Chapter 96: These Things I’ve Done

Drake

 

 

“I didn’t take them,” I told Nae as we sat on my couch.

 

“Why do you even have these? I thought you were done with them,” she scrunched up her brows.

 

“I just take them to take away the pain. I was contemplating on taking them but I talked myself out of it.” I put the pills aside for my children. I couldn’t get addicted to that shit again.

 

“I know you’ve gone through a lot and you’re still dealing with everything that’s been happening but pills are never the way to go. You should know that by now. I should know that,” she mumbled.

 

“What do you mean by that?” I eyed her.

 

“I was addicted too Drake. It’s easy to fall back into that pattern. Mere was the one who helped me through that. I’ll forever be thankful to have her in my life,” she smiled small.

 

“She’s truly an angel,” I nodded.

 

“You promise to not take them right?” After a couple of seconds of silence, I nodded.

 

“I shouldn’t even have those around me. You’re right; I have to focus on Mylan and Levi. Nothing else matters.”

~~~

“Easy, she’s a hoe,” James shrugged.

 

“Don’t call her that,” I stopped him.

 

“That’s a rude thing to say James. She’s not a hoe. She might be a little on the easy side but don’t call her a hoe,” Ace hit him.

 

“Both of y’all are fucked up. She fucked up big time but you’ve fucked up too Aubrey. Remember you doing all that shit to her in the past? The drugs? Jaymie? You did some foul shit in the past which makes me question why she even got back with you,” Jhene spoke up.

 

“I know I fucked up but I wasn’t out fucking random broads. I never stepped out on our marriage. What kind of marriage is this? It seems like we’re both trapped so what’s the point in fixing it? I just want to focus on my kids.” I didn’t know what to think right now. I love Nicki but all this shit needs to stop.

 

“You need to focus on your marriage to. Do you love her?” Jhene raised a brow.

 

“Of course I do. She’s my wife. I love her with all of my heart,” I answered honestly.

 

“Can you imagine living your life without her? Not waking up to her every morning? Not being able to touch her and do whatever you want with her? Can you imagine having her in your life as nothing but your baby mama? Would you be able to handle that?”

 

“I don’t know. Everything is fucked up and all these questions are things I can’t answer. It’s harder to forgive her when I know that she was messing with him. She always had to run to him,” I groaned.

 

“You shouldn’t have buried yourself in your work. You abandoned them and she went to someone else for comfort. I am not justifying her actions but I’m just trying to get you to see it from her point of view. She was lonely and he gave her the attention that you were supposed to be providing. You and her need to man up to your mistakes and leave them in the past. You have to work together to fix your family. She forgave you for all of the shit you’ve done to her. I don’t see why you can’t forgive her. Mistakes are mistakes and she knows that she’s wrong. Don’t let a good thing go Aubrey.”

 

Mylan

I tapped my pencil against my desk as I waited for the bell to ring. Time literally felt frozen from how slow it was moving. It rung and everyone grabbed their stuff and left. I grabbed mine and was about to leave until my teacher called me back. My music teacher, Mr. Anderson, walked over to me. “Are you rehearsing for the showcase?” He asked.

“Yeah I’m almost done,” I nodded.

“A couple of people from Juilliard are coming and I sent them a couple of videos of my students performing. I sent in your performance from our concert from last year,” he explained.

“When I sung my solo?” I scrunched my face up.

“Yeah and they loved it. They are keeping their eye on you so bring your all,” he smiled.

“I promise,” I returned the smile. I thought about something as I walked to my car. Maybe I can switch up something and make it related to Mom and Dad. That might help them at least remember the good times they’ve had. I just want things to go back to normal. A smirk made its way onto my face as I figured it all out. I knew exactly what I was gonna do.

Mere

“Hey baby girl.” I kissed Macy’s chubby cheek. She’s one of my cousin’s kids. It was her first birthday so my whole family came out and my mom actually showed up.

“A baby looks good in your arms Chimere,” my mom commented. Here she goes with this baby talk. I would’ve thought she would’ve stopped this by now. She already has one granddaughter so I don’t think she needs me to have a kid.

“Thanks but I don’t want kids.” I shut that idea down quick and handed her to Adam.

“Why not? When you and Antonio get married why wouldn’t you want some children?” She pushed. That’s always her problem. She pushes things excessively far and forgets that I’m a grown ass woman who can make my own decisions.

“I’m twenty nine Mom. I think I’m grown enough to make my own decisions,” I snapped.

“So are you gonna actually have a wedding this time?” Adam, asked as everyone came into the dining room. We were all sitting down to eat dinner. There was all of my family here and the table was long yet they still stuck me by my mom.

“Not if Blake can help it,” Ryan mumbled. My eyes went wide as I stared at him in shock. I couldn’t believe that he made that comment. I kicked him under the table hard. “Ow!” He shouted. Everyone turned and looked at him like he was crazy.

“What the hell is wrong with you!?” Nessa eyed him.                                                          

“Just felt a sharp pain in my leg. It feels just like when a bitch kicks you,” he cut his eyes at me and I kicked him again. He bit his lip and shut his eyes. I held in my laugh as he calmed down. He looked at me and glared.

“Call me a bitch again and watch what happens,” I whispered. He pouted and got up to get some ice. My mom eyed me and I questioned her stare.

“One day this week or next week I need to talk to you and your sister alone. There’s something you two should know,” she told me.

“What is it?” I looked at her a little concerned.

“It can wait. Today is about Macy,” she brushed it off. I shared a look with Nessa and she looked just as lost as me. I guess I’ll have to wait. The last time she told us that was when my dad had gotten sick before he passed. I could only imagine what it was this time.

Nicki

“So how did you two meet?” The therapist, Tina, asked.

“We met when I was in high school,” I answered. It’s hard to believe that it was nine years ago. It feels like yesterday that things were so simple.

“Aww high school sweethearts?” She assumed and that made me feel a bit awkward. I noticed Aubrey shifted uncomfortably so I knew I wasn’t alone.

“Not exactly. I was her dance coach,” he shrugged. Tina looked a little shocked but brushed it off quickly.

“So how did this family start?”

“I started it,” Mylan spoke up.

“How?” Levi looked up at her.

“I asked them both if they would be my parents and here we are nine years later,” she quickly ran through everything.

“Were you two in a relationship when this happened?” She looked at me and Aubrey.

“Yeah,” he nodded. The whole session went on like this and I was honestly bored just like everyone else. At least now Mylan can go by herself and not with all of us here with her.

“Can we get ice cream!?” Levi pleaded as we walked back towards the cars.

