Chapter 90: Crossed the Line

Nicki

I snuck back in the house hoping that Mylan wouldn’t be up. The last thing I needed was for her to start asking questions. I went into my room and the lights turned on. “Good morning Onika.” Nae sat on my bed with her arms crossed.

“Damn,” I mumbled.

“You got that right,” Jessi said walking out of my bathroom.

“What are you guys doing here?” I looked at them.

“Mylan called me because she was worried. She said it was three in the morning and you still weren’t home. She thought something happened to you,” Nae narrowed her eyes at me.

“You’re lipstick is smudge, you have hickeys, and your walk ain’t right,” Jessi pointed out. I groaned and knew what they were thinking.

“Can we not do this right now?” I pleaded. I didn’t need to be parented right now. I’m a grown woman and shouldn’t have to deal with this.

“You better have not slept with that man,” Nae cut her eyes at me. I ignored her and went to take my shoes off. They shouldn’t be all up in my business.

“You’re still fucking married Nic! Are you insane!?” Jessi looked at me as if I was crazy.

“I’m a grown ass woman,” I shook my head.

“A grown ass married woman. Why would you be out fucking a guy who isn’t your husband?” Nae looked at me with a mix of disgust and disbelief.

“He loves me,” I said softly. I didn’t expect him to say that last night but he did. I don’t know what happened but it just triggered me. It blocked me out from the rest of the world.

“Who is he?” They looked at me. I couldn’t tell them because I knew that I would be judged even more than I already am.

“If it’s Channing,” I stopped Jessi.

“Why is everyone threatening me if it’s Channing? Can I just live my life?” I snapped.

“If it’s Daven,” Nae started.

“If it’s Daven or Channing. Any more names you wanna call out?” I crossed my arms.

“I got a couple of names I’d like to call you but imma hold my tongue,” Nae shrugged.

“I’m living my life and I don’t need you two to be my parents. Let me do whatever the fuck I want to do.”

“Onika you,” Nae stopped talking and looked down at her phone. She groaned and stood up. “We’re definitely not done with this conversation,” she promised me before walking out the room.

“I’m questioning everything when it comes to you and some things with her. You’re hiding something and so is she. I know hers can’t be as bad as your but both of y’all know that everything is gonna come out,” Jessi eyed me.

“Whatever,” I rolled my eyes and went into my bathroom.

 

 

Mylan

“I’m too big for this thing Levi,” I told him but he shook his head.

“It’s fun see.” He hopped on the one next to me. Some of the things he talks me into. I don’t understand how he gets me to do certain things.

“Say cheese.” Dad pointed his camera at us.

“Oh come on,” I pleaded but he snapped the picture.

“I’m getting this framed,” he joked.

“Very funny.” I got up and we went to sit on the bench. Levi was too busy running around. “What will happen if you and Mom never get back together?” I questioned. I never wanted to think like that but after last night, I don’t think I have much of a choice. I can’t believe she would stay out all night with some guy. She could lie all she wants but I can see past all that bullshit.

“I don’t know My. Maybe I’ll move back to Canada to get out of New York,” he shrugged.

“So you’re just gonna leave us?” I turned and looked at him in shock.

“I would still visit and you’re gonna be in college,” he reminded me.

“Maybe I’ll go to college far away from here,” I mumbled.

“Don’t pick a college out of anger. You should go to Juilliard like you planned before all of this shit went down,” he encouraged me.

“You actually remember that? I thought you didn’t pay attention to what college I wanted to go to.” I looked at him a little surprised.

“I pay attention to a lot more things than you think,” he shrugged.

“Thanks for taking that box out of my room. I never got to thank you for that,” I smiled small.

“How’d you know it was me?”

“Mom would’ve thrown a fit if she saw it.” We chuckled together. “I just don’t want things to change.” I felt my eyes watering up.

“Come here.” He pulled me close.

“At first you were too busy for me now it seems like the roles flipped. Mom is acting differently and I’m scared. I can’t go through this again,” I sighed.

“It’s gonna be okay,” he promised me.

“If something happens can I live with you?” I’ve been thinking about this since last night.

“Why wouldn’t you want to live with your mom?”

“Like I said, she’s acting differently. I’m watching Levi more and she’s coming home at three or four in the morning.” I was worried all night about her. Dad looked down for a minute and I could tell that he was hurt.

