off.

“You know, that’s your favorite excuse. I remember that one time that your ex put his hands on you and you told me that you fell. I guess it’s just a coincidence right?” I looked at her.

“Exactly,” she nodded.

“Cut the bullshit Onika. Is he putting his hands on you!?” I didn’t want to believe that she would let him do that but she’s just making me question a lot of things about her right now.

“Does it matter?” She stood up.

“So let me get this straight, he’s putting his hands on you and you’re allowing it,” I let out a dry chuckle. “Never thought that I would see the day,” I shook my head.

“Just stay out of it Nae,” she snapped.

“Whatever Nicki,” I walked out. She looked like she’s been through this conversation before so that makes me think that Drake found out. I’d love to be there when he beats Channing’s ass.

Nicki

Now that Nae knows, that worries me. How long will it take until everyone knows? I hated that I had to go back to Aubrey’s house but I wanted to be there for My. I walked in and found him on the couch. He looked over at me before returning his attention to the TV. “You can’t seriously be mad at me,” I said but he turned the volume up. Oh how childish of him. I walked over and grabbed the remote out of his hand before turning the TV off.

“What do you want Onika?” He finally looked at me.

“You’re just gonna ignore me because I won’t leave my fiancé for you? That’s just straight up childish and you know it,” I crossed my arms.

“I’m not ignoring you because you won’t leave him for me. I’m ignoring you because I don’t wanna hear anymore bullshit come out of your mouth,” he glared at me.

“And what bullshit is coming out of my mouth Aubrey!? What do you think I’m lying about? I’ve been telling you the truth all day yet you never listen,” I rolled my eyes.

“You’ve been telling me the truth huh? So you were telling me the truth when you said that you were still in love with me?” He raised a brow.

“That was just me being caught in a moment. I promise that it’ll never happen again,” I couldn’t believe that I let him kiss me and I kissed him back. That was just straight up wrong to do to Channing.

“You were caught up in a moment when you said that you should’ve stayed too right? You were just caught up in a moment when you told me that you were celibate because you couldn’t see yourself having sex with anyone besides me? You were just caught up in a moment with all of that shit huh?” He threw what I said back in my face.

“Yeah I said all of that because I was just caught up in a moment. Can’t you just let me be happy Aubrey!? You’re just jealous because I love Channing more than I love you,” I snapped.

“You love him more than me yet we were up in your room kissing earlier? What are you trying to do Onika? You want to mess with my head and make me feel like you still want me? You’re fucking with me and I’m done with this shit,” he got up and tried to walk away but I stood in front of him.

“I’m not fucking with you at all. I wanted commitment and Channing gives me that. You are too fucking unsteady for me to ever consider going back to you. You never know what you want about anything,” I cut my eyes at him.

“I want you to leave him. Haven’t you learned already that even if you don’t want me, you should leave him? I want you to be happy and in a safe relationship. What’s it gonna take for you to leave him huh? Is it gonna be on your death bed when he takes it too far one night?” He questioned.

“You know what, fuck you Aubrey. You don’t know shit about my relationship! You just want me to be with you,” I huffed.

“You’re delusional Onika if you really do stay with him. You’re caught up in this little fantasy and no one can knock you out of it. So seeing that this is how you turned out after six years, I don’t want you,” he just broke my heart with that sentence. I know I deserved that but to hear him say that brought tears to run down my cheeks. “Onika, wait I didn’t mean that,” he tried to touch me but I backed away.

“You said enough Aubrey,” I turned and walked out.

Mylan

I grabbed Mom’s computer and searched through her email contacts. She had way too many contacts but I knew that I would find her. I’m not stupid nor am I deaf. I heard Mom and Dad arguing last night and right now. I knew something was going on but I never thought Channing was hitting her and that made me mad. “You know you shouldn’t be sitting up baby girl,” I heard Dad say as he walked in.

“I’ll lay back down in a minute. I’m almost done,” I typed faster to search for her name.

“What are you doing with your Mom’s computer?” He came and sat next to me. I found her name with her cell phone number and quickly grabbed my phone. I punched it in and it started ringing. “Who are you calling?” I ignored him as I waited.

