Chapter 37

2 Days before Thanksgiving, Esined | S-Ned

I stared August in his eyes and he stared back into mine. His eyes started watering and he blinked.

We were in the den having a staring contest.

"Ha! I win again!" I laughed.

"You cheated!" he claimed.

"No I didn't. Don't be a sore loser,"

"No, I'm not,"

I pursed my lips. "Loser,"

"You a bully,"

I laughed.

"Hmm," he opened his bottle of water and took a sip. "I was thinkin' and I felt like it's time fa us ta talk,"

I looked up, giving him my attention. "About?"

He looked at me. "How do you think I've been doin'?"

"What do you mean?"

"Like. Do you think I'm gettin' betta at not gettin' jealous?"

"Yeah," I said.

He was honestly doing a lot better. I noticed that he wouldn't make smart commentary when I spoke to guys. He didn't get jealous or start ignoring me after I spoke to guys either.

"Where do you think we are?" he asked.

"I feel like we're at a good place. I like where we are," I smiled.

"I kinda feel like... Like I'm ready ta take anotha step forward,"

I knew everything was a process for us, but I came to realize that August had a lot of healing to do before he could commit to me. For August to want to take this step, I thought it showed that he was serious with me. He had his heart broken and it was healing. I knew that it was going to be hard for him to let me in, but I was willing to wait and be just as patient with him as he was with me.

"You want to make us official?" I asked.

He nodded. "Yeah. I want you ta be my girl officially,"

I couldn't even hide my cheesy grin. "Okay,"

"Okay?"

"Yeah," I nodded.

He smiled wide. "Okay, so... I'm-" he couldn't talking because he was smiling so much.

I started laughing at his shyness. "You okay?"

"Yeah. I'm trippin'. I'm kinda hype,"

"Why?"

"Because, you my girl fa real now,"

I covered my face, not wanting him to see how hard I was blushing. "Stop," I laughed when he pulled at my hands.

"Stop coverin' yo face,"

"You made me blush,"

He chuckled. "Dats cute,"

"Go awaaay," I whined.

"Nope," he sat down next to me and pulled my hands from my face.

I stared at him and he smiled.

"My baybeh so cute," he unlocked his phone and started tapping.

"Hey... I was thinking-"

"Ha. Nope,"

"You don't even know what I was gonna say," I frowned.

"August, can you please make me an Instagram?" he mocked my voice. "And my answer remains a solid no,"

I folded my arms and turned away from him.

"Don't turn yo back ta me,"

I huffed, blowing a piece of hair out of my face.

"Esined,"

I ignored him, picking at my nails.

"Esined," he said again.

"Esined is not talking to her boyfriend right now, leave a message at the tone," I said before making a beep noise.

"Wooow! Wow. About five minutes into us datin' and I'm already gettin' da silent treatment. Cool dat, lil girl,"

"Esined ain't no little girl," I mumbled.

"Turn back ta me and stop talkin' in third person fa I really don't make yo ass a page,"

"You just said you weren't making me one,"

"I am,"

I turned around and smiled.

"Yo lil sad eyes were too cute. I couldn't say no ta dat," he chuckled.

I got under his arm and watched him make my page.

"Whatchu want yo name ta be?"

"Something cute,"

"Chill wit that sus shit,"

"Stop cursing,"

He smacked his lips.

"I want it to be my name backwards,"

"You mean frontwards?" he joked.

I laughed. "I mean it like Denise then Evans backwards,"

"Weird, but unique," he typed it.

"I like that,"

"Now you got an Instagram,"

"I don't have any followers,"

"Only follower you need is me,"

"August,"

He started laughing. "I'm just playin'. I'ma follow Brooklyn, Mel, and me. I'ma give you a shout out,"

"Okay. Thanks for making my page," I leaned up and kissed his jaw.

"No problem," he gave me his phone. "Woulda made it soona if I knew you was gon' kiss my face like dat,"

I laughed. "Chill," I went to the camera and took pictures while I leaned against his chest.

"You just gon' crop me?"

I included him in my following pictures. "That's cute," I said as I scrolled through them and saw one that I liked.

"I like dat one," he said. "Post that and tag me,"

I looked at him.

"Oh," he laughed before showing me how to post and tag him.

"You know I'm not Instagram savvy yet," I mumbled as I typed a caption.

"You aren't internet savvy,"

"Hush," I finished typing my caption.

DeniseSnave: Hey 😛 @AugustAlsina

"It took you thirty years ta find dat emoji,"

"I'm gonna tell Ms. Sheila that you're being rude to me,"

"Nooo,"

"Then stop being mean,"

"Okay. I'm sorry," he said.

"Sure you are,"

The doorbell rang.

"C'mon," he tapped me.

"For what?" I looked at him.

"Ta see who's at da do',"

I sighed and got up.

He stood up and walked behind me.

We went upstairs and he told me to answer the door.

