Chapter 77: Where the Lines Overlap

Nicki

“So how is everyone?” I asked the girls as we sat around in my living room. It was just the usual crew; Cassie, Blake, Ciara, Mere, Jessi, and Paris.

“My kids are way too energetic. I swear I’m gonna lose my mind any minute now,” Cassie groaned.

“I know exactly how you feel. I feel like that sometimes too,” I related to her.

“College is going great. I’m finally twenty one,” Ciara did a little dance.

“Congrats youngin,” Paris dapped her up. “How about you Blake?” Paris looked at her.

“I’m doing great,” Blake smiled. I looked at her hand and knew that she was lying. She was working her ass off and I keep telling her to take a break but she doesn’t listen to anyone.

“You look exhausted Blake,” I gave her a knowing look.

“Okay maybe work is making me tired but I feel fine. I just need to balance my schedule better,” she admitted.

“If only Aubrey would do the same,” I mumbled.

“So when’s the wedding?” Cassie looked over at Mere. She looked up from her phone and found us all staring at her.

“Um we haven’t set a date yet,” she shrugged. She has been saying that for the last three years.

“Are you ever gonna get married?” Jessi blurted out. We all were honestly thinking it. Why would you hold a wedding off for three years?

“Yes I will. I just need some time,” she sighed.

“You make absolutely no sense,” Paris shook her head at her.

“I make my own sense. I know what I’m doing,” she brushed us off.

“Alright,” I was still a little skeptical about the situation. Mere’s phone rang again and we looked at her.

“Your phone always rings when you’re with us,” Jessi commented.

“I know,” she grabbed it and answered. “Hey…Ryan did what!?..I’m so killing his ass when I get there…you need me now?..I’ll be on the next flight over there…love you too..bye,” she hopped up and grabbed her purse and keys.

“Where are you going?” Paris called out.

“My niece, Nadia, is really sick and she wants me to be there with her,” she said before running out the house.

“I hope her niece gets better,” Blake spoke.

“I do too because it seems like she’s always sick,” Cassie agreed.

“Do you guys really believe that niece bullshit?” Jessi looked at us like we were stupid.

“Why would she lie about that?” Mere doesn’t lie about things so I doubt she would lie about this.

“Dude no one is always that sick,” Jessi made us all think.

“Maybe she’s just going through something,” Blake shrugged.

“Maybe she’s cheating. She’s been holding off this wedding for a while,” Ciara suggested.

“Mere’s not a cheater,” I shook my head.

“Well I mean she did help with Blake,” Cassie started but Blake glared at her.

“We’re not talking about that,” she snapped.

“Okay, okay,” she quickly stopped.

“Well something is definitely going on with her,” Jessi said and we all could agree with that. Cassie’s phone rung and we all gave her a look.

“Hey it’s not my niece,” she jumped up and went to answer it. A few minutes we heard yelling. “Just figure it out damn!” Cassie hung up and then came back into the living room.

“You good?” I eyed her.

“Um yeah it’s just Shad being stupid you know,” she looked like she was lying but I didn’t have the energy to figure it out. Everyone has been so confusing and complicated recently. I think we all could use a break.

Drake

“Do you have it?” I asked John as I walked into my office. I had no time for bullshit right now. I needed things done right or else you’re fired.

“Yes sir,” he handed me the papers and I looked through it.

“Alright I gotta go home. I have some work over there and it needs to be done now,” I got up and left. When I got home I heard a lot of voices so I knew that Nicki had her girls over. I walked into the living room and Nicki stared at me in shock.

“You’re home?” She scrunched up her eyebrows.

“Yeah I have stuff that I need to work on and it’s here,” I nodded.

“Of course,” she mumbled but I shrugged it off. I went upstairs and bumped into Mylan.

“My bad,” she backed up.

“It’s okay baby girl,” I told her. She nodded before going down the stairs with Alexis right behind her.  I don’t know why they’re acting so weird. I did some work and then finally Nicki walked into the room. “How was your day?” I asked her. She looked over at me and shrugged.

“It was like any other day,” she changed into one of my shirts before crawling in the bed.

