Chapter 63: Infallible Remedy

Nicki

“Hey baby,” I kissed My’s head as I headed to the kitchen. She was in the living room on her laptop. She was so thankful when I gave it back to her because she was, in her words, dying without it.

“Hi mom!” She closed it and followed me. “So how are you and dad?” She smirked. She always gotta try to be all up in my business.

“Stay out of grown folks business,” I gave her a look. She huffed because I always tell her the same thing every time.

“I already know enough so I don’t see why you can’t tell me. I’m fourteen and I’m going to high school this school year. I think I’m grown enough,” she pouted.

“Try me again in five years,” I smiled.

“Auntie Nicki can I have a cookie?” Alexis asked when she ran in.

“You already had one,” I shook my head. I turned for a second and she tried to be sneaky. She climbed on the counter and grabbed the box but I turned around to grab her.

“You’re such a bad little kid,” I joked.

“Mylan said I was a b-,” she started.

“Beautiful angel!” Mylan cut in and cut her eyes at Alexis.

“Yeah that,” she mumbled. I looked in between them and shook my head. The girls were still sleeping but these two seemed to be wide awake.

“Your aunts and cousin want to go to the mall so can you babysit little miss Alexis?” I asked her.

“How much am I getting paid?” She held out her hand.

“I’ll shorten your punishment,” I reasoned with her.

“You’re in trouble?” Alexis looked at her.

“Deal,” My ignored her and I held in my laugh. She always gets in trouble with me. I just had to prepare myself to see Channing.

Drake 





I walked into the kitchen and saw Nicki washing dishes. “Where’s My?” I asked. She’s always doing something around here.

“She went next door with Alexis to hang out with Nyra,” she turned around and smiled at me. I walked over to her and kissed her.

“Are you ready for today?” I knew that she was scared about his reaction but I’m going with her so she shouldn’t be afraid.

“What if he tries something?” She whispered.

“I’ll be right by your side Onika. You already know that I can beat his ass,” I pulled her close.

“That’s what I’m scared of. What if you take it too far Aubrey?” She questioned. I didn’t even know how to answer her because she’s right.

“I won’t snap unless he does something to force me,” I shrugged.

“And how am I supposed to calm you down when you get like that? I’ve never seen you that mad and I don’t want to but I did see what you did to him,” she’s never seen how angry I really could get.

“What do you want me to do?” I was out of choices right about now.

“What if Mere came with us?” I shut that question down real quick.

“No, I refuse to let her come with us,” I shook my head.

“You won’t let her come because you know that she can stop you from going too far?” She scrunched up her face.

“No, that’s not why. I don’t want her to have flashbacks of what used to happen to her. I was so close to killing her ex and that’s the angriest I’ve gotten in my life. I don’t want her to experience that again nor do I want you,” I knew that my anger could get the best of me sometimes. “I’ll call her sister, Nessa. She can help in case it gets to that point,” I pecked her lips before going to call her. Nicki had a point because I don’t think that I’d trust me and Channing in the same room either.





Nicki

“Just stay downstairs unless something happens,” I told Drake and Nessa.

“How will I know if something happened if I’m down here?” He narrowed his eyes at me.

“Aubrey calm your ass down. Just let her breathe a little. I’ll make sure he stays down here but if I hear something, I’m letting him go,” Nessa looked at me and I nodded. I walked upstairs and went to the room that Channing and I were staying. He was on his phone when I walked in.

“Hey baby,” he stood up and hugged me.

“We need to talk Channing,” I sighed.

“Did you tell that nigga that I will kick his ass next time I see him?” He eyed me.

“Channing, I just don’t think this is working out anymore. It seems like were two different people than we were in Paris,” I blurted out.

“I know your ass isn’t trying to break up with me. You wouldn’t be that stupid,” he let out a dry chuckle before towering over me.

“I don’t even know you anymore. You’ve changed ever since we’ve gotten here. You’ve been putting your hands on me and that’s the last straw,” I shook my head.

“So you’re just gonna be a whore and go back to that nigga?” He looked down at me.

“I am in no way, shape, or form a whore. I’ve been celibate for six years Channing!” I pushed him out of my face.

“I bet you been getting dick from other niggas. I wouldn’t be surprised if you are a whore considering that you were pregnant,” he taunted me. I closed my eyes and tried to calm down but the tears flew down my eyes. He hit a trigger point and I grew angry.

“Shut the fuck up Channing!” I snapped.

“Who do you think you’re talking to?” He pushed me away from him. My back hit the wall hard and I heard footsteps running up the stairs. Just as Channing was about to hit me, Aubrey stood in the doorway.

“I wish you would. I really wish you would because I swear to god that I will kill you right now if you try,” he threatened. Channing moved his hand back and went to slap me but Aubrey tackled him to the ground. I stood there in disbelief as Aubrey attacked him. I have never seen him like this and it was terrifying. All I saw was blood and Nessa rushed into the room.

“Aubrey!” She pulled him off.

“I’m gonna kill him,” he tried to hit him again but she held him back.