“Hello?” I heard her say and a smile appeared on my face.

“Jessi!” I beamed.

“Mylan!? Oh my goodness how’s my favorite little cousin?” Jessi is my cousin on my Aunt’s side and she’s really close to Mom and Cousin Blake.

“Is there any chance that you could come to New York as soon as possible?” I waited for to answer as Dad looked at me like I was crazy.

“Who are you talking to?” I wish he would just let that go for one second so I could talk to her.

“What’s so bad that I need to come all the way up there? You know how long it takes to get from Atlanta to New York My,” she sighed. She knew almost everything that went on in my life because she’s so close to Mom.

“You know how Mom is engaged to Channing right?” I needed to make sure that we were on the same page.

“Yeah.”

“Well he’s putting his hands on her and she’s allowing it,” I knew I shouldn’t have blurted out Mom’s business like that but that was the only way I knew she would come up here.

“How do you know that!? Who are you talking to!?” I heard Dad raise his voice but I ignored him once again.

“Oh hell no! I’ll be there by tomorrow. Don’t tell Nicki either, she’s about to get a visit from her favorite cousin,” she hung up and I smiled.

“Mylan?” I finally looked over at Dad.

“Don’t worry about it and just act like you didn’t just hear that please. She’s my cousin and she’s someone who can knock some sense into Mom. I promise you that she can do it. You know that she deserves better and she needs to leave him,” I explained.

“Are you sure that this will work? I don’t wanna put unnecessary stress on her,” he sighed.

“I’m sure because Jessi has been talking sense into Mom for years. I just wanna help her even if you two don’t end up together. She’s my mom and I’m worried about her,” I didn’t want her getting hurt. I can’t lose another mom.

“Alright baby girl, I’ll trust you on this one,” he kissed my head before walking out. Oh Mom is in for a rude awakening because Jessi’s coming to town.



Chapter 59: Miserably Loving You

Nicki

Previously:

“What!?” I snapped my face over to him and looked at him in shock. I completely forgot my cheek because I was so focused on what he was saying. I saw him scrunched up his face as he eyed me but I quickly turned away from him. Please, please, please don’t say anything.

“Onika what the fuck happened to your face!?”

 “I um fell,” I couldn’t think of a lie on the spot and he knew it. I mean how was I gonna explain this? I probably still had a handprint on my face and it’s starting to bruise up.

“Don’t fucking lie to me,” he looked extremely angry. He came to touch my face but I flinched out of reflex. “Onika, you know I won’t hurt you,” he whispered before running his hand down my bruised cheek. “Is that nigga putting his hands on you?” He looked at me but I couldn’t bring myself to look at him. I was almost ashamed that he was seeing me like this. Aubrey always thought I was so strong but now I bet he sees me differently.

“Yeah,” I whispered. I could barely get that word out but I think he deserves to know the truth just because he’s concerned.

“And you still want to be with him?” He looked at me like I was crazy. Everyone looks at me like I’m crazy but it’s not exactly what people think.

“It’s complicated Aubrey, he wants me and we’re getting married; he gives me the security that I need. Yeah things aren’t perfect right now but it’ll get better,” I didn’t even believe that bullshit but I needed him to believe it.

“I know you Nic, you know that you deserve better. You deserve so much better than this and there are many other guys in this world that can give that to you,” he rubbed my hand. My heart sped up when I heard that. Was he implying that he’s one of the many other guys that can give me so much better?

“Like you?” I raised an eyebrow.

“You know that I can if you just gave me the opportunity. Even if you don't want me, I would rather you end up with someone who can treat you better than him,” he snapped. I knew that he didn’t like Channing from the first time that they met but now this is beyond him being jealous of him. He looks like he wants to kill him from what he did to me.

“Aubrey calm down,” I rubbed the side of his face. I didn’t want him getting worked up about something like this. It’s not a conversation that I want to have and get in dept with.

 “I can’t when I’m seeing the woman I love getting abused,” he shook his head. Did I just hear him right? Did he just say that he’s still loves me? I don’t know why but I just thought that the love that he had for me faded.