“Okay what’s with the cold shoulder?” Is it just gang up on Drake day? It’s not like I’ve done anything wrong recently.

“Aubrey you’re never home,” she sighed.

“I have this project and you know how much time I have to put into it,” I reminded her. I’ve been telling her this for months and she told me that she understood.

“Yeah it’s like you’re married to the project more than you’re married to me,” she huffed. I didn’t know that she felt this lonely. I thought she was more annoyed than lonely.

“I didn’t know that you felt this way. Why didn’t you tell me?” I don’t know why she doesn’t tell me things like this. I can’t change anything if I don’t know what there is to change.

“When would I have time Aubrey? You’re never home long enough for me to tell you. You haven’t even touched me in months,” she started crying.

“Nic,” I pulled her to me and let her cry. Now I felt like a complete ass for not seeing this.

“I never want you to feel this way. I’m sorry that I made you feel like this,” I kissed her head.

“I just get lonely,” she whispered. She should never feel alone and I should’ve paid more attention to how she was feeling. I thought she was okay with this but I guess was wrong all of this time.

“How bout I make you feel less lonely?” I looked at her. She scrunched up her eyebrows but then I kissed her. She wrapped her arms around my neck bringing me closer.

Blake

“So I have a question,” I told Jessi, Paris, and Ciara. We all chipped in and bought a house together. It’s nice to have them down the hall but also to have enough space for me to do whatever the fuck I want. I still travel to Miami for modeling but I live in New York now.

“Shoot twin,” Paris smiled.

“What do you guys think of Sage?” I just wanted their opinion on her. They all went quiet and I scrunched up my face. “What don’t you like about her?”

“She’s a bad influence on you sis,” Ciara said. I looked at her like she was crazy. A bad influence on me? What are we back in high school? I am my own person and I make my own decisions.

“How?” I was still the same person last time I checked.

“You go out to clubs practically every night,” Paris said.

“I like to have fun.”

“You get drunk,” Ciara added.

“I like to relax so what?”

“And you smoke,” Jessi spoke up.

 “It’s not like I’m smoking cigarettes,” I rolled my eyes.

“Do you even hear yourself?” Ciara hissed. I can hear myself perfectly fine. I don’t know what’s up with them these days. I’ve been friends with Sage for years and they never said anything before.

“Dude y’all aren’t even dating and she’s changing you like this. You never changed when you were with Mere or,” I cut Jessi off before she could even finish that sentence.

“Don’t you dare finish that sentence,” I narrowed my eyes at her.

“See, you’ve changed,” Ciara pointed out.

“I have not changed. You guys are acting like I’ve gone completely insane. I’ve grown up and I make my own fucking decisions. This is who I am now and if you don’t like it then it sucks for you because I’m not changing for nobody,” I snapped.

“Blakelynn you wanted our opinion on her and we gave you it. Sorry that we don’t like her but it’s not like we’re gonna ground you and refuse to let you hang out with her. You’re a grown ass woman and we can’t tell you shit. I can tell you that you’re only gonna get worse from here but I’d rather sit back and watch,” Jessi shrugged.

“You all think I’m just gonna get worse?” I looked around at them.

“I think you’re out of control nowadays. I’m sorry twin but I have to keep it real with you. Just think about what you’re doing before you do it,” Paris admitted.

“I just think you’re doing this to get your mind off,” Ciara started but I stopped her.

“I’m out of here. I’ll see y’all when I see y’all,” I left and went to call Sage. I need a distraction. Sage’s car pulled up in front and I hopped in.

“Ready rocker girl?” She smirked. I turned and shot her a teasing look. “Alright I called up some of the guys. They got shit lit for us,” she pulled off.

Cassie

I went to Shad’s house to pick up the kids. I’ve called him a million times but it kept going to voicemail. Is it too much to ask for him to keep his phone on when he has our kids? I went to knock on the door but heard movement from the backyard. “I’m gonna get you,” Shad ran behind Brayden who had a football in his hands.

“No!” he moved his little feet faster.

“Touchdown!” Alexis jumped up when Brayden ran past the line.

“I beat you Daddy!” Brayden beamed proudly.

“Yes you did,” he chuckled.

