Chapter 79: Broken As Me

Nicki

I woke up and noticed that Aubrey wasn’t beside me. Here we go again with the job thing. I went to Levi’s room and saw him sitting up holding a basketball. “Hey baby,” I went and sat next to him.

“Hi Mommy,” he sighed. He never responds to me like that. Levi is usually energetic and hard to keep up with but today he just seems down.

“What’s wrong?” I questioned.

“Daddy broke his promise,” he had tears falling down his face. Seeing my kids cry was bad enough but to know that we all notice Aubrey’s absences and are hurting from it makes it so much worse.

“Baby,” I pulled him into my arms.

“He don’t love me.”

“Of course he does Levi. He’s committed to his job right now but that doesn’t mean that he doesn’t love you,” I assured him. Sure Aubrey can be stupid and make dumb decisions but I know that for sure. He loves all of us even though he got some fucked up ways of showing it.

“Okay,” he shrugged but he still seemed down.

“Go brush your teeth and we can go to the studio. You’ll see Auntie Mere,” I reminded him. He let out a wide smile. I knew that would make him smile.

 “Okay!” He rushed to the bathroom. I chuckled at him. I love that he’s so close to Mere. He calls her his best friend. She’s his godmother after all. I went to My’s room and tried to open her door but it was locked.

“Mylan!” I knocked on the door. A few seconds later she opened the door. “Why was your door locked?” I questioned because we don’t do locked doors in this house.

“I was changing and I didn’t want anyone just walking in,” she explained. I nodded while I eyed her. She looked like she never went to bed.

“How much sleep did you get?” I saw bags under her eyes and then noticed that her eyes were red.

“I don’t know,” she shrugged.

“Have you been crying?”

“No,” she lied. Since when did she start lying to me?

“Mylan you know that you can tell me anything,” I looked at her and she stared at me for a moment. Then suddenly she broke down in my arms.

“I hate him,” she cried. I rubbed her back as she cried.

“Who is him?” I had an idea who she was talking about but I didn’t think she had that harsh of feelings to him.

“I hate Drake. I hate him,” she kept repeating as her tears fell more rapidly. I was a little shocked when she called him Drake but I can tell that she’s in a very emotional place right now. I knew that she needed time to calm down and actually get some sleep.

“Go lay back down and I’ll tell the school that you’re sick. We can talk when I get back okay?” I rubbed her hair.

“Okay Mom,” she nodded and went to crawl back in her bed. I needed to talk to Aubrey about this too. I grabbed Levi and drove to the studio. We walked in and I noticed that he had a basketball with him. When did he bring that? I think I was so focused on everything going on with My that I didn’t even notice.

“Auntie Mere!” He rushed over to her.

“Hey my little trouble maker,” she joked and he giggled.

“Play?” He held out the ball. She looked at the clock and saw that we still had twenty minutes before we had to start.

“Of course,” she grabbed the ball and brought him outside.

“I swear something is different about her,” Ciara spoke.

“She’s been traveling back and forth from Texas,” I reminded them.

“Yeah,” Paris nodded slowly but still looked suspicious of Mere’s behavior.

“Mylan is really worrying me,” I told them.

“How so?”

“She’s shutting down and I’ve seen this exact behavior nine years ago,” I sighed.

“Nae,” Paris slipped her name out.

“That’s the forbidden name,” Ciara gasped before laughing.

“Blake is so extreme,” Paris shook her head.

“I know right,” I chuckled.

“So you’re saying that she’s acting like Nae did nine years ago?” Paris raised a brow.

“Somewhat, it just feels all too familiar,” I didn’t want this to be true but she’s showing all of the signs.

“I hope not because Blake already told me everything that went down back then. Now she won’t even mention her name,” Paris said.

“And she’ll snap at anyone who comes close to mentioning it. I would be like Blake remember back when you dated,” Ciara stopped midsentence.

“Don’t you dare finish that sentence,” Paris mocked Blake and we all fell out laughing. “I hope My doesn’t have to go through what Nae did. I say just keep a close eye on her. You never know what she might do,” Paris shook her head.

“I know,” I nodded. If Aubrey isn’t gonna pay attention to her then I have to pay twice as much as attention to her. They finished setting up and I went outside when I heard a loud laugh. I looked and saw Mere and Levi playing over by the basketball hoop. Mere picked him up and he shot the ball.

“I made it!” He beamed proudly.

“Yes you did,” she chuckled and put him down. They walked towards me and Levi had the biggest smile on his face.

“Did you see me Mommy!?” He exclaimed.

“Yes I did baby. You did so well,” I kissed him and then looked at Mere. “You know, you’d make a good mom,” I told her. She shot me a look and I just shook my head with a laugh.