“You still love me?” I looked at him for assurance.

“What kind of question is that; of course I love you,” he locked his eyes with mine.

“Aubrey,” he brought his face closer to mine. I knew that he was about to kiss me and I was about to let him but the sound of an alarm disturbed us. I hopped up and went to give My her medicine. I couldn’t believe that I was about to let that happen.

Cassie 

“Are you ready?” I asked Alexis before we walked into the gym. Shad told me to come after practice so they could officially meet. Alexis was taking forever getting dressed because she said that she had to have the perfect outfit.

“Hold on,” she took a dramatic pause. “Now I’m ready,” she flipped her hair. She’s so overdramatic but that’s my baby.

“You are such a diva,” I shook my head.

“Well then I am the female version of a hustler,” she smiled. I scrunched up my face at the use of Beyoncé lyrics. I knew that she didn’t listen to her; she doesn’t even have an IPod.

“Who told you that?” I looked down at her.

“Mylan,” she said before we walked in. I should’ve known, Mylan always “teaches” her something. I knocked on his door and heard him say come in. Taking a deep breath, I opened the door. His eyes glanced at me and then stayed glued to Alexis. The two stared at each other for a while. “Hi! My name’s Alexis even though you know that already,” she gleamed.

“Hi I’m-,” he started to say.

“I know who you are. You’re my other daddy that was at the hospital,” she cut him off. He looked at me and I just hid my laugh. It takes people a second to get used to Alexis and sassy overdramatic ways.

“Yeah,” he smiled a little. I held in my smile when I saw his eyes brighten at the sound of her calling him her Dad. I shouldn’t have kept her from him for five years. Now this just makes me regret everything I’ve done.

“Well are you gonna stand there or hug me?” She tilted her head with her hands on her hips waiting. He picked her up and hugged her.  Once he put her down, she roamed around the room.

“She’s different,” he struggled to say. Different is an understatement; she’s completely unusual compared to the other kids her age. I get calls from her school saying that she’s teaching some of the kids some stupid things that Mylan taught her.

“She’s way too grown for her age; been hanging out with Mylan a little too much,” I laughed.

“Ooh!” Alexis climbed into his spinning chair. She spun around a couple times until she grew bored and looked around for something else to do.

“She’s full of energy; just like you” I warned him. He grinned as he watched her wonder around the room.

“Can you give me a cookie?” She placed a hand on her hip and looked at Shad.

 

Blake

“So you kissed her right then and there?” Mere asked me to make sure. I guess that’s one way to put it because it was just like that.

“I needed to prove a point and that was the only way to do it,” I shrugged. I had a huge pride and I didn’t want Nicki to tear that down just because I was scared. I’m not the same person I was six years ago. I mean, I don’t wanna be the same person.

“That’s a dumbass excuse,” she mumbled. “HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO ME BLAKELYNN!?” She yelled.

“I’m sorry, it didn’t mean anything,” I pleaded. She stared at me long and hard before she fell out laughing. She should’ve known I couldn’t think of shit to say right on the spot.

“You need to work on your acting skill babe,” she laughed. I couldn’t act for the life of me but I tried so she should be happy.

“At least I attempted,” I put my hands up in surrender. Like I said, we have an understanding with everything.

“So since you did that, I think you should make it up to me,” she fell back onto the bed and looked at me. She think she’s slick but I knew that she just wanted some either way.

“You just want an excuse for me to give you head,” I smirked before climbing on top of her. She looked up at me before laughing and nodded her head.

“That’s what you’re here for,” she grinned.

Drake

Nicki has been avoiding me all day but once My fell asleep for the night, I walked into her room. “You can’t keep letting him put his hands on you,” I shook my head at her. I don’t understand how she could even stay with a man who did that. I’ll admit that I fucked up with her but this is beyond fucking up with someone. Just wait till I see that nigga.

“It’s not that big of a deal,” she sighed. It’s not that big of a deal? A nigga is putting his hands on you and you say that it’s not that big of a deal!?

