Chapter 92: Prepare To Be Noticed

Blake

“So what did you wanna talk about?” Sage asked as we sat on her couch.

“What happened a couple of days ago at my place,” I told her.

“What about it? Did they do something else?” She scrunched up her brows as if she wasn’t involved in anything.

“That video popped up out of nowhere. That was a bit odd,” I started.

“It was and I questioned that. Who knows how it happened,” she shrugged.

“I know you did it Sage.” I stopped the bullshit.

“Okay.” She seemed unfazed.

“Why would you put the video on the screen for all of us to watch? I just don’t get why you would do that.” I was trying to figure it out but I couldn’t.

“I never liked Chimere and Nae rubbed me the wrong way. I found out about that and thought that you might have wanted to see it.”

“I would’ve rather not to have seen it. That only started more drama,” I sighed.

“So you would rather not know about your exes hooking up and lying to you?”

“They were drunk and they didn't hook up,” I said slowly.

“They still could've hooked up. Who knows what happened when the camera shut off. I mean Chimere looks like a cheater. I feel bad for her poor fiancé,” she chuckled.

“Mere isn’t a cheater.” I didn’t want her thinking that.

“You were with her for six years. Six years is a long damn time. How do you know if she ever cheated on you?”

“Because I know the type of person she is. She would’ve never cheated on me.” I cut my eyes at her. She was crossing all types of lines right now.

“Chill Blake, you’re getting all defensive. You need to get high,” she eyed me.

“Nah I think I need to leave. I’m done with all of this.” I hopped to my feet.

“Because I talked shit about Chimere? You would really pick her over me?”

“I’d pick her over anyone so that’s not even a question. You never stood a chance.” I walked out of her house. I was officially done with her.

Drake

Everyone hopped on my private plane and we headed to Florida. There’s a lot of tension considering that there’s a lot of drama in this group of people. It seems like everyone is trying to make the most of it since it’s about Alexis and Brayden. The usual group was here but we had some extra people also. We had Nessa, Antonio, Ryan, and Nadia join us and Kolbie, Nyra, and Daven. I did find him suspicious at first but he honestly just said hi to everyone and focused the rest of his time on Kolbie. Shad did tell Jaymie about this trip to Florida and she said she might drop by. She grew up with me, Nessa, Mere, and Shad so I knew they would want to see her. I knew she was pissed at Daven and I kind of wanted to see her go off on him. It would be quite amusing. Ace, James, and Jhene were gonna meet us there.

I eyed Nicki as she stared out of the window. She seemed lost in her thoughts and I was too. I looked around the plane and saw Mylan with Ryan in the back but Nadia, Alexis, and Nyra were with her so I let that slide. Brayden and Levi were playing with their toys while Nessa was laughing with Jessi, Nae, and Ciara. Nicki was just sitting by herself and I was tempted to go over by her but I decided against it. Blake was talking with Paris but it looked like her attention was focused on something else. I followed her eyes and saw Mere asleep in Antonio’s arms. Like I said before, there was a lot of tension on this plane. I felt someone sit in the seat next to me. I looked and saw Nicki.

“Hey,” she sighed.

“Hey.” There was an awkward silence for a minute but I thought this might have been an improvement in our relationship.

“I’ve been thinking a lot about us these past few days.” She played with her hands; something she did when she was nervous.

“So have I,” I nodded.

“I told you I wasn’t stringing you along and I’m not Aubrey. I was just confused and things were so complicated. I know I love you and I know that things are pretty bad right now but I just want to make things better. I’m not saying that I want to get back together just yet but I wanna try to repair us. When’s the last time we just were friends?” She questioned.

“You can’t be friends when you’re married Nic,” I huffed. She could miss me with this bullshit.

“I’m not saying friends like that. I just want us to get comfortable around each other again. I wanna stop this awkward tension between us,” she elaborated.

“Are you still seeing him?” I eyed her. I was not gonna try to fight for this if she’s just gonna go to him.

“No.” She shook her head.

“No?” I scrunched up my face.

“No I’m not Aubrey. I have a marriage that’s more important. You asked me if we were gonna fight for it and I’m willing to fight if you are.” She locked her eyes with mine.

