I said not here.
I sat in my car, as I wrestled with the idea of driving away.
My phone buzzed with a message from Morgan, inviting me to the Zoomas where Samara had also invited me.
Little did they know, I was already here.
I didn’t want to see Braylen, but my friends insisted I come.
Steadying myself, I shook off my nerves, got out of the car, and walked up the driveway.
I rang the doorbell and waited for someone to answer, hearing the talking and laughter beyond the door.
When it opened, Sasha stood there with a smile on her face.
“Paige, I’m happy you made it. Come on, everyone is inside. ”
It was nice to see Sasha happy. At one point, I didn’t think she and Pierre could live without each other.
Knowing that they both found happiness elsewhere was something I questioned for Braylen and me.
As soon as I stepped far enough for people to see me, Alyse, Morgan, and Samara ran up to me.
They hugged me tightly, giggled with excitement, and welcomed me with open arms. The house felt full of love, which made it easier for me to relax.
When I saw him, my stomach fluttered. Braylen’s eyes landed on me, and he wouldn’t pull them away.
I turned to Samara, “Girl, this is nice,” I told her.
“This is what my family looks like on—”
She paused, and so did I. I felt his hand touch mine, and his stature towered behind me. Samara gave a girlish grin as she slowly backed away. I slowly turned around as my eyes rose to his. Braylen stroked my cheek, and I pulled my head away. “Not here,” I whispered.
“I don’t care about them. This is about you and me,” he replied.
“I said not here.”
He ran his hand through his beard. “Then when?” he asked.
I nodded. “We’ll talk,” I said as I walked toward where my friends were.
The sound of Sasha clapping caught everyone’s attention. We all turned and looked at her. She smiled brightly.
“Zeus and I have an announcement!” she squealed.
“Ah shit!” Foe said.
“Shut up, nigga! Let her talk,” Zeus snapped at him.
Sasha looked at everyone as her eyes landed on Dio. “Dionysus, you know we love you like you’re our own, but Zeus and I have decided to adopt!”
Diamond laughed. “Ok, Big Zu, so you want to join the club! Congratulations!”
All of them embraced them in a hug as they celebrated the news. Zeus looked at Dio, “How do you feel about that?”
Dio popped a deviled egg into his mouth. “Eww, who made this shit?”
Everyone started to laugh until Preach snarled. “Whatever, nigga, the eggs slap.”
Dio waved him off as he turned to Zu. “Whatever makes you happy, I’m happy. Zeus, I hope y’all adopt a girl because I got to be the only nigga walking around this muhfucka,” he joked.
Everyone burst into laughter. My eyes landed back on Braylen, who had been staring me down even after I told him we’d talk later. The idea of being part of this family, if I chose to give him another chance, was something I kind of looked forward to.