“He’s not Antonio! Don’t make the same mistake twice!” She pleaded with him. He looked back at Channing and it seemed like he was thinking hard about it. “You’ve stopped Nicki before she could ever get to the point where Mere did. I promise you that this is not worth it. You’ve proven your point and you can keep Nicki safe. You have My and Nicki to think about. Think about you family before you do this,” as soon as she said that he looked over at my fearful expression. He sighed before getting up but he grabbed Channing with him. He was border lining unconsciousness so Aubrey made sure to kick his ass out of Nae’s house along with his things. I needed a minute to take in what just happened. He walked towards me and Nessa.

“I’m sorry,” he sighed.

“Thank you for not going too far. You have to let the past go Aubrey. Antonio is long gone and you don’t have to worry about him. Yes, Channing deserved to get his ass beaten but you didn’t have to take it that far. Mere’s over the past and you need to get over it too,” Nessa looked at him.

“You’re right,” he nodded. She hugged him and then me before she left. “I didn’t want you to see me like that,” he looked embarrassed.

“Why do you get like that? It’s like you become a whole different person,” I won’t lie and say that I wasn’t a little shaken up by this.

“Mere was in the emergency room fighting for her life because of Antonio. I never wanted to kill someone so bad in my life. That’s why I’m so protective of her. Any guy that lays his hands on a woman reminds me of him. I just go back to eight years ago and I can’t help it,” he explained.

“Well it’s over,” I walked to him and wrapped my arms around him.

“I’ll never let him hurt you again,” he kissed my head.

We went home and just cuddled on the bed. “I don’t know what I would’ve done if you weren’t there,” I sighed.

“I’m never gonna leave you Nicki, I promise you that I won’t leave you. What do you think that promise ring was for?” he kissed my forehead.

“Do you still have it?” I mumbled. He got up and went into his closet and grabbed it. I sat up and smiled at the sight of it.

“I told you to never take that shit off,” he joked.

“Then put it on me,” I held out my hand. He slid the ring on my finger before kissing me. I deepened the kiss and grabbed the back of his neck. “Fuck being celibate,” I mumbled and he chuckled before picking me up.

~~~

“I still can’t believe that we got back together,” I told Cassie, Jessi, and Nae as we sat in the living room at Nae’s house.

“I’m happy for you Nic, this is exactly what you deserve,” Jessi smiled while everyone else agreed. It’s nice to have my girls encourage my relationship since they hated Channing.

“Thanks guys,” I blushed a bit at the thought of Aubrey. He still made me feel the same way that I did years ago. “So how are you?” I asked Nae. She scrunched up her face and looked over at me in confusion.

“I’m fine, why wouldn’t I be?” She questioned.

“I just haven’t seen Derrick around,” I shrugged. He usually is somewhere in this house when I come but I haven’t seen him at all.

“I broke up with him. I didn’t see the point of stringing him along. I just need some time to myself right now,” she admitted.

“Is it because of Blake?” She turned her head from me and nodded a bit.

“I just need time to clear my head. She makes shit so complicated,” she groaned. Alexis and Mylan came downstairs and sat by us.

“Can I have a cookie?” Alexis begged. She needs to stop eating all those cookies.

“You had way too many sweets. Remind me to lock them up next time My babysits you,” Cassie shot a look at My. My always gave her sweets when she would babysit.

“I never told you to let me babysit,” she held her hands up. She always hates to babysit her but she hangs out with Alexis already so I don’t see what the difference is.

“My is a fun babysitter! She teaches me so much!” Alexis exclaimed. Cassie and I looked over at Alexis curious.

“Like what?” I turned to look at her. When Mylan tells Alexis something it’s never something good or that she should know.

“She told me what a surf-,” she tried to tell us.

“Surfing in Hawaii is like,” My cut Alexis off. I know that’s a lie but I’ll let it go for now since she’s not gonna say it.

“Yeah,” Alexis nodded. I shot My a look and she just shrugged. “Can you call me Peaches!?” Alexis asked us. Mylan started coughing while Cassie looked at Alexis like she was crazy.

“Why would we do that?” She questioned cautiously.

“Because I like to get nasty,” she smiled. Mylan quickly got up and tried to go upstairs. I wish her ass would.

“Get your ass back here,” I called out. She sighed and sat back on the couch. “What else did My teach you?” I raised an eyebrow.



Drake

“Aubrey,” I felt Nicki shake me lightly. I turned and saw her sitting up on the bed. She looked so beautiful in the morning and I’ve missed this so much.

“Good morning baby,” I sat up and stretched.

“Good morning,” she pecked my lips before hopping up. “Shit,” she quickly stopped walking. I held an amused smirk on my face as she sucked her teeth. “You better not say shit,” she mumbled. We hit in a couple more round last night. I just can’t get enough of her and vice versa. She went in the bathroom and then I heard a knock at the door.

“Come in,” I called out. Mylan walked in dangling something between her fingers. “Morning baby girl,” I got up and kissed her head.

“Morning dad,” she sighed.

“What’s wrong?” I questioned as she held up her hand. I eyed the wire and chuckled.

“My charger is broken and my phone is dead. I cannot live without my phone. Can you please drive me to the store Daddy?” She batted her eyelashes.

“You’re lucky that we’re out of milk,” I shook my head at her as Nicki walked out of the bathroom.

“Oh, what a surprise it is to find you in here,” My smirked at her.

“Mylan stay-,” Nicki started but she cut her off.

“Stay out of grown folks business. I already know that you’re back together. It’s quite obvious and I’m happy for you guys. Now you can just give me a little sibling and I’ll be fine. I prefer a little brother but I wouldn’t mind a sister,” she added in. I noticed Nicki tense up but shrugged it off. We just got back together so I can understand while talking about kids would get her tensed.

“Go get dressed, we’ll go in an hour,” I told her before she ran off.  

“Do you need anything from the store?” I asked Nicki. She walked over to me and wrapped her arms around my neck.

“Condoms, lots and lots of condoms,” she whispered.

“You’ve missed me that much?” I chuckled.

“Buy those condoms and I’ll show you how much I’ve missed you,” she pecked my lips before going downstairs.