“Let’s get something to eat.” He put on a fake smile.

“You don’t have to pretend with me. I know you’re hurt and I’m hurt too. Mom is stubborn and I wish she would just forgive you but she can’t if she’s distracted by some guy,” I shook my head.

“Things happen for a reason Mylan. Maybe we aren’t meant to be together.” My heart broke at that sentence.

“My! Daddy! Look!” Levi shouted before sliding down the slide.  

 

 

Drake

I dropped the kids back off by the house. I picked up Levi and walked to the door. I didn’t know if I should knock or use the key but Mylan shook her head at me and used her key. “We’re home!” She called out. Nicki walked out of the living room with Jessi behind her. “Jessi!” Mylan went to hug her. Levi rubbed his eyes and mumbled something.

“Here,” I handed him to Nicki. “I’ll call you later,” I told Mylan. She came and hugged me. “I love you baby girl.” I kissed the top of her head.

“I love you too Dad,” she said softly. I locked my eyes with Nicki and shook my head before leaving. A blind man could see her hickeys. The thought of her sleeping with someone else made me sick. I was the only man she ever slept with. We’re still married but she’s off doing god knows what. I can’t deal with this every day until she makes up her mind. I drove to Mere’s house and knocked on the door. She opened it and looked shocked to see me for a second.

“Hey Aubrey.” She hugged me and let me in.

“I fucked up.” I tried to contain my tears.

“What are you talking about?” She led me to the couch and we sat down.

“She’s sleeping with him. She had hickeys all over.” I closed my eyes and tried to get the image out of my head.

“Aubrey,” she sighed.

“She doesn’t want me. I don’t know what to do anymore. She’s done with me.” I felt tears coming down.

“It’s gonna be okay,” she moved and wiped my tears. I felt someone sit down on the other side of me. I looked over and Nae handed me a box of tissues.

“You’re gonna be fine,” she shot me a sad smile.

Cassie

I tried to leave after dropping off the kids but Shad grabbed my elbow. “You’ve been grabbing my elbow for years and I’m sick of it.” I turned and glared at him. He let go surprised by my outburst. I didn’t get enough sleep last night so I was beyond cranky.

“Why the hell are you so mad at me?” He looked desperate and I felt a little bad.

“I’m not mad at you Shad,” I looked down.

“Yes you are and I don’t want you to stay mad at me,” he sighed.

“I’m not lying when I say I’m mad. I’m just stressed out and I’m sorry for snapping at you,” I apologized.

“What’s going on with you Cass? You’re really starting to worry me.” He moved a little closer to me.

“I’m just exhausted and,” I felt myself getting choked up. “My dad found out he has ALS,” I finally said aloud. Shad made no hesitation wrapping me in his arms.

“It’s gonna be okay,” he rubbed my back. My parents weren’t the best parents in the world but at the end of the day, they’re still my parents.

“It just feels like everything is falling apart.”

“Come in,” he pulled away from me. I eyed him a little cautiously. “You need someone to talk to and I’m all ears,” he promised. I bit my lip contemplating before walking into his house.

Nicki

Paris invited all the girls over to watch Empire. I could use a good distraction after last night and today. Mylan is quiet around me and I know Aubrey knows something. It was Jessi, Paris, Ciara, Nae, Mere, Cassie, Blake, and me. Cassie looked happier than usual so that made me question some things but I kept my mouth shut. Blake somehow convinced Paris to let her invite Sage and that just made everyone annoyed. Nae kept looking at me weirdly as we waited for the show to come on. I was questioning what she was thinking. She shot up and grabbed my arm pulling me up. “We need to talk,” she said as she dragged me to the kitchen.

“What’s up with you?” I scrunched up my face. Why was she acting like this?

“You should really think about what you’re doing. Sleeping with someone while you’re still married is wrong and you know it,” she cut her eyes at me.

“Why is everyone all of a sudden on Aubrey’s side? I’ve put up with his shit for so long and I’m sick of it,” I crossed my arms.

“He came over to Mere’s house and he was crying Nic. You had that grown ass man in tears. He knows he fucked up and stringing him along is making it worse. If you want him then fight for it. If you don’t want him then let him go. What you’re doing right now isn’t just hurting him. It’s hurting Mylan too and I promise that this will only end badly if you keep this up,” she assured me.