“Have you seen your face? If that’s not a big deal then I don’t know what is. Why are you still with this guy Nic?” I sat next to her on the bed. It doesn’t make sense to me. Nicki isn’t the type of person who will deal with this type of shit.

“Because he loves me and he gave me a ring. It gives me comfort to know that I’m the only woman he thinks about. He even respects my wishes to stay celibate until marriage,” she admitted. She’s with him because he gave her a ring? What is that ring suppose to symbolize when he’s putting his hands on you? Oh since he loves you, he can get away with it?

“Wait you’re celibate until marriage?” I was shocked because that’s something that I didn’t expect from Nicki. Nicki loved sex and I mean she really loved sex. I don’t understand why she would be celibate but it does comfort me knowing that she didn’t have sex with that nigga.

“Yeah, I told everyone that I did it so I won’t get screwed over but the truth is that I can’t see myself having sex with anyone but you,” she whispered the last part. She can’t have sex with anyone with me? Why doesn’t she just come back to me and give me another chance?

“So I’m your only one?” I was trying to make sure and she nodded. To say that didn’t boast my pride and my ego would be a lie. “I've missed you Nic,” I let a sad smile appear on my face. I've missed her so much these last six years. It just reminded me how much I fucked up. Some days I’ll wake up in the middle of the night to pull her closer then I realize that she’s not there and she’s never coming back.

“I've missed you too,” she confessed. I looked over at her in shock because I thought I was the last person she would miss. She just seemed so happy and into that nigga and it made me think that I’ve lost all of my chances with her.

“You have?” She locked her eyes with me and nodded; making a smile appear on my face. It was nice to know that she missed me too.

“Yeah, I never knew how much I missed you until I saw you again. I guess that’s why I didn’t want to see you in person; in fear that I would miss you,” she looked down. I stayed quiet so she continued talking. “Why did you have to drug me? Everything would’ve been perfect if you didn’t,” she put her head in her hands. That was such a stupid idea that I had. It was childish and selfish but I thought that was the only way back then. Now I realized how that was the worst thing I could’ve done besides cheating.

“I was scared you would move on from me so I panicked. I didn’t want you with another guy but look how that turned out,” I mumbled the last part. I just pushed her to go to Paris and find someone else.

“I wouldn’t be with him if you didn’t do that. I didn’t even date him until two years after we broke up,” she looked at me. I was actually getting somewhere with Nicki. She hasn’t opened up this much with me since she’s been here.

“I wish I didn’t do that. I would take it back if I could because you didn’t deserve that,” I apologized.

“The funny thing is that I thought you would’ve fought harder for me. I kept thinking that you would try you hardest to win me back but you didn’t. I accepted that and then Channing helped me get over you; at least I thought I was over you. All of these feelings are coming back and I can’t control them,” she sighed.

“I wanted to fight for you Onika; believe me I did. I knew that if I did and we got back together, something else would happen. I had to grow as a man and realize my wrongs,” I turned her head so she would face me.

“You really grew up,” she locked her eyes with mine.

“I have and I want you back. I can’t function without you in my life. These last six years have been the worst of my life. I knew I should've tried to get you back but I didn’t,” I felt my eyes watering. She wiped the one tear that escaped from my eye.

“Aubrey,” she started to cry. I pulled her close and she melted into me. I let her cry in my arms as I rubbed her back.

“I’m sorry for all that I’ve put you through. I really am sorry,” I kissed her head. She backed away a bit and trained her eyes on me.

“I should have stayed,” she whispered.

“I should have fought harder,” I whispered back. She looked down but I tilted her head up. “I still love you Onika,” I confessed.

“I still love you Aubrey,” she confessed also. I couldn’t help it anymore; I crashed my lips onto hers. She moaned at the impact before kissing me back. I gripped her waist and pulled her as close as I could.

Chapter 58: So Much I Never Said

Nicki

Aubrey and I were still sitting here waiting. Some people left and all that’s left is; Mere, Blake, Nae, Cassie, Shad, Alexis, My Dad, Caiah, and Channing. Everyone wished Mylan the best. I still didn’t like the fact that it’s been so long. I just don’t like hospitals, I’ve been in them too much. Once for my mom, Caiah, Nae, Cassie, and Shad.