~~~

“Milk,” I placed it in the cart as My checked it off the list. We picked up a few more things before checking out. We put the groceries in the trunk and My went to put the cart up. I looked over and saw a guy leaning against his car talking on the phone. I eyed him a little closer and felt anger rush through my bones.

“Are we done?” My came back.

“Mylan get in the car and lock the doors,” I passed her my keys.

“What’s going on?” She always had to ask questions.

“Just get in the car Mylan,” I snapped. She sighed before getting in the car. I walked up to him as he slid his phone in his pocket. He turned and looked at me in shock. “Give me one reason why I shouldn’t kill your ass right now?” I spoke through clenched teeth.

“Look man, it’s been eight years,” he tried to reason with me.

“It’s been six years since you put your hands on Mere,” I corrected him.

“I was on some shit. I’m not trying to relive my past right now,” he shook his head.

“I don’t give a fuck how you were six years ago! I’ve been waiting to do this for six years,” I balled my hands into fist.

“I ain’t gonna fight you,” he looked behind me for a second.

“It just makes it easier for me,” I raised my fist but I heard her voice.

“Aubrey! Don’t hit him!” I felt her hand on my fist. I turned and looked at Mere in shock.

            “What the fuck are you doing here with him?”

Chapter 62: The Best That You Can Be

Nicki

Jessi somehow convinced us all to stay the night at Aubrey’s house. It’s not like I had the choice. Cassie brought Alexis over so she could keep Mylan busy. The last thing we need is her overhearing more things. We were all in the living room and of course Jessi had to ask some awkward questions. “So I also heard that you and Drake kissed,” she got comfortable on the couch while looking at me.

“Wait y’all kissed!?” Cassie snapped her head towards me. Go ahead and just put all of my business out for everyone to know. Jessi had a big ass mouth and she could never control it.

“Thanks Jess for putting it out for all of them to hear. Yeah we kissed and it was a mistake. I shouldn’t have kissed him especially since I’m technically in a relationship,” I mumbled. That kiss shouldn’t have happened the way it did.

“You’re relationship is practically over. You just have to break it off. You only felt bad about the kiss because you were with Channing. You’re also scared to get back with him because you don’t wanna go through what you went through with him before. He’s grown up and so have you so I don’t know what you’re scared of,” she was searching my eyes for answers.

“I-I well it’s; okay you’re right! I’m scared to get hurt by him because he hurt me badly before,” I confessed. Jessi never gives up until you admit the truth.

“Thank you! Now Casandra, why are you with skeleton?” She looked at Cassie.

“He married me and I know that is something Shad would never do,” she shrugged.

“You don’t even know who Shad is now. People change after six years and you all need to stop holding onto the past,” she looked at all of us. “Whatever your ex did to you, let it go. It’s been years and everyone can change,” she spoke.

“You’re right,” Cassie sighed.

“Thank you, now I know it’s awkward to get dirt out of you two because you’re both here but I like to make things awkward. Y’all both got quiet when I said that you two were still in love with each other,” she had to make things more awkward than they already were.

“I’m not in love with her,” Blake hissed at Jessi. I knew when Blake was lying and when she wasn’t; she has little habits when she lies.

“Really?  Then why did you kiss her? I don’t care what point I wanted to prove; I would have never kissed my ex,” she shrugged. You couldn’t even pay me to kiss my first ex.  

“Jess can you just drop the subject?” Blake groaned. This was actually more entertaining than I thought because Jessi doesn’t stop. She doesn’t stop until the truth comes out.

“No I’m not gonna stop because you just don’t want to admit it,” she crossed her arms.

“I’m not Jessica,” she snapped.

“What about you? You’re quiet over there and we’re talking about you,” she nodded her head towards Nae. Nae has been quiet since we’ve gotten here so I wonder what she has going through her mind.