“So what happened? While you were in Texas you flipped whose side you were on? I thought you were my best friend. I guess you switched to Aubrey’s side just like you switched to Mere’s side,” I snapped. There’s no denying that she switched to Mere’s side but I couldn’t believe she was switching to Aubrey’s.

“You don’t know why I did what I did and you don’t need to. I didn’t go there to switch sides but it seemed like you and Blake both changed. Y’all aren’t who you were before. I’m just learning to see both sides from situations. I went to Texas for my own reasons so don’t go thinking that I went off to switch whose side I was on,” she glared at me.

“Why did you go then?” I crossed my arms and waited. I don’t see why she won’t answer that question. She was “my” best friend after all.

“I honestly don’t need to answer that and I’m not going to. I’ll tell you why when I know who you are because I don’t know this girl standing in front of me. My best friend wouldn’t fuck with someone’s feelings. Maybe you and Blake have a lot more in common than you realize.” She turned and went to grab a water bottle. I rolled my eyes and walked back into the living room with everyone else.

Blake

Nicki stormed out of the kitchen and plopped down on the couch. I looked at her confused but she just stared at the TV. “Can you get me a water bottle?” Sage asked me.

“Sure.” I wanted one anyway. I got up and went to the kitchen. Nae stood there looking like she was trying to calm down. I cleared my throat and she looked up.

“Just when I thought it couldn’t get worse,” she mumbled.

“I don’t know what your problem is but I am so sick of you treating me like I did shit to you. I didn’t do anything to make you act like this,” I snapped.

“You didn’t do anything? There you go playing the perfect angel,” she chuckled.

“I’m not playing a perfect angel but you sure aren’t either. Just say what you really want to say instead of talking around shit,” I crossed my arms.

“You want me to say what I really want to say?” She raised a brow. I nodded and she was about to say something but then Mere walked in. She looked between us and made that damn weird face that she’s been making for far too long.

“I’ll come back,” she turned.

“Nah you should stay since you’re obviously involved in this too,” I stopped her.

“Blakelynn,” she pleaded but I just stood there and stared at them. Nae shared a look with Mere and she mumbled something to her. “Nae.” She gave her a warning look but Nae ignored it.

“How much did you think you would get away with?” She questioned.

“Get away with? What the hell are you talking about?”

“You are so lucky I made a promise because if I didn’t then I wouldn’t hesitate kicking your ass right now,” she huffed and walked out of the kitchen. Mere groaned as I eyed her.

“Blakelynn it’s,” she started but I cut her off.

“Complicated. You say that same shit every time. What’s really going on between you two?”

“It’s on!” Paris yelled. Mere sighed and walked into the living room. I followed but I was still stuck on everything. What the fuck did I do?

“Ha!” Cassie laughed as we watched Empire.

“I swear I love Cookie,” Jessi smiled.

“Jamal can get it any day he wants. He can definitely be my baby daddy,” Paris leaned back and stared.

“You are so thirsty. He’s gay on the show and in real life,” Ciara hit her.

“I’m just honest,” she held up her hands in defense. Suddenly the show was cut off and the screen went black.

“Shit,” Nae mumbled. I eyed her and saw her share another look with Mere.

“Is your TV broken?” Cassie turned to Paris.

“No,” she scrunched up her face. A video popped up and it was paused.

“Someone press play,” Ciara said. I had the remote so I grabbed it.

“You don’t wanna play that,” Nae spoke quickly. I looked at her weirdly because that was the first time she said something without glaring at me.

“What is it?” I asked cautiously.

“Blake I promise you that you really don’t wanna see that,” Mere sighed. I ignored their pleads and pressed play. Ryan’s face appeared on the screen and it looked like a party was going on in the background.

“Wassup I’m Ryan and we’re at Nae’s 27^th birthday party!” He smiled. He spun the camera around and showed a crowded venue.

“Happy birthday Nae!” A girl blew a kiss at the camera.

“Happy birthday Jazzy Nae!” A guy smiled.

“Happy birthday bad bitch!” A girl winked. We all looked a little closer at the girl and I scrunched up my brows.

“Is that Jaymie?” Nicki looked at Nae.

“Yeah that’s Jaymie. Clearly not in Germany,” she smirked at her and I saw Nicki tense up. A bunch of people said happy birthday and I was confused why it was on my TV. What else was there to see?