“And I was an amazing cheerleader,” Alexis stood with one hand on her hip.

“The best I’ve ever seen,” he chuckled.

“I know,” she flipped her hair before giggling. The scene was cute and I would hate to interrupt them but I needed to go. I cleared my throat and they all turned to look at me.

“Mommy!” Brayden rushed in my arms.

“Hey baby,” I picked him up.

“I’m sorry Cass I didn’t even notice the time,” Shad apologized.

“It’s fine,” I brushed it off.

“Mommy I’m gonna be a cheerleader when I get older. Daddy said I was the best!” Alexis exclaimed.

“That’s because you are baby,” I rubbed her hair.

“I’ll help you with their stuff,” Shad grabbed their bags and walked us to the car. “So I’ll see you on Saturday right?” He checked with me.

“Yeah,” I nodded before starting the car up and pulling off. I finally made it home and I turned around. The kids were fast asleep and I chuckled. Shad surely wore them out thankfully.



Mere

“Stay still,” I hissed at Ryan while Nessa held her camera. He kept wobbling in the skates and I tried to hold in my laugh for the picture.

“I barely know how to stand in these,” he finally gained some balance and struck a pose.

“Got it!” Nessa said as Ryan sighed in relief.

“I’m taking these off and I’m getting some food,” he shook his head in frustration. He just couldn’t get the hang of it.

“I’m hungry!” Nadia smiled.

“Let’s go to the concession stand,” he grabbed her hand.

“You need my help Ry?” She chuckled and held onto his hand as they skated away. She was a far much better skater than him and she’s only ten.

“I’m going another lap,” Nessa took off and zoomed through people who were too slow for her liking.

“Come on Munchkin,” I looped my arm through hers and we skated. “I wanna dye my hair,” I said randomly. I’ve been contemplating on that for a while now and I think I just want to go ahead and get it over with.

“I can do it,” she offered. Now that’s where the line is drawn. I barely trust professionals to dye my hair. I’m a little paranoid when it comes to things like that.

“Yeah no thanks,” I quickly shut that idea down.

“You know I can dye hair. I’ve dyed my hair millions of times,” she pointed out.

“Not happening,” I stood my ground.

“Oh come on Cheeks,” she pleaded.

“That stupid nickname,” I groaned with a slight smile on my face.

“So I can take that as a yes?” She smirked while giving me a knowing look. She knew I would cave at the nickname.

“I’ll let you do it but you have to promise to not fuck up my hair. I might love you but I’m not afraid to kill you,” I gave her a look.

“I promise,” she chuckled. “So what lie did you tell the girls this time?”

“I always say that Nadia is sick,” I shrugged.

“More like she’s sick of Ryan,” she pointed and I looked behind me. Nadia let go of Ryan’s hand and he fell. I couldn’t help but laugh as he threatened to kill her.

“That’s only if you can get up,” she teased.

Nicki

“Are you gonna go back to work in a couple of hours?” I asked him as we laid in our bed.

“I can go in late. I wanna stay in bed with you for a little while,” he pulled me closer.

“I don’t have a problem with you working. I have a problem when work becomes more important than your family. You missed My’s seventeenth birthday. She might not have shown it but she was heartbroken all those months ago. You can’t miss stuff like that,” I told him.

“I felt like only the important birthdays mattered. You know, sixteen, eighteen, and twenty one,” he shrugged.

“Well all birthdays matter and she would appreciate it if you came to her showcase. She really wants you there,” I looked at him.

“I’ll see what I can do. I promise that I’ll try to switch around my schedule to fit that in,” he promised.

“Alright,” I sighed. He always says he’ll try but then something more important comes up. I get that he’s putting his all into this company but he should do the same with his family and marriage.



Mylan

“Alright class we have a new essay to write. I have a bowl and it contains members of a family. If you pull one that you don’t have then you can get another one. Kayla,” she pointed to Kayla and she went up to pick a name.

“Mom,” she nodded and went back to her seat.

“Dayna,” she pointed.

“I have my sister. Yes! She's such a badass,” she chuckled. My teacher just laughed. She lets us express ourselves in any way we want.