“Family of Mylan Madison Maraj-Graham?” Aubrey and I jumped to our feet and walked over. It’s about time that they called her name.

“How is she?” I asked right away.

“Mylan had to get her appendix taken out immediately because it was about to burst. She keeps having asthma attacks because of her medication for her headaches; she’s severally allergic to it so we switched that. Overall Mylan will be fine but she should be monitored at all times for about a week or two,” she explained to us. We nodded and took in all of the information.

“Can we see her?” She nodded and led us to My’s room. When we got in, My was awake but had her eyes closed a little and looked in pain. We both rushed over to her side and I grabbed her hand.

“Mommy,” she mumbled to me. She only calls me mommy when she feels horrible which is now. It hurts to see her in pain but at least she’ll get better.

“How do you feel baby?” I rubbed her hair. She opened her eyes and looked over at us.

“My side hurts,” she pointed to the spot where her appendix was removed.

“You had to get you appendix taken out,” I told her. She looked shocked at first but then nodded in understanding.

“Daddy,” she called to Drake and he walked over to her other side and held her close.

“It’s gonna be alright baby girl,” he kissed her head while I rubbed her hand. It’s times like these that make me miss all three of us together. Damn Nae and her wise words.

“I’ll go tell everyone that you’re okay,” I walked out and back into the waiting room. I explained to them and they went to see her before leaving.

“Caiah and I will be at the Hilton for two weeks,” Dad told me and I nodded before hugging them both.

“I’ll stay,” Channing insisted. Does his ass not get the hint? It’s not necessary for him to stay when I don’t know how long I’m gonna be here.

“Channing go back to Nae’s; I don’t know how long they’re gonna keep her. Besides, I might have to stay at Aubrey’s house for a week or two,” I closed my eyes because I already knew what was coming.

“You ain’t about to stay with that nigga for a week or two,” he demanded.

“My daughter is on bed rest for a week or two and needs both of her parents to monitor her. I don’t know about you but I know that I am gonna do whatever the fuck I want,” I snapped. He pulled me close and whispered something in my ear. I pulled away and nodded at him before he pecked my lips.

“I love you,” he mumbled against my lips.

“I love you too,” I kissed him one more time before he left. I turned and ran my hand through my hair before sighing.

Mylan

“You need anything baby girl?” Dad asked me as he checked my temperature again.

“I’m okay,” I let out a small smile. Mom was coming over and moving into the guest room for the time being. I’ve been out of the hospital for a day and Dad hasn’t let me lift a finger. I was still trying to figure out what Mom said to me in my dream. What is she going through that’s dark? “Dad, I have a question and I’m not sure if it even makes sense,” I told him.

“What is it?” He sat on the edge of my bed and gave me his full attention.

“When I was asleep in the hospital, I saw my Mom that died in my dreams. She said that Mom is going through something dark that no one knows about,” I said and he looked at me concerned. “Does it really sound that crazy?” I cringed.

“No, not at all; you just got me thinking. I’ll look into it alright?” He kissed my forehead before leaving out my room. I trust him to know that he’ll take care of everything.

Cassie

“Come here baby,” I told Alexis. She climbed into my lap and looked up at me. “I need to explain something to you,” I ran my fingers through her curly hair. She had such beautiful hair but she always gets crumbs in it, I wonder from what; note the sarcasm.

“Daddy said he would tell me about the birds and the bees when I turned eighty,” she scrunched up her face. I laughed at Kyle’s dramatics.  

“No it’s not that,” I shook my head. Kyle always was way too overdramatic about guys with Alexis but it was kind of cute. He’s just a protective father and you can’t be mad at that.

“What is it mommy?” She started to play with the rings on my fingers. She always finds interest in the little things but it keeps her entertained so I’m not complaining.

“You sort of have two daddies,” I tried to explain the best I could. I think that’s the best way she could understand this situation.

“What does that mean?” She stopped playing with my rings and gave me her full attention. I thought about what I was gonna say so that it would make sense to her.