“What’s there to say?” She looked completely unfazed while she played on her phone. She seems more into her phone than this conversation.

“Are you still in love with her?” We all looked at her as she continued to look at her phone. I think we were all waiting for this answer.

“Yeah, isn’t it obvious?” she shrugged then groaned as she lost the game on her phone. I looked over at Blake who opened her mouth to say something but then closed it. Well damn, I guess Nae doesn’t feel like lying today and she knew not to lie to Jessi.

“Well that was easy. What do you have to say about that Blakelynn?” Jessi looked at her. Blake looked literally frozen almost like she couldn’t believe what Nae just said. I don’t know why she couldn’t believe it, Nae’s right; it was obvious.

“I-I have to go to the bathroom,” she jumped up and left the room. There goes Blake running away from situations when she has no answer for the question.

“I knew she would do that,” Nae mumbled.

“Nic, Drake is right upstairs and you two need to talk,” Jessi motioned me to the stairs. I looked at the stairs and then shook my head.

“I don’t even know what to say,” I couldn’t think of any of the right things to say to him. I knew that I needed to apologize already and I have some confessions to make.

“Don’t think; just do. You love him and he loves you so it’s pretty simple. Just tell him that you’re dumping Channing and that you want him,” she said it like she was telling me what one plus one was. It was more complicated than that.

“I don’t wanna jump out of a relationship into another one,” I sighed. I also didn’t want to be with Aubrey and have our relationship ruined just like last time.

“Just talk to him Nic,” Nae encouraged me. I huffed before getting up and going up the stairs. I didn’t even knock because I was so distracted by my thoughts. I should have knocked; I really should have because there stood Aubrey and that’s all that there was to see.

“Uh,” I couldn’t look away for the life of me and he looked amused.

“Yes Onika?” He stood still while not making any attempts to put on clothes.

“Um can you cover um that up,” I finally looked away and turned around. I waited for him to say it was okay and then I finally turned around after closing the door. “Can we talk?” I felt so shy to talk about this.

“What do we have to talk about?” He crossed his arms. I guess he was still mad at me and he had every right to be.

“I’m sorry Aubrey, I shouldn’t have snapped at you. I shouldn’t have been playing all of those games with your heart either. It wasn’t intentional but I still messed with your feelings,” I apologized.

“Thank you for the apology and I guess I owe you one,” he started but I cut him off.

“You don’t owe me an apology Aubrey. I deserved everything that you said,” I sighed.

“I said some stuff that was way out of line because of my anger and for that I apologize,” he looked at me.

“Thank you though, for standing up for me to Channing,” I added in.

“I thought that you wanted me to stay out of your life?” He let out a dry chuckle.

“I didn’t mean that Aubrey. I was stuck in my head but I do appreciate the fact that you stood up for me,” I knew a lot of the things that I’ve said to him were lies.

“I’ll always stand up for you Onika, you should already know that. I went off at him a little more than I was planning to because I got stuck in my head,” he sat down with a huff.

“What were you thinking about?” I went and sat next to him.

“I was just remembering when Mere was in your situation and it took her until she landed in the emergency room to realize that she should leave him. When I saw how she looked, I went to search for him. When I found him, I couldn’t control how I was feeling. I kept punching him and I couldn’t stop. He almost died but Mere’s sister, Vanessa, pulled me off of him. Mere and Nessa are like my sisters and it’s hard to not listen to them,” he explained.

“So what happened after that?” I knew there was more to this story.

“He wanted to press charges but Mere talked him out of it. Never saw him again until that night I brought Mere home with me. She saw him and he hit her. Next time I see him,” he shook his head in anger.

“You have to stop letting your anger control you,” I placed my hand on top of his.

“I don’t like seeing people fuck with the people I love,” he turned to me.

“You were right, I deserve better. I’m breaking up with him tomorrow,” I saw his eyes light up a bit.

“I’m proud of you Nic,” he nodded.

“I deserve better and you’re better Aubrey. I’m scared because I don’t want to go through all the bullshit that I went through six years ago but I want to trust you. I still love you Aubrey and I want to try this again,” I admitted. He let out a wide smile and moved me so I was straddling him.

“You don’t know how long I’ve wanted you to say that,” he grabbed my hand and slid off my engagement ring. He tossed it somewhere and my finger felt free. I pulled him into a kiss and knew that I made the right choice.  He kissed me back and rested his hands on my waist. I heard the girls laughing at something downstairs and pulled away. “Go hang with your girls,” he already knew what I was about to say.

“I’ll come up here when they’re tired,” I promised and pecked his lips one last time before getting up. I walked downstairs as all of the girls looked at me and I couldn’t but blush.

“And Jessi scores again!” She exclaimed before jumping up to hug me. I’m glad Jessi came in town and forced the truth out of me. That’s why she’s my favorite cousin, she knows me best.

“This calls for a celebration,” Cassie dragged me and Jessi into the kitchen, purposely leaving Nae and Blake alone. Aubrey and I weren’t the only ones would needed to talk.