"This isn't my house," I sat on the sofa.

"Okay, fine. I'll get it," he laughed. "This yo house too, Es," he went over to the door and opened it.

I tapped on his phone, playing a bubble popping game.

"Thank you," I heard a woman say. "Is that my baby?"

I held my chest for a moment. I didn't want to get excited and then it wouldn't be her. I thought I was having a daydream until I looked up and saw her beautiful brown face smiling at me from the door. I pinched myself.

"You gonna just sit there?" she laughed.

August moved out of the way.

I jumped up and ran over to her. "Mama!"

"Essy!" she smiled opening her arms.

We hugged, but not too tight.

I couldn't control my emotions. I knew I looked a mess, sobbing on her shoulder.

"Mama, I missed you!" I cried.

"I missed you too, baby," she rubbed my back and took in my scent.

"I've got so much to tell you. We've got so much to catch up on. Mama, why didn't you tell me you were coming? I almost had a heart attack! I thought I was imagining you standing there!"

"Slow down, baby. August and Sheila wanted me to surprise you. I'm sorry," she laughed, cupping my face. She observed me as a tear fell down her cheek. "You look so beautiful. Oh my gosh,"

I smiled. "Your skins' glowing,"

"It is, huh? I missed you so much, Essy," she hugged me again.

"I missed you more,"

"Lord. What happened to your hair?" she asked after we pulled away.

I frowned. "You don't like it?"

"It looks so pretty, but I'm so used to the curls,"

"Me too. I kinda of miss them," I admitted.

August brought in my mamas bags and he smiled. "I'm glad dat I finally get ta meet you," he said after he closed the door.

Mama gave him a hug. "Thank you for helping my baby. I'm glad that I finally get to meet you too," she smiled.

"No problem at all,"

They stopped hugging and he reached out for her bag. He had another bag of hers in his other hand already

"I got dat," he took it and started walking. "I can show you where you'll be sleepin',"

I got her other two bags.

We followed him and mama nudged me with her elbow.

I looked at her.

"What a gentleman. Thank you," she winked and pointed at August.

I laughed and shook my head at her silliness.

"No problem at all," he turned on the lights and he sat her bags down for her.

I sat them on the floor and looked at her.

"I'll leave you two ta catch up," he said.

I smiled. "I'll see you in a little bit, okay?"

He nodded and smiled again. "Again, nice meeting you," he said before leaving.

"Nice meeting you too," she said.

He closed the door behind him.

Mama looked at me with a toothy grin and sat down. "Sheila told me that you two are kind of close," she patted the bed.

I sat down facing her. "Yeah. August and I are cool,"

"How close?"

"What do you mean?"

"Don't play with me, Essy. I wanna know everything. How long have you two been dating?"

"What?"

"Esined," she gave me an eye.

"Mama," I frowned.

"I like him. He's really handsome and caring. He has a good heart and a beautiful smile. You better tell me that you like him,"

I laughed a little. "He's my boyfriend," I smiled.

"How long has he been your boyfriend? Have y'all kissed yet?"

"Oh my goodness. You're asking so many questions,"

"Answer them. Mama wants to know,"

"We made it official today and no, we haven't kissed yet,"

"My baby girl growing up," she fake sobbed.

"So dramatic," I laughed and so did she.

"I'm kidding," she smiled. "I'm so happy for you. I'm happy that you found someone like him. He really likes you, Essy. You know what he told me over the phone?"

"No. I didn't know that you two spoke. What did he say?"

"He told me about how y'all were talking about thanksgiving and it broke his heart how sad you were about me being in Detroit. Next thing I know, he bought me a ticket to Atlanta. He said he didn't want you to be sad and he knew that you hadn't seen me since September. That boy has blessings coming his way," she said.

I smiled, touching my heart. "He really does. I'm so blessed to have someone like him in my life,"

I was truly grateful for him.

"How's my little sibling in there?" I asked as I began to pay attention more to her baby bump.

"Great," she placed her hand on her stomach. "He's growing so much,"

"I see. Can I talk to him?"

She nodded.

I smiled, leaning close to her belly. "Hey little one. It's your big sister, Esined. I don't know you yet, but I love you," I put my hand on her belly, rubbing it. "I can't wait until you arrive,"

She smiled down at me. "That was so sweet,"

I sat back up and she yawned. "Tired, huh?"

She nodded.

"Go to sleep, mama. I'll see you when you wake up,"

"Okay,"

I gave her a hug and she hugged me back. "I love you, Mama. Sleep good,"

"I love you too, Essy,"

I smiled before leaving the room. I went to the kitchen and saw August sitting at the island, drinking water.

"Hey," I said quietly, sitting beside him.

"Hey," he smiled. "Y'all caught up dat fast?"