“Happy Birthday Auntie Nae! I love you and I baked you cookies!” Nadia smiled at the camera.

“Happy Birthday girl!” Nessa waved.

“Where is the birthday girl?” Ryan walked further into the place and saw a bunch of people crowded around an area. Ryan moved through them and pointed the camera on Nae. “Get it birthday girl!” He shouted.

“Is that Mere?” I heard Ciara question. Ryan moved the camera and we got a clear view of Nae and Mere dancing. I felt my jaw clench as I watched them grind all over each other.

“You really should turn it off,” I heard Mere plead one last time.

“You don’t want to see this,” Nae said. I continued to stare at the video. They were dancing for a little bit and then Nae turned around.

“Got a good view Ry?” She asked him.

“Perfect view!”

“It’s my fucking birthday!” Mere chuckled as Nae said more stuff to the camera. “You see Cheeks?” She pointed at Mere. Ryan turned the camera on her.

“Happy birthday Munchkin,” Mere smiled.

“It is now that you’re here. I fucking love this girl!” She shouted at the camera.

“Turn it off,” Nae snapped at me.

“Maybe you should listen to her Blake,” Paris eyed me but I refused to tear my eyes from the screen.

“Please turn it off Blakelynn,” Mere spoke up. I looked at the TV and even more people crowded around them. Nae smirked at the camera before she turned around and kissed Mere. I heard the girls gasp as I stared in shock. What really pissed me off is when I saw Mere pull her closer and kiss her back.

Chapter 89: I'll Keep Loving You

Mylan

“Ha,” I laughed and texted back. I could feel Dad staring at me but I continued texting.

“Can you get off your phone for five minutes?” He asked. I sighed and pressed send before putting my phone down.

“Happy?” I asked sarcastically.

“Extremely,” he flashed me a smiled. I rolled my eyes playfully. It’s nice talking to him again. “Who were you texting anyway?”

“No one,” I shook my head.

“Ryan,” Levi sung out. I glared at him but he just stuck out his tongue.

“Ryan?” Dad eyed me.

“He’s just a friend Dad. He moved back here and we’ve just been hanging out,” I shrugged.

“No boys My!” Levi pointed his finger at me.

“Sure thing little big brother,” I joked. He’s excessively overprotective when it came to boys. “So what’s going on between you and Mom?” I questioned. He shrugged before taking a sip of his drink.

“Ask your mother that. I can’t answer that when I don’t even know.”

“Do you think you’ll ever get back together?” I've always had a fear of them not getting back together but I just hoped it wouldn't happen.

“I don’t know Mylan. Everything is up to your mother. No matter what happens, I’ll always be here for you two.” He looked between me and Levi. Levi smiled with pizza sauce all over his mouth. I chuckled, grabbed a napkin, and wiped his face.

“Do you promise?” I held out my pinky. He let out a laugh and wrapped his around mine.

“Pinky promise.”

Blake

“I don’t get why she’s mad at me. I can’t stand her but she seems like she can’t stand me either. I did absolutely nothing to her,” I huffed. Paris moved and sat next to me.

“It’s probably beyond you. No one knows why she left or why she went to Mere. There’s probably more to why she’s mad at you,” she offered.

“She’s just being her same selfish self. I’m so done with her,” I shrugged.

“I wouldn’t necessarily say that. She went to Mere and we both know Mere isn’t selfish. She wouldn’t have helped Nae with something selfish you know? I think you did something that you think she doesn’t know about,” she gave me a knowing look.

“I did something? I didn’t do shit Paris,” I snapped.

“Did you forgive Mere?”

“I didn’t really have a choice. I had no right to be mad at her. She did what she thought was best so I give up trying to be mad.” I couldn’t stay mad at her knowing how she is. She puts everyone over herself so I knew it was probably to help Nae.

“You can’t be mad at Nae for going to Mere. You can be mad at her for how she left you. Now that was kind of fucked up. I’ll agree with you on that,” she nodded.

“It’s whatever. I’m supposed to meet up with Sage later,” I told her.

“Sage is such a bad influence on you Blakelynn. Are you just with her because she’s the total opposite of Nae?” She questioned.

“No I’m not with her because of that,” I rolled my eyes.

“I wonder how she feels about Mere and Nae,” she smirked.

“Trust me she has nothing to worry about.”

Mere

“Shut up!” I giggled as I hit Nae.