“Everyone knows that I don’t want kids,” she always says that but she has what it takes to be a mom.

“I’m just saying if you ever wanna reconsider your decision that you would make a great mother,” I held my hands up in surrender. We walked back in and helped them finish setting up.

“Hey I have to fly out to Texas right after practice,” Mere informed us.

“What now?” Paris questioned. We all knew she was about to say her niece was sick and wanted her with her. She’s been saying that for months now.

“I just wanna be close to my family for a minute. My niece wanted me to be there so I want to be there for her and I don’t mind messing with Ryan while I’m there,” she chuckled.

“Alright,” I still couldn’t figure her out yet. I love Mere and completely trust her but a blind man can see that she’s hiding something. The truth always comes out eventually so one can only wait.

Blake

“I don’t know why you let them tell you who you are and who you aren’t. You’re grown and they ain’t your parents. If you wanna smoke then smoke; it’s none of their business,” Sage shrugged.

“I know and I just wish that they would stop trying to take over my life. I’m just living my life and I’m living in the moment. What’s so wrong about that?” I was so annoyed by those three.

“Is it like a past experience with an ex that’s making them like this?” She questioned. I went quiet and debated if I should tell her the truth or not. I really don’t wanna get into that story so I don’t think it’s that important.

“Nah I’ve never had a serious relationship. I’ve had some that lasted for a minute but none that I was serious about,” I lied straight through my teeth. I’ve only had two relationships and they were extremely serious.

“Same; relationships are too much for me. I like just hanging and I don’t see why people look down on that. Why put labels on things when you have a good thing going you know?”

“I know exactly how you feel. Labels fuck everything up. You got a chill vibe and I just like fucking with you,” I pointed out.

“I like fucking with you too,” she smirked.

“Don’t get me started,” I chuckled.

Drake

I walked into house and it was quiet. Usually Levi would be making some type of noise but he wasn’t. I went up to my bedroom and saw Nicki sitting there with her head in her hands. “Nic?” I looked at her and when she finally looked up she had tears falling down her face. “What’s wrong?”

“I just need you to stay away from Mylan for a while,” she said slowly. Why would I stay away from my own daughter?

“Why would I do that?” That doesn’t make sense unless she was sick or something.

“Drake you just need to do it,” she shook her head.

“Since when have I become Drake?” Was she mad at me or something? I haven’t done anything wrong these last couple of days.

“You’re trying to change but sometimes it’s a little too late. Mylan resents you and she broke down in my arms today. The only thing she was saying is I hate him,” she looked at me.

“She hates who?” I know damn well that it wasn’t me because I didn’t do anything.

“She hates you Drake and she really is hurting. You being around her will only make it worse. I’m worried about her and I’m thinking about taking her to a therapist,” she said softly.

“I think she’s just overreacting and needs some sense talked into her,” I headed for the door but Nicki stood in front of me.

“You’re only gonna make it worse. I’m looking at My but all I can see is Nae right now. I’m not going through this shit again with my own daughter. She’s showing all the signs and I’m trying to stop it before it gets too far,” she looked scared.

“You really need to stop babying that child,” I walked past her and opened Mylan’s door. “Mylan get your ass out here!” I saw her bathroom light on but the door was locked. I grabbed the key from the top of the doorframe and opened it but she wasn’t in there.

“Where is she?” Nicki looked around the room.

“Wherever she is when she gets back she’s getting in trouble,” I grew pissed.

Mere

“Hell no!” Ryan moved far away from me. I chuckled and stroked the baby jaguar. The last time I held one of these is when I was eight. Ryan tried to leave but Nessa blocked the door. He flipped out when Nadia begged us to come here to see the baby jaguar. So of course I agreed just to make Ryan scared. It’s hilarious but it’s not like the animal is gonna hurt him, he’s harmless.

“He’s cute!” Nadia rushed by me to pet him.

“See Ry, Nadia is braver than you. She’s ten and you’re seventeen,” I shook my head at him. I swear he’s scared of any and everything.

“She’s not moving either,” he pointed to her. She looked at me with her eyes wide. I didn’t even notice that she looked that scared. What’s with everyone being terrified of animals?

“Come on Munchkin. I promise that he’s not gonna bite,” I looked at her. She looked scared but Ryan looked terrified.

“Nah I’m good right here,” she shook her head.

“You don’t trust me?” I raised a brow.

“I trust you, I just don’t trust that,” she pointed to it.

“I thought you weren’t scared of anything?” I taunted her.

“Fine,” she sucked it up and came by me.

“See not so bad,” I told her as she ran her hand across him. “Ryan,” I stood up and walked towards him. He screamed like a girl and fell to the ground begging me to stay away. I chuckled and moved away from him. I love coming here and escaping all the drama in New York.