“Yeah can we?” Mylan perked up. Aubrey looked like he didn’t wanna be anywhere around me and I couldn’t blame him.

“You know what, you guys can go. I have something I need to do,” I lied. I probably will just go back to my bed and stay there.

“But Mommy,” Levi pouted.

“I’ll see you later.” I kissed him then turned to Mylan. She pulled me into a hug.

“See you later Mom,” she smiled. I couldn’t bring myself to look over at Aubrey so I just left. I drove over to Jessi’s because I needed to apologize. I needed to apologize to Nae too but I’m not sure how Mere feels with being around me right now. I knocked on the door and Ciara answered.

“Hey Nic.” She hugged me and let me in. I walked to Jessi’s room and opened the door. Nae sat next to her on her bed.

“I’m sorry,” I said to both of them. Jessi eyed me and let out a huff.

“I am too. I shouldn’t have gone off on you like that.”

“You do have a life Jess. You just spend a lot of time helping me fix mine,” I let out a slight smile.

“Family helps each other.” She got up and hugged me. I looked at Nae but she refused to look at me. I knew I fucked up with her.

“Nae I’m sorry.  I don’t think of you that way and I’m sorry I even said that. I was just hurt that it seems like everyone you hated and barely talked to you knows more that I do. We’re supposed to be best friends but you just left for an entire year. I just let all of my anger come out at that moment. I am so sorry Jaznae. You’ve helped My come so far and you’ve been trying to help me,” I sighed.

“I left for you guys,” she mumbled.

“Wait what?” Jessi looked at her weird.

“It’s complicated Jess. I didn’t leave because I was bored. To think that you would even think that about me hurts. You are my best friend and you’ve known me for years yet you think I did that.” She finally turned and looked at me.

“I’m sorry Nae. Everything was fucked up in Florida and I attacked everyone. I wish I could change so much.”

“Well for a start you can get your ass over here and hug me,” she let out a small grin. I chuckled and wrapped her in a hug.

Nae

“I fucked up and I think he’s truly done with me,” Nicki huffed.

“I don’t think so,” I shook my head in disagreement. I don’t they’ll ever truly be done with each other. That’s why they’ve been putting up with each other’s bullshit all of these years.

“Why would you think that?”

“If he was truly done with you then he would have said so. He’s trying to forgive you and it takes a while for that to happen. Give him some time but I don’t think you two will break up,” I shot her a small smile.

“Thanks,” she returned it. I knew that helped calm her nerves down a bit.

“Hey Jess I need my brush back for,” Blake walked in but stopped talking when she saw me. That’s just great. Can’t she just stay out for a few more hours? Jessi said she was supposed to be gone all day. She looked a little scared, which she should be. At least her face healed. I barely even touched her so I don’t feel bad.

“Yeah I’m gonna go.” I didn’t want to deal with her.

“Don’t leave,” Jessi begged. I looked over at Blake and shook my head.

“Nah I’ll go.” I hugged them and pushed past Blake to leave. I heard her following me and groaned. I turned and looked at her. “Why are you following me?”

“Can you just tell me what the hell is wrong with you? You and Mere have been coming at me with extra bullshit and I’m sick of it,” she cut her eyes at me.

“Mere’s coming at you with extra bullshit really?” I crossed my arms.

“What do you mean?” She looked at me.

“You’re full of shit Blakelynn. You really are because I know everything that’s happened over the past year. I know about the night y’all got that tattoo because she flew all the way to Texas the next day. She was a mess thanks to you.” I tried to keep my cool but I was pissed at her for the way she treated Mere. I have never seen Mere like that and according to Nessa, no one has. She could’ve died from how much alcohol she was drinking. I can’t get that image out of my head.

“You don’t know shit about anything that went on that night!” She snapped.

“I know how fucked up you treated her and how much of a bitch you are,” I snapped back.

“Says the bitch that ditched everyone and went off to Texas. What happened between me and Mere is our business. I don’t need your input on that.” She kept going on with extra nonsense. I felt my anger rising but I tried to control it. I didn’t want a repeat of Florida because Mere wasn’t here to pull me off her.

“You’ve screwed over every last person you came encountered with. Don’t you realize how fucked up you’re getting? You keep talking shit about me being on drugs but look in the mirror Blake. You’re the one that went down that road, not me,” I pointed out. I haven’t touched drugs since high school.

“I’m not on drugs. I don’t know what Mere told you but you don’t know shit. I didn’t do anything wrong that night and it’s not like it’s any of your business. She needs to stop telling you things you don’t have anything to do with. Y’all just love blaming me,” was the last thing I heard before I went off.

“Shut the fuck up and listen to me. I can tolerate a lot of the shit you put people through because you’ve always done stuff like that. What I won’t tolerate is what you did to Mere. You played with her emotions and used her. You used the only person who always had your back and never treated you wrong. She always had your best intention and she was way too good for you. I never thought that I would see the day when you turned out worse than me but I would have never done half the shit that you did. Grow the fuck up Blakelynn!” I shook my head.

“How did I turn out worse than you? I might have fucked up with Mere but you’ve fucked up time and time again with everyone else,” she shot back.

“I wish you would’ve been in Texas that night she showed up at the door in tears. I really wish you would’ve seen what your bullshit did to her. Now you wanna act like you didn’t do anything. She had the strength to get over that shit and act like that didn’t happen and that just made you think that you did nothing. You fucking hurt her Blake and I don’t see how you didn’t notice that,” I closed my eyes to calm down.

“I hurt her?” She asked softly. I opened my eyes and looked at the most oblivious person I’ve ever met.

“She could’ve died from how much alcohol she was drinking. Mere has never been like that in her life. You fucked up her mind and that’s something that I never thought you would be capable of. I don’t know who you’ve turned out to be but I do know one thing, don’t fuck with Mere. The minute you hurt her again will be the minute that no one will hold me back. That’s a promise that I intend to keep. Goodbye Blake and for the record she’s going through with the wedding,” I called over my shoulder and left.

Jaymie

“Do it for Carson,” Kolbie rubbed my arm. I looked down at my baby in my lap. He smiled as I ran my hand over his hair. He looked so much like Daven to the point where it’s ridicules.

“Okay,” I sighed.

“I’ll go lay him down for his nap,” Nyra offered as she lifted him from my lap. I grabbed my phone and took a deep breath before dialing his number.

“Hello?” He picked up on the third ring.

“Hey,” I said softly.

“Jaymie?” His voice became more alert.

“Yeah it’s me. I’m only calling because we need to talk about something important,” I told him.

“Alright.”