“I’m just saying.” She raised her hands in defense. The doorbell rung and I scrunched up my eyebrows.

“I’ll answer it,” I told her.

“And I’ll go get me some ice cream,” she grinned and walked to the kitchen. I got up to answer the door and scrunched up my face when I saw Sage standing there.

“Can I help you? Better question is how the hell do you know where I live?” I looked at the girl.

“I know people,” she shrugged.                                 

“What the fuck do you want? I already don’t like your ass so you might wanna leave while you’re still breathing,” I narrowed my eyes at her. We’ve had our share of bad encounters with each other. Let’s just say I’d love to beat her ass but I’ve been listening to Mr. Bonilla. After me and Nae went at it years ago, I’ve tried to contain my anger a little better.

“It’s about Blake.”

“What? Are you here to tell Nae to stay far away from her?” I smirked. She would be that childish to come all the way over here to tell her that.

“I’m not worried about her at all. She doesn’t faze me. I’m here to tell you to stay away from her,” she crossed her arms.

“And I should do that why?” I raised a brow. I should stay away from her? What is she even talking about?

“Don’t you have a fiancé you should be worrying about? Do everyone a favor and focus on him.”

“And if I don’t?” I straightened up.

“Then I’ll make sure she hates you and Nae even more than she already does. I found the video from Texas. You should watch were your cousin post things,” she smirked. Video from Texas? I mentally cursed at Ryan in my head.

“Is that a threat?” I locked eyes with her.

“It’s a promise,” she glared at me.

“I’ve been waiting for you to give me a reason to kick your ass.” I felt my hands forming into fist. I’ve wanted to kick her ass for years now.

“Kick my ass or not she’s gonna see it,” she shrugged as if it was nothing.

“If it’s a lose-lose then I’ll gladly kick your ass.”

“You couldn’t handle a fight with me. I’m from Colorado,” she gave me a look. I tried to hold it in but I couldn’t. I busted out laughing.

“Little girl I’m from Brooklyn. I’ve beaten up a lot of girls like you and I don’t think you want to be added to the list,” I warned her.

“I dare you,” she grinned. I was about to hurt her but I felt someone hold me back.

“What the hell?” I turned and saw Nae holding me back.

“The bitch isn’t worth it,” she told me.

“Oh really Jaznae? I’m not worth it?” She chuckled. I shared a look with Nae and we both were thinking the same thing; this girl was just asking us to beat her up.

“I’ll kick your ass if you tempt me.” Nae stopped holding me back.

“Don’t do that. I know what she’s doing. If you hurt her then she’ll spin it around and make you look like the bad guy to Blake,” I finally figured it out.

“Wow you’re actually smart.”

“I don’t give a fuck what Blake thinks. You might be stopping Mere from hurting you but you don’t know me and I don’t think you want to. I haven’t fought a bitch in a while,” Nae cut her eyes at her.

“Do me a favor and get the fuck off my porch.” I pushed Nae back inside and slammed the door.

“How does that bitch know about the video?” Nae scrunched up her face.

“Ryan put that shit all over the internet so I’m not surprise that she found it,” I huffed. I thought that video was left in Texas but apparently not.

“She already hates me so it won’t make a difference,” she shrugged. “Oh.” She slowly looked at me and noticed my face.

“We just became cool again and now this is just gonna make her go back to how she was before.”

“The video isn’t that big of a deal if you really think about it.”

“I don’t want things to be taken the wrong way and start drama. She’s quick to assume things and we both know it.” I ran my fingers through my hair in frustration. Now she’s gonna think I lied to her once again.

“Just chill Mere, everything will be fine,” she assured me.

“So are you gonna stay?” I questioned.

“You still want me to stay here instead of going back to Texas?” She eyed me.

“It would be nice,” I pouted.

“Oh stop pouting. I’ll stay,” she agreed.

“Seriously!?” I perked up. She nodded and I wrapped my arms around her.

“I couldn’t say no to you Cheeks.” She laughed when she saw my face.

“I’m gonna come up with a worse nickname for you.” I was determined. She’s been calling me that for far too long.

“Good luck,” she smirked before going into the kitchen.

Cassie

“I’ll drop them off on Sunday,” I hurried to say. I just wanted to get out of here. Shad somehow tries everything in his power to make me stay longer than necessary.