“I’m willing,” I nodded. She let out a small smile and for the first time in a while, I felt like there was hope for us.

Nae

I followed Blake’s eyes and chuckled. “What are you laughing at?” Nessa questioned. I pointed to Blake and she giggled.

“Pathetic.” I shook my head in amusement. Ciara got up and went by Paris and Blake so it was just Nessa and Jessi left.

“Can you finally tell me how you and Mere are so close?” Jessi pleaded.

“I can’t tell you all of it but I can tell you a part of it. Her dad and my dad were best friends throughout their childhood. Her dad was my godfather and my dad is hers. We used to hang out when we were younger but when her dad died, it all stopped. I never saw her again until the dance team and by then I forgotten all about her and vice versa,” I explained.

“I guess that’s better than nothing,” Jessi shrugged.

“She’s one of my best friends Jess. I can’t tell you much but I can tell you that she has a heart of gold. I wish we would’ve but the bullshit aside a long time ago but there was always someone in the way,” I motioned to Blake.

“How about now?”

“She’s not in the way anymore and she never will be,” I shrugged.

“Nae is apart of the family now.” Nessa wrapped an arm around me.

“A year can bring people closer than you could ever think Jessica. Sometimes there’s that person that you just click with and Mere’s that person for me. In her words, she’s my long lost twin,” I chuckled.

“Y’all were drunk as fuck that night,” Nessa laughed. We've had our share of drunken experiences with each other and usually it's hilarious.

“How many times did y’all get drunk together?” Jessi raised a brow.

“We always got drunk but never wasted like my birthday. I swear that only happened once,” I assured her. I didn’t want anyone thinking that Mere and I hooked up. I might not be able to stand Blake but that crosses all types of lines. Mere and I would never do that do her.

Mylan

“Mm.” I pushed Ryan’s arm away from me.

“He’s not even looking,” he sighed. I eyed my dad and was shocked to see Mom sitting next to him.

“They’re talking,” I mumbled to myself.

“Maybe everything is gonna line up and you can tell them,” he encouraged me.

“Do you want a death wish?” I looked at him like he was crazy.

“I’m a nice guy.”

“Yeah but you’re a boy. In my dad’s eyes, you’re not good enough for me. No boy is good enough for me in his eyes,” I huffed. I swear he would rather me turn into a lesbian.

“I’m not good enough for you but look at us,” he grinned.

“Shut up,” I chuckled. He pulled me closer and I gave in and leaned my head against his chest. “You’re obviously good enough to be my boyfriend,” I smirked.

“I like the sound of that.” I let out a smile but it faded when I saw Levi marching towards us. He hopped up and sat in between us making Ryan drop his arm from around me.

“No boys!” He glared at Ryan.

“Imma just go talk to my cousin. I’ll see you later My.” He winked at me before going over by Auntie Nessa and Auntie Nae.

“Thanks Levi,” I groaned.

“You’re welcome,” he smiled wide.

Nicki

We finally landed and everyone headed to the hotel. “Alright we have a handful of suites. We have enough for the women in one, the men in the other, and the kids,” Shad said.

“Ryan counts as a man,” Aubrey quickly said. Mylan rolled her eyes and Ryan looked a little intimidated.

“Alright so let’s get settled in.” Everyone went into the suites and they were huge.

“This is nice,” I heard Nae mumbled.

“Yes it is,” I nodded.

“How many beds are there?” Mere asked.

“Five,” Cassie said.

“So who’s rooming with who?” I questioned.

“I got you Nic,” Jessi nodded at me.

“I’ll take Cassie,” Ciara said.

“Obviously I’ll take Cheeks,” Nae chuckled. I looked at Blake and she tensed up.

“I got my twin,” Paris nodded.

“And I got Nessa,” Kolbie wrapped her arm around her. We all got settled in the rooms and I plopped down on my bed.

“So I saw you and Drake talking,” Jessi said.

“Yeah we were talking. I’m trying to fix this,” I nodded.

“So you’re done with him?” Nae appeared at the doorway.

“Yes,” I sighed.

“Since you’re done with him and all, can we know who he was?” Jessi pleaded.