“Auntie Mere! Can we get ice cream after this!?” Nadia begged.

“Ask your mom,” I eyed Nessa.                     

“Why not,” she gave in.

“Come on Munchkin,” I wrapped my arm around her after putting the animal down. I looked around but didn’t see Ryan anywhere. “Where’s Ry?”

“Already in the car,” Nadia giggled.

Mylan

I knocked on the window and waited a few seconds before she opened it. I climbed through and closed it. “Thanks Nyra,” I thanked her. She’s always been there for me and it’s funny because she’s fourteen and I’m seventeen yet it’s her taking care of me.

“You know I got you My,” she climbed back in her bed and I climbed in with her. “What happened now?” She asked.

“It’s him being his usual oblivious self. Everything is always about him and his company. He forgets everything around him and I’m wondering how long it’s gonna take until Mom get’s fed up and they start having serious problems.” I’ve been wondering that for a while.

“Well my parents just use each other for sex. It’s pretty disgusting and they stay fighting,” she shook her head. Auntie Kolbie and Cousin James were definitely something else when they were together.

“I’m terrified to go back to my house tomorrow,” I sighed.

“He’s not gonna hurt you right?” She asked me cautiously.

“No I know he’d never lay his hands on me. I’m just scared of him in general. I don’t know who he is nowadays.”

Nicki

“This is why you have to set rules and show her the consequences for when shit like this happens. I told you to stop babying that child.” Drake has been talking nonsense for way too long for my liking.

“I’m sick of talking to you about this right now. You’re honestly delusional and I’m so sick of this,” I said in a calm voice.

“I’m delusional? You’re the one not even thinking of punishing her for sneaking out. She could be anywhere Onika and you’re not even concerned about our daughter? And I’m the bad parent,” he let out a dry chuckle. That hit a nerve and I couldn’t contain my calm attitude.

“Shut the fuck up Aubrey!” I snapped.

“Who do you think you’re talking to?” He looked at me like I was crazy

“Do I look like a fucking child to you!? I don’t know who I’m talking to because you sure aren’t the man I married. You’ve become this controlling monster and I can’t deal with this. You’ve changed to the point where I don’t know if you’ll ever be the same man you were a year ago,” I tried to fight the tears falling down my face.

“I’m the same guy I have always been. Y’all are the ones changing and trying to gang up on me. I’m working and taking care of this family and I’m in the wrong?”

“You know damn well you’re not working to take care of this family. We have more than enough money Aubrey. You could stop working right now and we would be perfectly fine,” I shook my head.

“So now you want me to quit my job? Why am I the one always having to make some type of sacrifice? You’re so busy yelling at me about how I’m not here but you are. Why aren’t you putting your attention on her and keep her in check? I swear you make no sense,” he huffed out of frustration.

“No matter how much I talk you never listen. Do you even hear me?” I cried. I couldn’t believe that he was trying to put all of this on me. I was doing the best I could by myself and I could use the help but obviously I’m not good enough.

“You’re the one crying for no reason. I’m listening to you talk nonsense. Why are you trying to pick a fight with me? I came home early because you told me to start paying more attention and that’s exactly what I did but now that’s not enough!? What do you want me to do Onika!? What the fuck can I do to make sure that y’all are the one’s happy?” He asked sarcastically.

“You can do whatever the hell you want. You were going to do that anyway so why bother telling you to do something? I can’t even believe that I’m looking at you right now. I never thought you would act like this,” I shook my head. My phone beep and I looked down at the text. I grabbed my purse and slipped on my shoes.

“Where are you going?” I heard him question.

“Why do you care?” I walked downstairs and heard him following me.

“I deserve to know where my wife is,” he had the nerve to say.

“I’m your wife now? You know what Aubrey? Enjoy the night without having to listen to me talk nonsense. And since I’m such a terrible mother watch over Levi tonight and maybe you should try to find out where Mylan is,” I slid my jacket on. I knew Mylan was probably at Nyra’s house so I didn’t even bother. She’s always over there and I knew that she wouldn’t do something stupid but obviously Aubrey thinks otherwise.

“Onika,” he started but I shook my head.

“I need to leave for the night,” I walked out of the house quickly and hopped in the waiting car. “Drive,” I told him.

“Are you alright?” He looked over at me concerned.

“No,” I heard my voice crack. I felt his hands wiping away my tears.

“You wanna stay with me for the night?”

“Yeah,” I nodded and he pulled off. “Thanks for picking me up in the middle of the night,” I thanked him. He grabbed my hand and shot me a small smile.

“I told you to call me whenever he fucks up and I mean that in every way,” he winked slightly. I chuckled and shook my head at him.

“I’ll remember that,” I smiled. He eyed me for a second before licking his lips and focusing on the road again. It’s been three years too long.