“Ever since I’ve apologized to you, you’ve been acting different. I thought apologies were supposed to fix things,” he mumbled the last part.

“I don’t want apologies about stuff in the past. I don’t want to remember the past.” I hated remembering the past. The past haunted me way too much when I’m trying to go to sleep these days.

“Is it because of me?” He looked at me. He always has to turn it around and make it seem like everything is about him.

 “No Shad not everything is about you,” I snapped.

“Why are you so mad at me?” He scrunched up his face.

“I gotta go,” I sighed but he stopped me.

“It seemed like you just randomly started getting mad at me. I thought we were cool,” he eyed me.

“Shad just let me go.” I meant that in more ways than one and I think he caught on.

“I ain’t ever gonna do that but I’ll let you leave,” he shrugged. I turned and walked back to my car. I eyed Alexis and Brayden in the back but they were knocked out. I don’t get how he can still be this determined after nine fucking years.

Nicki

I parked in Aubrey’s driveway and got out. I knocked on the door and Mylan answered. “Oh hey Mom. Come in, we were just finishing getting our things together,” she let me in. I walked in and saw Drake helping Levi pack his backpack.

“Hi Mommy!” He ran into my arms.

“Hey baby.” I kissed him and then let him down.

“I need to pee!”

“Come on.” Mylan picked him up and they went to the bathroom. Aubrey and I stood in an awkward silence.

“Hi.” He stuffed his hands in his pocket.                                                         

“Hi Aubrey,” I looked at him. He seemed nervous around me and I scrunched up my brows. Even when we fight he’s usually not nervous around me so I don’t know why he’s acting like this now. “I see Mylan forgave you.”

“Oh that, yeah she did. She caught me talking to my mom and finally understood everything,” he nodded.

“What else is there to understand?” He simply put his work before his family so I don’t know why he would try to make up an excuse for it. It didn’t matter as long as Mylan forgave him.

“I tried to explain it to you but you didn’t wanna listen,” he reminded me. My phone went off and I eyed the text.

“Kids hurry up!” I called out.

“That’s him huh?”

“Aubrey don’t start this,” I sighed. I didn’t want him thinking about him. That’s too much stress on top of everything else. Those two need to stay as far away from each other as possible.

“Why are you stringing me along? If you have no hope for us then just tell me. I can’t take this feeling right now. I can’t take the feeling of you being with someone else when I feel like we’re still together,” he blurted out.

“It’s not like I’m sleeping with him. I haven’t even kissed him Aubrey. We’re just friends. I don’t know what the future has for us. Maybe we’ll be together and still be a family or maybe we won’t. I truly can’t tell,” I shrugged. Everything is just a big blur to me right now.

“I gotta um, I need to do something upstairs.” He quickly walked away from me. I bit my lip and debated before grabbing his arm to stop him.

“There’s still something worth fighting for,” I told him.

“Are we gonna fight for it?”