“Mylan,” I stood up and grabbed one praying that I wouldn’t get a certain name. I opened it and sighed.

“Dad,” I walked back to my seat. How am I gonna write an essay about Dad when he’s never home?

“Are we allowed to use any type of language?” A girl questioned.

“This essay can be anything about your family member. Be creative and express your feelings in any way you want. This is Creative Writing for a reason,” she encouraged.

“Express my feelings huh? I can do that perfectly,” I smirked to myself.

Chapter 76: All I’ve Ever Known

The Final Part: Shatter Me

3 Years Later

Blake

“And what are you gonna do about it rocker girl?” She smirked as she caged me in. I locked my eyes with her and a teasing smile made its way onto my face. She knew exactly what she was doing and I loved it.

“I’d rather surrender,” I whispered and bit my lip slightly. She was looking sexy as hell today and I knew that I was gonna have a hard time focusing on set.

“Good answer. Very good answer,” she moved in and kissed me. I kissed her back as she gripped my waist.

“You always make us late,” I mumbled against her lips.

“And you never complain,” she continued to assault me with her lips. I heard a knock at the door and we pulled apart.

“Blake! We need you on set. We can begin as soon as we find Sage.” I held in my laugh and eyed her in front of me. It’s always like this when we have a shoot together.

“She’s in here,” I giggled. Sage closed her eyes and tried to hold in her laugh but she was having a hard time.

“Oh okay well we need both of you on set.” I heard him walk away. He sounded so nervous and awkward. I always found it amusing when they act like that.

“You do that just to make them feel awkward,” Sage playfully hit me.

“Hey when you have two badass lesbians on set you have to get used to it,” I grinned.

“You should come over after the shoot,” she eyed me.

“I was thinking the exact same thing,” I kissed her one more time before pulling her hand and led us out of my dressing room.  

 

Nicki

I heard my alarm go off and sat up in my bed. I looked around the room but didn’t see Aubrey. He was at work as usual. I got up and did my morning routine before walking down the hallway. I stopped for a second and admired the family pictures that were hung up. We looked so happy back then when things were so simple. I went into My’s room and she wasn’t there. I checked Levi’s but he wasn’t there either. I walked downstairs and was hit by the smell of food. I walked into the kitchen and saw Mylan flipping a pancake with Levi on the counter. “And then you flip it like this,” she explained.

“I wanna try!” He begged. She grabbed his hand and helped him flip it. She put the last one on the plate before turning the stove off.

“You’re cooking breakfast?” I asked and she turned around a little shocked.

“Hi Mommy!” Levi waved to me.

“Hi baby,” I went over and kissed him.

“I went into your room and you looked exhausted so I thought I could help give you a break today,” she shrugged.

“Thank you,” I hugged her before we all sat down and ate. “So you’re showcase is coming up in a couple of months at your school,” I looked at Mylan.

“Yeah and I’m still deciding on what to sing. I have a couple of ideas but none of them live up to my expectations. I’ll figure it out,” she shrugged.

“Don’t stress yourself out over this,” I gave her a knowing look. She tends to do that about a lot of situations.

“I know but I’m just trying to get noticed by Juilliard,” she smiled slightly.

“They would be stupid not to notice you.”

“Is Dad gonna be there?” She questioned and I didn’t know the answer.

“I’m not sure. You know that he has to work. If he could be there then he would,” I reminded her.

“It’s fine,” she smiled small before eating. Aubrey is always working these days but he’s working on a new project for his company. He has been working on this for the past year and they have a few more months to go before they will be done. I thought Mylan would end up resenting him for not being here but she’s taking things very well. She’s very mature for her age and I’m proud of her.

“Alright I have to get to work so come on Levi. I’ll see you later My,” I kissed her head before grabbing Levi and leaving. I walked into the studio once I got there and saw Mere setting up with Paris and Ciara.

“Look who decided to show up,” Mere smirked.

“Auntie Mere!” Levi jumped out of my arms and hugged her.

“He forgets about everyone else when he sees her,” Paris rolled her eyes playfully.

“Sorry that I’m his favorite,” Mere stuck out her tongue.