Nae

“Ha,” I really sucked at this game. I was so into the game that I didn’t even realize that they left me and Blake alone. I felt her staring at me and I was gonna ignore it but I get annoyed when people stare at me without saying anything. “Do you need something?” I glanced over at her. She shook her head quickly and put her feet under her thighs on the couch. I sighed and turned my phone off before sitting on the couch next to her. “Can I ask you something kind of personal?” I looked at her.

“Sure,” she bit her lip thinking about what I could possibly ask her. She should already know what I’m about to ask but I’m still gonna ask it.

“Do you really not love me anymore?” I blurted out. I just needed to know the answer whether she lies or not because I can tell when she’s lying. She has habits she does when she lies. Nicki and I picked up on it.

“Not that Nae,” she looked away from me. Of course she wouldn’t give me a flat out answer when she knows that I know when she’s lying.

“You knew we were gonna have this talk sooner or later. Why don’t you stop running from your problems for once?” I snapped at her. That’s all she does when she doesn’t wanna admit something. She has to get away from the situation because she doesn’t wanna face it.

“Oh don’t talk to me about running from their problems. You always run when shit gets hard,” she cut her eyes at me.

“When do I ever run Blakelynn? Please tell me. I’ve always been here. You’re the one who had to stay far away from me by not coming back to New York. Admit it, you only did that because you still had feelings for me,” I raised my voice.

“I didn’t do that shit because of you! I did it for me! I needed to get away from this city and all its bad memories which consisted around you. All you did was play me when we were together. You never could have a stable relationship! One day you want me and the next you were off fucking some guy!” She began to walk away.

“There you go walking away again! Go ahead and walk away. You’ve gotten good at it,” I shook my head in disbelief.

“Shut the fuck up Jaznae!” She turned around.

“You just don’t like hearing the truth. You never did,” I argued.

“You don’t know shit about me!” She yelled.

“I know you Blake,” I smirked.

“No you don’t. You only know what you want to believe. I’m over you Nae and you just can’t accept that,” she barked. There goes the lie I was waiting for.

“You’re not over me. I can tell when you’re lying Blakelynn. Fingers moving, eyes blinking, and foot shaking; same old Blake. You’re just mad that you can’t stop loving me,” I told her. She grew furious at me and I’ve never seen her that mad but I’m not backing down. I needed her to be as mad as possible to admit her true feelings. That was the only way she would do it.

“If you don’t shut up-,” she started.

“What are you gonna do? You’re not gonna do shit because you never did!” I interrupted her. One second I’m standing in front of her, the next I’m pinned against the wall.

“I said shut the fuck up,” she narrowed her eyes at me.

“And I said you aren’t gonna do shit; you’ve always been scared Blakelynn and you still are. You’re never gonna change and you hate it. Admit it, you’re still in love with me,” I said and she glared at me.

“I fucking hate you,” she spat. Then out of nowhere, she kissed me. I kissed her back as she let go of my arms to grip my waist. She’s so aggressive and I’ve never seen her like this but it’s sexy. We pulled apart and just stared at each other. “Damn,” she whispered.

“Don’t go, please don’t go,” I pleaded softly. I didn’t want her running away again. She eyed me for a second before she kissed me again. This time it was different, it wasn’t out of anger. We were going at it until we heard clapping and quickly pulled away. Jessi was standing there clapping looking amused while Cassie and Nicki stood with their eyes wide. Blake locked her eyes with me before looking at them.

“Are we interrupting something?” Nic looked in between us.

“Obviously we are Nic,” Cassie said lowly.

“Nope, I was just leaving,” Blake hurried out of the house. There goes the running again, couldn’t they have come in a few minutes later?

“What was that?” Nicki asked me when she closed the door.

“I don’t know but maybe if you guys didn’t interrupt, I would have found out,” I groaned. Now I don’t know how she’s gonna admit her feelings but that kiss surely proved something.

Nicki

“I’ve missed this,” Aubrey whispered to me as we cuddled in his bed.

“So have I,” I admitted. I’ve missed everything about Aubrey if I’m being honest. I was fooling myself all of these years.

“I’ve never had sex in this house after you. I never could because I knew I would feel guilty,” he confessed.

“So I’m the only person you fucked on this bed?” I smirked a little.

“Yeah,” he grinned. I pulled him towards me and kissed him. He gripped my waist and made me straddle him. I attacked his lips and rubbed my hands under his shirt. I started to grind on him and he cursed.

“Damn Onika,” he threw his head back.

“Have you missed that Papi?” I asked in his ear. He went hard immediately when I said Papi.

“Hell yeah,” he switched so he was on top. “I know you’re not gonna let us have sex but can I please you?” He looked down at me. I bit my lip and nodded. He removed my shirt and shorts before kissing my neck. He sucked on my spot and I moaned. Channing could never find my spot but Aubrey had it memorized. He slipped his finger under my underwear and begun to massage me. I sucked in a breath when he slipped a finger in me. He watched my expressions as he slipped another one in.