"I didn't wanna keep her up. I know she's tired," I tapped my fingers on the table. " I just wanted to say thank you for everything. I really appreciate it more than I can say or even put into words," I smiled. "To know that I have people like you that care about me gives me hope and something to be grateful for,"

"It was no big deal. You know I gotchu, baybeh. All I want ta see is you smile and I'll do anything ta make you smile. I'm happy dat you're happy,"

I smiled before hugging him and he hugged me back. I kissed his cheek and pulled away to look at his face.

He stared at my lips and then looked into my eyes. "You think we'd get interrupted dis time?"

I giggled. "Probably,"

"We should just do it anyway, huh?" he chuckled.

I nodded, staring at his lips. "August, can I tell you something?"

"Yeah,"

"I don't know how," I admitted.

"I'll teach you. Just follow what I do,"

I felt the familiar feelings of butterflies in my stomach and we leaned in. I could feel my hands becoming moist. My heartbeat picked up. I kept my arms snaked around his neck. He turned his head a little so our noses wouldn't hit each other's. He leaned in, placing his lips on mine. I kissed him back, closing my eyes. I could feel the sparks.

We kissed slowly, slightly parting our lips to allow each other more access. I could taste the mint on his breath. His lips were soft and moist. He definitely knew what he was doing.

I smiled during our kiss and so did he. When we pulled away, I ended up going for more, giving him small pecks on the lips.

He bit his lip and I put my head on his shoulder, blushing.

"Ooo! I'm tellin' Mama," Mel said.

We both jumped and he started laughing,

"I knew y'all was togetha! I knew it,"

"Hush. My mama is trying to sleep," I said.

"My bad. Y'all nasty," he whispered, causing us to laugh.

August had his arms around me, resting his hands on my lower back. "You irritatin'," he chuckled.

I rested my head on his shoulder.

"Y'all cute though," he smiled.

I smiled. "Thank you,"

"No problem,"

"You and V are cute too,"

"E-Dizzle," he sighed, calling me by the nickname that he gave me.

I covered my mouth. "I didn't mean to-I'll just be quiet," I whispered. "You didn't hear that, okay?" I told August.

"It's too late now,"

I had caught Mel kissing Viola goodnight last week and he caught me catching him. He told me to keep my mouth shut about it, so I did until now.

August started laughing. "Little do you know, I been knew. You can't hide shit from me. I know everything,"

"You kiss yo girlfriend wit dat mouth?" Mel asked him.

"Right, M-Dizzle," I said. "Curse again," I mumbled.

"I'm sorry, baybeh. I'm tryna stop," August said.

"Barely," Mel said, opening the fridge.

"You need to try harder,"

"I will. Just fa you,"

"Thank you,"

Mel's phone vibrated and he sighed before looking at August. He left the kitchen with a water bottle and I was so confused.

"Baybeh, I gotta go, but I'm coming back," August said.

I frowned, lifting my head from his shoulder. "Nooo. Don't go," I poked out my bottom lip.

"Cut dat out, ya heard me? I'm comin' back," he pecked my lips. "Stop poutin'. You always do this. Why you doin' dis now?"

"Because I'm attached to you. I don't like when you leave even when it's for ten minutes," I kept the pout on my face.

"I'm comin' right back," he chuckled.

"Those are minutes you could have spent with you arms around me,"

"I tell you what, when I come back we can cuddle and watch A Different World, okay?"

"Okay,"

"Gimme kiss,"

I kissed his lips and let him go.

August left with Mel and I felt as if I had instantly became bored. No one was home, but my mama.

August was gone longer than I expected, so I made dinner for everyone. By time he came back, I was in the living room playing War with cards by myself. It had gotten to that point of boredom.

"Awe. Waitin' on yo baybeh ta get home," he chuckled, kissing my cheek. "You cooked?"

"Yes,"

"It smell good,"

"Your plate is in the microwave,"

"Thank you," he smiled and went to the kitchen. "We can watch tv when I'm done eatin',"

"Okay,"

When he finished eating, when went to watch A Different World like he said we would. We went to the movie room and got comfortable.

I laid close to him and his arm was around me. He kissed my forehead randomly and gave my side a soft squeeze. I smiled at him before focusing back on the show.

I felt like this was more than a perfect way to spend my night. In fact it was one of the best nights of my life in my eyes. I got my first kiss from my first boyfriend, he flew my mama into town, and now I was cuddled up with him. Nothing could top this feeling.

-Short update, but hey y'all.

just wanted to nicely say that it'd be cool if (some of) y'all didn't tell me to update so much.probably just me as a writer, but it makes me feel pressured and rushed :[

but anyway, August and Esined are finally together and they kissed. Wooo!

That one comment had me crying when they were supposed to kiss. "It's been 35 chapters" lmao.

isn't August such a sweetheart? flew her mama out. so sweet.

must be sensational to have a BF like August lol.

I forgot to ask. how was y'all day? hope it was great :]

feelings about this book?

any questions?

Excuse typos please.

Bomments & Votes are appreciated.

Much love, Shia. Xoxo