“I love you,” he mumbled. I found it quite adorable how he clung to Mere. The other girls didn’t take it well though.

“I love you too Levi,” she kissed him before he went to hug the rest of them. We all work at a part of Aubrey’s company. We are the choreographers and a lot of famous people come here for their music videos or tours.

“So we have to prepare for Nelly next week. He wants girls who can dance and make him look good. We have girls coming in tomorrow to audition so let’s finish this routine,” Ciara said. I dance somewhat but I don’t try to do the moves I did in high school. My knee can’t handle that. This is honestly my only escape from what’s happening in my life.

Cassie

“How long is it gonna take? I don’t have all the time in the world right now,” I spoke over the phone. I eyed the clock and saw that I was already running late.

“A few months Casandra. I’ll try to speed it up as much as I can but I can’t make any promises,” he explained to me.

“Alright, thank you,” I said before hanging up. “Come on Alexis and Brayden, I have to get you to your dad’s house before I do this photo shoot,” I sighed. Brayden came into the living room but of course Alexis was late. She finally walked to me and I rushed them into the car.

“Can I go to Auntie Nicki’s house tomorrow to see My?” Alexis begged.

“I wanna see Levi!” Brayden pleaded with her.

“Sure I’m going over there tomorrow anyway,” I pulled up to Shad’s house and got the kids out. I knocked on his door and he opened it. He let his eyes roam over my body until I snapped my fingers to get him to stop. “My eyes are up here,” I reminded him.

“I’d rather look somewhere else,” he smirked slightly.

“Daddy!” Brayden jumped into his arms.

“Wassup lil man,” he kissed him and then kissed Alexis. “You’re looking good Cass,” he checked me out one more time.

“I know I am. I’ll be back tomorrow at twelve to pick them up,” I told him before leaving. He never fails to hit on me every time I drop the kids off. I had to stop one last place before my photo shoot but I knew that wouldn't take too long. I pulled out of his driveway and headed in that direction.

Mylan

“So you’re just gonna go back out when it’s this late!?” I heard Mom yelled at Dad. I sat next to my door listening closely.

“I have a job to do and you have to understand that,” he snapped.

“You have a family to take care of too,” she shot back.

“You told me that you were okay with this. Can’t you just support me on my company?” He pleaded.

“I do support you Aubrey,” she sighed. I heard movement and then the front door closed. I got up and walked towards Mom’s room. I heard her cries and I knew that it was one of those nights again.

“My?” Levi came out of his room rubbing his eyes.

“Hey, what are you doing up?” I picked him up. It was two in the morning.

“Mommy and Daddy fighting,” he pouted.

“I know,” I wished that it would all end.

“Can I sleep with you?” He looked at me with his big brown eyes. I’ve learned that it was impossible to say no to him.

“Of course you can,” I brought him to my room.

“Ms. Maraj-Graham,” I heard my teacher say sternly. She quickly snapped me out of my flashback and I slowly pulled my head up to find her looking directly at me. “This is you fourth time falling asleep in my class. I’m sorry if my lectures bore you to death but I’d appreciate it if you actually paid attention,” she turned and walked to the front of the class.

“Damn,” I heard my best friend, Dayna, mumble.

“I know right,” I groaned while trying to wake up.

“You’re always falling asleep nowadays. What’s up My?” She looked concerned.

“My dad is always working so I help my mom out. Between that, my school work, and preparing for the showcase, I don’t have time for sleep.” I’m lucky if I get three hours of sleep.

“You need a break Mylan. It’s like all you do is work. You stopped hanging out with your friends and it’s senior year. Do you really wanna remember it like this?”

“I know but I can’t let my mom do all of this alone. My dad has just been so focused on this project for the last year. It’s been stressful and you’re right, it’s senior year. I have to do great at the showcase to be noticed by Juilliard. That’s been my dream school since I was a freshman,” I reminded her.

“I just hope you don’t overwork yourself,” she shot me a look.

“I won’t.”

Nicki

“And then we should add the pop motion,” Ciara demonstrated.

“That would go perfect with it,” I nodded in agreement. We were working until Mere’s phone rang.