~~~

I walked into the café and saw Daven already sitting. It’s been a while since I’ve been here. I walked over and sat down. “Wow,” he said as he looked me over. “I feel like I haven’t seen you in person in years.”

“It’s only been a year,” I shrugged.

“What’s so important that you called me? I know how much you don’t want to talk to me,” he eyed me.

“I tried telling you this a year ago but you accused me of cheating,” I said.

“Look I’m sorry,” he started but I cut him off.

“This isn’t about that. I’m doing this for Carson,” I spoke up.

“Carson? I’ve been hearing that name for a while. Who’s Carson?” He scrunched up his brows.

“He’s my son,” I admitted. He literally froze as he looked at me in shock. “And he’s eight months.” Daven looked like he couldn’t move.

“I-I have a son?” He questioned just to make sure.

“I swear I was gonna tell you but then you came at me with that bullshit and I knew you wouldn’t even think that he was yours,” I assured him. I figured he would just deny him so I didn’t see the point.

“You thought I would deny my own son? I know I’ve done some fucked up things but I would never deny my son. I know you wouldn’t lie about something like that.” He looked at me a little hurt.

“You obviously thought I was lying about going to my dad’s house.” I crossed my arms.

“I fucked up. I’ll admit that I fucked up big time Jayms. I should’ve never accused you of cheating and I’m so sorry,” he apologized.