“I’ve missed the faces you make,” he smiled before pulling his fingers out. He popped my bra off and removed my thong. I gripped the sheets as he kissed down my body. He knew all of my sensitive spots by heart. He finally decided to stop teasing me and dived in.

“Aubrey!” I gripped his head as he licked and sucked on me. He slipped a finger in me and I cursed. “Fuck!” I yelled when he slipped another one. When he removed his fingers and slipped his tongue in; I lost it and came hard. I haven’t cum that hard since the last time we’ve fucked. He kissed up my body and hovered over me with a smile. I grabbed his face and kissed him.

            To say I didn’t miss this would be a lie. I’ve missed this so much. I just don’t know how to break it off with Channing. I know how he can get when he’s mad. I have scars to prove it and I know he will be beyond mad at this. I knew that he wouldn’t lay a hand on me with Aubrey by my side. He might be mad but I’m done with this relationship and it’s about time that I end it. I just hope that he can keep his mouth shut. I made a huge mistake six years ago that I can never take back.

Chapter 61: Unconscious Reality

 Drake

I knocked on Nae’s door and waited. She called me and told me when I was able to come over. She opened it and let me in. “He’s out back with Kyle and Derrick,” she pointed to her backyard. I nodded and walked out there. He was turned away from me but Kyle and Derrick saw me.

“So you think you got a right to put your hands on a woman?” I said from behind him. He turned around and laughed.

“I’on have any idea what you’re talking about,” he had an amused smile.

“You don’t know what I’m talking about. Alright,” I nodded my head and walked up to him. I hit him with a right hook and he fell to the ground. I moved and kicked his stomach and his face. “You got an idea now!?” I yelled while I saw blood dripping down his face. I went in punch after punch.

“Drake!” Derrick and Kyle tried to grab me but I was gonna kill this nigga. I felt like it was eight years ago and this nigga was Antonio.

“Aubrey!” I heard her voice and immediately stopped. I turned and looked at Mere in shock.

“What the hell are you doing here?” I asked her. I ain’t want her around this nigga. It might trigger some memories from her past.

“Jaznae called me because she had a feeling that you would take it too far,” she narrowed her eyes at me while Channing started coughing up blood. I was about to hit him again but Mere grabbed my arm. “He’s not Antonio and you do not want to have charges pressed against you again,” she reminded me. I sighed because she was right. I didn’t need to go through that shit again. I turned to him and looked at him in disgust.

“If you put your hands on her again, I promise that I will kill you,” I threatened before Mere led me to the kitchen.

“Here,” Nae passed her a first aid kit before checking up on the guys outside.

“What were you thinking Aubrey!?” Mere snapped at me as she helped clean up my hands.

“I was gonna kill him but you showed up. Why the fuck would Nae call you? Y’all don’t even like each other,” I looked at her confused.

“We put aside our differences for this. She knew that I could stop you from going too far,” she shrugged.

“That’s still weird as fuck with the whole Blake thing,” I just couldn’t imagine it.

“Blake and I have an understanding,” was all she said.

“You still won’t tell me what that means,” she’s been saying this for months.

“And I told you not to worry about it,” she sprayed my hand and I hissed.

 “Damn warn a nigga!” I pushed her as she laughed.

“You’re such a baby Aubrey,” she chuckled.

“That shit stung,” I looked at her but she had an amused expression on her face.

“You know that Nicki is gonna snap at you for hurting him,” she wrapped my hand before putting the stuff up.

“I don’t give a fuck if she’s mad at me for beating his ass. She’s lucky that I ain’t kill him and she has you to thank for that,” I shook my head.

“Promise me that you won’t do something to have charges pressed against you. I might have made Antonio change his mind but I doubt Channing would,” she pleaded.

“I promise,” I gave up. I've proven my point and I won’t do anything else unless he provokes me. I heard her phone ring and she looked down at it before pressing ignore. "Who was it?" I scrunched my face up because she rarely ignores a call.

            "Don't worry about it," she forced a smile.

            "Chimere," I warned her.

            "I gotta go but I'll talk to you later," she pecked my cheek before leaving.

~

 I was laying on the couch with Mylan as we watched some movie that she picked out. “Jessi’s flight lands tomorrow morning,” she informed me.

“Alright, let’s just get her before your mom wakes up,” I nodded. The door opened and Nicki stood there looking pissed as hell.

“Mylan, go to your room,” she said.

“But we’re in the middle of a movie,” she pointed to the screen. Nicki shot her a look and she sighed. “Fine,” she walked upstairs.

“Why’d you make her leave?” I stood up to grab something to eat. She walked up to me and pushed me.

“I can’t believe you! Why the fuck would you beat up my fiancé!?” She kept pushing me. I grabbed her hands and pinned them behind her back.

“The same reason that he puts his hands on you,” I spoke simply.

“Let go of me,” she snapped.

“Are you gonna stop hitting me?” I eyed her and she nodded.