“I’m not telling you guys that,” I shook my head.

“You don’t have to tell me. I know you Onika and I know when you’re lying. I’m just gonna hope that this shit doesn’t blow up while we’re in Florida. I’m keeping my eyes on you,” she warned me before walking out. I let out another sigh. I knew she would find out who it was. I could only hope that no one else will find out at least while we’re down here. I feel like Aubrey will definitely change his mind about our marriage if he found out.

Cassie

“And I want a pony, a unicorn, and a puppy,” Alexis went through the long list of what she wanted for her birthday. She and Brayden invaded my room when they were starving.

“Anything else?”

“And cookies. Many, many cookies!” She beamed.

“What do you want Brayden?” I asked him.

“A family,” he mumbled.

“Yeah you don’t have to get me anything,” Alexis nodded. I let out a long sigh as I heard Shad clear his throat. I turned and looked at him in shock. He was supposed to be getting something from the lobby.

“Why don’t you guys wash up and we can go out to eat?” He suggested. The kids hopped up and went to the bathroom.

“How much of that did you hear?” I looked over at him.

“I heard enough,” he looked exhausted.

“You look tired,” I eyed him.

“I’ve just been trying to make them have a memorable birthday. When is your husband gonna show up?” He looked at me. I was about to answer but the kids rushed back in.

“I’m starving!” Alexis exclaimed.

Mere

“I left my phone in Antonio’s bag,” I frowned slightly.

“Stop being lazy and go get it,” Nae chuckled. I playfully rolled my eyes and walked out of the suite. I walked down the hall but I felt a tug on my arm. I turned and saw Blake standing there. I let out a sigh and leaned against the wall. There’s always drama with her these days.

“I’m sorry,” she apologized.

“Wait what did you say?” I looked at her weird. Since when does she apologize?

“I’m sorry for reacting the way I did. You promised me that you two never hooked up and I believe you,” she shrugged.

“You do?” I questioned slowly.

“Yeah I do,” she nodded.

“I should’ve told you about that night but I honestly didn’t want you to know that.” I looked down. Who would want to hear about that?

“Why’d you have to kiss her back?” She asked softly.

“I honestly can’t remember anything from that night. It’s all a big blur. None of that would’ve happened if we were sober,” I assured her.

“Why did you drink that much? I know you can hold you liquor so how much did you drink?” She raised a brow.

“I had drunk a lot that night. I just needed to get my mind off of something and alcohol is my best friend,” I admitted.

“That’s dangerous Mere. I’ve told you that for years.”

“I don’t do it often. It’s only when something is really bothering me.” I had drunk excessively much that night.

“Wait, Nae’s birthday is June 10^th. That was,” she started but I cut her off.

“Please don’t connect the dots,” I pleaded. She eyed me and had that look in her eyes. She looked concerned but I was fine. “Like I said before, if I was sober then I never would have kissed your ex,” I assured her.

“That’s not why I was mad.” She shook her head slowly. 

“Why were you mad?” I scrunched up my eyebrows.

“I was mad my ex kissed you,” she reworded what I said.

“What’s the difference?” I was confused.

“Nothing, sometimes it’s nice that you’re oblivious.” She shot me a small smile before walking away.

“What?” I just shook it off because I already had a headache and headed to Antonio’s room.

Drake

There were five beds and five guys so that worked out perfectly. I’m still keeping my eye on Ryan just so he doesn’t try anything. I looked up from my phone and saw Mere walk into the suite. “Wassup?”

“I left my phone in Antonio’s bag,” she shrugged.

“He’s in there.” I nodded towards the room.

“Thanks.” She smiled small and walked in his room. I stayed on the couch for a minute and saw Daven walk out of his room. I don’t know if it’s just me but it seemed like he was avoiding me more than usual. I didn’t care cause I never liked him. I looked down at my phone a slight smile made its way onto my face.

Jayms: I’m in Florida. I’m staying with Ace, James, and Jhene but I’ll be at the party.

Aubrey: Where are you right now?

Jayms: I’m right across your hotel at the mall with them. You’re free to join but don’t tell anyone. I don’t want to see him.