“Hold on,” she hopped up and grabbed it. “Hey Munchkin…..Ryan? What are you doing with her phone? Put her on the phone….I do not have time for your games today….Hey…..Do you want me to come over? Are you sure? Alright I’ll call you later to check up on you guys. Tell Nessa that I’ll be over there some day this week. Love you too,” she hung up and we all looked at her.

“Who was that?” Paris asked.

“My niece, she’s sick so I wanted to make sure that she didn’t need anything,” she put her phone away.

“We might as well take a break. We’ve been practicing on this routine for hours. We almost have it done for tomorrow,” I told them.

“Perfect,” Paris sat down and grabbed her water bottle.

 “So how are you and Aubrey?” Mere questioned.

“He’s still working on that damn project. I never see him anymore and it’s annoying but I get that he has to work. I can’t really be mad at that,” I shrugged.

“You’re better than me. If I had a husband then I would’ve beaten his ass if he tried that with me,” Paris shook her head.

“And that’s exactly why you aren’t her,” Ciara added in. Ciara was one of Blake and Paris’ sisters. She moved to New York and we’ve taken her in as the baby of the group.

“I’ll be fine,” I sighed.

“Do you want me to talk to him?” Mere looked over at me.

“I don’t think it’s to that point yet. I hope it doesn’t get to that point but if it does then you’ll be the first person I call,” I assured her. I looked behind me at Levi. He was coloring but he got up and walked over to us. He moved and sat right in Mere’s lap with his coloring book.

“Is the sun yellow or orange?” She chuckled and helped him color the picture.

“Are you sure you’re okay with everything Drake has been doing?” Paris gave me a knowing look. I sighed and looked down at my nails.

“I get that he has this job and he wants to keep on expanding his project but he also has a family. He tends to put all of his attention on one thing at a time. I just get lonely you know?” I admitted.

“You have me Mommy,” Levi smiled at me.

“Yes I do.”

Drake

“Alright so we have to have this in by Monday and it can’t be late. If anyone messes up, you’re fired. I don’t care what your excuse is. You’re dismissed,” I told my team. They all left except for Shad.

“Damn man you acting like you did nine years ago before you started coaching the dance team,” he joked.

“I gotta get this expansion going before the end of the month,” I sat down and sighed. I don’t have any time to myself anymore. I come in early and leave out late.

“Do you even have time for your family?” He asked me. I don’t have time for anyone right now but they understand.

“I have to fully commit myself to this project. They understand that this is only temporary,” I said.

“You gotta be fully committed to your marriage also. You always say that it’s only temporary until you have a new project and another one. By the time you might be done Levi would’ve graduated high school,” he gave me a look but I ignored it.

“Don’t be over dramatic,” I brushed it off. My family understands so I don’t have anything to worry about.

“So are you excited about Mylan’s showcase? I know she’ll do a good job,” he said as I packed up my stuff.

“What showcase?” I scrunched up my eyebrows. Mylan hasn’t mentioned any showcase to me.

“You don’t know about the showcase? That’s all Alexis has been talking about since Mylan told her. I thought you knew,” he looked at me weird.

“Oh is that the little talent show she’s doing?” I went back to packing up.

“If you call performing in front of a huge crowd and a bunch of college scouts a talent show then sure let’s call it that,” he said sarcastically.

“College is far away,” I shrugged.

“Dude wake up. Mylan just started her senior year. College is right around the corner. Do you even know what school she’s aiming for?”

“Who keeps up with that? She’ll make a decision and then I’ll know,” I was sick of everyone making me out as the bad guy. I’m not required to know every little detail. I have more important stuff to worry about.

“You might wanna open your eyes because you ain’t seeing shit. I know more about Mylan than you at this moment. I’m not even her dad but I know more. Shouldn’t that make you feel some type of way?” He asked.

“Naw it doesn’t and I don’t have time for 21 questions today. I need to get home so I can get some rest. I gotta get up at six,” I reminded him.

“Wake up bro,” he shook his head and walked out. I got home around twelve and saw Nicki fast asleep. I changed out of my clothes and climbed into the bed. I have just six hours before I have to go back to work. This is tiring but it’ll be worth it.