“Ugh,” she pushed away from me once I released her hands.  “Stay out of my fucking life! The only thing that connects us is our daughter! She’s the only damn reason why I’m stuck staying with you for another week,” she cut her eyes at me.

“You gonna defend that nigga when he finally got what he deserved?” I looked at her in disbelief.

“He’s my fiancé,” she kept reminding me.

“I was gonna kill that nigga,” I dropped my voice low. She looked at me a little scared. “The only reason why he’s still breathing is Mere. You’re lucky she came when she did because I was not gonna stop. You’re obviously delusional and stupid enough to stay with him. I’ll stay out of your way and see to you at your funeral because that’s exactly where your ass is gonna be by the end of your relationship,” I snapped and walked out of the kitchen.

Jessi

This bitch gotta be crazy if she staying with that nigga after he hit her. I don’t know what got into my cousin but I damn sure will knock it out of her. I looked around the airport and spotted My with Drake. I never met him but he’s all Mylan talks about and Nicki used to talk about.

“Jessi!” She hugged me.

“You’ve gotten so big,” I was shocked to see that she actually grew into a teenager. It’s been a while since I’ve seen her and Nicki but I always talk to Nicki on the phone.

“Hi I’m Drake,” he held out his hand.

“I’m Jessi,” I shook it before grabbing my bag. “So where is Nicki right now?” I asked while Drake helped put my bag in the trunk.

“She’s at my house,” he said as we started driving.

 “I can fill you in on everything that’s happened,” Mylan smirked. She told me a lot more than I thought she would. She knows a lot of things and it’s not just about Nicki. They might wanna watch it because Mylan just spilled all the tea. Once we got there, I made my way to the room where Nicki was staying. I heard the shower and just sat back on her bed waiting. She was changing in there so I knew she would be a while. Finally she opened the door but she didn’t notice me at first.

“Hi Onika,” I scared the life out of her.

“Jessica what are you doing here?” She hugged me.

“I’ll explain at lunch. Let’s go out and invite Blakelynn, I got a few things to say to her ass too. While we’re at it, invite Cassie and Nae,” I grabbed my purse and we were off. I was close with all four of them and Mylan filled me in on some things; she knows more than they think. Oh this will be fun.

Nicki

I’m nervous because Jessi doesn’t just come out for any reason, so I wonder what exactly she knows. Blake, Jessi, Nae, Cassie, and I were sitting in the food court at the mall just talking. “Alright so I got a few things to say to all of you because your little daughter filled me in on some things,” she pointed to me. Mylan filled her in on some things? What exactly did she tell Jessi?

“What did she tell you?” I asked cautiously. Mylan doesn’t know a lot so I don’t know why she would tell Jessi anything. Is she the reason that Jessi’s here?

“I’ll talk to you last. First I’m starting with Cassie. You hid your damn child from Shad? I always had a feeling that Alexis was Shad’s kid but I guess skeleton just wanted to take on the father role so bad,” she sat back and crossed her arms.

“His name is Kyle and I’m married to him Jessi, he was there for me when I need someone. He does stuff that Shad wouldn’t dare to do. He’s everything that Shad’s not and that’s exactly what I need,” She pointed out.

“You didn’t even give Shad a chance to prove himself. I guess you just decided for him so imagine how he must feel. He didn’t know about his daughter for five years just to find out that she calls another nigga her Dad. Skeleton can try all he wants but he’ll never be Shad,” she looked at Cassie and she went silent. That’s an automatic sign that Jessi won this battle.

“Now you,” she pointed at Nae. “Why are you with dark chocolate? I didn’t even know you played for that side,” she raised an eyebrow.

“I’m bisexual Jess, meaning that I like both genders. I’ve been with Derrick for a year and that’s the longest relationship I’ve ever been in,” she shrugged.

“How long did y’all last?” She looked between Nae and Blake. Way to make things awkward but that’s what she’s known for. I knew that she would actually get some information out of these two.

“Does it matter?” Blake hissed.

“Fine, but why are you with the shawty with the big butt?” That made all of us laugh but Blake shot us a look. Hey, Mere does have a big ass but so do I.

“Because I’ve been dating her for six years,” she said but she looked a little tensed when she said that. I eyed her a little because she was starting to confuse me. 

“I know about your little understanding Blake," she saw Blake tense up and she smirked. "Since I'm feeling nice, I won’t put your business out like that. So I heard that y’all kissed at Nae’s house,” all of our mouths dropped in shock. How much does Mylan know!? I don’t even know how she would find out about all of this.

“Who told you that?” Blake snapped. That was still a touchy topic to talk about. I guess it’s because she still doesn’t know why she did it.

“Mylan knows more than y’all think and I don’t believe that whole prove a point bullshit. You did it because you’re still in love with her and that’s the exact reason why she kissed you back,” Jessi smirked while putting a spoonful of ice cream in her mouth. The table grew dead silent as Blake and Nae locked eyes for a second before Blake glared at Jessi but she didn’t deny it and we all noticed that.