“I need time to see but I promise you that I’m not stringing you along,” I assured him. I saw a little hope in his eyes and I didn’t realize how much I’ve missed just staring into his eyes.

~~~

“Mylan can you watch your brother for a few hours?” I asked her as I walked into her room.

“Sure,” she smiled. I got in my car and drove to his house. We needed to talk. I pulled up and walked in with my key. I knew he was probably upstairs sleeping so I climbed the stairs. I walked and he was surprisingly awake just watching TV.

“What are you doing up so late?” I eyed him.

“Waiting for you,” he smirked.

“We need to talk,” I sighed. I hated saying that to people.

“It’s about him huh?” He grabbed my hand and pulled me down on his lap.

“Yeah stuff with him is really complicated. He makes me certain that I want to leave him one day and then the next I don’t wanna leave him. He’s just confusing me more and more every day,” I confessed.

“Do you want to be with him? You can tell me now and we can stop anything from happening between us,” he gave me the option.

“That’s just it. I don’t want to end whatever this is. You make me feel like there’s no one else around. I like that feeling and I really like you. I hate not making a choice and I don’t know how to explain it but I love him and I’ll always love him,” I admitted.

“And you know that I love you,” he rubbed my cheek. My voice got caught in my throat but he just shook his head. “Say it when you mean it,” he whispered. Before I could respond I felt his lips on mine. I kissed him back and missed the feeling of his lips on mine. It’s been years. He got up and laid me on the bed before climbing on top of me. We stared at each other having a silent conversation. I pushed doubts to the back of my head and pulled him down and connected our lips again.

Mylan

I walked into Levi’s room and watched him for a minute. He tossed and turned in his sleep. It looked like he was having a nightmare. I knew he had them often but I never knew how to help him. He sat up with tears running down his cheeks. “My?” He called out.

“Come here.” I walked over to him and picked him up.

“Monsters,” he mumbled.

“I know.” I brought him into my room and laid him in my bed. He rested his head in my lap as I ran my fingers through his hair.

“Where is Mommy?”

“I don’t know,” I sighed and grabbed my phone. “Auntie Nae?” I questioned when she picked up.

“What’s wrong Mylan? It’s three in the morning,” she pointed out. I eyed the clock and didn’t even know it was that late.

“Did I wake you?” I didn’t want to wake her and disturb her from her sleep but I was worried about Mom.

“I was up talking to Ryan and Nessa anyway so no you didn’t wake me,” she denied. I felt my cheeks heat up when she said Ryan’s name but I pushed that to the back of my mind. Now is not the time to be wrapped up in my feelings.

“Mom still isn’t back from wherever she went and I’m worried. She never stayed out this late and it’s just me and Levi here,” I told her.

“She’s not home? What time did she leave?” I heard movement in the background.

“Around seven.”

“Give me a few minutes. I’m gonna pick up Jessi and we’ll come over and wait for Nicki,” she promised.

“Thank you,” I smiled.

“Don’t worry about it. I’ll love to have a chat with Nicki in the morning,” she said. I felt like Mom was about to get an earful in the morning.

Drake

“Open,” Mere said. I opened my mouth and she threw popcorn at me. It hit my nose and she pouted.

“Give up already,” Shad chuckled.

“Open,” she told him. He opened his mouth and she threw it. He finally caught one and she smiled.

“Yes!”

“You’re so lame sometimes,” I joked and she kicked me.

“Shut up.”

“Thanks for coming over,” I thanked them.

“My house was empty and it feels off without my kids. I wish I could have them over every day. I wish I could have Cassie too,” he sighed.

“I’m in the same boat you’re in,” I nodded.

“What about you Mere? How are you and Antonio?” Shad asked.

“Um we’re fine.” She made a weird face.

“What’s with the face Mere? You’ve been making that face for the last year,” I called her out. She sighed and looked down at her hands.

“Everything is just complicated right now. I might look well and put together but I’m fucked up in my mind. I can’t even think straight from all the shit that’s been happening,” she admitted.

“Does it have to do with Blake, Nae, or Antonio?”

“A little bit of all of them,” she shrugged.

“Whenever you need me you know I’m here for you, both of you. We’re family right?”

“Forever,” Mere smiled.

“Can y’all tell me the truth on something?”

“Of course Aubrey.”

“Do you guys think Nicki is really done with me? She’s says she’s not stringing me along but I know better. I think she doesn’t know what she wants and she’s gonna just keep doing whatever it is she’s doing until she is done,” I looked at them.

“I don’t know why you’re just sitting here letting her do whatever she wants. I love Nicki like a sister but we all know that this is fucked up. Even Nae has said that and Nicki is her best friend,” Mere pointed out.

“Do you even know who the dude is?” Shad asked.

“Nah I don’t and part of me doesn’t want to. I don’t want to have to accept the fact that she’s feeling someone else. We’re married and have two children to worry about. I’m gonna be there for them but I don’t want the roles to flip. She has to be there with me. They need both of us but right now I’m pretty sure they only have one.”

“This last year has been pure hell,” Mere mumbled.

“I can agree with that,” Shad said.

“What did y’all do?”

“You’re not the only one who fucked up Aubrey,” Mere shook her head.

“We’re as screwed up as you are. I think that’s why we stick together,” Shad chuckled.

“I just hope things get better for all of us. I can’t lose my wife. I know I fucked up but I just can’t accept that. I can’t see myself without her and that’s part of the reason why I’m still trying even though she’s with someone else. Is that stupid?”

“If she’s who you truly want then no it’s not stupid. I just don’t want to see you get hurt,” she grabbed my hand.

“It’s funny how the roles have changed. It’s like it’s an entirely new game and it’s her move. I can’t fight for her if she’s not willing to be fought for.”

“Time will only tell.”