Aubrey: You know you’re gonna have to face him right?

Jayms: I’ll deal with it when the time comes. So are you gonna come or not? I'd really like to see you.

Aubrey: Give me five minutes.

Jayms: Ask Mere, Nae, and Nessa if they wanna come. It’d be nice to see them too.

Aubrey: Gotchu

I was still smiling when Mere walked out. “What’s wrong with you?” She questioned. I looked at the kitchen and saw Daven still in there. I got up, grabbed Mere’s hand, and pulled her out of the suite.

“Jaymie is across at the mall with Jhene, Ace, and James. She invited you, Nessa, and Nae,” I told her.

“I’ll grab them,” she smiled before getting them.

~~~

“I can’t believe you are being mean to poor Ryan,” Jaymie laughed as we all ate lunch.

“I don’t like the way he looks at my daughter,” I shook my head.

“Ryan worships the ground My walks on,” Nessa chuckled.

“I’m just protective over my baby girl,” I shrugged.

“You know she’s about to be eighteen right? You’re getting old cuz,” Ace smirked.

“Shut up man. I ain’t old yet.”

“I think I see a little gray hair.” Jaymie pointed at my hair.

“I see it too,” Jhene nodded.

“Y’all together are annoying as fuck.” I could only laugh. It’s nice being around all of them again.

“Come on; let’s hit up a few shops before we leave.” Nae hopped up and everyone followed suit.

“Y’all can go, I need to talk to Jaymie alone,” I told them. They nodded and left as me and Jaymie stayed seated.

“Don’t give me that look,” she groaned. She knew exactly what I was gonna say.

“Jaymie, how long did you think you could keep this up?” I questioned.

“I don’t know but it doesn’t matter. Daven thinks I’m in Germany and after the party, I’ll go back to Cali where I was,” she said as if it was nothing.

“Carson is eight months now. You should’ve told him once you found out you were pregnant.” I’ve told her this for the last year.

“He doesn’t need to know Aubrey. He’s an ass and he can keep on being an ass. I was the stupid one to think that he changed. He showed his true colors and I can’t have him in my life for eighteen years,” she shook her head.

“That’s not your decision to make. I would’ve been pissed as hell if Nicki did that shit to me. You already knew how mad I was about the abortion. You’re purposely keeping that child’s father away. Don’t you think he’d like to know his father once he grows up?” I tried to reason with her. She frowned slightly and looked down.

“You’re right,” she sighed.

“You don’t have to get with him but you have to give him a chance to be a dad.” I didn’t like Daven but every father should be in their child’s life.

“I’ll figure out when to tell him,” she nodded.

“Now where’s my godson?” I grinned.

Mylan

“I don’t know when he’ll be back,” I told Ryan as we walked back to the suites.

“Well we went out and didn’t see him so I think we’re good,” he grinned.

“Goodnight Ry,” I smiled.

“Goodnight My,” he chuckled before he pulled me in his arms and kissed me. I heard a throat clear and quickly pulled away. I turned and saw Auntie Nae standing there. I let out a sigh of relief.

“You got lucky.” She gave me a knowing look. “Goodnight Ryan.”

“Goodnight ladies.” He nodded before going into his suite.

“Let’s talk.” She wrapped an arm around me and we walked in the direction of my suite. “How long?”

“We’ve always talked about dating but when he moved back, we kind of just went for it. I really like him,” I admitted.

“I always knew you two would get together. Now the one thing that's gonna be hard is convincing Drake that he’s not a bad guy. Ryan couldn’t hurt a fly.”

“I know and I’ll tell him as soon as this thing with my family blows over. It seems like things are getting back to normal so that's nice.” We turned the corner but both stopped walking. My eyes went wide when I saw Mom making out with some guy. I looked closer and saw that he was Uncle Daven. Is she insane!?

“Onika!” Auntie Nae snapped. Mom quickly pulled away from him and looked at us in shock. I shook my head and rushed to my room.

“Mylan!” I heard her call out but I rushed to my suite and went into my room.

“Are you alright My?” Nyra hopped up from the bed.

“No.” I felt tears falling down my face. She moved and pulled me into her arms.