“Alright,” I nodded.

“Alright?”

“We have a son Daven. I don’t want bad blood between us. We need to focus on him.”

“So his name is Carson huh?” I grabbed my phone and pulled up a picture of him.

“Carson Tyler Martin,” I said his whole name.

“You gave him my middle and last name?” He looked shocked.

“I figured if you couldn’t be in his life then at least your name could.”

“I swear I’m gonna be the best father to him. I promise you Jaymie.” He had such a proud look in his eyes as he stared at the picture and that made me realize that I did the right thing.

Drake

“I just think that you guys should work it out. You’ve come so far already. Why go back now Dad?” My looked at me as we ate ice cream. She spent this entire time giving me reasons why Nicki and I should stay together. She made some valid points but it’s more complicated than what she’s making it to be.

“It’s more complicated than that. I just,” I started but she cut me off.

“You just have a big ego and a stupid pride? She made a mistake just like you made mistakes this past year. You two always go back and forth but at the end of the day, your mistakes equal out. You still love her right?” She looked at me with hopeful eyes.

“Of course I do Mylan. I married your mom for a reason.” I would never stop loving Nicki. She could do the worst thing in the world and I still wouldn’t stop loving her.

“Then show her that this marriage is still worth it.”

“I just need some space from this whole mess,” I shook my head. It’s not like I’m out here doing whatever I want with random broads. I’m just spending some time to myself to clear my head a bit.

“You’re coming to my showcase right?”

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world baby girl,” I assured her. I refused to miss anything else big in her life. I’m focusing all of my attention on my kids.

“When I perform can you do me a favor?” She requested.

“What is it?” I scrunched up my eyebrows.

“Think about Mom. I want you to really think about her and everything you’ve been through. I think my performance may help with that,” she grinned.

“What are you performing?” I questioned. She had this look in her eyes like she’s singing the last thing that I could expect from her. She’s full of surprises so I’m not that shocked that she’s aiming for that.

“Nope I’m not telling. It’ll be a surprise,” she shook her head.

“I know,” Levi giggled. I looked over at him but he placed his finger over his lips. “It’s a surprise.” Levi couldn’t keep a secret to save his life so I was shocked when he actually said that.

“You actually taught him how to keep a secret?” I raised a brow at My.

“More like bribed but it works,” she shrugged.

“You’re something else,” I chuckled.

“But you love me,” she smiled.

“More than anything in this world.” I kissed her forehead. We talked a bit more before I brought them home. I used my key and opened the door. “Onika!” I called out. She walked downstairs and looked at me confused.

“Where are the kids?” She questioned and I motioned to the car. She walked over with me and I placed Levi in her arms. I picked up My and we brought them into the house. We went our separate ways and put them in their rooms.

“Goodnight baby girl.” I kissed her forehead and got up. I walked past Levi’s room and heard Nicki talking.

“No monsters are gonna get you,” she whispered.

“How do you know?” I heard Levi tiredly asked.

“Because you’re a strong boy. Monsters are scared of you not the other way around,” she reminded him.

“I’m strong?”

“The strongest. Get some sleep baby.” She kissed him and got up. She put on his nightlight and walked out. She looked up and saw me just awkwardly standing here.

“I was about to go,” I informed her.

“Yeah I’ll lock the door behind you,” she nodded. We walked downstairs and I turned to stand in front of the door.

“I know things are very confusing between us and there’s so much left unsaid but you know that I’ll always love you no matter what right?” I checked with her. Mylan got me thinking and I didn’t want her to think that I didn’t still love her. She should know that but Nicki tends to doubt herself in certain situations.

“Even after all of this?” She questioned in a small voice. She looked a little shocked but I don’t know why she wouldn’t think that.

“Even after all of this. I’ve fucked up a lot and so have you. It bounces between us and I just want all of that to stop,” I said.

“So do I,” she nodded. I moved closer and hugged her. She wrapped her arms around me and we just stayed like that for a minute.

“Goodnight Onika.” I kissed the side of her head.

“Goodnight Aubrey,” she said softly as we pulled away. I looked up the stairs and saw Mylan giving me a thumbs up. I chuckled and shook my head.

“Goodnight baby girl,” I called out.

“Night Dad!”

Okay these next two weeks might get a little confusing. Chapter 97 is gonna be on Tuesday as usual. Chapter 98 is gonna be on Thursday as usual but chapter 99 {Part 1} is on that Friday. Chapter 99 {Part 2} is on Saturday. And because I love cliffhangers, chapter 100 {Part 1} is on Tuesday. Chapter 100 {Part 2} is on Wednesday. Chapter 100 {Part 3} is on Thursday and the Final Chapter is on Friday. The epilogue will be posted on Saturday and then that’s the end of the story. Hopefully that wasn’t too confusing.