“Go ahead and try to deny that shit Blakelynn, I dare your ass to try,” she kicked her feet up on an empty seat and looked at her. “How about you Nae? Are you gonna try to deny it too? Just look at the way y’all looked at each other when I said that,” she kept eating that damn ice cream. The table was still quiet that confirmed all of our thoughts. Jessi wins yet another battle.

“Before I start on what I want to say to you, I think Nae has something to tell you,” Jessi looked at her and she sighed.

“What is it?” I didn’t know what it could be.

“Okay I knew you would find out eventually so I’d rather tell you than have someone else tell you. I called Drake over to my house knowing that he was gonna hurt Channing,” she winced.

“You did what!?” I looked at her in anger. “Why the fuck would you do that Jaznae!?” I couldn’t believe her.

“I knew that he wanted to and he deserved it. You’re lucky that I called Chimere because he was gonna kill him,” she glared at me.

“Wait, hold up! You called Mere?” Blake looked at her confused.

“It’s complicated,” she brushed her off.

“It’s pretty simple. Why the fuck would you be calling her?” She snapped.

“I knew that she could calm Drake down and that’s exactly what she did; that’s it,” Nae snapped back before looking at me. I shook my head at her and looked towards Jessi.

“So Nic how’s that jackass?” I rolled my eyes at her nickname for him. She never called any of the people that we were with by the right names. She said she’ll call them the right name when we’re with the people we’re supposed to be with.

“Channing is fine Jessica,” I called her by her full name to warn her not to say something that I wouldn’t want her to say. I not sure exactly what Mylan knows but Jessi wouldn’t come all the way to New York for no reason and that makes me worried.

“Do you love him?” She asked and I looked at her for a second trying to figure out where she was going with this question.

“Yes I do. I wouldn’t be marrying him if I didn’t love him,” I thought that was kind of obvious. I do love Channing so why is she asking me this?

“You must really love him huh? I mean I couldn’t imagine being so in love with a guy to the point where I would let him do anything to me,” she pushed her sunglasses to the top of her head so she could lock her eyes with me. I think I know where this is leading to and it makes me question how does she know this shit?

“What is she talking about?” Cassie looked at me as Blake agreed. I didn’t want the others all up in my business because they’ll just tell me to leave him too. I snapped my head towards Nae because she was the only other person who knew besides Aubrey.

“I didn’t tell her anything,” she shook her head.

“If you know what I think you know then you better not say shit,” I cut my eyes at Jessi. She grinned before putting another spoonful in her mouth.

“Okay, I won’t say how he’s putting his hands on you,” she shrugged. I am going to kill her and I mean literally kill her. I hopped to my feet but Nae was faster than me and held me back.

“How do you know that!?” She walked up to me and if it wasn’t for Nae then I probably would have tackled my favorite cousin.

“Your own daughter knows that Nic. How could you let him put his hands on you!? You’re stronger than that and you used to be one of the strongest women I knew but now you’re just his little bitch,” she hit a trigger point and I broke out of Nae’s hold to get in her face.

“You don’t know shit about our relationship and I don’t want your opinion. I’m nobodies little bitch so you better check yourself. You might be family but I’m not afraid to hurt you right now,” I snapped.

“Go ahead and hit me Nic. Hit me because I told you the damn truth. Hit me because I’m the only one who will always tell you the truth! After your ex who beat the living life out of Cassie and probably put his hands on you a couple of times, I thought you would’ve learned. You should never allow a man to put his hands on you. I don’t give a damn what his excuse is because it will happen again and I promise you that. You know that just as well as I do. You are just scared to leave him and having to start all over. If Channing truly loved you as much as you think he does, he wouldn’t be putting his hands on you.

He would be treating you like a queen. He wouldn’t be this jealous asshole when you just talk to another guy. Just admit it; you went to Paris to find someone who could replace Drake. You wanted to find the exact opposite version of him so you wouldn’t be reminded of him. You wanted to prove to him that you could do better and that you were happy. You wanted all of us to believe that bullshit but I’m not buying it.

You’re anything but happy and I bet you cry when no one is around because you never thought that your life would turn out like this. I’m sorry to break it to you but you made your life turn out like this. You should have left him the first time he laid his hands on you but you didn’t. So hit me Nic but you can’t be mad at me for speaking the damn truth,” she never backed up. I sighed and sat back down putting my head in my hands. She was right and it hurt to hear that. Tears came down before I could stop them and Jessi was right by my side wiping them away.

“You’re right,” I cried. She pulled me to her and let me cry. She was right about every single thing that she said. I never wanted to admit that but just hearing someone say the things that I forced myself to not think about hurts so much. I’ve screwed up my life by trying to get over Aubrey. I had Mylan knowing that I was getting hit by him. My own daughter knows and called her out here to knock some sense into me. That makes me feel embarrassed that I let this go on this long. I didn’t want her thinking that it was acceptable for a man to put his hands on a woman.

“You gotta leave him Nic,” she whispered and I nodded. It’s gone on too long already and I have to end it while I still can.