“One Daddy raised you but one Daddy help create you,” I looked at her. That made sense to me and that was the least complicated way I could explain this.

“So which one is Daddy?” She asked curiously.

“He’s the one who raised you,” I confessed.

“Is my other Daddy the guy at the hospital?” She looked at my bracelets and started to play with those.

“How did you know that?” I snapped my head towards her. She is way too smart for her age.

“I have his eyes and smile,” she smiled at me. I guess that’s what she told him that made him realize that she was his.

“Well yes that’s your other daddy,” I rubbed her back.

“Can I see him?” She pulled at me one of my many rings and took it off.

“Of course you can,” I smiled. She put my ring on her ring finger.

“Look Mommy; I’m married!” She flashed me the ring.

“Don’t tell Daddy that,” I giggled.

Nicki

“Channing stop!” I snapped at him as he went on and on about me staying with Aubrey. I’m so tired of him going on and on about him. Can’t he see that I’m marrying him and not Aubrey? I just don’t know why he couldn’t get that through his head but he’ll always be this jealous beast when he wants to.

“I don’t want you over there,” he glared at me. He lost his mind if he thinks that I’m not gonna go over there and be there for my daughter who just got out of the hospital. I don’t care what kind of ego or pride that I’m bruising but I’m not listening to this shit. I put Mylan before anybody including him. She’s everything to me and I can’t imagine losing her in any kind of way.

“And I told you that you have to trust me,” I glared back. That’s something he always lacked from me when it came to Aubrey because when we first met, we were friends. I cried to him about Aubrey and he helped me get over him. He just doesn’t want me to go back to the guy who broke my heart but he fails to realize that he’s pushing me into his arms.

“You gonna stop talking me like that,” he walked closer to me. I backed up as he walked even closer. I wanted him as far away from me as possible. I hate when he gets like this. I looked into his eyes and saw them changing to a darker shade and I already knew what was about to happen. I closed my eyes and pleaded with him

“Channing,” I whispered but he slapped me; I held my cheek in pain.

“Put some makeup on that shit,” he said before he walked away. I went to the bathroom and stared at myself. This has been going on for far too long but I can’t bring myself to leave him. Believe it or not, I love Channing. I can’t just drop him like he’s nothing because he means a lot to me. I put makeup on my cheek before packing my last bag and putting it into the car. I drove to Aubrey’s house and prayed that he couldn’t see the mark or any other ones. I walked in with the key he recently gave me and he helped me get my bags into the guest room. I walked into My’s room and sat on her bed.

“How are you feeling baby?” I rubbed her hair. She looked better but she just looked extremely drained so I kept having her drink fluids.

“My side still hurts,” she groaned.

“Well it’s almost time for some more medicine,” I walked back into the guest room and got all of my stuff ready to shower. I took a long shower and wiped off all of my makeup; I’m just going straight to bed. When I got out, I changed into a big shirt. I got under my covers and was about to turn the lights off until I heard a knock at my door. Shit; I turned so he couldn’t see the side of my face before saying that he could come in.

“Hey, I just wanted to tell you about something Mylan told me earlier,” he sat on the edge of my bed. I wish that he just told me in the morning because now I have to stay turned away from him and pray that he doesn’t see my cheek. It’s obvious without the makeup and he notices any and everything about me.

“Okay and what was that?” I asked still turned away from him. I wondered what he could possibly tell me. What could Mylan say that concerned me in this matter? She might have said something smart or some shit like that. She has a smart mouth but knows better than to use that shit on me. I dare her ass to try that with me.

“She said that she saw your Mom when she was asleep and she told her that you were going through something dark that no one knew about,” he explained. Did he just say my Mom? Like my Mom who died? Why would she say that I’m going through something dark that no one knew about? I mean I am but I don’t know how she would know. Did she really see Mom?

“What!?” I snapped my face over to him and looked at him in shock. I completely forgot about my cheek because I was so focused on what he was saying. I saw him scrunched up his face as he eyed me but I quickly turned away from him. Please, please, please don’t say anything.

“Onika what the fuck happened to your face!?”